After being sentenced to death, she came to her senses.

Facing this enemy from her past life, the culprit who caused her tragic death, Fang Xiaoran could no longer suppress the anger in her heart.

Her fingertips were slightly cold, and the veins on the back of her hand bulged. With a flick of her fingers, a peach blossom that had fallen to the ground was absorbed by the internal force in her palm, turning into fluttering petals that spun at her fingertips like sharp blades.

I really wanted to kill him. Without him, I wouldn't have gone to such extremes and ended up like that.

Hatred swirled within her, threatening to erupt into a raging fire.

Just then, a voice suddenly pulled her back to reality; it was none other than Fang Menghe.

Fang Menghe, unaware of Fang Xiaoran's suppressed anger, curiously patted her shoulder and asked in a strange tone, "So you're hiding here? I was wondering why I couldn't find you anywhere. What, are you afraid of losing face so you simply avoid people?"

After speaking, Fang Menghe noticed Zhao Jin opposite her and quickly bowed, saying, "This humble woman greets Your Highness the Third Prince."

It was Fang Menghe's action that calmed Fang Xiaoran down. Even if she could kill Zhao Jin here, how could she survive? Revenge was not something that could be done overnight; what she needed to do was both take revenge and ensure her own survival.

At least someone like Zhao Jin should be made to experience the taste of being betrayed and abandoned by everyone; killing him with a single sword would be too lenient.

After regaining her composure, Fang Xiaoran, like Fang Menghe, bowed slightly to Zhao Jin, her eyes filled with distance, "Greetings, Third Prince."

Fang Xiaoran's aloofness surprised Zhao Jin, but he didn't mind. He assumed she was just a little reserved because it was her first time here, so he nodded and said with a hint of concern, "I heard you were sick and couldn't come, but you're here. Are you feeling better?"

"I have recovered from my illness. Thank you for your concern, Third Prince."

"That's good." With that, Zhao Jin turned and left.

Their conversation didn't reveal how close their relationship was; they were only slightly more familiar than strangers. That was Zhao Jin—he would never allow himself to be at a disadvantage, no matter what.

Seeing Zhao Jin leave, Fang Menghe walked past Fang Xiaoran with a cold smile, "I thought you were quite familiar with the Third Prince, but it turns out you're just so-so. As your older sister, let me give you a piece of advice: recognize your place and don't covet people you shouldn't be coveting."

"I'll say the same thing back to you: don't covet the position of princess; it's none of your business." Fang Xiaoran spoke calmly, which immediately enraged Fang Menghe. "You, what did you say?"

"How could Third Sister be hard of hearing at such a young age? Should she see a doctor?"

Fang Meng was furious upon hearing this sarcastic remark. She gritted her teeth and said, "Fang Xiaoran, don't think I won't mess with you just because we're in Taoyuan!"

As she spoke, she raised her hand, but before the slap could land, Fang Xiaoran lightly grabbed her wrist, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't break free.

“Not just Taoyuan, I can deal with you anywhere. Third Sister, please have some self-respect.”

Fang Xiaoran forcefully flung Fang Menghe away. She didn't actually use much force, but Fang Menghe was still thrown out. In her haste, she lost her footing and fell headfirst into the grass, landing on her back in a very embarrassing manner.

Passersby took in her disheveled appearance, and among them were many royal nobles and young masters, including Zhao Xun, the heir apparent of Prince Duan.

Fang Menghe was utterly humiliated and quickly asked Chunxia to help her up before fleeing the crowd.

Watching Fang Menghe's retreating figure, Fang Xiaoran shook her head slightly. In her previous life, she had been tricked and humiliated in public by Fang Menghe in the same way, and she had only retaliated with one-tenth of her own strength.

As guests arrived at Peach Fragrance Pavilion one after another, a melodious zither tune drifted out from inside. Everyone entered the pavilion at the same time, where a banquet had been prepared. Both the dishes and snacks were exquisite, especially the cup of Linxi Cloud Mist Tea on each table, which had a refreshing and delicate fragrance even before it was poured.

Linxi Yunwu Tea is extremely precious, even rare in the royal family. The fact that the Ninth Princess is so generous is truly admirable.

Everyone took their seats one after another. Those sitting in the front row were either marquis's daughters, noble ladies, or even members of the royal family. As a result, Fang Xiaoran and her group were squeezed to the back row.

Of course, Fang Xiaoran didn't care about this. Although Fang Menghe was angry, she had just embarrassed herself in front of everyone and was too ashamed to sit in the front row. She thought she might as well stay in the back and leave early after the tea party ended.

Unexpectedly, Fang Menghe had barely sat down when Fang Xiaoran calmly sat down beside her. Upon seeing her, Fang Menghe immediately and reflexively pulled away, demanding sharply, "You dare sit next to me? Believe me or not..."

"What do you want?" Fang Xiaoran glanced at her casually, tilting her head. Thinking about what had happened before, Fang Menghe was angry but couldn't vent her anger. She knew she wasn't as strong as Fang Xiaoran, and if she caused any more trouble here, it would be her face that was lost.

In her opinion, Fang Xiaoran was shameless and didn't care about anything, but she was different. Once her reputation was damaged, she could forget about marrying into a good family in the future.

Fang Menghe snorted coldly and turned her head away, ignoring him.

At the same time, the Ninth Princess emerged from behind the screen dressed in a scarlet palace gown. Behind her followed a palace maid carrying a zither wrapped in brocade, the very instrument that had just played.

The Ninth Princess ordered the palace servants to place the zither in the very center so that the people sitting on either side could clearly observe it.

After the palace maids gently removed the brocade, an elegantly designed guqin (a seven-stringed zither) was revealed to everyone.

The body of the instrument is made of peach wood, with the wood grain clearly visible. The strings are taut and vibrate slightly. The tassels hang lightly, swaying gently in the breeze, adding to its lively and graceful appearance.

"This is... Taozhuo Guqin?"

"Wasn't the Tao Zhuo technique lost to time? How come it's here?"

“The Ninth Princess is truly remarkable, managing to acquire even the Peach Blossom. No wonder she organized this tea party; her true purpose wasn't to drink tea, but to let us witness this famous zither.”

"..."

Everyone was amazed by the exquisite craftsmanship of the guqin, and they whispered among themselves, praising it endlessly.

Only Fang Menghe tilted her head slightly, propping it up with one hand, her face full of confusion. "What Taozhuo Guqin? I've never heard of it."

Fang Xiaoran, standing to the side, said calmly, "The Taozhuo Guqin was made by the famous master Yinhe. It was one of his masterpieces, but it disappeared for some unknown reason. Moreover, it is not the real Taozhuo but a replica."

Fang Menghe sneered, "Everyone says it's Tao Zhuo, but you say it's a fake. Aren't you afraid of being punished by the Ninth Princess? Besides, you can't even play the zither. Who are you trying to impress with this show?"

Fang Xiaoran didn't answer, and silently picked up a piece of pastry and started eating.

She knew this wasn't the real Tao Zhuo because the real Tao Zhuo was in Zhao Jin's hands. In her previous life, she had even had the honor of playing it herself. Later, Zhao Jin gave the Tao Zhuo to the wife of the Duke of Ying, and the Duke of Ying became his backer. However, the Ninth Princess almost lost her life because of this imitation.

"Since everyone recognizes this zither, I will not repeat it. In addition to tea, I also wish to find a suitable master for Tao Zhuo today. If anyone can play this score completely, I will give it to Tao Zhuo."