Chapter 4: Provocation

Liu Shunhua did indeed have designs on He Xuandu.

But these designs were more akin to admiration.

In her previous life, she was the elder sister in law, and he was the younger brother in law.

She could only keep him buried in her heart; whenever improper thoughts arose, she would unconsciously suppress them.

In this life, she was an ordinary maiden confined to the inner chambers, while he remained the lofty legitimate son of the Chancellor’s residence.

Even if they remained destined to be apart, she at least wanted to leave a favorable impression on He Xuandu.

Liu Shunhua gave a slight curtsy to He Xuandu. “Young master, I mistakenly identified someone yesterday and was truly discourteous. My friend has some difficulty walking, hence the offense caused.”

Her words were sincere, her demeanor appropriate nothing about her suggested frivolity.

Qiu Changlin couldn’t contain himself and burst into laughter.

The others joined in the uproarious laughter. “He Xuandu, so this is what you called persistent pestering? Hahaha!”

He Xuandu was taken aback, silently opening his feather fan and fanning himself incessantly, trying to ease his embarrassment.

Liu Shunhua felt her response had been proper and couldn’t understand why they suddenly laughed, looking at He Xuandu in confusion.

Feeling humiliated, He Xuandu hurriedly lowered his head, using the feather fan to cover his face.

“So this is Miss Liu. So you’re here.”

A clear voice rang out, accompanied by the tinkling of jade ornaments, as a group of noble young ladies emerged slowly from the peach grove.

The one leading them was exceptionally beautiful, standing out instantly in the crowd.

Liu Shunhua knew her all too well her former sister in law, the youngest daughter of the Chancellor’s residence, He Rongxuan.

Beside He Rongxuan was Li Shujun, the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Changling residence.

Li Shujun bowed to He Xuandu, who stood ahead. “Greetings, Second Young Master!”

He Rongxuan followed with deliberate slowness, “Greetings, Second Brother!”

Though her words were polite, she didn’t move an inch. He Rongxuan had never liked this second brother and couldn’t be bothered with even superficial courtesy.

He Xuandu moved his feather fan aside, glanced at He Rongxuan, then turned to the others. “The air here is too foul. Let’s go.”
Furious, He Rongxuan stepped forward, intending to confront He Xuandu.

Li Shujun grabbed her arm and shook her head.

After He Xuandu and his group had gone far away, He Rongxuan shook off Li Shujun’s grip. “Why did you stop me? I can’t stand his arrogant demeanor.”

Li Shujun smiled. “You’re siblings. Making a scene here would only make you a laughingstock. His character speaks for itself why bother explaining?”

He Rongxuan fumed, “What does he amount to? If not for Grandmother’s favor, who would pay him any mind? How dare he scorn me!”

Still unsatisfied, she randomly broke off a peach blossom branch and flung it violently to the ground.

Liu Shunhua sneered inwardly. What right did He Rongxuan have to comment on He Xuandu’s status?

Chancellor He Liushan had previously taken one wife and one concubine.

The official wife was Wan Shi, daughter of the former Minister of Ceremonies. The concubine was Cheng Shi, a merchant’s daughter he met during his humble student days in Chang’an.

After Wan Shi passed away, He Liushan elevated Cheng Shi to official wife.

He Xuandu was born to Wan Shi, while He Xuanhui and He Rongxuan were born to Cheng Shi.

By proper reckoning, He Xuandu was the true legitimate son of the Chancellor’s residence.

Both He Xuanhui and He Rongxuan were secondary, yet she had the audacity to speak so shamelessly.

Li Shujun smiled helplessly and turned to Liu Shunhua.

“Miss Liu, the servants reported earlier that you had entered the garden. I apologize for not greeting you properly and for any neglect.”

Seeing Li Shujun’s smiling face, gentle and humble demeanor, Liu Shunhua couldn’t help but feel a growing fondness for her.

She thought to herself, no wonder Li Shujun could get along with someone as difficult as He Rongxuan. With her gentle and tolerant nature, it was only natural that everyone would like her.

With a soft smile, she said, “You flatter me, Miss Li. I’m truly grateful for the Changling Marquis Manor’s kindness in allowing me to enter the garden to admire the flowers.”

He Rongxuan glanced briefly at Liu Shunhua with a condescending look of disdain in her eyes. Anyone who could associate with He Xuandu here surely wasn’t a respectable person.

Liu Shunhua merely gave her a slight nod before turning away.

Li Shujun observed their subtle exchange and said gently, “The other sisters are all at the Floating Cloud Pond ahead. Shall we join them?”

The group soon arrived at the Floating Cloud Pond.

As they reached the pond’s edge, a sudden breeze rustled through the trees, sending a flurry of crimson peach blossoms drifting down, covering everyone’s clothing.
Exclamations of wonder rose from the crowd, and even He Rongxuan couldn’t resist reaching out to catch the falling blossoms.

Liu Shunhua looked toward the pond, where dense clusters of red flowers floated on the water’s surface, drifting gently like rosy clouds.

“What a magnificent Floating Cloud Garden indeed.”

A familiar clear voice came from the shore. Liu Shunhua looked up and saw it was indeed He Xuandu.

Half hidden among the distant peach trees, he lay reclined on a moss covered stone scattered with fallen blossoms, a wine pot in one hand and one leg casually bent.

Ignoring the crowd’s gazes, he raised the wine pot and drank heartily.

He Rongxuan snorted softly, “Like a lingering ghost.”

As if he hadn’t seen her, He Xuandu waved to Li Shujun from afar, “Miss Li, this garden of yours is truly remarkable.”

Li Shujun smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

As the flower shower subsided, everyone began brushing the peach blossoms from their clothes, worried about stains on their dresses.

A noblewoman in a light yellow dress pointed at Liu Shunhua and laughed, “Look at her! Those blossoms in her hair complement her dress so perfectly more exquisite than any jeweled hairpin could ever be.”

“Indeed,” another sighed. “I shouldn’t have worn this rouge dress. Compared to the crimson peach blossoms here, it falls quite short.”

Before Liu Shunhua could respond, He Rongxuan spoke first, “Miss Liu’s attire is indeed unique, however…”

She paused as if hesitant, “I’ve been meaning to mention this earlier but didn’t get the chance. Since this is the Changling Marquis Manor’s banquet, Miss Liu’s choice of dress might show insufficient respect for our hosts.”

Liu Shunhua’s eyebrows lifted slightly. He Rongxuan was clearly implying she had deliberately dressed plainly to attract attention.

Sure enough, the women who had praised Liu Shunhua fell silent. Having received invitations from the Changling Marquis Manor, they had all carefully selected their dresses and accessories. Meanwhile, Miss Liu wore only a plain and elegant jade like dress with a simple hanging bun and no decorations truly different from the rest.

Having spent nearly three years with He Rongxuan in her previous life, Liu Shunhua understood her completely.

She had inherited her mother’s frivolous temperament always competing and striving to be superior.

Her sudden criticism now was simply because she felt displeased hearing others praise Liu Shunhua.

Liu Shunhua smiled faintly, “You worry too much, Miss He. The truth is, coming from a humble background with limited means, I don’t have much spare money for elaborate dressing. Naturally, I cannot compare to the elegance and refinement of you sisters.”
Her frank acknowledgment of her modest origins, delivered with sincere and unaffected composure, made the others nod in approval. When they looked at her again, their eyes held noticeably greater appreciation.