Do you want me to put it on you?

“Excellent! I never expected to see such a splendid couplet right upon arrival. Fourth Miss truly astonishes me every time,” came a gentle and refined laugh from behind.

Lin Yuejiao and the others turned to see a carriage newly arrived at the gate, from which two men were stepping out.

One was a graceful gentleman clad in a moon-white Sichuan brocade silk robe embroidered with silkworm threads, exuding an elegant and refined air—none other than Li Moqian.

Beside him stood the heir apparent, a figure so striking that every woman found herself stealing a second glance.

Despite the formal occasion, he wore the same pear blossom white brocade robe from the day they had strolled among the flowers, his waist adorned with a delicate jade pendant—the sole adornment. His silver hair fell like snow, and though his handsome face bore no expression, he carried himself with an innate noble aura.

His deep eyes fell into empty space, not lingering on anyone, but casually sweeping over Lin Yuejiao and her companions at the doorway. Instantly, a wave of pressure settled over them.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” Si Chengyu cupped his fists and bowed; only then did the others realize his presence.

Rong Yu and Li Moqian naturally needed no formalities for the couplets at the threshold and were ushered in as honored guests. Behind them, Lin Xueshu and Lin Ziqin’s couplets were simple and drew no undue attention. Thus, the Lin family entered the main hall together.

Tonight’s literary gathering was divided into two parts: the first half-hour for drinking and composing verses, discussing poetry and painting, mingling and socializing.

The latter half was the highlight—performances by the ladies.

Melodious silk and bamboo instruments filled the air, dance and song flourished in harmony. Before the contests began, guests clustered in small groups chatting, and as more arrived, no one was left outside the gates.

Lin Yuejiao and her group took their seats; as a concubine’s daughter, she had no assigned seat. Lin Xueshu stood behind Lin Qingliu.

Lin Qingxue’s injury made sitting painful; she wished she could stand like Lin Xueshu. Spotting several young ladies surrounding Li Moqian, her eyes brightened, and she slipped into the circle.

Rong Yu was likewise surrounded by a bevy of beauties. Lin Qingliu wished to join but held back, mindful of her status and fearing Rong Yu’s disdain.

Lin Yuejiao sat quietly, awaiting the banquet’s commencement.

To her left was the empty seat of Lin Qingxue; to her right sat Lin Ziqin, with Lin Qingliu beside him.

Suddenly, from the throng surrounding Rong Yu, he strode directly toward Lin Yuejiao’s group.

“Fourth Sister, the heir apparent seems to be coming this way,” Lin Ziqin said in surprise, his voice tense.

Rong Yu arrived before Lin Yuejiao.

Dressed in white like a celestial being, silver hair like snow, his arrogant handsomeness drew all eyes at the feast.

Lin Yuejiao, puzzled by his approach, momentarily forgot to greet him. The two simply exchanged gazes. Beside her, Lin Qingliu’s heart flickered with jealousy.

Behind Lin Qingliu, Lin Xueshu’s heart quickened upon seeing Rong Yu before Lin Yuejiao.

“Fourth Sister, with the heir’s arrival, you should offer him a toast,” Lin Xueshu urged nervously, her eyes gleaming with restless excitement.

Rong Yu paid no heed to Lin Xueshu or the cup she held, ignoring her outright. Instead, he looked at Lin Yuejiao and said, “You look exceptionally beautiful tonight.”

“Your Highness flatters me,” Lin Yuejiao rose with a smile, ignoring Lin Xueshu.

Lin Xueshu stood awkwardly aside, cup in hand, while Lin Qingliu scolded sharply, “There’s no place for you to speak before the heir. Come back at once.”

She then turned to Rong Yu with a gentle smile, exquisitely graceful. “Please pardon my sister’s rudeness. I shall teach her proper manners.”

Lin Qingxue looked down at her cup, her expression low as she withdrew to the side.

Rong Yu merely nodded in response, saying nothing further.

His gaze returned to Lin Yuejiao. “Present it.”

At once, a stern-faced guard named Yun Jian opened a box of sandalwood, revealing a delicately carved jade hairpin, translucent and exquisite. It lacked the overt craftsmanship of a master’s hand but possessed a natural, ethereal grace.

It matched perfectly with Lin Yuejiao’s divine goddess embroidered skirt.

“Please,” Yun Jian offered the sandalwood box to Lin Yuejiao.

Though puzzled by the blatant gift, Lin Yuejiao understood that from this day forward, countless young ladies would regard her as a thorn in their side. What was Rong Yu’s true intent?

“What is this for?” Lin Yuejiao asked, her tone sharp, thinking of the many women she would now have to contend with.

Rong Yu replied, “It matches your skirt. I forgot to present it with the dress last time. They belong together; separating them would disrupt the natural harmony.”

“Disrupt the natural harmony, indeed,” Lin Yuejiao muttered bitterly in her heart.

If he truly wished to gift the hairpin, why not do so privately? Presenting it publicly was clearly deliberate.

“Thank you, Your Highness. But I am unworthy of such a gift,” Lin Yuejiao bowed, refusing.

Beside her, Lin Qingxue, Lin Ziqin, and a circle of eavesdroppers stared wide-eyed.

Rong Yu’s lips curved upward. “Consider it a reward for the pastries you gave me.”

At these words, those familiar with the Lin family were unsurprised, but others looked on in shock and envy.

“The pastries were in thanks for the skirt. Receiving the hairpin feels undeserved,” Lin Yuejiao frowned, regretting her words as soon as they left her lips.

So many eyes turned red with jealousy, staring at her as if they wished to strip her clothes and pluck the hairpin from her head.

Realizing her misstep, Lin Yuejiao shot Rong Yu a glare, her elegant brows knitted tightly.

Seeing her annoyance, Rong Yu found it endearing, a smile tugging at his lips. “I gifted the skirt because I caused you to fall into the water and get wet.”

“I thank Your Highness!” Lin Yuejiao cut him off swiftly, bowing deeply to prevent him from continuing.

In truth, Rong Yu had no intention of saying more—he was merely teasing her. Yet Lin Yuejiao secretly wished she could trample him twice over.

Rong Yu observed Lin Yuejiao’s displeased expression after receiving his gift with delight.

Yuan Wei, quick-witted, took the jade hairpin from Yun Jian and was about to put it away when Rong Yu said coolly, “Shall I put it on you?”

“Yuan Wei, put it on me,” Lin Yuejiao said through gritted teeth, her voice low.

Yuan Wei inserted the hairpin into Lin Yuejiao’s coiffure. With this single addition, Lin Yuejiao looked even more striking.

Nan Rong Yu smiled contentedly, pursed his lips, and returned to his seat without another word.

Li Moqian watched this scene with amusement. Others might dream of receiving a gift from the heir, yet this man insisted on giving something to someone who did not want it.

“Congratulations, Fourth Sister,” Lin Ziqin said warmly.

Lin Yuejiao waved his words away. “Enough of that. It’s a curse, really. Look at how everyone’s eyes burn with envy, as if they want to tear off my clothes and pluck the hairpin.”

“If the heir regards you highly, being envied by many is a blessing in itself. As the sages say, those who avoid envy are mediocre. Take heart, Fourth Sister,” Lin Ziqin smiled gently.

Lin Yuejiao returned the smile. “Your words have certainly lifted my spirits.”

Just as Rong Yu left, Wen Zeye and Si Chengyu arrived almost simultaneously.

Si Chengyu sought out Lin Qingliu, while Wen Zeye approached Lin Yuejiao.

Lin Xueshu’s eyes lit up again. She had never held much hope of catching Rong Yu’s favor, as he was known to be indifferent to women. This was a rare chance, and she harbored a faint hope.

“Miss Lin, you’ve stunned everyone by breaking the age-old record and gaining the favor of the Loyal and Righteous Heir. I’ve never heard of him gifting anything to a woman. You know how cold he is, right? Once, Princess Yuan’an, the emperor’s beloved daughter, coveted the set of divine goddess embroidered skirts he collected. She personally came to request a trade with precious treasures, but he wouldn’t even open the door. The princess was so upset she cried right at the marquis’s gate,” Wen Zeye said candidly, shaking a folding fan and tsk-tsking. Suddenly, his eyes fixed on Lin Yuejiao in astonishment, mouth agape. “Th-this is the very skirt?”

Seeing his shock, Lin Yuejiao raised a delicate brow. “We just spoke of the gift. Why such surprise, Master Wen?”

“I knew about the gift but never guessed it was this unique, unparalleled skirt,” Wen Zeye said, pinching his cheek, muttering, “Strange… Could my understanding of Rong Yu be mistaken?”

Lin Yuejiao chuckled softly; his cheek-pinching was amusing.

“Miss Lin, your smile is truly lovely,” Wen Zeye said sincerely, bowing with a smile. “I am Wen Zeye of the Wen family in the capital. It is a great honor to meet you and witness the breaking of an age-old record.”

Lin Yuejiao politely returned the greeting. “Master Wen, you are too kind.”

Aside from his mischievous talk and noble status, Wen Zeye was not lustful or arrogant but rather kind-hearted and appreciative of beauty, never condescending.

As they chatted amiably, Lin Xueshu approached with a wine cup, this time holding two—one for herself and one offered to Wen Zeye with a respectful bow. “Miss Lin Xueshu greets Master Wen. I’ve long admired your reputation and offer this toast.”

Though of low status and ruthless in nature, Lin Xueshu was undeniably a budding beauty.

Other noble sons might disdain a concubine’s daughter without a seat, but Wen Zeye, known for his appreciation of beauty, never judged by status. Smiling, he accepted the cup. “Miss Lin, thank you. Please.”

Lin Yuejiao twitched at his naïveté.

“Wait,” she said, snatching the cup from him and setting it down. She looked at Lin Xueshu seriously. “Sister Shu’er, Si Chengyu is right here. Though Master Wen’s status is higher, one must toast the host first, or it would be a breach of Lin family etiquette.”

Her tone was instructive. Lin Xueshu was momentarily displeased at being interrupted but had no retort.

Lin Yuejiao took the cup from Wen Zeye and handed it to Si Chengyu with a gentle smile. “Master Si, this is a toast from my fifth sister, Shu’er. Please forgive any breach of etiquette.”

Si Chengyu accepted the cup, feigning magnanimity. “No need to worry about order—please, drink at your leisure.”

Privately, he felt pleased that the Lin family honored him so, placing him before Wen Zeye.

Lin Xueshu’s heart leapt when Si Chengyu took the cup.

Lin Yuejiao caught Lin Xueshu’s flustered glance out of the corner of her eye and smiled faintly.

“Please,” Si Chengyu grew impatient as Lin Xueshu remained frozen, not wanting to delay his conversation with Lin Qingliu, and drained the cup.

Wen Zeye raised his cup, smiling at Lin Xueshu. “Please,” he said, and did the same.

Lin Xueshu forced a smile even more painful than tears and toasted them both, though the finest hundred-flower brew tasted bland on her tongue.

She hurried to Si Chengyu’s side, whispering, “Master Si, a lady invites you outside for an important matter.”

Si Chengyu glanced at Lin Qingliu beside him and replied coldly, “Tell her I am already pledged and will not go.”

Though Lin Qingliu disliked Si Chengyu, being pursued by such a great talent fed her vanity. She frowned at Lin Xueshu. “Which lady dares to approach you? Do you not know she is my sister?”

“Y-yes…” Lin Xueshu stammered, sweat beading her forehead.

Lin Qingliu snorted. “Leave.”

“No matter who it is, my heart belongs only to Lin Qingliu. Others, forget it,” Si Chengyu declared, oblivious to himself, playing the part of the lovestruck suitor.

Lin Yuejiao smiled faintly at the scene.

Lin Xueshu grew uneasy watching Si Chengyu. After a quarter hour, Si Chengyu suddenly swayed and fell to the ground.

“Master Si, are you all right?” Lin Qingliu asked anxiously.

Si Chengyu’s eyes reddened as he looked at Lin Qingliu nearby, suddenly grasping her hand. “Qingliu, I love you.”

“Master Si, please let go,” Lin Qingliu’s expression changed as she tried to pull free.

Under the influence of the aphrodisiac, Si Chengyu was overwhelmed and clung tightly. “I won’t! Qingliu, I truly love you—marry me!”

“Si Chengyu, let go at once! What are you doing? Have you lost your mind?” Lin Qingliu scolded fiercely.

But Si Chengyu lunged onto Lin Qingliu, pinning her beneath him. “I’m not mad. I love you and will marry you!”