Reborn in Each Other’s Bodies: A Mother and Daughter’s Deadly Revenge - Chapter 94

The carriage moved at a leisurely pace—likely due to the heavy traffic of guests heading to the banquet. After a long while, they finally arrived at the Princess’s estate.

The steward at the gate checked their invitation and promptly arranged for two groups of attendants to receive them.

One group led Sheng Yong, Sheng Mingjian, and Sheng Mingbo to the reception area for male guests in the front courtyard.

Meanwhile, several matrons guided Sheng Minmin and Huang Xianjing toward the inner quarters. After just a short walk, they came upon a row of exquisitely crafted sedan chairs.

In her past life, the Qi Manor had been vast—so expansive that touring its gardens on foot could take two or three hours.

For this reason, the estate kept sedan chairs on hand, along with a team of strong, quick-footed bearers.

They were there for the convenience of the masters—whether they were tired or in a hurry…

In her past life, Sheng Minmin had only ever seen these sedan chairs from afar. Today, she finally got to experience one firsthand.

She gave Xian’er’s hand a reassuring pat before stepping into one sedan chair, while Xian’er took the one behind her.

Once the servants confirmed they were seated securely, the bearers lifted the chairs and set off at a brisk yet smooth pace.

After about fifteen minutes, the sedan chairs were set down.

As she stepped out, Sheng Minmin noticed Qingying and Azalea—who had been jogging alongside the chairs—panting and glistening with sweat. Clearly, the distance had been no small matter.

Had they walked the entire way, their legs would have given out long before arriving, and their makeup would have melted…

A well-dressed maidservant approached with a warm smile, leading them further inside. Soon, the sounds of women chatting and laughing mingled with the gentle trickle of a stream…

Passing through an arched gate, the banquet garden came into view.

Everywhere she looked, there were artificial hills, koi ponds, pavilions, and towers—each scene more breathtaking than the last, exuding refinement and grandeur.

What stood out most were the lush greenery and vibrant flowers arranged throughout.

The blossoms thrived in dazzling colors, their fragrance filling the air.

The ladies and young misses in attendance were adorned in jewels and finery…

Under the sunlight, some even sparkled faintly…

To Sheng Minmin, it felt like a flower-viewing party hosted by the Flower Goddess herself.

Not a single banquet from her past life at the Qi Manor could compare to this.

The maidservant escorted them to their seats—positioned at the periphery, where they would dine once the feast began.

However, since the banquet hadn’t yet started, guests were free to wander, explore, or mingle with acquaintances…

As the original Huang Yaning had come from a merchant family, she might have recognized a few wives and daughters of fifth- or sixth-rank officials.

But among the noblewomen present today, Sheng Minmin hardly knew anyone—and she wasn’t keen on running into any of “Huang Yaning’s” old acquaintances either.

After scanning the crowd and failing to spot the Princess, she chuckled at herself.

Of course the Princess—both the guest of honor and a figure of such stature—wouldn’t appear this early.

Neither did she see Zhu Qisheng’s mother, the Dowager Princess Qi, or Nanny Wang.

“Dowager Princess Qi” had been Sheng Minmin’s customary address in her past life, but since Zhu Qisheng wasn’t yet married, the proper title now was “Princess Jing.”

Princess Jing preferred tranquility and likely wouldn’t arrive too early. A twinge of disappointment flickered in Sheng Minmin’s chest…

But she quickly adjusted her mindset.

Even if she did encounter the Princess now, as the wife of a mere fifth-rank official, she couldn’t just march up and “strike up a conversation.”

This would require a more gradual approach.

Noticing how other guests had naturally formed lively clusters while she and Xian’er sat awkwardly alone, Sheng Minmin decided to take the girl on a stroll to admire the scenery.

After some time, Xian’er spotted a beautiful calico cat and couldn’t resist chasing after it.

Their pursuit led them to a surprisingly secluded spot—hidden behind a thick cluster of bamboo at the corner of a wall.

Seeing that Qingying and Azalea looked a bit weary, Sheng Minmin suggested they rest there for a while.

“Auntie, the Princess’s estate is so magnificent.”

Xian’er’s eyes sparkled with excitement, her joy infectious.

Her mood lifted Sheng Minmin’s spirits, prompting her to share some stories about the Princess that she’d heard from Nanny Wang in her past life.

The late emperor had four children: the eldest Princess (the current hostess), the present emperor, the third Princess, and Zhu Qisheng’s father.

Aside from the third Princess—born to a consort—the other three were all children of the empress.

Though their ages weren’t far apart, the late emperor’s favorite had always been the eldest Princess.

For instance, he knew nothing of his other children’s studies or preferences, yet he could recite the Princess’s favorite foods and interests by heart.

Every year, her birthday banquet was an extravagant affair.

When the Princess came of age, she met her current husband, Duanmu Yang, and it was love at first sight.

The late emperor wept for days, insisting that the Princess was too young—that she could wait until twenty-five to marry.

At the same time, he subjected Duanmu Yang to countless tests, openly and covertly, in an attempt to “break them up”…

Finally, the empress had had enough and gave her official approval for the match.

Only then did the late emperor reluctantly begin preparations for the Princess’s wedding.

After much deliberation, he selected a sprawling residence closest to the palace and had it renovated three times by palace craftsmen.

Even then, he feared his beloved daughter might suffer the slightest inconvenience.

By the time the Princess married, her dowry was so vast that the prepared storerooms couldn’t contain it.

Rumor had it that the late emperor nearly emptied his private coffers for her dowry, leaving nothing for his other three children…

The Princess and Duanmu Yang enjoyed a blissful marriage, blessed with a son and a daughter.

Their son, Duanmu Hui, now studied at the Imperial Academy.

Their daughter, Duanmu Rui, was bestowed the title Fuling Junzhu (Blessed Spirit Princess) by the current emperor at birth.

The young Princess was now around nine years old—and doted upon by her mother just as fiercely.

“The Princess built Fuling Junzhu a garden called ‘Fu Yuan,’ said to contain over a dozen courtyards, each with a distinct style.

“In spring, peach blossoms; in summer, lotus flowers; golden ginkgo leaves in autumn; red plum blossoms in winter…

“Fuling Junzhu could switch residences with the seasons, ensuring she always had the most breathtaking views year-round.”

Xian’er listened, wide-eyed and awestruck, her adorable expression making Sheng Minmin smile.

In her past life, Fuling Junzhu had enjoyed a sterling reputation in her early years.

But later, for some unknown reason, rumors spread that the Princess bullied the weak, tarnishing her name over time.

Sheng Mingjian had tried to “capitalize on the chaos” by seeking her hand in marriage—fortunately, he failed.

Instead, he ended up marrying Xia Yi Xianzhu (County Princess of Summer Grace)—Murong Yan, who had been raised in the lap of the third Princess.

The County Princess’s reputation was the polar opposite of Fuling Junzhu’s—starting off poor but gradually improving…

But Sheng Minmin knew Murong Yan all too well.

Sweet-faced but venomous at heart…

Not long after Murong Yan married into the Sheng family in their past life, Sheng Mingjian’s two concubines met tragic ends—one “accidentally” drowned in a lake, the other beaten to death for “stealing”…

As these memories surfaced, a strange thought struck Sheng Minmin.

Did Fuling Junzhu’s reputation begin to sour around the same time Murong Yan’s started to improve?

Little did she know, she was about to “meet” both Princess Duanmu Rui and County Princess Murong Yan very soon.