Su Cheng teased the two of them, asking if their affectionate display was just for his benefit, after they had initially addressed each other with such formality. "I'm still unmarried, and I can't stand seeing loving couples. Mu Qian, give her all your gold coins. They'll end up in my bowl anyway, so why not take them for free!"
Su Cheng's smug expression offended everyone present. No one wanted to fight their own battles anymore, and they even turned on each other. Xu Mingyue refused to side with him.
As a result, Su Cheng found himself fighting against everyone else, ultimately winning all the prizes by a narrow margin of three matches.
However, he wasn't stingy. "The Glazed Moonlight Cup will be delivered to your residence. Since I won so much from you all, I naturally have to show my appreciation. However, I don't want to give it to Feng Er. I'll give it to Third Sister instead."
He said this to Feng Jin Yao, who was about to receive a valuable item without even competing. Her luck was truly… enviable.
Feng Jin Yao couldn't help but laugh and cry. "Then… A Yao will gratefully accept."
Su Cheng smiled more freely than ever, but Yin Can Wen's eyes held a hint of melancholy.
Indeed, most of the people around her were of noble birth. With her abilities and beauty, she could even marry into royalty. He, a mere scholar, could only offer the lantern in his room. What right did he have to compete with others?
Thinking of this, a sense of sadness welled up within him.
No one else noticed, but Feng Jin Yao, having lived two lives, understood matters of love and affection better than most. Unfortunately, some feelings could not be reciprocated, such as Yin Can Wen's.
Her sole focus now was on how to rescue the Bai and Feng families from their predicament. She didn't want to, and couldn't, think of anything else.
She could only pretend to be oblivious and join in the merriment with the others.
While the Feng family was lively, the Chang Chun Tower was no less so.
Outside, the common folk continued to celebrate the Lantern Festival, while in the private room, everyone was fawning over the Eldest Princess of Chang Lin.
Liang Pan, with Wei Lan Xuan by his side, naturally wouldn't be too presumptuous at such a time. However, Wen Xing Lu and Wen Meng Sheng unleashed their full talents, hoping to catch the Eldest Princess of Chang Lin's eye.
After all, aligning with her was equivalent to aligning with His Majesty, so they spared no effort.
Liang Luo and Bai Si Han were not to be outdone. In the inner court, apart from the Empress, Consort Wei, and the Eldest Princess of Fu Lin, the Eldest Princess of Chang Lin was likely the most esteemed. Even Liu Xian Fei, the birth mother of the Sixth Prince, could not compare, let alone others.
With such high status and power, how could they not try to impress her?
"I have heard of Young Master Wen's great name. Few are praised at the Yang Chun Poetry Society," the Eldest Princess remarked.
Wen Xing Lu was pleased that a mere scholar like himself was remembered by the Princess. He bowed respectfully, saying, "Your Highness is too kind. It was merely a matter of timing."
Such an attitude diminished the Eldest Princess's interest.
She had a rebellious nature and enjoyed going against the grain. Those who were difficult and stubborn suited her temperament better. The obsequious ones were merely her playthings.
Seeing that he was well-built, she lamented his subservient demeanor.
She then turned to Wen Meng Sheng and said, "Your father is quite formidable. I've heard His Majesty praise him several times."
"My father is a subject of His Majesty. It is his duty to serve faithfully." Wen Meng Sheng always spoke with utmost discretion. Apart from the Feng family, with whom he was at odds, everyone else found his company most pleasant.
Bai Si Han looked at him shyly, her gaze filled with a passion that could be felt even through her handkerchief, let alone by Liang Luo beside her.
Another one trying to climb the social ladder, without regard for her own background!
Her eyes filled with disdain. She pretended to drink her tea, raising her sleeve to cover her mouth, and mockingly said to Bai Si Han, "A chicken is a chicken, and a phoenix is a phoenix. Yet, some chickens believe they were born into the wrong nest and wish to soar to the branches to become a phoenix. Isn't that laughable?"
Bai Si Han had not expected Liang Luo to insult her so openly. Her anger flared, but she knew it was not the right time to act out. She also picked up her tea and replied to Liang Luo without backing down, "Someone once told me that all flowers bloom regardless of their origin, and the one who laughs last is the victor. Isn't that what Uncle Liang also believes? Sister Liang, why must you dwell on my background?"
"You… you dare compare yourself to my father?"
Liang Luo had been confined at home recently, but she had not lost her reckless habit. With the Eldest Princess of Chang Lin present, she was openly quarreling with someone.
Wei Lan Xuan sensed the Princess's displeasure and quickly changed the subject. "I heard that the matter of the foreign envoys' tribute this year is being managed by the uncle from the Duke of Zheng's family. After the excitement of the Lantern Festival night, I fear the grand occasion of the ten thousand nations' tribute will soon follow."
Upon mentioning the Duke of Zheng's family, the Eldest Princess's eyes darkened. She took a few sips of tea from her cup, then slowly said, "Miss Wei speaks the truth. The ten thousand nations' tribute will be even more lively than the Lantern Festival night. I hear the envoys from various countries will arrive in the next few days, and we should see them before the first month ends."
Although this matter was under the purview of the Ministry of Rites, the Empress had long ago entrusted the reception and sending-off of the envoys to the First Prince.
The First Prince and his entire household were now working tirelessly on this matter, while the other princes were idly watching the spectacle.
The Eldest Princess of Chang Lin had always stayed out of factional disputes. However, not long ago, the affairs of her princess's mansion and the Prince Kang's mansion had caused quite a stir. Although her grandfather had not said anything to her directly, years of close association had not been in vain, and she could guess her grandfather's intention to win over the Eldest Princess.
Therefore, with this thought in mind, she naturally wanted to probe the Princess's intentions today.
"Your Highness is of noble birth, and you will naturally witness the scene of the envoys offering tribute. It is a pity that we commoners can only hear the commotion from outside the palace."
"Miss Wei, you say that. I recall that in previous years, during the ten thousand nations' tribute, you were by Consort Wei's side. This time, I believe your wish will also come true."
Her attempt to probe failed, and she was instead teased by the Eldest Princess of Chang Lin.
In the past, she could accompany Consort Wei because she was to be the future consort of the Ninth Prince. Now… it was a blessing that her aunt did not blame her, let alone expect her to go.
She gave a sheepish laugh and refrained from further conversation.
Unexpectedly, the thoughtless Liang Luo blurted out, "Princess, my sister-in-law is most favored by Consort Wei. She will naturally be attending this year as well, won't she, sister-in-law?"
Wei Lan Xuan wished she could throw this tactless sister-in-law outside. Everyone could understand the implications, but she, with her lack of sense, had to butt in and make a fool of herself.
As expected, the Eldest Princess of Chang Lin chuckled. She looked at Liang Luo, then at Wei Lan Xuan, and kindly said, "Yes, it will surely be as Miss Liang wishes."