Chapter 9: The Good Daughter

Later, as they walked back through the corridor, Ruolan brushed past her.

"Act all you want. You'll always be the daughter no one wanted."

Hua Rui turned, voice still gentle.

"And yet… here I am."

Ruolan opened her mouth, but no words came.

...

Spring was blooming across the capital, and with it came the annual Peach Blossom Gathering, hosted by one of the Emperor's cousins — a noblewoman known for her love of elegance and social gossip.

All the young noblewomen from prominent families were invited, and naturally, Gu Ruolan and Gu Hua Rui received their invitations.

Lin Yue dressed Ruolan in a gown of pink embroidered silk with golden butterflies, her hair done high with imported jade hairpins.

Hua Rui wore pale ivory with soft violet thread — no jewels, no fancy ornaments.

Just a single peach blossom tucked behind her ear.

As they prepared to leave, Lin Yue approached her, all politeness.

"I hope you'll enjoy the gathering, Hua Rui. You must remember to stay humble. After all, first impressions are lasting."

"Of course, Concubine Mother," Hua Rui said with a soft smile. "I will remain… unforgettable."

Lin Yue's fan paused mid-air.

...

The event was held at the Plum Pavilion Gardens — an open courtyard shaded by ancient peach trees in full bloom.

Petals drifted down like whispers from the sky. Musicians played the guqin in the background while maids offered sweet wine and pastries.

Ruolan wasted no time mingling with the other noble daughters. She laughed, she boasted, she played coy — especially when a few noble sons strolled in for the calligraphy competition.

Hua Rui sat beneath one of the trees, sipping tea quietly.

And yet, her presence didn't go unnoticed.

"That's the General's eldest daughter?" one girl whispered to another.

"Yes, the one brought back by imperial decree."

"She's beautiful… but so quiet."

"Still waters run deep, don't they?"

Ruolan noticed the whispers. The sideways glances. Her jaw clenched.

She couldn't let Hua Rui win attention by doing nothing.

"Sister," Ruolan said suddenly, loud enough to draw attention. "You never finished your embroidery at home, but I hear you're very skilled. Why not show everyone today?"

Hua Rui looked up slowly.

Eyes turned.

"Oh yes, a little demonstration would be lovely," one of the noble ladies chimed in. "We were just admiring the flower patterns earlier."

"Come," Ruolan urged, leading her toward the open courtyard where the maids were now placing an embroidery frame and threads. "Don't be shy. I know you've been practicing."

The challenge was clear.

A trap.

Everyone gathered, waiting to watch the quiet daughter falter.

Hua Rui stood silently, hands resting on the table as she examined the threads.

Then she began.

Threading the needle slowly, she made the first stitch — and then the next. Her movements were precise, fingers steady as windless water. Slowly, a delicate phoenix began to bloom on the silk canvas — fiery and graceful, wings outstretched, eyes bright.

The crowd murmured.

Ruolan's face paled.

"I thought you said she wasn't skilled?" one girl asked her.

"Maybe she's just lucky," Ruolan muttered.

Hua Rui looked up, her needle paused mid-air.

"Oh no," she said gently. "Sister's right. I've always been clumsy with the needle. But I suppose the phoenix simply decided to fly for me today."

A ripple of laughter broke out.

Even the noblewoman hosting the event chuckled softly behind her fan.

Ruolan's face turned red.

"You're full of surprises," the hostess said with interest. "Perhaps you'd visit the palace next month. The Empress herself adores embroidery."

Hua Rui smiled humbly.

"It would be an honour."

...

That evening, back at the manor, Ruolan slammed her hairpin onto the table in frustration.

"That snake! She humiliated me in front of everyone!"

"You humiliated yourself," Lin Yue said sharply. "You pushed too hard. You showed your jealousy."

"So what now? Everyone's going to compare us!"

"Then give them nothing to compare," Lin Yue said, voice turning cold.

"She plays the part of the good daughter. Let her. We'll see how long she can keep it up."

But Hua Rui, back in her quiet east wing, was folding away the embroidered phoenix.

She hadn't picked up a needle in years — but when your enemies attacked with poison smiles, sometimes your sharpest defence… was a thread pulled tight.