freenovelworld Chapter 275 The original intention of the banquet?
Chapter 275 The original intention of the banquet?
Thinking of the scolding and reprimands she had received, and the humiliation she and her mother had suffered in Princess Zhaoyang's mansion, Yang Yu'er wished she could immediately go up and tear her apart to vent her anger!
Of course, it's just something to dream about!
Mu Xin Nuan felt that Duanmu Chu Ze was doing this on purpose!
Throughout the journey, he was all smiles and gentleness towards her, sometimes even displaying affectionate gestures, as if he wanted everyone to suspect their relationship. This made Mu Xin Nuan both embarrassed and annoyed!
"Can't you just behave yourself?"
Duanmu Chuze could almost hear Mu Xin Nuan grinding her teeth. He chuckled softly, "Isn't this better? At least let them know that you have me protecting you. If they want to mess with you, they'll have to ask me for permission first."
"Come on! The backyard will be full of women soon. Are you going to come with us? You're practically putting me on the spot!"
"How could that be? You've forgotten, Jing'er really likes you. With her around, who would dare to bully you? Besides, Princess Zhaoyang's residence isn't a heavily guarded place. If I wanted to come in, it would be as easy as turning my hand."
Mu Xin Nuan paused, as if remembering something, then looked at him with disbelief, "Back then?"
Duanmu Chuze smiled and nodded, "You guessed it? Alright, there's no rush, we can talk about it later. Let's go, don't keep my elder sister waiting."
Mu Xin Nuan looked at his naturally handsome smile, and then, upon hearing the meaning behind his words, she was shocked. It seemed she had guessed correctly. He really was the one who had saved her cousin back then? Good heavens! What was this man thinking?
Once the banquet began, Princess Zhaoyang didn't stand on ceremony and didn't deliberately separate men and women. Instead, everyone gathered together and then split into two rows, with men and women seated separately.
Mu Xin Nuan then noticed that there seemed to be relatively few ladies present today; almost every lady was accompanied by three or four young ladies. Looking at the men's section, there weren't many adult men, and even fewer married men!
Of course, King Ming and King Kang are not included.
Surprisingly, only the two official princesses arrived on this occasion. None of the concubines or concubines were present, which was clearly the intention of the two princes.
Thinking of what happened between Prince Ming and Luo Yingying at Princess Zhaoyang's residence that year, Mu Xin Nuan couldn't help but chuckle. She had no choice but to lower her head to avoid being recognized.
Lady Li realized at this moment that today's banquet was merely a pretext to select consorts for several noble members of the royal family, using the young master's birthday as an opportunity.
The Crown Princess's arrival shortly afterward only confirmed this fact for everyone. No wonder so many people here were dressed so strikingly, and their expressions were filled with eager anticipation!
Li Shi had a slight worry on her face, naturally thinking of what Prince Chang Le had said before. At this moment, she saw him as handsome and dashing, with an air of nobility in every gesture. Although he was young, he sat below Prince Kang without any restraint or awkwardness. On the contrary, he seemed to be of a higher status than everyone else!
Even His Highness the Grandson, who sat to his left, was not as dazzling as him!
Even Lady Li was momentarily lost in thought as she gazed at the Prince of Chang Le. He must be the dream man of many women present today!
Thinking about it this way, Li turned to look at Mu Xin Nuan beside her and whispered, "Today's situation doesn't seem so simple. You mustn't stand out too much."
"Yes, mother."
Mu Xin Nuan knew that her mother was worried that if she was too eye-catching, she would win the hearts of several crown princesses and princesses. If she really entered the mansion and became a concubine or a mistress, her future life would be really difficult.
"It's just my son's birthday, yet it has troubled my sister-in-law to come. I am truly sorry," Princess Zhaoyang said with a smile.
"It's my nephew's birthday, so as his aunt, I naturally have to come and offer my congratulations. Come, let me see if my little nephew has grown taller again?"
After some pleasantries, the banquet officially began.
"Princess, our banquet is rather dull. I see so many young ladies here; how about we invite them to give us a performance?"
Mu Xin Nuan lowered her head slightly, but her eyes glanced in that direction. It was Princess Ming who spoke.
Seeing her dignified and graceful smile, Mu Xin Nuan felt a pang of sympathy. She clearly didn't want Prince Ming to marry any more women from high-ranking families, so why pretend to be so virtuous? And thinking back to how Prince Ming had already humiliated himself at Princess Zhaoyang's residence, wasn't he already utterly shameful?
Princess Ming's words were met with Princess Kang's agreement, "Very well! Speaking of which, it's been quite a while since I've gone out. Some of the girls are unfamiliar to me. If you're going to perform any programs, don't forget to introduce yourselves."
His words drew another round of soft laughter.
Seeing that the Crown Princess had no objections, Princess Ming glanced down the stairs with her phoenix eyes and casually pointed to a young lady, saying, "I don't recognize you. Which household are you from? What skills do you have?"
The girl timidly stepped forward, gave her surname, birth order, and her father's official rank, keeping her head down the whole time and not daring to look up.
"Don't be afraid, it's just a family dinner. It's good that your sisters-in-law are in such a good mood. Do you know anything about cooking?"
"Your Highness, I can play the zither."
"Alright then. Someone, prepare the zither."
Soon, a guqin was placed in the center of the hall. Perhaps the girl was too timid, or perhaps she was flustered by seeing so many noble families for the first time, because she made a series of mistakes, which drew sighs from many of the young ladies present.
Mu Xinnuan blinked and noticed a burning gaze on her. Following her senses, she looked over and saw that it was Duanmu Chen.
Mu Xin Nuan was now genuinely panicked!
I've only met Duanmu Chen a few times, why would he be so nice to me?
Mu Xin Nuan's eyes darted away as she lowered her gaze, pondering how to respond. Judging from today's situation, if he truly harbored those feelings for her, it would be difficult for her to escape unscathed.
Mu Xin Nuan's reaction was naturally noticed by Duanmu Chu Ze, who glanced at Duanmu Chen with slight displeasure. It seemed that this nephew was thinking of taking her away from him.
When the girl finished singing, although she made a few mistakes, she still won some applause. The formalities had to be put aside.
"While listening to her play the zither just now, I suddenly remembered that Miss Yang from the Duke of Anguo's mansion seems to be skilled at the pipa. Today, I wonder if I could have the pleasure of listening to her?"
Mu Xin Nuan raised an eyebrow. This must be their real purpose, right?
Is this an attempt to deliver Yang Yu'er to His Highness the Grandson?
The Duke of Anguo's mansion is clearly on good terms with the Prince of Ming's mansion, could it be that...?