Chapter 13: The Celestial Match Reveals True Feelings

Because of her illness, she had scarcely participated in many occasions over the years. Aside from her close friend Xiang Xiuqing, she did not know any other young ladies of the inner chambers. When she saw Princess Qinghuan surrounded by a crowd, she consciously chose an inconspicuous spot to rest and chatted with Xiang Xiuqing to pass the time comfortably.

Suddenly, someone called out, "The performance is starting."

Everyone took their seats. The melody of "The Heavenly Match" drew applause from many noble ladies and wives of influential families. However, Jiang Shiyuan found it dull and uninteresting. Princess Qinghuan somehow noticed and asked her a question.

"Which family are you from? I don’t recall seeing you before."

"Your Highness, my father is the Deputy Magistrate of Xuzhou Prefecture. Currently, due to illness, I’m staying temporarily at my maternal grandfather’s residence, the Marquis Wen Yuan’s mansion. Today, I came along with my grandmother and aunt."

"Do you dislike this piece?"

"I do not like it."

When the princess asked, everyone politely expressed their heartfelt delight, except Jiang Shiyuan. Madame Wang was prepared to apologize, but Princess Qinghuan smiled and said,

"I don’t like it either. But since everyone praises it, disliking it means I must like it too."

Her words made the crowd deeply awkward. Yet Jiang Shiyuan looked directly at the princess, surprised such words came from her. From then on, their exchanges naturally blossomed into friendship. When Xiang Xiuqing married into the Marquis Wen Yuan’s mansion as the wife of Wang Su, the eldest brother, the princess jokingly said,

"Why don’t I choose one of your second or third brothers to marry? That way, we can always be together."

Jiang Shiyuan was so amused she nearly fell over. Her second and third cousins’ expressions were priceless. Both felt they still had bright futures ahead and dared not attract the princess’s attention. Soon after, news spread from the Marquis Wen Yuan’s mansion:

"The second son is unruly, courting trouble everywhere; the third son has gone to Hanzhou, determined not to return until the Southern Army withdraws."

Not long after, the princess’s household stirred no less commotion.

Princess Qinghuan, under the pretense of recruiting scholars and advisors, gathered many "talented and beautiful" individuals. Rumors had it that the princess behaved recklessly. Yet the old emperor cared little for the royal family’s tarnished reputation and even granted two scholars to reside in the mansion, earning the princess’s household a fearsome reputation henceforth, known as:

"The Scholars’ Tomb."

As for those scholars, outsiders did not know, but Jiang Shiyuan had some inside knowledge—they had all changed identities and become the princess’s covertly nurtured power base.

"What are you thinking about, so lost? You didn’t even hear us come over!"

---

Suddenly hearing movement, Jiang Shiyuan turned to see Princess Qinghuan, who had just made a grand entrance in the inner courtyard, followed closely by someone—the very same Pei Zisu she had met that morning.

Princess Qinghuan was famously radiant and captivating.

No matter who stood with her, all eyes were irresistibly drawn to her. Yet Pei Zisu was an exception. Even trailing three steps behind the princess, his presence seemed to envelop her, impossible to ignore.

Jiang Shiyuan did not want to keep staring at him, especially since there was that inexplicable “engagement” rumor between them. She shifted her gaze back to Princess Qinghuan, flashed a dazzling smile, and said,

"I remember when we first met, you asked if I liked ‘The Heavenly Match’."

"So that’s the case. But you’re quite bold. Even Madame Wang would have had to say she liked it just to humor me in such a setting."

Jiang Shiyuan affectionately linked arms with Princess Qinghuan and replied,

"I had foresight. I knew you dislike what everyone chases after, so I went against the grain. See? It worked out just as I wished."

She deliberately put on a flattering expression, which made the princess laugh, proudly remarking,

"Indeed. Now everyone in Western Capital knows you are my closest friend. Tell me, when you see those ladies casting envious and jealous glances at you, do you feel secretly pleased?"

Princess Qinghuan’s words made Jiang Shiyuan show a helpless expression.

"Not really."

"Impossible! Surely someone must have been rude to you? Tell me who, and I’ll make sure she regrets it."

Hearing this, Jiang Shiyuan smiled.

"Your Highness misunderstands. I mean that when I appear before them looking like this, they probably envy me before they even realize I am your close friend."

"Shameless! But that’s the truth. After all, I was the one who spread the title of ‘The Most Beautiful Woman in Greater Sui’ for you. I must say, I have excellent taste!"

The two chatted so merrily that they completely forgot Pei Zisu standing nearby.

However, he was pleased to see this side of his cousin Anian. Compared to the memory of her always carrying a lingering sorrow, she now appeared cheerful and playful.

---

Princess Qinghuan glanced sideways at Pei Zisu, then softened her tone, as if anticipating entertainment, and said to him,

"General Pei, your visit today is quite timely. Anian and I had planned to meet. I hope you don’t mind?"

"Why would I mind?"

Though Pei Zisu’s words were to Princess Qinghuan, his eyes were fixed on Jiang Shiyuan. She wanted to avoid his burning gaze, but with no one else around, she could only steel herself to face it.

Princess Qinghuan was intelligent and well-versed in matters of romance.

From Pei Zisu’s unabashed look, she understood much. Raising an eyebrow at Jiang Shiyuan, she noticed her usually composed demeanor betrayed a hint of nervousness. Having known her for years, she could tell immediately.

Even the famed Xing’an of the princess’s household, known as the most stunning beauty in Greater Sui, had never shown such emotional flickers before. Today’s display was unprecedented.

Curiosity piqued, Princess Qinghuan cleared her throat twice, then hospitably said,

"After talking to those two all morning, I’m hungry. Why don’t we return to Yincui Hall? The cook has prepared several new dishes from Huainan, quite delicious. You two should give them a try."

"Princess, I, Yunying, am unmarried. I fear it is improper to sit at the same table as General Pei."

"What’s there to fear? I’m unmarried too. Besides, my household is as tight as a drum. Anyone who leaks a word will have their tongue pulled out!"

Princess Qinghuan smiled sweeter than anyone, but the coldness flashing in her eyes was caught by Madam Shen, who immediately stepped forward to assist,

"Speaking of which, Miss Jiang is somewhat related to General Pei. It’s quite reasonable for family to dine together with the princess."

Hearing Madam Shen’s words, Princess Qinghuan was satisfied.

Jiang Shiyuan sighed inwardly—no matter where she tried to hide, even the princess’s mansion was no refuge. She resigned herself and followed them back to Yincui Hall.