The peach blossoms were thick, layer upon layer of pear blossoms stacked together, like clouds woven tapestry covering the sky. The warmth of spring seeped through the sparse leaves, making the green grass even more vibrant. Three or two people walked slowly, either chatting softly, or gazing at the flowers in contemplation. Some sat on the uneven wooden benches under the pear trees, resting their feet, all dressed in fine clothes, adding a touch of brilliance to this snow-white pear garden.

Today, some young girls of thirteen or fourteen did not have their minds on admiring the flowers. They passed through the pear orchard with a vague look in their eyes. Although they could not see clearly what was going on, they faintly heard the sound of men talking from across the way.

The pear garden at Princess Zhaoyun's mansion was renowned throughout Kyoto. Every year when the pear blossoms came into bloom, a flower viewing party would be held, inviting only the wives and daughters of prominent families.

>More than a month ago, Han Muyu, the second son of Princess Zhaoyun Chang, took the Chunwei exam, unexpectedly ranking among the top candidates. Although he only placed at the tail end of the second class, his age was remarkable, even among noble children, let alone those from scholarly families.

Taking advantage of the flower-viewing festival, Young Master Han invited friends of different ages to hold a poetry gathering, separated from the young ladies by only a pear fence.

During the Zhou Dynasty, people were more open-minded. Young men weren't as restricted as in previous dynasties. With the pear orchard serving as a barrier, it wasn't exactly against the rules.

Those ladies were even more excited, using the occasion of the flower viewing poetry gathering to see each other's young relatives. Who knows, perhaps their sons’ marriage prospects lay right here!

"Qingyan elder sister, this pear garden is truly exceptional, the entire capital couldn't find a second like it." Yanshanzi smiled sweetly, looking at County Princess Chongxi who was surrounded by young ladies.

The Chongxi County Master was the only daughter of Princess Zhaoyun, given the name Qingyan. She was deeply favored by the emperor and, breaking precedent, was granted the title of County Master.

The person in the apricot-yellow garment beside him frowned slightly and pulled at his shirt.

Two of them, except for their clothes, looked exactly alike.

The County Lord of Chongxi glanced at the two of them. Her eyes flew past one with impatience and landed on the other's face, saying faintly, "Miss Zhenliu, you flatter me."

After finishing, he stood up, apologized to the young ladies gathered around him, and walked forward alone.

The remaining maidens looked at each other, their eyes now filled with mockery.

Who doesn't know that the county master of Chongxi has a temper that changes like the wind? If someone is in her good graces, they are treated like royalty. But if someone displeases her, even a princess would be too much trouble to speak to.

This Miss Zhenliu is really comical, but relying on the fact that last year, the eldest daughter of the Zhen family married the son of Princess Zhaoyun, she wants to be sisters with County Lord Chongxi.

Lady Zhen Liu hails from the Jian'an Marquis Mansion. Her given name is Yu, and she wears a apricot-yellow robe. She is the fraternal twin sister of Lady Zhen Bing.

Zhenyu was only twelve years old, and she didn't have much guile. When the young ladies ridiculed her, her eyes immediately reddened, and she bit her lip as if wanting to say something.

Zhen Bing again lowered her voice and said, "Liumei, we shouldn't have a conflict with Chongxi County Princess. Calling me sister is indeed too abrupt, and arguing with us will only make things worse."

"Who would have thought, so arrogant, hmph, what's so great about it—"

The two sisters were speaking in low voices when suddenly they heard a commotion ahead. They couldn't help but raise their heads to look.

Many young women were also stunned.

"What's the rush?" County Head Chongxi looked at the maid who was running in panic and shouted coldly.

Under the majesty of County Lord Chongxi, the maidservant in blue armor spoke with trepidation: “County Lord, n...no...someone has fallen into Jingyuan Lake!”

"Who is it?"

"Slave... Slave doesn't know, only that a young lady and a young master fell into the water together. Slave immediately reported it to the County Lord."

At this, everyone was astonished.

The County Master of Chongxi doesn't look too good. Regardless, this is a flower viewing event hosted by the Crown Princess. Even in the Zhou Dynasty where the people are relatively open-minded, an incident where young men fell into the water together would still be considered quite embarrassing.

"Now, tell Bi Cui to come here."

The maid, wearing emerald green silk like a young jade, said something and hurried towards Jingyuan Lake.

At the end of the pear orchard is Jingyuan Lake, which is very large. There's a nine-curved corridor bridge over it. Standing on the bridge to enjoy the scenery is excellent.

>Just today, the second young master of Han is hosting a poetry gathering at the other end of Li Lin. If you go to the lake, there's a chance you might run into him. A well-mannered young lady wouldn't go that way.

The County Mistress of Chongxi leaned against a pear tree, her half-lowered eyelids hiding her mocking gaze.

I don't know which one this is all about today.

Although the young women present weren't old, having grown up within the confines of the inner courtyard they were well-versed in these intricate affairs. Each one wore a subtle expression – either mocking or amused – as they gossiped about it.

"What a good show today! I wonder which young master fell into the water. Could it be Young Master Han Er?" The speaker was Zhang Chaohua, grandson of the Right Attendant of the Ministry of Civil Affairs.

"How did Chao Hua, little sister, guess it was Young Master Han Er?" Yang Qing, the second daughter of Yongjia Marquis's mansion, asked in a low voice.

Zhang Chaohua let out a mocking laugh: "This doesn't even require thinking. If they're already resorting to such underhanded tactics, wouldn't they choose the best one?"

A voice came in: "If you're talking about the best, it's not just Young Master Han Er. Rumor has it that Prince Zhen Guo’s son is here today as well."

When mentioning the Crown Prince of Generalissimo Zhen Guogong, all the young ladies fell silent.

As for his rank, needless to say, he's a duke. Just his appearance and bearing as the son of the Duke of Zhen Guo are enough to capture the hearts of countless young ladies.

"The only thing is, the Crown Prince of Zhen Guo is good in every way, but his life isn't going well. Besides losing his parents, he had two engagements broken off before they could even get married."

When encountering such matters, they were all young women of similar age. In their conversations, they unconsciously forgot to be reserved.

Zhen Yuzi was lively and chatted with the younger wife of Xiang.

Zhen Bing frowned and looked around, her face growing increasingly grim. She finally couldn't help but pull Zhen Yu aside and whispered, "Sixth sister, did you see Fourth sister?"

Zhen Yu was taken aback, and unconcernedly said: "Didn't we say before that there were too many layers of clothing? I felt stuffy, so I went over there to get some air."

Saying that, he lifted his chin towards the front and then froze suddenly.

The two sisters looked at each other, both seeing shock and fear in each other's eyes.

Damn, the person who fell in water can't be—

As the two stood uncertain, they heard the sound of light footsteps.

Bictri ran quickly to the side of Chongxi County Lord, and whispered a few words in her ear.

County Mistress Zhongxi's eyes were like knives as she glanced at the Zhen sisters. Then, she addressed the crowd and said, "Everyone, please follow me to the Flower Hall for a sit."

Seeing that County Mistress Xi had said nothing, some impatient young ladies sent their maids to inquire about the situation.

The County Lady of Chongxi saw it and didn't say much. This kind of thing couldn't be hidden anyway, it would spread throughout Kyoto's upper echelons by tomorrow at the latest.

It turned out that when the young ladies left Chang Princess's Mansion, they all learned who the person who fell into the water was. It was Zhen Miaohui, the fourth daughter of Jian'an Bo Mansion, and Luo Tiancheng, the son of Zhen Guo Gong.

"This shameless wretch! He has utterly disgraced us!" Zhen Yu's face was ashen, her teeth gritted together as she spoke.

Zhen Bing remained silent, her face equally grim.

All the people of Zhen Mansion returned home with Miss Zhen Si, who was still unconscious, their heads and faces covered in dirt.

(Editor in charge:graphic novels)