Chapter 45: The Beautiful Lunatic

Today, Princess Jing'an was dressed in a pale pink celestial silk brocade. Her garments bore little decoration or embroidery, yet as she walked, the threads shimmered gently in the sunlight, casting an ethereal glow that made her appear as otherworldly as a fairy, as if she were enveloped in a delicate misty radiance.

For a moment, everyone found themselves marveling at the princess’s beauty.

Just when Shen Qingyun wondered if it was merely her imagination or a trick of the light, Princess Jing'an, after exchanging a few words with her attendant, strode directly toward Shen Qingyun.

“Xiaotao, is this Shen Qingyun? The second daughter of the Duke of Shen’s household, Han Rou’s child, granddaughter of General Han—she’s the one Li brother is investigating lately?”

“Yes, my lady.”

“She is indeed quite beautiful. How is it that I never noticed before? Such a beauty in the capital—how does she compare to me?”

“She can hardly be mentioned in the same breath as the princess. She’s just a wild girl from the countryside, with nothing but a pretty face.”

“If Li brother is interested, she must possess something special.”

Princess Jing'an’s face blossomed with a flawless, warm smile. She nodded graciously to those around her, then walked straight up to Shen Qingyun. “May I ask who this young lady is? I don’t recall ever seeing you before.”

Shen Qingyun rose and offered a proper salute. “Greetings, Your Highness. My name is Shen Qingyun.”

The ladies and young misses around them wore astonished expressions. Princess Jing'an was known for her noble kindness and pride; it was rare to see her initiate conversation with a stranger.

No one had expected Shen Qingyun to encounter such fortune.

Princess Jing'an gazed down at Shen Qingyun, her lips gently parted. “Miss Shen truly possesses a beauty beyond compare; I imagine your inner qualities are equally abundant. I look forward to your performance at the birthday banquet later.”

If Shen Qingyun failed to detect the hint of sarcasm and provocation in the princess’s tone, she would have wasted her two lifetimes.

She raised her head, her gaze clear and frank. “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I have only arrived from the countryside a few months ago and lack refinement; I fear I may disappoint you.”

To everyone’s surprise, Shen Qingyun, standing beside Princess Jing'an, was not at all outshone.

If Princess Jing'an was like a lotus—elegant and pure—then Shen Qingyun was a peony, captivating and fragrant, each with her own allure.

Princess Jing'an noticed this as well, and a flicker of displeasure crossed her heart, though her face remained radiant as she gracefully departed.

As she walked away, Princess Jing'an looked toward the distant red walls and green tiles, murmuring, “Xiaotao, this is rather displeasing.”

The attendant called Xiaotao lowered her head further, a chill creeping up her neck and back.

The last time the princess showed such displeasure, the daughter of the Chief Historian’s household drowned within days.

It seemed misfortune was about to befall the young lady of the Shen family.

“Your Highness…”

“Go find out what she plans to perform today.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Whatever she intends, destroy whatever she brought for it.”

Xiaotao bowed even lower. “I’ll see to it at once, Your Highness.”

“Go.”

Xiaotao curtsied and hurried away.

Meanwhile, in the garden, Shen Qingyun felt a sudden unease.

She recalled again and again that she had never interacted with Princess Jing'an before—surely the princess wouldn’t harbor such hostility upon their first meeting.

Honestly, Shen Qingyun quite liked the princess.

For no other reason than her breathtaking beauty, which made Shen Qingyun unconsciously steal a few extra glances.

Comparing her to Shen Sisi nearby, the difference was stark; Shen Sisi could only be considered a modest beauty.

Alas.

Shen Sisi, too, had been observing Shen Qingyun.

Strange—why hadn’t she reacted yet? Was the powder still on the skirt, not yet absorbed?

“Sister, why do you keep looking at me? Is there something on my face?” Shen Qingyun asked with a smile.

Han Shi, who had been chatting with the other ladies, turned to look, curiosity in her eyes.

Shen Sisi’s face stiffened. “Nothing, sister. I was just admiring your appearance today; you look so much lovelier than when you first arrived at the mansion that I almost didn’t recognize you, and that’s why I glanced a few extra times.”

Some of the ladies had been quite fond of Shen Qingyun, but after hearing this, they remembered she grew up in the countryside and could never be the mistress of the house. Any thoughts of favor faded.

Han Shi shot a sharp look at Shen Sisi, but the fact remained that her daughter had grown up away from home; all she could do was worry silently.

Shen Qingyun smiled and picked up a pastry. “Thank you for the compliment, sister. I hear it’s not polite to eat during the banquet later, so you’d best enjoy some now.”

Shen Sisi realized she’d acted too hastily; outwardly, she maintained the facade of sisterly affection and accepted the pastry with a smile.

Shen Qingyun also took a piece of peach blossom cake, chewing slowly and thoughtfully.

Although the banquet would feature an array of fruits, pastries, and wine, noble ladies could hardly indulge openly, so it was wise to fill up beforehand.

Soon, voices called from the front, announcing the start of the birthday banquet and inviting everyone to move to Yaohua Hall.

Unlike the casual atmosphere of the garden, the hall was already splendidly arranged, with colorful silk draping the walls. The entire palace was grand yet refined, shimmering with elegance. The palace maids walked about, guiding guests to their seats.

Though the Duke’s household had declined, Han Rou was the daughter of General Han, so their seats were placed near the princes and princesses, much to Shen Sisi’s delight.

She carefully adjusted her gown, ensuring everything was perfect before shyly stealing glances toward the princes.

The Emperor and Empress, accompanied by the Dowager Empress, took the chief seats. The head eunuch cried out in a shrill voice, “His Majesty arrives! The Dowager Empress arrives! The Empress arrives!”

Everyone quickly rose and knelt. “Long live the Emperor! Long live the Dowager Empress! Long live the Empress! May the Dowager Empress enjoy boundless blessings and longevity!”

The Dowager Empress looked around, smiling contentedly as she waved her hand. “Rise!”

Only then did everyone return to their seats.

On the platform in the hall, the music of strings and flutes began, and two teams of dancers in flowing dresses moved gracefully to the melody. Goblets clinked, sleeves fluttered, and the scene was one of exuberant prosperity.

Shen Qingyun sipped a cup of fruit wine. Its aroma was sweet and mellow, smooth on the palate, but she dared not drink too much for fear of its strength.

She sensed someone’s gaze scrutinizing her and took the opportunity to glance around while drinking.

On stage, the Dowager Empress was flanked by the Emperor and Empress; below the Empress sat a group of princesses and noble ladies, among the womenfolk. On the Emperor’s side were princes and lords, with the men below.

She couldn’t pinpoint who was watching her, but she did notice General Xiao Jue gazing at her mother with complicated eyes.

Shen Zhifeng, meanwhile, had clearly noticed and glared, full of anger yet unable to voice it. Still as cowardly as ever.

Shen Sisi repeatedly met the Third Prince’s gaze, her eyes filled with shyness and longing.

Shen Qingyun was quietly astonished—had Shen Sisi already established a connection with the Third Prince? Judging by their entwined glances, they seemed quite familiar, perhaps even intimate.