La pluie printanière est comme du vin, les saules comme de la fumée

Chapitre 5

"Yes, the Cloud Weaving Pavilion sends over a set of clothes every month," Qingyi replied confidently after a moment's thought. The name "Cloud Weaving" refers to the fact that the woven clothes are as beautiful as clouds. And the Cloud Weaving Pavilion truly lives up to its name. However… "Princess, doesn't the Cloud Weaving Pavilion have a rule that it will only make one set of clothes for one person per year? And the Cloud Weaving Pavilion generally doesn't make clothes for the royal family. Two years ago, Consort Dong spent a fortune to get clothes from the Cloud Weaving Pavilion, but she still didn't get any!"

"Is Consort Dong the same as your princess? Zhiyun Pavilion has its reasons." Feng Xue turned around and tapped Qingyi on the head. "Go and get the clothes quickly."

"Yes, Princess," Qingyi replied, quickly taking the clothes over.

While helping Feng Xue change her clothes, Qingyi seemed to remember something and said with delight, "Princess, I heard that the Prince invited Miss Qingyun and the divine physician Lige this time!"

"Oh—" Feng Xue's expression was indifferent, completely opposite to Qing Yi's surprised expression.

Qingyi pouted and said dejectedly, "Princess, why don't you have any reaction at all? Qingyun and Doctor Lige have a reputation among the common people that is just as good as yours!"

“Qingyi, it seems you get especially excited every time Qingyun and Lige are mentioned? Could it be that Qingyi has feelings for the divine physician Lige…” Feng Xue raised an eyebrow.

"No, that's not true!" Qingyi's face flushed slightly, and her voice softened. "The Divine Physician Lige is kind and charitable, so of course everyone likes him. Besides, Qingyi also really likes Miss Qingyun! Half of Qingyi's monthly allowance is spent on buying Miss Qingyun's books. If I could see them at this banquet, I would die happy."

Feng Xue lowered her head and stroked her clothes, saying softly, "Qingyun can't possibly come. Even if Lige comes, he'll hardly recognize her..." Her voice was so low it was almost as if she hadn't spoken.

"Oh, right, Princess. The Prince also invited the Martial Arts Master Jun Wuhen!" Qingyi smiled, her eyes fixed on the princess's reaction. Just as she expected, Feng Xue suddenly looked up, a hint of surprise in her eyes.

Qingyi laughed out loud: "Young Master Jun's power is truly great! I rarely see the princess react so strongly!"

"Ahem." Feng Xue turned her head back, looked at the bronze mirror, and changed the subject, "Bring me that dark purple veil! It's almost time." Her expression was indifferent, but she had an indescribable, imposing aura.

Qingyi knew that the princess had now become a true royal princess, and she slightly curtsied, "Yes, Princess."

At that moment, a voice came from outside the Snow Pavilion: "Your Highness, the Prince requests your presence."

There was a hint of calmness in Feng Xue's clear eyes, which seemed to be mixed with a touch of joy.

This banquet might be quite interesting!

The Prince's Mansion was bustling with activity.

"General Situ has pacified the border at such a young age; he truly is the pride of Fengxi."

"He should be called Prince Situ."

"Oh dear! As people get older, their memory gets worse and worse. I'm afraid I'll have to retire and go back to my hometown in a few years."

"By the way, Lord Wang, your daughter has also come of age this year. When I saw her the other day, she was truly a beautiful and charming young lady."

"Alas! It's a pity the prince is already married, and to the emperor's most beloved princess at that. Otherwise, I would gladly be a concubine!"

...

The guests who arrived first began to talk about Situ Xingyun.

Just then, a voice announced from outside the door: "Your Highness and Princess Consort have arrived!"

All the guests immediately fell silent.

Feng Xue took Situ Xingyun's hand and walked towards the main seat with delicate, lotus-like steps.

Everyone was immediately stunned.

Feng Xue wore a gold-threaded, pearl-encrusted bun, adorned with a five-phoenix hairpin with pearls hanging from it, and a dark veil covering her face, revealing only her clear, bright eyes. She wore a purple pleated skirt with gold embroidery on the hem and purple beads hanging down from her waist.

Ding-a-ling! Ding-a-ling! Ding-a-ling! The beads made a crisp sound as they clattered together.

Her eyes, as dark as ink, shimmered with a faint light; her expression was calm and composed; she exuded the aura of a royal princess.

Today, Situ Xingyun was dressed in a white robe, his black hair tied up with a purple jade and gold crown, and his handsome face was bathed in a kind and amiable smile.

The two are a perfect match, a golden couple.

Everyone praised them. They secretly cursed the rumors of discord between the prince and princess. They were clearly a respectful and harmonious couple; how could there be any discord?

Suddenly, a gentle breeze lifted Feng Xue's veil, instantly revealing the scars beneath.

Everyone present gasped, looking at Feng Xue with pity, as if they were looking at a piece of jade that was originally flawless but had suddenly been stained with a flaw.

The crowd looked at each other in bewilderment. The hall was so quiet that it was as if no one was there, as if time had stood still at this moment.

Suddenly, a series of melodious laughs, like the tinkling of silver bells, escaped from Feng Xue's mouth.

Everyone was stunned.

"Feng Xue was assassinated at her coming-of-age ceremony, and her face was completely disfigured, a fact known to all. Why should you all care?" Her voice was gentle, and Feng Xue's gaze fell on Situ Xingyun. "Besides, even the most beautiful appearance will eventually turn into a pile of bones."

Upon hearing her laughter, Situ Xingyun was momentarily stunned. It wasn't until he felt the meaningful look in her eyes that he came back to his senses, a smile curving his lips. "Your Highness is right."

At this moment, the guests present echoed, "Yes, yes, the princess is right."

After Situ Xingyun and Feng Xue took their places, the banquet began immediately.

Situ Xingyun chatted and laughed, while Feng Xue occasionally chimed in with a unique insight, nestled obediently beside him. Situ Xingyun's right hand rested on Feng Xue's shoulder, and sometimes they would exchange a knowing smile, as if deeply in love and understanding, a sight that drew envy from onlookers.

"The prince and princess have a deep affection for each other, which is truly enviable."

"The Emperor must be very pleased that the Prince dotes on the Princess so much."

"..."

At this moment, the atmosphere in the Prince's mansion was harmonious.

Suddenly, a cold sentence came out from a man's mouth: "Where are the prince's hundred concubines?"

Situ Xingyun had a displeased expression on his face.