Transmigrated Female Official

Chu Qinglu had never tried drinking wine from a bowl before, and felt it was far too extravagant. Because after finishing just one bowl, she was already full.

But today, in order to help the peony resolve her inner conflict, she'll drink it even if it kills her.

Last time we came to Four Seasons Blossoms, the Four Seasons Wine was used to get Pan Yin drunk. This time, the wine is being used to get themselves drunk. It really does seem like the wheel of fortune has turned.

However, this Four Seasons wine truly lives up to its reputation as the signature product here. It has a rich aroma, a smooth taste, and a lingering aftertaste, without the spiciness of other wines.

This kind of liquor, which tastes completely harmless, is actually called the strongest... If people don't let their guard down and drink too much, then it must have a really strong aftereffect.

After drinking the first bowl, she didn't feel anything special, like drinking fragrant water; her face didn't flush and her heart didn't race. Peony quickly filled the bowl again and said to Chu Qingluo, "Another one."

Chu Qingluo didn't mince words or stand on ceremony, and poured herself a drink.

After finishing another bowl, Peony finally mustered up the courage to say, "Qingluo, actually I really envy you."

"...What are you envious of?"

"It seems like Heaven has been exceptionally kind to you. You've been blessed with beauty and intelligence, a privileged background and family. Even in the palace, those who have spent decades there don't compare to you..." As Peony spoke, a deep envy unconsciously welled in her eyes. "Everything you possess, no matter which one, is exceptionally good..."

"..." Chu Qingluo pondered, remaining silent. Peony, of course, couldn't understand how much she longed to live in the 21st century as Lin Xia...

“Peony, everyone encounters misfortune, more or less. Behind the glitz and glamour you see, there may be lurking dangers.” Chu Qingluo said, “What is more important than peace and health?”

“I understand everything you’re saying, but I just can’t help envying you.” Peony took another sip of wine and continued, “I still remember the first day I entered the palace. You were the first person to speak to me, and I was so happy at that time.”

"...I was the same way back then, I didn't know anything, but luckily you were there for me." Chu Qingluo looked at Shaoyao with emotion and said, "You are my best friend."

Peony looked directly into Chu Qingluo's eyes, remained silent for a long time, and then suddenly smiled bitterly and said, "I'm not a good friend, I'm not good at all!" After saying that, she drank another bowl.

Seeing this, Chu Qingluo also drank.

Perhaps it was the alcohol taking effect, but finally, Peony mustered the courage to speak her heart. "Qingluo, do you know? I've known for a long time that the Seventh Prince has feelings for you, but I've always pretended not to know!"

Hearing her words, Chu Qingluo was taken aback. "...You know?"

"It was a long time ago. That time, I saw him riding a horse and taking you out of the palace. I already had a feeling it was going to happen. But I kept telling myself that you had no feelings for him and that it was impossible for you two to be together."

Chu Qingluo gasped and said, "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have kept it from you."

“It’s my own fault for not wanting to see the truth!” At this moment, Peony’s expression was all twisted together. She said, “When the Seventh Prince heard you say that you wanted Wu Yang to come in, his overreaction and the hurt look on his face made no attempt to hide his true intentions.”

Peony looked at Chu Qingluo, her eyes filled with despair. "Qingluo, you have no idea how much I envy you. Especially the way he looks at you, as if there's no one else in his eyes!"

“Peony…” Chu Qingluo looked at Peony’s already reddened eyes and felt as if her heart was being roasted by fire.

"Shh—" Peony put her index finger to her lips, signaling Chu Qingluo to be quiet, and continued, "I know everything, but I just pretend I don't. Every time I go to Changxuan Palace, almost eight out of ten of his sentences are about you. When you were in danger at Changming Palace, he was the first to rush to your rescue... And the day we went to see the Moon Beauty, I knew he was there too, and he followed you the whole time, unwilling to leave..."

At this point, Peony finally couldn't hold back her tears. "His feelings for you were so obvious, yet I kept pretending I knew nothing! I kept accepting your concessions! I was... that despicable!"

"Peony, stop talking!"

Peony's words and tears were relentlessly pounding on Chu Qingluo's heart!

Everything Ji Qiran had done flashed before Chu Qingluo's eyes, along with the pain and struggle in Shaoyao's heart... all so clear, so heart-wrenching.

I couldn't get what I wanted, and I tossed and turned.

"It's all my fault... I didn't have the courage to tell you." Chu Qingluo's eyes welled up with tears, her nose stung, and her heart was filled with self-reproach.

Peony laughed through her tears: "If it weren't for that day at Yibin Pavilion, when I couldn't take a step and you discovered me... I would have continued to pretend. Pretending not to understand his feelings, and even less to understand your predicament. I would have continued to play the role of the weak, taking your humility for granted."

“Peony…” Chu Qingluo could no longer hold back, tears welling up in her eyes like hot pearls.

Peony wiped away her tears, picked up the bowl, and said, "Come on—, let's continue!"

Upon tasting this, the smooth-smooth wine suddenly tasted somewhat bitter. Chu Qingluo swallowed it in large gulps without even flinching.

But the tears kept streaming down my face...

As her face, body, and throat began to burn, and her blood began to boil, Chu Qingluo gradually began to feel a splitting headache.

She had to support her forehead with one hand and hold onto the table with the other.

At this moment, Peony spoke again: "Qingluo, this time, no matter what, you are not allowed to give in to me again! Come on—drink!"

Chu Qingluo pressed her temples with the pads of her index and middle fingers, glanced at Shaoyao sitting opposite her, and said, "I didn't let you have it; it's just that this wine is really strong."

“That won’t do. We each have a jar, and we haven’t finished them yet!” Peony refilled her bowl and said, “If you beat me today, we’ll call it even, and pretend nothing happened. But if I beat you, then you must accept the Seventh Prince’s offer. How about it?”

Chu Qingluo said, "Peony... there are many reasons why I don't accept him, not just because of you."

Peony didn't believe it and didn't want to listen. She continued, "Don't try to make up a bunch of reasons to comfort me. I know your biggest concern is me." She sniffed and continued, "Now it's all right. As long as I can push you towards him, my guilt will be greatly reduced. So, I'm sure I'll win."

Seeing that Shaoyao had finished her bowl of wine without saying a word, Chu Qingluo had no choice but to force herself to swallow a bowl as well...