Rivals in love, their eyes burn with jealousy upon meeting.

Prince Ji Yun’s smile was gentle and courteous, embodying the refined elegance that earned him the praise of the world as the amiable Third Prince. Yet, the little one nestled in his arms did not share this view; to her, this beloved elder brother was the greatest trickster, especially fond of teasing her relentlessly.

Pouting adorably in Ji Yun’s embrace, the child was utterly endearing.

Ji Yun turned, smiling at Shi Xu, and asked, “Miss Shi, shall we return together?”

Shi Xu, touched by the child’s sweet expression, nodded with a gentle smile.

Walking beside Ji Yun, their pairing was the epitome of a perfect match, causing the surrounding palace maids to murmur admiringly at such a harmonious couple.

Returning to the feast, the Virtuous Consort was still engaged in conversation with the ladies below when a palace attendant announced the arrival of the Third Prince.

Hearing her son’s arrival, the Virtuous Consort’s smile deepened with pride.

Ji Yun entered carrying the little one, followed closely by the graceful and dignified Shi Xu, which made the young ladies nearby clutch their handkerchiefs in quiet anxiety.

Ji Yun gently set the child down and respectfully greeted the Virtuous Consort, who returned his bow with a warm smile.

The child ran up to the Virtuous Consort, whispering complaints about Ji Yun’s antics, causing the consort’s smile to grow even more affectionate.

Standing tall and elegant, Ji Yun’s noble demeanor and strikingly handsome features drew the admiring gazes of the noble ladies around.

As Shi Xu settled back into her seat, Ji Yun’s clear and melodious voice rang out.

“Mother, I have noticed that Young An is particularly fond of Miss Shi. Perhaps I should often bring Young An to the Marquis’s residence.”

The Virtuous Consort was momentarily taken aback but then smiled knowingly and nodded in approval.

The other ladies around, sharp as they were, also turned their eyes toward Shi Xu, who sat calmly sipping her tea.

After the banquet concluded, Lady Qi accompanied Shi Xu on the carriage ride back. Unable to contain her curiosity, Lady Qi inquired, “Shi Xu, have you known the Third Prince for a long time?”

Shi Xu hesitated slightly. “It seems so, but I don’t quite remember.”

Seeing Shi Xu’s vague recollection, Lady Qi refrained from pressing further.

Upon returning to the residence, Shi Xu received gifts sent by the Virtuous Consort, items clearly chosen to delight a child. Most appeared to be from Young An, except for a unique glazed sachet filled with a delicate orchid fragrance.

Shi Xu lifted the sachet to her nose, savoring its subtle and elegant scent.

She hung it from her waist, and as she walked, the petite bells chimed lightly and melodiously.

She treasured the sachet; it was the most exquisite she had ever seen in the mortal realm.

Meanwhile, Chen Xianzhi had finally completed his grueling examinations after enduring immense hardship.

Though exhausted, he appeared remarkably composed, perhaps resigned to the fact that success was beyond reach. After the exams, he showed no signs of stress, maintaining his usual carefree demeanor.

That evening, Chen Xianzhi gathered with friends at a tavern to unwind.

As they drank and laughed, he overheard the wealthy scions at the neighboring table gossiping.

“I heard the Third Prince is quite taken with a young lady from the Marquis’s household.”

“Indeed, the Third Prince is selecting a consort soon; it’s said that young lady will enter his residence shortly.”

Chen Xianzhi was stunned, unable to believe his ears. Instantly, the alcohol lost its effect on him.

Distracted and troubled, he excused himself from his friends.

He longed to return home and ask Shi Xu directly if the rumors were true. A strange sadness welled within him—far more than a mere flicker of hurt.

Hurrying back, he was told Shi Xu had already retired for the night.

Sitting alone in Shi Xu’s courtyard, bathed in the bright, spreading moonlight, Chen Xianzhi’s heart felt as if swarmed by countless ants—an itch he could neither scratch nor share.

The next day, Chen Xianzhi appeared with dark circles under his eyes, startling Wan Sheng.

Upon rising, his first thought was to visit Shi Xu’s courtyard, only to find her absent and learn she was with the Third Prince.

Frustrated, he hurried to the place the maid had mentioned.

Before he could enter, he heard Ji Yun’s gentle voice mingling with Shi Xu’s soft laughter.

At that moment, Chen Xianzhi felt as if the sky had fallen. In the span of an exam, everything had spiraled into an incomprehensible situation.

He stepped forward and bowed respectfully to the Third Prince.

Inside the pavilion, Shi Xu cradled Young An, the two engrossed in playing a puzzle toy.

Ji Yun sat to Shi Xu’s left, Chen Xianzhi to her right. Though all wore smiles, the intense tension between the two men was palpable beneath their polite facades.