Chapter 350: Chapter 351 Entering the Banquet

Although Shao He had some doubts, she did not think too much about them.

Shortly, the carriage arrived at the entrance of Biyao Mountain Villa and stopped. Shao He and Qingxia hopped down from the carriage, and as soon as they disembarked, they saw Pei Huaian not far away.

Seeing the clothes he wore, the smile at the corner of Shao He’s mouth faded, and she also understood why he had insisted on her wearing this outfit. It turned out that their clothes, both in color and style, were extremely well matched.

This caused her some annoyance, and she instantly grasped what Pei Huaian meant. But now that they had arrived, it was not appropriate to go and change.

Princess Huimin and Xu Han also got off the carriage. They were about to greet Pei Huaian when they saw that his gaze was fixed on something in the distance.

Following his line of sight, they saw Shao He looking somewhat displeased. Upon seeing the clothes the two of them wore, she was even more angered and went to confront Shao He.

Xu Han, noticing his mother’s actions, immediately held her back and advised, “Mother, it is not suitable for us to pick a fight with him now.”

“For one, Shao He did once treat us, and can be considered to have helped us. Secondly, he just cured the Emperor and is currently in high favor. You’d better not act impulsively.”

After finishing, he gave her a meaningful look, suggesting she should not act recklessly in case it backfired, ultimately hurting them instead.

Having heard Xu Han’s words, Princess Huimin withdrew her furious expression, took a deep breath, reminded herself not to lose composure, then calmed down. She walked over to Pei Huaian, conversing and laughing with him as they entered.

Shao He did not notice Princess Huimin’s actions. She looked around, and just as she was about to enter the villa, she suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure in the distance and paused in her steps.

“Doctor Shao.” Jhiang Yijia saw her, waved excitedly from afar, and with her skirt lifted, she hurried over with small steps.

Shao He was surprised to see her, because this banquet mostly comprised ladies bringing their unmarried daughters, and Jhiang Yijia, neither by status nor requirements, fit the banquet.

“How come you’re here?”

Standing next to Shao He, Jhiang Yijia caught her breath before easing her rapid heartbeat: “My mother-in-law, Old Madam Fang, has tried several times to harm my child, wanting me to bear another. Since my father’s promotion, the Fang Family has had to be careful, so they made up an excuse to divest power from my mother-in-law by making her stay in the Buddhist hall for a long time. I am here with a few of the Fang Family’s unmarried young ladies to attend the banquet.”

Shao He then understood and nodded.

While they were talking, a person clad in armor and a cloak walked straight in without an invitation, and the guards at the entrance did not even stop him.

Jhiang Yijia, noticing Shao He’s curious gaze, took the initiative to explain: “This is the famous female general Qi Jiayuan, who has taken her father’s place on the battlefield during crises. She is no less than any man in combat, and some even pair her name with Pei Huaian, calling them the lucky stars among generals.”

“However, she hasn’t returned to the capital for many years. Her presence here must mean there is something unusual.” Jhiang Yijia looked at Shao He as she spoke these words.

Shao He knew she had guessed her relationship with the Fifth Prince, but did not make it explicit, only using the information as a subtle reminder. She was quite grateful and gave her a slight nod: “Thank you, let’s go inside.”

“Alright.” Jhiang Yijia glanced back at the ladies waiting in the distance and gestured for them to follow.

Shao He entered the villa and was taken aback by the opulence inside.

Although the layout was not much different from other villas, one could easily discern what set it apart.

For instance, the pavilions, towers, artificial hills, and flowing water… Each detail exuded refined beauty and elegant uniqueness; moreover, the carvings here were also exceedingly exquisite.

Just as they stepped into the side hall, Shao He caught a rich floral scent, as if she were in the midst of a flower field. She sniffed carefully, indeed detecting a faint rose fragrance, and moreover, it must be a new variety.

Shao He saw a crowd had already formed there. She did not wish to join the bustle, but everyone’s gaze had already turned towards her.

The other ladies showed various expressions upon seeing Shao He – some filled with jealousy and disdain, others with schadenfreude.

Seemingly unconcerned about these gazes, Shao He walked straight over and started chatting idly with Jhiang Yijia.

At that moment, someone openly began to discuss the matter of Pei Huaian and Qi Jiayuan being together.

“I heard that Qi Jiayuan is a woman highly favored by the Empress Dowager and the Emperor. The position of the Fifth Princess Consort is likely hers for the taking.”

“I think these two are quite a good match, and only such a woman is worthy of the Fifth Prince.”

“Indeed, not like certain people, who use every trick to seduce men, parading around pompously just because they know a bit of medicine.”

Jhiang Yijia wanted to go over and argue with them, but Shao He caught her wrist and shook her head with a smile.

“This banquet is hosted by the Empress Dowager. We should keep a low profile. Let others spew filth after having a mouthful of it; we shouldn’t follow suit.”

Jhiang Yijia was amused by her candid words and helplessly shook her head: “Only you could say such a thing.”

Shao He’s eyebrows rose slightly. She didn’t care what others said, she only cared about what the people she valued said.

Princess Huimin glanced up and saw someone not far away, purposely striking up an affectionate conversation with Qi Jiayuan.

“Miss Qi, you rarely return to the capital. Could it be for this selection of the Fifth Prince’s consort?”

“This princess sees that you two are of similar ages and both so valiant and skilled in battle. If you could be together, it would surely become a legendary tale.”

The intent behind matchmaking was quite obvious, and everyone heard it, also retrospectively glancing at Shao He not far away.

Everyone felt these words were intended for her, to let her know she should back off knowing her place.