Do you like daisies?

Jun Prince's Residence, Listening to the Rain Pavilion

Everyone stared at Hui Yue'er in astonishment; none had expected her to play so well. Zhao Chengxian, who had been hoping to see Yue'er make a fool of herself, was equally surprised. He had never imagined that a wandering escort chief like Yue'er could play the guzheng. Her literary knowledge had already impressed him, and now, her musical talent left him even more amazed. He walked up to Yue'er and quietly asked, "How many surprises do you still have?" Yue'er simply gave him a sweet smile, saying nothing. She was unaware that their interaction had already irritated those nearby. They returned to their seats. Xiang Concubine's expression remained unchanged, as though everything here was irrelevant to her. Qin Concubine and her maid glared at Hui Yue'er. Yue'er had not intended to provoke her, but Qin Concubine had pressed her relentlessly; now, she had lost face.

Yu Concubine was the most adept at social grace. She smiled and praised Hui Yue'er, "Miss Crescent, you truly are a talented woman! No wonder our lord has chosen you alone to serve him!" Though her heart was consumed with jealousy, she still wore a smile—such hypocrisy!

Yu Concubine's words made it sound as if there was something untoward between her and Zhao Chengxian. Hui Yue'er disliked such insinuations and replied with a smile, "Your Highness, you flatter me. How could Crescent ever compare to you? The prince only…" Her words were interrupted by Zhao Chengxian.

For reasons unknown, Zhao Chengxian did not want Yue'er to finish her sentence distancing herself from him. He glanced at the flowers outside the pavilion and asked, "Mother, which autumn flower do you all prefer?" He cast a dissatisfied look at Yue'er, thinking: Is it so disgraceful to be associated with me? Are you so eager to sever the connection? He did not quite understand why he disliked Yue'er’s eagerness to clarify their relationship—perhaps it was pride, but maybe it was not entirely so.

The old princess-consort pondered and said, "I quite like bright red chrysanthemums—they look festive!" She had not had a happy day lately, worried constantly about her daughter, but had come to enjoy the autumn flowers only out of reluctance to dampen her son's spirits.

Qin Concubine also smiled, "How can autumn flowers compare to the peonies of spring? Peonies are the most beautiful and the noblest of all. I favor peonies above all!" In truth, every flower has its unique beauty; none can be declared the best—it is simply a matter of personal affection.

Zhao Chengxian noticed Hui Yue'er gazing at the daisies, lost in thought, and asked, "Do you like daisies?" Compared to the flowers competing for attention, daisies seemed inconspicuous, yet possessed a distinctive charm. Originally, there had been no daisies in the rear garden of Jun Prince's Residence; Zhao Chengxian had once seen them while traveling in the countryside, liked them so much that he dug up a few and planted them himself. Now, they had flourished into a colorful expanse, truly beautiful.

Hui Yue'er smiled at the daisies and said, "I once heard from someone who lived in the south that daisies symbolize strength and joy. Though not as showy as large chrysanthemums, they are fresh and elegant—I find they have a carefree quality!" That they favored the same flower suggested a remarkable harmony between them, though who could say if fate would allow it.

Zhao Chengxian gazed at Yue'er with admiration, "Indeed, seeing them brings comfort. Perhaps they're not the most stunning flowers, but once seen, they're unforgettable." Yue'er nodded in agreement. The others saw nothing special in the daisies—small and unobtrusive. As the saying goes, each flower appeals to its own admirer.

The old princess-consort looked worriedly at the rain outside, saying, "I wonder if Rou'er will be caught in the rain? Has she enough to eat and wear? Winter is approaching—will she fall ill from the cold?" Hearing this, Hui Yue'er also began to worry for her brother.

Zhao Chengxian went over, gently patted the old princess-consort's shoulder, and comforted her, "Mother, rest assured, I will find my sister before winter arrives!" His words were meant for Hui Yue'er as well. Though there was no news yet, he believed she would be found.

Qin Concubine chimed in, "How could the princess bear such hardship? It’s all that wretched man’s fault. When they return, he must be punished!" The old princess-consort and the others agreed with Qin Concubine, all believing that Hui Qinghui had abducted Princess Silky Rou.

When Zhao Chengxian heard Qin Concubine’s words, he looked at Hui Yue'er. He knew how deeply she loved her family and wanted to see her reaction. Yue'er, perhaps anticipating everyone's assumptions, showed no strong response—just a bitter smile, thinking: Is this really all my brother's fault? Does Princess Silky Rou bear no responsibility at all? Such matters never have one-sided blame. She cast a disdainful glance at everyone present; Hui Yue'er was far calmer than Zhao Chengxian had expected.

Women and men, old and young, those neither old nor young—quickly shower me with medals, red envelopes, and gifts. Spare no mercy; let the wild winds and torrential rain come ever fiercer!