Chapter 167: Xu Nian's Coming-of-Age Ceremony

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were talking animatedly when Tian Qiao walked in with two maids.

"It's still lively here, Mom. What happy news are you and your sisters-in-law telling Mom about? I heard your laughter as soon as I walked into the courtyard."

"Just in time, the elders are here. I was just talking to them about the eldest girl's coming-of-age ceremony. There's less than a month left. Do you have any rules?"

Tian Qiao really came here for this matter. Originally, when the Xu family first arrived in Shengdu City, she was so worried about the selection of the guests for the coming-of-age ceremony that her hair turned several hairs white.

Her father was a fifth-rank official of the Zuo Si Zheng. In local areas, being a fifth-rank official was considered impressive, but in Shengdu City it was not impressive enough, not to mention that he was a fifth-rank official outside the six ministries.

But she never expected that she received several letters this morning, all about her daughter's coming-of-age ceremony, not to mention the important status of these people.

Tian Qiao looked at the daughter who was teasing Xu Gui, and knew that these people were probably prepared by the person in the palace.

"Mother, I came to you to make a decision about Nian'er's coming-of-age ceremony. I was still considering the candidates for the guests of honor and sponsors, but I didn't expect to receive several letters.

The old princess wrote to say that she was willing to be the guest of honor at Nian'er's coming-of-age ceremony, and Princess Changsheng also sent a message saying that she would be the sponsor. As for the Yousi, the wife of the Right Minister came specially a few days ago. Her niece from her mother's family has also reached the age of marriage, so she wanted to be the Yousi of this coming-of-age ceremony.

Wang, who was originally laughing, couldn't help but straighten her face. Although she didn't know these nobles, they sounded quite intimidating.

"Old lady, this old lady Princess Changsheng has heard from Nian'er that who is this old princess?"

Speaking of this, Tian Qiao was indeed asked about by others. This old princess was the Princess of Prince Fu, and Prince Fu was the great-uncle of the current emperor. Although he was a powerless prince, he was able to stay out of trouble in the imperial city, which showed that he deserved the title of Prince Fu.

Moreover, the Princess of Fu has both sons and daughters. Although her descendants have no real power in the court, her filial piety is praised by people in the capital. This shows that she is truly an old woman who has both fortune and luck.

Wang was so happy that she didn't know what to do. She solemnly told Tian Qiao, "Old lady, tomorrow you should prepare a generous gift and I will go with you to pay respect to the Princess of Fu. We should invite the guests of honor. We can't miss this etiquette."

"Mother is right. My daughter-in-law thinks so too. What about the princess?"

"Mom, I'll have someone talk to Xihe there."

When Tian Qiao heard her daughter say this, she let go. The most important thing now was to go and pay a visit to Princess Fu.

October 8th, the first year of Changhe

The gates of the Xu residence were wide open today, and Xu Yaozu and his butler personally stood in front of the gate to welcome guests.

The invitation from Xu's residence had been sent out half a month ago, and everyone from the first-rank officials to the seventh-rank minor officials received the invitation.

Although Xu Yaozu wanted to use this coming-of-age ceremony to make the Xu family famous in Shengdu City, he never thought of doing it in such a blatant way. But a few days ago, Eunuch Mo who was beside the emperor found him and asked him to send out business cards.

He looked at another carriage driven by a second-rank official that stopped in front of the mansion gate and hurriedly smiled to greet him.

At this time, Xu Nian had done her makeup, found an ordinary dress to put on, and then followed the two maids to Ninghui Courtyard.

Just now, Tian Qiao sent someone to say that Princess Fu had arrived at Ninghui Courtyard. As a junior and the person involved today, Xu Nian should go and pay her a visit.

As soon as Xu Nian entered the courtyard, she heard the maidservant beside Wang say, "Madam, the eldest lady is here to pay her respects."

Wang asked her to come in quickly, and smiled at the Princess Fu who was sitting beside her, "This girl is very good at thinking. She came here just as my elder sister mentioned it."

"Then I must take a good look at your precious granddaughter today."

The two looked at each other and burst into laughter. Princess Fu turned her head to look at the door, and saw a girl in a pink flowered floor-length dress walking in gracefully. Although the dress was half-worn, it was a rare Yuehua brocade.

What caught her attention even more was the appearance of the girl. Her skin was as white as cream, her facial features were as delicate as a painting, and her figure was so graceful that she was truly stunning.

She couldn't help but think of the young emperor who also had an outstanding appearance, and wondered how good-looking the children these two would have in the future would be.

"Nian'er pays respects to grandmother and Princess Fu."

"Good boy, get up and come closer so I can have a good look at you."

Xu Nian took two steps forward as instructed and raised his chin slightly to allow Princess Fu to see clearly.

"Not bad, he has clear eyes and is a good kid. He will have great fortune in the future."

Wang smiled widely, "Thank you for your good wishes, elder sister. We don't ask for this girl to be rich, but we just hope that she can live a safe and smooth life."

"The Xu family has a clean and upright family tradition. Don't worry, sister. Your granddaughter is invaluable."

Xu Nian did not sit in Ninghui Hall for long. The time for her coming-of-age ceremony was approaching, and she had to go back to her own courtyard to prepare.

Luo Xihe was drinking tea in the house. When he heard Xu Nian coming back, he stood up and went out to greet him.

"You are finally back. When I arrived, I heard that you had gone to pay your respects and asked me to wait here."

"Okay, it's my fault. How about I pay you for a banquet after today?"

Luo Xihe thought of that feeling and responded with reserved attitude.

"There are many female guests today, and I have to go to the flower hall to greet the ladies of each family. Are you going to wait for me here or come with me?"

Luo Xihe had almost finished his tea and was unwilling to stay here any longer. Seeing this, Xu Nian pulled Luo Xihe towards the flower hall.

In the flower hall, young ladies from various families were sitting together drinking tea and chatting. Although they were very curious about why the coming-of-age ceremony of the daughter of a fifth-rank official had such a grand ceremony, no one raised their doubts.

The one who looked the most out of place among them was a girl in a maroon lavender pleated skirt. Her originally haggard face was made even more gloomy by the color.

Moreover, the other young ladies were sitting in groups of three or four talking, but she was the only one sitting quietly in a corner. She only slowly raised her head when she heard footsteps.

Xu Nian was startled when she felt the line of sight looking over there. She didn't expect to see Shen Yan here, and it seemed that Shen Yan was not doing well.

Looking at the girl's bun on her head, he couldn't help but wonder, it has been so long, could it be that she and Shang Jinzhi haven't gotten married yet?

Xu Nian came to his senses and exchanged greetings with the young ladies from various families. Most of them were polite but distant, and of course there were a few who looked disdainful. However, perhaps because Princess Changsheng was there, Xu Nian did not hear any unpleasant words.

Finally, she walked over to Shen Yan and said as usual, "Ms. Shen, long time no see."

Shen Yan stood up calmly and returned the greeting, without the sharp confrontation that he had in Wansheng County.

Xu Nian treated her the same way he treated everyone else, neither being overly enthusiastic nor embarrassing her. Perhaps they had become strangers since they parted in Wansheng County.