Chapter 1 A Nightmare Look, the person who overshadowed her the most has arrived. ...
On the day of the first snow in Beijing, there are always various banquets.
The busiest place today is the Princess's Mansion in the east of the city.
The servants in blue robes flowed through the corridor like water, and white steam rose from the bottom of the brass hot pot, blending with the snow falling in the courtyard.
The head maid reached out her hand from her sleeves, exhaled deeply to warm her stiff knuckles, and then lifted the curtain. Instantly, a wave of warmth swept over her.
"Look, the hot pot is here."
The Princess of Yongning smiled and said, "In the end, my aunt knows how to enjoy life the most."
"Isn't that right? Princess, look, the venison slices are as thin as cicada wings. People say that the chefs in the Princess's mansion are comparable to the God of Cookery. I've seen it for myself today."
"I've heard that the knives used for cutting meat are made of black iron, bestowed by the Emperor himself. They can cut through iron like mud and sever a hair with a breath."
Meng Lingyao sat upright in a corner, watching the wisps of white smoke rising from the stove, listening to the melodious laughter of the noble ladies, a perfect lullaby. Suddenly, she felt her eyelids grow heavy. The deliberately amplified laughter beside her seemed to come from near and far, "His Majesty truly favors the Princess..."
In her daze, she saw a vibrant red scene, pairs of dragon and phoenix candles, and curtains embroidered with mandarin ducks in gold thread hanging to the ground.
This must be the bridal chamber of someone's family.
In the blink of an eye, Songlan collapsed to the ground, the silver hairpin deeply embedded in her throat, blood trickling down the cracks in the blue bricks and spreading to the edge of the bride's embroidered shoes. The groom's hand, holding the hairpin, had distinct knuckles; beads of blood rolled from his fingertips as he forcefully rubbed his fingertips against the bride's pale face. "My dear, remember this, in the scholar's mansion..."
"Miss, Miss?" Songlan secretly pinched her palm under the table.
Meng Lingyao suddenly woke up, her pupils still faintly tinged with a glaring bloodshot color.
Her gaze met the deep red venison in front of her, and the strong, gamey smell assaulted her nostrils, causing her face to turn deathly pale.
"Crackling sound".
The candle flame cracked with a sharp sound, and Meng Lingyao's brow twitched violently for a moment.
The warm room was as cozy as springtime, yet she broke out in a cold sweat.
It was as if she had an incredibly vivid dream, so vivid that it felt like a memory had been randomly inserted into her mind.
It wasn't until I saw the sandalwood screen in the Princess's residence that I realized it was all a dream.
The moment I opened my eyes, everything in the dream seemed to be veiled in a gauze.
Meng Lingyao pursed her lips, desperately clinging to the last remaining fragment of memory.
She couldn't remember anything else clearly, but there was one thing she remembered perfectly.
The man she had carefully chosen, the gentle and refined scholar, stabbed Songlan, who had grown up with her, to death in front of her on their wedding night.
That's absolutely absurd!
In this capital city, she excelled in everything—talent, appearance, and everything else. She especially loved the admiring yet jealous gazes of those who felt helpless about her.
Her future husband should naturally be worthy of her.
Even if you're overwhelmed by choices and end up with the wrong person, if you really harm Songlan, you might just vomit blood!
unlucky.
That's really bad luck.
Today I'll make an exception and have a bowl of sweet soup to calm this utterly absurd dream.
Just then, another female voice came from beside me.
"Everything about today's banquet is wonderful, except for one small flaw—" the woman's voice trailed off unintentionally, drawing everyone's attention, "...it's a bit lacking in plain colors. I remember that Sister Meng has never liked meat, and she hasn't touched her chopsticks at all, but...it's not quite to her liking?"
The speaker was Lin Yunshu, the pampered eldest daughter of Minister Lin's household. She had a naturally gentle and kind face, making it difficult for anyone to feel any ill will towards her, and she had many friends in the capital.
Soon someone picked up where she left off.
“Yes,” another young lady said with a smile, covering her mouth. “I heard someone say the other day that your daughter is like a fairy who doesn’t eat grains and drinks dew. She probably finds this venison too strong.”
These words, though blunt, brought a sense of satisfaction to many present.
Nowadays, people in the capital value subtlety and richness, emphasizing elegant appearance, slender figure, and preferably a scholarly air. They should be able to discuss rare works from previous dynasties or paintings that have gained some fame this year, which is considered a true cultivation of both inner and outer beauty.
Meng Lingyao was the most outstanding among them, and was admired by many, but she was also inevitably envied by others.
Before she could gather her thoughts, Meng Lingyao's eyelashes trembled slightly, but her voice remained calm and composed. "Not at all, my sisters are joking. I was just recalling that the book 'Mountain Dweller's Pure Offerings' says that venison should be rinsed with snow water from pine needles to truly appreciate the freshness of the forest."
She raised her hand to the celadon teacup in front of her, lowered her eyes, and slowly took a sip. "The tea prepared for today's banquet is just like this."
"Oh?" The Princess of Yongning County raised her eyebrows slightly.
The maidservant beside her immediately served her a teacup. She tasted it carefully and nodded, saying, "It really does have a pine scent."
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the people present varied. After a few glances, everyone followed Princess Yongning in picking up their teacups and pondering the matter carefully.
"My aunt is indeed very refined."
Princess Yongning's gaze shifted, and she pointed at Meng Lingyao from afar. "Lingyao, I know you love poetry and books the most, but no matter how much you love them, you must take care of your health. I can tell from your appearance that you must have been engrossed in reading again last night."
"Thank you for your concern, Princess." Meng Lingyao showed a touch of shyness and bowed to Princess Yongning. "Princess, you are very perceptive. I will definitely pay attention in the future."
As she rose, the sunlight filtering through the lattice window shone on her plain gauze skirt. Her left hand gently touched the pearl hairpin at her temple, while her right hand pressed a handkerchief against her waist. She bent slightly, her waist curving into a graceful arc.
All eyes were on her back, but Meng Lingyao seemed oblivious.
She knew that her pose at that moment must look good.
After all, he had practiced in front of the mirror hundreds of times.
"That's good then." Princess Yongning nodded in satisfaction.
As soon as the most respected person in this world finished speaking, the brief exchange of words subsided, and the banquet returned to its former glory.
Lin Yunshu bowed her head and apologized to Meng Lingyao, not forgetting to remind her how well-cooked the venison should be for the best taste.
"The meat here is ready, little sister, please have a taste."
Meng Lingyao naturally wouldn't spoil her act of sisterly affection in front of others. She picked up her chopsticks, paused for a moment, and then began to taste the venison.
Lin Yunshu didn't miss that brief pause, and the tightness in her heart immediately eased.
No matter how nicely you say it, you still have to force yourself to eat things you don't like.
The cooked venison is light pink. Needless to say, the ingredients from the Princess's residence are fresh and tender. What's remarkable is that the broth is also simmered for a long time. Then, it's coated with the chef's carefully prepared sauce, making it incredibly fragrant and delicious, enough to make one forget all the troubles of the world.
Meng Lingyao ate one piece after another with elegant and composed posture.
She silently counted in her mind, and when she reached a certain point, she decisively put down her chopsticks.
Things shouldn't happen more than three times.
In just a short while, two threes have already passed.
You can't eat anymore.
Meng Lingyao took out a handkerchief to wipe her lips, then raised her hand. Song Lan immediately supported her forearm, speaking in a voice that was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for Lin Yunshu, who was not far away, to hear clearly, "Miss, would you like to change your clothes?"
Meng Lingyao nodded, and the mistress and servant left the warm pavilion together.
Lin Yunshu glanced at the two of them out of the corner of her eye, then quickly looked away.
A curtain separates two worlds; only when you step outside do you see the ferocious claws of winter.
Meng Lingyao took a deep breath, the cool air filling her lungs, and only then did she feel her mind truly clear. Just now, inside the room, her responses were merely instinctive.
"Didn't you get enough rest last night?" Songlan knelt down and carefully straightened the hem of her mistress's cloak.
Meng Lingyao shook her head and pressed her temples.
She has always lived a very regular life, and she always makes sure to fall asleep before 9 PM, otherwise she will easily damage her appearance.
The same was true last night.
Songlan took over the massage, her fingers deftly kneading the acupoints.
Meng Lingyao's expression relaxed as she lowered her eyes, her gaze falling on the small silver clove on her earlobe, a gift she herself had given her for her birthday last year.
Meng Lingyao pulled Songlan's arm down and stuffed the hand warmer into her arms, saying, "Your hands are too cold, warm them for a while."
Knowing her temperament, Songlan didn't refuse and held the hand warmer properly with both hands.
A cool breeze blew by, bringing with it the elegant sounds of traditional Chinese string and wind instruments from not far away.
That was the Langgan Water Pavilion, the most scenic spot in the Princess's residence. Today, all the truly distinguished guests had gathered here and were personally entertained by the Princess. As for these young ladies who were not yet married, they were entrusted to Princess Yongning, which was quite respectable.
Meng Lingyao snapped out of her thoughts and said, "Songlan, I think I fell asleep, and... had a dream."
Songlan carefully examined her face. "I saw you close your eyes to rest for a while, less than half an incense stick's time."
Therefore, she did not call out to wake him at first, but later realized something was wrong.
"Did you have a nightmare?"
Meng Lingyao softly hummed in agreement. "It was a terrible dream."
“Dreams are all fake,” Songlan comforted. “You must have been reading too many strange and supernatural tales lately.”
Meng Lingyao did not answer, but instead asked, "Is Lu Heming also here at today's banquet?"
"They've arrived. I saw the Lu family's carriage when I entered the manor."
This was within Meng Lingyao's expectations and not surprising.
The Princess's first snow banquet invited talented men and beautiful women from all over the capital.
Lu Heming was the top scorer in last year's spring imperial examination, and he also won the emperor's favor in the palace examination, being named the top scholar and appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. In the capital, where even a falling branch could hit three second-rank officials, a sixth-rank official position was not particularly conspicuous. However, he was still young, handsome, and the Lu family was a prominent family in Wu County. In the eyes of many, he was a promising young talent.
At least, he is more than a match for her, the daughter of a fourth-rank official in the Court of Imperial Sacrifices.
Meng Lingyao met him at the bookstore. They happened to have their eyes on the same book and shared similar views, so they became acquainted after a while.
But how many coincidences are there in this world?
The servant of the Meng family had been waiting for half a month to witness this chance encounter at the bookstore.
From the moment this talented scholar from Jiangnan arrived in the capital, Meng Lingyao took a liking to him. There were many people in the capital with better family backgrounds, more handsome appearances, and higher talents than Lu Heming, but he possessed all of these qualities and had a good temperament. Being with him would not make him look inferior, much less overshadow her.
Such perfect timing is the most precious thing.
Among Meng Lingyao's potential husbands, he rose to first place due to his overall strength.
Last month, the top scholar sent a collection of poems with a letter inside, implying that he wanted to propose marriage.
As a young lady, Meng Lingyao was expected to be reserved, so she hesitated to answer, but according to her plan, she did not intend to refuse.
only……
That dream felt so real that it left me with lingering fear.
Perhaps we should send someone to Lu Heming's hometown, Wu County, to investigate thoroughly...
Footsteps suddenly came from around the corner of the veranda, and Songlan quickly pulled her mistress to hide behind a plum tree. Meng Lingyao frowned slightly, her fingers tightening around her cloak.
A group of people emerged from under the vermilion pillars, with the middle-aged man at the front bowing and extending one hand to point the way.
Meng Lingyao recognized him; he was the head steward of the Princess's residence.
A young man in a snow-white fox fur coat followed behind him.
The man was tall and slender, with eyebrows and eyes as dark as ink landscape paintings. He walked at a leisurely pace, and a mutton-fat jade pendant hung at his waist, which was even whiter than the snow on the branches.
Meng Lingyao glanced at it quickly, then looked away, loosened her grip, and her expression remained indifferent.
Look, the person who overshadowed her the most has arrived.
A note from the author:
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"Shan Jia Qing Gong" is a book about food culture written by Lin Hong during the Southern Song Dynasty. That particular point of knowledge isn't mentioned in the book; it was made up by the author. [shy]
Thanks for clicking in, cuties! Actually, I have another interesting pre-order novel. Want to check out the synopsis and maybe add it to your favorites? [Dog head with rose in hand]
[The following is the text]
When a pitiful little thing forces its way into the heartthrob's race
Shi Ying, who was unloved by her father and mother, transmigrated and became the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Ding'an.
Her whole family doted on her like a precious jewel, except for one thing—
He gets out of breath after walking just a few steps, collapses at the slightest breeze, and can only eat until he's seven-tenths full!
Shi Ying closed her eyes in deep sorrow, struggling to survive each day.
Until that night, amidst thunder and lightning, her seemingly gentle and refined adopted brother broke in through the window, grabbed her chin, his knuckles digging deep into the soft flesh of her cheek, his voice so tender it could melt water—
"Sister, you promised to marry me to bring me good luck, why are you breaking your promise?"
She flinched, trying to hide, but then she heard a "ding-dong" sound—
[System: Health +0.5!]
...Wait, this disease can be treated like this?!
With his sworn brother pressing him relentlessly, Shi Ying had no choice but to retreat to a secluded mountain retreat.
Amidst the falling pear blossoms, I stumbled upon a beautiful woman in flowing white robes, her features exquisitely beautiful.
He raised his hand to pluck a fallen flower from his hair, lowered his eyes and smiled softly, his voice tinged with melancholy—
"You haven't come to see me in a long time."
[System: Health +1!]
...He can too?!
After gaining a significant amount of health points, Shi Ying learned that the beauty was actually the Imperial Advisor of the court, and fled overnight.
On the way back to the capital, the carriage was startled. At the critical moment, a rider in black armor broke through the dust and arrived in an instant—
"Watch out!"
The handsome young general held her waist tightly, and in a dizzying moment, she fell into his strong chest.
[System: Increased contact area detected, health value +5!]
Shi Ying: I have another bold idea.
Whether you're a venomous yandere, a seemingly innocent but actually cunning beauty, or a pure-hearted wolf...
Highly nourishing, all of them are highly nourishing!
A charming female protagonist who accidentally wanders into the imperial family X Men with ulterior motives who end up as dogs
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
