Chapter 75: Going to the Spring Flower Banquet "Wanted to marry her brother to me"...
Two days later, the Crown Princess entered the General's Mansion again.
Only at this moment did Luo Wan firmly believe her statement that she "had no friends in Yunjing".
But she felt that the Crown Princess was too naive and kind-hearted. They had only known each other for a few days, but the Crown Princess had already trusted her completely and even warmly invited her to attend the annual Spring Flower Banquet in Yunjing.
The Crown Princess said, "I was incredibly drunk that day, and the servants in the mansion all told me that it was you who sent me back. I think you are very reliable, so please accompany me to the Spring Flower Banquet."
Luo Wan thought for a moment. She always believed that love was a matter between two people and outsiders should not interfere.
Just as Jiang Cichen said, Crown Prince Xiao Ce had his reasons and had no choice but to act this way and not want the Crown Princess to know his feelings.
There are some things that are not her turn to say.
Since Xiao Ce had ordered everyone in the Eastern Palace to speak with one voice, Luo Wan did not refute who had sent the Crown Princess back.
The Crown Princess looked her up and down and said, "But you need to change your clothes first. We're going to enjoy the flowers, not to be flower thieves."
Before the Crown Princess came to the General's Mansion, she had already instructed the maid to prepare things for Luo Wan.
She wore a lavender palace dress with a plain satin ribbon around her waist and a perfect tube top design on her chest, revealing a small piece of fair skin without appearing frivolous. Her dark black hair was draped over her shoulders.
The Crown Princess nodded with satisfaction: "It's just right."
Yunjing, located in the south, enjoys a mild climate. The Spring Flower Banquet is a unique banquet held in late spring and early summer, held in the Hundred Flowers Garden. During this time of blooming flowers, the young men and women of the capital's aristocratic families are invited to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms.
Although each family was required to have someone attend the banquet, it was not mandatory for all to be present. Therefore, most of the people who came were women, and men were rare.
Since the Crown Princess had the most respected status among the female guests present, it was natural for her to become the host of the banquet.
As soon as you step into the Hundred Flowers Garden, you're greeted by a dazzling display of vibrant colors. Various flowers bloom in meticulously arranged flower beds, interwoven with paths for visitors to stroll and enjoy.
Almost all the women from the noble families in Yunjing had arrived. When they saw the Crown Princess approaching slowly, they all turned around, paused, and then slowly saluted.
Faced with all the female members of the family squatting and bowing, the Crown Princess simply said indifferently, "No need for the formalities."
Luo Wan noticed that those seemingly respectful gazes lingered on the Crown Princess for a moment, and then all fell on him, with undisguised scrutiny and curiosity.
She followed the Crown Princess into the pavilion on the central platform, from where they could overlook the entire garden.
What the Crown Princess had said before turned out to be true. These female relatives seemed to be very polite, but no one came forward to greet or chat with the Crown Princess.
On the contrary, they were particularly warm to Miss Xu. Groups of people surrounded her and called her "Sister" affectionately.
The Crown Princess ignored him, apparently used to it. She didn't care and turned to Luo Wan, saying, "I used to hate this kind of banquet. I always sat here alone until the Spring Flower Banquet was over. Luckily, you're here to keep me company this year."
Luo Wan smiled slightly.
When Luo Wan just came in, some sharp-eyed female relatives noticed this unfamiliar face. Normally, it was normal for the Crown Princess to bring female relatives to the banquet, but it was a bit unusual when it happened to the Crown Princess who had a very bad relationship with people and was known for being a jealous woman.
In the past, they wouldn't care much about these things, but today, this appearance is too eye-catching.
Soon, someone raised their voice and asked, "I wonder which family this young lady next to Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess belongs to?"
Luo Wan looked towards the source of the sound and saw a woman in pink standing with Miss Xu.
The Crown Princess glanced at the person who had spoken and said in a cold voice, "Since when has Miss Zhao San been in charge of this Spring Flower Banquet? I also have to report to you who I bring to the Spring Flower Banquet."
Miss Zhao San failed in her provocation and was met with a cold shoulder.
A gentle voice interrupted at the right moment: "Young lady, why don't you come down and enjoy the flowers with us up close?"
It was just a seemingly well-intentioned invitation, but in fact, undercurrents had already been brewing, and the atmosphere was tense.
Luo Wan smelled the smell of gunpowder and looked towards the Crown Princess. She was staring at the man who had spoken. Following her gaze, he saw that the man who had kindly invited Luo Wan was very calm, with a polite and generous smile on his face.
This is so rampant, it seems that this is not the first time such a thing has happened. Luo Wan can probably imagine why the Crown Princess has no friends in Yunjing.
Most of the time, every time the Crown Princess brings a new friend to the Spring Flower Banquet, this group of people will try every means to pry that person away from the Crown Princess. They huddle together for warmth, leaving the Crown Princess alone.
Seeing that Luo Wan didn't respond, the Crown Princess suddenly asked in a low voice: "Aren't you going?"
Luo Wan's eyes were clear as she looked back at her: "Your Highness, do you want me to go?"
"If you want to go, go ahead. I won't stop you." The Crown Princess said calmly.
Luo Wan stood up, straightened her dress, and said, "Then I'll go."
As soon as she stepped down from the pavilion, she was enthusiastically surrounded by a group of young ladies from aristocratic families. They all exclaimed in admiration, "Where did you buy the material for this dress?"
"This hairpin is so exquisite."
"This lip balm and rouge are also beautiful."
Mixed in with the chatter of pleasantries were complaints and put-downs about the Crown Princess, attempting to subtly brainwash Luo Wan. Simply put, they were trying to persuade her to stay away from the Crown Princess.
Luo Wan probably understood why some people were easily pried away. On the one hand, there was the high-ranking and unfavored Crown Princess, and on the other hand, there were the flattering women of the same age.
It's obvious which one to choose.
"A good-looking person looks good in everything. How old are you, sister? Is there anyone in your family who can marry you? I have a younger brother who is a perfect match for you."
As he was speaking, someone reached out to touch Luo Wan's face. Luo Wan was quick-witted and grabbed the man's wrist.
Luo Wan smiled lightly and said, "Sister, I've been divorced once. I wonder if your brother can accept that?"
The woman pulled her hand back with all her might, rubbing her painfully pinched wrist and saying, "You..."
Before she finished speaking, Miss Xu took a step forward, pulled the man behind her, and said to Luo Wan gently, "Miss Tang was just joking, don't take it seriously."
"No." Luo Wan tilted his head and said, "This is my sad story."
Young Lady Xu continued with a smile, "Today, the flowers are in full bloom, which is a joy to behold. However, if a small misunderstanding disturbs the enjoyment of His Highness and the other sisters, it would be a disgrace. Miss Tang did make a mistake, and I apologize to you on her behalf. I hope you will forgive me and let this matter go. Okay?"
Luo Wan stared at Miss Xu.
The two had met last time in He Street, Luo Wan accompanying Jiang Cichen. Miss Xu was a clever woman, and she could probably guess her identity. But just now, a young lady still asked about Luo Wan's identity. It seemed Miss Xu had never mentioned it in public.
Luo Wan appreciated this favor. She smiled slightly, accepting the mediation.
Madam Xu's smile became more sincere. She gently took Luo Wan's arm and turned to the crowd, saying, "Everyone, continue to enjoy the flowers. I'll take my sister back to the pavilion to rest."
Miss Xu accompanied Luo Wan back to the pavilion. She stopped outside the pavilion, looked up at the Crown Princess's back, and left without saying a word.
It’s hard to say who envies whom more between these two people.
Luo Wan sat back in the pavilion.
When the Crown Princess saw her, her eyes lit up and she said, "I thought you weren't coming back."
Luo Wan asked back: "Where should I go if I don't come back?"
"Accompany them to appreciate the flowers," the Crown Princess said. "What did they say to you?"
Luo Wan said calmly, "She wants to marry her brother to me."
Upon hearing this, the Crown Princess burst out laughing and said, "You refused?"
Luo Wan frowned: "Do I come to attend the Spring Flower Banquet and bring a young master back to the General's Mansion?"
"Actually, not all the people here like to form cliques." The Crown Princess glanced at the people outside the pavilion and pointed at a woman beside the rose bush. "She's the daughter of the Secretary of the Central Secretariat. She's a woman of noble character, gentle and virtuous."
The Crown Princess pointed to the woman beside the hibiscus flower and said, "There's also the daughter of the Minister of War, who is lively, smart, and generous. Anyway, there are many beautiful girls in Yunjing."
Luo Wan looked over and saw that she was indeed a bright and beautiful woman.
The Crown Princess suddenly remembered something and said, "Isn't Jiang Cichen going to get married? Since you are close to him, you should know what he likes. This is a good opportunity for you to help him choose. If there is someone he likes, you can tell my father and mother. It's better than my father and mother arbitrarily arranging a marriage for me and ending up like this."
Luo Wan was thoughtful, what kind of person would Jiang Cichen like?
She looked up at the Crown Princess, who was pinching a grape and putting it into her mouth. When she caught Luo Wan's gaze, she asked in confusion, "Why are you looking at me?"
Luo Wan frowned and said thoughtfully, "Maybe it's a little worse?"
"Bad? Jiang Cichen has quite a unique taste." The Crown Princess pointed at the woman in blue behind Miss Xu and said, "That one is quite bad. I hate her the most."
Luo Wan shook her head: "These are not the most important things, family background is the most important."
The Crown Princess understood: "That's easy. I'll have my servants compile a list of women from prominent families and send it to the General's Mansion so Jiang Cichen can choose for himself."
The spring scenery in the garden suddenly became dull.
*
After the Spring Flower Banquet, Luo Wan and the Crown Princess returned home.
In the middle of the night, Luo Wan suddenly woke up, his hair on his forehead and his clothes were all soaked with cold sweat.
She had a dream, which seemed to be about her past life. It was just some scattered fragments, and the ending was still not good.
She had had such dreams before, but never once did it make her break out in so much cold sweat and have such severe heart palpitations.
She got up and opened the window. The night wind rushed in instantly, carrying the light fragrance of flowers in the courtyard. Her body temperature gradually dropped. When she lay back on the bed, she was no longer sleepy.
And, inexplicably, my heart was beating very fast.
She felt that she was being very selfish. She and Jiang Cichen were clearly allies, but now it seemed that he was the only one working hard for that common plan.
With her identity, she can't do anything in Yunjing.
Unable to sleep, Luo Wan simply pulled the quilt over her head. Perhaps Jiang Cichen had used marriage as leverage in his past life? In that case, she hadn't done anything wrong.
She has always been one to weigh the pros and cons.
Jiang Cichen once said that Xiao Ce knew very well which was more important, personal likes and dislikes or the country and the people, so he himself must also understand this truth.
Just as he was thinking, Luo Wan suddenly sat up, walked straight to the cabinet by the wall, and took out a small jar of wine.
This was something a waiter forced upon her when she left Junzitai a few days ago, and she hasn't touched it since.
Luo Wan frowned and tilted his head back to take two gulps.
The wine first takes a lingering plum aroma, then turns into a spicy taste, burning the throat and scalding all the way into the empty stomach.
Luo Wan lay back on the bed and tucked the quilt in.
Okay, now I can finally fall asleep.
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