Zi Yuan carefully laid down the shimmering brocade, finally managing to stem the flow of blood from her nose. She then launched into a complaint, "Miss, while His Highness sent such fine fabric, he's far too lenient with the eldest young lady regarding Xiaoying! He only gave Xiaoying fifty strokes of the cane, letting that lowly servant girl off far too easily!"
Qiao Wanyan closed her eyes, savoring the warmth that enveloped her. "Dealing with Xiaoying would be as simple as crushing an ant beneath my heel. But what purpose would it serve? Zi Yuan, I used to be so harsh with my sister, but I've come to realize that in terms of appearance, talent, and background, I surpass her in every way. Why should I waste my energy competing? If I make things difficult for Xiaoying, my sister will only perceive it as bullying, which would be detrimental to my reputation. From now on, I've decided to embody the epitome of a perfect lady."
I'm truly clever, Qiao Wanyan thought to herself, a hint of self-satisfaction coloring her thoughts. Wanyan's obsession with becoming the Crown Princess was well-known, her ultimate goal, and everyone around her was aware of it. If she suddenly declared that she no longer desired the position, those closest to her would undoubtedly become suspicious. However, if she cultivated a new obsession – that of achieving a flawless reputation – people would simply attribute it to Wanyan's willful nature. It was the perfect cover.
Zi Yuan, however, remained perplexed, her brow furrowed in confusion.
"This servant doesn't understand," Zi Yuan grumbled, her confusion evident. "I simply can't fathom what His Highness is thinking. Miss is so beautiful, so accomplished, yet His Highness continues to show favoritism towards the eldest young lady."
Qiao Wanyan offered no outward response, but in her heart, she silently answered Zi Yuan's unspoken question. It's because she's the female lead, and he's the male lead. That was the immutable law of this world. The male lead is destined to always choose the female lead, even when someone far superior stands before him. His role is to rescue the heroine at every turn and to love her unconditionally. If he were to show favoritism towards me, or, heaven forbid, be seduced by me, he would surely drown in the spittle of the outraged readers.
Though Zi Yuan's hands were calloused from years of service, they possessed a remarkable dexterity, making her the most skilled handmaiden in the entire Qiao household.
With practiced ease, she styled Qiao Wanyan's hair into an elaborate updo, each strand perfectly placed to frame her delicate features. Glistening hairpins, crafted from jade and inlaid with pearls, adorned the intricate arrangement, catching the light with every subtle movement. Finally, she helped Qiao Wanyan into the shimmering brocade dress, the fabric clinging to her form like liquid moonlight. As she stepped back to admire her handiwork, Zi Yuan felt a surge of pride. Her young mistress was, without a doubt, utterly breathtaking.
She is the most beautiful and auspicious flower that blooms in the capital, Zi Yuan thought, her heart swelling with affection.
As Qiao Wanyan stepped out of the Fuyun Hall, Jingyuan stood waiting for her in the outer courtyard, his expression carefully neutral.
"Miss Qiao," he said with a polite bow, "His Highness is aware of your departure and wishes to escort you to Zhaohua Palace."
Qiao Wanyan replied, her voice calm and composed, "Please inform His Highness that I am suddenly feeling unwell and must return home today."
Jingyuan was visibly taken aback. The second young lady of the Qiao family was usually so eager to ingratiate herself with His Highness, practically clinging to him at every opportunity. Why, then, was she suddenly claiming illness and requesting to leave?
Feeling unwell is undoubtedly just an excuse, he mused, his eyes narrowed slightly. Could it be that she has truly accepted her fate and is no longer fixated on the position of Crown Princess?
"Are you certain Miss Qiao is not jesting?" he asked, his skepticism barely concealed.
"The shimmering brocade that His Highness so graciously sent is far too precious," Qiao Wanyan explained, her tone measured and thoughtful. "If I were to appear at the banquet wearing it, it would undoubtedly cause His Highness undue trouble and invite unwanted rumors. Besides," she added with a delicate pause, "my elder sister will also be in attendance, and I wouldn't want her to misunderstand my intentions."
Jingyuan felt a sense of disorientation, as if the very fabric of his understanding of Qiao Wanyan was unraveling. Could this truly be the same person he had known before? Could such a considerate, understanding woman truly be the self-absorbed, ambitious second young lady from his memory?
"In that case," he said, recovering his composure, "I will arrange for someone to escort Miss Qiao back to her residence."