The Female Supporting Character Just Wants to Farm [Transmigration] - Chapter 2

Fengyue Pavilion had always enjoyed the backing of the Duke of Dingguo’s estate, towering over all the other establishments. No one expected a sudden rival like Lanting Pavilion to rise halfway through. As the young master of Fengyue Pavilion, Qi Wei was deeply worried that their upcoming “Pearl Banquet” in half a month would fail to take the lead. He racked his brain for ways to cut Lanting Pavilion off at the root. When he first heard the name Luoshen Manor, he had sworn to his uncles that he had it under control—only to find himself blindsided by Gao Luoshen’s unexpected coldness.

Was it because he had praised Chun’er too openly earlier, and she was sulking? The more Qi Wei thought about it, the more convinced he became. Regaining his usual spring-breeze smile, he flicked his fan with practiced ease and said suavely, “Cousin, Chun’er never meant to go against you. In fact, she even asked me to pass along her greetings.”

That “greeting” was a sham. It all went back to a small quarrel between the original Luoshen and Gao Chun. In the end, everyone had sided with Gao Chun, while Qi Wei had gone so far as to publicly scold his cousin.

Gao Luoshen wasn’t foolish enough to believe such words. With a lazy glance at Qi Wei, she drawled, “And what if I do supply produce to Lanting Pavilion? What business is it of yours?”

The faint displeasure on Qi Wei’s face betrayed him. Inwardly, he cursed her for being so ungrateful and willful—no wonder no one liked her. Outwardly, however, he kept his veneer of civility. “Cousin, Fengyue Pavilion is family. Lanting Pavilion is nothing but outsiders. How could you side with them against your own?”

Luoshen almost laughed aloud. Wasn’t he just terrified of losing the Pearl Banquet? In the original novel, Lanting Pavilion had indeed been crushed by the Qi family’s scheming, leaving Fengyue Pavilion to seize the title of First Pavilion Under Heaven. But she wasn’t the same person anymore. Why should she let Qi Wei’s plot succeed?

Without emotions, she said, “The master of Lanting Pavilion pays me twice the market price for my vegetables. I wonder, dear cousin, how much you’re willing to offer?”

Just as she thought, his face froze. Qi Wei forced a smile only after a long pause. “Cousin, we’re all family here.”

At that moment, the steward hurried in and whispered something in Luoshen’s ear. At the name Zhao Lanxi, her brows lifted slightly. So, the Lanting Pavilion’s master had rushed over, worried she might soften under Qi Wei’s presence. After all, her infatuation with him had been common gossip in the capital.

“Master Qi,” she said curtly, “if that’s all, please leave. I have other guests to attend to.” Her tone was even sharper this time.

Qi Wei tried to press on, but the steward politely yet firmly ushered him out. As he left Luoshen Manor, he caught sight of Zhao Lanxi hurrying toward the reception hall, and his heart sank. Since Luoshen no longer favored him, his only option was to seek his uncle’s aid back at the Duke’s estate.

******

Back when Fengyue Pavilion had been suppressing Lanting Pavilion, no farmers dared to supply it with produce. When the people of Luoshen Manor first approached him, Zhao Lanxi had been deeply suspicious. Everyone knew the Manor belonged to the Gao family, and the Gao family was closely tied with the Qi clan. How could a mere commoner like him compare? But out of desperation, he gave it a try and ended up not only with top-quality produce, but even with an old, nearly-lost recipe from the steward. Overnight, business revived, and Lanting Pavilion won a spot at the Pearl Banquet. With Luoshen Manor’s support, Zhao Lanxi fully intended to claim the “First Pavilion Under Heaven” title for himself.

When he heard that Qi Wei had gone to the Villa, Zhao Lanxi had rushed over in fear of a last-minute reversal.

“Master Zhao.” Luoshen had met him a few times before. She had him seated and served tea before asking with a mild smile, “You came in such haste—what brings you here?”

At first, Zhao Lanxi had thought the Duke’s daughter was just amusing herself with farming. But their earlier talks had already changed his view. She wasn’t a sheltered young lady at all; there was a boldness and free spirit about her. Rising, he clasped his fists and said bluntly, “I wonder what Miss Gao thinks of my Lanting Pavilion?”

Luoshen answered lightly, “Of course I think well of it. Just do what you must—Luoshen Manor will stand behind you.”

Zhao Lanxi believed her, but what about the rest of the Gao family? He hesitated, then admitted, “But the matter with Young Master Qi…”

Her smile sharpened. “He’s an outsider. Since when does the Qi family meddle in Gao affairs? Even if my father himself came to plead, it wouldn’t change my decision.” Pausing, she asked, “And how is Lanting Pavilion doing?”

Zhao Lanxi glanced at her, then quickly looked away. “Thanks to you, there are no major problems… except—”

She caught the flicker of worry in his expression. “Except what?”

He sighed. “Except that Jade is refusing to stay.”

In the capital’s grand pavilions, courtesans were a major draw. Lanting Pavilion had several, but none as famous as Jade. Skilled in both beauty and the arts, she had once stunned the city with her rendition of Little Liangzhou. Many patrons came solely for her. Although Lanting Pavilion’s rise owed more to real substance, without Jade, things would look very different. Zhao Lanxi tried to act unconcerned, but Luoshen still saw the unease in his brows.

After a moment’s thought, she asked, “Where is Miss Jade planning to go?”

Zhao Lanxi shook his head. “She won’t say. But some of the staff saw her heading to Fengyue Pavilion. They haven’t made it public yet, probably waiting to deliver a killing blow at the last moment.”

Luoshen gave a soft “mm” before asking, “You raised Jade like your own daughter. Why would she make such a choice?”

“I suspect it’s because of Qin Zhong.”

“Qin Zhong?”

“Manager of the Qi family’s silver shop,” Zhao Lanxi explained. “A literate fellow, often visits Lanting Pavilion to hear Jade sing. In fact, the Qi family’s inside information probably came from him. Jade is still here for now, but her mind is made up.”

“I see.” Luoshen frowned slightly. If Qi Wei had come, others would surely follow. The Gao estate wouldn’t let this rest. It was better for her to return to the main residence for now; the steward could handle the villa in her absence. Decision made, she said, “Wait a moment, Master Zhao. I’ll change clothes and go into the city with you. I want to see for myself what’s going on with Miss Jade.”

Zhao Lanxi’s eyes lit with relief. “Thank you, Miss Gao.”

*******

It had been two months since Luoshen woke up in this world, but she still hadn’t truly explored the capital. The novel had focused heavily on this place, but descriptions of the scenery and streets were vague, never enough to capture reality. Living it now was like stepping into a parallel version of the ancient world, where even the most illogical settings from the book existed as solid truth.

Lanting Pavilion sat directly across from Fengyue Pavilion. Laughter and chatter drifted into the street, mingling with the noise of the marketplace. As Luoshen stepped inside, she caught the sound of a delicate zither. Curious, she glanced toward the stage, where the performer sat hidden behind layered curtains. She was about to speak when Zhao Lanxi gave a strained smile and said, “That’s Jade. Tomorrow will be her last day here.”

“Mm.” Luoshen nodded absently, her gaze sweeping across the crowd of drinkers and listeners—until her eyes abruptly sharpened. She had spotted someone seated on the eastern side, near a red pillar: a young man in a blue robe, scholarly in bearing. Her brows furrowed tightly.

“Miss Gao?” Zhao Lanxi looked at her in surprise, following her gaze.

Luoshen quickly waved it off, her face a shade paler. She followed Zhao Lanxi deeper into the pavilion. Suddenly, the young scholar in blue rose to his feet, his bright eyes locked on her.

Zhao Lanxi asked quietly, “Miss Gao, do you know that gentleman on the east side?”

“Mm.” Luoshen gave a nonchalant nod, quickening her steps as if afraid he might call out her name.