TSWRLM -Chapter 186 Flower Viewing Banquet

This time, the flower viewing banquet at the princess’s residence was grander than Chun Xi had imagined, and the number of invited ladies was also greater than she expected.

Chun Xi departed a little late and was caught in a crowd two streets away from the princess’s residence. By the time she arrived, the area outside the residence was already packed with carriages.

The servants of the princess’s household, however, were clearly experienced in handling such situations. They efficiently guided the guests into the residence and led the coachmen to bring their carriages into the stables through the back entrance.

Chun Xi entered last, trailing behind the crowd.

The princess’s residence had been constructed under the supervision of the Imperial Household Department. The mansion was spacious, with elaborately designed eaves and roof ridges. The inner gardens were meticulously planned—every step offered a new view, every window framed a painting. Upon entering the garden, it was a riot of blossoms.

All kinds of chrysanthemums were in full bloom, vibrant and colorful, rivaling the splendor of spring.

It was Chun Xi’s first visit to the princess’s residence and her first time viewing flowers as a guest, so she naturally lingered, admiring the blooms.

She was closely examining a layered pink chrysanthemum when she suddenly heard a soft, delicate voice calling, “Sister-in-law.”

Following the sound, Chun Xi turned to see Shen Qingchi, her face streaked with tears.

It had been many days since she last saw her. She appeared thinner, and the tear-streaked face bore a faint resemblance to Mo Yunwan back in Xuzhou—fragile and sorrowful, evoking sympathy.

The garden was crowded with guests, and Shen Qingchi’s tears drew many curious glances.

“I came here to view the flowers at the princess’s invitation and didn’t bother you at all. Why are you crying so sadly? At Mother’s funeral, you didn’t even come home to mourn. What good does it do to cry in front of me now? Someone unfamiliar might even think I caused this.”

Shen Qingchi, confused and embarrassed, continued to cry in public, but Chun Xi refused to take the blame, speaking loudly to clear herself.

Feeling the unusual stares from the crowd, Shen Qingchi hurriedly wiped her tears and quietly explained, “Sister-in-law, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cry, it’s just that I haven’t seen you for a long time and couldn’t hold back.”

A round-faced young maid followed her, adding, “Miss’s life in the residence has been very hard. She only becomes like this when she finally sees her family. Madam, what you said is too hurtful to the young lady.”

Chun Xi felt no guilt. She was merely speaking the truth—how was that hurting anyone?

It wasn’t her fault Shen Qingchi had been forced to go to the Grand Tutor’s mansion as a concubine. And a concubine should not appear openly at the princess’s residence.

As Chun Xi’s thoughts raced, Shen Qingchi scolded her maid and explained, “I am pregnant now. My husband has recognized me as his principal wife. That is why I am able to attend the princess’s banquet today.”

She touched her still-small belly as she spoke, her face softening with a loving smile, hoping Chun Xi might feel affection for the unborn child.

Chun Xi couldn’t bring herself to congratulate her. Instead, she stepped back, keeping her distance: “Since you are pregnant, you should stay away from the crowd. This isn’t a place for you to mingle.”

Chun Xi’s movement hurt Shen Qingchi’s feelings. Her smile stiffened, and her eyes reddened again: “Sister-in-law, I already know I was wrong. It was all my fault. Can you forgive me?”

Shen Qingchi knelt, but Chun Xi quickly shouted, “Good little sister, there’s no need to kneel in public. You didn’t even kneel at home when Mother passed away—how could I bear it?”

The household’s complex affairs couldn’t be explained in a few words, so Chun Xi could only seize on the fact that Shen Qingchi hadn’t gone home to mourn Madam Mo.

The guests, who had initially thought Chun Xi cold and harsh, now sided with her. After all, someone who didn’t attend their own mother’s funeral couldn’t be counted as virtuous.

Shen Qingchi bit her lip. She hadn’t expected to meet Chun Xi here. She had planned to feign apology and, counting on the crowd, force Chun Xi to forgive her—but Chun Xi didn’t respond as she expected.

Seeing the crowd’s disapproving looks grow, Shen Qingchi gave up kneeling. Her eyes red, she said, “I know Sister-in-law won’t forgive me easily, but over time you will see that I truly regret it.”

After a bow, Shen Qingchi left with her maid.

Chun Xi didn’t linger either and followed her maid to find Princess Hengyang.

Princess Hengyang had just finished two rounds of the “Flying Flower Game.” Seeing Chun Xi, she immediately left the others and sat with her in the pavilion, complaining, “Why are you so late? I thought your old Shen wouldn’t let you come.”

“My husband isn’t that petty. He’s already taken A-Li as a personal attendant. I was caught outside for a while and then ran into my little sister-in-law, which delayed me a bit,” Chun Xi explained.

Princess Hengyang teased her further and then asked, “What did your little sister-in-law say to you?”

Chun Xi briefly recounted Shen Qingchi’s situation. Princess Hengyang raised an eyebrow: “Your little sister-in-law was humiliated but still offered herself as a concubine. In such a short time, she’s been recognized as principal wife. She must be skilled… Now that she has turned the tables, could she be seeking revenge on you?”

Chun Xi wasn’t sure. When she first met Shen Qingchi, she seemed timid but kind-hearted. Now, she couldn’t read her at all.

Chun Xi stayed silent. Princess Hengyang didn’t push the topic and had fruit wine served, drinking cup by cup with her.

Princess Hengyang’s tolerance for alcohol was impressive. Seeing Chun Xi drink one cup after another without flinching, she was pleased: “I’ve kept this wine for a long time, but had no one to drink with. You handle your wine well—come often to drink with me.”

Chun Xi nodded and continued drinking. After a few more cups, Princess Hengyang suddenly asked in a low voice, “Did you notice how many people were secretly watching me today?”

Chun Xi, sensitive to such glances, nodded: “Your Highness is stunning today. It’s only natural they would want another look.”

Her praise was sincere.

Princess Hengyang was adorned in splendid clothing with two chrysanthemums in her hair, radiantly beautiful and noble.

Hearing this, Princess Hengyang laughed heartily, drawing even more curious eyes.

She didn’t mind and pulled Chun Xi close: “Didn’t your old Shen tell you anything?”

“Tell me what?”

Chun Xi looked puzzled.

Princess Hengyang enjoyed her reaction, laughing for a long while before saying, “The favorite of the princess consort is returning. These people are here to watch the spectacle—they want to see if I will confront that woman over him or if I’ll use my power to drive her away.”

Finally, she touched Chun Xi’s chin with her lipstick-stained hand: “Well, A-Xi, tell me—am I better, or that woman?”