Chapter 7 Being Troubled
Now that he has taken over the canal, he must work hard to ensure that the project is foolproof, but she didn't expect that even during his free ten-day maintenance period, he would still be so diligent.
She felt a little happy in her heart, happy that her husband was a man who was dedicated to his duties and worked day and night for the public.
Maybe they had been reading for too long, so he changed his position. Since they were sitting side by side, he couldn't help but touch her, but he continued to read the book.
But the ripples stirred up in her heart disrupted her breathing. They were sitting so close, so close that every time he moved a little bigger, he would touch her.
She hid her thoughts nervously and helplessly. The carriage was still shaking a little while moving, and the curtains sometimes fell down, blocking some of the light.
She noticed this carefully, lifted the curtain and looked at the scenery outside.
There are so many varieties of flowers blooming in spring that they can be seen everywhere.
In the city streets, new willow trees hang down, and by the river bank, peach trees are full of blossoms, like crimson clouds in the sky.
Some passers-by stroll among the flowers, some sell things along the street, and some recite poems and paint among the weeping willows.
Yu Huatang seldom goes out, and such spring scenery and such elegant things make her feel happy. She really wants time to slow down in this spring when flowers are blooming.
That way she could always be by his side, even if he didn't know what she was thinking.
The carriage traveled for a long time and finally stopped at the Qiao Mansion.
Yu Huatang originally knew very little about Zhao Yan's colleagues, but she knew this Young Master Qiao Qingxuan. In the first year of their marriage, based on their relationship as classmates and colleagues, Young Master Qiao also invited Zhao Yan to travel with him, and she naturally went along. That was her first time traveling far away since she came to the capital.
Zhao Yan was still cold to her, and she didn't know anyone else, so she sat alone under the tree and looked at the beauty of the mountains.
That was what Master Qiao said to her at that time, introducing her to the beauty of different flower species, and he was the only noble in the capital who chatted with her normally without any derogatory remarks.
But today is different from the past. I'm afraid other noble ladies will be here. She has to be careful with her words and actions, not stand out, not make mistakes, and not bring shame to the Prime Minister's Mansion.
As she thought this, she followed Zhao Yan out of the car. Sure enough, Master Qiao's teasing voice came, "Oh, long time no see, my Lord Zhao. Ever since you went to the Ministry of Works, we've been pining for you."
Although Qiao Qingxian looks elegant and graceful, he has a boisterous personality.
Yu Huatang also found it amazing before that Zhao Yan, who had such a cold personality, could have such an eloquent and caring friend.
At this time, Zhao Yan said, "No matter how busy I am, I will still come to your promotion banquet, Master Qiao."
Qiao Qingxian smiled and said, "I'm really happy that you can come. Without further ado, please come in."
After saying that, he turned to Yu Huatang, "Please come in, sister-in-law. It's been almost a few years since we last met, and sister-in-law is still so approachable. She and Zhao Yan are truly a perfect match."
Although he spoke jokingly, his attitude was very respectful and courteous. Yu Huatang also smiled politely as a way of thanking him for his kind words.
Entering the courtyard, there was a large group of maids and old women welcoming and seeing off people, making it very lively. Zhao Yan followed Qiao Qingxian to the inner courtyard.
Yu Huatang followed her mother who was leading the way to the backyard of the female family members.
Several noble ladies were already sitting in the courtyard.
One of them was wearing a light blue silk long dress. The style of the dress was simple and elegant without too many decorations. There was only one oriental pearl on her bun, which made her look particularly elegant.
The others all wore golden hairpins and step-shaking ornaments, gorgeous clothes and beautiful buns, looking like fairy concubines.
The lady with the Dongzhu looked at Yu Huatang for a moment, then suddenly realized something and said, "See, I almost forgot. Lord Zhao promised to come today. I haven't seen my sister-in-law for a long time, please don't be offended."
The ladies who were chatting turned around and looked at her.
Everyone in the capital knew that the second son of the Zhao family, who was handsome and famous at a young age, broke off his marriage with his childhood sweetheart and married an orphan girl from Quanzhou.
When the orphan girl came to the door, she was said to be wearing tattered clothes.
Although they had been married for three years, Mrs. Zhao from the Prime Minister's Mansion was afraid of embarrassing her and never brought the third daughter-in-law to aristocratic banquets.
Several people looked carefully at Yu Huatang's simple clothes and thought that the rumors were indeed credible.
This small-town girl looked nice, but she had no aristocratic bearing. Yu Huatang knew what they were thinking. Even if she wanted to be timid and hide herself, she still had to bite the bullet and greet these gazes with calmness and fearlessness.
Seeing that everyone was watching quietly, Madam Xu immediately came over and led Yu Huatang in. "My sister-in-law is truly a woman of outstanding temperament. After all, she is from the south. Even Qiu Shui Furong can't compare to her."
Yu Huatang knew that she was Qiao Qingxian's wife. She had just given birth to a pair of children not long ago, and now her husband had been promoted, which was double happiness.
She smiled faintly and said, "Sister, you are too modest. Sister is the brilliance of moonlight, and jewels cannot hide her noble beauty. Now that you have all your children, and Young Master Qiao has won the favor of His Majesty, you are truly a wealthy and noble person."
Mrs. Xu's face was filled with joy at what she said. She took her hand and said, "Sister-in-law, you are so eloquent. Please sit down. We were just talking about the prosperity and peace. Later, the sisters and sisters-in-law can choose a place to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Does Sister-in-law have any recommendations?"
Yu Huatang sat down. "This... I really don't know. I'm afraid I'll have to ask other ladies."
At this time, a lady also said, "Yes, the Third Young Master's wife rarely goes out. Once we have decided on a place, we will send her an invitation."
Yu Huatang knew that this person was the Princess of Changping, and also the daughter of Aunt He Rongjin.
Seeing that Princess Changping hadn't shown any signs of hostility, and her attitude was friendly and comfortable, he finally felt relieved. He hadn't made any mistakes, and his words hadn't been too flattering.
After three years, she was finally no longer the small town girl who offended people unintentionally with her words. She learned etiquette.
After understanding the in-law relationships of the noble ladies in the capital and figuring out the intentions of their words, she could finally sit here and have normal conversations with them with confidence, and finally took a step forward with Zhao Yan.
They chatted and laughed for a while, talking about rouge, powder, and trivial matters of their children.
Yu Huatang listened quietly, took a few sips of tea from time to time, and nodded with a smile.
At this time, the official of Qiao Mansion came to ask for instructions. The banquet in the mansion has been prepared, and ladies, please follow us to the living room.
Yu Huatang walked quietly to the last seat. After several people took their seats, she found a seat where no one noticed her and sat down.
There is a water pavilion between the male and female guests, which symbolizes the flow of wine in a winding stream.
The food is carried to the guests on lotus leaves along with the flowing water.
Yu Huatang took a few pieces of cake and savored them carefully.
The women began to talk about interesting things in a lively manner.
Princess Changping said, "I heard that your palace specially prepared several fresh dishes today. Madam Zhao San rarely meets us on weekdays, so let Madam Zhao San taste the first one first."
The women began to whisper to each other, some of them lowered their heads and covered their faces with fans, revealing their eyes to look at her.
Yu Huatang didn't know what it meant, so she took the bowls and cups from the mothers' hands.
Seeing that Xu also took a cup to taste it, he felt relieved and took a few bites as well.
Princess Changping asked, "Madam Zhao San, what do you think? What are the ingredients of this soup?"
Yu Huatang sat at the end. When Princess Changping asked her about this, she raised her voice and said, "The Qiao family's cuisine is naturally delicious. It's truly rare to see something as simple as vermicelli and egg custard made so exquisitely."
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