The long-awaited day finally arrived.
At dawn, Yunyan Pavilion and Bai Residence buzzed with excitement.
Xiaoya carefully dressed Rouyuan in the peach-colored silk gown she had prepared—soft, flowing fabric that shimmered like dawn light.
Her hair was adorned with delicate peach-hued gems, while her xuesha veil matched the gentle pastel palette.
Xianyi wore mint green silk, lively and refreshing, her hairpins glittering with emeralds and crystals from Wen Qianbao Pavilion.
They looked so exquisite that Bai Longyuan, Bai Yunchen, and Bai Yanyu could not stop praising them.
"You two look like fairies descended from peach blossoms," Bai Longyuan said proudly.
"Ah-Yuan, Ah-Yi, I might need a sword just to chase away admirers," Bai Yunchen teased.
Bai Yanyu nodded vigorously.
"Gege is right. Too pretty. Very dangerous."
Both girls blushed until their ears turned pink.
Once ready, Rouyuan and Xianyi entered the carriage with Bai Longyuan and Bai Yanyu, while Bai Yunchen rode on horseback at the front, escorting them like a silent guardian.
Arrival at the Palace
The palace gates were dazzling—adorned with red lanterns and golden banners fluttering in the spring wind.
Murong Qingshi, radiant in light blue silk, greeted them warmly.
"You're finally here! Come, come—we'll wait at the front yard together."
They approached the grand courtyard where nobles were gathering.
Everyone remained standing, awaiting the official entrance of the Emperor, Empress, Consorts, and the Empress Dowager.
The scene divided into groups,
On the left Corner, Bai Longyuan had already moved to greet Prince Murong Shaoheng, Prince Murong Zhenxi and Prince Murong Yunxian, who welcomed him with warm respect.
Center Area, Bai Yunchen and Bai Yanyu stood beside Deputy General Wei Shensu and Duke Lin Changyu, discussing military affairs calmly.
Right Corner, Crown Prince Murong Yunqing, Prince Murong Yunxi, Prince Murong Yexuan, and the Minister of Finance, Yan Bing Yun were in a serious conversation.
Another Corner, Prime Minister Zhao Jinming, Prince Murong Yuntai, Marshal Lord Xie Wenzhao, and several powerful nobles—Liu Fanjian, Lu Pingping, Xue Jiandong—appeared deep in political discussion.
Far Side, Zhao Yunxiang, Bai Zhenyu, Han Weifeng, Xue Xiandong, Liu Fangyu, and Lu Mingjie were leering and gossiping while eyeing young noble ladies with shameless smiles.
And several noblemen were also gathered in the men's section to join the celebration
The Ladies' Side
On a separate side, noble women gathered in clusters—laughing, whispering, exchanging compliments on clothes and jewelry.
Qingshi led Rouyuan and Xianyi to a quiet corner.
They chatted lightly while keeping an eye on the surroundings.
A brief glance across the courtyard—Rouyuan met Murong Yexuan's eyes.
He smiled—calm, gentle, yet deeply warm.
Rouyuan lowered her head politely but nodded back.
Behind her, Princess Murong Yingwei saw everything. Her expression darkened instantly. She leaned toward Zhao Shaoqin, whispering something venomous. Zhao Shaoqin smirked.
The Girl Under the Tree
Suddenly—Xianyi noticed a girl standing alone beneath a blossoming pear tree.
She held a small gift box, trembling slightly, her eyes darting nervously among the crowd.
"She looks so pitiful… let's go say hello," Xianyi said.
Rouyuan and Qingshi agreed and approached her.
Rouyuan greeted kindly,
"Why are you standing alone?"
The girl blinked shyly, "Oh… I returned from the Eastern Sea Region just last month. I don't know anyone here. I usually come with my mother but… today I'm alone."
"You're from Dongzhe? Me too!" Qingshi said brightly.
"I'm from Donghai City. Where are you from?"
The girl's eyes lit up, "Dafeng City. My name is Yan Doudou, daughter of Minister of Finance Yan Bingyun."
Instant warmth formed between the four girls.
"Where is your mother?" Xianyi asked softly.
Doudou lowered her gaze. "She passed away a few months ago. I stayed in Dafeng City almost three years, accompanying her for treatment at a temple."
Xianyi fell silent, guilt tugging her heart—she was the only one among them who still had her mother.
"Why didn't your mother seek treatment at Sacred Lotus Pavilion?" Rouyuan asked gently.
"Dafeng City was her birthplace… she wished to return home."
Banquet Preparations — A Brewing Trouble
The atmosphere grew livelier around the courtyard.
From the direction of the banquet hall, palace maids hurried in and out—carrying trays, porcelain plates, baskets of fruit, wine jugs, and steaming dishes, setting them neatly in the table along the hall.
Servants whispered instructions to each other as they prepared everything for the Empress's grand banquet.
The nobles continued chatting outside while waiting, but the constant flow of maids and attendants showed that the Jadelight Harmony Hall was nearly ready.
The Sabotage
Just as everyone began lining up—
A palace maid carrying a basin of warm water twisted her ankle.
She stumbled—
Spilling the entire basin forward.
The water splashed directly toward Rouyuan.
Before she could react—
A sudden shove from behind sent her lurching forward.
Zhao Shaoqin and Bai Zhenying quickly withdrew their hands as if nothing happened.
Rouyuan stumbled—
And her veil—caught on the ornate hairpin of a young noble lady in front of her.
RIP—
The silk tore sharply. The veil slid off. Floating to the ground.
Silence.
The courtyard froze.
Dozens of eyes turned toward Rouyuan—
Her face fully revealed for the first time in twelve years.
Gasps echoed.
Whispers spread like wildfire.
Murong Yexuan's eyes widened—a thunderbolt through his chest.
Princess Murong Yingwei's smile curled in triumph.