Chapter 185 Little Fish comes from the Marquis's mansion, how bad could she be?
As the carriage arrived outside the Princess's residence, a long line of magnificent carriages could be seen in front of the vermilion gate.
The air was filled with a faint fragrance of flowers and perfume, creating a lively and bustling scene.
As soon as Su Xiaoyu's carriage came to a stop, a eunuch from the Princess's residence came forward to lead the way.
Lu Xinghe escorted her to the gate of the mansion and whispered, "Go ahead without worry. I'll wait outside. If you need anything, just have someone pass on the message."
Soon, Yun Shu, a lady-in-waiting beside the princess, came forward and said, "Greetings, Princess Jiahe. Her Highness is waiting in the main hall. I will take you there to pay your respects."
As Su Xiaoyu followed Yun Shu into the main hall, she immediately felt countless gazes upon her.
Curious, inquisitive, scrutinizing, envious, and even somewhat critical.
The hall was already filled with people, all of whom were the most prominent ladies and young women in the capital, each dressed in fine clothes and exuding an extraordinary air.
Seated in the main seat was a graceful and elegant woman, wearing a filigree and jeweled phoenix crown. Her eyes and brows exuded a royal majesty, yet she remained gentle.
It was none other than the eldest princess, Chu Minghua.
"Your subject, Su Xiaoyu, greets Your Highness the Princess. May Your Highness live a thousand years!"
"Get up quickly, good child." The princess's face was full of kindness as she gestured for her to come forward.
"No need for formalities, come here and let me take a closer look."
Su Xiaoyu stepped forward as instructed, her eyes lowered, her posture respectful.
The eldest princess carefully observed Su Xiaoyu, noticing that although she was dressed in magnificent robes, her beauty and liveliness were undeniable, her eyes were clear, and her demeanor was dignified. She nodded in satisfaction. Then, addressing the crowd:
"Look at this child, how handsome he is, with clear eyes and a distinguished bearing. He truly deserves to be called a good child who would risk his life to protect his master in times of crisis."
After saying that, she turned to Su Xiaoyu, her tone full of concern: "You were frightened and injured during the palace coup that day. Are you feeling much better now?"
Su Xiaoyu nodded gently: "Your Highness, I am much better now."
"That's good! That's good!" The eldest princess patted her hand and said again:
"I heard that you have been granted the title of Princess of Jiahe County, which is truly well-deserved. If it weren't for your composure in the face of danger and your protection of His Majesty, the consequences would have been unimaginable. In a word, you have safeguarded the stability of our Great Chu."
After she finished speaking, she gestured to the palace servants behind her to bring over a sandalwood tray covered with red silk.
"This is a small token of my appreciation. Please accept it; there's no need to refuse."
The maid lifted the red silk, revealing a set of jadeite headdresses of exceptional quality, along with several rare pieces of brocade, all of considerable value.
Su Xiaoyu was flattered and immediately knelt down to express her gratitude: "Your Highness's generous reward is too much for me to bear..."
"Sigh, I've already told you there's no need for these formalities." The princess supported her, her tone sincere: "I'm rewarding you because I genuinely like you, and also on behalf of His Majesty and the court to thank you. In the future, if you encounter any difficulties in the capital, or if you want to talk to someone, you can always come to the princess's residence."
The people in the hall were all shrewd and immediately echoed the sentiment, praising the scene endlessly.
“Your Highness is right. Although Princess Jiahe is young, she has such courage and loyalty. She is truly a role model for us women.”
"Absolutely, it's so pleasing to the eye, it exudes a captivating charm."
"General Su and his wife are so blessed to have raised such an outstanding daughter."
"..."
Just as the atmosphere was getting right, a crisp voice broke in, filled with undisguised smugness:
"Of course! Little Fish comes from our Marquis's mansion, how could she be anything less than excellent?"
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Xiao Lingxi, dressed in a beautiful pale yellow dress, walking in like a nimble butterfly, her face full of a proud smile.
Following closely behind Xiao Lingxi, Lady Liu shook her head and chuckled indulgently at the sight, then smiled apologetically at the crowd, saying, "Your Highness, ladies, please forgive my rudeness. This child has been spoiled rotten by me."
Xiao Lingxi stuck out her tongue and then respectfully bowed to the Princess.
Su Xiaoyu also hurriedly bowed to Madam Liu and greeted her: "Xiaoyu greets Madam."
Madam Liu smiled and nodded, her eyes gentle: "Good child, you do look much better."
Xiao Lingxi quickly grabbed Su Xiaoyu's hand and said to her mother, "Mother, I'll take Xiaoyu to stroll in the garden and admire the flowers. It's too stuffy here!"
Madam Liu nodded and instructed her, "Go ahead, but don't offend the noble lady, and take good care of Xiaoyu."
"Okay."
Xiao Lingxi pulled Su Xiaoyu out of the flower hall and, without saying a word, headed towards the plum grove in the backyard.
Along the way, you can often see groups of young men and women, either stopping to admire the flowers or talking quietly.
Some bolder young men would present carefully selected plum branches or pre-prepared bouquets to the women they admired, who would either bow their heads shyly or accept them with a smile. A sweet and alluring atmosphere filled the air.
Su Xiaoyu stopped in her tracks, curious as she watched this scene.
"Lingxi, shouldn't we... go join the fun? I see so many people..."
Upon hearing this, Xiao Lingxi abruptly stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening as she turned around: "Joining the fun? Little Fish, are you really unaware or pretending? At a flower-viewing banquet like this, what does it mean if a woman accepts a bouquet of flowers from a man?"
Su Xiaoyu felt a little uncomfortable under her gaze and whispered, "I...I know. But if we keep hiding like this, won't people say we're arrogant..."
"Knowing that, you still want to join in the fun?" Xiao Lingxi looked incredulous, completely ignoring Su Xiaoyu's explanation.
"Wait!" Her tone suddenly turned tense: "Xiaoyu...you're not thinking of accepting flowers from someone, are you? You have someone in your heart? Tell me, who is it? When did this happen? How come I didn't know?"
Oh no, what if Xiaoyu has someone in her heart? What will the big brother do then?!
Xiao Lingxi was on high alert, grabbing Xiaoyu's shoulders and shaking her: "Tell me quickly! Is it your cousin? Or have you met someone else these past few days?"
Su Xiaoyu was somewhat amused and exasperated, and was about to explain when—
"Princess Jiahe, Miss Xiao, I apologize for disturbing you."
A gentle and refined voice sounded beside me.
The two turned their heads and saw a young gentleman dressed in a moon-white brocade robe and wearing a jade crown, holding a folding fan, bowing politely to them.
"I am Zhou Wenbo. I have long heard of the Lady of Jiahe County's heroic rescue of the Emperor at the hunting grounds. Her loyalty and righteousness are truly admirable. Today, having seen the Lady's beautiful face, I find her elegant and refined, living up to her reputation."
"This plum blossom, braving the snow and frost, is just like the county magistrate's spirit. I wonder if I have the honor of presenting this plum blossom to the county magistrate, hoping to... establish a good relationship with her. Perhaps in the future, when we have some free time, we can enjoy tea and discuss poetry together and get to know each other better?"
His words were very subtle, tactful, and courteous. Combined with his handsome and refined appearance, it would be hard for any woman to resist.
Su Xiaoyu opened her mouth, but before she could speak, Xiao Lingxi's face darkened instantly.
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