Transmigrating into a book, seducing him to rise to power

At this moment, Miss Ye was sitting next to Chu Yinxue, An Jinyan, and Bai Mengli.

These people were all acquaintances of Su Jingyao.

After Su Jingyao sat down, Chu Yinxue was the first to speak.

Chu Yinxue was a beauty from a young age, especially her eyes, which were very alluring fox eyes with slightly upturned corners.

At that moment, a hint of displeasure was visible in her eyes.

"Miss Su has never attended such banquets before. She declined my invitation to my tenth birthday banquet last time. It seems that the Chu family is not as influential as the Ye family and cannot invite Miss Su."

After saying that, the corners of her mouth turned down slightly, revealing her dissatisfaction.

Chu Yinxue has been extremely confident in her appearance since childhood, and has always been the center of attention among people because of her outstanding looks.

I had never met Su Jingyao before, but today I found that this Miss Su was so beautiful that it was almost annoying.

"Miss Chu, you flatter me. I was indeed feeling weak on my birthday and didn't want to pass on my illness to you. Please forgive me."

There are many reasons why Su Jingyao doesn't want to attend these banquets.

In her past life, although she was reborn, her body always contained the soul of an adult.

These banquets were attended by children aged eleven or twelve, with the oldest being no more than fifteen. Su Jingyao had no interest in interacting with them and did not want to bother with them.

For her, attending such banquets was purely a waste of energy.

These young ladies were always trying to show off their talents, competing and showing off to each other. Naturally, she didn't want to do these tiring and unprofitable things with a bunch of kids.

I don't want to see those immature little boys trying so hard to show off like peacocks displaying their feathers; it's just so boring.

After hearing Su Jingyao's explanation, Chu Yinxue snorted softly, turned her head to the side, and stopped talking.

As the group of people were exchanging pleasantries, several young men began to gather around.

"Miss Ye, ladies, the weather is lovely, sunny and breezy. Let's go for a walk in nature."

The one who spoke was Yan Shuhan, the eldest son of the Yan family.

He wore a moon-white robe with a light blue belt around his waist and a warm jade pendant. He looked elegant and handsome.

"Alright, all the young masters and ladies we invited today have arrived. Let's go out together."

Ye Yaqin smiled and replied, then stood up and led everyone outside.

Su Jingyao smiled and stood up, following the others out.

Si Nanyu, the heir apparent of the Marquis of Wu'an, was not really keen on coming this time. In his opinion, attending these boring banquets was not as enjoyable as going horseback riding with a few friends.

But when his friends heard that it was a banquet hosted by Miss Ye, they all came over with great enthusiasm.

The banquets hosted by Miss Ye always invite many young men and women from the capital. They are all of marriageable age and naturally want to choose a wife who is of similar family background and whom they like.

Si Nanyu walked seemingly casually, but in reality, he quietly walked up to Su Jingyao's side.

His heart was racing uncontrollably, but he tried to calm himself down. Miss Su had captivated him the moment she entered.

"Miss Su, it's a pleasure to meet you. I am the heir apparent to the Marquis of Wu'an. May I introduce myself?"

As he spoke, there was a hint of nervousness in his eyes.

This Miss Su was stunningly beautiful, and when she wasn't speaking, she had a somewhat aloof air about her, which made him unsure of whether she was easy to approach.

Su Jingyao turned to look at him, a look of surprise flashing in her eyes.

It's him?

They met at the Flower Festival in their past life, and it seemed that this young master Si fell in love with her at first sight.

"Young Master Si, my mother wanted me to get to know more of the young masters and ladies in the capital when I came to this banquet. I haven't been able to go out much in the past due to poor health, so I naturally want to get to know everyone here today."

When Si Nanyu saw that she spoke in a lively and lovely manner, completely unlike the aloof demeanor he had imagined, he couldn't help but feel a surge of joy in his heart.

Just as he was about to continue the conversation, Yan Shuhan immediately interrupted him.

"Miss Su, let me introduce myself to you today. I am Yan Shuhan, the eldest son of the Yan family, and I just turned fifteen this year."

Su Jingyao smiled at him and said, "Greetings, Young Master Yan."

Several more young men arrived and approached Su Jingyao, introducing themselves with expectant expressions.

Su Jingyao greeted everyone with a smile and grace.

Si Nanyu couldn't get a word in edgewise, standing to the side feeling anxious but helpless.

Ye Yaqin had maintained a calm and composed expression, but at this moment, she was beginning to show signs of breaking down.

She was just a little girl of about eleven years old. Seeing that she was no longer the focus of everyone's attention and was no longer the center of attention as usual, she felt a surge of bitterness and loss, and naturally felt very uncomfortable.

However, her strict upbringing over the years acted like an invisible shackle, causing her to suppress all her negative emotions.

Su Jingyao was getting annoyed by the endless stream of boys trying to strike up a conversation with her, and she also noticed that Ye Yaqin beside her was acting strangely.

Although Ye Yaqin and the others had a grudge against her in her previous life, in this life, they were just naive young girls.

Moreover, Jun Zechen's heart has only ever belonged to himself; there is absolutely no way he would marry them.

Su Jingyao didn't need to harbor any hostility towards them.

Su Jingyao walked gently to the side and picked a white crabapple blossom.

Holding a crabapple blossom, she walked up to Ye Yaqin; the two were about the same height.

Su Jingyao raised her eyes, met Ye Yaqin's gaze, and smiled, a smile devoid of any falsehood or affectation.

"Miss Ye's face is as beautiful as a painting, just like this blooming white crabapple, with rosy cheeks and a natural charm, which is a perfect match for Miss Ye."

As she spoke, Su Jingyao took Ye Yaqin's hand, and with her other hand she placed a begonia flower in Ye Yaqin's hair.

Finally, she playfully winked her bright, expressive eyes at Ye Yaqin, her gaze full of sincerity and friendliness.

"It's so beautiful."

Ye Yaqin was stunned by Su Jingyao's intimate gesture and didn't know how to react for a moment.

Seeing this, Chu Yinxue's dissatisfaction instantly erupted.

Su Jingyao didn't attend Ye Yaqin's birthday banquet last time, but this time she was so affectionate towards Ye Yaqin and even pinned flowers on Ye Yaqin's head.

What exactly does she mean by that?!

All the young ladies in the capital are swarming around the seemingly respectable Ye Yaqin, who is clearly a wolf in sheep's clothing!

Chu Yinxue's face was tense, her dissatisfaction written all over her face.

Su Jingyao took in Chu Yinxue's reaction and couldn't help but sigh softly.

Kids are really hard to take care of!

She picked another red crabapple blossom and walked up to Chu Yinxue.

"Miss Chu's face is like dew on a crabapple blossom, and her eyes are like crabapple blossoms full of affection. This red crabapple blossom is a perfect match for you~"

"Hmph, I am prettier than this flower."

Chu Yinxue crossed her arms, raised her chin, and pouted.

She wouldn't be easily flattered or bought off by Su Jingyao. She and Ye Yaqin were cut from the same cloth, and she was utterly detestable.

Chu Yinxue was a little shorter than Su Jingyao, and Su Jingyao just smiled lightly at her childish, sulky words, not caring at all.

With a hint of teasing, she tilted her head and asked, "Am I pretty?"

After speaking, Su Jingyao slowly brought her face closer to Chu Yinxue, blinked her bright eyes, tilted her head, and looked at her with a smile.

Both of them had bright, large eyes, and at that moment, their faces were clearly reflected in each other's eyes.

Chu Yinxue had never been so close to anyone before, and for a moment she was at a loss.

She was stunned for a moment, looking at Su Jingyao who was so close to her, and had to admit... Su Jingyao really was very beautiful.

"Hmm? Doesn't it look good?"

Su Jingyao's eyes revealed a hurt expression, her gaze trembling slightly, as if veiled by a thin layer of mist.

"No, no, it looks great."

Chu Yinxue turned her head away in a fluster, a slight blush rising on her cheeks.

"I was unable to attend Miss Chu's birthday celebration last time. To express my apologies, may I invite Miss Chu to the Su residence in a few days? I have prepared a gift, and I hope Miss Chu will accept it with pleasure."

Su Jingyao took Chu Yinxue's hand and gently shook it.

Chu Yinxue was taken aback when Su Jingyao invited her directly. She then raised her chin and said arrogantly, "Alright, since Miss Su is so sincere, I will naturally go."

Su Jingyao felt she was quite good at coaxing children.

After all, they were still young and had not yet let power and jealousy cloud their pure hearts. At this stage, they were quite adorable.

After that, Chu Yinxue seemed to have found a companion, holding Su Jingyao's hand tightly and not letting go for a moment.

They wouldn't even let Su Jingyao get any closer to Ye Yaqin.

Looking at the two of them being so intimate, Ye Yaqin felt a lump in her throat, and a vague sense of unhappiness crept into her heart.

Her brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes, but she still tried her best to maintain her composure and smile.

An Jinyan followed behind the group listlessly, showing no interest whatsoever in the young masters who had come today.

She's determined to marry the Crown Prince someday!

Even if she cannot become the Crown Princess, she should still marry the Crown Prince, become a royal concubine, and enjoy wealth and honor.

The only reason she came today was to fulfill her mother's request to cultivate good relationships with these young ladies from prominent families.

The young men and women strolled leisurely through the spring scenery, chatting and laughing happily.

Su Jingyao's gaze swept around the flowers and plants, and she could talk eloquently, even reciting poems related to these flowers off the cuff.

Si Nanyu stayed close by her side the whole time, his eyes filled with admiration and infatuation.

Miss Su is so young, yet she is already very knowledgeable about ancient and modern times, and her poetry is exceptional.

Yan Shuhan followed not far away. Although he tried to hide it and his eyes were not as obviously ardent as Si Nanyu's, his occasional glances at Su Jingyao betrayed his thoughts.

Su Jingyao seemed oblivious to their attempts to befriend her, and simply continued to enjoy the scenery along the way.

Ye Yaqin had also worked hard on poetry since childhood, and now, listening to Su Jingyao's explanation and recitation, she couldn't help but admire her secretly.

How could there be such a perfect woman, so outstanding in both appearance and talent?

As everyone chatted and laughed, the sun gradually sank in the west, and the orange-red sunset filled the sky.

"Miss Chu, Miss Ye, it's almost time, I should go back."

Su Jingyao stopped and turned slightly to speak softly to Chu Yinxue and Ye Yaqin.

Ye Yaqin nodded gently. "Take care, Miss Su."

Su Jingyao nodded in acknowledgment and then turned to leave, but Chu Yinxue immediately followed.

"Su Jingyao, you don't often attend banquets, so you don't know how hypocritical Ye Yaqin is. Don't associate with her. We're both so good-looking. From now on, whenever you attend a banquet, I'll take you with me."

Chu Yinxue tugged at Su Jingyao's sleeve, pouting, her eyes filled with sincerity and arrogance.

Su Jingyao was slightly taken aback at first, then couldn't help but chuckle softly, "Okay."

Chu Yinxue received a satisfactory answer, turned around, and put her hands on her hips to face the two people who had been following her.

She said angrily, "Young Master Yan, Young Master Si, Miss Su is going back to the manor. Are you still going to follow her?"

When Chu Yinxue pointed it out so bluntly, Yan Shuhan blushed with embarrassment. He scratched his head, his eyes darting around, and lowered his head somewhat shyly.

Si Nanyu, however, was thick-skinned. He puffed out his chest and looked completely at ease.

"Miss Chu, I'm worried about the safety of you two women. Miss Su's carriage is still ahead, so I'll escort it to prevent any accidents."

"Thank you, Young Master Si, but there's no need to trouble yourself," Su Jingyao said politely as she turned around.

"No trouble at all."

Si Nanyu quickly waved his hand.

Seeing that Si Nanyu was determined to see her off to the carriage, Su Jingyao shook her head helplessly and stopped trying to stop him. Let him go if he wanted.

Yan Shuhan followed silently, secretly competing with himself.

Si Nanyu glared at Yan Shuhan.

Given the complex nature of the Yan family, why would Lord Su marry Miss Su into the Yan family?

Moreover, his mother and Madam Su had a good relationship, so it would be natural for his mother to propose marriage when Miss Su grew up.

Yan Shuhan couldn't win against him!

Su Jingyao ignored the two "tails" following her and walked to the front and back of the carriage, where she stopped.

"My lords, my carriage is right here. You may return now."

She gave a slight curtsy, her tone carrying a hint of aloofness.

"Having met Miss Su today, she is indeed as rumored—well-educated, reasonable, and stunningly beautiful. My sister is about your age, and she very much wishes to meet you. If you have the time, may I invite Miss Su for a boat trip on my sister's behalf?"

Miss Su rarely attends these kinds of banquets. I've seen her this time, but I don't know when we'll meet again.

Yan Shuhan was so angry at Si Nanyu's shamelessness that he clenched his teeth.

Si Nanyu doesn't have a sister!

He has a half-sister, that's more like it.

Thinking it over, he prepared to follow suit, but just as he was about to speak, Su Jingyao refused.

"I don't go out often. If I'm lucky enough to meet Mr. Si's sister at another banquet next time, I'll get to know her then."

Si Nanyu's smile froze instantly, a hint of disappointment showing in his eyes, but he didn't insist.

"Okay, Miss Su, take care."

After giving a slight bow, Su Jingyao lifted her skirt and turned to get into the carriage.

However, as soon as she went up, her body froze.