That night, after everyone arrived and settled in, they went to the island in the center of the lake in the center of the garden for a banquet.
The island in the middle of the lake is ferried back and forth by small boats, and lanterns are placed on the lake, reflecting the colorful flowering trees on the shore.
Once you get to the island, you'll see paths surrounded by flowers and hung with lights, which are bright and poetic.
Walk along the winding path to the crabapple garden in the middle, where the banquet is placed in front of the blooming crabapple trees.
It is almost May now, but it doesn't feel cold at night. Instead, it feels cool when the wind blows.
Although men and women sat separately, they were only separated by a crabapple tree, and the situation on the other side could be vaguely seen through the gaps between the branches.
Yuan Cheng naturally sat at the head of the male guests' table, while Yuan Zhao sat above the female guests.
When she arrived, the delegation had already sat down.
Next to Jingyang was Yuan Nan'an, with his wet nurse holding Yuan Zhizhi, and opposite him were Ye Huan, the Saint of South Vietnam, and Ye Jiao, the Saint Child.
Sitting further down were Mrs. Xie and Xie Wanqing.
Jingyang quietly looked at Xie Wanqing and saw that she was wearing a moon-white dress with peony patterns embroidered with gold thread on the hem of her skirt.
She sat there, greeting the people around her with the most standard manners of a noble lady.
Jingyang looked across the crabapple tree at the seat opposite and caught a glimpse of a moon-white figure.
Amidst the crowd of guests, these two figures seemed particularly harmonious.
…
After Yuan Zhao sat down, he announced the start of the meal.
But not all the people who came to the banquet today were there to eat. Most of them were there to socialize with each other during the meal.
There was singing and dancing at the banquet, and Yuan Zhao took the opportunity to observe the people below.
The princess of Northern Qiang was chatting and laughing with Yuan Nan'an on the side, and they seemed to get along very well.
Yuan Nan'an told Jing Yang that there would be horse racing and archery competitions tomorrow. Jing Yang's previous unhappiness was immediately swept away, and he was looking forward to showing his skills in tomorrow's competition.
On the other side, the Saint of South Vietnam did not take off her veil even when eating.
She lifted her veil slightly, revealing her red lips and white teeth, and took small bites of food into her mouth.
Ye Jiao, who was beside her, kept her head down the whole time and served her meal.
She seemed a little flustered, but as soon as Ye Huan looked at her, she became a little afraid and slowed down her movements.
Yuan Zhao glanced at Zhizhi again and saw that she was being held by her wet nurse, drooling at the table full of food.
Zhizhi didn't react to Ye Jiao. Does that mean she has no relationship with Wei Jiaojiao?
Looking down further, Yuan Zhao noticed Mrs. Xie and Miss Xie.
Mrs. Xie's every move and gesture was very ladylike, and Xie Wanqing, who was sitting next to her, was even more so.
It was the first time that Yuan Zhao met Xie Wanqing, a girl from the Xie family. She was chatting and laughing with other girls around her. Her smile was very gentle and generous. She was indeed a lady from a noble family.
Yuan Zhao had also heard that this Miss Xie was a famous girl, proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting, and was especially good at playing the zither, and her music was unique in the entire capital.
He has been taught by many famous teachers since he was young, and he has excellent knowledge of poetry and literature. I think he can get along well with Mu Sheng.
The reputation is also good. The Xie family has strict rules. Xie Wanqing behaves properly when he is outside and does not bring shame to the Xie family.
She is indeed the best girl in the capital.
It is worthy of being a great family in Beijing.
Yuan Zhao thought for a moment, then turned aside and said to Gan Tang, "Please invite Madam Xie over for a chat tomorrow."
The Xie family has spread the news of the engagement, she can't just sit there and do nothing.
After a round of wine, Ye Huan had almost finished eating. She sat there, looked at Yuan Zhao, and asked,
"Your Highness, I have heard many times in South Vietnam about your country's General Huo, a brave and heroic general. I wonder if I can have the honor of meeting him today?"
Yuan Zhao paused holding the cup. Yuan Zhizhi and Yuan Nan'an, who were happily eating, stopped and looked at the Saint of Nanyue.
[Oh my! This is incredible!]
[So direct! It seems this Saint came prepared!]
[Is it possible that the Saint Girl is still forcing herself to take the throne even though Father Huo is not here?]
[No! Summon the Third Brother! Protect the best Daddy Huo! Saint, retreat! Retreat! Retreat!]
Yuan Zhao's hand gently stroked the wine glass, and he just smiled, "What a coincidence, General Huo returned to the northwest for garrison over a month ago. I'm afraid he can't come to see the Saint."
"Really? That's such a pity..." Ye Huan had a veil on her face, but one could still clearly see her disappointment.
After saying that, she smiled again, "I heard that General Huo has never married. It just so happens that Dacheng and Nanyue are forming an alliance. This Saint thinks General Huo is an excellent candidate."
Yuan Zhao didn't say anything, but Gan Tang noticed that His Highness's hand holding the cup slowly tightened.
She gave Biyun, who was standing opposite her, a look, and Biyun moved slightly.
This just happened to block the saint's view of the entrance. At the same time, a "guard" standing at the door heard the conversation and took in the reaction of the person in charge.
He lowered his eyes and chuckled.
Yuan Zhao didn't say anything, but Jing Yang spoke up.
She looked at Ye Huan and said loudly, "The Saint and General Huo are not a good match in age!"
The ladies below also echoed, "Yes, the Saint is in her prime, and General Huo is already over thirty, so he's not much of an age match for the Saint."
Speaking of Huo Yan, all the ladies present knew him. Many of them had secretly fallen in love with him before they got married. He was a man that many women in the capital had admired.
When he was young, he and Yuan Cheng were famous in the capital.
The young general was full of vigor and ambition, and many girls blushed when they saw him.
But at that time, many people also knew that Huo Yan was not only on good terms with Yuan Cheng, but also childhood sweethearts with the princess. Many people thought that Huo Yan would become the princess's consort.
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