Allure of a Country Maiden-Chapter 413 - 410

The Empress Dowager did not expect such an answer. Her favorite flower is the peony, mainly because of its positive symbolism. The peony is deemed the king of flowers, and she, being the Empress Dowager, is the most respected amongst all women in the world!

Peonies have always been considered a symbol of wealth, nobility, and good fortune.

The existence of seven-colored peony was unheard of to her, let alone seen.

Even just the thought of it enchanted her.

"Yi’er, have you really cultivated a seven-colored peony?" The Empress Dowager’s mood lightened considerably. Her grandson knew that she cherished peonies, and had scoured ancient texts and even personally cultivated a peony capable of blooming in seven colors. She was deeply moved by his filial piety.

"Your Majesty, it was the Lady Rui’an who found out that you fancy peonies and accidentally discovered that seven-colored peonies existed in ancient times. As your birthday was forthcoming, Lady Rui’an proposed the idea of cultivating a seven-colored peony as a birthday gift to bring joy to you. So, we sought information from ancient books and made hundreds of attempts before finally cultivating a potful. It has seven blossoms ready to bloom, each in a different color. It is indeed a symbol of a prosperous era," Guan Xuanyi explained, giving a rather lengthy reply for the first time.

Managing relationships between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law is indeed difficult, even cross-generational ones are precarious! His father had spent his entire life managing such kinship ties. Although he had already moved out and established his own mansion, and Xiao’er needn’t obey formalities daily once she marries into his household, they still need to meet frequently. It wouldn’t be good if they end up unpleasant every time they meet!

Xiao’er cast a glance at Shangguan Xuanyi, amused by his skillful evasion.

Shangguan Xuanyi caught the jest in her glance and returned it with a look that said, ’I learned this from you’.

Upon hearing his words, the Empress Dowager’s expression brightened further, "Let’s sit and talk."

The maid proceeded to

"A fully bloomed seven-colored peony must be stunning!" The Fifth Princess declared. Regardless of the Empress Dowager, she too was utterly curious about the seven-colored peony’s appearance.

"Naturally, the peony, known as the king of flowers, is not without justification. It symbolizes the nation’s beauty and enchanting scent. A single-colored peony itself is extraordinary, so you can hardly imagine the staggering beauty of a seven-colored one! A few days ago, when the seven-colored peony had just begun to bloom, I couldn’t help but to think: The alluring Shaoyao and the autumnal lotus pale in comparison, only the peony, the real representation of national beauty, causes the entire Imperial Capital to stir at its blooming season," Xiao’er said, trying to portray the peony as an unparalleled blossoming flower.

Only this way, she could evoke the Empress Dowager’s regret for loving the peony so much!

The flower was originally intended to be gifted to the Empress Dowager. The more beautiful and rare the peony was, the more she would want to possess it!

Now that the First Prince’s wife ruined such a beautiful thing that nearly belonged to her, how could she not be furious!

Her mood had soured. She no longer had the slightest interest in dealing with the person who had ruined her mood.

The Empress Dowager wouldn’t have truly cared about the First Prince’s wife regardless. Xiao’er figured that she probably seized this opportunity to pick on her.

"Only the peony truly represents national beauty, causing the city to be awed upon its blooming season!" The Empress Dowager muttered to herself, her thoughts hitting home with her.

Upon returning to the Imperial Capital, she heard rumors of Lady Rui’an’s intelligence and poetry skills, which she didn’t initially believe. Now, she couldn’t help but admire, acknowledging the emperor’s son indeed had a better eye for talent than she did.

As for the First Prince’s wife... the less said, the better! Absolutely lacking in manners! To have ruined such a beautiful seven-colored peony is simply infuriating!

"Your poem praising the peony is the best I’ve ever heard, Lady Rui’an. It really makes me want to see the peony at your place! I’m sure that even a five-colored peony is exceptional and incomparable in its beauty," the Fifth Princess remarked.

"Your Highness is correct. Although a five-colored peony can’t match the seven-colored type that leaves one with no further desire for flowers, it can still outshine the rest! You are welcome to visit anytime, Your Highness," Xiao’er responded.

Empress Dowager was struck by the phrase ’leaves one with no further desire for flowers.’ Even though only five colors remained, it was arguably still unique in the world! She had not seen such a flower before!

However, she visiting the Marquis Shengping Mansion would undoubtedly elevate his prestige!

Nevertheless, her curiosity was too strong to resist, so the Empress Dowager could not help but ask, "How is the blooming process of the remaining five-colored peony?"

Upon hearing her words, Xiao’er understood the Empress Dowager’s heart was moved; even if there were only five colors left, she still desired it.

"I am deeply touched by your fondness for the flower, Your Majesty. Upon returning to my mansion, I will immediately arrange for the five-colored peony to be sent to the palace for you and the Fifth Princess to see. This way, the Fifth Princess wouldn’t need to make an extra trip," Xiao’er assured her.

The Empress Dowager nodded, content with Xiao’er’s considerate response.

Feeling eager to see the peony now, she picked up her tea and said, "I am old and feeling a bit tired from the conversation. You may all withdraw."

"Your Majesty, this is the painting I did a few days ago of the seven-colored peony." Xiao’er guessed that the Empress Dowager might cause her trouble, so she prepared this painting in advance.

The purpose was to deepen the Empress Dowager’s regret of not being able to see the seven-colored peony firsthand, distracting her further from the affair between Xiao’er and the First Prince’s wife.

After presenting the painting, the three of them stood up, bowed, and excused themselves.

The Empress Dowager opened the painting and was spellbound for a while, astounded by the immense beauty.

Such a beautiful thing ruined by the First Prince’s wife made the Empress Dowager upset.

As the three were leaving Cining Palace, the Fifth Princess remarked, "The Sixth Imperial Brother asked me to come and help in case the Empress Dowager deliberately made things difficult for you. By my observation, Lady Rui’an could have handled it on her own effortlessly. Our involvement was unnecessary."

The moment Lady Rui’an spoke, she shifted the Empress Dowager’s attention, spearheading her focus towards her beloved flower. By the end of the discussion, the Empress Dowager had completely forgotten her initial intention regarding the First Prince’s wife, and was simply eager for Xiao’er to rush home to send the peony to the palace.

"Your Highness, you overpraise me. If you hadn’t timely intervened, we might still be stuck in formalities now! I am grateful for your help," Xiao’er expressed her gratitude.

The Fifth Princess, delighted by her words, suggested, "Lady Rui’an, you may visit the palace whenever you are free. I have plenty of idle time here in the palace; your presence would surely make it more enjoyable. We can even play chess together!" The Fifth Princess paused, remembering her mother telling her about Lady Rui’an’s chess prowess, which far surpassed her own. Maybe they should avoid chess-playing after all.

"Sure!" Xiao’er joyfully agreed.

"On second thought, chess is too dull. Let’s engage in something more lively!" The Fifth Princess quickly amended her suggestion.

Upon seeing the Fifth Princess’s haste, Xiao’er realized that the Empress must have informed her about Xiao’er’s exceptional "chess skills".

The glorious reputation she had once had was now utterly destroyed! She guessed no one would dare challenge her to a chess game in the future.

"That would be fine as well," Xiao’er replied, albeit not as enthusiastically as before.

As Shangguan Xuanyi walked besides Xiao’er, listening to their conversation, he was reminded of past events and a smile crept up his lips.