Chapter 317: Who Is That Person?
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Due to the Qiao family’s affairs, some gossip-loving people started arguing and almost got into a fight at the teahouse. It’s speechless.
On the twenty-eighth day, Yuan Jiaqi took a break from work. When he returned, he had an invitation in hand.
Qiao Mai noticed his furrowed brow and concerned expression.
“What’s wrong?”
“The emperor never hosted banquets in the palace. Now that the kingdom is doing slightly better, he starts making trouble.”
He threw the invitation onto the table in annoyance. Qiao Mai raised an eyebrow.
“If that’s the case, just go. After so many years of holding back, he finally gets a chance to relax. It won’t hurt to attend.”
“Humph, extravagant and wasteful. I don’t like it.”
“Then don’t go.”
“But the emperor instructed me to bring the whole family.”
“Let’s attend for our in-laws.’
Upon hearing that Qiao Mai wanted to go, Yuan Jiaqi’s eyes immediately lit up, and his expression gradually improved.
“Since my wife wants to go, I’ll accompany you.”
“It’s not that I want to go. It’s just to give the princess and Chuan’er more time together. Ling’er is also of age, so it’s good to let her experience it earlier. Keep an eye on them.”
“Alright.’
“When is it?”
“On the thirtieth night.”
“Good. We don’t need to buy additional clothes. I made several sets for us during the New Year. We can wear something new.”
“How about we all wear the same color?”
“Sure, let’s wear matching family outfits.”
Yuan Jiaqi called the children to Yuexian Residence and informed them about attending the palace banquet.
“Ling’er, dress appropriately. Don’t be too flashy. Ask Nanny Jin if she’s willing to accompany you. If she doesn’t want to, don’t force her.”
“Yes, Mother. Should I bring Yue Hong and Yue Xia?”
“No need. The palace has strict rules. They’re used to freedom in our house.”
“What color should we wear?”
“Just wear that blue outfit. Let Chuan’er wear the same color.”
“Should our whole family wear the same color?”
“Yes, that way, we’ll look like a family.”
The couple looked at their son, who stood tall and elegant, with refined manners and a gentle demeanor. Their daughter appeared charming, cute, and full of liveliness.
Satisfaction filled their hearts. This situation kept Nanny Jin busy. As soon as she heard about going to the palace, she became concerned. Initially reluctant, she agreed to accompany them, fearing something might happen to Ling’er.
Nanny Jin spent the entire next day coaching Ling’er on palace etiquette.
On the thirtieth, she carefully matched all of Ling’er’s accessories during the daytime and found that pink suited blue the best.
She chose a set of pink diamond jewelry, sparkling but not too flashy.
On the other hand, Qiao Mai selected a set of amethyst. She styled her hair elegantly, adorned with a purple jade hairpin.
A small amethyst hair accessory adorned each side of her temple, and her earrings were naturally purple. Though seemingly understated, the glimmering shine indicated their significant value.
Qiao Mai also wore an amethyst diamond necklace and a purple diamond ring on her hand.
As an in-law invited by the emperor, she couldn’t afford to be overshadowed.
After all, the capital knew she was a wealthy woman, and she needed to solidify this image.
Having been in the capital for several years, it was about time she met these influential figures.
The family, along with Nanny Jin, rode in a carriage without guards. They returned the Duke of Zhenguo’s guards.
The steward drove the carriage, with Dongzhao and his wife pulling it. With the two of them, there was nothing to fear.
In any case, Yuan Jiaqi was reassured. Chuan’er and Ling’er were still unaware of their mother’s abilities.
In the family, only Old Master Wang discovered it first, and Old Mistress Wang learned about it from him. Yuan Jiaqi found out on his own.
Others in the family only knew Qiao Mai was special, but the specifics were unknown.
The entire family, including Nanny Jin, wore New Year’s clothes, all in blue, courtesy of Qiao Mai.
The carriage stopped at the palace gate, and the family got off. The steward dismounted and led the horses away, finding a spot near the palace gate.
Nanny Jin led Ling’er, Yuan Jiaqi led Qiao Mai, and Chuan’er followed them.
Upon seeing Yuan Jiaqi, the guards didn’t even check the invitation and let them through. Palace maids received them and led the way.
They walked towards Ronghua Hall, designed to entertain court officials and foreign envoys.
Walking into the palace, they attracted the attention of the officials.
Lower-ranking officials greeted Yuan Jiaqi respectfully, while those higher in rank received ms courteous greetings m return.
Everyone’s eyes, however, were on Qiao Mai and Ling’er.
Ling’er blinked her lively eyes, looking around. Princess Jiamei walked over to them.
“Uncle, Aunt.” she greeted respectfully despite being a princess. Qiao Mai held her hand.
“Tomorrow is the first day of the new year. If you have no plans, come to my place. I’ll prepare delicious food for you.”
“Okay, Aunt. I’ll introduce Ling’er to some friends. They are well-behaved; please rest assured.”
“Go ahead.”
Ling’er was led away. As Jiamei left, she cast a glance at Chuan’er. When their eyes met, both blushed.
Qiao Mai clicked her tongue. “So shy!”
The palace attendant guided Yuan Jiaqi and Qiao Mai to a small table. “My lord, this is your table.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Qiao Mai generously rewarded the palace attendant with a pearl. The attendant happily accepted it with a bow and left.
The other ladies in the group sneered. Qiao Mai was indeed a wealthy lady, even tipping for being shown the way.
As the couple sat down, refreshments were served.
Qiao Mai glanced around, thinking a large round table would be better. Having separate tables for each family, with young people paired based on rank, was uncomfortable. There were no chairs, just cushions, making it even more awkward.
The Ronghua Hall resembled a council chamber, with layers upon layers. The higher the position, the higher the seating.
She looked up at the dragon throne. Neither the emperor nor the empress had arrived yet. The Empress Dowager was rumored to have passed away, making the empress the highest authority in the rear palace.
Qiao Mai wasn’t interested in others’ opinions of her. She focused on Ling’er and Chuan’er.
Despite the apparent luxury of the palace, it was one of the dirtiest places. The women inside schemed against each other, and no one’s hands were clean. At every banquet, there were always people plotting.
Therefore, Qiao Mai placed her spiritual awareness on Ling’er and Chuan’er to detect any danger and locate them immediately.
Better safe than sorry. Chuan’er and Ling’er were of marriageable age. Who knew if someone would emerge to cause trouble?
Qiao Mai discreetly assessed the crowd. Yuan Jiaqi, noticing her serious gaze, introduced her to some of the attendees.
Although he didn’t socialize much with court officials privately, he was well acquainted with civil and military officials due to his position as the Minister
of Personnel.
Qiao Mai pointed to a young man in the distance. “Husband, who is that person?”
“Which one?”
“The one in dark red clothes, about seventeen or eighteen, staring at my daughter-in-law?”
Yuan Jiaqi followed her gaze. “He is the eldest son of General Zhennan. The emperor once intended to betroth Jiamei to him.”
“No wonder he looks at Chuan’er with malice and at Jiamei with infatuation.
And the other one?”
“That’s County Princess Rongyu, the legitimate daughter of Prince Bao. What about her?”
“She likes Chuan’er, but Chuan’er doesn’t even look at her. Unrequited love is not good; those who can’t get what they want often resort to all means to obtain or destroy it. The boy is the same. We have to be cautious.”
“Does my lady mean something might happen tonight?”
“Humph, in historical records, banquets are always full of schemes. If anyone dares to harm our children tonight, I’ll make sure they regret it..”
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