Chapter 246 Snow Appreciation Banquet at Prince Chen’s Mansion 1
The noblewoman's face turned red from Zhan Xingxiang's snort. She snorted and strode into the mansion, ignoring them.
Yao Qingling chuckled, covering her mouth with her handkerchief. She said, "Xingxiang, be careful with your mouth, or the Grand Princess will punish you."
Zhan Xingxiang said, "My mother is even fiercer than me; I learned it from her."
If we're talking about nobility, only Empress Dowager Jiang in the palace is more noble than the Grand Princess.
Compared to her two older brothers, Zhan Xingxiang was truly pampered and spoiled growing up. Who would dare to offend her?
Zhan Xingxiang affectionately took Qingling's arm and walked inside, asking her all sorts of questions, including why Qingling hadn't brought the child with her.
Qingling said it was cold and the child was too young to be brought out.
Zhan Xingxiang was a little disappointed, but only for a moment. She immediately said, "I haven't even held my nephew yet, Sister Qingling. Can I go to the Marquis's residence to see him later?"
Before Qingling could answer, she continued, "Let's leave the banquet early. Anyway, I don't really like writing poetry; it's pointless. I really don't understand why these women are fighting over the title of 'talented woman'..."
Zhan Xingxiang grumbled and complained.
Qingling asked curiously, "Then why did you come?"
Princess Deyang disliked Prince Chen, so why are they now getting along?
Zhan Xingxiang shook her arm and complained coquettishly, "Oh dear, Sister Qingling, didn't you listen carefully to what I said? Didn't I already tell you about the reputation of a talented woman!"
Nowadays, among aristocratic families, men compete on official positions and future prospects, while women have little to compete on except for reputation.
Music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and lyrics. The more talents one possesses, the more popular one becomes.
"...This year, the imperial brother has taken in many talented young women to the palace."
Following the example set by their superiors, prominent families also believed that if a woman was talented, she would be more knowledgeable and reasonable, and thus be a good wife.
The poetry club at Prince Chen's mansion was originally just a joke, but because the noble family changed its stance, the poetry club suddenly became very popular, and women all wanted to join.
Even a princess of such noble status as the Grand Princess of Deyang changed her attitude and started associating with the Prince of Chen's residence for the sake of her daughter's future.
Upon hearing Zhan Xingxiang's words, Yao Qingling laughed and said, "Then Princess Consort Chen will have a headache. So many girls..."
She shook her head and didn't continue.
Those noble ladies from lower social classes, unable to become imperial concubines, would seek other paths. Although Prince Chen has a physical disability, he is a true member of the royal family, the eldest son of the late emperor. Because of this reputation, the Prince Chen's mansion will likely remain prosperous for at least three generations.
Zhan Xingxiang didn't understand what she meant; she was thinking about something else entirely. She said, "Brother Chen Wang is so old; he wouldn't like little girls. He and my cousin-in-law have a very good relationship."
Prince Chen is the eldest son of the late emperor. Although he is of the same generation as Zhan Xingzhuo, he is nearly forty years old. He and Princess Chen have been in love for more than twenty years, which has long been a well-known story.
"Am I that old?"
A deep, steady male voice suddenly came from behind.
Qingling and Zhan Xingxiang were both startled. They turned around and quickly bowed, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness Prince Chen."
Prince Chen, dressed in a black brocade robe embroidered with gold, leaned on a dragon-carved staff in one hand and a string of walnut beads hanging from the other, looking at the two of them with his chin slightly raised.
He looks dignified, but his eyes are gentle.
Beside him, Princess Chen rested her arm on his shoulder, smiling slightly as she looked at Zhan Xingxiang and Yao Qingling.
Yao Qingling and Zhan Xingxiang, holding handkerchiefs, bowed to her, saying, "Greetings, Your Highness."
Princess Chen nodded: "Good girls."
Prince Chen persisted, asking, "Am I that old?"
Zhan Xingxiang smiled and said, "When Prince Chen has a serious face, he looks old, but when he smiles, he doesn't look old at all. He looks like a seventeen or eighteen-year-old boy. Sister-in-law is different. Sister-in-law is always an eighteen-year-old girl."
"You little devil." Princess Chen was amused by her and turned to her husband, saying, "Don't argue with her, you can't win against her. That girl is very clever."
It was a rare occasion for Prince Chen to see this cousin.
Princess Deyang had become distant from him, but he quite liked this cousin and immediately gave the walnut bracelet he was wearing to Zhan Xingxiang.
This bracelet is clearly the result of years of handling by Chen Wang himself; the surface is oily and smooth. What's even more remarkable is that each of the eighteen walnuts has a different Buddha image, and the craftsmanship alone tells you it's a rare and exquisite item.
After accepting the gift, Zhan Xingxiang immediately expressed his desire to discuss poetry with Prince Chen and helped him to the Snow Appreciation Pavilion in front.
Princess Chen watched them walk away, then turned to look at Qing Ling.
She looked him over carefully and slowly nodded.
Although Yao Qingling took on the business from the Prince's Mansion, Xia Chan and Lou Yue were the ones actually doing the work; Qingling was only responsible for ensuring the goods didn't go wrong.
She had only visited the Prince's residence once, to help with the themed landscaping, and hadn't spoken with the Princess Consort face-to-face at that time. She had only seen the Princess Consort of Chen from afar once or twice before, and since they weren't familiar with each other, she didn't understand the meaning behind her nod.
Princess Chen spoke up, "Do you know who recommended this business to me?"
Qingling shook her head.
"Lady of the Marquis of Xincheng".
Qingling was taken aback. If the Marquis's wife recommended her to the Princess Consort of Chen, wouldn't that mean that the Princess Consort of Chen knew about her relationship with the Marquis of Xincheng's mansion?
Princess Consort Chen said, "There's no need to be nervous. I don't care about or concern myself with your affairs with the Marquis's mansion. I invited you to do this business simply because I heard your products are good, it's that simple."
Yao Qingling bowed her head and said, "Thank you for your trust, Your Highness."
Princess Chen glanced at her indifferently, then turned to look into the distance.
The palace was covered in white snow, but there was a unique beauty to it.
The theme for this snow-viewing banquet, given by Prince Chen, was "Snowman." After visiting the Prince's garden, Yao Qingling went back and meticulously planned the event.
Snowmen of all sizes lined every corner of the road, each adorned with a red lantern. They not only enhanced the festive atmosphere but also added a vibrant touch to the white landscape, making it look lively and full of life. At night, candles were lit, creating a beautiful snowy scene and serving as a reminder to passersby to be careful around these corners.
Besides the snowman, Qingling also had ice sculptures made.
The colossal flying goddess Nuwa stood with one foot firmly on the ground and the other hand raised high, holding a sky-mending stone in her palm. The sky-mending stone shone brilliantly in the sunlight, as if it had absorbed the essence of the sun and moon.
Even bare tree branches were sprayed with water and, after freezing overnight, formed a rime ice landscape.
This palace is like a snowy wonderland, making people linger and forget to leave.
Princess Consort Chen suddenly said, "You were already the young mistress of the Duke's mansion. Don't you feel wronged by your current situation?"
Qingling said, "I'm not wronged. On the contrary, I enjoy my life now."
Princess Chen's gaze lingered on her face longer this time.
She was very curious about this woman; how could she not feel wronged?
She gave up the coveted position of young mistress to do these menial tasks befitting a lowly person, and judging from her appearance, she seems quite happy with them.
She didn't understand.
Just as she was about to say something, a maid came to report: "Your Highness, Prince Xin has arrived, as has the second young master of the Duke of Zhan's mansion. The Prince requests your presence."
Princess Consort Chen nodded. When Yao Qingling was about to take her leave, Princess Consort Chen said, "You may come with me."
Qing Ling was slightly taken aback, then replied, "Yes."
The two walked one after the other through several corridors and arrived at the Changyin Pavilion where Prince Chen was located.
In the distance, on the artificial hill, there used to be a waterwheel irrigating it, and the sound of spring water tinkling could be heard. Now it's frozen over, and only a few icicles are visible.
When Yao Qingling arrived at Changyin Pavilion, after bowing, she only stared at the few icicles, not giving Zhan Xingzhuo a second glance.
Not only Prince Xin and Zhan Xingzhuo came, but Zhou Zhining also came.
Zhan Xingzhuo and Zhou Zhining were summoned by Prince Xin and were not on the invitation list.
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