Though Crown Prince He Congming was silently fuming at Jiang Huaiyu for foiling his attempt to embarrass her, he maintained his polite demeanor. With a cordial smile, he said, "If that's the case, we'll leave it at that. Royal Sister, shall we take our seats?"
The banquet followed strict protocol. Men and women were seated separately, with the left side deemed more prestigious. Initially assigned to a seat somewhere inconspicuous on the right, Jiang Huaiyu was pulled to a prime spot near the main table by the ever-spirited Ninth Princess, He Jinyu.
As for Li Sumeng, she was fortunate not to have been expelled entirely. Her place was relegated to the farthest corner, a location that ensured her presence would go unnoticed. Even He Congming, realizing his earlier impulsive actions had been unwise, refrained from making any more overt moves.
The scent of chrysanthemums filled the air as elegant dishes, artfully garnished with the flowers, were served. Though Jiang Huaiyu felt physically hungry, the ongoing covert power struggles made her mentally exhausted. Watching individuals like Li Sumeng scheme for success without any true substance of their own often struck her as both ridiculous and disheartening.
The food itself was visually pleasing, and while the flavors were far from extraordinary, it was still the best she'd tasted since arriving in Dayun. As she picked at the dishes, the hearty laughter and spirited conversation from the men's side carried over, drawing glances from the young women.
He Linglong's true intent for the Chrysanthemum Garden Party was gradually becoming clear to Jiang. It was, essentially, an elaborate matchmaking event. The Grand Princess hoped her third brother, He Congjun, might take a liking to one of the young ladies. Whether for a wife or a concubine, she wished for someone warm and caring to accompany him, particularly given his likely return to the harsh borderlands soon.
Jiang Huaiyu couldn't help but observe He Congjun's frosty demeanor as he sat amidst the throng of young men, exuding an air of detached indifference. A small smile tugged at her lips. He must be absolutely thrilled about this "large-scale blind date."
He Jinyu, who had grown bored of the carefully curated dishes, tossed her chopsticks aside with a light huff. "Why is everything the same flavor? Don't they have anything more novel?"
Jiang Huaiyu remained silent, simply smiling in response.
Not one to be ignored, He Jinyu turned to her with an eager expression. "Jiang, can I come to your place after the banquet to try those crabs?"
Jiang felt like she was dealing with a particularly insistent child. Helpless, she said, "I only just had the idea. If you truly want to try them, tomorrow would be better. For now, why not give this chrysanthemum shrimp dish a try? It's quite good."
"Oh, fine. Then I'll come to your house tomorrow!" He Jinyu's excitement returned in an instant, her straightforward enthusiasm as unapologetic as ever.
"Of course, you're always welcome," Jiang replied with a soft chuckle. She found He Jinyu's candid nature refreshing. Unlike others who maintained stiff formalities around her, He Jinyu was honest and unpretentious, making her surprisingly enjoyable company.
After only sampling the dishes, most guests stopped eating. Banquets like this were more about appearances than appetite. While the men and women's sections had no direct interaction, both sides were quietly observing one another. Many would follow up discreetly after the event to pursue potential matches.
He Linglong was less concerned with the other guests and more focused on her third brother's reaction. She sighed inwardly, hoping this gathering might soften his unyielding nature.
When He Linglong eventually rose and suggested a break to admire the chrysanthemums further, Jiang intended to escape for a peaceful stroll. However, He Jinyu grabbed her hand and dragged her along, insisting they accompany He Linglong to the inner hall.
"After we've seen my brother, we'll leave together. I'll show you the way around," He Jinyu said with casual familiarity.
Resigned, Jiang nodded. The inner hall was far more luxurious than the rest of the garden. A round table carved from red sandalwood was topped with a jade surface, its cool, smooth texture pleasing to the touch.
As they settled in, He Congjun entered, his striking presence filling the room. Jiang immediately averted her gaze, focusing instead on the intricate jade patterns on the table, doing her best to remain unnoticed.
"Where is the Crown Prince?" He Linglong asked, her brow furrowing.
Before He Congjun could respond, He Jinyu quipped with a sly grin, "Do you even need to ask? He's probably off checking on his 'injured beauty.'"
"Jinyu, mind your words," He Linglong scolded gently, though her tone lacked force.
Jiang continued to pretend she was invisible, feeling the tension in the room as the siblings' fractured relationships played out in front of her. Despite her discomfort, she couldn't help but notice how carefully He Congjun avoided looking her way, clearly aware of her identity but unwilling to acknowledge it openly.
"Royal Sister, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," He Congjun said, his voice low and steady.
He Linglong sighed, her concern evident. "Of all the fine ladies present today, is there truly no one who catches your eye?"
"None," he replied bluntly.
"How can that be?" she pressed, exasperated.
He Congjun remained unmoved. "I have matters to attend to at the estate. If you'll excuse me."
With that, he turned and left, his long strides quickly carrying him out of the hall.
"Well, he hasn't changed," He Jinyu remarked with a laugh, pushing a plate of candied fruits toward Jiang. "Here, try these."
He Linglong shook her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. "If he weren't so stubborn, I wouldn't need to meddle."
Turning to Jiang, she added with a hint of regret, "What a shame you already have a child, Madam Jiang."
Jiang nearly choked on the fruit, barely managing to compose herself. Now she understood why He Linglong had allowed her to attend the gathering. Still, she figured it was better for others to assume she was married—it spared her from endless matchmaking attempts.
Realizing her slip, He Linglong quickly changed the subject. "Jinyu mentioned visiting your house tomorrow. Don't let her take advantage of your hospitality too much."
Jinyu pouted playfully. "How could Jiang ever find me a bother?"
Jiang smiled warmly. "Meeting someone like Her Highness is a rare pleasure."
Though many enjoyed food, few were as open and unpretentious as He Jinyu. Jiang appreciated the princess's authenticity, finding it a stark contrast to the societal expectations that often stifled women's true selves.
As the conversation turned to Jiang's soap-making and other innovations, Jinyu's admiration for her only grew.
"You're incredible, Jiang. I've never met anyone like you before," Jinyu declared, her excitement genuine.
"Alright," He Linglong interrupted with a chuckle. "Jiang has a long journey home. Let her rest and prepare for your visit tomorrow."
"I'll escort you!" Jinyu offered enthusiastically.
Though grateful for the gesture, Jiang politely declined, maintaining her usual decorum.
As Jiang left the hall and made her way outside, the stares of onlookers followed her. Accompanied by He Jinyu, she was keenly aware of the attention they drew.
Finally reaching the carriage, Jinyu insisted she ride with her instead. "My carriage is faster. Let your driver follow behind."
Reluctantly, Jiang agreed, sending Xiaocao back in the other carriage.
Inside the luxurious, fragrant carriage, He Jinyu watched Jiang with unabashed curiosity. Her candid gaze made Jiang feel as though she were facing an inquisitive puppy.
"I envy you, Jiang," Jinyu said suddenly, her tone wistful.
"Envy my freedom?" Jiang guessed, smiling softly.
Jinyu nodded earnestly. "You're so free, and you're amazing at what you do. I can't wait to visit your house tomorrow and try those crabs."
Jiang chuckled. "Don't worry. You'll get to try them."
As the carriage rolled on, Jiang realized that He Jinyu's admiration stemmed from something deeper than simple interest in her food. The princess, sheltered by privilege, yearned for the freedom to live as Jiang did—unconstrained and true to herself. For all her spirited independence, He Jinyu still walked a path dictated by the palace's invisible rules.