Chapter 477: House Fight Turns into Thriller 16
This news caused a great uproar in the palace. Princess Jing'an was the emperor's favorite daughter, and her flower-viewing banquet naturally attracted countless people's attention. It was undoubtedly a great honor to be invited to attend.
But the concubine of Liu Houfu had other plans. She looked at the invitation in her hand and sneered. Although her daughter Liu Ruyan was beautiful, she was willful and capricious, and she was never favored by Liu Hou. This flower viewing banquet was a good opportunity for her to fight for her daughter's status. But the concubine didn't want Liu Hui to go, she was worried that Liu Hui would steal her daughter's limelight.
So, the aunt came up with a plan to make Liu Hui sick at home and unable to attend the flower viewing banquet. She secretly tampered with Liu Hui's diet, and sure enough, Liu Hui fell ill the next day, lying in bed, pale and listless.
"Hui'er, why are you so careless? How did you get sick?" The aunt sat beside the bed, pretending to be concerned, but there was a smug gleam in her eyes.
Liu Hui looked at her aunt and understood a little. Although she was weak, she was still conscious: "Aunt, I know you did it. But why did you do it? I just wanted to attend the flower viewing banquet."
The aunt sighed and said earnestly, "Hui'er, this is for your own good. Look at you in this state, how can you go to the flower viewing banquet? You should have a good rest. When you recover, the aunt will find a better opportunity for you."
Liu Hui knew that her aunt's words were unbelievable, but she was too weak to refute. She could only lie on the bed and watch her aunt hand over the opportunity to attend the flower viewing banquet to Liu Ruyan.
When Liu Ruyan learned that she could attend the flower viewing banquet in place of Liu Hui, she was so happy that she almost jumped up. She immediately began to prepare, choosing the most gorgeous clothes and the most exquisite jewelry, and even specially studied etiquette for a few days, hoping to shine at the flower viewing banquet.
Liu Hui could only lie on the bed, listening to the laughter and joy coming from outside, feeling lost and helpless. But she did not give up, she believed that one day, she would uncover all the mysteries and seek justice for herself.
The night before Liu Ruyan was about to leave, Liu Hui's condition suddenly improved. She felt much more relaxed and her spirits were restored. She knew that the effect of her aunt's medicine had worn off, and it was her chance to fight back.
She quietly got up, put on her clothes, and walked out of the room. She came to the outside of her aunt's room and heard the conversation between her aunt and Liu Ruyan.
"Aunt, can I really go to the flower-viewing banquet? I won't embarrass you, right?" There was a hint of uncertainty in Liu Ruyan's voice.
The aunt smiled and patted her hands: "Don't worry, Ruyan, you are so beautiful and have learned etiquette for so many days, you will definitely not embarrass yourself. Besides, there are many children of princes and nobles at this flower viewing banquet, you must seize the opportunity."
After hearing this, Liu Hui became more determined to expose her aunt's plan. She decided to secretly attend the flower viewing banquet to thwart her aunt and Liu Ruyan's plan.
Liu Hui took advantage of the cover of night and tiptoed through the path in the mansion, heading for the back door. She was nervous and expectant, knowing that she might encounter many unknown challenges, but she also knew that this was her only chance to prove herself and expose her aunt's conspiracy.
The night breeze blew by, bringing a hint of coolness, but it also blew away some of her uneasiness. She went out the back door smoothly, and walked quickly towards the princess's mansion in the faint moonlight.
The next morning, the princess's mansion was already bustling with activity. Flowers of all colors competed for beauty, butterflies fluttered, and the fragrance filled the air. Guests arrived one after another, and the mansion was busy. Princess Jing'an, wearing a gorgeous palace dress and smiling, shuttled among the guests, showing her royal demeanor.
"The princess is becoming more and more beautiful." A middle-aged woman in a brocade robe praised.
Princess Jing'an smiled slightly and said politely, "Madam, thank you for the compliment. It is my honor to have your presence today."
Among the women in the backyard, Liu Ruyan, wearing a lavender dress and exquisite pearls on her head, stood out. She looked shy and whispered to the women around her from time to time, trying to fit in with this circle.
"This must be Miss Ruyan from Marquis Liu's Mansion, right? It's true that hearing about her is worse than meeting her in person. She is truly as beautiful as a flower." said a noble lady in gorgeous clothes.
Liu Ruyan said modestly: "Madam, you are too kind. Ruyan is just a humble person, how can I dare to be praised like this."
The noble lady smiled and said, "Miss Liu, you are too modest. Look at all the flowers in this garden. They are not half as beautiful as you."
Liu Ruyan smiled smugly when she heard this. She thought to herself that she must be the center of attention at this flower viewing banquet, so that everyone would know that the Liu Marquis Mansion had a daughter like her who was both talented and beautiful.
Just when Liu Ruyan was feeling proud, suddenly, a familiar figure came into her sight. She looked closely and found it was Liu Hui!
Liu Hui was wearing a simple plain dress, her hair was tied up in a bun, and she didn't wear any jewelry. But her pure and elegant temperament made her stand out from the crowd.
"Why is she here?" Liu Ruyan was shocked and the blood instantly disappeared from her face.
She turned to look at her aunt, only to see that her aunt was also stunned, with panic and anger flashing in her eyes.
"Aunt, why...why is she here?" Liu Ruyan asked in a low voice.
The aunt's face was gloomy, and she gritted her teeth and said, "This damn girl actually dared to ruin my good deeds!"
At this time, Princess Jing'an noticed Liu Hui's arrival. She smiled and went forward to greet her: "Is this the other young lady from Marquis Liu's mansion? She is so elegant and refined, and she is a pleasant sight to the eyes."
Liu Hui bowed slightly and said, "Princess, you are too kind. I was just walking around casually and didn't want to disturb you."
Princess Jing'an smiled and said, "That's fine. Today's flower viewing banquet is to let everyone relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the garden."
Liu Hui smiled and nodded, secretly feeling lucky. She knew that it was not easy for her to come here. But she also knew that the road ahead would be even more difficult.
She looked around and saw guests gathered in groups of three or five, some enjoying flowers and drinking tea, some chatting and laughing. She took a deep breath, mustered her courage, and began to try to blend into this circle.
"This lady looks unfamiliar. I wonder which family you are from?" asked a woman in gorgeous clothes.
Liu Hui smiled and replied, "I am Liu Hui from Liu Hou Mansion."
"Oh? So you are the young lady from Marquis Liu's mansion. I am so sorry for my disrespect." The woman said politely.
Liu Hui said modestly: "No, no, I'm new here, please give me your guidance."
Her words were gentle and appropriate, and soon won the favor of some guests. She was secretly happy in her heart, knowing that she had taken the first step towards success.