Chapter Thirteen: Encountering Obstacles at the Banquet

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The banquet hall was resplendent, bathed in the dazzling light of crystal chandeliers that made the entire space as bright as day. A mingling of fragrant scents and elegant figures filled the room, glasses clinking amidst the decadent atmosphere. Qu Wanqing and Jiang Yu stepped into this realm of opulence, immediately drawing countless scrutinizing gazes.

“Tsk, tsk, is this the second-married eldest daughter of the Qu family? She doesn’t look all that impressive.”

“I heard she used to be quite a shrew. No idea how she managed to climb up and hook herself to Lord Jiang Yu, such a high branch.”

Whispers drifted into Qu Wanqing’s ears, but her expression remained unchanged, a faint, serene smile playing at her lips. She was well accustomed to the attitudes of these nobles—merely a group of idlers stirring up trouble out of boredom. She gently looped her arm through Jiang Yu’s, her posture graceful, as if completely detached from the surrounding undercurrents.

Jiang Yu observed the surroundings without a flicker of emotion. He keenly sensed the undercurrents flowing beneath the surface, the banquet hall brimming with hidden dangers.

“Oh my, isn’t this Miss Qu, the eldest lady?” A sharp, cutting voice shattered the fragile calm. Madam Chen, twisting her slender waist, wore a counterfeit smile as she approached. “I heard you used to be… how to put it… quite spirited.”

Qu Wanqing raised an eyebrow; Madam Chen had the nerve to bring up a sore subject right away, casting aspersions with no subtlety.

“Madam Chen is too kind,” Qu Wanqing replied with a meaningful smile, “Wanqing is simply straightforward, unlike some who wear masks of virtue but act duplicitously behind one’s back. That life is far too exhausting.” A cold chuckle echoed in her heart. These people always dragged up her past, unaware she was no longer the weak girl bullied within her family. Those painful experiences had forged her into someone strong and unyielding; now, the petty schemes of these nobles no longer affected her.

Madam Chen’s face stiffened. Qu Wanqing had the audacity to mock her indirectly?

“What do you mean by that, Miss Qu?”

“Literally what I said,” Qu Wanqing shrugged lightly. “Noble birth is important, certainly, but character is far more precious. Mere appearances will always be hollow fame.”

The surrounding nobles began whispering amongst themselves. Qu Wanqing was indeed sharp-tongued and never backed down.

Madam Chen’s face darkened with fury, about to retort, when Miss Zhao pulled at her sleeve.

Miss Zhao smiled coquettishly and bowed to Qu Wanqing. “Sister Qu, I have long admired your reputation. Meeting you today, you truly live up to it—stunning beyond compare.” She stepped forward but stumbled, seemingly by accident, toward Qu Wanqing...

“Ah!” Miss Zhao cried out.

Qu Wanqing’s eyes narrowed slightly...

Miss Zhao’s delicate exclamation turned to near-collapse, but Qu Wanqing reacted swiftly, sidestepping and gently tugging on Miss Zhao’s sleeve. Miss Zhao’s momentum carried her forward even further, almost face-planting on the floor. Qu Wanqing’s tone was caring, yet there was a barely perceptible hint of mockery in her gaze. “The floor in this hall is slippery. Falling would be most unfortunate. Miss Zhao should practice her balance more diligently.”

Low, stifled laughter rippled through the crowd, adding to Miss Zhao’s embarrassment.

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“A true lady of refined upbringing, graceful and admirable,” a young nobleman fanned himself while gazing intently at Qu Wanqing, a trace of genuine respect in his voice.

Madam Chen’s expression grew increasingly sullen. Qu Wanqing truly was slippery and hard to catch off guard, never suffering a loss.

At that moment, an elderly maid with graying hair and clad in dark attire approached. She was the organizer of the banquet, Mistress Wu.

With a stern face and serious tone, she said, “Madam Qu, your attire seems somewhat improper.”

Mistress Wu’s gaze lingered on Qu Wanqing’s dress with a hint of disapproval.

Though Qu Wanqing’s gown was magnificent, it diverged from traditional noble garments, incorporating modern fashionable elements.

“Mistress Wu, I believe you are mistaken,” Qu Wanqing smiled faintly but firmly. “While my attire differs slightly from convention, it still conforms to proper etiquette and reflects the new trends of our era. Does Mistress Wu truly believe that rigid conformity is best?”

Mistress Wu was left speechless, caught off guard by her retort.

The noble ladies nearby began whispering among themselves. Though their initial impression of Qu Wanqing had been unfavorable, her poised handling of the situation earned their newfound respect.

“Hmph,” Madam Chen scoffed coldly. “No matter how eloquent you are, you cannot hide your—”

Her words were cut off by a servant.

“Madam Qu, your seat is this way.” The servant respectfully led Qu Wanqing and Jiang Yu toward the center of the banquet hall.

Qu Wanqing and Jiang Yu exchanged a glance, a subtle glimmer flashing in their eyes.

Jiang Yu subtly scanned the chair draped with exquisite silk fabric, furrowing his brow slightly before gently grasping Qu Wanqing’s hand.

Leaning close, Jiang Yu whispered in her ear, “Be careful.”

His hand trembled imperceptibly. Though composed outwardly, he felt a trace of nervousness. He knew the banquet was fraught with peril, and he did not want Qu Wanqing to suffer harm. This woman had unknowingly crept into his heart, and he was willing to protect her with all his might.

Qu Wanqing offered a reassuring look. She had already sensed something was wrong with that chair.

A faint, decaying scent hung in the air—subtle but present. Without her extraordinary sensitivity to danger, the luxurious exterior might have blinded her.

“This chair’s feng shui is off. Let’s find another spot,” Qu Wanqing said lightly to the servant, as if speaking casually.

The servant hesitated briefly but followed her instruction, guiding them to an empty seat elsewhere.

Almost the moment they settled, a loud “crack” echoed. The chair Qu Wanqing had been meant to sit on shattered suddenly, as if struck by an invisible force. Splinters flew, and a large shard hurtled toward Madam Chen, narrowly missing her face.

She screamed in terror. Chaos erupted in the banquet hall. Guests rose hastily—some dodging flying debris, others wide-eyed in shock.

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“Looks like that chair was poorly made. Good thing I was quick, or I’d have been humiliated,” Qu Wanqing exclaimed dramatically, patting her chest with a mock frightened expression worthy of an Oscar-winning actress.

Curious gazes turned to her. The eldest Miss Qu truly had fortune and fate on her side.

Jiang Yu looked at Qu Wanqing with eyes full of admiration and affection.

This woman always turned danger into triumph, bringing him endless surprises.

Amidst the singing, dancing, and clinking glasses, hidden currents surged beneath the lively festivities.

Qu Wanqing noticed that Young Master Shen had been subtly watching her, his eyes carrying a mixture of curiosity and...

Desire?

“Seems like this Young Master Shen is quite interested in you,” Jiang Yu whispered.

“Heh, men are all visual creatures,” Qu Wanqing said casually, toying with her wineglass, though her eyes grew cold. “But I’m not interested in him.”

“Be wary of him. I have a bad feeling about that man.”

“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.” A playful smile curved Qu Wanqing’s lips, a sly gleam flickering in her eyes.

She took a slow sip of wine, savoring its rich aroma, but suddenly caught an unusual scent...

Without giving it away, she set her glass down and scanned the banquet hall, her gaze finally settling on Young Master Shen.

He raised his glass from afar, a meaningful smile curling his lips...

“Jiang Yu,” Qu Wanqing lowered her voice, “I think we’ve been targeted...”