The Eldest Daughter is Delicate and Pretty, How Can She Be a Malicious Supporting Character - Chapter 24

Chapter 24: Departure for Lanhua Courtyard

It had been some time since their encounter with Xiao Huaifeng, and now the day of the gathering with the gentlemen had finally arrived.
Although the gathering was hosted by the Imperial family, it was a grand event among the common people. The winner of each session would be the focus of attention and would become a sought-after figure in the capital city.
The weather was perfect today, with bright sunshine.

Early in the morning, the young ladies from noble families, princes, and nobles gathered at Lanhua Courtyard outside the capital city. The streets were filled with horse-drawn carriages heading in the same direction, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere.

The crowd gathered around to watch and discuss the gathering, which took place every three years.
“Look, that’s the Double Ruyi pattern, it must be the carriage of the National Duke Li’s mansion.”
“And that one, with the Vermilion Bird Inscribing branch pattern, must belong to the mansion of General Wei Yuan.”

People on both sides of the road were watching, as it was rare to see so many dignitaries gathered on Zhuque Street.
Pei Sitang lifted the curtain and looked outside, seeing the crowds and the lively scene.
She returned to the carriage, still excited, her face flushed. “Eldest Sister, the gathering with the gentlemen is indeed a grand event celebrated by the whole nation. Besides the major festivals like Mid-Autumn and Dragon Boat, it’s rare to see so many people gathering to watch.”

Seeing Pei Sitang’s excitement, Pei Lingyi smiled genuinely. “Yes, I’m also attending the gathering for the first time. I’ve heard that Lanhua Courtyard was built during the reign of the previous emperor and has been renovated over the generations to become the venue for the gathering.”

Pei Sitang was wearing a light yellow dress that suited the autumn scenery. The accessories on her head were the latest fashion, deducted from her mother’s monthly allowance. The young girl looked lively and adorable in them.

In the past, her mother didn’t pay much attention to her, but still imposed many demands on her. Pei Sitang had always been serious and introspective, unlike Pei Yangyang, who was romantic and carefree.
This time, Pei Sitang’s participation in the gathering might help her overcome her inner struggles.

Although Pei Sitang had admired Pei Lingyi since childhood, she had been hesitant to approach her due to her mother’s influence. It was Pei Yangyang and Pei Lening who were closer to her.

Now, being close to Pei Lingyi, Pei Sitang felt a sense of unreality.
She couldn’t help but stare at Pei Lingyi, who was wearing a light blue dress with silver patterns and a moon-white sash. Her hair was styled in a flying immortal bun, adorned with jade and gemstones.
Without heavy makeup, Pei Lingyi’s beauty shone through, like a goddess or a fairy.

“Tangtang? What’s wrong? Why is your face so red? Are you feeling unwell?” Pei Lingyi waved her hand in front of Pei Sitang, who remained motionless, her expression growing increasingly anxious.

“Ah? No, no, I’m fine. It’s just that it’s a bit hot inside the carriage, and that’s why my face is red.”
Pei Sitang snapped back to reality, realizing she had been staring at the beauty in front of her, feeling utterly embarrassed. She had known since childhood that her elder sister was beautiful, but no matter how long she looked, she couldn’t get enough.

In the past, she could only watch from afar as her third and fourth sisters was pampered their eldest sister, and although she felt envious, she had to keep it to herself. But now, being so close to her elder sister in the same carriage, she felt like she was in a honey pot, and she couldn’t wait to spend every day like this.

“By the way, do you know the Xue family?” Pei Lingyi casually mentioned.
“You’re referring to the Xue family of the Ministry of Revenue?”
“Yes, the eldest daughter of the Xue family, Xue Baohua, has been at odds with me since childhood. Her younger sister, Xue Yiran, is also quite capable. Today, at the gathering, we must be cautious of them.”

After Pei Lingyi finished speaking, she fell silent, leaving Pei Sitang deep in thought.
She had previously tried to pry information out of Pei Yangyang about what happened at the princess’s banquet, but Pei Yangyang refused to say.

Later, she learned from the servants that Xue Yiran and Xue Baohua had tricked Pei Yangyang and taken something from her, and it was Pei Lingyi who had to step in to resolve the issue.

Upon hearing this, Pei Sitang felt that Pei Yangyang was too naive and disliked the Xue sisters who liked to cause trouble.
Now, hearing Pei Lingyi mention them, her dislike for them grew even stronger.
How could they dare to compare themselves to her elder sister?

Seeing the fierce look in Pei Sitang’s eyes, Pei Lingyi smiled inwardly, though her face remained expressionless.
“That’s right, Tangtang, you must protect your elder sister well…”

The atmosphere inside the Pei family’s carriage was peaceful.
However, in the Xue family’s carriage not far away, the atmosphere was quite tense.
Xue Baohua couldn’t stand being close to Xue Yiran and wished they were separated by eight rivers. But since the carriage was small, and they had to sit together, she didn’t want to be near Xue Yiran.

The reason they had to share a carriage was that there were too many people going to the gathering, and each family could only bring one carriage.
Xue Baohua couldn’t understand why her father was so infatuated with Concubine Dan, who was like a seductive fox. Even their daughter was restless, and her father just gave her whatever she wanted, which made Xue Baohua unhappy.

Xue Yiran was just a concubine’s daughter, and it was already a blessing for her to be able to attend the princess’s banquet. Now, her father was allowing her to attend the gathering with Xue Baohua, which was a grand event.

Xue Baohua thought her father must have lost his mind.
Xue Yiran saw Xue Baohua’s disgusted expression and felt equally disdainful.
She didn’t want to be with Xue Baohua either, but it was because the gathering was an important plot point in the novel…

She could even use the gathering to turn her life around and rise to fame. She didn’t need to rely on her father, so she didn’t have to share a carriage with Xue Baohua.
In her mind, she encouraged herself, thinking that if she could become the champion of the gathering, she wouldn’t have to endure being looked down upon as a concubine’s daughter.

She could even surpass Xue Baohua and become famous in the capital city.
Just thinking about it made her tremble with excitement.
What did it matter if she transmigrated as a cannon fodder?

She knew the plot development, and it would be easy for her to find a way out. After becoming famous at the gathering, she could openly do business.
With her father’s identity, she would definitely thrive in the capital city.

Thinking about it made her smile uncontrollably. If she weren’t in the carriage, she would have burst out laughing.
Xue Baohua rolled her eyes, feeling that Xue Yiran had changed a lot since the day she fell into the water. Now, she was smiling in broad daylight, and it was a creepy smile.
Maybe she had been possessed by a spirit from the lake?
The thought sent shivers down her spine, and she couldn’t wait to arrive at Lanhua Courtyard.