Chapter 222: Chapter 222
It was already over an hour later when they returned to the front hall.
Having not seen each other for many days, the two young sisters had chatted so enthusiastically that the attendants behind them didn't dare interrupt, seeing how rarely the County Princess showed such happiness.
By the time the two arrived, the flower banquet in the main hall had already been underway for quite some time.
Groups of young noblewomen were gathered in twos and threes, accompanied by the melodious sounds of drums and zithers. From the crowd, occasional exclamations of admiration could be heard.
"Second Miss Yang has long been renowned for her talent, and seeing her today truly lives up to that reputation! This younger sister admits defeat today..."
The first to speak was a young girl dressed in pink attire—the legitimate second daughter of the Duke of Cheng'en's household, niece of the current Empress herself—Third Miss Huang, who was also famously talented in the capital and genuinely passionate about poetry and music.
For such a person to admit sincere admiration showed that Second Miss Yang truly stood out exceptionally today.
Even though their social statuses differed, truly talented individuals could still earn respect through their abilities, especially in the eyes of those who appreciated such arts.
Just like now, after rising and offering a respectful bow, Third Miss Huang laughed brightly, her face showing no trace of defeat or frustration. Instead, it was filled with the joy of meeting a kindred spirit.
After this episode, even if some high-born young ladies felt somewhat displeased inwardly, out of respect for the Empress's niece, their faces were all smiles at this moment.
This was exactly the scene that met An Ning's eyes when she arrived with her companion.
Among the crowd, Yang Yuan wore a smoke-green plain silk sleeve gown, her figure slender as she stood beside Third Miss Huang with a faint smile, holding a silk fan halfway. Graceful and elegant, she carried an unworldly charm. Even if her looks weren't the absolute finest, one glance could still leave people marveling.
To think it happened so much earlier than expected!
In the original body's memories, the winner should have been this Third Miss Huang.
Watching the two in the crowd who seemed like close sisters, An Ning couldn't help but glance curiously, while Mu Yang beside her cast a worried look in her direction.
An Ning gently tugged at the other's sleeve to indicate everything was fine.
"Don't worry, didn't I say earlier? Your third young lady has figured things out during this time—if I don't understand something, then so be it. Anyway, I'm just not cut out for that sort of thing!"
"Besides... I still have Yun Jia keeping me company anyway!"
Using the rockery in front of them as cover, An Ning playfully winked at the other girl. Such a beauty winking at her made County Princess Mu Yang's eyes immediately light up, her free hand even dramatically covering her chest:
"Wonderful! I've been saying all along, A-Ning, you should have thought this way sooner!"
"My mother always said—never mind what those people say, we just need to be happy. Personally, I think those people are clearly just jealous of how beautiful you are, A-Ning..."
"Actually, I think so too..." An Ning whispered.
After speaking, the two sisters looked at each other and both burst into laughter.
Seeing that her sister didn't seem to be forcing herself, Xie Yun Jia finally set her heart at ease. When she looked up again, she had returned to being that noble and precious "aloof" County Princess in everyone's eyes.
"Greetings to the County Princess!"
As the two approached, the gathered young ladies quickly rose to pay respects. Mu Yang merely nodded faintly, ignoring the various flattering comments as she directly pulled her little sister to their seats.
Though at this point, the banquet atmosphere was no longer as lively as before.
As everyone knew, the County Princess never particularly enjoyed these flowers and such gatherings. The number of times she would grace such events with her presence could be counted on one hand. Because of this, the Princess's residence rarely hosted this type of banquet.
Among the noble young women of the capital, who would lack such awareness? Knowing Her Highness didn't care for poetry and literature, their earlier activities naturally wouldn't do.
Soon, the eldest granddaughter of the Chancellor's household, First Miss Liu, was the first to stand and speak: "Perfect timing—we've been playing for quite a while now, everyone must be getting tired. Why don't we change to a different game!"
Finally, she looked up toward Mu Yang, who was whispering with An Ning nearby. When her gaze fell upon An Ning, a flash of admiration passed through her eyes before she quickly smiled again:
"What does the County Princess think?"
At the head seat, Mu Yang nodded indifferently.
There were only so many games young women could play in such settings. Within half an hour, the group had moved to another area and begun playing pitch-pot.
However, half an hour later...
Watching An Ning's almost perfect score of hitting every shot, even Mu Yang beside her couldn't help but widen her eyes in astonishment.
Although her little sister was usually quite accurate with her hands, this time she was simply too amazing!
Especially with the second arrow—just when it seemed it would barely miss, after a sudden gust of wind, everyone watched as the arrow perfectly landed back in the vessel.
This scene left not just the surrounding young noblewomen astonished, but even the Grand Princess, who occasionally glanced toward her precious daughter, momentarily stunned!
It was Mu Yang who, after a brief moment of shock, immediately happily grabbed her sister's hand.
"It's true, A-Ning! Your good luck has really returned!"
"That Guardian Temple monk really does have some skill after all......"
She shouldn't have called him a fraud or a bald donkey earlier.
Mu Yang couldn't help muttering quietly to herself.
The others nearby couldn't help but grow curious upon hearing this, their gazes turning toward An Ning. The same First Miss Liu from earlier was the first to speak, her eyes lingering on An Ning's face with reluctant admiration:
"Younger Sister Yang, may I ask which monk it was who's so remarkable? And this matter about returned luck..."
Though asking this might seem somewhat intrusive, human curiosity knows no bounds—especially when it comes to something as mysterious as luck and fortune.
"Well, actually it's quite simple."
An Ning had always been straightforward and generous, and now she didn't avoid the topic either, quickly pulling out a jade pendant about the size of a baby's palm from the small blue pouch she carried, engraved with intricate patterns:
"It was just a few days ago when I went to Guardian Temple to offer incense with my mother. I happened to encounter Monk Wu Xiang in the back mountains.
The master truly lives up to being a master—he could tell at a glance that my luck seemed to have inexplicably disappeared these past two years..."
Mu Yang beside her was the first to nod in confirmation: "Isn't that right! A-Ning, do you remember when we were kids playing string games? I'd lose nine times out of ten, if not more..."
It was only these past two years that she'd inexplicably started winning more often.
It was just games, so initially Mu Yang hadn't paid much attention. But thinking about it now, her little sister really had been incredibly unlucky these past two years!
Some time ago, "accidentally" overhearing her unfortunate brother's careless remarks was one thing, but then feeling down and actually falling into the water on the way back...
And even earlier, counting carefully, her sister indeed had more unhappy moments these past two years. She originally thought it was because of those two wretched older sisters at home bullying her.
But thinking about it now—however innocent and carefree she might be—as a member of the royal family, County Princess Mu Yang immediately began considering conspiracy theories...
Subconsciously, Yun Jia reached under the table and tightly grasped her little sister's warm hand.