The Eldest Daughter is Delicate and Pretty, How Can She Be a Malicious Supporting Character - Chapter 33

Chapter 33: The Second Day

The man’s broad chest pressed tightly against her, fitting perfectly. As they fell, she could feel the man turning his body to cushion her.
She could even hear his muffled grunt as he hit the ground and the steady beat of his heart against her chest.
“Miss! Fourth Prince!”
“Fourth Brother!”
“Elder Sister!”

The scene erupted into chaos. Layan and Luoxu quickly put down their things. Pei Sitang, who had been reading under the eaves, and Changle, who had been hiding behind a tree, were shocked by the sudden accident.
Everyone in the small courtyard was stunned.

The culprit and victim, Xiao Huaifeng, lay quietly on the ground, holding Pei Lingyi close. He didn’t want to get up, savoring the moment. When Pei Lingyi was carefully helped up by others, he felt a sense of loss.

Pei Lingyi was protected by Xiao Huaifeng throughout the fall and seemed fine. However, Xiao Huaifeng had taken the full force of the impact, bearing the weight of both of them without any resistance. He must have gotten hurt.
After everyone helped them up, Luoxu immediately went to fetch the imperial physician from another courtyard.
Layan went to get clean water to clean them up.

Pei Sitang sat beside them, looking worried but unsure what to do.
Changle, on the other hand, couldn’t stop talking.

“Fourth Brother, you’re so clumsy. You’re a grown man, and you tripped over yourself trying to hit me. You even dragged Jiaojiao down with you.”
“You’re probably drunk from all the wine you’ve had at the brothels. You can’t even walk straight.”
Changle’s words were full of disdain for Xiao Huaifeng.

“Changle, enough. I’m fine. But Fourth Prince should get treated soon.”
Xiao Huaifeng hadn’t spoken since the incident, his head bowed. He looked up when he heard Pei Lingyi’s soft voice.
Looking at Pei Lingyi, his eyes showed complex emotions. His voice was flat, without his usual carefree tone.

“Miss Pei, I’m sorry for dragging you down today. I’ll visit you another day.”
With that, he turned and walked out of the courtyard, leaving Changle unable to catch up.
“Fourth Brother!” Changle shouted.

But the man’s figure didn’t slow down, and soon he disappeared from sight.
Changle stamped her foot, but she didn’t chase after him. Instead, she sat down, fuming, and gulped down a cup of tea.
Pei Lingyi, however, seemed unaffected, sitting calmly with a gentle smile.

When Luoxu brought the imperial physician over, they found that the Fourth Prince was gone. But seeing County Lord Changle’s obvious bad mood and their mistress’s calm demeanor, they didn’t ask any questions.

After the physician finished treating Pei Lingyi, the small courtyard returned to its usual atmosphere. Changle grasped Pei Lingyi’s hands, concerned. “I’m sorry, it’s all my fault that you got dragged into this. You don’t have to go to the banquet tonight, just rest. And that scoundrel, Fourth Brother, I’ll make sure to teach him a lesson.”

Pei Lingyi leaned lazily on the soft couch, her voice nonchalant. “Why are you apologizing? I’m fine. And the banquet tonight doesn’t matter to me. I wasn’t planning to go anyway.”
“But you should go back and change your clothes. You need to show off your royal princess style tonight.”

Changle shook her head. “No, I’ll stay here with you. You’re fine, but it’s all because of me. How can I leave you?”
“You stubborn fool,” Pei Lingyi said, lightly tapping Changle’s nose with a hint of exasperation.
Changle’s eyes widened, and she looked like a puffed-up cat. “Hey, I’m here to keep you company, and you’re scolding me? Don’t you have any conscience?”

Pei Lingyi couldn’t help but laugh at Changle’s antics. She stroked Changle’s hair, soothing her. “You’re the stubborn fool for not going to the banquet tonight. Think about it, you’re a county lord, and everyone there is from a noble family. There are even some royal relatives.

“Today, you didn’t even find the jade plaque. Although you won’t be kicked out like others, it’s still not a good impression. If you don’t go to the banquet tonight, what will others think of you?”

“Will they say that the county lord can’t even pass the Seeking Elegance test and is too afraid to show her face? Or will they say you’re arrogant and don’t care about anyone else?”
Changle’s expression gradually calmed down, and she muttered softly, “You’re right. Although I’m a County Lord, those people might gossip about me behind my back.”

“In that case, you can rest well tonight and prepare for the competition tomorrow. With your talent, I’m sure you’ll win first place.”
A warm feeling flowed through her heart. Although their relationship was initially based on purpose, Changle was different from others to her.

“Let’s hope your words bring me good luck.”
The two exchanged a glance, understanding each other’s intentions without needing to say more.
…
The night fell, and the silver moonlight filled the courtyard. The grand feast was held at Mo Shang Huan, not far away. Inside the hall, the candles flickered, and the golden silk curtains hung low. Xiao Yan was surrounded by people trying to curry favor with him.

He held a white jade cup, the wine inside clear. His fingers lightly stroked the rim of the cup as he gazed at the crowd with a calm and indifferent expression.
When he saw an empty seat, he paused for a moment, then sneered and poured the wine onto the floor.

He stood up and left the noisy hall.
The first day of the Gentlemen Gathering passed in a lively manner.

The second day.

As the sky lightened, a few strands of golden sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting on the green bricks and black tiles.
A girl walked through the dew, her body glowing with a soft light, like a fairy from heaven who had descended to the mortal world.

Xiao Huaiqing was captivated by the sight, forgetting the tea cup in his hand until the tea soaked through his clothes.
Pei Lingyi merely nodded slightly, seemingly unaware of his embarrassment.

Soon, everyone gathered in the courtyard.
Several elderly men in white robes sat down slowly.

“Cough, cough, let me announce the competition rules,” Xiao Huaiqing said, standing in front of everyone, reading the rules in an orderly manner.
“Yesterday, you all formed alliances, and the competition officially begins today.”
“A true gentleman should possess the six arts: rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics.”

“A virtuous lady should excel in the seven feminine arts: playing the guqin, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, tea, and flowers arrangement.”

“Each of you can choose two skills you think you’re best at. The judges are all renowned masters in their respective fields.”
“And finally, the last competition will test your literary talent, as our Great Ye Dynasty has always lacked outstanding writers.”

“I’ve said all I need to say. I hope everyone will do their best and strive for the top prize!”