Chapter 67: Paying Respects

Father had only offended the Emperor and been demoted to Wuzhou because he had pleaded for General Huo Yucheng.

Murong Yang was Huo Yucheng's most capable lieutenant, having followed him since the age of fifteen; he was essentially promoted by Huo Yucheng's own hand.

However, in the end, it was Murong Yang who defected, reporting Huo Yucheng for falsifying military merits to embezzle military funds, and for his obstinate and aggressive military tactics that led to eighty thousand soldiers being massacred by the Western Liang forces at Tongtian Pass.

The Young Master Murong mentioned by Shaoyao should be Murong Yang's only son—Murong Ye.

Rumor had it that he had long harbored an affection for Ye Shixian, but unfortunately, Princess Qinyang was interested in him, which made the relationship between the three of them extremely delicate.

It was no wonder Princess Qinyang found Ye Shixian so disagreeable.

Back when Huo Yucheng's entire family was executed, Murong Yang, conversely, rose steadily through the ranks and was now a Grand Commander, a legitimate second-rank official.

If Ye Shixian could truly marry Murong Ye, it would be considered marrying up.

Yet, judging by her reaction, she seemed quite intent on keeping her distance...

Ye Shixian composed herself, ensuring there was nothing amiss, before walking toward the main gate.

Soon, a maid came to lead the way.

The Grand Princess was the current Emperor's biological elder sister. She had once accompanied the Emperor in expanding the empire's borders, earning immense merit and holding a transcendent status.

This single residence occupied an entire long street.

The main gate was grand enough, but as one went further in, the pavilions, terraces, and carved beams and painted rafters displayed imperial nobility at every turn.

Even the servants and maids were dressed in attire no inferior to that of many wealthy young masters and ladies outside.

The deeper Ye Shixian walked, the more shocked she became by the magnificent scenery, making her movements increasingly cautious and her every step poised and careful.

Shaoyao was momentarily dazed and accidentally tripped.

Ye Shixian's brow furrowed instantly, and she scolded in a low voice, "How can you be so careless?"

Knowing she had lost her composure, Shaoyao's face flushed crimson. "Miss, please forgive me—"

Just as Ye Shixian was about to say more, she heard the leading maid say with a smile, "Miss Ye need not be harsh. This path is paved with raindrop stones; one must be careful when walking so as not to fall."

Ye Shixian quickly swallowed her words and managed a forced smile. "Thank you."

The maid remained beaming, showing no sign of displeasure or coldness, but she shook her head inwardly.

There were far too many people trying to curry favor with the Grand Princess. The residence received many distinguished guests, and as the Grand Princess's personal head maid, she had seen all sorts of people and found nothing unusual in this.

Ye Shixian had gained quite some fame in the capital over the last few years, but who would have thought... coming from a small, modest family, her conduct ultimately lacked grace.

However...

The maid couldn't help but steal a few extra glances at Ye Chutang beside her.

She had heard that this was Ye Shixian's cousin, the beloved daughter of the former Lord Ye Zheng, who had finally returned to the capital after being lost for three years.

She had expected a timid and shy temperament, but since stepping into the residence, the girl's every word and action had been poised and elegant.

Even when Ye Shixian first arrived at the Grand Princess's manor, she was filled with nervousness, terrified of making a mistake and acting extremely constrained.

In contrast, this girl had relaxed features and a calm demeanor, possessing truly excellent grace.

The maid had originally paid no mind to Ye Chutang, thinking she was merely accompanying Ye Shixian to join the festivities, but she now viewed her with newfound respect.

Because they had been delayed at the gate, by the time they reached the main hall, it was essentially full.

About twenty noble young ladies had been invited today. Most of them were childhood friends who were chatting animatedly together.

"Miss Ye has arrived."

The maid's announcement immediately drew everyone's attention, and they all turned to look.

Ye Shixian instinctively straightened her back, striving to maintain a perfect posture.

However, she still heard several whispers.

"Is that Ye Shixian? The one who was so frightened by Princess Qinyang outside the gates that she rolled out of her carriage?"

"That's her!"

"Didn't they say she was beautiful? Seeing her today, she's nothing special. But the one beside her... which family's daughter is she?"

Secrets could not be kept here. The news that Princess Qinyang had targeted Ye Shixian, causing her to lose face outside the manor, had already spread privately and had even become a topic of heated discussion.

Seeing Ye Shixian now, most were naturally looking to make fun of her.

Others, however, had their attention drawn to Ye Chutang.

That gentle and clear face was truly impossible to ignore.

"I heard from Princess Qinyang that she is Ye Shixian's cousin, and also the second daughter of Lord Ye Zheng, Ye Chutang."

These noble ladies were not sheltered women who knew nothing of the world; on the contrary, because their fathers and brothers held positions in the imperial court—mostly of high rank—they were quite well-informed about such matters.

Ye Shixian pretended not to hear the remarks and took her seat.

Ye Chutang naturally sat down beside her. Lifting her eyelashes slightly, she silently took in everyone's reactions and raised an eyebrow.

For today's Spring Flower Banquet, Ye Shixian had exerted every effort to stand out, but unfortunately, she had run into the iron wall of Princess Qinyang, making for a disastrous start.

Even those who had intended to befriend her before would now have to reconsider.

After all, no one was willing to offend Princess Qinyang for the sake of a Ye Shixian.

Ye Shixian clearly realized this as well; her lips pursed slightly, and she secretly gripped her handkerchief.

Just then—

"The Grand Princess has arrived!"

Accompanied by this announcement, a woman nearing sixty, dressed in deep purple palace attire, walked in.

She leaned on a purple-gold dragon-head staff, possessing a kind countenance and an aura of nobility.

Though her hair was white, she was vigorous and spirited. Between her brows, one could still see traces of the heroism of her youth; one could tell at a glance that she had been on the battlefield, inspiring an instinctive sense of awe in others.

Everyone rose in unison.

"Greetings, Grand Princess."

The Grand Princess smiled and pressed her hand down. "No need for such formality."

Princess Qinyang stepped forward quickly, approaching her directly to bow. "I bring greetings to the Grand Princess from my father and mother!"

The Grand Princess gave a huff. "Was it you making a scene outside the gates just now?"

Princess Qinyang blinked and acted coquettishly. "Wasn't I just being a bit careless—"

The Grand Princess shared a very deep friendship with the Prince of Yannan and had essentially watched Princess Qinyang grow up. She knew the girl's temperament best; after hearing the servants' report, she had guessed the situation with near-certainty.

"Do not let it happen again."

As the Grand Princess spoke, she looked toward the other young women in the room.

"Is Miss Ye doing well?"

Ye Shixian immediately took a half-step forward and bowed. "Thank you for your concern, Grand Princess. This humble girl is fine."

The Grand Princess studied her for a few moments.

She was indeed quite pretty, but she was too timid and lacked substance.

Although Li Yue was willful and pampered, she knew how to conduct herself. That horse was still some distance from the carriage, yet Ye Shixian had been so frightened that she fell straight out of the carriage. This...

She composed her expression and commanded, "Zhuxin, bring that pair of silver enamel镂空 (openwork) bracelets."

(End of Chapter)