Chapter 241

Gu Tingyi scanned Chai Zhengzheng with confusion and wondered:

"Sister, why have you changed so much?"

Chai Zhengzheng was stunned, her thoughts racing:

"Is Sister Hualan the master you were talking about?"

Gu Tingyi's attention was diverted, and she shook her head:

"No, no, the master is the one with the two little buns."

Chai Zhengzheng: "The one who is a bit white and chubby?"

"Yes!"

Gu Tingyi waved at the group of ladies as she spoke.

In the crowd, Wang Ruoyu of the Kang family lowered her head and pushed the Kang Yun/Yuan'er sisters:

"Quick, greet her; that is the legitimate daughter of the Ningyuan Marquis Prefecture! Help your brother find out her preferences."

The two legitimate daughters of the Kang family could only walk towards that side.

The Sheng and Feng family young ladies who heard this looked at each other, and Rulan directly curled her lips in disdain.

Wang Ruofu squeezed out a fake smile at the Feng family relatives and tugged at Wang Ruoyu's sleeve.

Wang Ruoyu ignored Wang Ruofu and instead patted the heads of the two concubine-born girls behind her:

"Why haven't you two followed to serve?"

Kang Zhao'er and Kang Ni'er hurriedly followed.

"Sister! Everyone around is watching!"

Listening to Wang Ruofu's words, Wang Ruoyu looked up, her expression becoming awkward.

The wave from Gu Tingyi, who was beside Chai Zhengzheng—the focus of this banquet—naturally drew everyone's gaze.

The ladies of the Feng family of the Cheng Guogong on the side had already distanced themselves, pretending not to know them, leaving Wang Ruofu covering her face with her sleeve.

Fortunately, more people arrived behind them, drawing away the attention, and the sisters hurriedly walked to the side.

The three 'Lans' of the Sheng family, dressed similarly, also followed Wang Ruofu away to the side and took their seats under the corridor.

A moment later, the maid beside Gu Tingyi came over, greeted the Wang sisters, and said:

"Madam Sheng, our young lady invites you young ladies to go over and play."

Wang Ruofu hurriedly smiled and said:

"Go, go, Rulan, look after your sister. Seeing Mo Lan, follow!"

Liu Mama hurriedly helped Rulan and Minglan tidy their clothes, then symbolically touched Seeing Mo Lan.

Then she looked at Qi Mama of the Kang family with a proud expression, holding her handkerchief.

At this moment, the voices of ladies from other families came from nearby:

"Oh, so it was greeting the Sheng family young ladies; I thought it was greeting their family."

"Really good at climbing down the slope..."

"Hahaha."

Wang Ruoyu glared angrily, but only saw the innocent expressions of the ladies around her; they hadn't named anyone.

Listening to the laughter and chatter around her,

Wang Ruofu didn't look at her sister's expression, but drank from her teacup on her own.

When the three 'Lans' brought their maids to the side of the top-tier noble young ladies of Bianjing, such as the fifth daughter of the Zhang family,

The four people including Kang Yun'er were standing awkwardly outside the courtyard pavilion.

When they walked to this place, they couldn't even get up the steps, and only received a few polite nods at the bottom of the steps,

Before being politely blocked to the side by Gu Tingyi's maid.

Listening to the words "mistreatment," "concubine-born daughter," and "pitiful" in the courtyard pavilion,

Among the four young ladies, Kang Zhao'er, whose clothes were the oldest, folded her frayed sleeves inward.

Yu Yanran, who was sitting inside, saw this scene, summoned the Yu family maid, and whispered a few words.

The three 'Lans' entered the courtyard pavilion.

The three people, in two voices, bowed not very neatly: "Greetings, sisters."

Gu Tingyi looked at Minglan happily: "Move another embroidered stool over."

Soon, a maid placed the embroidered stool beside Minglan.

Minglan, thinking of the instructions from her mother and the Old Madam before coming, did not sit down immediately, but looked at her two sisters.

Rulan said:

"Mother told me to look after you; you sit, I'm not tired!"

Seeing Mo Lan pursed her lips, looked at the expressions of the noble young ladies around, and said: "You sit."

Minglan bowed and said: "If my sisters don't sit, then I cannot sit either! I ask Sister Yi to forgive me."

The fifth daughter said: "What's wrong with this? Someone, move two more over."

Minglan wanted to sit behind Rulan and Seeing Mo Lan, but was pulled to the very front by Rulan:

"You talk to the Gu family sister; I'm not good at pitch-pot."

Hearing this, Chai Zhengzheng knew that this young lady was a master of pitch-pot.

"I am also very good at pitch-pot; shall we compare later?"

Listening to Chai Zhengzheng's words, Gu Tingyi said: "You really know how to choose an opponent."

Minglan said: "I've been practicing calligraphy recently, and I've become not very good at it."

While they were laughing in the backyard,

The Madam of the Hou Fu Chang Marquis was sitting in the carriage, waiting in line to enter the Qi Guogong Prefecture.

"Sigh, your sister insisted on beating your brother, and now it's delayed things! This is the banquet of the Chai and Qi families!"

Rong Feiyan glanced at Rong Xian, who was crawling on all fours in the carriage with some marks still on his face:

"Mother, Brother is just going to join in the fun; did you think Brother would be taken a fancy to by the Chai family?"

"Although his personality is a bit jumpy, your brother's appearance rivals Pan Anren; how could the Chai family not take a fancy to him!"

Rong Xian was crawling, and hearing his mother's words, he scratched his neck with some self-satisfaction and said:

"Mother, keep a low profile. Son also feels that at Qiyun Tower, the top courtesan doesn't just look at my silver... Ouch!"

Rong Xian was grabbed by the ear by his mother, and coincidentally the carriage jolted, Rong Xian's arm couldn't support him, his body tilted, and his butt hit the carriage wall.

"Ouch!!!"

Qi family second gate,

Madam Wu looked at the family getting off the carriage and whispered to Madam Chai:

"This is the Rong family's; the Madam of the Hou Fu Chang Marquis, her son Rong Xian, and her daughter, Miss Feiyan."

"This Rong family young master, his walking posture is quite rare..."

After Madam Chai finished speaking, Madam Wu said: "He ran away from home a few days ago and was punished by Consort Rong. Before that, he was the first to have a conflict with the retainers of the Prince of Yan."

Madam Chai was stunned when she heard this. Having understood the ins and outs of the matter, she had a good impression of everyone who contributed to Xu Zaijing going to Yanzhou,

And this Rong Xian, his role was still quite significant.

In Madam Wu's surprised eyes, Madam Chai showed a kind smile, and her gaze towards Rong Xian was also full of friendliness.

The three Rong family members naturally felt the goodwill.

Madam Chai praised Rong Xian and complimented Rong Feiyan, while Princess Pingning smiled politely on the side.

Rong Xian went to the front courtyard in high spirits.

The Madam of the Hou Fu Chang Marquis led the Rong family's mama and maid to the backyard.

Mother Rong looked proudly at Rong Feiyan and said:

"Did you see the look in Madam Chai's eyes? You still say your brother is here to join in the fun? Hmm?"

Rong Feiyan looked puzzled and looked at the maid Seeing Xi Bu; Seeing Xi Bu also looked puzzled.

The Rong family had already walked far away.

Madam Wu was shaking her fan with some fatigue, and seeing the carriage entering the gate, she suddenly regained her spirit and said:

"Look, that's the Hai family's carriage."

Madam Chai hurriedly stared at the carriage when she heard this: "The Hai family of Jiangning?"

"Yes! The one getting off is the Madam of the first branch of the Hai family, that young master is the legitimate Hai Chaojie, and beside him is the second young lady, Hai Chaoyun."

Madam Wu continued:

"Sister, you know the rules of their Hai family; the children cannot take concubines until they are forty and have no heirs! In Bianjing, I don't know how many families are hoping to marry their daughters into there!"

Princess Pingning nodded on the side; if she had a daughter, she would definitely look for someone like that!

After the Hai family master and servants arrived,

After saying a few polite words, Madam Chai looked at Hai Chaoyun and said:

"My Zhengzheng is about the same age as you, Yun Jie'er; I hope you will invite her to play more often in the future."

Hai Chaoyun smiled and said: "I certainly will."

Madam Chai's gaze followed Hai Chaojie's figure as he disappeared around the corner, and she suddenly felt that Madam Wu and Princess Pingning on both sides were looking at her.

Of course, the meaning of their looks was different.

Madam Wu was proud and honored.

Princess Pingning meant, "Well, the person you were looking forward to seeing has arrived."

After Madam Chai withdrew her gaze, she looked forward.

As the mistress of the Chai family, Madam Chai had also seen good horses, but she had never seen such a tall and spirited horse.

The horse was tall and strong, but its figure didn't look bloated, and between its shiny, oily fur, there was a kind of agile and vigorous beauty.

Riding the horse was a teenager of ten-plus years, who patted the horse's neck affectionately after dismounting and said:

"Alan!"

The horse, which blocked most of the carriage, was led away by a servant.

The teenager walked to the side of the carriage.

Madam Chai looked at Madam Wu with full interest and said: "Sister, which family is this from?"

While asking, Madam Chai also looked at Princess Pingning.

Princess Pingning smiled without saying a word.

Madam Wu said quite proudly:

"This is Xu Zaijing, the youngest son of the Marquis Yongyi Xu family. He is currently studying and has already passed the prefectural examination. His family has another horse as spirited as this one; the servant leading the horse just now is said to be a horse attendant from Northern Liao."

After hearing the words "Marquis Yongyi Xu family," the expression in Madam Chai's eyes changed.

It wasn't the kind of change a mother-in-law has when looking at a son-in-law, but rather one of extreme gratitude.

It was the kind of gratitude one feels when a child is lost and found by someone.

The feeling of wanting to kneel and kowtow to thank a benefactor when seeing them face-to-face—whether looking at a son-in-law could be put aside for a moment.

This emotion made Madam Chai hold Princess Pingning and Madam Wu's hands tightly.

Princess Pingning knew that Xu Zaijing had saved the Chai family's daughter, so she understood.

But Madam Wu didn't know. She looked at Princess Pingning with confusion, her eyes full of: Why is this Madam Chai so excited? Has she already taken a fancy to him?

Princess Pingning shook her head slightly.

In her field of vision, several people got off the Xu family carriage.

Madam Wu patted her hand, which was being held a bit painfully by Madam Chai, and said:

"That is my good sister, Madam Sun of the Xu family; the one holding the child beside her is the eldest daughter-in-law, Madam Xie; the one getting off now is the second daughter-in-law, Madam Sheng; and the last one is the youngest daughter, Anmei!"

As she spoke, the servants and maids of the Xu family also followed behind.

Looking at Madam Sun, Madam Wu smiled and said: "I say, Madam Sun, it's different once you've received a title; you've come so late!"

Madam Sun smiled and said: "There are big and small ones at home, none of whom are worry-free."

As she spoke, Madam Sun nodded to the three of them with her daughters-in-law. In the gap of the conversation, Anmei bowed and greeted them.

Finally, Xu Zaijing bowed and said: "Three aunts, peace be with you."

Princess Pingning, Madam Chai, Madam Wu: Nodded, smiled like aunts.

Madam Chai looked at Xu Zaijing and said: "Good child, come, walk closer, let me take a good look."

Madam Sun lost her cold face from the Marquis Prefecture and smiled at Xu Zaijing: "Come over."

Under the gaze of his mother, sister-in-law, and sister, Xu Zaijing came to Madam Chai.

Madam Chai held Xu Zaijing's hand, patted his arm with a smile, and said to Madam Sun with a face full of gratification:

"Madam, you really have given birth to a good young man! Truly good!"

"Don't praise him anymore; he's just a naughty monkey who doesn't get beaten for a day and will tear down the roof, very much in need of a beating!"

"Boys, which one isn't naughty? It's better to be a bit naughty!"

If he weren't naughty, how could he have saved her daughter!

Hearing Madam Chai's words, Xu Zaijing felt the teasing gazes of his sister-in-law and sister.

Madam Chai knew she had gone a bit too far, so she hurriedly let go of his hand and said:

"Madam, hurry inside! Once the banquet starts, I must have a drink with you."

"Then I will certainly accompany you!"

As she spoke, Madam Sun led the ladies towards the inner courtyard.

Madam Wu's gaze followed Madam Sun. When Madam Sun looked over, Madam Wu gave her a look: You two hit it off immediately; are you going to become in-laws?

Madam Sun smiled back at Madam Chai, who was also looking back, and threw a look back at Madam Wu: No.

Xu Zaijing took Qingyun to the front courtyard.

Qingcao, however, followed Madam Sun into the backyard.

Rong Feiyan and her mother separated after arriving in the backyard.

Rong Feiyan held her chin high and, accompanied by the maids Seeing Xi Bu and Ningxiang, walked towards Chai Zhengzheng, the protagonist of this banquet.

Seeing her, Rong Feiyan, 'Little Secretary' Gu Tingyi hurriedly said:

"Consort Rong's younger sister, Rong Feiyan."

Chai Zhengzheng nodded and whispered to Gu Tingyi: "She doesn't look very old, but she has a lot of dignity."

Chai Zhengzheng had originally thought that Rong Feiyan was so arrogant that she would just perfunctorily nod when she came over.

Unexpectedly, as she got closer, Rong Feiyan slowly lowered her chin and smiled, bowing to Chai Zhengzheng.

This made Chai Zhengzheng and the other noble young ladies hurriedly stand up to return the greeting.

The reason Rong Feiyan was so polite,

Was because she was thinking of the kind look Madam Chai had given her brother just now,

And her own mother's words,

Which made her think that the Chai family young lady and her brother had some possibility, so naturally, she couldn't be too rude.

Subsequently, Hai Chaoyun also brought her maid over, greeted Chai Zhengzheng, and they considered themselves acquainted.

Watching more and more people, Minglan pulled Rulan's clothes and whispered:

"Why don't we go back to the Madam first."

Rulan looked at the noble young ladies around and nodded.

Immediately, Rulan stood up and said: "Sisters, we will go back first."

Gu Tingyi said: "Oh, Minglan, you must come find me after you finish eating; let's go play pitch-pot!"

"Yes."

Seeing Mo Lan also stood up, and when she lowered her head, she rolled her eyes at Rong Feiyan.

When the three 'Lans' walked out, the Kang family young ladies also hurriedly followed.

At this moment,

The voice of the fifth daughter of the Zhang family came from behind: "Ah??? Sister Anmei! Why did she come?"

Hearing this,

In the courtyard pavilion, many young ladies looked up.

Among the three 'Lans,' two of them had their eyes brighten and walked towards the entrance.

"Sister!"

"Sister Hualan!"

Seeing Mo Lan also followed behind the two 'Lans,' came to the Xu family, and greeted them.

Subsequently, Rulan and Minglan naturally clustered around Hualan affectionately.

Little Xiaotao came to Qingcao's side, followed Hualan's group, and whispered to Qingcao.

Anmei was occupied by the fifth daughter of the Zhang family, who looked at the civet cat Anmei handed her with eyes full of love.

Madam Sun said: "Anmei, go greet the Chai family young lady before playing."

"Yes, Mother."

After speaking, Madam Sun took her eldest daughter-in-law to find Madam Bai and the other ladies to talk, while Anmei pulled Hualan and came with her to the courtyard pavilion where Chai Zhengzheng was.

Three 'Lans' went out, and four 'Lans' came back.

Anmei looked around and said: "Why are you looking at me? Sit, sit down."

Anmei spoke like this, but no one felt anything abrupt.

After the noble young ladies took their seats one after another, they began to talk to those they were close to.

Rong Feiyan came to the fifth daughter's side, sniffing the cat together, and talked to Anmei from time to time.

Chai Zhengzheng, together with Gu Tingyi, talked with Hualan; she spoke little and listened much.

With Hualan there, Minglan's words also increased significantly.

"Qingcao, Qingcao, come here! Did your young master bully the civet cat again?"

Hearing the fifth daughter of the Zhang family's words, Chai Zhengzheng asked quietly: "Sister Yi, who is Qingcao's young master?"

"Who else could it be, Jing Ge'er of the Xu family, always teasing the civet cat."

Chai Zhengzheng scanned Qingcao, who had walked to the fifth daughter's side, and asked Gu Tingyi in a low voice: "Then why didn't this Qingcao girl follow, but came here?"

"Perhaps she came to find Xiaotao beside Minglan to play; when they were in Yang Zhou, the two of them were very close."

After listening to Gu Tingyi's words, Chai Zhengzheng nodded.

At this moment, Minglan's voice asking a question came:

"Sister Hualan, why didn't Cousin Jing go to school those few days?"

Hualan smiled and said: "He was punished by the Madam to kneel."

Hearing Hualan's answer, Chai Zhengzheng felt that within this courtyard pavilion, several probing gazes looked at Hualan.

Chai Zhengzheng asked Tingyi in her ear, feeling something was wrong:

"Is this Xu family young master very popular in Bianjing?"

Tingyi nodded slightly and whispered in Chai Zhengzheng's ear: "I heard that last year outside the city, Jing Ge'er's body was seen by someone..."

Chai Zhengzheng said in disbelief: "What!!!"

Gu Tingyi hurriedly covered her mouth: "Keep your voice down!"

Chai Zhengzheng: "He, how could he be so indiscreet!"

Gu Tingyi said: "That's not it either; it is said that in order to save someone, he took off his upper garment when the physician was checking his injuries."

Gu Tingyi looked around and continued: "When you get familiar with the sisters in the capital, let those who have seen it tell you carefully."

Chai Zhengzheng:

(End of chapter)