The autumn air was crisp, and the sky spread out in limitless sunshine—perfect weather.
Feng Wan knew Fengyu was invited to the Prince Qi Mansion for a banquet and asked Fengyu if she could bring both her and Feng Ling along. After consulting Fang Lingjun, Fengyu secured an extra invitation for Feng Wan. The original invitation was specifically addressed to Fengyu. As the eldest sister, using Fengyu's invitation would damage Feng Wan's dignity, but a new invitation allowed Feng Wan to bring along Feng Ling as well. Lady Feng, who had been ill for two days but was starting to recover, acknowledged Fengyu's kindness and avoided any confrontation with her, fully aware of Fengyu's tact and thoughtfulness.
Lady Feng instructed Feng Wan and Feng Ling to dress well for the banquet and reminded them to behave with caution and restraint. Feng Ling harbored quiet resentnt toward Fengyu and refused to share the sa carriage with her, while Fengyu, unwilling to argue, permitted the trio to travel in two separate carriages.
Prince Qi Yuwen Mao's banquet was held at the East Suburb Horse Farm, which covered an expansive area as part of the Royal Horse Farm. Horse polo matches often took place there, alongside kickball gas and horse-riding archery banquets. The venue's vast grounds allowed horses to gallop freely, with viewing stands set up on both sides.
A crowd of young n and won had already gathered at the entrance to the horse farm. The noble sons and daughters of the Capital City, many of whom studied at the Imperial College, maintained varying degrees of familiarity with each other and grouped up in twos and threes.
"Yu Yan, you look truly stunning today. Where's your Second Brother? Why haven't I seen him?" Lin Yu Yan's close friend Zhang Jingmiao glanced around expectantly, visibly disappointed not to spot Lin Xiao. "I was hoping we could team up together," she added.
"He's unwell and hasn't been able to leave the house lately," Lin Yu Yan replied with a soft laugh. "Even if he were here, he'd be teaming up with ."
Her other confidante, Wu Changhuan, chid in with gossip, "Fang Lingjun said Fengyu would be coming as well. How could she have the nerve to show up?"
Lin Yu Yan sneered derisively. "Thick-skinned, I suppose. If I were her, I would've already hung myself with a length of white silk to prove my innocence!"
"She broke off her engagent—it's likely she's here to scout for a new husband," Wu Changhuan speculated venomously. "After clinging desperately to Jiang Yang, even going as far as throwing herself into the lake, who would have thought she'd move on so quickly? What a shaless flirt!"
Zhang Jingmiao smirked maliciously. "With her lack of decency, what kind of idiot would ever marry her?"
Just as they were preparing to head inside, the carriage from the Feng Mansion arrived unexpectedly, causing the group to turn their heads. The carriage halted, and Feng Wan and Feng Ling stepped out first. With her brows furrowed, Lin Yu Yan asked flatly, "So the Prince made sure to send invitations to the entire Feng Family?"
Feng Ling cheerfully waved in greeting toward Lin Yu Yan, who replied with an indifferent nod. Both Feng Wan and Feng Ling approached and exchanged polite greetings with the group, but Lin Yu Yan remained exceedingly arrogant, treating Feng Wan and Feng Ling with palpable indifference.
Then, Fengyu erged from the carriage, assisted by Qiuxiang. By now, many young n had already gathered at the entrance, and nearly all of them turned their gaze toward her. She was cloaked in a stunning bright red cloud-patterned cape embroidered with golden and silver threads—a luxurious and intricate garnt. Beneath it, she wore a front-buttoned silk tunic paired with a skirt adorned with myriad blossoms. Her hair was styled with a crimson pogranate branch hairpin that swayed delicately—a vivid burst of red amid the autumn scenery.
Radiant and graceful, with porcelain skin and striking features, the red attire highlighted her beauty to an almost otherworldly degree. As she moved lightly, the embroidered cape shimred brilliantly, rendering her equivalent to a celestial maiden in appearance.
No matter how much anyone disliked Fengyu, none could deny her breathtaking beauty.
The young n at the entrance had previously been stealing glances at Lin Yu Yan's group. Lin Yu Yan, well aware of her own attractiveness, carried herself with pride. But as soon as Fengyu arrived, all eyes gravitated toward her—it was impossible to look away; she was simply too stunning!
Lin Yu Yan was beside herself with frustration, gritting her teeth in vexation. She was dressed in a crimson riding outfit and a bright red cape—a bold ensemble ant to make a statent and accentuate her own vivid beauty. Since childhood, she had been proud and domineering, bolstered by her distinguished family background, exceptional talents, and striking good looks. Her disdain for Fengyu initially stemd from jealousy—never having surpassed Fengyu in beauty despite her own refined grooming.
Upon hearing that Xie Xun, the young nobleman, would be attending the horse-riding archery banquet today, Lin Yu Yan had gone to great lengths to dress ticulously, and whether intentionally or inadvertently, her choice of attire borrowed from Fengyu's style. She had assud Fengyu would avoid social occasions and that the Prince Qi Mansion wouldn't bother sending her an invitation.
To her surprise, Fengyu showed up—worse still, dressed in matching colors! When two people wear identical attire, the less alluring one inevitably suffers embarrassnt.
Zhang Jingmiao and Wu Changhuan were both stunned upon seeing Fengyu. They admired her appearance first before noticing how similar her outfit was to Lin Yu Yan's. Comparing the two, Fengyu's effortless elegance made Lin Yu Yan's attempt at mimicking her look like an awkward failure.
Neither dared to comnt, fearing Lin Yu Yan's wrath.
"Shaless! Dressing herself up so gaudily, intent on making sure everyone knows she's here to fish for a husband—truly lacks propriety." With scornful remarks, Lin Yu Yan turned and walked into the horse farm, escorted by Wu Changhuan and Zhang Jingmiao. Feng Ling flushed with embarrassnt, glaring angrily at Fengyu. "It's all your fault! You always drag down with you!"
Feng Wan, visibly upset, felt indignation at Lin Yu Yan's insult toward all three of them. Still, Feng Ling blad Fengyu for their disgrace. Feng Wan took Feng Ling's arm and walked inside, ignoring Fengyu altogether.
"My lady..." Qiuxiang felt pity for her mistress, once again ostracized. Fengyu, however, found the situation amusing. "Does Lin Yu Yan's outfit look familiar to you?" she asked.
"It resembles your style," Qiuxiang answered bluntly. "Why does she hate you yet imitate you?"
"She always calls vulgar and materialistic, yet she replicates this so-called 'tacky' style herself. A perfect example of hypocrisy," Fengyu replied dryly.
Fang Lingjun ca rushing out energetically, exclaiming, "Ayu! You're finally here! Co, let show you sothing great. Oh my, your outfit looks just like Lin Yu Yan's. She must be livid, ha ha ha!"
Fengyu couldn't help sighing; she genuinely favored wearing red.
Fang Lingjun eagerly pulled Fengyu along as they proceeded inside. The Royal Horse Farm, capable of accommodating thousands, was vast, with its accompanying vacation gardens. The grounds were filled with vibrant young n and won riding horses. Prince Qi's banquet catered to young guests, serving as a grand social event for the Capital City's noble sons and daughters. Within the Yanyang Dynasty, arranged marriages were seldom preferred; both n and won enjoyed attending banquets to et and make friends.
The riding and archery competition required participants to shoot at targets while galloping around the field. Targets varied in size—from large items like fruits to small ones like copper coins. Each target was assigned a score, with smaller targets yielding higher points. Within a designated ti, the competitor with the highest score erged victorious. There were both individual and paired events, making it a favorite activity among Yanyang's aristocracy.
As Fengyu entered, several noble sons were already racing their horses across the field. They were youthful, brimming with vitality, and radiated confidence—the privileged heirs of Yanyang Families, bestowed with the finest that the world could offer.
Fang Lingjun, still holding Fengyu's hand, led her toward the stables. With excitent, she introduced a small white horse to Fengyu. The horse's coat was snow-white from head to hoof, without any blemishes. "This is my new little horse," Fang Lingjun explained, "brought all the way from Jiangnan. Its temperant is gentle, but its stamina is excellent. From now on, you are its owner!"
"It's truly beautiful!" Fengyu exclaid, stroking the foal's silky fur. The horse affectionately brushed its head against her palm, as if expressing its fondness. "Aling, I adore it! What's its na?"
"You're its owner; you decide the na," Fang Lingjun replied.
Fengyu caressed the pristine, snow-white foal tenderly. "I'll call it Zhui Xue," she decided.
"How about I accompany you for a ride around the field?"
Having just received Zhui Xue, Fengyu was delighted and intrigued. "That sounds wonderful!" she agreed eagerly.
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