Marrying the Sweet Story’s Melodramatic Villainess [Transmigration] - Chapter 51

The news that County Princess Duanmin, who had been observing widowhood, would host a grand banquet in five days immediately shot to the top of the Chang’an “trending list.”

Having spent eight years in mourning, County Princess Duanmin had always lived a simple, secluded life and rarely made public appearances. Hosting such a massive feast was a first, so it naturally sparked heated discussions.

Speculation ran rampant throughout the streets.

“The County Princess loves peace and quiet; I fear there has been a major upheaval,” a sour scholar remarked with a frown, looking deeply concerned. “It is a pity that I am of humble birth and can hardly catch a glimpse of the County Princess.”

Back when County Princess Duanmin first vowed to remain a widow for her deceased fiancé, it had been like a breath of fresh air amidst the overly liberal social customs of the time, earning her the admiration of many literati.

Those gathered around the sour scholar were, of course, like-minded men. One by one, they wore expressions of sorrow, only regretting that they could not help the lady in her time of need.

While many shared the scholar’s view, there was an elderly auntie in the marketplace who said naturally with a beaming smile, “The County Princess is still a young girl; she just loves a bit of excitement, that’s all.”

Public speculation aside, those who received invitations noticed that every person of standing in Chang’an had been invited—except for the Shen clan. Not a single invitation had been sent to them. Considering the County Princess had been “observing widowhood” for the Shen family, this break from tradition was quite telling.

At the Shen family estate, the atmosphere was so heavy it felt as if water could drip from the air. The married daughters of the Shen family returned in shame to ask what exactly had happened. To have the entire Shen clan snubbed like this was equivalent to having their faces trampled into the dirt.

The most successfully married among them was Shen Duoyu’s biological sister, Shen Shuhua, who had married into the Estate of the Duke of Qing. Because of County Princess Duanmin’s reputation, her husband’s family held her in high regard, and her life had been very smooth over the years. She never expected such a scandal to erupt just as the Duke of Qing was about to pass the title to her branch of the family. Shen Shuhua wept uncontrollably. “Does Yan Qihua have no conscience toward my brother?”

Every wrinkle on the face of Shen Shuhua’s grandfather carried a hint of gloom. He was sixty-nine this year, with only four months until his seventieth birthday. Since ancient times, reaching such an age was rare, and his descendants had been discussing how to throw a grand celebration. Now, this had happened. Grandfather Shen said in a heavy voice, “As things stand, we must first find out the ins and outs of the matter.”

Shen Duoyu’s father added gloomily, “I fear my Shen family has become the laughingstock of Chang’an.”

Grandfather Shen glanced at his incompetent son. If his legitimate grandson Duoyu were still alive, how could the Shen family have declined so? Thinking of his once brilliantly talented eldest grandson, the furrows on Grandfather Shen’s face deepened.

In the blink of an eye, the day of the banquet arrived.

Pei Mingjiao and Cui Yi were naturally on the guest list. The banquet was held at the County Princess Duanmin’s estate.

The estate was not the cold, lonely place one might imagine; instead, it was a riot of colors, filled with life and flowers.

The hostess, Yan Qihua, had discarded her former plain and bitter appearance. Dressed in pearls and emeralds, she looked exceptionally elegant. Everyone understood the shift, teasing and joking with her with smiles.

Watching Yan Qihua surrounded by the crowd, Pei Mingjiao sighed to Cui Yi, “In my memory, this is how Cousin was. Back then, everyone said she was the girl in Chang’an who knew how to have fun the most.”

Under the warm sun, Yan Qihua’s smile was unrestrained and bright. Cui Yi had never seen her during her years of mourning, but she felt that the present was wonderful—the haze had vanished, leaving only a vast sky and sea.

Pei Mingjiao pulled Cui Yi along. “Cousin hasn’t met you yet; let her get to know you.”

“Cousin!” Pei Mingjiao led Cui Yi into the group, praising her with a grin, “You look so beautiful today.”

“Oh my, I hardly deserve such praise from the ‘Number One Beauty of Chang’an,'” Yan Qihua teased.

Pei Mingjiao, who had once shamelessly proclaimed herself the top beauty of the city, didn’t blush at all. She giggled and naturally introduced Cui Yi. “Cousin, this is Cui Yi, my wife. You haven’t met her yet.”

Cui Yi greeted her with poise. “Cousin.”

Yan Qihua studied Cui Yi for a moment and praised her with a smile, “What a striking beauty. Even I find myself liking her.”

Saying this, she took hold of Cui Yi’s hand and slipped an emerald jade bracelet from her own wrist onto Cui Yi’s. “I was unable to attend your wedding, which is a true regret. Consider this a peace offering so you will forgive your cousin.”

The warm jade met her skin; Cui Yi did not lack fine things, but she knew this bracelet was of immense value. Sensing Yan Qihua’s sincerity, she responded in kind: “I heard from Jiao-niang that you were once a famous sharpshooter in Chang’an. I happen to have a fine bow in my collection; I’ll have it sent to you soon.”

Yan Qihua was stunned. Memories of her high-spirited youth seemed to flash before her eyes. She sighed with a smile, “I didn’t expect Jiao-niang to still remember.”

The ladies gathered around spoke up one after another.

“Not only does County Princess Yongjia remember, we remember too!”

“That’s right. Back then, the young lords of Chang’an were no match for you, Qihua. You really won glory for us girls.”

“Indeed, indeed!”

These were all Yan Qihua’s former close friends. Seeing her come back to life after eight years, they were naturally overjoyed and moved.

While they were chatting happily, Shen Shuhua, standing in a corner, looked exceptionally sullen. As a daughter of the Shen family, she shouldn’t have come if she wanted to save face. However, Yan Qihua had shown utter disregard for the Shens, and since Yan Qihua was royalty, the Shens could do nothing. Thinking of her husband’s cold eyes and complaints over the past few days, and seeing her future title flying away, Shen Shuhua had been forced to thicken her skin and beg a friend she used to look down on to bring her along.

Yan Yuanyi was also on the guest list, with Gu Ning following beside her. Gu Yue, being tactful, had joined another group of ladies to avoid forming an awkward trio with Pei Mingjiao and Cui Yi.

Gu Ning was busy admiring the colorful flowers when she was startled by Shen Shuhua’s dark, plotting expression. She quickly whispered to Yan Yuanyi, “Who is that? Why does she look like she’s about to cause trouble?”

Yan Yuanyi had grown used to Gu Ning’s increasingly informal way of speaking. She followed Gu Ning’s gaze and explained the relationship in a few sentences.

Gu Ning summarized: “So, she just hasn’t had enough of being a bloodsucker.”

Yan Yuanyi thought the description was quite apt, but if Shen Shuhua dared to cause a scene on such an occasion, she would be beyond foolish. She led Gu Ning toward the theater area, no longer paying attention to the brooding woman.

After finishing their pleasantries with Yan Qihua, Pei Mingjiao and Cui Yi walked hand-in-hand to enjoy the flowers in the spring light. Pei Mingjiao said to the lazy-looking Cui Yi, “Why do I feel like the flowers here are even more vibrant than the ones in our own estate?”

Cui Yi, her senses filled with the fragrance of flowers, replied, “…If you like them, just ask Cousin for some seeds.”

Pei Mingjiao thought this made sense and made a serious mental note to ask Yan Qihua after the banquet.

As they strolled slowly, Pei Mingjiao would comment on every architectural feature that differed from their own home, finally asking Cui Yi if she liked them—suggesting they could implement them at their estate if she did.

Cui Yi declined every time. In her view, there was nothing that needed changing about where they lived.

After Pei Mingjiao had suggested a few more things, Cui Yi finally realized what was happening and said, “I don’t have many requirements for these things; comfort is enough.”

Pei Mingjiao looked serious and disagreed. “But that is my County Princess Estate. Everything was arranged according to my preferences. If I lived alone, that would be fine.”

“But now we are together. Yi-niang, my preferences are not necessarily yours. I don’t need you to constantly accommodate me.”

Cui Yi hadn’t expected Pei Mingjiao to say such a thing. In the midst of this ordinary day, she felt it with absolute clarity.

Her wife was becoming more and more fond of her.