Chapter 16: Dragon Boat Festival

Shi Yuning had originally thought that making a small sachet would be a simple task.

In the end, it took her a full seven days!

Not a single one of her ten fingers escaped unscathed—every one was pricked full of holes.

During the day, Shi Yuning had to dodge Xiao Liuer and the other maids, lest word of her project reach her mother’s ears.

With Tu Chunhua’s penchant for excitement, she would undoubtedly pester her with questions about who it was for and offer endless guidance on how to make it properly.

In the end, just like all the previous times, her mother would surely disdain her handiwork and insist on doing it herself.

This was meant to be a thank-you gift for Xie Zhaoran, so Shi Yuning was determined to make it with her own hands to show her sincerity.

And since it was for Xie Zhaoran, Shi Yuning also had to avoid the woman who had a habit of appearing out of nowhere in the evenings.

These past few days, her mother had forbidden her from going out, so Shi Yuning spent her days obediently at home—never dreaming that come nightfall, she and Xie Zhaoran would be sneaking over the wall for some fun.

They didn’t do much, though. Xie Zhaoran seemed quite busy lately and generally just came by for a late-night snack.

She hadn’t gotten roaring drunk like last time, either.

As for that incident, Shi Yuning could only remember the two of them beating up Prince Yu, followed by drinks on the rooftop.

Everything after that was a blank. When she asked Xie Zhaoran about it, the woman simply told her to remember it herself.

Since Shi Yuning couldn’t recall, she stopped trying. It probably wasn’t anything important anyway.

These past few days, she had been busy with the sachet. If it had been for herself, she probably would have gone with the simplest design and just stuffed it with fragrance materials.

But since it was for Xie Zhaoran, it couldn’t be too plain. Shi Yuning had never embroidered flowers before—this was her first time attempting it, like a young bride riding to her wedding in a sedan chair.

Her initial attempts came out utterly hideous.

After ripping out and redoing it countless times, she finally managed something barely presentable.

Shi Yuning gazed at the sachet in her hands, embroidered with crabapple blossoms, relieved that she had finished it just before the Dragon Boat Festival. Thanks to the custom, she could give it to Xie Zhaoran to ward off mosquitoes, bugs, and bad luck—whatever she wanted.

The fifth day of the fifth month dawned clear.

The blazing sun hung high, sending waves of shimmering heat rising into the air, though a faint breeze occasionally brought some relief.

In Great Ye, the Dragon Boat Festival was a major holiday, with the palace hosting a grand banquet every year.

The festivities included boat races on the water.

This year’s banquet was set in Jinan Garden, which featured a large man-made lake called Siyu Lake.

When Shi Yuning arrived, she saw young nobles clad in colorful finery gathered in groups along both shores of Siyu Lake. They rubbed their fists eagerly, brimming with high spirits, all determined to claim a top prize in the boat races.

In previous years, the grandest prize had always been something carried by His Majesty himself.

This year was different. The prizes had been put on display early in the nearby Beauty-Viewing Pavilion.

Layers of noblewomen and ladies craned their necks to peer inside.

At the center sat a pair of white jade openwork concentric ruyi pendants bestowed by His Majesty himself—the prize everyone coveted. If a young lord won them and brought them home as a betrothal gift, it would bring honor to both families.

To the left was an exquisite gem-inlaid butterfly amid double flowers wingspread hairpin granted by the Empress, its craftsmanship breathtaking. To the right was a set of emerald jade wine cups presented by the Crown Prince, imported from the western kingdoms the year before.

These were priceless treasures money alone couldn’t buy.

Of course, besides the top three prizes reserved for the winners, there were plenty of gold, silver, and jewels nearby as consolation gifts for all the participants.

Everyone got something—no one left empty-handed.

“I thought with His Majesty feeling under the weather, we might skip the Dragon Boat Festival activities this year,” said the wife of the Left Vice Minister with evident relief. Her son was one of the favorites to take the crown.

The lady laughed. “Don’t joke, madam. The Dragon Boat Banquet is a palace tradition. If His Majesty is indisposed, there’s still the Crown Prince.”

“But I heard the Crown Prince isn’t well today either—struck down by heatstroke.”

“No need to worry. Even then, there’s the Crown Princess. They wouldn’t let the banquet go unhosted.”

Their gossip wasn’t baseless. The Crown Prince had indeed been unwell lately. With His Majesty also ill and the Empress tending to him, the Crown Prince had forced himself to make a brief appearance.

But that was all—just a quick glimpse.

He had left the rest to the Crown Princess and the Eldest Princess, who had just returned to the capital.

From that fleeting sight, everyone could tell the Crown Prince’s illness was serious.

People also found Prince Yu’s injuries peculiar. He still hadn’t gotten out of bed, and not a trace of the culprit had been found.

Had Prince Yu not been injured, today’s banquet would surely have been his chance to shine.

Shi Yuning had arrived early and wandered around for a bit, overhearing the crowd’s speculation about who had hurt Prince Yu—some said a martial arts master, others pointed to the Crown Prince. The theories abounded, but everyone agreed on one thing.

Whoever it was, they were formidable!

Shi Yuning listened with a smile until the palace servants invited the nobles to take their seats. Only then did she go to her place and sit down.

No sooner had she settled than Xie Zhaoran arrived, escorting the princess.

Xie Zhaoran was dressed in elaborate palace attire, her hair in an ornate updo that radiated opulent splendor, utterly unattainable.

The princess beside her seemed far simpler by comparison—or rather, too simple.

On a festive occasion like this, ladies of standing usually dressed to the nines.

Yet the Eldest Princess wore a fitted outfit of deep blue, her black hair tied high with nothing but a jade crown—no other adornments in her hair.

Her frame was slender and tall, rivaling Xie Zhaoran’s, her expression solemn. Those dark brows held not the gentle charm of ordinary women, but a resolute steadiness.

Shi Yuning had heard tales of this princess many times before. Seeing her in person now, she was awestruck—like a light cloud emerging from a mountain peak, ethereal yet laced with an unmistakable air of menace.

Truly worthy of being Great Ye’s foremost female general!

Shi Yuning noticed she wasn’t the only one impressed. The noble ladies around her looked on with admiration and reverence.

Such an extraordinary woman naturally earned the respect of her peers.

As Shi Yuning studied the princess, the princess noticed her in turn.

After the Crown Princess received the courtesies from the ladies, everyone took their seats. Xiao Liju immediately turned to Xie Zhaoran and whispered, “That girl in the green skirt over there, staring at Us with wide eyes that won’t even blink—is she the daughter of the Shi family?”

Xie Zhaoran had spotted Shi Yuning the moment she entered, only for the girl to glance at her once before fixing her gaze squarely on Xiao Liju.

It left her inwardly irritated. So when Xiao Liju asked, she pretended not to hear.

Instead, she smiled graciously at the ladies around them, inviting everyone to enjoy the fine food and wine.

Seeing Xie Zhaoran compose herself without so much as a glance her way, Xiao Liju chuckled softly, her voice low enough for only the two of them. “You can’t say I didn’t warn you.”

Before Xie Zhaoran could respond, she raised her voice and called out to Shi Yuning, not far off. “Little miss in the green skirt—are you the newly found daughter of Marquis Yunxiang of the Shi family?”

Her words fell like a stone in still water, silencing the area as all eyes followed hers to Shi Yuning.

Tu Chunhua’s heart tightened, wondering why the princess had singled them out when they were just sitting quietly.

Shi Yuning, however, stayed calm. Her instincts told her the princess meant no harm.

She rose to her feet and curtsied. “Yes, your subject.”

Xiao Liju smiled warmly. “We’ve heard about this joyous news even in the army camps, but never had the chance to congratulate Marquis Shi in person. Come, sit by Us.”

“We fought side by side with your grandfather many times in the field. He even saved Our life once. Seeing you feels like seeing family.”

That explained it. Tu Chunhua relaxed and stood to offer her thanks, reminding Shi Yuning to mind her manners and avoid any faux pas.

Shi Yuning promised readily and happily took the seat beside Xiao Liju. Once settled, she nodded cheerfully at Xie Zhaoran, who sat one place over.

Xie Zhaoran returned a faint smile, thinking to herself that this little fool would sooner or later get sold off and still help count the money.

Shi Yuning had always admired those skilled in martial arts, and Xiao Liju—having spent years in the camps—spoke with a natural wit that soon had her in stitches.

Shi Yuning even forgot her recent vow never to drink again. Under Xiao Liju’s repeated toasts, she downed cup after cup.

Halfway through the banquet, Shi Yuning’s face was flushed, everything around her doubling in her vision.

Xie Zhaoran watched Xiao Liju ply her with drink, one cup after another, all seemingly deliberate—yet the little fool accepted them happily, without refusal.

Who was it who had complained last time about how awful being drunk felt and sworn off liquor forever?

What a little liar.

Xie Zhaoran shot a cold glance at Xiao Liju, who was still toasting Shi Yuning. She lifted her own cup, leaned over, and clinked it against Xiao Liju’s.

“Deliberate?”

Xiao Liju politely returned the toast, but her words were blunt. “We’re in a good mood.”

Nearby, Shi Yuning—visibly tipsy—heard Xiao Liju say she was happy and raised her cup too, grinning foolishly. “I’m happy too! So happy to hit it off with the princess at first sight. Cheers!”

With that, she drained it.

Xie Zhaoran laughed in exasperation, grinding her back teeth. This little dimwit!

“If you’re so happy, why not recognize a sister?” Xie Zhaoran shot back through gritted teeth.

Drunk as she was, Shi Yuning couldn’t catch the sarcasm—and even sober, she might not have. She giggled, thinking it a fine idea, though a bit shy.

“Can I? Can I take the princess as my sister?”

Xie Zhaoran gave her a icy look. “You’re really something. Get drunk and start picking up sisters!”

Seeing Shi Yuning’s drunkenness worsening, Xie Zhaoran quickly had Qiangdi carefully escort her off to rest.

Fortunately, the hall rang with music from pipes and drums, dancers whirling in the center—no one noticed their corner.

Once Shi Yuning had been led away, Xie Zhaoran smoothed her expression, her lips curved in a perfect smile as if admiring the performance. In reality, she turned to Xiao Liju and got down to business.

“His Majesty has been getting worse lately.”

Xiao Liju set down her cup at the words and sighed softly. “Father still refuses to see Us.”

Xie Zhaoran’s face remained impassive. “What does the Empress say?”

Xiao Liju’s lips twisted bitterly. “Mother says Father is still angry I refused the marriage alliance and shamed him.”

Xie Zhaoran sneered. “You didn’t want to marry for peace, but with just three thousand troops, you drove the Desert North forces out of Yin Province’s borders and reclaimed four commanderies and thirteen provinces. Hah—what good is a marriage-alliance princess for a few years of border calm? The Desert North hasn’t dared invade since. Can’t His Majesty do that math?!”

She felt indignant on Xiao Liju’s behalf!

Xiao Liju had never regretted her decision. But her father’s thinking was deeply entrenched: men won glory on the battlefield as Great Ye’s heroes, while a woman doing the same was just exposing herself shamelessly, defying womanly virtue.

“I don’t see any chance of changing Father’s mind.”

Xie Zhaoran nodded. Then they would proceed with the original plan.

Fortunately, the Forbidden Army in the palace was now all her people.

“I’ll leave this to you.”

Xie Zhaoran rose, straightened her skirts, and excused herself from the banquet on the pretext of sobering up.

Qiangdi led Shi Yuning to an empty guest room to rest. No sooner had she lain down than the alcohol and drowsiness overwhelmed her. Her head swam heavily, and she was on the verge of drifting off.

In her haze, she heard footsteps approaching. Thinking another drunk guest needed a place to crash, she tried to shift over and make room.

She had barely moved an inch when a familiar scent wafted close.

Before she could place it, a cool breeze stirred, easing the heat from her flushed, alcohol-warmed face.

How comfortable. Grateful for whichever little palace maid was fanning her, Shi Yuning slipped blissfully into sleep.