Chapter 294 – Partying with Medicine and Rockery PY Transactions (Part Four)
Jiang Pengji didn’t want to reveal herself, and naturally, she wouldn’t let others discover her whereabouts. A cold smirk lingered at the corners of her lips as she listened to the couple below, completely engrossed in each other with heartfelt confessions, only to be obstructed by reality and forced to part ways, seemingly forgetting their bond beneath the river.
Honestly, if a more creative gossip enthusiast had been present, they could’ve easily whipped up a heartbreaking little romance story in minutes!
With a slight lift of her eyelid, the live stream chat burst into various melodramatic romance snippets. Some of those seasoned “Old Drivers” could even pinpoint the dialogues between Princess An Yina and Wu Ma Jun, singing back and forth like a well-rehearsed play—absolutely ridiculous… It was clear they were following a script.
If not for the wrong setting, Jiang Pengji could almost have burst out laughing.
Those self-righteous folks were always the most foolish. This couple down below could, in some sense, be considered a match made in heaven.
Jiang Pengji delightedly watched the show unfold, though the audience in the live stream didn’t quite get it.
【Cafeteria Auntie】: “Hey, Host. Isn’t that Wu Ma Jun going to be your step-sister’s husband? He’s sneaking around with another woman right under your nose, and you’re not even a little bit angry? I thought you’d go full ‘sister complex’ and beat him and that little mistress up!”
It wasn’t just one viewer hoping for that; the entire audience was buzzing with anticipation.
They were already used to Jiang Pengji’s straightforward attitude—always quick to retort and irrationally protective, even if it was about a step-sister. In ancient times, that’d be a concubine’s child; in modern terms, a love child or the extra in a love triangle. But this was ancient times, where even a step-daughter had her rights, quite justifiable.
No one thought about how Jiang Pengji would stand up for that step-daughter, but the fact that Wu Ma Jun was getting cozy with another woman before he had even married her was utterly unacceptable. Given the host’s temperament, it was only natural for her to step in and dish out some justice.
Jiang Pengji chuckled. After testing Liu Zhi in Changqing Lane, she had a good grasp of the identities within the Liu Residence’s step-daughters.
In other words, that step-daughter had never belonged with the Liu Residence from the start, nor would she ever.
As for any “sibling affection” or “brotherly love,” those were out of the question.
Liu Zhi was already careful; he had discreetly advised the Stepmother and Mrs. Die to keep Liu Xi and the bastard sons and daughters apart as much as possible.
Without any interaction, feelings couldn’t really be formed.
Knowing that the identity of that step-daughter was unusual and likely related to opposing forces, Liu Zhi’s intention to match her with Wu Ma Jun clearly aimed to set a trap for this fool to fall into… Under these circumstances, Jiang Pengji siding with a step-daughter seemed a bit too much.
【Host V】: “Dealing with Wu Ma Jun and that An Yina? Pfft, it’s only a matter of time.”
The path Jiang Pengji was set to take had these two as obstacles—maybe little pebbles or maybe bigger stones, but she’d get rid of them sooner or later.
However, the reason would definitely not be to take revenge for an unrelated step-sister.
Clearly, the viewers in the live stream loved to join the fun without a second thought, completely oblivious to the wordplay Jiang Pengji had conjured.
Princess An Yina watched Wu Ma Jun depart from the rockery with deep affection, and she stayed behind to make sure her appearance was just right before calmly leaving. Jiang Pengji remained still like a mountain, but in the blink of an eye, An Yina unexpectedly returned.
Jiang Pengji raised an eyebrow; a princess of the Northern Border Royal Court was no ordinary character.
An Yina didn’t notice her, despite harboring a suspicious side, pretending to walk away only to sneak a glance back.
Once An Yina’s aura had completely faded, Jiang Pengji easily leaped down from the rockery.
The place was well-ventilated, and the remnants of the couple’s antics were nearly undetectable. However, to Jiang Pengji, with her extraordinary senses, the air was thick with strange odors, causing her to frown slightly, revealing a hint of disgust and disdain.
Managing her senses a little, that nauseating smell lessened significantly.
She pulled out another sachet from her waistband and took a sniff, feeling much better.
With Wu Ma Jun and An Yina leaving in quick succession, Jiang Pengji chose another narrow path and wound her way out of the rockery clusters.
Today was a special day, and the usually quiet garden had gained some liveliness. Many brightly dressed, exquisitely adorned noble girls were strolling through the gardens, adorned with delicate, vibrant flower hairpins that made their skin look even fairer.
Dongqing’s current atmosphere was not overly conservative; although couples strolling together drew some criticism, it was hardly a grave matter.
Thus, among these beautifully adorned noble girls, there was no shortage of elegantly dressed young men scattered around the garden, by the riverside, in the small woods—the harmonious co-existence was clear.
By unspoken agreement, the two groups maintained their distinct boundaries. Even if they were acquainted, they would only exchange distant glances and quickly avoid eye contact… The evaluations held today were not just related to the official futures of these noble youth but could also influence their life choices!
Jiang Pengji was undoubtedly also a “noble child,” though still quite young.
At this youthful age, she had a small stature but striking features; her appearance leaned feminine yet was filled with heroism. If she waited a few more years to fully blossom, add some achievements to her name, and establish a reputation—wouldn’t she be the ideal target for many noble girls looking for a partner?
Most importantly, the face had to be handsome!
Not in a rugged way, but rather with a blend of feminine softness and warm jade-like beauty—no ambiguity between genders; preferably tall, slim, with a gentle temperament, a wealth of knowledge, and overflowing talent!
Avoiding the paths taken by the noble girls, Jiang Pengji glanced around and headed toward the raised lookout at the octagonal pavilion.
From up high, she could see the scholars taking part in the evaluations much better.
As she approached, three unfamiliar young men were already seated in the pavilion. Not recognizing them, Jiang Pengji merely nodded in greeting.
The others didn’t mind her unexpected appearance and smiled slightly, turning back to chat with their friends.
Petals fell like rain, swirling in the wind, carpeting the ground as dozens of scholars scattered along the riverside and small groves, while graceful maidservants wove through with fine wines and delicacies, occasionally accompanied by the soft strains of string and woodwind instruments playing in the background.
Jiang Pengji and the live stream audience fell silent, their expressions somewhat ambiguous.
Seriously, this is called an exam?
Oh, wait, my bad—their assessment!
【Old Driver Alliance】: “I think I’ve just attended a fake school.”
【Sauce-Flavored Pork Leg】: “I think I’ve encountered a bunch of fake teachers.”
【Three Squirrel Snacks】: “I think I’ve taken a bunch of fake tests.”
【Rock Candy Lemon Candies】: “I think I’ve entered a fake exam venue.”
Jiang Pengji: “…”
From such a distance, others could only see vague figures, but Jiang Pengji was different; all the flavors of life unfolded before her eyes.
At this moment, Wei Ci seemed slightly off as he raised his hand, a beautifully blooming “Beauty Sleep” flower perched atop his head.
“Beauty Sleep” flowers only bloom in the autumn and winter seasons, becoming more vibrant and fragrant in the cold.
He looked at the flower, momentarily lost in thought, nostalgia flickering across his expression.
At that moment, as if sensing a gaze upon him, he subtly turned his attention toward it.
Even though he could only see a blurred figure, how could he not recognize her?
Wei Ci’s expression turned solemn as he crushed that “Beauty Sleep” flower with his hand.
