A Sound on the Eaves

Green Pearl said happily, “In that case, this servant will go and pick some pretty clothes for Miss to select. I guarantee that Miss will be more beautiful than everyone else in the coming event!”

Bai Xianyu smiled. “Go ahead.”

…

At the Northern Garrison Marquis Manor.

Eldest Princess Jing An was standing in the courtyard and looking toward Xie Xingyun’s study.

“Have all the invitations been sent out?”

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“Your Highness, they’ve all been sent out… However, I heard that the Marquis of Dingyuan’s wife has also sent invitations to all the noble ladies in the capital.”

Eldest Princess Jing An said arrogantly, “A mere Marquis of Dingyuan dares to compete with me? Isn’t she afraid that no one will go to her Manor?”

“Moreover, the Marquis of Dingyuan’s wife even sent an invitation to the Bai family.”

“Bai Xianyu?” Eldest Princess Jing An snorted. “Let her be.”

…

In the study, Xie Xingyun had one hand behind his back and was painting.

On the top-quality rice paper, a young lady squatted by the pond. Her black satin hair was only tied back loosely by a moon-white hairband. Her skin was fair and clear, and her skin was even whiter than snow. However, she did not look sickly, only tender and adorable.

Xiao Zheng had just entered after listening to the conversation when he saw his Young Marquis drawing a portrait of a beauty.

His words that day were resolute. However, the palace examination was imminent, and he was the one who was painting and thinking of someone.

He sighed softly and said, “Young Marquis, I’ve obtained some news.”

The man remained silent and outlined a few willow branches.

“The Eldest Princess has set up a Plum Blossom Banquet. She wants you to go and see if there’s a girl you like.”

“Miss Bai is also invited.”

The tip of Xie Xingyun’s pen paused, and ink stained the paper.

Xiao Zheng waited for a while and indeed, the man spoke.

“…Has she accepted it?”

“Yes.” Xiao Zheng paused for a moment and added hesitantly, “I also heard that the Marquis of Dingyuan’s wife had also sent an invitation to Miss Bai on the same day.”

Xie Xingyun frowned.

“Miss Bai has also accepted it.” Xiao Zheng also found it strange. “However, I think Fifth Miss Bai couldn’t bear to embarrass the Marquis of Dingyuan’s wife in public, so she accepted it.”

“If any girl were to choose between Young Marquis Lin and Young Master, I think she would choose you.”

Xie Xingyun’s brows did not relax.

He could not bear to embarrass himself in public.

So, whose invitation would she truly want to go to?

Did she not have the heart to embarrass the Young Marquis of the Northern Garrison or the Young Marquis of Dingyuan?

Xiao Zheng originally wanted to tell Xie Xingyun this news to make him happier, but Xie Xingyun’s expression became even darker.

“…What does it matter to me whether she comes or not?” he said. “Do you think I care about this?”

“…”

Xiao Zheng was silent for a moment. He looked at the portrait of a beauty which was without any facial features. Fifth Miss Bai was probably the only person in the capital who had such a charming grace.

“I misspoke.”

Xie Xingyun opened his eyes coldly. “There won’t be a next time.”

…

The Marquis of Dingyuan’s Manor was only a street away from the Northern Garrison Marquis Manor.

At this moment, they were all starting to set up the place.

Several panel screens shielded the probing gazes, and one could vaguely see the hurried servants and maidservants. There was a calligraphy table, a plum blossom stove, and a long river.

The moon was like a white-jade plate, shining brightly as it enveloped the capital. In the distance, bright lights and sky lanterns slowly rose.

Xie Xingyun lay on the roof and suddenly lost the mood to admire the moon.

He stood up, his black clothes fluttering in the wind.

On the other side of the capital, the Kingdom-Stabilizing General’s Manor was huge and majestic, like a dormant beast.

…

Green Pearl took special delight in dressing Bai Xianyu up.

“Miss, the moonlight is brighter outside. Come out and let me take a look.”

Bai Xianyu walked out helplessly, but she immediately paused.

She thought she heard a sound on the eaves.