Because Nian Jiaojiao attracted almost all the attention, Shangguan Xi and Lou Lan were not hit with any sachets.
Only occasionally, some with poor aim above accidentally hit the two.
It was customary for unmarried men to throw sachets during the parade. Generally, those who were hit would not dodge. Kuai Shu Ge
At this time, Nian Jiaojiao was covered in various floral scents, like a maiden in bloom.
When the flower procession was halfway through, a sachet hit Nian Jiaojiao on the head.
Smelling a familiar and unique fragrance, Nian Jiaojiao looked up and precisely saw the person who threw the sachet.
The Eighth Prince—Yue Ran.
Beside him was another familiar figure—the Tenth Prince Yuan Xin.
Yue Ran saw Nian Jiaojiao look up at him and his foxy eyes curved.
Nian Jiaojiao also nodded towards him.
The flower procession did not stop and continued forward, soon leaving the position where the two princes had been behind.
…
In a private room of a teahouse.
The Tenth Prince lowered his head, making his expression unreadable.
The Eighth Prince frowned and said,
“Tenth Brother?”
Yuan Xin suddenly raised his head and said with a forced smile,
“When did Eighth Brother get to know the Zhuangyuan? Xin doesn't know.”
Among the princes about to marry, only the fathers of the Eighth and Tenth Princes held the rank of Consort. The fathers of most other princes were only Beauties.
This was why only these two princes had the means to leave the palace.
Yue Ran knew his tenth brother's intentions but had no intention of yielding, so he stated frankly,
“Tenth Brother, it’s a fair competition between us. Who the Zhuangyuan chooses is up to the Zhuangyuan herself.”
Yue Ran’s words caused a flash of darkness in Yuan Xin’s eyes.
He had been by Yue Ran's side just then, but she hadn't even glanced at him once…
Yuan Xin's fingers dug into his palm.
If only his Eighth Brother were as easily disposed of as his palace servants…
Yue Ran was unaware of his tenth brother's internal torment. Several guards outside walked in.
“Your Highnesses, the flower procession has completely passed this street. We should return to the palace.”
Yue Ran and Yuan Xin silently followed the guards downstairs and then each got into their respective carriages.
Inside the carriage.
Yuan Xin's vision was brighter than ever.
Eighth Brother, the final choice is not yet decided!
…
It took Nian Jiaojiao a full day to lead the flower procession through the inner city.
If she weren't a cultivator, she would have been seriously injured by the "impatient" men.
It was already dusk, and the flower procession had dispersed.
Only Nian Jiaojiao and Lou Lan remained at the scene.
Lou Lan cupped his fists towards Nian Jiaojiao and said,
“Zhuangyuan, let's gather again sometime.”
Nian Jiaojiao smiled and nodded.
Lou Lan rode away on his horse, leaving Nian Jiaojiao alone.
Once everyone had left, Nian Jiaojiao’s first instinct was to dismount quickly.
Maintaining the same posture for a whole day made her feel uncomfortable everywhere.
Finally her feet touched the ground, and Nian Jiaojiao hopped in place, stretching her body.
Passing young men stole glances at Nian Jiaojiao while covering their mouths and chuckling.
Those who accidentally met Nian Jiaojiao's gaze flushed with shyness.
Nian Jiaojiao touched her face.
Alas! Too attractive…
Just then, a group of maidservants approached Nian Jiaojiao.
The leading maidservant bowed respectfully to Nian Jiaojiao.
“Zhuangyuan, my family's head invites you to dine at our residence.”
Nian Jiaojiao looked puzzled.
“Which residence?”
“We are from the Cui Residence.”
Upon receiving the answer, Nian Jiaojiao was even more perplexed.
The head of the Cui family?
Her “original self” had not interacted with her.
Out of curiosity, Nian Jiaojiao followed them to the Cui Residence.
Is this a family banquet?
Nian Jiaojiao glanced at the head of the Cui family opposite her.
The head of the Cui family gave her a “kind and amiable” smile.
Nian Jiaojiao's mouth twitched. She then looked to her left.
Cui Tong shyly averted her eyes.
Then she looked to her right.
Cui Qingluo gave her a huge eye-roll.
Nian Jiaojiao: …
After forcing herself to eat a few bites, Nian Jiaojiao could no longer eat. She asked the head of the Cui family,
“May I ask why Lord Cui has summoned me?”
The head of the Cui family said,
“No rush, no rush. We don't discuss serious matters during meals. It's the family rule of the Cui family. After the meal, we will talk in the study.”
Nian Jiaojiao: “Uh… alright.”
…
The study.
The head of the Cui family said,
“What do you think of the Imperial Princesses in court?”
Nian Jiaojiao shook her head:
“I have only just finished the imperial examination and am not yet familiar with court matters. I dare not speak rashly.”
The head of the Cui family suddenly said, “It’s good that you haven’t taken sides.”
Afterward, she changed the topic and said,
“What do you think of my two sons?”
Nian Jiaojiao suddenly had an epiphany.
She wants me to be her daughter-in-law!
She had previously heard that the other party wanted Shangguan Xi to marry Cui Qingluo, so why had it changed?
But she quickly reacted.
Thinking about the “taking sides” issue she mentioned, it was likely because she knew Shangguan Xi had sided with Prince Ying.
And the Cui family, as a neutral family, had changed their mind temporarily and no longer wanted to form an alliance with the Shangguan family.
And she, as the Zhuangyuan who had outperformed Shangguan Xi this time, had become the preferred choice.
Nian Jiaojiao smiled wryly.
She and the Cui family were truly “destined”…
It was likely that the head of the Cui family didn't know that this was the second time she had tried to match someone with her…
Having figured it out, Nian Jiaojiao politely refused,
“Lord Cui, both young masters are naturally very outstanding, but…”
“But what?” the head of the Cui family pressed.
“But, neither of them is my type.”
Hearing this familiar answer, veins throbbed on the forehead of the head of the Cui family.
Why were her sons’ marriages so difficult…
…
It was completely dark, and lanterns were already hung at the entrance of the Cui Residence.
Nian Jiaojiao walked out of the Cui Residence and let out a long sigh.
She shook her head, forcing herself not to think about it, and then immediately walked briskly towards her own home.
As soon as she reached the street corner, she saw a group of people walking in her direction.
Perhaps she was being too sensitive, but Nian Jiaojiao darted away and disappeared into the darkness.
“Huh? Where did they go? I clearly saw the Zhuangyuan nearby just now.”
“The servants also seem to have seen someone, but where did they go?”
“This is bad. How will we report to the County King?”
“We’re so unlucky. We went to the Zhuangyuan’s house first, but who knew she would come to the Cui Residence?”
“What can we do? The County King and the young master have been waiting for a long time.”
“What else can we do? We’ll go back and report.”