Chapter 38: So, It Was Intentional

The only empty seats in the gallery of the pavilion were in the two far corners, so the young ladies of the Ling family walked over to take them.

"Elder sister, I don't understand these rules at all. What should I do?" Xiao Ming had never attended these banquets in the capital, let alone realized that a polo match could be such a grand affair.

"Look, that ball on the ground is the polo ball, and those structures on either side are the goals. You use a mallet to hit the ball into the opponent's goal to score a point for your team," Huaining explained patiently, gesturing toward the field. "A match lasts for an hour, divided into two halves. The team that scores the most goals wins."

"Polo mallets come in long and short varieties. The long ones are generally for long-distance offense, while the short ones are easier to handle and are usually used for defense."

"Huaining, you are truly amazing. I never knew you understood so much," Xiao Ming said, her eyes filled with undisguised admiration. "I remember you can ride a horse, too?"

Huaining lifted her small chin, looking triumphant. "Naturally. The Ling family's fortune was built by my father and eldest brother fighting from horseback; I certainly can’t bring shame to them."

Huaixi chimed in, "As the saying goes, heroines are no less than heroes; beauty can be even more brilliant than men. Our Huaining is certainly no less capable than any man."

"As expected of a merchant's daughter known for nothing but a hollow reputation—like a village woman, knowing nothing at all. What are you even here to watch?"

"Wearing all red, so flashy and ostentatious, as if you're afraid people won't notice you?"

Xiao Ming followed the voices and saw several young ladies surrounding Meng Qingxuan as they approached. Just as Huaixi was about to retort, Meng Qingxuan stopped her first. "Miss Zhu, Miss Jiang, you've misunderstood. This is Miss Xiao, a distant cousin of Young Master Ling. The Old Matriarch of the Ling family is very fond of her."

"Exactly. If you’re dissatisfied, you should wear red too and see who looks better," Huaining snapped, her face cold as she fired back.

Meng Qingxuan put on an apologetic expression and hurriedly pulled Huaining aside, whispering, "Sister Ning, these are my mother's two cousins. Their father just arrived in the capital to report for duty and doesn't understand our customs. Please don't be angry with them; there's no need to upset yourself. I brought some Yunzhou flower cakes—why don't you come with me and have some? The view is better where I am; you can watch the match and have some snacks. Wouldn't that be more pleasant?"

Huaining’s eyes flickered. She glared angrily at the two girls one last time, pouted, and nodded. "Sister Qingxuan, you should also spend less time with them, lest they lower your standing."

"I am merely following my mother's wishes by bringing them out for a look."

Meng Qingxuan put on a fawning smile again, though her eyes glinted with coldness. "Miss Xiao, my apologies for the offense. Please set your mind at ease and try not to get sick from anger, lest you worry the Old Matriarch. Besides, the field is full of dust today, and there’s nothing of any value to be found here."

With Ling Zhao not by her side, she really couldn't help but let her arrogance show. Xiao Ming pressed her lips together. She truly didn't understand the rules, and she had indeed hoped to attract attention in her red dress. Meng Qingxuan’s passive-aggressive remarks made her face flush deep red.

Internal conflict raged in her mind for a long time, but she decided it was better to endure it. The Old Dowager was present today, and Meng Qingxuan had the support of the Marquis's estate, whereas she had nothing.

Seeing the atmosphere turn awkward, Huaixi immediately stood up and said, "Miss Meng, the polo match is about to start, perhaps..."

"Eldest Brother!"

At Huaining’s cry, everyone looked toward the field. Ling Zhao was riding his horse toward the pavilion, with Yan Jing following closely behind.

The sunlight danced on the horse's mane, and the gold and silver threads on his brocade robe shimmered brilliantly. With his ink-black hair tied with a red ribbon, Xiao Ming felt a moment of dizziness as she watched him.

The two men stopped their tall, Central Asian horses by the gallery railing. One was sharp and handsome, the other dashing and elegant. Their arrival drew gasps from everyone in the gallery, and the shy young ladies had already hidden their faces behind their round silk fans.

Huaining leaned against the railing, shielding her eyes from the sun with her hand, and smiled brightly. "Eldest Brother, Elder... Lord Yan, why aren't you waiting on the field instead of coming here to show off? Eldest Brother, did you come specifically to see Sister Qingxuan?"

At these words, Meng Qingxuan’s face instantly turned bright red, and she lowered her head, not daring to look at him.

Ling Zhao glanced imperceptibly at Xiao Ming, smiled, and said to Huaining, "The sun is too strong; I came over to ask for a drink of water."

"Young Master Ling, please wait. I have freshly brewed tea over there; I'll have a servant bring it to you right away..." Meng Qingxuan said hurriedly.

"No need, isn't there some right here?" Ling Zhao lifted his chin, gesturing toward the two cups of tea on the table in front of Xiao Ming and Huaixi.

Xiao Ming’s flushed face flashed with a hint of panic. Feeling somewhat guilty, she glanced at Meng Qingxuan. "Young Master Ling, this is spring water from yesterday; it’s a bit cold. And..." She bit her lip, looking uneasy, "And I’ve already had some. But there is plenty here—how about I get you a fresh cup?" As she spoke, she stood up to pour out the water in the cup.

"No matter. Bring it here."

"This..." Xiao Ming nodded awkwardly and handed her cup to Ling Zhao, her voice soft and delicate. "I hope the Young Master doesn't mind."

Ling Zhao took the cup and drained it in one go, the corners of his lips curling up almost imperceptibly.

"I’m the pitiful one," Yan Jing said with a lazy, smiling voice. "I didn't get any yesterday, and I didn't get any today either."

It was no wonder people called him a flirt; with his natural "peach-blossom" eyes, his entire being seemed to come alive and sparkle whenever he smiled.

At this moment, Xiao Ming seemed like a different person. She became spirited, turned around, grabbed Huaixi's cup, and leaned halfway out over the railing. The cup nearly poked Yan Jing’s nose as she urged, "Lord Yan, drink up!"

Yan Jing was taken aback. He lifted his gaze to see her charming eyes narrowed with a sly glint. He immediately understood, took the cup, and downed it in one swift, fluid motion.

Huaixi hadn't even reacted before the cup was empty. "Sister Ming'er, you..."

It is truly interesting how the world works: those with complementary personalities often become husband and wife, while those with similar temperaments become friends. Just like Xiao Ming and Yan Jing—the two foxes exchanged a smile, as if they were true soulmates.

"The match is starting. Let’s go." Ling Zhao turned his horse’s head and headed back toward the field.

"Wait!" Xiao Ming called out softly, and Ling Zhao actually stopped.

"Young Master Ling, your hair ribbon has come loose. Let me fix it for you."

Huaixi instinctively looked toward Yan Jing, but she collided directly with his deep, swirling gaze and immediately turned her head away in a panic.

Ling Zhao truly rode back to the railing. Xiao Ming reached out to tighten his hair, whispering in an extremely low voice, "Brother Zhao, you look so dashing and handsome even without a crown."

"The red suits you, too."

Hearing him say this, Xiao Ming’s face turned bright red in an instant.

Seeing this scene, Meng Qingxuan was trembling all over. Her hands, hidden in her sleeves, were digging into her palms, but she still maintained a forced, polite smile. "Young Master Ling, Lord Yan, please be careful."

After they left, Meng Qingxuan’s eyes, filled with jealousy and hatred, snapped toward Xiao Ming, only to be met with disdain, mockery, and coldness.

These various gazes intertwined, piercing her heart like an invisible blade.

Only then did it dawn on her: Xiao Ming had done it on purpose!

Meng Qingxuan let out a heavy "Hmph" and turned away in a huff. Her two little followers, confused, followed suit.