With Shen Ruoyan's generous preparation, the celebration banquet is finally about to begin!
Because Pei Rushi and Qin Shaobei had both lived in the Marquis' Mansion before, Shen Ruoyan directly held this celebration banquet in their names.
This also resulted in an unprecedented number of guests coming to participate!
"Be careful! There are so many important people outside. What if you are so clumsy and bump into someone?" The little maid was holding a basin of clear water with flower petals swaying in it, almost spilling out.
The person who stopped her was older and couldn't bear to watch it anymore, so he handed it to her and said, "Forget it, go to the kitchen and help them get the food. Leave this to me and I'll take it for you."
This is the hand-washing water prepared for distinguished guests. According to the lady's instructions, freshly picked flower petals are put in it so that the guests can still have a faint floral fragrance on their hands after washing them.
The Marquis’ Mansion had held banquets before, but they were always hosted by Old Madam Lu.
It’s not that it’s done poorly, but one can tell at a glance that it’s imitating other noble families, and it’s so rigid and doesn’t have any characteristics of its own.
Especially in terms of details, at this celebration banquet, after the guests washed their hands, they would come to the "Dragon Gate" specially built by Shen Ruoyan.
It was an archway built with wood in front of the rockery, but on top of it were leaves woven into the shape of a dragon. Under the archway was a whole round log - stepping over it represented jumping over the dragon gate.
"Son, come on, come over here!"
Many ladies were very interested in this door. After learning its meaning, they couldn't wait to bring their children over.
No matter what, we must let them cross from here!
Then, the butler in charge of welcoming guests would see the excited ladies and the young men and women with resentful faces... slowly walking towards him.
"My dears, please take the broad road here. You will surely have smooth sailing and peace in the future." The housekeeper said with a smile. All the words they said today were previously formulated by Shen Ruoyan in order to seek good luck!
Sure enough, when everyone heard this, their smiles deepened.
The noblewoman walking in front was straightforward and immediately praised, "Your mistress is a wonderful person. We must arrange a get-together someday!"
Seeing this, others also said that Shen Ruoyan's banquet was very interesting, and it was very innovative with each link connecting to the next.
This was just the entrance stage. After entering, they discovered that today's banquet was full of "scheming"!
Every place has an auspicious meaning.
No matter what you do here today, the servants in the Marquis' Mansion will always give you a blessing word in return, so that everyone will always have a smile on their face.
The appearance of Pei Rushi and Qin Shaobei brought the entire celebration banquet to a climax!
There was no distinction between male and female guests at this celebration banquet. Instead, the men brought their families and everyone sat together.
This form has only recently become popular in Shengjing. Shen Ruoyan focuses on keeping up with the trend. The only one who feels awkward is Madam Lu.
"Madam, I heard that sitting like this is very popular in the city now. It's said that it allows guests to relax and drink happily." The nanny explained to Madam Lu in a low voice. Madam Lu nodded coldly, "I know."
She actually doesn't know!
However, I don't want to appear inexperienced in front of so many people.
If it were in her hometown, men and women sitting together like this would be a violation of the law of heaven!
Everyone must burn incense and apologize to God!
But this is Shengjing, the most prosperous place in Dasheng. Even if she looks down on it in her heart, she will not show it.
"Thank you all for coming. Today's celebration banquet was organized by my cousin, who put a lot of effort and hard work into it. I hope you all enjoy yourselves. Meeting is fate. Today we are guests, and in the future, we will be friends!"
Qin Shaobei raised his glass first and drank it all in one gulp.
Pei Rushi glanced at him and just raised his glass to everyone as a statement.
With his attitude, no one present would be dissatisfied at all - after all, he is the champion of this session.
Moreover, with so many unexpected events happening in the Spring Examination, Pei Rushi's title of Champion was not only hard-earned, but also well-deserved.
His literary talent was witnessed by all in Kyoto, and he himself was unforgettable.
Many of the noble ladies present couldn't take their eyes off him once they landed on him. Many were secretly trying to get information about this newly crowned champion.
Shen Ruoyan saw all of this and quietly remembered it.
In addition to Pei Rushi, there are also many people asking about Qin Shaobei. The two can be said to be evenly matched.
After all, among all the candidates, they both have excellent literary talent and good looks!
"Cousin, how long will it take? If you don't hurry up, I feel like I can't hold on any longer!" Qin Shaobei accompanied Shen Ruoyan, dealing with the guests. As the host, Shen Ruoyan behaved generously and was deeply recognized by everyone.
But Qin Shaobei felt uncomfortable all over when he was standing next to them, especially the way those women looked at him, which always made him feel very dangerous!
He is not that kind of casual man!
Can these women please control their eyes?
Although Pei Rushi said nothing, his slightly red ears betrayed his thoughts.
Shen Ruoyan couldn't help but find it funny. After walking to a quieter place, he said with a smile, "You two are the kind of people who would not change their expressions even if Mount Tai collapsed before them. Now, are you afraid of this small situation?"
"Am I afraid? I just find it troublesome!"
Qin Shaobei lowered his voice. He knew what those women were planning, but he had no intention of settling down in Shengjing.
After all, he still has to return to the Qin family.
As for Pei Rushi, he was simply uncomfortable.
People who only have the books of sages in their hearts have no desire for these love things and don’t know how to deal with them.
He wanted to avoid those gazes, but helplessly found that they were everywhere in front, behind, left and right. He could only avoid them by disappearing from the spot!
Shen Ruoyan couldn't help but chuckled, "Don't worry, you will be able to rest soon."
Perhaps to confirm her words, a few people walked out from the back and heard someone shouting, "I heard that the Changning Marquis's son is Mr. Pei's student, and Mr. Qin is his cousin. I guess the son must be very knowledgeable, right? I wonder if it would be convenient for Fang to show us some of it?"
This is the Marquis of Changning's Mansion. What's the difference between asking the prince to demonstrate his knowledge and asking him to perform in public?
Qin Shaobei's expression changed immediately. Without waiting for Shen Ruoyan to speak, he rushed forward and said, "Brother, what's the point of letting a child demonstrate? Otherwise, let me show you!"
There was a sneer on his lips, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. "I just don't know if your literary talent is worthy of being displayed by Qin. Why don't you prove it yourself first?"
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