March 3rd, Shangsi Festival.
The Princess Consort of the Chengwang hosted a spring banquet, and the streets in the east of the city were bustling with carriages and crowds.
Everyone in the capital's noble families received invitations, and the Chengwang residence had been lively since early morning.
Song Tangning wore a gauzy white embroidered top with feather patterns, paired with a waist-high pomegranate skirt. The Princess Consort carefully applied makeup for her, enhancing her features with a touch of bright red on her forehead, making her eyes look as exquisite as a painting.
Once the waist pendant was adjusted, the Princess Consort picked up a veil from the side: “There are many guests today, and your face is still healing, so wear this to cover it up.”
Tangning didn’t refuse, letting the Princess Consort place the veil over her. Looking into the bronze mirror, the added mystery made her softly murmur, “Doesn’t this make me stand out even more?”
The Princess Consort replied, “Whether you stand out or not, in the end, you will be the center of attention.”
With the Song family's affairs in disarray, it was impossible for Tangning not to draw attention.
She glanced at Lingyin, who had accompanied her, knowing even from their brief meeting that Lingyin was a trusted aide of Xiao Yan, skilled in martial arts.
The Princess Consort said to her, “If there’s any trouble during the banquet, please protect Tangning and ensure no one bothers her.”
Lingyin replied coolly, “Before we came, the lord has instructed that I will ensure Miss Song's safety.”
The Princess Consort felt slightly relieved.
…
Inside the room, Tangning was nearly ready, and the Princess Consort had changed into her dress. Outside, the sounds of festivities grew louder. At the door, Nanny Jiang seemed to have seen something and quickly entered, whispering, “The prince has arrived.”
The Princess Consort’s expression turned cold, and Tangning restrained her smile. Moments later, Chengwang entered with a specially groomed Xie Yin.
After everyone bowed, Xie Yin smiled and called out, “Mother.”
When he turned to look at Tangning, who was sitting aside with a veil, a flash of astonishment crossed his eyes.
“Cousin, you look beautiful today.”
Tangning ignored him and addressed the Chengwang: “Uncle.”
The astonishment in Xie Yin's eyes was immediately replaced by annoyance.
Chengwang didn’t notice Xie Yin's displeasure and was very pleased with Tangning's outfit: “This dress really suits you; you look lovely in red.”
He complimented her with a smile, then turned to the Princess Consort softly, “The guests are already here. You’re hiding here with Tangning, leaving me and Yin to run around like headless chickens.”
“The ladies have Mother to attend to them,” the Princess Consort said calmly.
Chengwang sighed, “How old is Mother now? She tires easily after greeting a few guests. How can she host? Besides, you are the princess consort; it’s only proper for you to meet the guests when they arrive.”
“The banquet is almost starting, and you’re still not showing yourself. Many people have been asking about you, joking that I’m keeping you hidden in the gold room.”
He said this affectionately, reaching to embrace the Princess Consort, but she unexpectedly stepped back, leaving his outstretched arm hanging in the air.
Before he could react, she shot him a playful glare and inserted a golden hairpin into her neatly styled bun.
“You mentioned there would be many guests today. If I don’t dress up properly, it would be a disgrace to our family.”
She checked herself in the mirror, then turned with a smile.
“Alright, it’s almost time. Tangning, we should go.”
Seeing the usually close Princess Consort helping Tangning out, Chengwang felt a strange unfamiliarity as they stepped into the bright spring sunlight, though she appeared as cheerful as always.
Before he could ponder this feeling, the Princess Consort turned back.
“What are you standing there for? Didn’t we say the banquet is starting?”
Chengwang immediately brushed off the strange feeling and laughed at himself for overthinking. He walked up to the Princess Consort.
“People from the Song and Lu families have arrived. I’ve already spoken with the Song family; during the banquet, Song Jinxiu will take the initiative to befriend Tangning. Have you briefed Tangning?”
The Princess Consort paused: “Don’t worry; Tangning knows what to do.”
“That's good. She’ll soon be marrying into the Lu family, so I hope everything goes smoothly for her this time.”
As they reached the courtyard entrance, Chengwang supported the person beside him.
“Watch your step.”
Even after they descended the steps, he didn’t let go, softly saying to the Princess Consort, “You’ve been worrying about Tangning, and you look a lot more haggard. Once this is over, I’ll take you to the hot springs outside the city to relax.”
His words were filled with tenderness: “Look at how much weight you’ve lost these days. The kitchen said you’ve had no appetite and barely eaten. After the banquet, I’ll take you to Ding Tai Lou to try their new dishes—all your favorites…”
The Princess Consort looked down at his hand supporting her and listened to the gentle, caring words, a smile gradually forming at the corners of her mouth.
“Xie Tianyu.”
Chengwang was taken aback, then heard the Princess Consort softly say, “Do you know why I married you back then?”
Her voice was light and delicate: “I truly care about you.”
Chengwang immediately smiled: “Yue Niang rarely speaks sweet words.”
The Princess Consort looked at him: “Is there something you want to tell me?”
Chengwang embraced her, his voice laced with laughter: “I care for you too, Yue Niang. I just want to grow old with you. But the banquet really is starting; if you enjoy hearing it, I’ll tell you more later.”
Leaning against his shoulder, she noticed he still hadn’t mentioned the Song family, and he showed no hesitation or guilt. She murmured softly.
I truly care about you, so you shouldn’t lie to me.
“What did you say?”
“Nothing.”
The Princess Consort suppressed the bitterness in her heart and pushed Chengwang away: “Let’s go.”
…
Although Song Tangning’s leg injury had healed, she still needed Lingyin’s support as they walked behind. Her hair was tied down to her waist, and as she moved, her skirt swayed gracefully, the bells hanging from her waist jingling softly.
“Cousin, your injury isn’t fully healed; let me help you,” Xie Yin said, noticing her slow pace and thinking she was still in pain. He moved closer, wanting to assist Tangning.
But before his hand could reach her, Tangning sidestepped away.
“Xie Shizi, have some self-respect.”
Tangning’s gaze was clear and cool, her almond-shaped eyes distant from their previous warmth.
Xie Yin felt awkward: “Are you still mad at me?”
He thought Tangning’s temper was a bit excessive. But today, his father had instructed him to be gentle with her. Moreover, Tangning’s face was covered by a white veil, making her look less fierce than when she had confronted them that day. Instead, her watery eyes sparkled, and a small flower decoration between her brows added to her captivating beauty.
Xie Yin patiently said, “It was this cousin's fault regarding the matter at the mountain. You’ve been upset with me for so long, and Mother has scolded me several times on your behalf. Everyone in the capital has seen the slap marks on my face; I’ve been ridiculed quite a bit. I know I was wrong, so please don’t be angry.”
He tugged at Tangning’s sleeve playfully, just like before.
“If you’re still angry, just hit me once. Or you love my horse, Chasing Shadow, right? I’ll give it to you, and you can choose anything from my little storeroom.”
“As long as it makes you feel better, I’ll do anything.”
Xie Yin rambled on, feeling utterly low. That horse was his favorite, more than enough compensation for the one that died when Tangning fell at the mountain. He felt he had lowered himself enough; if she still wouldn’t forgive him, it would be unreasonable.
Unfortunately, no matter what he said, Tangning simply looked at him without any expression, her cold gaze making it hard for Xie Yin to bear.
“Don’t look at me like that.”
Xie Yin felt irritated: “I’ve acknowledged my mistake; is that not enough? What do you want from me? Are you really planning to ignore me for such a trivial matter?”
“We’ve grown up together as cousins; you’re so cold-hearted, making things difficult for me over such a small issue…”
Tangning waved her sleeve and shook off his hand gripping her.
“What do you want me to say?”
Just as Xie Yin was about to speak, Tangning suddenly kicked him in the knee pit, causing him to fall to the ground with a thud.
“I want you to die; is that alright?”
“Tangning!!”
Xie Yin wanted to get up in pain.
But Tangning kicked him on the shoulder again, sending him crashing back down.
“You keep saying you know you were wrong; do you really understand your mistake, or do you just feel wronged, thinking you’re enduring humiliation for the sake of harmony?”
“Since I came back from my accident, have you ever sincerely apologized to me, understanding that you nearly caused my death?”
She looked down at him from above: “You question me using our childhood bond, but have you thought that if Xiao Yan hadn’t found me at the mountain, I could have easily ended up with broken legs, disfigurement, or even become a pile of bones at the bottom of the cliff?”
Xie Yin’s anger froze on his face as he stared blankly at the cold expression of Song Tangning.
Her eyes held no softness, only filled with disgust.
“Tangning…”
He wanted to explain but was silenced by her hands that slipped out from her sleeves.
The fresh wounds were hideous, causing him to recoil in fear, his pupils contracting sharply.
Seeing his terrified expression, Tangning couldn’t help but scoff, leaving no harsh words behind as she allowed Lingyin to help her turn and walk towards the front courtyard of the Chengwang residence.
Her target wasn’t Xie Yin; the spring banquet was her battlefield today.
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