Bai Nuo shook his head. Many generations had passed since the founding emperor and the eldest princess. Although the Hu family had always adopted the method of marrying into the family, the Hu family was still the Hu family, and the royal family was still the royal family. Over the years, the Hu family could no longer even keep the title of princess. When Princess Yu Ru had an accident, the royal family did not say anything. Whether they were family or not had already made it very clear.
"Are you going?" Seeing Bai Nuo's expression, Mudan was unsure what Bai Nuo meant.
Bai Nuo took the invitation and opened it. He saw that it was written in bold and elegant handwriting, inviting Madam Hu to a banquet in three days. The handwriting was strong and dignified, suggesting that the Fourth Princess Consort was also a dignified and elegant person.
She smiled bitterly. She had just talked to Hu Mingmei about this a few days ago, and Hu Mingmei made it clear that he was not going to be used as a pawn. But only a few days later, trouble came.
Can she not go?
No, as a merchant's wife, she has no power or influence. She cannot refuse the Fourth Prince's wife, nor can she refuse a popular candidate for the Crown Prince. She cannot refuse to go.
Bai Nuo closed the letter, pondered for a moment, and said, "Go and tell Lu Ying to find out what the Fourth Princess Consort likes and what she needs as a gift. Prepare everything, and I will bring it over later."
Peony nodded. "Yes, this servant will go reply to the message first."
When Hu Mingmei returned that evening, Bai Nuo told him about it. Upon hearing this, Hu Mingmei pondered for a moment and said, "Be careful in everything, and bring Xia Donglai with you."
Hu Mingmei was afraid that she would be harassed by others there. Just as Bai Nuo thought, their family had no right to refuse, so they could only be careful in everything they did. That's why she asked Bai Nuo to bring Xia Donglai along to deal with the situation as it came.
Bai Nuo did not refuse. She didn't understand anything, and not only Xia Donglai would have to bring her along, but also Granny Wang.
After confirming that she would be attending the banquet, Bai Nuo had Wang Mama find the information on each prince's family and carefully read it. Bai Nuo remembered everything clearly, including the situation of each family and the habits of each person.
Sharpening your sword at the last minute can make it shine even if it's not sharp.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and it was time to attend the banquet. Early that morning, Hu Mingmei's courtyard was bustling with activity. Granny Wang was packing things for Bai Nuo, while Peony was doing Bai Nuo's makeup.
"Is this alright?" Peony asked after tidying up Bai Nuo. Bai Nuo looked up and saw that the woman in the mirror had her hair styled in a cloud-like bun, adorned with a kingfisher feather hairpin and a plum blossom hair ornament, but nothing else. She wore a floral and butterfly-patterned black-and-white shirt and a floral and butterfly-patterned hibiscus skirt. She wore a brown amber bead necklace around her neck and pearl earrings.
Bai Nuo looked at Granny Wang, who nodded. "That's fine. The young mistress looks gentle and graceful without overshadowing the princesses."
Bai Nuo was very satisfied and nodded. Mudan brought Bai Nuo shoes of the same color and put them on. Bai Nuo stood up and looked in the mirror. Apart from her slightly plump waist, she noticed that she was quite voluptuous.
Seeing that it was getting late, Bai Nuo, Granny Wang, and Mudan boarded the carriage and headed towards the Fourth Prince's residence, with Xia Donglai silently following from the shadows.
The Hu family's residence was at the very end of West Street, while the Fourth Prince's residence was on the main street. Although the two places didn't seem far apart, it would take an hour to walk between them. Bai Nuo left the Hu family's residence at the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM) and arrived at the Prince's residence at the exact time of Chen Shi. As soon as he got off the carriage, he found that the entire Prince's residence was already bustling with people and carriages.
Bai Nuo raised an eyebrow. If she didn't know the time, she would have thought she was late. She saw many carriages of high-ranking officials and nobles, not only those from various royal residences, but also those of various officials. Even the Zheng family's carriage was among them.
It seems that Prince Cheng is indeed a popular candidate for crown prince. His popularity is truly enviable.
“Young Madam, don’t be nervous. Although these are all high-ranking officials and nobles, our family is not bad either. There will be times when they ask us for help,” Wang Mama said in a low voice.
"Granny, I understand!" Bai Nuo said softly. Granny Wang was right. Although these people were all high-ranking officials and nobles, the Hu family was still a piece of fat meat. They were the ones who needed their help, so she didn't need to be timid and act like she was eager to please.
"Let's go in!" Bai Nuo said calmly, taking Wang Mama's hand as she walked in. She handed over her invitation at the gate, and someone immediately came to lead the way. "Young Madam Hu, please follow me!"
Bai Nuo said calmly, "Thank you for your trouble!" Then he followed the gatekeeper who led the way, subtly observing the layout of the entire palace along the way.
With a corridor every five steps and a pavilion every ten, the Prince Cheng's mansion is filled with artificial hills and flowing water. Maids carrying trays pass by from time to time. When they see her coming, they bow quietly and respectfully. Their movements are indescribably graceful and full of etiquette. Every word and action proclaims the royal demeanor. The rules of the Prince Cheng's mansion are strict.
"Young Madam, this is all I can take you this far. Please take care!" The gatekeeper led Bai Nuo and the others to the entrance of a garden and turned back to Bai Nuo respectfully. There was also a nanny standing at the entrance of the garden, who smiled and said, "Young Madam Hu, I will serve you from now on."
Bai Nuo walked up to the old woman and said softly, "Thank you for your trouble!"
The old woman noticed that she spoke politely and acted distantly but not impolitely, so she couldn't help but glance at her a few more times before saying, "You flatter me, this way please."
When Bai Nuo and the others arrived, they realized that the banquet was being held in this garden, not just a stop along the way, but their final destination. The garden was filled with all kinds of flowers, and it was late April, so everywhere was a riot of color. The garden was already bustling with people, strolling and admiring the flowers. In every corner, there were maids standing ready to serve. On the opposite bank of the entrance, there was an artificial lake with a pleasure boat on it.
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