Chapter 14: Chapter 14 Banquet (1) Stunning the Audience
Minister Mansion.
A luxurious courtyard.
Xiao Jinxing was being assisted out of bed by Xiao Wu.
"Prince," Xiao Wu deftly helped Xiao Jinxing get dressed, while he reported, "This morning, the Princess slapped the lesser-born miss and also gave Lady Zhou a severe lecture."
Xiao Jinxing's lazy deanor paused, and he turned to look at Xiao Wu.
Xiao Wu was very respectful, "I was quite startled to hear about it as well. Rumor has it that the Princess grew up being bullied by Lady Zhou and didn't even dare to speak loudly in front of her."
Xiao Jinxing's eyes tightened, seemingly sensing sothing amiss as well.
Although he hadn't interacted much with Ye Qichi after their marriage, Ye Qichi's transformation was just too obvious.
"I always feel that the Princess before and the current Princess are not the sa person." Xiao Wu murmured, then as if realizing sothing, he said, "It seems that it all started that night after consummating the marriage with the Prince, the Princess changed! Did you do sothing to the Princess, Prince?"
Xiao Jinxing, recalling the events of that night, his face turned utterly dark.
Xiao Wu didn't dare to say more and simply bowed his head to continue his tasks.
...
Daybreak arrived.
The birthday banquet had also gradually started.
In Minister Mansion, the banquets were set separately for n and won, in the front and back courtyards.
Zhou Ruotang dressed herself up nicely and, taking Ye Zhilan with her, headed towards the banquet in the back courtyard.
The outdoor banquet was set over the verdant waters of the Minister Mansion's pond, which were dotted with perennial water lilies. Bathed in the spring sunlight, the water shimred—truly a magnificent and picturesque scene.
Relatives arriving at Minister Mansion to celebrate were already seated.
As Zhou Ruotang and Ye Zhilan arrived, everyone courteously and proactively exchanged pleasantries, well aware that Minister Mansion was one where a concubine ruled the roost. Despite so disdain in their hearts, the guests followed the host's lead, and the gossip was nothing more than an afterthought.
For the mont, there was nothing but harmonious cheer.
Zhou Ruotang had also helped Minister Mansion organize several banquets before, handling everything with ease.
Just as she was about to take her seat at the host's table, a crisp voice suddenly announced, "Princess Chen arrives!"
Upon hearing this.
All the guests stood up.
Zhou Ruotang's face looked slightly unpleasant for a few seconds, she exchanged glances with her daughter and also stood up to welco her.
Ye Zhilan watched Ye Qichi's arrival with so anticipation, looking forward to a mont where Ye Qichi would be left without face.
Ye Qichi, supporting Qin ngxi, followed by a grand procession of servants, made a formidable entrance at the banquet scene.
All eyes were on them as they arrived.
Captured by awe in just a second.
The two won leading the way were breathtakingly beautiful.
Ye Qichi's beauty was well-known, but because it was overshadowed by shortcomings elsewhere, her allure was often deliberately ignored. Today, after ticulous dressing, it was as if her whole deanor had changed, shining brilliantly and dazzlingly.
Equally remarkable was the noble lady by her side.
Dressed in a crimson silk brocade, its striking hue captivated the onlookers, with a butterfly pattern embroidered in golden threads around the neckline, and auspicious clouds on the hem. Her phoenix eyes twinkled with mirth, and a Lingyun Bun adorned with a bright pearl was perched atop her head; delicate tassels hanging from the pearl softly brushed against her gorgeous and enchanting face.
Such an unparalleled beauty!
Without close inspection, one could hardly recognize that this was the usually understated and plain Qin ngxi, the mistress of Minister Mansion.
At this mont, Qin ngxi's steps halted beside Zhou Ruotang.
In stark contrast, Zhou Ruotang's charm was utterly overpowered by Qin ngxi, making it evident who was the true hostess of this ho.
Zhou Ruotang also distinctly felt the oppressive sensation that Qin ngxi brought upon her.
She hadn't even anticipated that Qin ngxi would make such a grand entrance.
From start to finish, it was her who arranged the banquet for the inner family, and Qin ngxi never once inquired.
She clenched her teeth in secret.
It seed that ever since Ye Qichi had returned to the Minister Mansion, nothing was within her control anymore!
She tried her best to remain composed.
At this mont, all the ladies present respectfully greeted Ye Qichi, "We pay our respects to Princess Ye."
"Today is my father's birthday, and all of you have made the effort to co and celebrate. No need to be too courteous, please take your seats." Ye Qichi, with an easy grace, bore no resemblance to the 'good-for-nothing' of the rumors.
Is it really just a rumor?!
This legitimate daughter of the Minister Mansion looked far superior to any born from a concubine.
"Thank you, Princess Ye." Everyone resud their seats.
Ye Qichi and Qin ngxi also casually took their places at the head of the table.
Zhou Ruotang and Ye Zhilan, on the other hand, found themselves in an awkward predicant.
Hesitantly, yet with no choice, they sat down at the side seats.
A surge of indignation welled up inside.
"Mrs. Zhou, have the servants bring up the snacks." Qin ngxi commanded very naturally, instructing Zhou Ruotang.
Zhou Ruotang was stunned for a second.
She couldn't believe what she was hearing from Qin ngxi.
Had this woman lost her mind? She was actually ordering her around.
"Aren't you going to get a move on?" Qin ngxi's voice beca more stern, urging her on.
Zhou Ruotang, in front of everyone, dared not defy her.
She rose and walked to the side.
Ye Zhilan seeing her mother being ordered about, felt unbearably repressed.
The other ladies were also surprised by the scene unfolding before them.
Who would say the concubine was the one in charge of the Minister Mansion, yet isn't this concubine being casually commanded?!
"Because of my health, I rarely attend banquets and have always had Mrs. Zhou represent
in welcoming everyone. If I have been negligent, I apologize here to all the ladies and misses." Qin ngxi began, her seemingly courteous opening in fact told everyone that her absence was solely health-related and that Mrs. Zhou's status was insufficient to properly entertain them, thus necessitating an apology.
These words naturally offended Zhou Ruotang, who had just returned.
Her complexion beca extrely unsightly.
Was this woman intent on embarrassing her today?!
"Minister Mansion's Mada is too polite, your health is what's most important," the ladies said, catching the underlying ssage, but of course, did not voice it out.
"With tea in place of wine, I toast to you all. Firstly, to apologize for any deficiencies in past hospitality, and secondly, to thank everyone for taking the trouble to celebrate my father's birthday. I'll drink first as a mark of respect." Saying this, she stood up on her own initiative and drank a cup of tea.
The others, saying flattering words, followed suit and drank.
During the banquet, Qin ngxi was eloquent, elegant, and considerate in every aspect, which gradually brought a harmonious atmosphere to the gathering.
And her performance today even surprised An Ning.
She had only given Qin ngxi so simple guidance, yet unexpectedly received a pleasant surprise in return!
Actually, Qin ngxi's father is the Imperial Tutor, a man of profound knowledge admired by many scholars and even Princes who have been his students.
However, Grand Tutor Qin has always been noble and incorruptible, focusing solely on cultivating ambitious talent without allying with any power in court, a stance that also kept him safe. Qin ngxi, having been nurtured by her father, naturally had exceptional intelligence. With just a slight demonstration, she could easily outshine soone like Zhou Ruotang who ca from a less prestigious background and lacked a literary foundation!
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