In the peony garden.
Jiang Wan was standing on the path carrying a flower basket. Pei Tang was weaving among the peonies in the flowerbed, occasionally picking out a few of the most beautiful ones and putting them into the flower basket.
Pei Tang was in a good mood. She held the flower petals in one hand and smelled them, while pulling Jiang Wan along with the other.
"I heard that the Guo family also cultivates green peonies, which is very rare. I'll have a servant take us there later, and I want to pick some to show my mother!"
Jiang Wan glanced at the sky and said, "I want to return to the manor as soon as possible. If the princess wants to admire the flowers, why don't you find someone else to accompany you?"
She didn't come to the Guo residence today to join in the fun.
Judging by the time, Song Lin should make his move soon; the General's Mansion should already be in chaos.
"That won't do."
Pei Tang said unhappily.
"I can't get along with them, so I just need you to keep me company."
"And my birthday is coming up soon. I think the flower garden in the Guo family is really beautiful. I want to ask Father to transplant a field of such beautiful flowers. You have to come with me and give me your advice."
Jiang Wan said, "Why not invite Miss Guo along? She must have more insights into appreciating flowers and gardening."
Pei Tang pouted, tossed the flower branch aside, and whispered.
"Sister Jiang, everyone says that Guo Wanqiu is my future sister-in-law, but I don't see what's so good about her, and I don't like her at all."
"I don't want my brother to marry her. You're so smart, do you have any ideas?"
Jiang Wan shook her head and, seeing Pei Tang frowning with a troubled expression, kindly offered some advice.
"The princess will eventually get married and won't live with the Crown Prince and his wife forever. Whether you like the Crown Princess or not is not important; what's important is that His Highness likes her."
Pei Tang pouted: "But my brother doesn't either..."
Before she could finish speaking, a young maidservant suddenly stepped forward: "Princess Zhaohua, so you're here! My mistress has been looking for you! She specially asked the gardener to transplant some of the finest green peonies for Your Highness to admire."
Pei Tang didn't want to see Du Wanqiu, but she was very interested in the green peony.
Jiang Wan noticed this, took the opportunity to say goodbye, and walked out of the garden alone.
Just as she reached the door, a servant approached her and said, "Madam Jiang, please follow me. His Highness the Crown Prince has important matters to discuss with you."
Jiang Wan glanced at him.
She had seen this servant before; he was serving drinks at Pei Xuan's table and later left with him.
It's normal that Pei Xuan sent this person over today since he didn't bring any attendants.
Moreover, she had no grudge against the Guo family, and the Guo family would not instruct their servants to deceive her.
Jiang Wan frowned slightly. Could it be that Pei Xuan was looking for him at this time because of Pei Jin?
Pei Jingang instructed the Dali Temple to exonerate Song Ziyu and her brother; perhaps there is some new information from Emperor Jingyuan.
Perfect timing! She also wanted to find Pei Xuan and get her handkerchief back.
She nodded and followed the servant to a side room.
This is a secluded courtyard, sparsely populated.
"Madam, please." The servant pushed open the door.
Jiang Wan stopped at the threshold and glanced inside.
Pei Xuan was not seen.
"Unexpectedly, Madam Jiang is quite vigilant."
A girl in a pale yellow gauze dress walked out of the house. Her face was innocent and naive, yet it inexplicably exuded a meanness.
It was Cui Yingying.
She glanced at Jiang Wan sideways and said bluntly, "I'm warning you, His Highness the Crown Prince is about to get engaged to Wanqiu. If you know what's good for you, stay away from His Highness, or else I..."
"Yingying".
Du Wanqiu stepped out from behind her, tugged at her sleeve, and said disapprovingly, "Don't be rude to Madam Jiang."
"You're still speaking up for her?"
Cui Yingying was indignant.
"Now you've seen it for yourself. This Lady Jiang appears virtuous and dignified on the surface, but she's so unscrupulous in private. As soon as she heard that His Highness the Crown Prince had invited her, she rushed over to meet him. Her relationship with His Highness is definitely not simple!"
Guo Wanqiu glanced at Jiang Wan and said softly, "Perhaps Madam Jiang just happens to have something to discuss with His Highness?"
“What could a lady from a secluded household possibly want with His Highness?” Cui Yingying crossed her arms. “Madam Jiang, if you can explain why you wanted to meet with His Highness, then I will consider you wrong.”
Given the current situation, Jiang Wan understood everything.
Pei Xuan did not arrange to meet her; it was all a prank by the two of them.
She ignored such childish provocation and turned to leave.
Unexpectedly, this move angered Cui Yingying.
"Wanqiu, look, she must be feeling guilty!"
"We can't let her leave like this; we must teach her a lesson today!"
Cui Yingying stepped forward, grabbed Jiang Wan's sleeve forcefully, and winked at her from the side.
Jiang Wan realized something was wrong and stepped back.
But it was too late.
A bucket of cold water was poured over her head, soaking her completely.
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