Invade o salão, rouba a noiva, o ministro maluco tira a máscara.

In the early days of spring, the snow that once clung to the eaves had long since melted away, and tender green branches jostled to emerge, each eager to claim a share of the season. Yet, at the Spring Banquet in the Marquis of Yongning’s residence, the only thing to be heard was the sound of ice shattering on the lake, swiftly followed by the startled cries of maids and matrons.

“Hurry! Save them—Sixth Miss and Cousin fell into the water!”

Beneath the surface, Song Xianwan clung tightly to Qin Siyao’s clothes. Only after hearing two more splashes did she finally let go. By then, the esteemed guests gathered on the shore had been led away to the front courtyard by orders of Fifth Lady Gu Shuyuan.

Clutching a handkerchief in her hand, she watched as the swimming maids dredged the two girls from the icy water. Song Xianwan leaned weakly against Fulings’s arms, coughing up mouthfuls of cold water. Heavy cloaks were wrapped snugly around her, driving the chill from her bones.

She coughed, lifting her gaze to meet Gu Shuyuan’s icy, measuring eyes. Song Xianwan’s lips curved in a faint smile before she looked away.

An effort spent for nothing, she thought—by now, Gu Shuyuan likely hated her enough to wish her dead.

“Hurry and take the young ladies back to their rooms. Summon the physician—let them not be left with an illness,” Fourth Lady Lin Wanru quickly interjected. With that, Madam Song and Fulings helped Song Xianwan to her feet and walked her toward the Begonia Courtyard.

Soon, the lakeside was tranquil once again.

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