44. Chapter 44 Harming Her
Xiaoxiao's little face was so red that it almost bled.
Seeing her so embarrassed, Pei Xiuhan chuckled happily. He still wanted to be a decent person. After teasing her, he gently ruffled her hair but didn't really let her hug him. "When you miss your brother, go to the palace."
After he left, Xiaoxiao was still a little dazed. She just felt that Brother Pei was a little different today, which made her blush and her heart beat fast. After hearing what he said, she almost hugged him obediently, but the girl's reserve made her dare not go forward. Sure enough, he was just teasing her.
Despite this, Xiaoxiao was still very happy. She had never expected Brother Pei to come to see her. Not only Xiaoxiao, but the other noble ladies hadn't expected it either. Pei Xiuhan's visit was so secretive that no one even knew he had come to see Xiaoxiao.
After learning that Xiaoxiao had left the palace, everyone's attitude towards her subtly changed. The one who gloated the most was Mo Shuang. Last time at the old lady's birthday party, she not only made a fool of herself, but also lost a guzheng. Every time she thought of Xiaoxiao, she felt chest tightness and shortness of breath.
She even thought that Xiaoxiao was kicked out of the palace because she had offended Pei Xiuhan. So much so that she had been in a good mood recently and was even planning how to get her guzheng back.
She was lost in thought when she heard the maid say, "Miss, the governor of Anhui County is hosting a flower viewing banquet. They just sent out an invitation, and you're also invited. Would you like the embroiderer to make you a new dress?"
Mo Shuang nodded and said, "Let me see the invitation."
The little maid handed over the invitation and said with a smile, "It's said that this flower viewing banquet is quite grand. Princess Anhui invited many noble ladies, but she only left out the Zhenguo Mansion and the girls who are on good terms with the Zhenguo Mansion. It seems that their feud is complete."
The story of Princess Anhui being whipped in the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion was spread by a gossipy maid and became known to everyone. Princess Anhui not only hated Xiaoxiao, but also became angry with the people in the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. Even though the eldest princess repeatedly warned her not to make enemies with Mu Xi and others, she never paid any attention.
Mo Shuang's eyes moved when he heard this, and a smile appeared on his round face. He had an idea in his mind, "Bring me paper and pen."
After she finished writing the visiting card, she had it delivered to the Princess's Mansion.
When the visiting card was delivered to Princess Anhui, she was leaning on the railing, feeding the fish. There were many beautiful fish in the pond. As she fed them, the fiery red fish jumped out of the pond one after another.
She wiped her hands with a handkerchief before taking the visiting card.
The maid said, "It was sent by Miss Mo from the Duke of Anguo's Mansion. She said she wanted to see you."
She and Mo Shuang had a very ordinary relationship. Both of them were quite proud. One was a noble lady from a high-class family, and the other was a princess. They were not the kind of people who could humble themselves. When they met, they would just nod.
Thinking that Mo Shuang must also dislike Xiaoxiao, Princess Anhui said, "Send someone to tell her that I have nothing to do all day tomorrow and she can come over anytime."
On the morning of the second day, Mo Shuang went to the princess's residence and met with Princess Anhui. Not long after she left, Princess Anhui sent someone to send a visiting card to Xiaoxiao. According to Mo Shuang's idea, it would be better to invite Mu Wen as well, so that Xiaoxiao would not be timid and claim illness and refuse to come. It would be strange to invite Mu Wen but not Mu Xi, so Princess Anhui simply invited Mu Xi as well.
When Mu Xi received the invitation, he couldn't help but raise his brows.
She had been present when Princess Anhui was whipped, and at the time, the way Princess Anhui looked at them seemed to make her want to tear them apart. Some time ago, when they accidentally ran into each other at a palace banquet, Princess Anhui's gaze had been filled with coldness. Now, suddenly inviting them, it was obvious with a toe that she had no good intentions.
The maid said, "Aren't you going to see Miss Xiaoxiao the day after tomorrow? I've declined your invitation."
Mu Xi touched her chin, a look of undisguised mischief on her pretty face. "Why should I decline? Your daughter just loves to watch fools commit suicide. The invitation has been sent, so of course I have to go."
"What about Miss Xiaoxiao?"
"Do you think she only invited me?" Mu Xi lazily leaned on the couch, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly, and she muttered softly, "Once Xiaoxiao moved out of the palace, there must be someone who can't hold back. Isn't that why she's here?"
The maid didn't hear clearly, and she didn't ask. Anyway, their girl had never suffered any harm. Just look at Mu Wen and you will know. She just said a bad word about the girl, and the girl heard it, and her life has been ruined since then.
Thinking of Mu Xi's deceptive methods, the little maid shuddered and her back straightened unconsciously.
When Xiaoxiao received the invitation, she did consider whether to decline it due to illness.
The maid from the princess's mansion smiled and said, "Last time in the shop, because of a dagger, you and our princess almost had a quarrel. Our princess regretted it afterwards. She called you over this time because she wanted to take this opportunity to reconcile with you. Miss Xiaoxiao, you won't refuse to give me this favor, right?"
Xiaoxiao had almost forgotten about the dagger incident. She always felt that Princess Anhui was not someone who would easily admit her mistakes, otherwise she would not have given her a look of waiting and seeing before leaving.
Xiaoxiao wasn't stupid; she felt like this flower viewing party was a Hongmen Banquet. Thinking she could avoid the first, she couldn't avoid the fifteenth, so she simply agreed.
There was no deep hatred between them. Xiaoxiao always felt that if the grudge could be resolved, it would be better. After all, she was Brother Pei's niece. If it really could not be resolved, she had nothing to be afraid of.
She has been troubled by many children in the village, and what Xiaoxiao fears least is the malice of others.
The next morning, Mu Wen and Mu Xi came to Guxing Street to pick up Xiaoxiao in person.
When they came over, Xiaoxiao was busy in the yard. On the second day after moving in, she planted vegetables and cucumbers in the yard. Now, a month has passed, the cucumber seedlings have bloomed, and Xiaoxiao watered them again.
The sunlight shining on her seemed to cover her with a layer of golden light, and her busy back looked particularly dazzling.
Mu Xi liked her hardworking and energetic appearance. After jumping off the carriage, he went to take a look at the vegetables she planted. She blinked curiously and said, "Is this the cucumber you planted?"
Xiaoxiao nodded and said, "The cucumbers will be ready to eat next month. You can come and pick them then. Freshly picked cucumbers are very juicy and delicious."
Mu Wen also came over curiously. Just listening to Xiao Xiao's words made her saliva flow. She said disappointedly, "We have to wait until next month."
Xiaoxiao curled her lips. "Of course, it takes time for fruits to mature. I also planted watermelons, and they've bloomed. Look, this small one is a watermelon. In a dozen days, it will grow up. When it's ripe, you can come and eat it."
Mu Wen's eyes lit up. She felt that Xiaoxiao's yard was full of treasures. She had only moved in for a month, but the yard had undergone earth-shaking changes. She even wanted to plant some fruits and vegetables in her own yard.
Because it was still early, Mu Wen and Mu Xi played in Xiaoxiao Courtyard for a while before going to the princess's mansion together.
Although the Princess's Mansion and the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion were separated by only a wall, their gates were on different streets. When they arrived at the Princess's Mansion, the sun was already high in the sky.
Before they knew it, the weather had become hot and humid, and the sun was particularly strong. Mu Xi and Mu Wen couldn't stand the sun, so as soon as they got off the carriage, the maid held up a parasol to protect them.
Mu Xi pinched Xiao Xiao's cheek and said, "I envy you so much. You never get tanned."
Xiaoxiao's skin is as white as jade, almost transparent in the sun. Even if exposed to the sun, her face remains white and tender. She smiled and said, "I grew up in the mountains and am used to the wild. I'm not afraid of the sun."
Mu Wen thought she was naturally beautiful, which was why she was not afraid of the sun, and she pinched her with envy.
Xiaoxiao's facial features have fully grown. When she first arrived in the capital, she was still a little childish, but now she has grown into a graceful beauty. Just standing there, she exudes a sense of elegance and beauty. When you look closely, her watery eyes are even more attractive.
Mu Wen was so familiar with her that she felt like she could easily be bewitched. She felt that even without their previous grudge, Princess Anhui would probably not be content simply because of Xiaoxiao's beauty. Everyone knew that Princess Anhui was always arrogant and domineering, and once scratched a servant girl's face because she was prettier than she was.
Mu Wen thought for a moment and then warned, "Xiao Xiao, when we go in later, follow Mu Xi and me closely. Don't be left alone."
Mu Xi sneered, "What's the point of following you closely? If something really happens, with your temper, you'll definitely be more panicked than Xiaoxiao, and you might even cry."
Mu Wen blushed a little at what she said, and retorted unhappily: "I won't cry. Do you have any respect for your sister?"
Mu Xi glanced at her sideways, "Do you have any love for your sister?"
Mu Wen was choked again. Xiao Xiao pulled Mu Xi helplessly and said, "Alright, stop bickering. With Sister Lu Zhu here, we'll be fine."
Luzhu followed them with her arms folded, her presence so low that Mu Wen almost forgot her existence.
Thinking about the last time Xiaoxiao was kidnapped and how she was the one who rescued her, Mu Wen felt completely relieved.
After they came in, they were taken directly to the back garden by the maid.
The back garden of the Princess's Mansion is very large, with pavilions, towers, rockery and flowing water, as well as a hexagonal double-eaved pavilion across the water, where you can enjoy the lotus while sitting.
At this moment, the little lotus leaves have just begun to show their pointed tips, and they have a beauty that is about to bloom. When Xiaoxiao and others came over, several noble ladies had already come to the pavilion.
Mu Xi spotted Mo Shuang at a glance. Mo Shuang was wearing a lavender skirt today, with a peony-patterned gold hairpin inlaid with gemstones stuck diagonally on her hair, looking very noble.
She sat next to Princess Anhui, and the two seemed quite close, with smiles on their lips.
When she saw Mu Xi, Mo Shuang's expression froze for a moment. She didn't understand why Princess Anhui invited Mu Xi, her nemesis. Every time she saw Mu Xi, she knew something bad was going to happen.
Mo Shuang managed to calm herself down and nodded to them.
Mu Xi's slightly upturned phoenix eyes narrowed unconsciously, and his gaze gently slid across Mo Shuang and Princess An Hui.
Princess Anhui sat still, her lips curled up in a smile, "I'm so happy to finally have you here. Please take a seat, the three of you. I've been waiting for you."
The implication was that they were late. Although this time wasn't early, it wasn't rude either. Mu Xi didn't even bother to argue with her. He simply pulled Xiao Xiao to sit down and replied with a smile, "Then we'd be disrespectful to refuse."
Princess Anhui glared, thinking that Xiaoxiao would eventually be in trouble, and barely suppressed the anger in her heart.
Just as they sat down, two more noble ladies arrived. Princess Anhui invited a total of eighteen noble ladies this time. All of them came from prominent families. They were either royal relatives or noble families. Their fathers and brothers held great power in the court. Any one of them was a person that the other noble ladies looked up to.
After everyone chatted for a while, Princess Anhui suggested playing a drinking game, which was a game often played by the noble ladies. One person was chosen to be the commander, and the others had to listen to the commands and take turns reciting poems.
This game was invented by Mo Shuang. It tests everyone's accumulated knowledge in order to make Xiaoxiao look bad.
She felt that Xiaoxiao was just lucky to be able to play that one song last time. She was just a little village girl. Even if she came to the capital and attended the clan school for two years, she must be illiterate. Unlike these noble ladies, they had memorized countless poems and songs from elementary school to adulthood.
Princess Anhui said, "There are eighteen of us in total, so why not just play eighteen rounds? Everyone will be the commander once, and each round ends when someone can't answer. The loser can choose to drink a glass of white wine or contribute a piece of jewelry or a musical instrument."
After she said this, the table fell silent for a moment. For a noble lady, drinking a glass of white wine was naturally impossible, but if it was fruit wine, she could still choose. After she proposed this way of playing, the smart ones all figured out something. Fortunately, they were not afraid even if they lost, because they had plenty of jewelry.
One of the ladies laughed and said, "Eighteen rounds means there will be eighteen pieces of jewelry or musical instruments. Who will eventually own these pieces?"
Princess Anhui said: "Of course it will be given to those who can recite the poem from beginning to end. The winners can just divide the jewelry equally.
The noble ladies were all very talented and competitive. Upon hearing this, they were all eager to try. "Okay, then come on."
Everyone couldn't help but look at Xiaoxiao again, as if they were certain that she would be the one who lost the most.
Mu Wen also looked at Xiaoxiao worriedly, a little afraid that she might not be able to answer. She was thinking in her heart how many unwanted jewelry she had. If Xiaoxiao lost badly, she could still help her with the jewelry.
Mu Xi's smile deepened. She was eager to try, but couldn't wait to see the changes in Mo Shuang and Princess Anhui's expressions. "Then let's get started."
Xiaoxiao's expression remained calm from beginning to end. Although she had never played drinking games before, the rules were quite simple and she naturally understood them.
She carefully recalled the books she had copied, two or three of which were poetry collections. She still remembered the contents of the collections. The night before yesterday, Mu Xi gave her ten poetry books to read.
Xiaoxiao has always been obedient. She read all ten poetry collections carefully. She could recall all the contents, and Xiaoxiao gradually felt at ease.
The first round was led by Princess Anhui. Her requirement was that each of the noble ladies must recite a poem containing the word "peach blossom" and must also state the source.
Soon it was Xiaoxiao's turn. Seeing that she didn't even blink, she said something. Princess Anhui was a little depressed. It was Zheng Danyun's sister who got stuck first in the first round.
Then came the second round, and the third round. Every time it was Xiaoxiao's turn, she could speak it fluently.
After five or six rounds, she didn't lose once. Even Mo Shuang got stuck once and couldn't think of a password. If every password was not thought of by the ladies, Mo Shuang would have suspected her of cheating!
Near the end, only three noble ladies, including Xiaoxiao, recited poems that met the requirements from beginning to end.
Except for Mu Xi, everyone's eyes looking at Xiao Xiao changed, including Mu Wen. Even she didn't know Xiao Xiao was so amazing. She had been reciting poems since she was three years old, and she had lost every time!
Now not only Mo Shuang's face looked ugly, but even Princess An Hui's face looked extremely ugly. Princess An Hui had already lost twice. If it weren't for so many noble ladies watching, she would have wanted to quit and leave!
In the last round, the loser was Princess Anhui again. This time she was simply distracted and failed to come up with a suitable poem in time, but losing was losing.
She had no choice but to ask the maid to take out three pieces of jewelry, and others also took off their jewelry one after another.
The three winners were Xiaoxiao, Muxi, and Zhao Ziyao. Zhao Ziyao was a typical lady from a wealthy family, not only talented but also kind-hearted. Seeing the losers taking off their jewelry one by one, she felt bad and simply said, "I don't want it anymore."
As soon as she finished speaking, Mu Xi smiled and said, "If Sister Ziyao doesn't accept them, they will definitely feel bad. Those who know you will think you are kind, while those who don't will think they can't afford to lose. So, let's put it this way, don't take off your jewelry. Each piece of jewelry is worth a hundred taels of silver. I'm sure everyone has this little money."
One hundred taels of silver was indeed not much for them. Zhao Ziyao smiled and said, "Alright, let's do this."
Princess Anhui had no choice but to take out three hundred taels of silver, and saw that Xiaoxiao and Muxi each won six hundred taels.
She was so jealous that her heart ached. Mo Shuang was also unhappy. Although she only lost a hundred taels, she was still very unhappy when she saw Xiaoxiao and Mu Xi shining at the table. Where was the little village girl? Which little village girl could recite so many poems?
How could she know that even Pei Xiuhan praised Xiaoxiao's learning ability. She didn't know who she took after, but she could remember almost every book she had read. Her talent was so strong that every time Pei Xiuhan checked her homework, he regretted that she was not a boy.
The day before yesterday, Mu Xi specially sent her ten poetry collections. It would be strange if she lost the drinking game today.
Princess Anhui glared at Mo Shuang fiercely, thinking that she shouldn't have trusted her. What a bad idea she came up with. Xiaoxiao didn't lose face, but she was the one who lost the most times.
Princess Anhui even hated Mo Shuang. She endured it and didn't drive these noble ladies away. She suppressed her anger and said, "You guys enjoy the flowers first. I'll go change my clothes and be back soon."
Zhao Ziyao and the others nodded with smiles. After Princess Anhui left the table, Zhao Ziyao looked at Xiaoxiao and said with a smile, "I've always heard that Miss Zhang has a face as beautiful as a lotus and a stunning appearance. It wasn't until today that I learned that you are so knowledgeable and talented."
Xiaoxiao felt a little embarrassed by the compliment. She had only read a few more books to make up for her lack of knowledge. "No, Miss Zhao is the one with the most witty mind."
Xiaoxiao really admires her. Three times when it was her turn, she thought for a while before answering. However, Zhao Ziyao answered without blinking every time, which shows how amazing she is.
While the two were praising each other, Princess An Hui was about to walk out of the back garden. She was holding back her anger and her face was stern. The little maid behind her was trembling with fear.
When passing by Luting Pavilion, Princess Anhui heard voices inside and paused, "Are there any guests in the mansion today?"
"Replying to Miss, it's the Third Cousin Young Master who has arrived."
The third cousin the maid was referring to was Princess Anhui's third cousin, Feng Zihua. He was Feng Zichen's cousin, the eldest son of the second wife, and had just come of age this year.
Feng Zihua is a very useless person. He is not good at studying or martial arts. He is a typical playboy with a lot of problems. He is also very romantic. He once had his eyes on Princess Anhui and often showed his courtesy to her.
Princess Anhui likes Feng Zichen and is always unhappy when she sees Feng Zihua, but her elder brother gets along very well with him. Feng Zihua comes to the princess's residence every few days.
Thinking of Feng Zihua's lust, Princess An Hui suddenly came up with an idea. She whispered a few words to the maid and walked out of the back garden. A moment later, she saw Feng Zihua following her out.
"What do you want from me, cousin?"
She couldn't leave the table for too long, so Princess Anhui didn't keep her in suspense and asked directly, "I wonder if Third Cousin has heard of Zhang Xiaoxiao's reputation?"
More than just hearing about it, Feng Zihua also saw Xiaoxiao's face at the palace banquet. The girl had a beautiful figure, eyebrows and eyes that were as beautiful as a painting. Just a glance from afar made his bones feel weak. His eyes flashed, "Why did my cousin mention her?"
Princess Anhui laughed and said, "If I tell you I have a way to help you win the beauty, would you dare to take the risk?"
Although Feng Zihua was lustful, he was not foolish. "As far as I know, she is the one that the Regent wants to present to the Emperor. I'm afraid my cousin is not lucky enough to enjoy her."
Princess Anhui patiently persuaded her, "She's already been driven out of the palace by the Prince Regent. The Emperor, having seen all sorts of beauties, must have forgotten her long ago. Besides, I'm not asking my cousin to scheme against her. If you wish, you can ask for her in marriage openly. No, with her status, she can just be your concubine. It won't affect your engagement with the Li family at all."
Feng Zihua's marriage was just arranged this year. He was going to marry the second daughter of the Li family and Li Sisi's cousin. If it weren't for such a big incident in the Li family, this good marriage would not have been his.
Feng Zihua's eyes moved, "Is there such a beautiful thing in the world?"
"She is now in the waterside pavilion. Whether you can win her heart depends on whether you are willing to pay the price."
Feng Zihua felt itchy inside, but she only said half of her words. As she turned to leave, she said, "What we said today is between you and me. No one else will know. I'll wait for good news from my cousin later."
Feng Zihua wanted to ask something more, but he saw that she had already left and was heading towards the water pavilion.
Looking at the lake in the distance, Feng Zihua suddenly understood something. He couldn't help but feel happy. If Zhang Xiaoxiao really fell into the water, if he could rescue her, and he touched her body in public, she would have no choice but to marry him.
No, as Anhui said, she was just a little village girl, and he didn't even need to marry her. If she lost her innocence, she would only become a useless pawn in the eyes of the regent.
Who knows, maybe he can really win the beauty.
Feng Zihua was extremely excited. Just thinking of Xiaoxiao's pretty face made his body hot. He returned to Luting Pavilion without saying a word. After coming in, he kept an eye on the movements over at the waterside pavilion.
He was waiting anxiously, and when he heard the commotion coming from the other side, he was delighted and hurried over.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
