Chapter Sixteen: Shen Wan Seeking the Spotlight

The Empress had few other interests in her life; throughout her long years in the palace, she devoted most of her time to tending these flowers and plants. Yet, to Shen Ningshuang, this dazzling beauty seemed fleeting and insubstantial, incapable of stirring even the slightest ripple in her heart.

Beneath her youthful exterior, her soul had already weathered countless hardships, tasted the bitter and sweet of life, experienced joy and sorrow, partings and reunions. To her, the world's splendors and desolations were but a fleeting illusion.

Shen Ningshuang found her place and sat down calmly with Shen Wan. Those invited to the Empress’s flower-viewing banquet were either concubines of the harem or daughters of noble families. Most had their own circles of acquaintances and now gathered in groups of three or five, their laughter and chatter filling the air—a lively and bustling scene.

As soon as Shen Ningshuang and Shen Wan took their seats, whispers began to ripple around them.

“Look, isn’t that the Shen sisters?”

“Indeed it is. The second miss of the Shen family attending as well? Truly surprising.”

“Everyone knows about her connection to the Crown Prince. Having the prince’s favor naturally elevates her status.”

“Tsk tsk, I must say, it’s admirable that these two sisters can sit together calmly at a time like this. If it were anyone else, they’d have long since torn each other apart and severed all ties.”

“Hmph, I think the fourth miss of the Shen family is the truly daring one! With her reputation so tarnished, she still dares to appear so openly. If it were me, I’d be too ashamed to show my face, locked away at home for life.”

“That’s right. Having your engagement publicly broken off and still shamelessly parading about—truly no sense of shame, bringing disgrace to the noble ladies of our capital.”

The murmurs swelled like waves on a restless sea, one wave after another.

Listening to these idle gossip, Shen Ningshuang shook her head in resignation, reaching for a pastry on the table and taking a light bite. Yet the taste failed to please her; she furrowed her brows slightly and set the pastry back down.

If not for the purpose weighing on her heart, she would never willingly enter such a hollow and tedious scene. Everything here was too false and dull for her.

As time passed, nearly all the guests had arrived. At this moment, the Empress, adorned in magnificent attire and radiating grace, slowly made her entrance.

Receiving the crowd’s respectful kneeling, her eyes gleamed with pride, the light almost overflowing—she truly seemed intoxicated by the adoration bestowed upon her.

Once she elegantly settled at the head of the gathering, a warm and gentle smile graced her face as she spoke:

“I have dwelt long in this deep palace, seldom having the chance to gather with so many beautiful young ladies. Today, such an opportunity is rare indeed. Feel no restraint; consider yourselves at home and enjoy freely.”

No sooner had her words fallen than a quick-witted voice below chimed in:

“The Empress is truly regal and radiant, like a fairy descended to earth. To behold her divine countenance today is a blessing for your humble servant.”

“Yes, your Majesty’s beauty surpasses all, even the peonies blooming in this garden pale before you.”

“If Your Majesty would not find me burdensome, I would gladly visit the palace often to keep you company and bring you delight.”

Hearing these flattering words, the Empress beamed with satisfaction and replied:

“You are all clever and sensible children. I have invited you to the palace today mainly to enjoy the spring blossoms together. You may admire the flowers to your heart’s content. Should inspiration strike, you may paint your favorite blooms on paper. I have here a treasured sapphire and kingfisher hairpin, part of my bridal dowry, which I will award to the best painting today.”

Upon hearing this, the ladies’ eyes sparkled with eager anticipation.

Such a gift from the Empress herself was priceless, a great honor to display and a source of immense pride.

After the Empress finished speaking, her attendants quickly prepared the necessary painting supplies. The ladies eagerly rubbed their hands together, ready to showcase their talents.

All furrowed their brows in thought, some carefully observing the flowers’ forms, others deliberating over colors and composition.

As noble daughters, they had all received excellent education from a young age, with skills in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

Even those less naturally gifted in painting were not without foundation.

Soon, rice paper was placed before Shen Ningshuang. An attendant handed her a brush, but she did not reach out to take it; instead, she calmly said, “I cannot paint.”

The attendant, clearly unaccustomed to such boldness, looked at her in surprise.

Yet Shen Ningshuang seemed utterly indifferent, leisurely sipping her tea, her relaxed demeanor starkly at odds with the tense atmosphere around her as others busied themselves with their work.

Beside her, Shen Wan was like a performer eager to claim the spotlight, waving her brush with exaggerated, flamboyant strokes to attract the crowd’s attention.

As she painted swiftly, she glanced around slyly. Seeing that others had yet to make great progress, her confidence swelled, certain the top prize would be hers this day.

She had long been skilled in painting and had practiced diligently for this moment.

Sure enough, before long, she set down her brush with satisfaction, exhaling deeply as if having accomplished a great feat.

Upon the paper appeared a radiant “Butterflies Dancing Among Peonies.” The peonies seemed infused with vibrant life, their colors so rich they almost burned the eyes, petals layered thickly and lushly, rendered with heavy ink and vivid hues to emphasize their regal splendor.

Several butterflies, masterful finishing touches, were delicately outlined with shimmering gold powder, their wings fluttering lightly in lifelike motion, instantly captivating all who gazed upon them.

In no time, most in the garden had finished and set down their brushes. The attendants, trained in decorum, respectfully presented each painting before the Empress.

She slowly picked up each scroll with slender fingers, her eyes roaming across the brushwork as if savoring a series of painted seasons.

After a moment, her gaze rested on Shen Wan’s painting. Lifting her eyes slightly, her voice gentle yet resolute, she asked, “Whose fine work is this?”

Shen Wan hurriedly rose, a flattering smile blooming on her face.

“Your Majesty, this humble servant’s humble attempt. Please do honor it with your appraisal.”

The Empress’s smile deepened as she spoke in praise:

“Miss Shen the Second, this painting is truly delightful to behold. The colors are so vibrant, as if the entire garden’s springtime has been captured within, lively and festive. The peonies’ rich, dignified demeanor is rendered with remarkable skill and depth. Such artistry clearly reflects much dedication and study—truly impressive.”

Shen Wan, as if drenched in honeyed words, puffed out her chest proudly, her head tilting slightly upward in haughty satisfaction.

“To receive Your Majesty’s gracious praise is a blessing worthy of lifetimes of merit. This humble servant is deeply honored.”

She awaited the Empress’s declaration of her as the winner, but the Empress said nothing further. Instead, her gaze slowly shifted toward Shen Ningshuang.