TSFLIP Chapter 62

Three days later, Feng Guang received an invitation. Unsure about what to do, she decided to consult her father, Xia Chao.

“This invitation is from Lady Xiao,” Xia Chao said, opening the invitation and frowning. “Why would she want to invite you to a flower viewing? While I did have some past connections with Lady Xiao when we were younger, those bonds have long faded. Especially now that the engagement has been called off.”

Hearing this, Feng Guang was even more uncertain. “Father, should I go?”

“Lady Xiao also mentioned encountering you at the Linggan Temple a few days ago.”

Feng Guang nodded. “At that time, I didn’t realize she was Lady Xiao.”

“In that case, it would be inappropriate to use your health as an excuse. Just go with a few of your maids to the Xiao Wang Mansion. If you haven’t returned by the time of the Shen hour, I will come to pick you up personally.”

“Alright.”

As it was her first formal visit to Lady Xiao, Feng Guang didn’t want to arrive empty-handed. She brought a plate of pastries she had made herself and also took along the maidservants selected by Xia Chao. Upon arriving at the Xiao Wang Mansion, Guo Mama led her to the back garden, where Lady Xiao was sitting in a pavilion, enjoying tea and flowers.

“Feng Guang greets Lady Xiao.”

Lady Xiao greeted her with a warm smile, “No need for formalities, come and sit.”

“Thank you, Lady Xiao.”

Feng Guang took her seat opposite Lady Xiao. Today, she wasn’t wearing a veil, revealing her full, exquisite beauty. Lady Xiao complimented her, “I’ve heard that the Xia family’s daughter is renowned for her beauty. Even after our brief encounter last time, I felt she was extraordinary. Today, you’re even more beautiful than the rumors suggest.”

“Lady Xiao, you flatter me. These are some pastries I made myself. I hope you don’t find them lacking,” Feng Guang said, opening the food box to reveal delicately crafted pastries.

“Not only is Feng Guang beautiful, but also skilled with her hands. If I were to complain, that would be a lack of discernment on my part,” Lady Xiao praised her further. She then pointed to a pot of peonies on the table and casually asked, “The flowers are blooming beautifully today. I originally invited you here to enjoy the flowers with me. What do you think of this pot of red peonies?”

“Their color is fiery, and their appearance is elegant. The peony is indeed known as the ‘king of flowers,’ and it lives up to its reputation.”

“Indeed, these ‘Firelit Peonies’ are the reddest among all peonies. Unfortunately…”

Her words trailed off, prompting Feng Guang to ask naturally, “What’s the unfortunate part?”

“Peonies are unrivaled in their beauty and often attract much attention. Some people desire to pluck them to put in a vase, while others, lonely and bored, want to keep them by their side. Yet, once the flower is removed from its stem, it is doomed to wither quickly. Thus, beauty is often short-lived, whether for flowers or people.”

Lady Xiao’s words seemed to carry a deeper meaning. Feng Guang forced a smile. “What Lady Xiao says is true.”

“If only one ‘Firelit Peony’ remained in the world, how many people would be willing to fight desperately over it?” Lady Xiao asked.

Feng Guang hesitated. “I… don’t know.”

“Don’t be anxious, Feng Guang. I was just asking casually. Oh, I haven’t offered you any tea yet.” Guo Mama promptly poured tea, and Lady Xiao continued with a smile, “This tea is a gift from His Majesty. Feng Guang, make sure to savor it.”

“Of course.”

“Mother.” Just as Feng Guang was about to take a sip of tea, Qi Mu walked over with a smile. Holding a fan with a relaxed demeanor, he entered the pavilion, casually took a seat, and greeted Feng Guang with a warm smile. “I heard Mother had a guest and was curious to see who it was. It turns out to be Miss Xia.”