“Yes!” Qiu He nodded. High-ranking noble families have many rules and regulations. The invitations are essentially given to the male and female heads of the household. If the young ladies go to the banquet with invitations without the female head of the household leading them, it would be inappropriate.
"This invitation is specifically for me. It doesn't matter whether the mistress leads the way or not. Go and greet the second, third, and fourth young ladies. If they want to attend the banquet, they can come with me!"
The water in the Prime Minister's residence is still too clear. Shen Lixue plans to stir it up even more, and by the way, drag the Lei Taiwei residence into it as well. The more people there are, the more lively and chaotic the scene will be, making it easier to find an opportunity to scheme against someone!
---Aside---
(*^__^*) Hehe... Things are about to take another turn, stay tuned for more exciting moments tomorrow!
Thank you all for the flowers, diamonds, and votes! I've received them all. I'll make a ranking list another day to thank everyone and give them all lots of kisses...
Text 092 A malicious heart brings shame upon oneself.
Lin Yan was promoted to Minister, and in addition to being rewarded with gold and silver, he was also given a new mansion. The new Minister's mansion was located in a bustling part of the capital. It was originally a house that had been uninhabited for a long time, but after a period of cleaning and decoration, it was completely renewed inside and out.
When Shen Lixue arrived at the Minister's residence by carriage, the area in front of the residence was already bustling with people. Gifts were piled up like mountains at the entrance, and many officials were all smiles, offering their congratulations as they entered the Minister's residence.
Lifting the curtain, Shen Lixue was the first to alight from the carriage, followed by Shen Yingxue, Shen Caixuan, and Shen Caiyun.
"Cough cough cough!" A series of dry coughs rang out as Shen Lixue walked forward slowly without turning around. Shen Caixuan asked with concern, "Sister Yingxue, how are you?"
Shen Yingxue coughed again: "It's nothing, it's just windy outside, I accidentally choked!" Her voice was weak and feeble, her face was pale and bloodless, and her lips were slightly chapped, but her eyes were clear and bright, shining with a dazzling light.
Severely injured, she had been recuperating in the mansion, unable to watch any excitement or see any outsiders, leading to a very dull life. After a long period of rest, her health had improved considerably, and of course she wouldn't miss such a lively event as congratulations.
"It's good that you're alright!" Shen Caixuan replied with a smile, but there was a hint of sarcasm in her eyes when she looked at Shen Yingxue. She was still recovering from her illness, yet she couldn't wait to come out and attend the banquet. She really couldn't stand being alone.
As she watched Shen Yingxue walk away gracefully, her small hand unconsciously touched her cheek. Her face had been swollen from being hit by Shen Yingxue, but the redness had only recently subsided and she had returned to normal.
Shen Caiyun followed silently at the back, her head slightly lowered. Her clothes were simple, and her hairpins and earrings were also very understated, attracting no attention at all. Shen Lixue raised her eyebrows but did not say a word.
Lin Yan's promotion and move to a new house were joyous occasions. In addition to officials, the Minister's mansion was filled with young ladies and gentlemen, who gathered in twos and threes, chatting and laughing.
"The sound of wind, the sound of rain, the sound of reading—all sounds enter the ear!"
Shen Lixue walked slowly on the bluestone path, just about to go to the study to see Lin Yan, when a clear laugh came from over. Looking in the direction of the sound, she saw Dongfang Zhan in a royal blue brocade robe in the pavilion by the rockery and pond, smiling gently. Standing beside him were Su Yuting and many other talented men and women. Everyone was in a good mood and chatting happily.
"Miss Su, it's your turn!" Several talented men stood by the pavilion, watching Su Yuting and Dongfang Zhan, and kept cheering them on.
Su Yuting smiled slightly, pondered for a moment, and was about to respond with a matching line when a weak yet elegant female voice rang out first: "Family affairs, national affairs, world affairs, I care about everything!"
Everyone was taken aback and looked in the direction of the sound. Shen Yingxue stood quietly, supported by her maid. Her pale face and slightly dry lips added to her sickly beauty. Her slender waist was so delicate that it could be enchanted at first sight.
The scholars looked at her with a hint of mockery. The matter of her seducing Prince An in the palace had caused quite a stir, and instead of reflecting on her actions at home, she dared to come here to join in the fun. She really had a thick skin.
"Miss Shen!" Dongfang Zhan's smiling gaze swept over Shen Caiyun, Shen Caixuan, and Shen Yingxue, finally settling on Shen Lixue, his smile deepening.
Shen Lixue looked at Su Yuting and saw that she was smiling slightly, with a gentle gaze and no sign of being impolite. The corners of her mouth were slightly upturned. Even though someone had stolen her thunder, she was not anxious or angry. She was really calm!
"Prince Zhan!" Shen Yingxue stood next to Shen Lixue, blocking most of her body. Suddenly, she saw that Dongfang Zhan was looking at Shen Yingxue. She was very proud. Among so many people, Prince Zhan saw her at a glance. He really cared about her.
Shen Yingxue curtsied politely, her figure swaying gently, her jade pendants tinkling softly. She was truly delicate and frail, a sight to behold.
"Miss Shen is still recovering from a serious illness and should not be overworked. Please come and sit in the pavilion!" Dongfang Zhan invited with a smile.
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness!" Shen Yingxue said, then, supported by her maid, gracefully walked into the pavilion, ignoring Shen Yingxue, Shen Caixuan, and Shen Caiyun who had come with her.
Whether out of unwillingness to interact with her or out of consideration for her being a patient, people made way for her wherever she went. Several young ladies, however, secretly pursed their lips in dissatisfaction. They had failed to seduce Prince An in the palace, and now they were openly trying to seduce Prince Zhan here. They were truly shameless.
Shen Yingxue was unaware that someone was displeased with her. She slowly sat down on the bamboo chair, smiled politely, and looked at Dongfang Zhan with gentle eyes: "Is Your Highness composing a couplet?"
Dongfang Zhan gave a light reply, his gentle and refined gaze passing through the crowd to Shen Lixue on the bluestone path. He saw her standing in the shade with a smile, her fresh and natural clothes swaying gently in the wind, but her clear eyes were tinged with a hint of playfulness.
Dongfang Zhan raised an eyebrow, glanced at Shen Yingxue and Su Yuting sitting next to each other, and instantly understood. It was rare, and also... ironic, for the number one beauty and the number one talented woman to display their talents at the same time!
"I also enjoy composing couplets. Would you like to join me?" Shen Yingxue looked at Dongfang Zhan with her innocent, doe-like eyes, her pitiful appearance making it hard to refuse.
"Of course!" Dongfang Zhan smiled gently, her smile as warm and refined as jade.
As soon as Shen Yingxue arrived, Su Yuting was instantly ignored. She showed no sign of anger and smiled, "Prince Zhan, shouldn't we start the next couplet?" With one sentence, she successfully drew everyone's attention back to her.
Dongfang Zhan smiled gently: "Listen carefully, the next couplet is: Eighty kings, eighteen dukes everywhere, and longevity by the roadside."
"The Emperor of the Ninth Heaven celebrates the Double Ninth Festival every year, raising a toast on the frontier!" As soon as Dongfang Zhan finished speaking, before the talented men and women could even think, a clear and beautiful female voice rang out from outside the crowd. Everyone looked up in surprise and saw Shen Caiyun in an elegant dress.
"Who is this young lady?" Shen Caiyun is the illegitimate daughter of the Prime Minister's family, and she has always kept a low profile and pretended to be invisible. She has attended many banquets, dislikes talking, and will not take the initiative to talk to people. Not many people know her.
"The fourth young lady of the Prime Minister's residence, Shen Caiyun!" Dongfang Zhan introduced her to everyone with a smile, then turned to look at Shen Lixue, understanding the profound meaning hidden in her playful smile. It was not only a contest between the number one talented woman and the number one beauty, but also a secret rivalry between the Shen sisters.
"So it's Miss Shen Si!"
Today, Shen Caiyun wore a light blue Xiang dress with beautiful wisteria embroidered on the collar and cuffs, and pretty petals adorning the hem. Her delicate updo was decorated with only a few strings of pearl flowers, which complemented her pretty appearance. She looked like a pure and lovely young lady from a humble family, making the eyes of the noble young men who were used to seeing elegant and noble ladies light up.
"The Fourth Miss also likes poetry..." The talented men smiled as they looked at Shen Caiyun. Her clothes were simple and elegant, her appearance was fresh, and her temperament was quite unique.
"I only know a little bit, nothing special..." Noticing that everyone's eyes were on her, even the Prince Zhan had noticed her, Shen Caiyun answered calmly and gracefully, her gentle smile revealing a hint of pride and confidence. She was meant to be this dazzling.
"Fourth Miss, there's no need to be modest. My couplets are all carefully considered before I set them, and you answered them in the blink of an eye. Your talent is truly exceptional!" Dongfang Zhan praised repeatedly.
Everyone echoed Dongfang Zhan's words, praising him. In an instant, the previously unknown Shen Caiyun became the focus of everyone's attention, while Shen Yingxue, the number one beauty, was completely ignored. She glared fiercely at the spirited Shen Caiyun, her chest churning with anger. "You bitch, how dare you compete with me for the Zhan King!"
Shen Lixue smiled. Shen Caiyun was finally no longer invisible. She was showing her talent to everyone and making herself a well-known talented woman. This was the first step in her revenge!
"Sister Yingxue is exceptionally talented, and Sister Caiyun is equally outstanding. The Prime Minister's residence truly produces a thousand beautiful women. I imagine Sister Lixue is also hiding her talents. Why don't Prince Zhan pose another question for Sister Lixue to answer?" Su Yuting's gentle suggestion spread throughout the pavilion through the discussions, and everyone stopped talking and looked at Shen Lixue.
Several gazes focused on her. Shen Lixue raised an eyebrow and smiled politely. As soon as Shen Yingxue arrived, Su Yuting was completely ignored. She was not annoyed. Just as she managed to divert everyone's attention, Shen Caiyun appeared again and stole everyone's attention once more. Shen Yingxue was furious, but Su Yuting still smiled. Her expression and eyes did not change. This composure was truly admirable.
Shen Yingxue answered the first question posed by Dongfang Zhan, and Shen Caiyun answered the second. If he answered the third question, the news of the Prime Minister's daughters vying for fame would instantly spread throughout the entire banquet.