That night, Furong Garden bathed in the golden glow of hanging lanterns, swaying gently among the branches of plum and peach trees. The air was still heavy with the scent of lotus and damp earth, remnants of an earlier drizzle. The artificial lake at the center of the garden reflected the lantern lights, making the entire scene resemble a living painting.
The eastern pavilion had been transformed into an elegant open-air hall. Sheer silk curtains fluttered with the evening breeze. Guests from across the empire had arrived, adorned in lavish garments with jade pendants swinging from their sashes. Long banquet tables overflowed with delicacies from every corner of the land—from steamed eastern fish to spicy northern dumplings.
But this feast was more than a gathering. It was a political stage for reinforcing trade alliances across the Longxuan Empire and marked the negotiation of a major new trade contract between the alliance and the imperial court. Nobles came to fortify their networks, while merchants came to expand their reach.
Whispers had it that tonight would determine who earned the rights to a new trade route—a golden passage that could change the fate of a family overnight.
Even more pressingly, the Emperor had sent a special envoy from the palace to observe the banquet in person. Though their identity had yet to be revealed, their presence alone was enough to make the elder merchants sit straighter and guard their tongues.
Among all the shimmer and splendor, one name floated on hushed lips since dusk: Wei Lianhua—returned from treatment and appearing tonight for the first time at such a grand event.
Silk gowns, aged wines, the pluck of lutes, and dances perfumed with blossoms filled the air.
Before the banquet formally began, Lin Xi overheard a conversation between two elderly men not far from the main table. They were whispering something that instantly piqued her interest.
“…if not for General Han Jue back then…”
“Shh! Don’t speak that name here. There are still eyes watching.”
The name Han Jue was spoken with unease, as if his ghost still haunted them. But before Lin Xi could move closer, a young man approached her. His voice was soft, but full of self-assurance.
“Are you truly Miss Wei Lianhua?”
Lin Xi turned slightly, guarded, but quickly regained composure. “I am. And you are…?”
The man smiled politely, bowing slightly.
“My name is Lu Wenxie of Yicheng. A pleasure to finally meet you. I’ve long heard of your reputation—not only for your beauty, of course, but also… for your sharpness in trade.”
Lu Wenxie of Yicheng. A cultural city famed for its scholars and artisans. If she remembered correctly, he was the son of a powerful merchant family controlling the court’s ink and paper supply. A young scholar whose name echoed in noble circles.
“Is that so?” Lin Xi narrowed her eyes slightly, trying to read him. “Sounds like you enjoy listening to market rumors.”
Rather than take offense, Lu Wenxie smiled warmly.
“From markets, from court, from articles that just so happen to mention your name. Your name appears like a fine verse inked between pages.”
Lin Xi hid her surprise, turning to glance at the pond.
“Sometimes ink deceives—especially when the writer doesn't know their subject.”
“That’s why I wanted to meet you in person. If I’m mistaken… I’d rather be wrong with honor.”
She turned back to him with a slight smirk.
“And if you’re right?”
“Then I hope I have the time and courage… to prove it.”
Lin Xi stifled a quiet laugh, eyes flicking between him and the water.
“Bold words. Many men say that… until the storm hits and reveals who stands, and who just speaks.”
Like a stone wall, Lu Wenxie showed no offense.
“Then I welcome the storm, so I may be tested.”
Lin Xi narrowed her gaze. This man was unusually composed.
“Yicheng truly breeds silver-tongued scholars.”
“Sadly, not all silver tongues know their place.”
The cold voice came from the right.
Lin Xi and Lu Wenxie turned simultaneously. Shen Ruoyan approached with graceful steps, flanked by two young noblewomen. Her smile was sweet, but her eyes sharp.
“Seems someone’s eager to steal the spotlight tonight. Though, surely Furong Garden wasn’t made for a single flower?” she said, voice laced with sugar and spite.
Lin Xi kept her cool, hiding her growing annoyance.
“True. But not all flowers have a fragrance that lingers.”
One of the noblewomen behind Ruoyan whispered and chuckled.
“What a sharp tongue…”
Shen Ruoyan raised an eyebrow but kept her smile.
“Ah, I forgot… Miss Wei is known for her business acumen, and apparently… for her wit as well. Let’s hope your cleverness doesn’t make you forget when to bow.”
“No worries. I always know when to bow—and when not to fear,” Lin Xi replied calmly, her tone like smooth steel.
The air thickened. But before the exchange could escalate further, a palace servant’s voice rang from the garden gate.
“Attention! Honored guest arrives—His Highness, Prince of Qin, Li Chengyan!”
All heads turned, posture straightening. Steady footsteps echoed.
Through lantern light and falling petals, Li Chengyan entered—mysterious, composed, his aura commanding silence and reverence.
Wei Jian immediately rose and bowed deeply. Lin Xi followed, her every move calculated. For a brief moment, Li Chengyan’s eyes scanned the crowd—then halted on Lin Xi.
“Tuan Wei. A pleasure to see you tonight,” he said in a low voice.
Wei Jian responded with a broad smile.
“Your Highness is too kind. It’s an honor for our family to attend a banquet hosted by the palace itself.”
Li Chengyan nodded, expression unreadable. Then, he turned to the woman standing beside Wei Jian.
“And this?”
“My daughter, Wei Lianhua. She will begin participating in the alliance from tonight.”
Now in the center of attention, Lin Xi bowed gracefully.
“My respect to Your Highness.”
Li Chengyan held his gaze on her longer than necessary, a faint smirk tugging at the edge of his lips.
How amusing… isn’t this the girl who ran into me at the black market that night?