amaotonovel Chapter 729: Birthday Banquet Incident
Chapter 729: Birthday Banquet Incident
The tone of intimacy was so excessive that it seemed a little deliberate even when speaking to a daughter-in-law who was about to get married.
Is it just because Yuwen Huan has a mistress that he wants to marry Zhong Yixiu home as soon as possible to stop other people from talking?
Jiang Suining was thinking in his mind, but his face showed no sign of it. He just watched Zhong Yixiu step forward quietly.
"Greetings, Princess?" Zhong Yixue bowed.
"I've already said it just now, you don't have to be polite." The princess looked at Zhong Yixue carefully with a smile, "She is really a beauty. Look at her gentle and graceful appearance. She is pleasing to the eye. Our Huan'er is really blessed."
Although the engagement between the two families was no secret and everyone already knew about it, saying this in front of everyone was tantamount to exposing the matter completely.
Some officials' wives were discussing quietly, most of them saying that Zhong Yixiu was really lucky to have been able to marry into the Marquis of Mingchang's Mansion.
Of course, some people refuted that Yuwen Huan was a playboy. Although he was the prince of Mingchang Marquisate, marrying him was not necessarily a good thing.
But no matter what they thought in their hearts, in front of the eldest princess, everyone said words of blessing with smiles on their faces.
"Prince Yuwen and Miss Zhong are a perfect match, a perfect match made in heaven."
"That's right. On the wedding day, the princess must let us know. We will prepare gifts and come to have a drink at the wedding."
"That's right, we can't miss such a happy event."
Listening to the congratulations from all around, the eldest princess' smile grew even wider.
"Of course, everyone is welcome to come and watch the ceremony."
"Thank you, Princess!"
"Thank you, Princess!"
Amid the laughter and chatter of the crowd, Zhong Yixiu's face remained expressionless. Only when the eldest princess looked at her did she smile slightly.
Zhong Yiyu, who was standing in the crowd, couldn't help but frown when she saw this scene, and felt indignant. However, due to the people around her and the eldest princess, she could only swallow her anger silently.
Soon, people gathered in groups of three or four, chatting or admiring the flowers.
Zhong Yixiu was still kept by the eldest princess's side, chatting about daily life, and she seemed to be very satisfied with this daughter-in-law.
Zhong Yiyu looked around and saw that no one was paying attention. So she walked to Jiang Suining under the pretext of admiring the flowers and looked at a crabapple tree with her.
"Madam Jiang."
"Miss Zhong Er." Jiang Suining glanced at Zhong Yiyu and greeted her with a smile.
"I heard Sister mention the matter of the palace celebration banquet before. Lady Jiang, I'm so sorry."
"Miss Second, there is no need to apologize. Your father didn't gain anything from it." Jiang Suining had a smile on his face, but the smile did not reach his eyes.
Zhong Yiyu pursed her lips and continued, "Originally, my sister and I thought that after we settled the engagement, we would go to the Women's Academy. However, we haven't found any good opportunities in the past half month, so we delayed it. As for the Women's Academy..."
"Don't worry, my words still count. If you want, you can still go to the Women's Academy, but..."
Jiang Suining glanced in the direction of Zhong Yixiu.
"If the young lady wants to cancel the engagement, it may not be that easy."
Following Jiang Suining's gaze, Zhong Yiyu also frowned.
"We never thought that the Marquis' Mansion would be like a dog-skin plaster, insisting on sticking to this engagement. But even if they stick to it, it's useless. Today..."
Zhong Yiyu stopped talking halfway, with a look of annoyance between her brows.
She spoke so quickly that she almost revealed her plan.
Jiang Suining looked at her and said with a smile, "Don't worry, Miss Second, I didn't hear anything just now. As for me today, I just need to attend the banquet well. No matter what happens, it has nothing to do with me."
Zhong Yiyu nodded towards Jiang Suining, "Thank you, Miss Jiang."
The two didn't say anything else. Zhong Yiyu slowly left and walked to the other side, keeping a distance from Jiang Suining.
About another stick of incense passed and it was time for the birthday banquet.
Everyone returned to the banquet area on the east side of the back garden, waiting for the banquet to begin.
Various dishes and fine wines came in one after another, and the banquet was filled with various aromas.
Jiang Suining walked to Shen Yanxi and sat down at the same table with him.
Others also took the time to take their seats.
The eldest princess and Marquis Mingchang sat in the main seats, while Yuwen Huan sat in the position below them.
As the banquet began, Yuwen Huan took the lead and walked among the crowd, presenting the prepared gifts.
"Today is my father's birthday. I wish you good health, longevity and happiness. May you have this day every year!"
"Good, good!" Marquis Mingchang was very happy and motioned the butler beside him to come forward and take the gift. "Huan'er, you are so thoughtful. Your father is very happy!"
"The prince is truly filial." An official nearby immediately began to praise him.
Many people were not willing to be left behind and echoed the sentiment.
Amidst the praises, Yuwen Huan bowed his head, stood up, and was about to return to his seat.
There was a clang.
The silver wine jug fell to the ground.
The movement instantly attracted everyone's attention and they all looked over.
The maid who broke the wine jug suddenly walked to the middle and looked at Yuwen Huan with tears in her eyes.
"Huan Lang!"
Everyone was surprised when they heard this name.
Yuwen Huan was stunned for a moment, turned his head to look at the maid, and for a moment he couldn't remember who she was.
The maid said again: "Huan Lang, don't you remember me? I am Lian'er! When we were in Chunfeng Tower, you said that you would always keep me in your heart and would never forget me."
Chunfeng Tower was a brothel that had just opened in the imperial city half a year ago. It had been very popular for a while and had attracted many dignitaries. As soon as these three words were uttered, most people present immediately understood the other party's identity.
It seems that the romantic debt that Prince Yuwen incurred in Chunfeng Tower has come to haunt him.
Looking at the other person's pitiful appearance, Yuwen Huan finally remembered it, but in front of everyone, he did not admit it. Instead, he frowned and spoke.
"What nonsense are you talking about? I don't even know you."
"Huan Lang, how can you be so heartless? You promised to welcome me into your house!"
Lian'er looked as if she was deeply hurt. The next moment, she quickly stepped forward and knelt down in front of Marquis Mingchang and the eldest princess who were sitting in the main seat.
"Please, Lord Marquis, the eldest princess, please help me. I originally wanted to sell my art but not my body, but Huanlang promised that he would take me into his mansion, so I gave my heart and soul to him. I have tried every possible way and came to the Marquis' mansion today. I have no other requests but to stay by Huanlang's side and take care of him. Please, Lord Marquis, the eldest princess, please grant me your wish!"