Clouds and Moon Shadow

Chapter 306 Jealousy from the First Glance

Gu Qingyue and Wei Shi, who were eating quietly nearby, were naturally unaware of Liu Shi's resentment.

It doesn't matter if they know, since Liu's hostility towards the second branch of the family has long been written all over her face.

After breakfast, the group, accompanied by their maids and servants, went to the Spring Viewing Garden.

Today's spring appreciation banquet is held in the center of the Spring Appreciation Garden, a spacious area surrounded by three pavilions.

The royal princesses and princes were naturally arranged on the second floor of these pavilions, where they could enjoy the view and also get a clear view of the noblemen and ladies below.

But Gu Qingyue and the others did not receive this preferential treatment.

Today, men and women are seated together at the same table, only separated by left and right sides.

The central stage remains a large circular stage, with the main and guest seating areas facing each other in an arc shape.

When Gu Qingyue arrived, many men and women had already arrived, and all the elders who hadn't come to see the talent show yesterday were also present today.

Today, at the main table, there is not only Princess Pei, but also an elderly man with white hair and beard, who is in good spirits. Isn't that the same Lin Shanzhang we met at Tiger Peak Village last time?

Besides the two, there is also Princess Mu Qingfeng, the mother of Princess Chaoyue.

And a young man whose background Gu Qingyue couldn't discern. He appeared gentle and refined, yet his every move exuded a dashing and otherworldly elegance, along with a touch of scholarly aloofness and untamed spirit.

Looking at Lin Shanzhang's otherworldly and dignified appearance, Gu Qingyue's lips twitched. She had a feeling that her fourth brother's tutor was no pushover.

Before Gu Qingyue even reached the seating area of ​​the Duke's mansion, she saw Cui Jiaojiao pulling Mei Xiaoyuan, Zhao Yunnan, and Zhang Yuying as they ran over.

The four looked at Gu Qingyue with worried expressions, which left Gu Qingyue feeling completely bewildered.

"Sister-in-law, I'm coming over for a bit," Gu Qingyue turned to greet Wei Shi, then immediately ran over to meet the four of them.

“Qingyue, you…” Cui Jiaojiao took Gu Qingyue’s hand, hesitating to speak.

"What's wrong? You look so bitter and resentful?"

“Sister Qingyue,” Zhao Yunnan said worriedly, “Princess Chaoyue’s mother has arrived.”

Gu Qingyue understood. Was she afraid of retaliation? Heh, would she be afraid?

"It's alright, don't worry, she won't kill me," Gu Qingyue said nonchalantly, but still patted the others' hands gratefully.

Mei Xiaoyuan nodded: "In short, be careful and avoid her if you can. After all, she is the eldest princess."

"Hmm, don't worry. Oh, by the way, what's the program for today?" Gu Qingyue was quite curious, because the program for the second day of the Spring Festival banquet was different every year, and Wei Shi didn't know much about it either.

"Miss Gu wants to know today's program? I know," Zhao Lingyun's voice suddenly rang out from behind.

When Gu Qingyue and the other three turned around, they found that Zhao Lingyun was dressed extremely elegantly today. As expected of the eldest daughter of the Zhao family, her demeanor was so imposing that if she didn't speak, people might mistake her for a noblewoman from the palace.

Gu Qingyue raised an eyebrow. "Oh, then thank you, Miss Zhao."

A barely perceptible hint of disdain flashed in Zhao Lingyun's eyes, then she said warmly, "Third Miss, you're too kind. Today, not only are there noble ladies and gentlemen from various families, but also royal princesses and princes. Naturally, there are also great scholars like Headmaster Lin, and even—" Zhao Lingyun deliberately kept everyone in suspense, and seeing that everyone was looking at her, she puffed out her chest with enjoyment, "The Third Prince and Princess of Nanzhao Kingdom have also arrived."

"Is this related to today's program?" Gu Qingyue asked, amused, as she watched her trying so hard to impress.

"Naturally, all the guests are people of high status, so those programs that are not suitable for formal occasions cannot be performed. I heard that there will be a winding stream party, poetry and song competitions, and contests of music, chess, calligraphy and painting. In the end, the ten most talented women and men in the capital will be selected. I heard that Princess An and the Eldest Princess will give generous rewards at that time."

After saying that, he gave Gu Qingyue a meaningful look, "I wonder what talent Miss Gu will have at that time? I'm really looking forward to it!"

Gu Qingyue smiled and asked, "What talent will Miss Zhao showcase?"

Zhao Lingyun suddenly choked, and the people standing behind Gu Qingyue suppressed their laughter and stared at Zhao Lingyun.

Zhao Lingyun suppressed her anger and said after a moment, "Naturally, it's my daughter's specialty. What about you, Miss Gu?"

"It's a secret," Gu Qingyue said with an innocent smile.

Zhao Lingyun was angry, but she didn't dare to show it in front of Gu Qingyue.

She still remembered the instructions her family gave her when she came.

Her mother advised her to try to befriend the young lady of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, which made her very resentful!

She's just a country bumpkin, what's so great about befriending her?

From the first moment she saw Miss Gu, she felt an unconscious dislike for her. She didn't know why, but this woman's face made people feel very uncomfortable just by looking at her.

Of course, Zhao Lingyun would not admit that she was jealous of Gu Qingyue's beauty from the very first glance!

She was jealous of everyone who was more beautiful than her!

As for the others, even if they are beautiful, they are no better than me.

But this Gu Qingyue is stunningly beautiful.

Whenever she sees her, she can't help but fantasize about how to destroy that face.

Zhao Lingyun gave a slight bow, "Then I wish Miss Gu a resounding victory."

Gu Qingyue smiled and waved her hand.

Watching Zhao Lingyun lead the young ladies away, Gu Qingyue turned around and asked, "What were you laughing about just now?"

Mei Xiaoyuan said, "Zhao Lingyun is very concerned about her image, but she is mediocre in music, chess, calligraphy and painting. Last year, in order to get the attention of Prince Zhang, she even had someone else paint her portrait, hoping to win the title of the most talented woman. However, she was exposed and became a laughing stock at the Spring Festival Banquet. I wonder what she will do this year?"

Hearing this, Zhang Yuying looked at Zhao Lingyun's back with a hint of sarcasm, "So that's how it is. No wonder my brother looked unhappy when he came home last year."

Gu Qingyue looked thoughtfully at the young ladies in the distance, dressed in their finest attire and chatting in small groups.

She wondered to herself, what use is the title of the most talented woman in the capital? For matchmaking?

Indeed, in this era, the only opportunity for women to showcase themselves to the outside world was through their talents in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, right?

Who says that in ancient times, women were required to be virtuous if they were not talented?

Daughters of powerful and wealthy families, especially legitimate daughters, are all well-versed in literature and arts from a young age. They even learn how to manage household affairs and finances.

Unless one aspires to be a concubine, which noblewoman doesn't aim to become the matriarch of the household?

The spring banquet was still a quarter of an hour away from starting, so Gu Qingyue said goodbye to Cui Jiaojiao and the others and prepared to go across the street to talk to her three older brothers.

Before they even got there, a little maid blocked their way.

"Excuse me, are you the third young lady of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion?" the maid asked respectfully.

Gu Qingyue nodded. Jiang Wan and Zhu Qing behind her looked at the little maid warily. Jiang Wan had already quietly stood next to Gu Qingyue, ready to take action if things went wrong.

Gu Qingyue raised her hand to gesture for them to step back before saying, "That's right, what is it?"

The maidservant bowed respectfully and said, "My master would like to invite the Third Miss upstairs for a chat. Please."

Gu Qingyue looked at the little maid in front of her with curiosity, without saying a word or moving.

Zhu Qing stepped forward from behind and asked with a stern face, "Who is your master? It's rather impolite of you to come and invite my young lady without introducing yourself!"

The maid wasn't annoyed. She paused, then curtsied again. "My mistress is Princess Lianfu. Please."