After a heavy snowfall, the entire capital was blanketed in white. The weather was unusually clear, and under the morning sun, the vast expanse of white snow was edged with gold.
However, the rear garden of the Minister's Residence was unusually bustling. A burst of laughter and chatter woke a little bird sleeping soundly on a tree.
The little bird quickly flapped its wings and flew away, dislodging a clump of snow from the branch, which then fell straight down.
Plop! The snowball coincidentally hit the head of a young woman passing under the tree, causing all the young women in the pavilion to burst into mocking laughter. Only then did the young woman under the tree turn around.
She had white teeth and red lips, and a petite figure. She was currently covering her head where she'd been struck, her delicate face showing a look of discomfiture. This rather foolish appearance instantly made everyone lose interest.
"Third Sister, what are you dawdling for? Come over here quickly."
A female voice rang out. Su Ruo Wan, still under the tree, shook the snow off her cloak and made her way towards the pavilion.
All the young women in the pavilion were dressed in brocade floral attire, which, in contrast, made Su Ruo Wan seem rather out of place.
"The banquet will begin soon. Today's guests are all powerful dignitaries. As a concubine's daughter, you shouldn't even be present, but out of consideration for Father, you've been specially permitted to attend. When the time comes, know your place and do not offend any of the dignitaries."
The speaker was her legitimate elder sister, Su Jin Ge.
As the legitimate daughter of the Minister's Residence, Su Jin Ge was normally doted on by her parents, and gradually cultivated an arrogant disposition.
And what Su Jin Ge despised most was the concubine's daughter, Su Ruo Wan.
Su Ruo Wan's mother had also been famous as a great beauty back then. Sadly, after giving birth prematurely to Su Ruo Wan, she was beset by illness and soon passed away. At the time, Su Ruo Wan was not yet a few months old.
She had now grown into a graceful and charming young woman, with a hint of her mother's former beauty between her brows, perhaps even more beautiful.
For this very reason, Su Jin Ge intensely disliked Su Ruo Wan, feeling that she was nothing but a fox temptress.
Her mother had already spoken to her earlier today; her father intended to use today's birthday banquet to select a fiancé for her. The prime candidate selected was the powerful and high-ranking Grand Secretary of the Imperial Cabinet, Xiao Xun.
Any other man would surely disdain the Minister's daughter, but as it happened, Xiao Xun was her father's former student, having once studied at the Minister's Residence.
Now that his venerable teacher had spoken, Xiao Xun, as a student, would certainly find it difficult to refuse.
But her father also permitted Su Ruo Wan to attend the banquet, which immediately put Su Jin Ge on guard, fearing Su Ruo Wan would overshadow her. The words she had just spoken were a warning to Su Ruo Wan, telling her not to be foolishly ungrateful.
"I understand."
Su Ruo Wan knew her legitimate elder sister had always been antagonistic towards her, ever mindful of the distinction between legitimate and concubine-born.
As a concubine's daughter, Su Ruo Wan naturally could not confront her legitimate elder sister. She would usually deliberately avoid Su Jin Ge, but today there was no avoiding her. Her only option was to follow Su Jin Ge, to avoid inviting trouble.
This ploy proved effective. Su Jin Ge, seeing Su Ruo Wan's submissive demeanor, suddenly lost all interest and turned to whisper with the other young women beside her.
Tô Nhược Uyển found a quiet corner and sat down. A cold gust of wind made her shiver, and she couldn't help but pull her cloak tighter. She looked up and out of the pavilion, only to see snowflakes drifting outside once more.
At this moment, Madam Tô, surrounded by a group of maids, walked towards the pavilion.
Today, Madam Tô's face was radiant, as if she had encountered a joyous event.
"Mother."
Tô Cẩm Ca was the first to stand up, taking Madam Tô's arm and acting spoiled.
Madam Tô had only one daughter, Tô Cẩm Ca, and naturally doted on her immensely.
Seeing Tô Cẩm Ca dressed splendidly now, she couldn't help but reveal a look of satisfaction.
"Everyone has waited long enough. Come, let's enter the banquet."
As soon as Madam Tô finished speaking, several maids stepped forward to lead everyone to the banquet hall. But just as Tô Nhược Uyển stood up, Madam Tô's voice rang out again:
"Uyển Nhi, today's guests are all high-ranking officials and powerful nobles. Follow closely behind me, and don't let your father lose face."
Madam Tô came from a scholarly family, considered herself noble, and had no desire to associate with concubine-born daughters before her marriage.
Although Tô Nhược Uyển was currently the only concubine-born daughter in the Tô Residence, Madam Tô still disliked her.
Tô Nhược Uyển naturally understood that Madam Tô feared she would overshadow Tô Cẩm Ca, even though she had never harbored any intention of competing with her.
On the contrary, Madam Tô and Tô Cẩm Ca were always wary of her, fearing she would play tricks.
Gradually, Tô Nhược Uyển had grown accustomed to this, and at this moment, she simply followed quietly behind Madam Tô.
As soon as they reached the front hall, sounds of laughter and chatter could be heard from afar.
Currently, folk customs were liberal, allowing male and female guests to dine together.
Most of today's guests were trusted confidantes of Minister Tô. When acquaintances gathered, it was inevitable for them to engage in lively discussions, instantly making the front hall exceptionally bustling.
Following Madam Tô into the front hall, Tô Nhược Uyển's gaze immediately fell upon a man in a green robe sitting beside her father.
The man had a handsome face and an ethereal aura; even sitting quietly in the front hall, he was exceptionally eye-catching.
He was Xiao Xun, the newly appointed Grand Secretary of the Imperial Cabinet, who had recently garnered much attention.
In previous years, Grand Secretaries were only deemed worthy of the title during their prime, but now, this Grand Secretary was merely a frail individual whom the Emperor favored and promoted to the position of Grand Secretary of the Imperial Cabinet.
This period could be said to be exceptionally prominent for him. More importantly, this Grand Secretary was currently unmarried, and with Minister Tô's birthday coinciding, not a few close officials harbored thoughts of vying for him.
Before the banquet officially began, many officials stepped forward to offer Xiao Xun a toast. However, out of deference to Minister Tô's presence, everyone restrained themselves somewhat.
As Madam Tô entered with Tô Cẩm Ca and Tô Nhược Uyển, Xiao Xun had just finished responding to the toasts from the officials. Every gesture he made exuded a refined elegance.
As Tô Nhược Uyển was secretly appraising him, Xiao Xun's gaze coincidentally met hers.
A hint of a smile seemed to flash in his deep-set eyes. Tô Nhược Uyển dared not look further, immediately lowering her head, her heart filled with immense panic.
She had liked Xiao Xun ever since he studied at the Minister's Residence.
She remembered that day when Tô Cẩm Ca hadn't finished her homework. Fearing punishment from the tutor, she secretly swapped it with Tô Nhược Uyển's homework.
The tutor her father had invited was extremely strict and, without listening to any explanation, struck her palm.
Tô Nhược Uyển had been slender since childhood, but her personality was stubborn; she wouldn't admit fault to her tutor even if it killed her.
Even when her palms were beaten until they bled, she still refused to yield. In the end, it was the tutor, fearing he might break her hand, who finally stopped.
Tô Nhược Uyển was still young then and didn't dare tell her father about it, and even less dared to cry or make a scene.
Finally, on her way back to her room, she couldn't hold back any longer and hid in the garden to cry in secret, only to be discovered by Tiêu Tuần, who was passing by.
Tiêu Tuần, perhaps seeing her pitiful state, bandaged her wounds for her.
It was then that she secretly fell for Tiêu Tuần, but knowing they were worlds apart, she buried this feeling deep in her heart, never daring to reveal even a hint of it.
“Cẩm Ca, come over to Father.”
No sooner had Madam Tô settled down with Tô Cẩm Ca and Tô Nhược Uyển than Lord Tô smiled and called Tô Cẩm Ca over.
For Lord Tô to call Tô Cẩm Ca over at this moment, anyone with an ounce of sense would naturally understand his intentions.
Immediately, everyone couldn't help but turn their attention to Lord Tô.
Tô Nhược Uyển, however, was even more stunned at this moment.
She had always believed that only a woman of exceptional talent and standing could be worthy of Tiêu Tuần, never imagining that her father intended to match Tiêu Tuần with Tô Cẩm Ca.
The thought of Tiêu Tuần becoming her brother-in-law in the future filled Tô Nhược Uyển with a heavy feeling.
“This is my youngest daughter, Tô Cẩm Ca. She came of age a few years ago and is currently unmarried. Tuần Nhi, you have also reached the age to start a family and career. Do you have any plans yet?”
The moment Tô Cẩm Ca approached, Lord Tô's voice rang out. The meaning in his words was exceptionally clear, lacking only a direct declaration that he wished for Tô Cẩm Ca to be engaged to Tiêu Tuần.
Lord Tô was considered an elder statesman with considerable prestige at court. Tiêu Tuần's newly appointed position as Grand Secretary was not yet stable; if he were to become Lord Tô's son-in-law, his future at court would undoubtedly be as smooth as a fish in water.
Anyone with a clear head would not refuse such a beneficial arrangement.
“Cẩm Ca greets Grand Secretary.”
Just then, Tô Cẩm Ca stepped forward to greet Tiêu Tuần. Tiêu Tuần, across from her, gave a polite yet distant nod.
Just as everyone believed the matter was settled, Tiêu Tuần's slightly apologetic voice reached their ears.
“This student already has someone he fancies, and plans to propose in a few days. The Imperial Cabinet currently has no shortage of talented young men. This student will keep an eye out for Master in the future, so that Miss Tô can find a suitable match.”
As he spoke of the person he fancied, Tiêu Tuần subtly, almost imperceptibly, glanced at Tô Nhược Uyển. The casual, unintentional gesture went unnoticed by everyone, even Tô Nhược Uyển herself didn't notice.
“That is truly a pity. I had originally intended for Cẩm Ca to be engaged to you. But if you already have someone you fancy, I will not force the matter.”
Lord Tô was advanced in years and was gradually losing his influence at court.
Tiêu Tuần was now the esteemed Grand Secretary, which made Lord Tô harbor thoughts of leveraging his power.
Although Tiêu Tuần was his student, how could that compare to the closeness of a son-in-law?
However, he hadn't expected Tiêu Tuần to already have plans for his own marriage.
Lord Tô, though somewhat regretful, knowing his student was about to start a family, was genuinely happy for Tiêu Tuần from the bottom of his heart.
“Father.”
The rejection left Tô Cẩm Ca stunned for a long moment, and when she recovered, she looked at Lord Tô with unconcealed reluctance, hoping the matter could still be turned around.
But Minister Su was an upright man; he would never oppress others.
Even if he knew his daughter's true feelings, he wouldn't use that to pressure Xiao Xuan.
"Cẩm Ca, quickly thank Grand Tutor."
"Many thanks, Grand Tutor."
Although Su Cẩm Ca was reluctant, she feared displeasing her father. After secretly glancing at Madam Su, Su Cẩm Ca finally thanked Xiao Xuan.
With all the guests now present, the matter was considered settled.
Soon after, officials came forward to toast Minister Su.
The main hall once again filled with cheerful chatter and laughter.
Since Xiao Xuan had become an official, Su Nhược Uyển rarely saw him.
Today, she rarely had the chance to steal a few glances at him, and Su Nhược Uyển felt particularly joyful. After a few cups of fruit wine, her face flushed crimson.
A while later, her head felt dizzy. She had originally intended to greet Madam Su, but when she turned, she saw Madam Su whispering with Su Cẩm Ca. Noticing that no one was paying attention, she quietly left the main hall.
What she didn't know was that the moment she left, Su Cẩm Ca immediately picked up a wine cup, stood up, and walked towards Xiao Xuan.
By this time, the snow outside had stopped falling. A gust of cold wind swept over, clearing Su Nhược Uyển's head considerably.
The fallen snow made the path a bit slippery, so Su Nhược Uyển carefully walked forward along the gravel path.
She didn't stop until the heat on her face had subsided.
Thinking that she didn't know when she would see Xiao Xuan again, Su Nhược Uyển felt she couldn't let this opportunity pass. She decided to take the chance to look at him a few more times.
So, she turned around and walked back towards the main hall.
She had only taken two steps when suddenly, a sound came from the rock garden ahead.
Su Nhược Uyển immediately stopped, then, after hesitating for a moment, carefully took two steps forward.
"Who's there?"
But the only reply she received was the chirping of a few birds.
Su Nhược Uyển bravely walked towards the rock garden. Just as she reached the bend, a hand reached out, grabbed her arm, and pulled her into the rock garden.
In an instant, Su Nhược Uyển found herself in an embrace filled with a fragrant scent.
She had originally intended to push the person away, but as soon as she looked up, her movements froze.
The person embracing her was none other than Xiao Xuan, who had just been in the main hall.
At this moment, Xiao Xuan's face was flushed, his breathing heavy, and his gaze towards Su Nhược Uyển was exceptionally fervent.
Su Nhược Uyển couldn't help but retreat in fear, but at that moment, Xiao Xuan's low voice reached her ear.
"Young lady, can you help me?"