Mountain and River Festival 310. Bai's daughter, autumn gathering

Just before noon, Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun both stood up and said goodbye. Before leaving, Madam Sun invited Ye Li to attend an autumn flower show for women in the capital two days later. Although the Xiling Imperial City is about to change its owner, the dignitaries in the imperial city have not shrunk at home, but have held more frequent gatherings. The heads of each family and the mistresses of the family gather together to inquire about the plans of other families, and the families with good relationships take the opportunity to discuss their own retreats, etc. All of these need to be carried out through various banquets. After all, although the Xiling Emperor is about to move south, most of the power in Xiling City is still in the hands of the Xiling Royal Family. Especially those who have ulterior motives and plans, few dare to visit King Ding as openly as the Bai family and the Sun family.

Ye Li had a good impression of this generous and elegant Madam Sun, and she also understood that the purpose of holding the so-called autumn flower show at this time was not just to appreciate flowers. After all, there were not many flowers to appreciate in the autumn in Xiling. After thinking about it, she agreed, and Madam Sun happily left.

Bai Yuncheng on the side listened and secretly planned to implement the plan as soon as possible.

When Bai Yuncheng returned to the mansion, Madam Bai, who had been waiting for him, immediately came to greet him and asked with concern, "Master, have you seen Prince Ding and Princess Ding?"

Bai Yuncheng nodded, and Mrs. Bai smiled with a bit of joy: "Then the ones we sent over..." Bai Yuncheng snorted and said coldly: "A bunch of rubbish! I'm afraid they are more likely to be dangerous than good." Upon hearing this, Mrs. Bai was also shocked. You know, the ones sent over a few days ago were not really all maids and servants. Among them were three illegitimate sons and daughters of the Bai family. "This... Prince Ding is so cruel, but there must be many families sending people there these days. Why are there only ours..." Mrs. Bai was just shocked, and then she calmed down. Although the ones sent out were the children of the Bai family, they were not her own children. Naturally, she didn't feel distressed, but was more worried about whether Prince Ding was dissatisfied with the Bai family.

Bai Yuncheng frowned and thought for a moment, and said uncertainly: "Maybe... Prince Ding found out the identities of those people? That's why he is unhappy?" Bai Yuncheng is also the head of the family, so he naturally understands some of the taboos of being in a higher position. Mrs. Bai sighed helplessly and said: "We really think too simply. The secret guards of Prince Ding's mansion are well-informed. I'm afraid they can't hide it..." But she didn't know that if Prince Ding's mansion wanted to investigate, it would naturally find out, but the people sent by the Bai family were unlucky and ran into Mo Xiuyao's knife. They died unclearly without even seeing Mo Xiuyao.

"Today I went to see Prince Ding, and I happened to run into that woman from the Sun family." Thinking of Madam Sun's smile before she left, Bai Yuncheng's face became even gloomier. Madam Bai's face also changed. Many noble ladies in Xiling Imperial City have always looked down on Madam Sun. Or perhaps it should be said that they are jealous of Madam Sun. As a woman, she can manage the family business like a man. When the head of the Sun family was alive, there were no concubines in the room, so when the head of the Sun family passed away, there were countless women in Xiling City who secretly covered their mouths and laughed. But Madam Sun was not as miserable as they thought. Instead, she supported the entire Sun family as a woman and child, and even made the Sun family a level higher than before. How could this not make Mrs. Bai, who was also a woman but had to stay in the backyard, feel hatred and envy?

"That woman...why did she go to see Prince Ding? Could it be..." Mrs. Bai said in a sharp voice.

As soon as Bai Yuncheng saw Madam Sun's expression, he knew that he had misunderstood. However, he was in no mood to explain for Madam Sun. He just said in a deep voice: "Prince Ding and Princess Ding both have a good impression of Sun Yu. Princess Ding has also agreed to participate in the Autumn Flower Show in two days."

Mrs. Bai was not completely ignorant, so she asked softly, "What does the master mean?"

Bai Yuncheng said in a deep voice: "You will also go in two days, and you must win the favor of Princess Ding. Also... bring Ning'er with you."

"Master..." Madam Bai frowned and looked at Bai Yuncheng. After a moment's hesitation, she said, "It may not be easy to start with Princess Ding." Although she didn't know much about the outside world, Madam Bai was a woman after all. She naturally understood women's minds much better than Bai Yuncheng, a grown man. They wanted to send the woman of the Bai family to the Ding Palace, but it would never work to take Princess Ding's path. The Ding Prince and the Princess were deeply in love. After many years of marriage, the Ding Prince had never taken a concubine. Princess Ding would never like a woman who wanted to enter the Ding Palace and compete with her for her husband.

Bai Yuncheng didn't care. "Madam, you think too much. I also met Princess Ding today. Although she is very beautiful, our Ning'er is not bad either. Moreover, Princess Ding was born in the Xu family, which is also a famous family. How could she not know how to be a wife? Most women in Xiling are arrogant and domineering. Our Ning'er is gentle and docile, so the princess will naturally look up to her. If Prince Ding wants to settle down Xiling in a short time, he must marry a noblewoman from Xiling as a concubine to appease the powerful people in Xiling." The Bai family has had many concubines throughout the generations, and the men are not really useless. At least the Bai family has a lot of experience in how to seize the opportunity to send their own women to the upper class.

The Mohist army had just occupied Xiling, so naturally people were in a state of panic. And Prince Ding obviously could not stay in the imperial city of Xiling for a long time, so marrying the daughter of a powerful Xiling noble as a concubine to calm the people was inevitable. In Bai Yuncheng's opinion, the most suitable candidate was naturally the daughter of the Bai family.

Mrs. Bai sighed helplessly. How could she tell her husband about this? The more powerful a woman was, the less she would tolerate her husband having other people around him. But when she thought about it, her daughter was brought up according to the standards of an emperor's concubine, so maybe there wouldn't be any problem?

"Miss." The voice of a maid bowing came from outside the door.

Before he finished speaking, a beautiful woman in colorful clothes slowly stepped into the hall and bowed to Bai Yuncheng and Mrs. Bai, "Ning'er greets father and mother."

Judging from her appearance, this woman is not very beautiful. At least she is not as beautiful as Su Zuidie who lived in the Bai family before, but she is not much different from Princess Lingyun. However, her dark eyebrows, starry eyes, red lips and a smile make people feel closer to her than Princess Lingyun's arrogant appearance. This woman is Bai Qingning, the only legitimate daughter of the Bai family who is still unmarried.

When Mrs. Bai saw her daughter, a trace of kindness flashed in her eyes. She quickly helped her up and asked, "Why are you here, Ning'er?"

Bai Qingning smiled and said, "I heard that you had returned from meeting Prince Ding and Princess Ding, so I came to pay my respects to you. Did you really meet Princess Ding?" When Bai Yuncheng saw his most beloved little daughter, his expression softened a bit. He nodded and smiled, "Yes, Daddy did meet Princess Ding."

"Then..." Bai Qingning asked curiously, "It is said that Princess Ding is one of the most heroic women in the world. I wonder what she looks like?"

Bai Yuncheng shook his head and sighed, "Princess Ding is a stunning beauty. Prince Ding is so lucky." What Bai Yuncheng said was true. Most women in this world are weak and timid. Some of them can manage the inner house very well and are considered virtuous. If they can get involved in the outer house, most of them are rebellious. As for those who can lead troops on the battlefield, they are probably similar to female Rakshasa in the eyes of the world. And this Princess Ding is quite capable in both the political affairs of Prince Ding's mansion and the battlefield. What's more rare is that she is born with a beautiful, elegant, gentle and delicate appearance. No wonder Prince Ding regards her as a treasure.

Bai Qingning's eyes flickered slightly, and she whispered, "Isn't it possible that Princess Ding is even more beautiful than Aunt Bai Long?" Su Zuidie had briefly stayed at the Bai family, and Bai Qingning had seen her several times since then, and she felt that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. Even though she was quite proud of her looks, she knew she couldn't compare to hers. Could it be that Princess Ding was even more beautiful than her, and that's why she won the deep affection of Prince Ding?

Bai Yuncheng shook his head and smiled, "Not really. Princess Ding is beautiful, but my Ning'er is not bad either."

"Really?" Bai Qingning lowered his eyes and replied absentmindedly.

Bai Yuncheng looked at his daughter with satisfaction and said with a smile, "Ning'er, get ready and accompany your mother to the Autumn Flower Show in two days."

Bai Qingning was stunned. "Autumn Flower Show?"

"Not bad." Bai Yuncheng stroked his beard and smiled, "Ning'er is curious about what Princess Ding looks like? Princess Ding will also attend the Autumn Flower Show in two days. Ning'er can meet Princess Ding, isn't that great?" Bai Qingning's eyes lit up, and he nodded with a smile, "Father is right. Princess Ding is a role model for ladies in the world. I have admired her for a long time. If I can meet her, it will be a great honor."

Bai Yuncheng smiled and said, "That's great. Ning'er, go ahead."

Two days later

The autumn flower fair is held in the largest flower garden in the southwest of Xiling Imperial City. It is said that this flower garden was originally the Xiling royal family's flower garden, and was later given to a certain prince. Later, when the royal palace declined, the royal family did not take it back, but it flowed into the hands of the people. It was only in the past ten years that it came into the hands of the Sun family. Although compared with the flourishing flowers in Da Chu, there are really no famous flowers to appreciate in Xiling at this time of year, but the noble ladies who come to participate in the flower fair are still endless, and even more than in the past.

At the entrance to the garden, Madam Sun had been waiting outside with her people. The noble ladies who passed by had naturally heard the news that the Sun family was now attached to Prince Ding's mansion. It was self-evident who Madam Sun was, given her status, and who could make her wait at the entrance in person. Many people who had the same thoughts as the Sun family and regretted that they were a step slower also followed Madam Sun and waited at the entrance.

Ye Li has always been very punctual and doesn't like to let others wait outside for a long time. So it didn't take long for the carriage of Prince Ding's Mansion to drive over from the corner of the street. There were black-clad Black Cloud Riders in front, behind, and on both sides. The carriage in the middle of the Black Cloud Riders was simple and plain in appearance, not as luxurious as those of the royal family. The carriage stopped at the gate of the garden, and Madam Sun quickly led people to greet it, smiling and saying, "Mrs. Hui respectfully welcomes the princess to ride."

Qin Feng, who was walking on the left side of the carriage, dismounted and opened the curtain. All the women looked towards the carriage to see what Princess Ding looked like. However, a white figure walked out of the carriage first. He was dressed in white, had white hair and a cold and handsome appearance. Who else could it be but Prince Ding?

Prince Ding jumped off the carriage, turned around, stretched out his hand, and said with a smile: "Ali, we're here."

She helped Ye Li out of the carriage, and before Ye Li could jump off the carriage, she lifted Ye Li up by the waist and gently put her on the ground. Seeing Madam Mo Xiuyaosun, she was a little surprised, because today's flower party was agreed to be for female relatives only, but no one dared to stop Prince Ding from entering. She stepped forward hesitantly and said, "Prince, Princess, this..."

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand and said calmly: "I am only sending the princess here. I have to go to the palace to meet the Emperor of Xiling soon, so I will not disturb Madam Sun." Hearing this, Madam Sun secretly breathed a sigh of relief. You know, among the powerful people in Xiling, there are quite a few who have some concerns about Prince Ding, and there are also quite a few ladies who came to participate in the flower party today. If Prince Ding was present, it would be a bit troublesome.

Mo Xiuyao didn't look at anyone else, he lowered his head and whispered to Ye Li: "Ali, I'll pick you up after I leave the palace?" Ye Li nodded helplessly. She hadn't slept well and had a bad appetite these days. Mo Xiuyao treated her like a porcelain doll that would break if touched. Sighing, Ye Li reached out to straighten his collar and said: "Be careful, I'll wait for you."

Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao couldn't help but smile. Ah Li has been in a bad mood these days, but she hasn't spoken to him so softly for several days. Is she okay now? "I know, Ah Li should be careful too. I'll go to the palace first." But he didn't know how many girls' hearts were excited by his smile. Mo Xiuyao has a gentle and handsome face, but his expression often carries a hint of indifference. But at this moment, this smile came from the heart without any falsehood, which made him look even more handsome and moving.

After repeatedly instructing Ye Li and Qin Feng who was following Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao pulled a horse and rode away with his men. Madam Sun beside him smiled and said, "The prince and princess are so in love, I wonder how many women in the world are jealous of them." Ye Li smiled and said, "Madam, you are too kind. Is this your daughter?" Madam Sun was accompanied by a seven or eight-year-old girl in brocade clothes. Her appearance was about seven or eight points similar to Madam Sun, but she seemed to be more delicate. A pair of exquisite big eyes stared at Ye Li curiously, and when Ye Li looked at her, she hid behind Madam Sun again.

Madam Sun pulled the girl out from behind her and said with a smile, "Isn't it? This is our little daughter, Xiaofu. Fu'er, why don't you show your respects to the princess?"

The little girl looked at Ye Li curiously, took a step forward and said crisply: "Xiaofu has seen the princess." Ye Li happily touched the little girl's hair and smiled: "Good girl, no need to be polite." After thinking for a while, she took off a purple pearl pendant she was wearing and handed it to Sun Xiaofu as a gift. Sun Xiaofu looked at her mother timidly, and when she saw Madam Sun nod, she reached out to take it and said thank you to the princess.

Seeing Princess Ding's behavior, Madam Sun's smile became even more joyful. It was not easy for a widow to manage the family business. The value of the gift given by Princess Ding was not important. What was important was that it implicitly showed the attitude of the Ding Palace. Sure enough, the noble ladies present looked at Madam Sun with a little more eagerness. Even some people who disdained her identity as a businessman and a widow were more cautious.

"Teas and snacks have been prepared inside. Please come in, Princess." Mrs. Sun said with a smile.

Ye Li smiled and said, "Madam, please."

The group followed Ye Li and Madam Sun into the garden, and the area outside the gate immediately became much cleaner.

There was a carriage parked on the roadside not far from the gate, and in the carriage sat the wife and daughter of the Bai family, Bai Qingning. When they arrived, they saw the carriage of Prince Ding's mansion coming, so they could only move aside to let the carriage of Prince Ding's mansion pass first.

"Ning'er?" Looking at her daughter who seemed absent-minded, Mrs. Bai asked worriedly.

Bai Qingning raised his head and asked, "Was that Prince Ding just now?"

Madam Bai nodded and said, "It is said that Prince Ding has white hair, so I guess that's it."

Bai Qingning nodded and sighed softly: "I didn't expect... Prince Ding is so young, it's a pity that he has that white hair..." If it weren't for that white hair, who knows how handsome Prince Ding would have been when he had black hair like clouds?

In the flower garden, Madam Sun accompanied Ye Li for a stroll. Although it was early winter in Xiling, there were no flowers in the garden. Even the most common flowers in Da Chu in autumn and winter were rare in Xiling. However, the Sun family still decorated the entire flower garden very beautifully. Many places were decorated with silk flowers, which made the green trees and red flowers full of vitality.

Because the weather was getting a bit cold, the banquet was moved from the garden to a water pavilion in the corner of the flower garden. The water pavilion was hollowed out on all sides and covered only with a thin gauze. People sat inside drinking and having fun while being able to clearly see the singing and dancing performances outside. Ye Li was naturally invited to sit at the highest point. Although there were many high-ranking officials and even royal princesses among the noble ladies present, everyone knew that the imperial city had long since changed its owner, and the beautiful woman in a green dress with a graceful and radiant glow was the future owner of the imperial city. So no one felt unhappy.

The guests sat down. Ye Li looked around and although she didn't recognize most of the people present, she could tell from their clothes that they were not hers. It seemed that Madam Sun's business methods were indeed good. You have to know that many of them were not people that businessmen could afford to invite.

"Don't pay attention to me. It's fate that we're together today. Just have fun." Seeing that everyone was a little embarrassed, Ye Li couldn't help but smile.

Although she said so, how could these noble ladies with their own thoughts really be free from restraint? Madam Sun smiled and said, "What the princess said is true. If there is anything that is not good enough in the hospitality, please forgive me, ladies and young ladies."

Everyone exchanged pleasantries, and the atmosphere gradually became harmonious. Many people were secretly looking at the Princess Ding who was sitting on the first seat. She looked like she was no more than twenty years old. Her eyebrows and eyes were picturesque, and she was graceful and elegant. Every move she made seemed to exude a faint and noble aura that made people reluctant to look away. She was so graceful that she looked like a famous lady from an ancient painting of a lady. It was hard to remind people of the legendary heroine who could gallop on the battlefield. After a look, many people who originally planned to send their daughters to the Ding Palace became discouraged. In terms of appearance, the women of Xiling were generally inferior to those of Da Chu, not to mention that the Princess Ding was so ugly. How could their daughters have a chance to win the attention of the Ding prince?

"Princess Lingyun is here! Mrs. Bai is here! Miss Bai is here!" Someone outside the water pavilion called out their names loudly.

Everyone stood up quickly. No matter when Xiling moved its capital, no matter what they felt, they were still citizens of Xiling. So when they saw Princess Lingyun, they had to perform the etiquette of monarch and subject.

Princess Lingyun was still dressed in gorgeous clothes and walked in proudly, but Mrs. Bai, who was following behind her, had a bad look on her face. They knew that Princess Ding and Princess Lingyun had a bad relationship, but they were delayed outside for a while and happened to meet Princess Lingyun, so they had to come in together. They just hoped that Princess Ding would not be angry with them because they came with Princess Lingyun.

"I've seen the princess!"

Princess Lingyun snorted lightly, glanced at Ye Li who was sitting and drinking tea, and then turned to Madam Sun, with her chin raised and her sharp eyes filled with cold anger. It was obvious that she had not forgotten that she was kicked out of the banquet a few days ago.

"Princess, you are honored to be here. Please take a seat." Mrs. Sun said with a smile.

Princess Lingyun sneered and said, "I thought Madam Sun was planning to kick me out today as well?"

Madam Sun laughed in surprise and asked, "How could it be? Who dared to chase Princess Lingyun out of the house? Is she still alive?"

As soon as these words came out, everyone present had a strange look on their faces, and several young women couldn't help but laugh secretly. Princess Lingyun came back from Da Chu with disgrace, and her temper not only did not calm down, but became even more fierce. The Xiling Emperor had no choice but to hastily arrange a marriage for her. Unexpectedly, Princess Lingyun might have been stimulated in Xiling, and in the first month after entering the palace, she beat to death a concubine of her husband's concubine and a little girl in her mother-in-law's courtyard. The reason she beat the girl to death was just because her husband's mother was so angry that she fell ill and didn't want to see her, so she ordered the maid not to let her in. Because of this, her husband's mother fainted on the spot, and passed away within two months. This also became a joke in the Xiling Imperial City.

Princess Lingyun's face twisted for a moment, but she didn't lose her temper. She sneered and said, "If that's the case, wasn't it Madam Sun's order that I was blocked outside the door a few days ago? Or did Madam Sun want to see if I dared to take your life?!"

Madam Sun's expression changed slightly, and she said calmly, "I now remember what the princess said. The princess must be aware of the gathering that day. It was a gathering of unmarried women in the city. Although there were several ladies attending, they were all role models of women with good character and good conduct, and they taught the ladies etiquette and cultivation. Even I was unable to attend such a gathering in person, but I don't know why the princess..."

This was only half said, but it was more embarrassing than the whole thing. Princess Lingyun was already a married woman, with neither talent nor virtue, so why did she participate in such a gathering? Wouldn't this be a lesson for the unmarried ladies to follow?