C16 Unlucky

Chi Meng'er always considered herself exceptionally beautiful, believing there were few in the entire city who could rival her looks. Just a few days ago, she overheard her mother mentioning that the young master of the Chu family had come to the Duke Mansion to break off his engagement with Chi Rongyan, all for the chance to marry her.

If she weren't beautiful, why would the Chu family's young master go to such lengths?

Yet today, she found herself overshadowed by Chi Rongyan, the country girl who had just returned from the countryside.

Clutching her handkerchief tightly, Meng'er could only console herself with the thought that soon enough, Rongyan would embarrass herself. So what if Rongyan was pretty? She was still a girl who grew up in the countryside. How many words could she know, and how much could she have learned about music, chess, calligraphy, and painting? In the city, Rongyan would struggle to get by.

Rongyan noticed Meng'er gripping her handkerchief in silence and could guess what she was thinking. However, she chose not to say much, simply smiling as she spoke, "Sister, let's go."

Hearing Rongyan call her, Meng'er snapped back to reality and headed toward the entrance.

The matriarch stood in the main hall, watching Rongyan's departing figure with a sense of unease. Eventually, she sighed and turned to her nanny.

"Prepare the carriage. Change into my clothes and make a trip to the temple outside the city. I'll take this opportunity to visit the Jade Pavilion pawnshop and settle the matter in advance."

She initially planned to wait until the winter solstice when there would be more people around. But now, it seemed she couldn't delay any longer.

"But..."

"I know what I'm doing."

...

Meanwhile, the carriage carrying Chi Rongyan and Chi Meng'er arrived at a grove of plum trees in the capital. It was the peak of the plum blossom season, and last night's snow had gently blanketed the branches, slightly covering the deep red petals, highlighting the blossoms' purity.

Chi Meng'er was the first to step out of the carriage. As soon as she did, several young ladies of similar age gathered around her, escorting her deeper into the grove.

The nanny noticed that Chi Meng'er had no intention of waiting for Chi Rongyan and couldn't help but frown. Seeing this, Chi Rongyan smiled and shook her head, saying, "I prefer the peace and quiet. Don't worry, Nanny."

The nanny was nearly moved to tears by Chi Rongyan's understanding nature. Her poor Third Miss, who should have grown up cherished and adored, had been lost by a twist of fate. Now that she was finally found, she still remained so cautious. She resolved to report this to the matriarch.

Unaware of the nanny's thoughts, Chi Rongyan followed in the direction of Chi Meng'er and soon heard the sounds of conversation and laughter coming from deeper within the grove.

The fair must be happening right around here.

Chi Meng'er handed the invitation she received to the person at the entrance, who immediately welcomed her in with respect.

Once inside, Chi Rongyan found a quiet spot to sit down, ready to take a breather. Suddenly, she noticed a striking splash of pink in the snow.

"Meng'er, didn't you say your sister was coming today? Where is she?"

"We came in together just a moment ago, but somehow... Ruoruo, wait here for me. I'll go find her right away."

Chi Meng'er put on a deliberately frustrated look, and the girls who usually flattered her chimed in with their own comments.

"She's never been to a place like this before, running off like that. What if she offends someone..."

"They're both from the Duke Mansion, yet they're so different."

"Poor Meng'er, having such a sister..."