The first day of the ninth lunar month is the Emperor's Birthday.
The entire Su family changed into new clothes, preparing to attend a banquet at the palace. Even though they only planned to sit at the banquet, as the banquet approached, the group became somewhat excited.
Before leaving, A-Zheng approached Su Hua with a smile and asked, "Could Xiao Hua take me with her?"
Su Hua raised an eyebrow; she usually disliked crowds the most.
The bright, piercing gaze made A-Zheng feel a little uncomfortable, so she touched her nose. "I've heard that the wine in your Dayu Palace is exceptionally mellow, and my inner wine worm is starting to stir."
"And let the Gu baby have a taste too."
“Alright!” Su Hua smiled, her almond-shaped eyes sparkling. “If A-Zheng wants to go, then we can go together.”
The girl smiled and said, "Then help me change my makeup. I'll dress up as your maid."
Su Hua nodded. Although the Emperor's invitation only extended to members of the Su family, officials of the second rank or above were allowed to bring two personal maids.
However, once she actually tried it, she realized what her so-called "makeup change" meant.
The Su family members also widened their eyes. If it weren't for the fact that only these two people had entered the house, they would have thought that another person had suddenly appeared.
Her beautiful oval face had now become a heart-shaped face, her smooth forehead was covered with wispy hair, her once large eyes had become the size of mung beans, and even the bright red beauty mark under her eyes was gone.
He exuded both heroic spirit and unrestrained freedom.
At first glance, she looks like a well-behaved little maid.
The Emperor's birthday celebration was held at 5 PM. The Le'an County government office was not far from the palace, so they boarded the carriage at 3 PM and headed to the palace gate.
At the palace gate, many young men and women were already waiting.
As soon as the Su family members alighted from their carriage, a gentle voice called out, "So it's Princess Le'an! And Aunt Su, you've both come."
Upon hearing the sound, all the young men and women turned to look.
A figure in lake blue stepped down from the carriage. She wore a fitted, floor-length dress with a matching jacket over it, and her long black hair was tied up with a jade hairpin.
Her face was covered by a light veil, revealing a pair of bright almond-shaped eyes, and her skin was as white as snow, without a trace of makeup.
His every move exudes a natural, unrestrained elegance.
Beside the girl stood a family with similar features, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and scrutiny, yet all exuding poise and confidence.
It took the group a long time to come to their senses.
"So, this is the Lady of Le'an County."
"She looks so young; her hair is still in a bun, she hasn't even reached the age of marriage yet!"
"I can't believe that sweet potatoes and the South-to-North Water Diversion Project were ideas conceived by a girl who was not even fourteen or fifteen years old."
"Yes, I originally thought the Princess of Le'an would be a village woman or an older sister, but I never expected her to be such a young girl, and she's so beautiful..."
The Su family was not surprised to hear these discussions; they had heard these words so many times back in Tangshan Prefecture that they were practically callous with them.
Jun Qingcheng, who spoke first, had her smile fade slightly, and chuckled softly, "That's right! Right now, all the people in the capital are talking about how none of the younger generation can compare to Princess Le'an."
Upon hearing this, the young men and women who had been praising him earlier suddenly fell silent, and some of them were clearly unconvinced.
Su Hua glanced at her and said with a faint smile, "Le'an grew up in the countryside, how can she compare to you all who have a family tradition of etiquette, music, poetry and books? Princess Mingzhu, you can't say such hurtful things!"
“You…” Jun Qingcheng was speechless, choked by this soft threat.
She had just opened her mouth when Su Hua interrupted her, "I heard that Princess Mingzhu's good news is coming soon."
"If the date is set, and Le'an is still in the capital, Princess, please remember to send a wedding invitation so I can go and prepare a dowry for you. It would be a good thing that we met in Qingshui County."
The sound, neither too loud nor too soft, was just loud enough for people near the palace gate to hear clearly.
In an instant, not only the young masters and ladies all turned their gazes toward Jun Qingcheng, but even the palace maids and servants at the palace gates did the same.
These days, news of Princess Mingzhu and Xiao Baocong's happy event has spread far and wide, and everyone in the capital knows about it. However, the Prince of Yan's mansion has been denying it, which makes it even more difficult to guess the truth.
The message indicated that the two were heading south to Qingshui County.
Princess Le'an is from Qingshui County, so now that you've said this, it seems that Princess Mingzhu's affair with Young Master Xiao is true.
Jun Qingcheng's expression darkened slightly. "You can eat whatever you want, but you can't say whatever you want. Princess Le'an, you should be careful with your words and actions."
“Yes, Princess is absolutely right.” Su Hua nodded noncommittally, a smile playing on her lips. “These are also the words Le’an would like to say to Princess.”
Seeing that smile, Jun Qingcheng found it extremely irritating. Her eyes flickered for a long time before she flicked her sleeve and said, "Cai Die, let's go!"
Let her be smug for a while longer.
When the palace banquet arrives, she refuses to believe that she will still be able to smile!
Smelling the gunpowder, the group quickly followed and fled.
Madam Su frowned and quickly instructed Su Dalang and the others, "Dalang, after you two brothers enter the palace, you must not run around or touch anything recklessly. Discuss everything with your father and second uncle."
Spring blossoms, I will hold your hand; don't let them leave my side.
Princess Mingzhu may seem gentle and kind, but she's actually sabotaging Hua'er at every turn. She's already clashed with them back in Shanghe Village, and she just hopes nothing bad will happen at this palace banquet.
When the Su family arrived at the palace banquet, there were already quite a few people seated. Men and women sat at separate tables. Su Dahu and Su Erhu led the Su brothers to the men's table, while Su Hua and the others went to the women's table.
They had only gone halfway when they heard a hearty laugh, "Hua'er, Sister-in-law Su, come sit over here."
The one who spoke was Yu Changqing's wife, Princess Gong, née Changsun.
Having met her once at Prince Gong's residence yesterday, Su Hua was naturally familiar with her and greeted her with a smile, "Hello, Aunt Yu!"
"Yes, the palace banquet will begin soon. Let's sit down first." Empress Zhangsun smiled and nodded, pulling the person to sit down beside her.
Yesterday, after the old man hosted a banquet for the Su siblings, he came to instruct her to take good care of the Su family today. Later, Zichen came again, and his words were essentially the same.
The whole family, young and old, cherishes the person in front of them most.
However, the more you look at the little girl, the more delightful she becomes.
At the banquet table next door, Jun Qingcheng looked at the smiling people and secretly clenched her palms. Demons and evil spirits are different. Even people who are usually serious and unsmiling can be coaxed into having fun.
At the women's table, many people, seeing Changsun's enthusiastic manner, cast their gazes toward the Su family.
At that moment, a high-pitched yet solemn voice rang out, "The Emperor has arrived! The Empress has arrived!"
Upon hearing this, the families of the officials knelt down in unison, shouting "Long live the Emperor!"
The emperor took his seat on the throne and raised his hand, saying, "My beloved ministers, you may dispense with the formalities. Today's banquet is for the emperor and his people to enjoy themselves together, so please do not stand on ceremony!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty." The crowd expressed their gratitude and rose.
Su Hua followed the group's movements, and as soon as she sat down, a sharp gaze swept over her.
Following the gaze, I came face to face with a beautiful face right next to the concubines' seats.
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