C15 Blame

Chi Rongyan really didn't want to attend this so-called garden party. After all, it was clearly a trap set by Chi Meng'er. There was nothing in it for her, so why bother going?

Seeing Rongyan's lack of enthusiasm, Meng'er worried her plan might fail. She quickly added, "I heard your fiancé, the young master of the Chu family, will be there too. You haven't seen him since you were three, right?"

Rongyan still wasn't interested. Her nanny, noticing her reaction and recalling how the young master of the Chu family had insisted on breaking off the engagement with the Third Miss, chimed in, "It's freezing outside. If you don't want to go, you shouldn't. It's not a big event anyway, and the top prize is just a snow lotus—not something a young lady would typically fancy."

Snow lotus?

Rongyan's eyes lit up. Her Spirit Spring space was filled with various herbs, but snow lotus was something that had become extinct in her previous life. She had searched for it extensively without success.

Recently, she even visited herbal shops and shamelessly scoured the royal warehouse, but found nothing. This showed just how rare snow lotus was.

Who would have thought this garden party would have snow lotus? It was like finding treasure without even trying!

Rongyan was thrilled. Seeing her nanny still trying to give her an excuse to skip the event, she quickly shook her head and looked at her nanny, ready to speak.

"Nanny, my sister sincerely invited me. How can I not go? Besides, if I can win the top prize, I can present that snow lotus as a birthday gift for Grandma."

The Spirit Spring cultivates herbs quickly, so when the time comes, she can give one to the old lady, fulfilling her duty to the original owner.

Seeing that Rongyan seemed inclined to go with her, Meng'er quickly chimed in, "Yes, Nanny, I genuinely want to apologize to my sister this time. I was immature before, but now I've realized my mistakes."

Though she spoke these words, Meng'er felt nothing but disdain inside. Did Rongyan really think she could win the top prize? She should take a good look at herself!

But... Rongyan foolishly said it herself. So, if Rongyan embarrasses herself trying to win the top prize tomorrow, it won't be Meng'er's fault.

Thinking of this, Meng'er's smile widened. However, the calculation and excitement in her eyes were clear to Rongyan.

Rongyan didn't care. She was ready for whatever came her way. If Meng'er dared to provoke her, she wouldn't hesitate to let Meng'er face the consequences.

...

The next morning, Rongyan got up early. Although she didn't know the specifics of the garden party, she figured it was a place where many young ladies would compete openly and secretly. She decided not to get involved in their showy contests.

Dressed in a simple outfit and wearing an understated white jade accessory, Chi Rongyan applied just a touch of lip color before wrapping herself in a cloak and leaving the courtyard. At thirteen, she was at the peak of youthful beauty, with naturally radiant skin that needed no makeup to enhance it. A hint of lip color was enough to ensure she represented the Duke Mansion well.

Carrying a hand warmer, Chi Meng'er was already waiting at the courtyard gate for Chi Rongyan. The moment she saw Rongyan, Meng'er's eyes first filled with admiration, quickly followed by jealousy. Despite her own elaborate preparations—wearing an expensive dress and the finest jewelry, and having her hair and makeup done by a former palace nanny—Meng'er's efforts seemed to fall flat next to Rongyan's effortless grace.