After flirting with the aloof prince, the concubine ran away pregnant.

The following day, the Yongning Marquis's residence became unusually lively.

The back garden was adorned with brocade screens and embroidered curtains, and clusters of flowers. Glass palace lanterns hung everywhere, and almost every prominent noblewoman in the capital had sent her an invitation.

Afu followed behind Xie Yun, walking among the elegant ladies and charming maids, her eyes fixed straight ahead, treating herself as an ordinary second-class maid.

"See that one in the very center? That's Princess Qinghe." Xie Yun lowered her voice, her tone tinged with disdain. "She's fair-skinned, but unfortunately, her features are exactly like her emperor uncle's—very ordinary. Yet she's so arrogant, acting as if all the men in the world should kneel at her feet."

Following her gaze, Afu saw a young woman dressed in a magnificent palace gown, surrounded by a group of noble ladies who treated her like a star.

She may not be considered a beauty, but the air of nobility that comes with being pampered is enough to make anyone dare not underestimate her.

"My brother is unlucky to have caught her eye."

"My elder brother was the dream lover of countless young ladies in the capital back then. He was incomparably handsome, entered officialdom through the imperial examination, and was upright and virtuous," Xie Yun said, pursing her lips and gesturing in another direction. "But ever since that Xu Heng came to the capital, half of the young ladies in the capital have been the dream lover of that young master Xu Heng."

Looking over, Afu saw a man in white sitting in a pavilion not far away, chatting with several young masters from prominent families.

He was tall and slender with gentle features. Even just his profile exuded a refined and noble air that was as refreshing as a spring breeze.

"That's Young Master Xuheng, the most prestigious family in Jiangnan, whose wealth rivals that of a nation." Xie Yun spoke of this with a hint of pride, but then gritted his teeth, "But he doesn't follow the path of commerce; he prefers to associate with scholars and famous figures, and he's incredibly aloof. Since he came to the capital, he's stolen so much of my brother's limelight."

Afu listened to these Beijing gossips that had nothing to do with her, but her heart remained unmoved.

After the banquet began, Lady Hou frequently winked at Xie Yun, signaling her to go and entertain the Princess of Qinghe.

Xie Yun reluctantly stood up, straightened her skirt, and glanced back at Afu before leaving.

Afu stood quietly in the shadow of the colonnade, her eyes downcast, seemingly out of place amidst the hustle and bustle of the garden.

Xie Yun suddenly felt a little uneasy.

"You should go back first," Xie Yun said somewhat awkwardly. "We don't need you here anymore. Go to the back and keep an eye on the banquet."

She paused, then added, "But having you come along today to see the Princess of Qinghe is worthwhile. It'll help you avoid her in the future."

The words were awkward, yet they carried a subtle hint.

"Thank you, Miss." Afu smiled, curtsied, and turned to take her leave.

As I passed a table, I overheard several ladies talking in hushed tones.

"...This plum sorbet is really well made, with a perfect balance of sweet and sour, and it's refreshingly cool."

"And this amber jelly, so crystal clear, the osmanthus blossoms inside still carry its fragrance. The Marquis's mansion has truly put a lot of thought into this banquet."

Afu didn't stop. She walked back along the covered walkway in the garden, wanting only to get back to her quiet little courtyard as soon as possible.

Just as they reached a secluded corner, they bumped into Cui, the old woman who served Lady Hou.

"Miss Afu, we've finally found you." Granny Cui said with a smile, taking a few steps forward and grabbing Afu's arm with considerable force.

"Is there something you need, Granny?" Afu tried to pull her hand back without making a sound, but it was held even tighter.

"Madam requests your presence." Without further ado, Granny Cui pulled her in another direction. "Quick, come with me. The flower-viewing pavilion is short of someone to serve tea. You can change your clothes and go fill in for them."

Granny Cui pointed to the clothes being held by a maidservant beside her; it was a very ordinary blue maidservant's outfit.

Afu was puzzled.

The flower-viewing pavilion is located deep within the garden and is a place specifically for receiving the most distinguished guests. Even the servants who sweep and clean are not allowed to approach it easily on ordinary days.

On an occasion like today, the maidservant should be the most capable first-class maidservant by the Lady of the Marquis's side. Why would there be a shortage of people at the last minute, and why would they find someone from Shian Courtyard to fill in?

"Granny Cui, I'm not feeling well today and I'm afraid I won't be able to serve our distinguished guests properly. Please find someone else," Afu immediately declined.

"Oh dear, how can that be?" Granny Cui's smile faded slightly, but her tone left no room for argument. "This is Madam's order. Even the most important matters must be put aside for now. Sending you is an honor."

She leaned closer to Afu, lowered her voice, and said with a hint of helplessness, "Miss is a smart woman. This is the Lady of the Marquis's order."

Afu lowered her eyes. She knew she couldn't escape it.

In Lady Hou's eyes, she was nothing more than a plaything that could be sacrificed at any time. She had no choice but to attend this treacherous banquet today, whether she wanted to or not.

"Yes, ma'am."

Afu took the blue cloth clothes, went into the side room, and quickly changed into them.

She followed Granny Cui, walking through the artificial hills and flower paths, deeper into the garden.

The flower-viewing pavilion is built in the middle of a small lake, open on all sides and connected to the shore by a winding corridor. It has an excellent location and is extremely quiet.

The closer she got, the heavier Afu's heart became. It was eerily quiet here; not a sound could be heard from the front yard.

Granny Cui led her outside the pavilion and handed her a tray with a pot of tea and two plates of exquisite pastries on it.

"Go in, the Madam and the County Princess are inside. Be quick to serve them." After saying this, Granny Cui turned and left quickly, as if a ghost was chasing her.

Afu, carrying the tray, took a deep breath and walked into the corridor.

Sure enough, there were only two people sitting in the pavilion.

Lady Hou sat in the main seat, and opposite her was the Princess of Qinghe County.

Hearing footsteps, the two of them looked up at the same time.

Afu noticed the two gazes, walked to the stone table, put down the tray, and bowed respectfully: "This servant greets Madam and the County Princess."

Lady Hou picked up her teacup and smiled at Princess Qinghe, saying, "This girl is Afu. She's quite diligent and usually serves with writing materials in Xun'er's courtyard."

The Princess of Qinghe County remained silent, and the atmosphere in the pavilion was so suffocatingly tense.

Afu knelt on the ground, head bowed, suppressing all her emotions.

After an unknown amount of time, Princess Qinghe finally spoke.

Her voice was clear and crisp, yet carried a condescending coldness.

"Aunt," she turned to the Lady of the Marquis, a cold smile playing on her lips, "I would like to speak with this maidservant alone for a few minutes, is that alright?"

Lady Hou immediately smiled, stood up, and patted Princess Qinghe's hand affectionately: "Of course, I'll go check out the banquet at the front."

As she spoke, she gave a wink to Granny Cui, who was standing outside the pavilion, and walked out without looking back.

In the blink of an eye, only Afu and Princess Qinghe remained in the huge flower-viewing pavilion.