From behind the rock garden not far away, a man in bright yellow clothes stared at the dazzling woman in the crowd with aggressive eyes.
"Dressed like a peacock, as if afraid others wouldn't know their family is nouveau riche," said a woman in emerald green, her gaze filled with jealousy as she spoke to the other woman in a sarcastic tone.
"Calling them nouveau riche is flattering. I heard Madam Mu comes from the countryside and can barely recognize a few characters," another woman chimed in, clearly having investigated the Mu family beforehand.
"You didn't see how smug she was earlier. If one didn't know better, they'd think she was royalty. Today I finally learned her background is so humble. Being in the same courtyard as her makes me feel degraded," a young lady in purple clothes added, her voice filled with schadenfreude.
...
Mu Fei turned her head with a smile, observing their every word and action as if she paid them no mind. Of course, her status was the lowest, and everyone knew she wouldn't dare to escalate the situation, which was why they dared to test her limits so brazenly.
Her personal maid, however, looked at her with worry. Others might not know, but having served her for so long, she knew that the brighter her young lady smiled, the deeper the resentment in her heart. With her vengeful nature, she must have hated them to the bone. Fearing her young lady might act impulsively and do something out of line, the maid worried that while she might only receive a scolding from her master and madam upon returning, she herself would be in dire straits. A beating would be the least of it; she feared getting accidentally killed.
The arrival of the Grand Princess and the Crown Prince silenced them. All the ladies craned their necks, eagerly watching the figure in yellow. Mu Fei coldly observed them straightening their clothes, inwardly seething with resentment. She hadn't expected so many rivals, but none of them would stand in her way.
As the Grand Princess and Crown Prince took their seats, the others gradually followed suit. At this moment, Xu Minghui, the eldest young master of the Xu family, rushed in breathlessly, holding a painting. Seeing everyone looking at him, he quickly stepped forward to pay his respects to the Crown Prince and Grand Princess.
Taking his seat, he glanced at the woman he admired at the back while wiping the sweat from his brow. Having heard that his beloved would be attending the banquet today, he had reluctantly agreed to others' suggestions to bring out his treasured collection for them to see.
He had originally planned to arrive earlier to spend more time with her. Unexpectedly, he slept until dawn. After waking, he hurriedly washed and dressed, skipping breakfast, and rushed here with the painting.
"Could it be that the painting young Master Xu is holding is the famous 'Ten Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains'?" the Crown Prince inquired with curiosity. He had heard that this painting was a masterpiece created by a renowned painter of the previous dynasty who had traveled across the great rivers and mountains.
Unfortunately, this painting was part of Madam Xu's dowry, and it would have been inappropriate for others to ask to see it. He had long heard that Young Master Xu would bring this painting to the banquet for everyone to feast their eyes upon.
"Reporting to the Crown Prince, it is," he replied. Every time he looked at this painting, he was captivated by its artistic conception. If not for the desire to outshine everyone at this banquet, he truly wouldn't have wanted to bring it out. There were many present with higher status and position than him. If any of them were to relentlessly pursue this painting, he wouldn't know whether to give it or not.
"I didn't expect Young Master Xu to actually bring the painting. Since everyone is here, Young Master Xu, quickly unveil it and let us admire it," the Grand Princess said, her eyes alight with interest, as she was quite knowledgeable in calligraphy and painting.
Xu Minghui dared not defy their orders. He quickly carried the painting to the center of the crowd, all eyes fixed on him.
As the painting was unveiled, everyone stared in astonishment. Xu Minghui straightened his back with pride, knowing they would react this way. He felt an immense sense of pride thinking this masterpiece belonged to his family.
Surely, he could win first place with this painting. He couldn't help but glance at his beloved, only to find her staring at him with a shocked expression, looking as if she might fall, her face pale.
A bad premonition suddenly struck him. He raised his head and saw the Crown Prince looking at him with a dark expression, and the Grand Princess's face was also not looking good. His heart trembled, unsure of what had gone wrong. Unconsciously, he followed everyone's gaze to the painting in his hands.
Looking at it, he too was astonished. He desperately wanted to throw the painting away, but he couldn't bear to part with it. He had no idea who had swapped his treasure for this painting. In the artwork, Mu Fei, with her bright eyes and rosy cheeks, stood smiling under a peach blossom tree.
Knowing it was a trap set by others, he couldn't help but walk right into it. He awkwardly scratched his head. "I left in such a hurry this morning that I grabbed the wrong painting."
Upon hearing his explanation, everyone burst into laughter. It was then that they realized Young Master Xu was already betrothed to Miss Mu. They were engaged, so it wasn't odd for him to have her portrait.
Mu Fei's mood did not lighten. She knew the Crown Prince was angry, but she couldn't explain. Especially not at this moment. If she revealed that she was not the one betrothed to the Mu family, the other party might pester her later. Besides, everyone knew he had her portrait. If they weren't engaged, it would definitely harm her reputation. But looking at the ambiguous gazes around her, she was caught in a dilemma and could only offer an awkward smile.
The Crown Prince angrily flicked his sleeves, stood up, and left without a word. Her heart leaped, and she quickly followed.
Xu Minghui also stood up, intending to explain his actions to her. After all, she seemed reluctant to be involved with him. He assumed she was afraid of damaging her reputation before marriage. However, as soon as he stood up, Young Master Liu next to him grabbed him. "You're too much! I just poured the wine, and you're trying to leave? No, we must have a drink today, no matter what."
Xu Minghui raised his wine cup and downed it in one gulp, saying anxiously, "I'll have a proper drink with you another day. I really have an urgent matter today and need to leave for a moment."
"Hey, hey, don't go..."
Although Xu Minghui tried his best to catch up, he couldn't find her anywhere. After searching in vain, he returned dejectedly.
Meanwhile, Mu Fei ran quickly to the Crown Prince, blocking his path, and hastily explained, "I have always cherished the Crown Prince and had no idea how my portrait ended up in his possession."
The Crown Prince took a step forward, reaching her. He lifted her face and examined it carefully. This face was flawless no matter how one looked at it. It was no wonder people coveted it.
"Wait obediently at home. I have always kept the position of concubine for you. In a short while, you will completely belong to me, and no one will dare to covet you."
Only after he had walked far away did Mu Fei comprehend his words and feel overjoyed.
The Grand Princess raised an eyebrow when she saw Mu Fei quietly return to her seat. Others might not know, but she was aware of the relationship between this woman and her nephew. Seeing Young Master Xu persistently trying to approach her, she silently watched the unfolding drama.