The Banquet

For the past few days, Wansheng could not fathom what had come over the young master. He had been practicing martial arts in the training grounds as if possessed, often forgetting even the time for meals.

The servants in the manor were all aware that a girl named Shi, who possessed an ethereal, fairy-like quality and a gentle, approachable demeanor, had come to stay. Even Chen Yi and his wife were well aware that their son had brought a young woman into the household.

Shi Xu had also been quite busy lately. The maids of the manor were very fond of her and had taught her many things, which kept her thoroughly entertained; she was beginning to discover the intriguing aspects of the human world.

Chen Xianzhi would watch Shi Xu as she sat amidst the maids, laughing charmingly, and his heart would begin to race. He could not understand what was happening to him.

On this day, the Grand Princess was celebrating her birthday, and Chen Yi was to take his wife and Chen Xianzhi to the banquet.

Looking at Shi Xu not far away, Chen Xianzhi suddenly felt a strong desire to bring her along.

He walked toward her, and the surrounding maids, noticing the young master's approach, tactfully bowed and took their leave.

Observing the slight confusion in Shi Xu’s eyes, he sat down and took a sip of tea before finally summoning the courage to ask, "Miss Shi, would you like to accompany me to the banquet? If it is inconvenient for you, then never mind." There was an undisguised anticipation and nervousness in his eyes.

Shi Xu looked into Chen Xianzhi’s eyes and felt that he truly wanted her to go. Following her heart, she nodded.

Seeing her nod, Chen Xianzhi was so overwhelmed with excitement that he stood up abruptly from his stool, prompting Shi Xu to look at him with a puzzled expression.

"I shall go and prepare, then," Chen Xianzhi said, practically fleeing the scene.

Shi Xu watched his retreating figure, resting her chin on her hand, lost in thought. Her cheeks flushed a peachy hue, a sight both moving and captivating.

***

In the carriage, Chen Xianzhi sat beside his "cousin," Shi Xu. He wore a cyan silk robe with delicate bamboo leaf patterns embroidered on the collar and cuffs, a black silk sash tied around his waist, and a piece of suet jade hanging from it.

Shi Xu was dressed in an elegant, simple cyan gown with green bamboo embroidered along the hem. For reasons unknown, there was an inexplicable harmony in their presence together.

The journey was somewhat long, as the Grand Princess had set the banquet in the countryside, where the landscape was lush, green, and refreshingly pleasant.

Shi Xu’s seat was next to Chen Xianzhi’s. Observing her, Chen Xianzhi knew she would be quite interested in the food served at the banquet, as the Grand Princess was notoriously fastidious about her cuisine.

Before the banquet began, guests were busy exchanging greetings and socializing. Chen Xianzhi sat there, twirling his wine cup, his gaze drifting toward Shi Xu every now and then.

Finally, a sharp voice rang out: "The Grand Princess has arrived."

The Grand Princess appeared in full regalia, her hair styled in a high bun adorned with shimmering golden hairpins. Her silks and satins radiated a brilliant luster, with fine pearls inlaid along the collars and cuffs. Her makeup was exquisite, and she carried herself with regal elegance.

Beside the Grand Princess was her daughter, Princess Changning. Changning had a straight bridge to her nose and a smile that revealed pearly white teeth. Clad in purple silk with flowing sleeves and wearing golden hair ornaments, she possessed an innate air of nobility.

The Grand Princess took her seat at the head of the table, and Princess Changning sat just below her.

With a graceful wave of her hand, the Grand Princess smiled and said, "I hope you all enjoy today’s banquet."

"Aunt, I apologize for my late arrival; I hope you will not take offense," a low, raspy voice sounded, reminiscent of a venomous snake coiling around its prey.

A man stepped forward, tall and slender with a face as handsome as carved jade, yet tinged with an air of wickedness. His eyes were narrow and long, the corners slightly upturned; his nose was straight, and his thin lips were curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. His black hair was tied back carelessly, with a few strands falling over his forehead, adding to his uninhibited, devilish charm.

The guests stood up one after another to offer their salutations: "Greetings, Third Prince."

Ji Yun smiled, bowed modestly in return, and said, "No need for formalities, please, everyone, be seated."

The Grand Princess, seated above, looked at the Third Prince before her, and her head began to ache once more.

"Aunt, the Emperor is occupied with state affairs, so he specifically sent me to deliver these gifts," Ji Yun said in a gentle voice.

"Thank you and the Emperor for your concern," the Grand Princess replied with a nod.

Ji Yun smiled and nodded as well, moving to his seat.

The previous interruption did not dampen the liveliness of the feast. Guests drank and chatted, while dancers moved with graceful, fluid motions, their colorful sleeves fluttering like wings.

Chen Xianzhi felt a bit weary. He looked at Shi Xu beside him and was surprised to see how flushed her face had become.

He leaned in to ask what was wrong, only to be met with the faint, sweet scent of wine; Shi Xu had been drinking the osmanthus wine served at the banquet.

Chen Xianzhi couldn't help but smile. Before him, Shi Xu sat with flushed cheeks and misty eyes, looking perfectly well-behaved.

Watching this scene, Chen Xianzhi felt his heart melt entirely, turning soft and yielding.