Chapter Fifteen: Shen Yi Letting Loose

On the day of the Flower Viewing Banquet, the noble ladies of the capital gathered in the Imperial Garden.

Every year, the Empress Dowager held the Flower Viewing Banquet in mid-March.

At this time, the Imperial Garden was a riot of blooming flowers, breathtakingly beautiful.

When the Empress Dowager was still the Empress, she had a great fondness for flowers.

During the late Emperor’s reign, he often arranged for rare flowers from distant places to be planted in the Imperial Garden, just to bring her a smile.

As a result, the Imperial Garden housed over a hundred varieties of flowers.

On the day of the banquet, Shen Yi followed Xiao Huaijin and Jiang Nansheng, riding together in a carriage into the palace.

The carriage was not as smooth as outsiders might imagine; it was quite bumpy. Even with soft brocade lining the seats, Shen Yi’s bottom ached a little.

She sat to the right of Xiao Huaijin, while Jiang Nansheng sat on his left, eyeing Shen Yi closely.

Shen Yi wore a pink dress that outlined her perfect figure, making her look graceful and elegant.

In contrast, Jiang Nansheng, as a princess consort, dressed rather plainly.

Jiang Nansheng felt somewhat puzzled, because this beautiful dress was the very one Shen Yi had shown her just yesterday.

Suspecting Shen Yi might have sprinkled itching powder on it, she had refused to wear it.

Yet now, Shen Yi was wearing it herself.

Could it be that Shen Yi hadn’t tampered with it at all?

Impossible. Absolutely impossible.

Shen Yi should harbor deep resentment toward her.

Xiao Huaijin glanced at the two ladies, then extended his sleeve and smiled at Shen Yi.

“Yi’er, I heard that both the princess consort and my clothes were made by you. Since when did you acquire such skill?”

Shen Yi replied, “I learned it in my spare time. If Brother Jin likes, I can make a few more outfits from the leftover fabric another day.”

Xiao Huaijin did not refuse.

“In that case, I’ll trouble you, Yi’er.”

Jiang Nansheng said nothing. Recently, her behavior toward Shen Yi had greatly displeased Xiao Huaijin.

If she continued like this, she feared he would openly side with Shen Yi.

At the palace gates, they prepared to disembark.

However, men and women did not enjoy the flower viewing together.

Before leaving, Xiao Huaijin turned to Jiang Nansheng and said, “Princess Consort, I know you’ve never liked Yi’er, but today your every move represents your own dignity. Yi’er is cultured and well-mannered; she would never do anything to disgrace you. Likewise, do not let me down.”

Jiang Nansheng was angered by this.

Xiao Huaijin’s words implied she was the one lacking manners.

Since knowing Xiao Huaijin, she had indeed acted improperly and inconsiderately at times.

But because he loved her dearly, no one dared to say anything.

Today was the Empress Dowager’s banquet, and Xiao Huaijin feared Jiang Nansheng might do something to displease the Empress Dowager.

After all, now was not the time to fall out with her.

Though angry, Jiang Nansheng was not ignorant.

When she first transmigrated into this world, she understood nothing and acted recklessly.

But having been reborn, she would not be so rash again.

“Rest assured, my lord, I will take good care of my sister!” she said.

Shen Yi remained silent.

Take care of me?

Sister, are you serious?

At such banquets, it was usually you causing trouble, and the lord cleaning up after you.

Though I have my part in it, the idea of you ‘taking care’ of me sounds quite strange.

Well, since you are the heroine, I’ll just accept it.

Shen Yi followed Jiang Nansheng into the Imperial Garden.

There were many people she disliked present.

Chen Xijun, Zhao Jiayi, and Liu Ruyan were all there.

Not only them, but some other sycophantic noble ladies of the capital as well.

Liu Ruyan was said to be the most beautiful woman in the capital, yet few gathered around her.

By contrast, Zhao Jiayi was surrounded by seven or eight noble ladies.

When Princess Pingyang arrived, they all clustered around her, taking her as their leader.

As a spiteful antagonist, Shen Yi used to actively approach them.

But now, she did not. Instead, she stayed close to Jiang Nansheng.

Even Jiang Nansheng found this odd.

Wasn’t Shen Yi usually eager to cling to Princess Pingyang’s favor? Why was she lingering by her side today?

Could she have some hidden agenda?

Princess Pingyang herself glanced at Shen Yi with suspicion.

Previously, whenever Shen Yi saw her, she would become highly enthusiastic.

Now, she seemed to stick to the one she disliked most — Jiang Nansheng.

She asked, “Aren’t Shen Yi and Jiang Nansheng at odds? How come they’re suddenly getting along so well?”

Chen Xijun immediately put on the guise of an innocent flower.

“Princess, it’s all my fault for being cruel to Sister Shen Yi, which made her unwilling to stand with me.”

At this, Princess Pingyang showed a hint of doubt.

“Explain.”

Chen Xijun fabricated a story about Shen Yi sending her to borrow money for stamps and related it to the princess.

Princess Pingyang’s gaze turned cold with disdain for Shen Yi.

“She is truly such a person? It seems I have misjudged her. From now on, keep your distance from her, or you might end up counting her money after being betrayed.”

The noble ladies around Princess Pingyang all nodded in agreement.

Chen Xijun and Zhao Jiayi exchanged glances, smirking triumphantly.

Shen Yi had no idea that Princess Pingyang already despised her.

Even if she knew, she would not care.

Though Princess Pingyang was the younger emperor’s elder sister, Shen Yi had only befriended her before because of her status and connection to Xiao Huaijin.

Now Shen Yi sought only to shine alone; she cared little for Princess Pingyang’s position.

The original Shen Yi loved attending such banquets to meet many noble ladies of the capital.

But the current Shen Yi found it tedious, even craving KFC.

If that was impossible, McDonald’s would do just fine!

Liu Ruyan, ignoring everyone’s gaze, approached Shen Yi.

She smiled sweetly, dimples appearing.

“Sister Shen Yi, you’re here. Let’s walk together!”

Liu Ruyan was indeed one destined to become empress, her every gesture dignified and poised.

Her complexion was as fair as snow.

If Shen Yi were a man, she would surely be enchanted by Liu Ruyan.

No wonder, in the original world, Liu Ruyan had captivated many male protagonists with just a glance and a smile.

With those spring-like brows and eyes, which man wouldn’t be entranced?

Shen Yi did not refuse, not because she liked pretty women, but because she wanted to see what Liu Ruyan was up to.

Yet when Shen Yi and Liu Ruyan walked aside to admire the flowers, Zhao Jiayi’s group was displeased.

Even Jiang Nansheng wanted to know what Shen Yi and Liu Ruyan were discussing.

Could it be that they were plotting to harm the lord again?