The Eldest Daughter is Delicate and Pretty, How Can She Be a Malicious Supporting Character - Chapter 25

Chapter 25: Guidance

After getting off the carriage, the servants would arrange the accommodations for the young masters and ladies from noble families.
The Lanhua Courtyard was truly a royal retreat, and as soon as they got off the carriage, they saw a magnificent building.

The vermilion palace walls stood tall, and the dark glazed tiles shone in the sunlight. The palace maids were dressed in uniform attire and led the guests with professionalism.
After Pei Lingyi went up the steps, a curtain would be specially sent to ensure that each young lady’s appearance would not be seen by outsiders.

After all, the gathering with the gentlemen was a grand event, and it had developed from the common people, so it was meant to be enjoyed by all.
The Lanhua Courtyard was built at the foot of Lingwu Mountain, surrounded by villages. Except for the gathering that took place every three years, it was usually closed to the public.
During the gathering, people from outside would come to witness the excitement, so there would be not only villagers but also ordinary people. Although the people of Great Ye were open-minded, it was still not suitable for the noble ladies to be seen by outsiders.

After walking through the layers of stairs, they felt a sense of openness as they entered the gate. The steps were paved with green stones, and flowers and plants were planted beside them. There were white jade railings with dragons carved on each one.
As they walked through the long corridor, they could see a pavilion in the distance, which was the Zhaixing Pavilion.
It was rumored that the Zhaixing Pavilion was built by the Emperor Taizong for his favorite concubine, the Noble Consort Lan. The Lanhua Courtyard was a birthday gift from the Emperor Taizong to the Noble Consort.

Now, although the Lanhua Courtyard had undergone several renovations, the Zhaixing Pavilion still stood tall.
Before they knew it, they had arrived at their accommodations.
“Miss Pei, this Huachun Hall will be your residence for the next three days.”
The retreat was vast, and the accommodations for each person varied in quality and size. Pei Lingyi had sent someone to inquire about the arrangements beforehand.

Except for the Imperial family members who could stay in the Hua Shang Yue Ling, which had the best scenery, the rest would depend on their status.
Her father was the prime minister, and their residence was only slightly inferior to the Hua Shang Yue Ling. It had an independent courtyard, and it was spacious enough for two people.

As for those with less prominent family backgrounds, they would be assigned to inferior residences, and some might even have to share a room with others.

As soon as they entered the courtyard, even Pei Lingyi couldn’t help but be impressed. The courtyard was comparable to her Lanyue Pavilion and might even be slightly better.
This showed how luxurious the Hua Shang Yue Ling was.

Layan was placing the luggage, and Luoxu was brewing tea that they had brought from home.
As for Pei Lingyi, she was playing with Snow Ball. She had brought it with her because she wouldn’t be able to take care of it for three days.
“Elder sister, guess what I just saw?” The voice came from a distance before the person even entered the room.

Pei Sitang rushed into the courtyard, gasping for breath. As soon as she entered, she removed the veil from her head.
She wasn’t used to wearing it.

After all, her mother, Concubine Bai, rarely let her go out and play, so she didn’t need to wear it often.
“Second Miss, slow down and take a sip of tea to soothe your throat,” Luoxu said, serving the tea that had just been brewed.

Pei Sitang had been attracted to the exotic plants in the courtyard as soon as she entered the retreat. She loved flowers and plants, and seeing many that she had only read about in books, she couldn’t help but be fascinated.

Although she was eager, she didn’t express her desire out loud. Pei Lingyi noticed her interest and allowed her to go and admire the plants.
She had just returned from her exploration.
After taking a sip of tea, Pei Sitang felt better and began to tell her story.
“I was originally admiring the flowers in the flower bed when I heard the sound of arguing. I found it strange, so I quietly hid in a place to observe.”

“As I got closer, I discovered that it was two young ladies from noble families. They were both wearing veils, so I couldn’t see their faces, but I could hear their argument clearly.”

“One of them spoke slowly and logically, while the other had a loud voice and spoke without much thought, but neither of them backed down. It turned out they were arguing over a residence with a courtyard.”
“The courtyard is right next to here, and I took a look. It’s not even as big as our courtyard, but they were arguing fiercely, without any regard for their dignity.”

“Elder sister, guess what happened next?”
Pei Sitang was quite excited today, showing a more childlike side that wasn’t often seen when she was at home.

“I guess that the two of them were eventually expelled and had their participation qualifications canceled. They must have been quite embarrassed,” Pei Lingyi said.
“You’re right, as always! Indeed, people came and announced their names, and they were asked to leave immediately,” Pei Sitang said, impressed.

Pei Sitang looked at her with admiration.
“It’s a pity, though. They worked so hard to get to the gathering, and now they’re being expelled. If I were them, I would be furious,” Pei Sitang said.
“Do you remember the names of the two girls?” Pei Lingyi asked, reading a book of poetry.

“One of them was called Ding Hui, and the other was called Fang Jingjing,” Pei Sitang replied, quickly recalling the names that had been announced.
“Ding Hui is the daughter of Ding Jian, a proper fifth rank deputy of Imperial Censorate, and Fang Jingjing is the daughter of Fang Mian, a lower fifth rank official.”

Pei Lingyi’s expression remained calm as she accurately stated the identities of the two girls. Pei Sitang was taken aback, impressed by Pei Lingyi’s knowledge.

“It’s said that the two girls have a good relationship, and their fathers hold similar positions in the government. Fang Jingjing’s father is slightly inferior to Ding Hui’s father, but it’s said that Minister Fang is favored by the emperor,” Pei Lingyi explained.
“If you were to decide who gets the last courtyard, who would you give it to?”

Pei Sitang’s expression turned serious. She hadn’t thought deeply about the reason behind the argument, but after Pei Lingyi’s explanation, she understood.

She confidently said, “No matter who gets the courtyard, someone will be unhappy. The accommodations are crucial in the Gentlemen’s Gathering.”
“Both girls have fathers of the same rank, and the difference between them is minimal. If one gets favored and the other is stuck in a small room, it would be unbalanced.”

“It’s also a test. If they had behaved themselves, they might have been able to share the courtyard. But they couldn’t resist the temptation and ended up losing their qualifications to participate.”
Pei Lingyi smiled, pleased that Pei Sitang understood quickly.

“Yes, Sitang. Although you were just an observer, you should take this as a warning. Always think carefully before acting…”

Watching Pei Lingyi walk away, Pei Sitang felt a lump in her throat, and her eyes began to well up with tears. Only her elder sister would take the time to teach her and care for her like this. Pei Sitang made a silent vow to herself: from now on, she would do everything to protect her elder sister and ensure that no one would harm her.