Chapter 129: The Residence of Princess Heshuo

After Shen Qingyun had finished getting ready, she took Pearl and left the estate in a carriage.

Two days ago, Princess Heshuo had sent an invitation to the Shen estate, reportedly inviting many young ladies from official households to a small gathering at the Princess's residence.

Sitting in the carriage, Pearl sighed with emotion, "My Lady, now that Hanyu and Hanfeng are gone, my heart truly feels a bit uneasy."

Shen Qingyun felt a similar sentiment. She had grown accustomed to the idea that Hanyu and Hanfeng were always protecting them from the shadows. Now, looking at the gold wire bracelet on her wrist, she deeply realized that Hanyu had indeed departed.

"Don't worry," Shen Qingyun said, offering comfort. "Hanqing and Hanshuang were found by my maternal grandfather; they must have their own exceptional talents."

Pearl nodded solemnly. "The Old General's people are naturally extraordinary. It's just that Princess Heshuo does not seem to have good intentions today, so you must be very careful."

Shen Qingyun smiled and poked Pearl’s forehead. "My, you've become clever; you even know that the Princess is up to no good."

Pearl puffed out her cheeks. "Princess Jing'an likes Prince Li and gave you such a hard time before. Since the Princess is her mother and she suddenly invited you, there must be a trap."

Shen Qingyun smiled without a word. She had heard that Princess Jing'an’s condition remained poor. Given that Princess Heshuo only had this one daughter, it was surprising she was in the mood to host a banquet at all. Even if it wasn't a trap specifically set for her, the Princess would certainly try to make things difficult for her.

Thinking this, she closed her eyes to rest so she would have the energy to deal with whatever might come.

Upon arriving at the Princess's residence, she discovered that the Eldest Princess and the Third Prince were also in attendance, which allowed Shen Qingyun to grasp the true significance of the banquet.

It was well-known that Princess Heshuo shared an excellent relationship with the Empress, and the Eldest Princess and the Third Prince were both the Empress's children, now of an age to be wed. Since the Third Prince had not yet taken a consort, this gathering was, to some extent, an opportunity to screen potential brides for him.

Shen Qingyun remained composed. She performed the proper courtesies to Princess Heshuo, then retreated to the side to sit quietly.

Princess Heshuo looked at Shen Qingyun with a hint of hidden resentment, though she did not directly provoke her.

Shen Qingyun understood. Even if the Princess had invited her, it was likely to use her as a foil to make others shine. She could go along with it; after all, she had no desire to marry into the royal family.

Once everyone was seated, Princess Heshuo spoke slowly, "Some time ago, I acquired a posthumous work by a master from the previous dynasty. Having some leisure time, I invited you all to appreciate it. I also obtained a chess endgame; if any young lady can solve it, I shall certainly reward her handsomely."

Immediately, a maid stood at the front holding a landscape painting. It was indeed a master's work; in the painting, green mountains floated above water, and peaks were layered upon one another. On the vast river, the shadows of mountains and pagodas rippled, and wisps of milky white mist drifted among the peaks. Within the mist, a thin, long white streak was vaguely visible—a cascading waterfall.

With the Third Prince present, the young ladies vied to show off their talents. One lady immediately recited a poem about the painting, earning much praise from Princess Heshuo.

When it came to the chess game, Princess Heshuo smiled and said, "I hear Miss Ji is well-versed in chess. Why not try to solve this endgame?"

The Miss Ji she referred to was Ji Qianxue, the daughter of the Grand Tutor and the most renowned talented woman in the capital. She could not refuse the Princess's request. She offered a bow, walked slowly to the chessboard, and stood in contemplation with a chess piece in hand.

The Third Prince laughed heartily, "Then let me play against Miss Ji."

Watching the Third Prince’s attitude, Shen Qingyun understood that the Third Prince and the Empress favored Ji Qianxue as the future Princess consort.

She turned her gaze to Ji Qianxue. The woman before the board looked somewhat frail, wearing a beige dress with dark patterns. Beneath her curved willow-leaf brows, her eyes were like clear autumn water, and her entire being exuded elegance.

Shen Qingyun was surprised; she hadn't expected Ji Qianxue to attend. It was said her health was poor, so she usually stayed in the inner chambers and rarely attended banquets. It seemed she was indeed moving in social circles more often due to the prospect of marriage. The last time she had seen her was at a banquet hosted by the Imperial Noble Consort, where she had indeed proven herself to be a woman of immense talent.

Noticing Shen Qingyun’s gaze, Princess Heshuo suddenly spoke, "Is Miss Shen also interested in this endgame?"

Shen Qingyun lowered her eyes, bowed, and replied, "My chess skills are mediocre; I am merely curious to see how Miss Ji solves the puzzle."

Princess Heshuo scoffed and was about to make things difficult, but Ji Qianxue took the initiative, "I am also somewhat hesitant. If it does not bother the County Princess, why not join me?"

Her expression was gentle and kind, not appearing to be a deliberate provocation. By addressing Shen Qingyun by her title, she silenced those who might have mocked her.

Though Shen Qingyun did not seek trouble, she would not intentionally hide her talents either. Assuming a low profile would only make some people think she was weak and easy to bully. Thus, she walked forward calmly to observe the state of the board.

Princess Heshuo said coldly, "If the County Princess truly cannot understand it, there is no need to force a solution. Just stand by my side and watch."

Shen Qingyun pondered in silence, then picked up a black piece and placed it on the board.

A flash of surprise and admiration crossed Ji Qianxue’s eyes. A brilliant move of advancing by retreating! She hadn't even seen that potential move herself. She picked up a white piece and responded.

Seeing this, the Third Prince could not interrupt. He generously offered his seat to Shen Qingyun.

As Shen Qingyun and Ji Qianxue exchanged moves, Ji Qianxue’s expression grew increasingly solemn. She couldn't help but gasp, "Oh?"

The onlookers were astonished. Ji Qianxue’s chess skills were exceptional—even the Emperor had once praised her. That Shen Qingyun could not only keep up but also force Ji Qianxue to exert such effort was completely unexpected.

After a while, Ji Qianxue won by a narrow margin, but she looked at Shen Qingyun with humble embarrassment, "I am indebted to the County Princess for letting me win."

Shen Qingyun smiled faintly, "It is Miss Ji who possesses superb skill; I concede defeat."

Ji Qianxue looked at Shen Qingyun—dressed in green with ink-black hair, her lips red without rouge and brows dark without paint, her face like jade and her posture graceful. Her smile was like a peony in the mist, beautiful and otherworldly. Even the Third Prince was momentarily stunned.

Princess Heshuo, however, felt a surge of resentment. She heaped praise on Ji Qianxue and did not even glance at Shen Qingyun.

Shen Qingyun didn't mind; she vacated her seat and suggested that Miss Ji play a game with the Third Prince.

Until the end of the banquet, Shen Qingyun barely spoke, save for a few words with Lin Xueying.

Stepping out of the Princess's residence, she finally let out a sigh of relief. But before she had gone far, their carriage was stopped on a small path.

Shen Qingyun tensed. Pearl poked her head out and asked, "Who is it?"

When she saw the person in front, her eyes lit up and she cried out, "My Lady, it’s the Prince!"

Shen Qingyun immediately stepped out of the carriage. Prince Li stood before her, looking travel-worn, clearly having come to see her before even returning to his own estate.

He walked over with a smile, "Qingyun, I have returned. I have found the medicine."