A few days later, invitations from the Spring Pavilion Garden began arriving at the noble residences of the capital.
The Spring Pavilion gatherings were well known among the aristocratic families. Young masters and noble ladies often attended to display their talents, socialize, and strengthen connections between powerful households.
But this time, the gathering had a different purpose.
Everyone in the capital was curious about Yue Ning, the girl who had suddenly become the Crown Prince's fiancée.
Naturally, the organizers had carefully invited her.
---
Yue Residence
A servant entered the Yue family courtyard carrying a beautifully decorated invitation.
"Miss Yue, an invitation has arrived."
Yue Ning accepted it calmly.
Her eldest brother glanced over her shoulder.
"Spring Pavilion Garden?"
Another brother frowned.
"That gathering is full of noble daughters showing off their talents."
Fourth brother chuckled.
"Sounds like trouble."
The brothers looked at Yue Ning seriously.
"You don't have to go."
Yue Ning read the invitation quietly.
Then she smiled slightly.
"If I refuse, people will think the Yue family fears them."
Her second brother sighed.
"That's exactly why they invited you."
Yue Ning folded the invitation calmly.
"I know."
Her expression remained peaceful.
"But avoiding them will not stop the rumors."
Her eldest brother studied her carefully.
"You're planning to go."
"Yes."
The brothers exchanged glances.
Finally, the eldest nodded.
"Fine."
"But two of us will accompany you."
Yue Ning laughed softly.
"That may frighten everyone."
"That's the point," one brother replied proudly.
---
Xu Chen was reviewing documents when his attendant approached.
"Your Highness, news from the noble families."
Xu Chen looked up.
"What is it?"
"The Spring Pavilion Garden gathering."
"They have invited Lady Yue."
Xu Chen's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Who organized it?"
The attendant answered carefully.
"The Lin family helped arrange the guest list."
Xu Chen immediately understood.
Lin Zhiyuan.
The Crown Prince leaned back slightly in his chair.
"So they wish to test her."
His voice carried a faint chill.
The attendant hesitated.
"Should we stop the gathering?"
Xu Chen shook his head.
"No."
His expression became calm again.
"If Ning'er wishes to go, she will go."
He paused before adding quietly,
"But make sure someone watches the event."
The attendant bowed.
"Yes, Your Highness."
Xu Chen knew something very clearly.
Yue Ning was entering the capital's noble society for the first time.
And many people would try to challenge her.
But he also knew something else.
Yue Ning was not someone easily intimidated.
---
Spring Pavilion Garden
The day of the gathering finally arrived.
Spring Pavilion Garden was famous for its beautiful scenery.
Cherry blossoms covered the pathways, and a clear pond reflected the elegant pavilion roofs. Noble ladies and young masters had already begun arriving.
Soft music played in the background while servants prepared tea and delicacies.
Many guests whispered excitedly.
"Have you heard? The Crown Prince's fiancée is coming today."
"I wonder what she looks like."
"Is she truly worthy of that position?"
Nearby, a group of noble ladies sat together.
At the center of them was Lin Qingya.
She wore a pale blue silk dress embroidered with silver flowers. Her appearance was elegant and refined.
One of the ladies asked curiously,
"Lady Lin, have you met Yue Ning before?"
Lin Qingya shook her head.
"No."
Her tone remained polite.
"But I am also curious."
Inside, however, her thoughts were far less gentle.
The girl who stole the position that should have been mine…
---
Yue Ning Arrives
Soon, a carriage stopped outside the garden.
The guests immediately turned their attention toward the entrance.
Two tall young men stepped out first.
The Yue brothers.
Their presence alone caused several noble ladies to whisper.
"The Yue family's sons…"
"They came with her?"
Then the carriage curtain lifted.
Yue Ning stepped out.
She wore a simple yet elegant pale green dress, her long hair partially tied with a jade hairpin. Her appearance was graceful and calm.
She did not look arrogant.
Nor nervous.
She simply walked forward with quiet dignity.
The moment she entered the garden, the surrounding conversations softened.
Many people stared.
Because the girl before them was even more beautiful than they expected.
Lin Qingya's eyes narrowed slightly as she watched.
So this is Yue Ning.
Yue Ning noticed the attention but remained composed.
She greeted the host politely before taking a seat beside the pavilion.
Her brothers stood nearby like silent guardians.
---
After some time, Lin Qingya finally stood and approached.
The other noble ladies followed curiously.
When she reached Yue Ning, she smiled politely.
"Lady Yue."
Yue Ning looked up calmly.
"Yes?"
Lin Qingya bowed slightly.
"I am Qingya, daughter of General Lin Zhiyuan."
The name immediately caught the attention of many guests.
Everyone knew that the Lin family had once hoped to marry into the imperial family.
Yue Ning returned the greeting politely.
"Lady Lin."
Lin Qingya smiled gently.
"I have heard much about you recently."
Her tone remained pleasant.
"But many people are curious."
She paused slightly before asking,
"What kind of talents does the future Crown Princess possess?"
The question sounded harmless.
But everyone understood its meaning.
In noble gatherings, talents such as poetry, calligraphy, painting, and music were often displayed.
It was a polite way of testing someone's ability.
All eyes turned toward Yue Ning.
Her brothers frowned slightly.
But Yue Ning simply smiled softly.
"What would Lady Lin like to see?"
Lin Qingya's lips curved slightly.
"How about poetry?"
The pavilion fell silent.
Everyone waited to see how the Crown Prince's fiancée would respond.
And far away, hidden among the garden guards…
A quiet imperial observer watched everything carefully.
Reporting every moment to the Crown Prince.
Because this gathering…
Was only the beginning of the capital's true test for Yue Ning.