A cool autumn breeze swept past the residence of the Vice Minister of Revenue, filling the courtyard with the sweet fragrance of osmanthus and chrysanthemums.
A high platform was erected in the center of the main courtyard, covered with brocade and gold satin. Music played, and guests took their seats.
Today is the coming-of-age ceremony for Jiang Yunjiao, the daughter of the Vice Minister of Revenue.
The residence of the Vice Minister of Revenue and the residence of the General of Weiyuan were separated by only one wall. Jiang Luoluo slowly came out of the General of Weiyuan's residence after hearing the music.
Yao Shiyu, Su Cuirong, and Jiang Yuelan arrived at the Ministry of Revenue Vice Minister's residence early in the morning and even had their breakfast there.
As the sun began to set and the fragrance of osmanthus blossoms filled the air, Jiang Luoluo, accompanied by Dingdang, slowly entered the residence of the Vice Minister of Revenue.
Today, she wore a light green floral floor-length dress, covered with a matching fox fur cloak, and her hair was adorned with only a white jade hairpin, like a winter plum blossom in early bloom, elegant and beautiful.
Lu Baimei greeted her warmly, "Luo Luo, it's been a long time! You've become even more beautiful."
Jiang Luoluo smiled faintly, neither affectionate nor warm, and said lightly, "Second Aunt is as elegant as ever, as beautiful as a flower!"
"Oh my, what a sweet talker! Come, come, come inside and sit down." Lu Baimei smiled with her usual dignified and generous demeanor, and waved to Jiang Yunjiao beside her, "Come over here and greet your cousin."
Jiang Yunjiao pouted, her tone full of disgust, and reluctantly moved to Lu Baimei's side, muttering softly, "Mother, I don't have such an embarrassing cousin. Why did you invite a woman who was jilted to my coming-of-age ceremony? It's just bad luck!"
Although her voice wasn't loud, it reached Jiang Luoluo's ears just in time. Dingdang's eyes widened, her little face puffed up with anger, seemingly standing up for her young mistress.
In contrast, Jiang Luoluo remained calm, with a faint hint of coldness at the corner of her mouth, as if those harsh words were nothing more than a passing breeze.
Lu Baimei frowned upon hearing this, secretly pinched Jiang Yunjiao's arm, and scolded her in a low voice, "What nonsense are you talking about!"
He then turned to Jiang Luoluo and forced a smile, saying, "Luoluo, Yun Jiao is a child who doesn't know any better and doesn't speak tactfully. Please don't take it to heart."
Jiang Luoluo raised her eyebrows slightly, took the gift box from Dingdang's hand, and calmly handed it to Jiang Yunjiao, her tone cool and calm, "My cousin is young and spoke rudely, but I will not take it to heart. Second Aunt, you don't need to worry."
Jiang Yunjiao glanced at the gift box, reluctantly accepted it, and called out softly, "Cousin."
Her voice was so soft it was like a mosquito's hum, and her tone carried a hint of resentment.
"Hey, Luo Luo, why are you so late?" Jiang Yuelan walked up leisurely, holding a handkerchief. "You didn't even come to help with your cousin's coming-of-age ceremony. You must have slept until the sun was high in the sky."
Jiang Luoluo looked in the direction of the voice and simply called out, "Aunt."
"Why aren't you wearing the splendid clothes I prepared for you? You're dressed so plainly, and you didn't even wear more hairpins and hair ornaments?" Jiang Yuelan said unhappily, and began to scold her.
Jiang Luoluo smiled faintly, "Aunt, if I dress too flashy today, wouldn't I be stealing my cousin's thunder? On such a special day, I can't do anything that's not proper."
Jiang Yuelan was speechless after being rebuked. It has to be said that Jiang Luoluo's face is truly like a fairy descended from the heavens, exquisite and beautiful, attracting attention wherever she stands.
Jiang Yuelan said awkwardly, "Alright, alright, let's go, the auspicious time is almost here!"
As soon as Jiang Luoluo took her seat in the guest section, a loud voice came from outside the door: "His Highness Prince Yi has arrived."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yunjiao's previously sorrowful face immediately lit up with joy. She quickly stuffed the gift box into the hands of a maid beside her, and stood shyly and obediently next to Lu Baimei.
Mo Feng and Mo Yang led the way on the left and right, respectively, and Xie Yi, dressed in a dark blue robe, slowly walked in.
His innate noble demeanor was as proud and aloof as pine and bamboo, and his features were as cold and handsome as white jade.
Jiang Muyan also came out to greet them, "Your Highness Prince Yi's presence is truly an honor to Bishe."
Today, there are many guests, with ladies and gentlemen from various mansions in the capital bringing generous gifts to offer their congratulations.
Xie Yizhi had been back in the capital for over a year, and before that, he never attended banquets hosted by officials or gentry in the capital.
The last time Gu Boyuan held a celebration banquet was the first time, and the last time Jiang Yunjiao held a coming-of-age ceremony was the second time.
At the tender age of twenty, Xie Yizhi was already a majestic and awe-inspiring General Tian Ce, a role model for many young men in the capital.
A dashing young man in fine clothes and riding a spirited horse is the object of affection for young ladies of marriageable age.
Everyone bowed, while the bolder ones slightly turned their heads to peek.
Mo Yang stepped forward and handed the gift box to Jiang Muyan. Xie Yizhi nodded slightly, "I have no official business today, so I've come to join in the fun. I hope Minister Jiang won't mind?"
Jiang Muyan accepted the gift, flattered and surprised, and said, "It is an honor for this old minister that Your Highness has come. This way, Your Highness!"
As she passed by Jiang Yunjiao, Jiang Yunjiao called out in an affected manner, "Your Highness Prince Yi!"
Xie Yizhi seemed not to hear and went straight into the banquet hall to take his seat. Jiang Yunjiao was not annoyed. That was just how Prince Yi was. He was distant and indifferent to everyone.
However, the fact that he came to the coming-of-age ceremony in person proves that she is special in his eyes.
Xie Yizhi's gaze inadvertently turned to that stunning figure. Jiang Luoluo looked up and met Xie Yizhi's eyes. A faint smile appeared in Xie Yizhi's eyes.
Jiang Luoluo's eyelashes fluttered slightly, her beautiful face looking bewildered. She remembered the plot of the book: Xie Yizhi was a cold-hearted and indifferent person who would never attend any banquets. But since returning from Yunchuan, this was the second time Xie Yizhi had attended a banquet, which was a bit too frequent.
The auspicious hour had arrived. Jiang Yunjiao stood in front of the stage, and the master of ceremonies respectfully handed her the hairpin. Lu Baimei personally added the hairpin to Jiang Yunjiao's hair. The ceremony was completed, and everyone offered their congratulations.
Jiang Yunjiao stood on the high platform, a smug smile on her lips, her expression revealing a hint of pride.
After the ceremony, the banquet began.
Jiang Yunjiao walked down from the stage. She looked at Xie Yizhi and saw that he was holding a wine glass and facing Jiang Luoluo across the crowd. Jiang Luoluo also raised her wine glass and smiled sweetly at Xie Yizhi.
What a vixen! Jiang Yunjiao felt a sudden surge of displeasure. She gripped her skirt tightly, glared at Jiang Luoluo, and quickly walked to her seat.
Suddenly, a few women began to whisper among themselves, “This eldest daughter of the Jiang family is truly an outstanding person.”
"That's right. People used to say she was an arrogant and domineering good-for-nothing, but after meeting her twice, I'm amazed by her each time."
"Your second son is still unmarried and is working at the Dali Temple. You should hurry up and find such a good girl."
"That's right, that's right. Your second son is a handsome man, and I think he and Miss Jiang are a good match."
Upon hearing this, Jiang Yunjiao's anger surged, and her jealousy intensified. It was supposed to be her coming-of-age ceremony, so why did Jiang Luoluo steal the spotlight? Even Xie Yizhi, who was usually indifferent to women, had started to pay attention to Jiang Luoluo.
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