Chapter 61 – Elegant Gathering (Part 1)
Life in ancient times was actually quite boring. If it weren’t for Liu Zhi setting up this trial for Jiang Pengji, she believed she could have turned to mush from sheer idleness, reminiscing about the days when her head was fastened to her waistband.
The System scoffed at her: “I thought the host would revive her past skills, becoming a female Kung Fu Barbie or something…”
Jiang Pengji replied matter-of-factly, “This body is far too weak for such intense training, and it would only raise suspicions among those around me… I have a meticulous plan and need a reasonable opportunity; now is not the time…”
How could she possibly forget about the Hejian bandit incident?
She had no desire to taste helplessness a second time.
Yet, she knew this body had poor genes, and its overall quality was lacking. In this situation, no matter how much she trained, it would only marginally increase her combat ability; the effort and outcome were vastly disproportionate. She’d be insane to even consider it.
Clearly, there were safer methods, and she certainly wouldn’t seek trouble when an easier option was at hand.
Moreover, “Even now, I wouldn’t say there are many who could defeat me, would there?”
Most people who saw her would likely think she was a slender young boy; given her age and stature, how much damage could she possibly inflict?
In reality, her combat points surpassed those of robust adult males, coupled with rich combat experience, making her essentially a human weapon.
Currently, her life was relatively stable, and this level of combat strength was sufficient for self-protection as for the rest… she already had her plans in mind.
The System sulked, “Being the host I’m stuck with is utterly boring—feels like there’s no point to my existence at all!”
After all, it was a palace combat live-streaming system! The norm was showcasing beauties in fierce rivalry and strategic maneuvering, none of which resembled Jiang Pengji!
“You’re useless anyway, trash System!” Jiang Pengji ruthlessly retorted, with a smile lingering at her lips.
The System intoned coolly, “…Blue and Slimy Mushroom QAQ.”
Jiang Pengji: “…”
To outsiders, there sat Jiang Pengji beneath the corridor, leaning against a nearby table, resting her chin on one hand, while holding a book in the other, reading pleasantly. A gentle smile graced her lips, eyes sparkling with charm, like a warm spring breeze brushing through her hair, causing the pear blossoms in the courtyard to dance.
Standing nearby, Xu Ke, observed the scene, inwardly surprised.
This young master, if he had just a fraction less heroism, would appear as lovely as a girl.
Of course, it was just an illusion; Xu Ke couldn’t fathom having a heart as black as that or someone as vicious as Jiang Pengji… now that would be a nightmare!
Though he felt displeasure internally, Xu Ke dared not show the slightest hint. To him, Jiang Pengji wasn’t frightening; what scared him was the father looming over her. Even after two or three days, whenever midnight struck, he shivered at the memory.
Once he lay down, with darkness shrouding the room, he would recall those eyes that felt poisoned, scaring him into nightmares.
However, the truth would reveal just how naïve he was.
Liu Zhi might be a torment, but Jiang Pengji would make one wish for death!
“What’s the matter, Ta Xue?”
Jiang Pengji turned her head, looking toward a corner of the corridor, while the closest Xu Ke had yet to react.
Maidservant Ta Xue respectfully presented an invitation. She took it, perfume wafting from the floral paper, which smelled quite delightful.
“Elegant Gathering? Hosted by the Wei residence…” It was two invitations; one was quite formal, and the other nestled inside featured graceful, elegant handwriting—clearly the work of Wei Jingxian. “I’m not particularly interested in this…”
When it came to fighting or surviving in the wilderness, her skills were maxed out, but when it came to poetry and composition, she was utterly clueless.
As a mechanical enthusiast turned into a science nerd, she was profoundly literate in the arts but nothing like her charming motto of “bring it on if you dare,” a complete rogue.
In the realm of poetry and verse, even the former Liu Lanting fell short, often criticized by previous teachers as mere “craftsman’s work,” lacking finesse.
Ta Xue paused, seemingly shocked that Jiang Pengji would reject it, momentarily frozen.
Xun Mei awkwardly chimed in, “But, it’s an invitation penned by Lady Wei herself! If you refuse, it might…”
Wei Jingxian was, after all, the nominal fiancée; turning down her personal invitation would be no different than a slap in the face!
Jiang Pengji caught Xun Mei’s unfinished thoughts and helplessly glanced up at the clear sky above the courtyard.
The sky was as clear as a wash, perfect for going out.
Xu Ke furrowed his brow, questioning softly, “This is an elegant gathering, not a feud—why the rush with the postings?”
Typically, elegant gatherings would announce postings days in advance, allowing invitees ample time to prepare, yet this one was set for the afternoon!
Jiang Pengji dismissed it indifferently, “Some young ladies have their peculiar quirks of not being understood by men; we must learn to be tolerant.”
After that incident, she had offended most of the noble girls from Hejian County, so it was only normal for them to pull some strings.
Xu Ke: “…”
It’s as if she made it sound like he lacked decorum!
Jiang Pengji toyed with her sandalwood fan, instructing the maidservant to prepare appropriate clothing, readying herself to attend the poetry gathering.
“This weather is actually more suitable for sleeping,” Jiang Pengji addressed the audience watching the livestream, “Spring drowsiness and autumn fatigue, sleepy during summertime, and sleeping until March in winter—any time of the year feels like a good nap time. Wasting it at a boring poetry gathering? I must have been out of my mind.”
Jiang Pengji always seemed laid-back, with rare moments of softness gracing her features while leaning against the table, presenting a lovely image of a beauty enjoying her spring sleep.
The elegant gathering hosted by the Wei residence was set by the banks of the Hanshui River just outside the city, typically taking half an hour by horse-drawn carriage, which wasn’t too far.
Besides the carriage driver, Jiang Pengji brought along just one maidservant and the rather underwhelming Xu Ke.
There was a reason Jiang Pengji took Xu Ke along.
Her father, Liu Zhi, seemed particularly invested in Xu Ke, previously testing his studies, treating him not like a servant but rather a student?
By the standards of their time, such an approach seemed ludicrous; Xu Ke not only carried a criminal record but was also a branded servant, with a social status below even ordinary commoners. Even if he possessed talent, it would be impossible for someone like Liu Zhi to take him seriously.
Yet… contemplating Liu Zhi’s unconventional open-mindedness, she felt slightly unsure about his intentions.
Setting aside Liu Zhi’s influence, in the days that followed, she had indeed felt a bit intrigued by Xu Ke.
Of course, this had nothing to do with romantic feelings; she merely thought if he were well-trained, he could make a great assistant.
Xu Ke was a standard civil affairs type, possessing wit and tact; in her previous world, he might have been appointed a vice officer within her legion, tasked with handling various tedious documents. But what about now?
His temperament seemed a bit unpredictable and required guidance and training. For now, she would keep him around and nurture him slowly; if he proved useful, great; if not, they’d cross that bridge later.
While pondering this, they reached the location of the gathering. From a distance, she could see a circle of well-prepared house servants as well as various carriages.
“Once bitten by a snake, ten years afraid of a well-rope; looks like they’ve been spooked by previous events…”
Observing the setup, Jiang Pengji dismounted from the carriage. Her wooden shoes clicked against the pebbled ground, creating a lively sound.
