Chapter 11: Where Is Your Birthday Gift?

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Gu Anyu felt there was nothing amiss with her outfit; the fabric was comfortable to wear. The Gu family had endured hard times before, and even after gaining wealth, they never indulged in luxury or ostentation like others who loved to flaunt their status.

Yet, surrounded by so many gazes, each seemed to pierce through her as if trying to see into the most vulnerable part of her heart, causing her to lower her head unconsciously.

Someone called out, “The Xuanyun Princess of the Princess Mansion has arrived!”

Upon hearing Cheng Xueyang’s arrival, all eyes turned, some with gloom, some with cold cruelty, others with disdain, curious about what kind of demonic transformation the Xuanyun Princess had undergone during her years away from the capital to become such a sensation upon her return.

Among them, the only kind gaze was that of Gu Anyu.

Surprised, Gu Anyu lifted her head to locate the source of the voice.

Finally, outside the corridor pavilion, she spotted the figure.

The woman wore a splendid moon-white gown that flowed elegantly to the ground like a blooming white lotus. Her glossy black hair was styled into a high bun, adorned with a white jade hairpin carved into a lifelike plum blossom. A few strands of hair fell gently along her cheeks, brushing her snow-white skin and enhancing her radiant beauty.

Gu Anyu was momentarily entranced and called out softly, “Sister Xue~”

Cheng Xueyang stepped into the pavilion, her gaze steady as it swept across everyone present. Her clear, powerful voice echoed through the air: “You only see the surface’s dazzling brightness, yet you neglect what truly matters! Outer beauty is but a fleeting bloom, vanishing with the passing of time. Yet inner beauty is an eternal treasure, like the sparkling stars in the night sky, shining brilliantly regardless of how the years change.”

She lifted her chin slightly and continued: “Those who care only for appearances are like children fooled by fancy wrapping, disappointed when they open the box to find it empty. But those with inner beauty are like books full of endless wisdom and warmth, each page offering new insights and inspiration.”

Her gaze then settled on Gu Anyu, a gentle smile appearing, “So please, don’t be blinded by shallow appearances. Your beauty is not something ordinary people can appreciate.”

Gu Anyu’s eyes brightened, as if aflame. Sister Xue’s words had heard the cruel remarks Princess Yunxiang had made and had once again stood up for her.

Indeed, she had long known this truth. Rather than obsessing over outward prettiness to become a mere pretty vase, it was the fullness of one’s heart that defined true beauty.

Yet today, a few words from Princess Yunxiang had nearly made her lose herself. She still had much to learn.

Gu Anyu was grateful for Cheng Xueyang’s timely reminder but couldn’t help worrying about her. Princess Yunxiang was no gentle presence, and the Dowager Princess Consort also disliked her.

Cheng Xueyang approached the Dowager Princess Consort, taking in the appearance of this elder she hadn’t seen in years. Her gaze was drawn to the flower ornament in the Dowager Princess Consort’s hair—a nerium oleander.

While studying her, Cheng Xueyang respectfully performed a junior’s bow and said, “Xuanyun pays respects to Her Imperial Aunt, wishing you blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity like the Southern Mountains.”

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The Dowager Princess Consort had not expected Cheng Xueyang to actually show up. Her earlier discourse on “inner beauty” had effectively silenced everyone, and their expressions were all somewhat similar.

They seemed to be waiting—for something, and the Dowager Princess Consort understood what.

“Oh, isn’t this Sixth Princess? I heard you haven’t left your residence these days. Surely you’re being well-served and have no desire to leave,” Cheng Liuyi said with an ambiguous smile.

Sure enough, someone had made a move.

Everyone was wise enough to understand that this was a veiled insult, implying that the Xuanyun Princess kept lovers and indulged in nightly revelries.

The rumors held true—Princess Yunxiang and Princess Xuanyun were bitter rivals.

Cheng Xueyang’s exquisite face remained calm as still water, as if nothing in the world could disturb her inner tranquility. “The chaos outside is indeed no match for the peace at home.”

Cheng Liuyi snorted coldly and added, “Today is Her Imperial Aunt’s birthday. I wonder what birthday gift Sixth Princess has brought?”

The princess mansion had little of value left, and Cheng Xueyang’s fief was a poor, small place. There was no way she had anything impressive to bring back to the capital.

Confident that Cheng Xueyang had no worthy gift, Cheng Liuyi waited to see her humiliated.

Cheng Xueyang’s lips curled into a faint, elusive smile. “My gift is not worth mentioning. But I wonder what gift the royal sister has prepared for Her Imperial Aunt?”

She deftly threw the question back.

Cheng Liuyi seemed to have anticipated this and immediately had the birthday gift brought forward.

A large object, about three feet tall, was covered with white cloth—a grand presence.

Though the cloth was not lifted, everyone guessed and was secretly surprised.

The Dowager Princess Consort frowned, thinking that given Cheng Liuyi’s stinginess, it was unlikely to be gold or jade but perhaps a large stone carved with a symbol of good fortune.

Gu Anyu recognized the silhouette vaguely but could not quite place it—the past memories were blurred.

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Cheng Xueyang’s eyes were clear and deep, like cold stars and a tranquil deep pool. She stepped forward and unveiled the white cloth.

It was indeed a white jade statue of a goddess.

Immediately, a buzz of discussion arose. This three-foot jade goddess statue was quite a lavish gift from Princess Yunxiang.

The Dowager Princess Consort was both surprised and delighted, but her joy was short-lived. She soon noticed that the statue’s face bore a resemblance to Cheng Qingyi.

Cheng Liuyi’s malicious intent was clear.

Soon, the Dowager Princess Consort felt a pang of regret—the statue was a pity. Had it been modeled after Cheng Liuyi’s own appearance, she might have accepted it, but it was modeled after Cheng Qingyi.

“Ah, isn’t this the goddess statue from the princess mansion’s storeroom?” Gu Anyu finally recalled. Before Cheng Xueyang left the capital, she had visited the princess mansion where Cheng Xueyang had taken her to the storeroom and chosen a parting gift that had left her amazed—the goddess statue.

Was Cheng Liuyi giving away Cheng Xueyang’s belongings as a gift?

Cheng Liuyi’s face suddenly twisted into an icy, chilling smile that sent shivers down the spine. “Miss Gu, there are many similar items in the world. Without evidence, don’t wrong an innocent person.”

Gu Anyu clenched her fists but did not argue, instead looking to Cheng Xueyang for an answer.

Cheng Liuyi also looked at Cheng Xueyang, “Sixth Princess, do you want to claim this as yours?”

At that question, the air seemed to freeze, and the atmosphere instantly tightened.

The Dowager Princess Consort saw the goddess statue’s face resembling Cheng Qingyi, while those present felt the statue was indistinguishable from the Cheng Xueyang before them.