Help! The Frosty Noble's Son Is in Love With Me!-Chapter 299: It Was Her First Time Witnessing the Importance of Power and Influence

Chapter 299: Chapter 299: It Was Her First Time Witnessing the Importance of Power and Influence

A week later, Qu Fulan knew that Pei Ji’an’s batch of goods had already been on sale, and the selling speed was decent; they would definitely be cleared out before the end of the month.

Recalling that day when she spoke such inexplicable words, he asked, "Why?" She simply said he would naturally understand when the time came, and he didn’t ask further, just followed her advice.

Days passed by, and the Dragon Boat Festival was getting closer. Qu Fulan had been practicing that skill all the while, and by the day before the festival, she had mastered it perfectly and began preparing a heartfelt gift — making rice dumplings.

After much thought, she decided to leverage her advantage and make food to express her sentiments; otherwise, she could find nothing else suitable.

The dumplings she planned to make involved carefully selected materials, from the leaves used for wrapping to the strings for tying, and even the type of glutinous rice.

She wanted to make fragrant rice dumplings that people would crave more of after tasting.

Beyond the choice of leaves and rice, even the water used to soak the rice had to be mountain spring water, and Qu Fulan meticulously controlled the time for soaking the rice.

These details might seem trivial, but missing just one aspect could make a difference in taste, maybe not noticeable to others, but she would certainly taste it. Calling it an obsession wouldn’t be too far.

Fortunately, she didn’t need to make many of these meticulously crafted dumplings; otherwise, she would be exhausted. She planned to send some to her family and some to Princess Qing, just enough.

The dumplings are best eaten shortly after being cooked, so Qu Fulan got up early on the day of the Dragon Boat Festival to make them, right when Pei Ji’an was heading to court.

It’s no wonder these officials have it hard, getting up before dawn every day to attend court, even tougher than grind at work.

He knew she planned to watch the dragon boat race that day and had placed bets with Princess Rui and others but didn’t comment, understanding that having one’s own social circle wasn’t a bad thing.

After Qu Fulan and a few maids finished making the dumplings, at 7:45 AM, it was time to head out.

She went into the dressing room to select a low-key, luxurious, and attractive dress. Her style was always low-key, so it didn’t require much thought, mainly because she had a good foundation.

Others had different concerns, like Princess Qing’s cousin Tao Wan. She got up early to choose clothes, knowing she wasn’t a princess with endless clothes. She had a fixed number of clothes, and couldn’t repeat outfits worn at past banquets; her stock was running thin, and none seemed satisfactory.

Either the color wasn’t right, or it was too rich to complement her complexion.

Being a young girl, vanity was inevitable. She wanted to shine amongst her sisters and be the most eye-catching, but being eye-catching doesn’t mean wearing the brightest colors; otherwise, the clothes might overshadow the person, leading to ridicule.

By the time Princess Qing was dressed, Tao Wan was still undecided. Seeing her cousin’s distress, Princess Qing suggested she pick something from her wardrobe, many of which she hadn’t worn and wouldn’t mind gifting her cousin a few pieces.

Tao Wan saw her cousin’s wardrobe for the first time, with a dazzling array of clothes each more stunning than the last, leaving her overwhelmed.

Besides endless clothes, there were matching jewelry sets.

Casually picking any set would be far superior to anything she had.

Actually, the Tao Family wasn’t lacking, but compared to the royal family, they fell short. At home, Tao Wan didn’t have such beautiful clothes; this was her first realization of the importance of high status.

She again felt deep envy and jealousy towards her cousin.

If only back then...

Some thoughts seemed rooted and budding in her heart.

Princess Qing saw her cousin’s hesitation, thinking she was shy, so she recommended a set matching her style, "Wear this Cloud Goose Fine Brocade dress, paired with this sapphire-studded hairpin and Flower Jade Pendant."

Tao Wan accepted her cousin’s offer, head bowed.

Meanwhile, the Zhou Family and Yu Family lived close, and Miss Zhou, ready to go out, visited Miss Yu, curious about her outfit.

Living near each other and growing up together as best friends, they often compared their clothing when going out, offering each other advice, especially important now as one was betrothed and the other discussing marriage; this age highly valued fashion.

If they ran into each other, looking glamorous would give both face.

After mutual comparisons, they ensured everything was flawless before confidently heading out.

"How’s the discussion about your marriage with the Prince going?"

Both rode in the same carriage, and Miss Yu couldn’t help but ask Miss Zhou.

Generally speaking, mentioning marriage would make a girl shy, but Miss Zhou was indifferent, "I heard the Princely Heir of the An Family is also participating in the dragon boat race today. If he wins, it’s fine; if he loses, I don’t want to marry someone incompetent."

She realized that Miss Yu’s fiancé, Mr. Ruan, would also be racing, and if he lost, he would be considered incompetent too, so she hurriedly explained, "I’m only referring to the Princely Heir."

Miss Yu expressed understanding.

Meanwhile, Prince An and his friends were indeed preparing for the dragon boat race. Unmarried men wouldn’t miss joining in the excitement.

Including Chu Jin, Wei Xu, Ge Yang, and others, joining in together.

Passionate youths indeed.

Today’s dragon boat race had bets, and if they won and shone in the competition, they could charm countless girls and parade proudly down the streets.

Whether or not they wanted to marry was one thing, but showing off before the girls was something no man would reject.

Making it more exciting was Zhou Baiying’s participation; after losing miserably in the polo match, he dared join this competition. If he lost again, he’d never live it down.

So to defeat Zhou Baiying, Prince An and his friends pulled out all the stops to win.

Even if they couldn’t win, as long as Zhou Baiying didn’t win either, it wasn’t a loss.

Riverside was crowded, while ordinary folks had to watch under the sun or with oil-paper umbrellas, unlike the nobles who had temporary tents set up early along the banks.

Princess Qing also enjoyed such privileges, sitting at a prime spot with several sisters, sheltered from wind and sun; it couldn’t be better.

"I’ve shown everyone the list of participants, and after going home, you must’ve decided which team to support? There’s no rush to tell me now, and don’t share it with others. Write it down, and later a written note will ensure no one shirks."

Qu Fulan didn’t know the others, but learning Prince An was participating, she supported his team.

She wrote her note, folded it, and placed it in the basket like others. It would be opened later to see who won.

Some were quietly whispering, like Miss Zhou and Miss Yu.

"You surely picked Mr. Ruan’s team to win, right?" Miss Zhou teased.

Miss Yu’s face flushed, not denying, then replied, "Did you choose Prince An’s team?"

Miss Zhou huffed; although she pretended not to care, she did, and in the end, she also wrote down Prince An’s team.