Reincarnated as the Abandoned Daughter of a Marquis's Mansion: I Take Control of My Life

Chapter 204 Entering the palace for a banquet

The old lady then spoke up: "Miss Lin, it's not for outsiders to interfere in the affairs of our Duke's mansion. Yinyin and the others are all family, so it's only natural for them to live here."

The old lady's tone was serious, and her eyes were authoritative.

"Madam, I misspoke." Lin Jiao quickly lowered her head to admit her mistake, a fawning smile on her face.

"Miss Lin, you'd better be more careful with your words in the future." Su Yinyin's cold snort carried dissatisfaction and warning.

Then, her aunt stepped in to smooth things over: "It's the New Year, Lin Jiao, speak properly."

At this moment, the Duchess finally saw the true nature of everyone in the Lin family. Now she was filled with regret.

The conversation shifted to other topics, while Lin Jiao sat to the side, her eyes wandering, her mind completely elsewhere.

Li Lan pouted and whispered to Su Yinyin, "That Lin Jiao is really annoying, she's always causing trouble as soon as she arrives."

Su Yinyin smiled and said, "Ignore her and let's continue to enjoy the New Year."

Su Yinyin smiled and patted Li Lan's hand, indicating that she shouldn't mind.

Su Yinyin glanced at Lin Jiao, then looked away.

Seeing that no one wanted to talk to her, Lin Jiao kept glancing at Li Yanche.

Lin's admiration was undisguised. Li Yanche seemed to notice, and frowned slightly.

Su Yinyin saw all of this and chuckled inwardly; Lin Jiao's intentions were far too obvious.

One Lin Lili left, and another Lin Jiao came along. My cousin is truly the most sought-after member of the Lin family!

It's not just that my cousin is highly sought after, but the future Duke is even more so.

Lin Jiao, a woman of such modest upbringing and cunning, is not suitable for her cousin.

Lin Jiao then said, "Brother Yan Che, I heard you've been very busy lately. Please take care of yourself."

Lin Jiao's voice was soft and charming, and her eyes were full of concern.

"Thank you for your concern, Miss Lin." Li Yanche's tone was indifferent, and his expression was aloof.

"Miss Lin is really very caring towards her cousin," Su Yinyin said with a hint of teasing in her smile.

Lin Jiao blushed slightly and said, "I was just being concerned as a friend."

Li Lan rolled her eyes at Lin Jiao and couldn't help but say, "Hmph, who knows what you're up to."

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Lin Jiao's face, but she quickly composed herself.

She took out an exquisite fan and said coyly, "Brother Yan Che, I've heard that you love collecting fan paintings. This is a rare treasure that I obtained by chance."

Lin Jiao smiled shyly and handed the fan to Li Yanche.

Li Yanche was about to politely decline when Li Lan spoke first: "Miss Lin, you've really gone to a lot of trouble. But where did you find out that my older brother likes fans?"

Li Lan's tone was skeptical.

Seeing everyone's expressions, Miss Lin knew that Li Yanche didn't like it. Her face changed, and she cursed inwardly, "That Lin Lili, how could she deceive me like that?"

Lin Jiao forced herself to remain calm and said, "This... I heard this by chance, and the information may be incorrect. I hope Brother Yan Che will not be offended."

Lin Jiao's smile turned awkward, and her eyes became flustered.

“Miss Lin is very kind, but I absolutely cannot accept this gift.” Li Yanche’s attitude was firm and his tone decisive.

Lin Jiao bit her lip and said, "Brother Yan Che, this is just a small token of my appreciation."

A hint of disappointment flashed in Lin Jiao's eyes, and her voice carried a pleading tone.

Li Lan said from the side, "Miss Lin, since your brother has no intention of doing this, why force him?"

Li Lan's tone was impatient, and her eyes revealed disgust.

Lin Jiao said in a humble voice, "This is just a token of my appreciation...!"

At this moment, the old lady said, "Miss Lin, since Yan Che is unwilling to accept it, you should take it back."

The old lady's tone was serious and her attitude was firm.

Seeing this, Lin Jiao knew that there was no point in continuing the argument, so she could only say, "Alright then, it was my rudeness."

Lin Jiao wore a helpless smile, her tone dejected.

Lin Jiao sat obediently to the side, listening to everyone's chatter. The atmosphere was very pleasant.

Before we knew it, it was almost time to head to the palace banquet.

Su Yinyin stood up, walked to the old lady's side, and asked with concern, "Grandmother, are you really not going?"

"No, no, if I go, there will be no one to keep my two granddaughters company." The old lady waved her hand with a smile, her tone resolute.

Lin Jiao listened attentively from the side. After careful analysis, she realized they were talking about the palace banquet.

Lin Jiao knew that the Duke's mansion would be attending a palace banquet soon. Therefore, she dressed up specially and rushed to the old lady's courtyard, hoping to also be able to attend the banquet.

Su Yinyin knew that the old lady was referring to Su Yue and Su Nian'an.

Given Su Yinyin's status, it would be easy for her to bring the two of them to the palace banquet.

But after attending the banquet in Yong'an Prefecture last time, the two of them refused to attend any more banquets, especially palace banquets.

Su Yinyin didn't force them. After all, everyone has their own ideas and their own desired lifestyle.

However, teasing them occasionally to lighten the mood is also nice. "Yueyue, Nian'an, are you sure you don't want to come with me?"

"Big sister, please spare me!" Su Yue and Su Nian'an said in unison.

"Since you two are unwilling, what about what you wrote?" Su Yinyin turned to look at Bao Bao and Xiao Xiao, who were eating snacks.

"Auntie, Xiaoxiao isn't going."

"Mommy, I don't want to go either."

Lin Jiao frowned upon hearing Su Yinyin's words, her mind filled with confusion.

Lin Jiao couldn't help but ask, "Miss Su, this palace banquet is a rare honor, why don't they want to go?"

Lin Jiao's face showed confusion and bewilderment, and her tone was urgent.

Su Yinyin glanced at her, her eyes cold, and said in a flat tone, "Everyone has their own preferences, why does Miss Lin care so much?"

Lin Jiao was speechless for a moment, her face slightly flushed.

"Yinyin, it's getting late, we should get going." Li Yanche stood up, walked to Su Yinyin's side, and said softly.

Su Yinyin nodded, bid farewell to everyone, and then went to the palace with the Duke's family.

Lin Jiao watched their departing figures, her eyes filled with jealousy and resentment, and secretly vowed in her heart.

Li Yanche said to Su Yinyin, "Yinyin, I'm sorry you had to see this."

Li Yanche's face showed a hint of apology, and his tone was helpless.

“Cousin, this is nothing. It’s just that the Lin sisters are really persistent.” Su Yinyin shook her head with a smile, her tone relaxed.