Who would put a green hat on themselves? - Chapter 6

In the spring, the most renowned Bobi Ya Pavilion in Shengjing hosted a feast called “A Flowing Feast Along the Winding Stream.”

The spring breeze gently brushed the willows, their branches sweeping across the water, creating ripples. The surface of the water was adorned with petals of spring flowers, vibrant and colorful, drifting along the garden and bringing the lively spirit of spring.

Wine cups floated along the stream, and whoever they stopped in front of was required to compose a poem on the spot. The theme of the poetry had already been drawn by the Grand Princess, and it was “spring cherry blossoms.” Words of praise for the spring flowers were passed among the guests, carried by the willow breeze, swept into the flowing water, and spread to the heavens, enhancing the beauty of spring.

If someone failed to compose a poem, they would have to drink three cups as a penalty.

Many young ladies, their cheeks flushed from drinking, had eyes that sparkled, appearing even more charming than the spring cherry blossoms.

By the water’s edge, men and women mingled, laughing and chatting, their poetic voices blending with the atmosphere of spring.

This banquet was hosted by Grand Princess Hui Heming of Huiguo. Young men and women were separated by the stream—on one side were dashing young men in splendid attire, and on the other, shy young girls hiding behind round fans.

In Huiguo, the culture was liberal, and young men and women around thirteen or fourteen years old would start looking for potential matches. Such banquets were the best opportunities for the children of officials to find a good match.

Grand Princess Hui Heming was the elder sister of the current emperor, five years older than him. Back when Huiguo was defeated in war, the Grand Princess sacrificed herself for the nation, journeying to the northern lands to marry the fierce Tartar King.

It wasn’t until the current emperor successfully claimed the throne that Huiguo finally won a victory, and the Tartar King ceded territory, paid reparations in cattle and sheep, and also surrendered his Tartar queen.

The emperor successfully brought his sister, Hui Heming, back, bestowing upon her the title of Protector of the Nation, Grand Princess, and granting her the fief of Xianyang. She was also known as the Protector Princess of Xianyang, receiving the highest honors ever bestowed upon a princess in Huiguo’s history.

The title “Protector of the Nation” highlighted her contributions to the country.

It was said that the emperor held a deep respect for his elder sister, and the Grand Princess’s status rose accordingly. It was no exaggeration to call her the most esteemed woman in Huiguo.

The emperor’s devotion to his sister was evident from the moment she returned; he punished those who had slandered her chastity and even commissioned scholars to write stories and ballads about Hui Heming’s sacrifices for the nation, having beggars sing them and storytellers spread them. In her honor, he also pardoned the nation and opened soup kitchens under her name.

Due to the Grand Princess’s exalted status, many sought to curry favor with her, and receiving an invitation from Hui Heming was a source of pride among the noble families in the capital.

In the Rain Pavilion, a woman of unparalleled beauty was dressed in a gown embroidered with national peonies in luxurious silk, adorned with gold and silver threads. Her twelve-panel flowing skirt featured lifelike peacock patterns. Her chest was bound high, and her waist was cinched with a golden sash. Her hair was styled in an elegant bun, adorned with a golden phoenix hairpin.

This woman was none other than Grand Princess Hui Heming. Though known for her eccentricity and aloofness, she was now speaking to Yun Yue, a girl dressed in a delicate pink palace robe, who looked as refined as a porcelain doll. “Yue’er, don’t just hide here being lazy. Those young lords are all waiting to talk to you!”

“My godmother knows I’m not good at poetry, so I won’t join the crowd,” replied the young girl with downcast eyes. Upon closer inspection, one would see that her eyebrows and eyes were as beautifully painted as a picture. Especially her lively eyes, which resembled willows after a spring rain—soft yet resilient, filled with poetic charm, and carrying a touch of earthly warmth.

“Yue’er may not be good at poetry, but she’s certainly good at drinking—such a little wine lover,” the Grand Princess teased with a pampering tone, gently tapping Yun Yue’s forehead with her slender fingers.

“If I’m to drink, it should be with my godmother!” Yun Yue smiled, her smile lively and sweet, like freshly opened Shen-brewed wine, intoxicating with her unique charm.

Just meeting her gaze could make one unconsciously lose themselves in that beauty. But her beauty didn’t stop at her eyes. Her porcelain-white face was perfectly proportioned with delicate features, like the finest porcelain inlaid with top-quality gems. Her high nose was as if sculpted from white jade, and her lips, a natural shade of red, were slightly upturned, carrying a faint smile.

Who would have guessed that this girl, as gentle as a landscape painting, lacked the corresponding depth of knowledge? Her understanding of poetry and literature was just average.

It was understandable, considering her tragic early life. Before the age of ten, she had grown up in a government-run brothel.

Fortunately, when the current emperor ascended the throne, Yun Yue’s maternal family was exonerated, and her mother was granted marriage to Prince Yun by the emperor. After the marriage, Yun Yue’s mother found happiness, and Prince Yun, who cherished his wife, also showed great affection for Yun Yue, despite her not being his biological daughter.

Yun Yue was not only beautiful and kind-hearted but also had a pitiful background, which particularly endeared her to the Grand Princess.

It was rumored that Hui Heming’s empathy for Yun Yue stemmed from her own experience of being married off to the northern lands, where she had to bear children for three different men—father and sons, and brothers. This made her particularly sympathetic toward Yun Yue, who was born to a courtesan.

Those who had spread such rumors were long buried, with grass growing over their graves taller than Yun Yue. Hence, more people believed that Yun Yue bore a striking resemblance to the Grand Princess in her youth, which was why the Grand Princess favored her so much, adopting her as a goddaughter to elevate her status.

Whether true or false, it was like seeing flowers through a mist—uncertain. But what could be confirmed was the Grand Princess’s unique affection for Yun Yue.