Chapter 86 Could there be some hidden ailment in his hand?
The royal hunting grounds were filled with fluttering banners and towering tents.
The huge, bright yellow curtains fluttered in the wind, standing out against the green backdrop and showcasing the majesty of the royal family.
In the distance, the mountains are verdant and layered, while nearby, the grasslands are vast, with horses neighing and hawks and hounds ready to pounce—a truly magnificent sight.
When the Song family's entourage arrived, they immediately attracted a lot of attention.
With the succession to the title imminent, the Song family has become a hot commodity in the capital, attracting many people who want to curry favor with them, making them a true center of attention.
A few hushed whispers arose around them:
"Look, the Song family has arrived. Hmm, that one dressed like a peacock spreading its tail must be the second young lady of the Song family, right? Her overall demeanor is more like that of a legitimate daughter than the plain-looking one next to her."
"That's right! I heard that Miss Song is used to the wild life on the frontier and doesn't know the rules of the capital. Now, the power to manage the household is in the hands of the Second Miss!"
"Not only that! I've heard that the Yongjia Marquis's mansion is even considering giving the betrothal they had when they were children to Young Master Fu to the Second Miss! After all... how could someone who only knows how to wield swords and spears be worthy of the young master?"
Song Yiqiu ignored the curious or disdainful comments around her. Her gaze calmly swept across the entire scene, observing the distribution of flags and personnel from each family, as well as the location of the royal procession in the distance.
Princess Xingrong's birth mother, Consort Zhao, would definitely be present on such an occasion, and she secretly tried to figure out where she might appear.
Ruan Jiawen had been keeping an eye on the Song family's group for a while. Seeing that Song Haochu wasn't among them, she quickly lifted her skirt and ran to Song Sangyu's side, anxiously asking:
"Sister Sangyu, where is the Third Young Master? Why didn't he come?"
Song Sangyu was already annoyed because her third brother's absence had disrupted some of her plans, and replied irritably:
"Don't even mention it! He fell ill at a crucial moment; he's utterly useless!"
She grabbed Ruan Jiawen's arm, frowning as she gave her instructions.
"Don't forget who our main target is today. Even though Third Brother isn't here, the plan remains the same."
Ruan Jiawen's face betrayed her disappointment, and she muttered under her breath:
"How could this happen... My mother and I discussed it for a long time, hoping to take this opportunity... Sigh!"
Her carefully planned scheme with her mother to get close to the Third Young Master during the autumn hunt, and even to ask His Majesty for a marriage decree, was about to fall through.
Just then, Ruan Tianxin, dressed in a pretty pale yellow dress, skipped and hopped through the crowd, heading straight for Song Yiqiu. She immediately grabbed Song Yiqiu's hand tightly.
"Sister Yiqiu! You're finally here! I've been waiting for you for so long!"
When Song Yiqiu saw her, her tense lips softened slightly, and she nodded gently.
"Sweetheart Sister".
Ruan Tianxin looked around, knowing perfectly well what was going on, but still feigned innocence and spoke:
"Sister Yiqiu, why aren't the eldest young master and the third young master here?"
Song Yiqiu ruffled Ruan Tianxin's hair helplessly, her tone unconsciously becoming indulgent:
"Perhaps some people are just not fortunate enough to have that blessing."
These words reached Ruan Jiawen's ears. She angrily gripped her fan, her gaze sweeping over Song Sangyu and Song Yiqiu, before feigning surprise and saying:
"Oh, isn't this Miss Song? Today is the autumn hunt, and all the sisters are dressed up carefully. Why are you dressed so... plainly, sister? If I didn't know better, I would think you were a maid from some family."
After saying that, she covered her mouth and chuckled softly.
He Jianren immediately chimed in, his tone exaggerated:
“Jiawen, you don’t understand. Miss Song has been in the frontier for a long time, and she probably finds gold, silver and pearls too cumbersome, not as neat as this outfit.”
"I'm afraid that ordinary noble ladies are just common and vulgar women in Miss's eyes, not worthy of her attention. Why do you say such things and make a fool of yourself?"
Her tone was full of sarcasm, and her words clearly separated Song Yiqiu from the others.
Song Sangyu tugged at Ruan Jiawen's sleeve in a pretentious manner and said softly:
"Sister Jiawen, say less. Sister Yiqiu... perhaps she's just not used to the clothes and style in the capital."
These words, seemingly meant to offer advice, actually confirmed He Jianren's statement that the person was "unworthy of his attention."
Song Yiqiu slowly turned around, calmly glancing at the three of them, her heart undisturbed.
Wherever these people are, a verbal dispute is inevitable.
Finally, his gaze fell on Song Sangyu's almost blindingly dazzling gown, and he spoke with a mocking tone:
"My sister's outfit today is indeed luxurious and dazzling; it must have cost a fortune. However..."
She tilted her head, pretending to think.
"Today is the autumn hunt, a test of riding and archery skills, not a beauty pageant. Are you dressed so elaborately and cumbersomely to sit in your tent as a decorative vase, or are you planning to go hunting in the mountains in this outfit?"
"If this priceless brocade were torn by a tree branch, or if the exquisitely embroidered floral pattern were to get stained by dust, I wonder if my sister would be heartbroken?"
She turned her gaze to the two who had chimed in, “As for whether it’s simple or not… ease of movement and riding/shooting are the proper things, so how can it be considered unappealing? Could it be that you ladies have other intentions in coming here in your finest attire, and are not here for hunting?”
The ladies and young women who had been watching the commotion couldn't help but nod in agreement, agreeing that Song Yiqiu's words, though blunt, were reasonable.
Ruan Jiawen was embarrassed in public and was both angry and annoyed. Seeing that she could not gain the upper hand in the argument, she gave He Jianren a fierce look.
He Jianren understood, and holding a freshly poured cup of strong tea, he pretended to laugh and approached Song Yiqiu again. In the instant they brushed past each other, his wrist suddenly twisted unintentionally.
The scalding hot tea was about to spill onto Song Yiqiu's moon-white outfit.
"Miss, be careful!"
Bai Mei and Qing Zhu both gasped in unison, worried for Song Yiqiu.
However, to everyone's surprise, Song Yiqiu reacted even faster than they did.
She didn't even step back; instead, she flipped her wrist with lightning speed, her fingertips gently lifting and guiding the bottom of the teacup. He Jianren felt a subtle force, and the entire cup of tea turned around, spilling most of it onto her own splendid skirt, with only a few drops splashing onto Song Yiqiu's sleeve.
A few yellow stains were stuck to the clean cuffs, making them stand out.
"ah!"
He Jianren cried out in surprise at this unexpected turn of events.
Song Sangyu and Ruan Jiawen were also stunned, not expecting Song Yiqiu to be so agile.
Even so, seeing the conspicuous dirt on Song Yiqiu's clothes, he still curled the corners of his mouth. So what if she was agile? Her clothes were still dirty and unpresentable.
Song Yiqiu calmly swept her gaze across her wet skirt, her tone indifferent:
"Miss He is so young, yet her hands are so unsteady; she can't even hold a cup of tea properly."
"If it is indeed a hidden ailment, we should invite the imperial physician to give it a proper diagnosis and treatment. It would be a pity to waste this fine brocade here."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
