Chapter 31 – The Tossed Embroidered Ball

Normally, the noble ladies and young masters were extremely mindful of their social standing. Places like brothels were deemed filthy and beneath them; they would never set foot there, much less meet the famed courtesans in person. Thus, they could only listen to others describe these renowned beauties, always left with a lingering sense of regret.

Now that they finally had a chance to see them for themselves, they naturally refused to miss it. That was why they had all lost their composure just moments ago.

Standing at the back of the crowd, Princess Rongyue, who had been completely ignored, wore a dark expression as she stepped onto Princess Xueyu’s barge.

Hearing footsteps behind her, Princess Xueyu’s eyes gleamed mischievously. She deliberately asked Mu Nanjin, “Mu Nanjin, who do you think is more beautiful, Princess Rongyue or the courtesans?”

Without hesitation, Mu Nanjin replied, “The courtesans.”

Princess Xueyu burst into laughter. “I think so too.”

Princess Rongyue’s expression turned stormy. Comparing her, an imperial princess, to a prostitute was unforgivable.

Her anger flared, her steps growing heavy as she marched up the deck. “Princess Xueyu, if the Empress learns that your flower-viewing gathering involves mingling with such filthy people, what do you think she’ll do to you?”

Princess Xueyu sneered. “Princess Rongyue, is that all you ever do, use my mother to threaten me? And by your logic, since you’re now on my barge, aren’t you also mingling with ‘filthy people’?”

“You—!”

Princess Rongyue’s chest heaved violently, clearly infuriated. “I won’t waste my breath on you!”

Her gaze shifted to Mu Nanjin. “And who is she? Why does she not rise to greet me?”

Princess Xueyu stepped forward, shielding Mu Nanjin from view. “Because I said she doesn’t have to bow to anyone here.”

She raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. “Why? Does Princess Rongyue wish to defy my order?”

Princess Rongyue: “…”

What she hated most was that although she and Princess Xueyu were of the same generation and she was even a few months older, her status was lower. Every time they clashed, Princess Xueyu would use her higher rank to suppress her.

It infuriated her to no end.

The only thing she had over Princess Xueyu was her beauty, but aside from that, she lost in every aspect.

“Your Highness,” came the voice of her handmaiden, who hurried up the stairs. “Greetings, Princesses. The Eldest Prince has arrived.”

Mu Nanjin finally spared Princess Rongyue a glance.

“Oh? My older cousin has come. Let’s go greet him.”

Princess Rongyue’s temper instantly vanished as she gracefully descended the stairs.

“Finally, that annoying woman is gone,” Princess Xueyu huffed. “But it’s strange, why would my eldest brother come here?”

Mu Nanjin turned toward another barge docked nearby. It was just as tall, three stories high but far more luxurious than Princess Xueyu’s.

Down below, Princess Rongyue, once again the picture of refinement, addressed the nobles who had accompanied her. “The Eldest Prince has arrived. Shall we go greet him together?”

“Of course,” a young noble said. “It would be rude not to pay our respects.”

But before they could move, they once again heard Mu Nanjin’s voice.

【The Eldest Prince is vying for the position of Crown Prince. And you young nobles dare to cozy up to him? Are you seeking death or confiscation of your family estates? Either way, he won’t bring you glory or wealth.】

【And honestly, a prince who relies on women to build alliances. Do you really think someone like that can reward you? Don’t be stupid. When trouble comes, he’ll be the first to hide like a turtle in its shell.】

【As for Princess Rongyue, none of you will ever marry her. Her grand ambition is to become an empress just so she can stand one rank higher than Princess Xueyu. How laughable.】

【Besides, His Majesty’s favored choice for Crown Prince isn’t the Eldest Prince. Though he’s the eldest, he’s not a legitimate son. His Majesty would never appoint a concubine’s son as Crown Prince. Anyone who sides with him will only earn the Emperor’s displeasure.】

Hearing those words, the young noblemen turned pale, instantly regretting that they had accepted Princess Rongyue’s invitation.

Worse, they realized the woman they once saw as their untouchable goddess actually harbored such scheming ambitions. The idea of marrying her now terrified them.

Suddenly, one noble clutched his stomach. “Ah, I’m not feeling well… Forgive me, Your Highness, but I must take my leave.”

Princess Rongyue blinked. “Shall I summon a physician for you?”

“No, no need, I’ll manage!” he stammered before bolting like a man fleeing ghosts.

Another followed suit. “Ah, Your Highness, I just remembered something urgent at home. I must leave at once!”

Before she could even respond, he too fled the lake in haste.

One by one, the young nobles made their excuses until only a few idle young men and noble ladies remained.

Princess Rongyue frowned, sensing something amiss but unable to pinpoint what.

Meanwhile, the Eldest Prince’s face darkened as he watched noble after noble slip away. By the end, he had little enthusiasm left to entertain Princess Rongyue and her entourage.

Just then, the music from the courtesans’ barge stopped.

From across the lake, Gong Xiurong’s melodic voice carried over the water. “Ladies and gentlemen, next we’ll play the embroidered ball game. Whoever catches the ball will be invited aboard our barge to enjoy themselves freely!”

“Huh?” Princess Xueyu tilted her head. “I don’t remember ordering such a game. Still, it sounds amusing. I wonder who will catch it.”

“That person,” Mu Nanjin said with confidence, “will be me.”

Princess Xueyu laughed. “So eager to get aboard the courtesans’ barge, are you?”

Mu Nanjin didn’t deny it. “Mm-hmm.”

Princess Xueyu frowned. “You’re a lady. If you go up there, your reputation will suffer. Fewer men will want to marry you, and those young nobles will avoid you altogether.”

Mu Nanjin shrugged indifferently. “If a man truly wants to marry me, he’ll do so even if I commit murder and arson. If he doesn’t, even if I beg on my knees, he still won’t look at me.”

Princess Xueyu was taken aback, silently staring at her for a moment.

Then, the embroidered ball flew through the air, straight toward Princess Xueyu’s barge.

Her guards moved to intercept it, but the ball carried an immense inner force. The moment they touched it, they were struck into the water with loud splashes.

“Your Highness, be careful!” the palace maids cried out.

But instead of hitting Princess Xueyu, the ball landed lightly in Mu Nanjin’s hands.

Gong Xiurong’s soft laughter floated over the lake. “Congratulations, my lady. You’ve caught the embroidered ball.”

The courtesans’ grand barge glided gracefully alongside Princess Xueyu’s. The courtesans, male and female alike, stood at the bow, smiling invitingly as they gestured for Mu Nanjin to come aboard.