Chapter 172 Attending the Banquet
In the evening, Xu Jinnian returned to the small building, and Sheng An talked to him about the invitations, asking if he had time to have dinner in the neighboring courtyard the day after tomorrow.
Xu Jinnian put his arm around Sheng An's waist and gently kissed her lips: "I've never met Ning Sihan before, why did he invite me?"
His tone was gentle, but his eyes were filled with confusion, as if he truly didn't understand why Ning Sihan would invite him.
Sheng An didn't think much of it and looked at the man with a puzzled expression: "You are my husband, and I am a woman. It's not appropriate for him to invite me alone, but isn't it normal for him to bring you along?"
This guy isn't very good at social skills, so why would he ask such a stupid question?
Xu Jinnian was pleased by his wife's words, and he couldn't suppress the smile on his face. A look of sudden realization appeared on his handsome face: "I see."
Sheng An found his embrace too hot and twisted her body to push him away: "Get away from me. Being close to you is like being pressed against a furnace."
Xu Jinnian's arms were lean and strong. He cupped her face and kissed her repeatedly before letting go: "An'an, just bear with it. It will be cooler next month."
Sheng Anmei glared at her and pointed to the kitchen, giving the order: "Go boil water, I want to take a bath and wash my hair."
Is it a good thing that it's cooler for you?
Xu Jinnian obediently went into the kitchen, quickly boiled two large pots of water, and then personally washed Sheng An's long hair.
The day of the banquet arrived quickly. The couple tidied themselves up simply and then went to the neighbor's yard with the farewell gifts they had prepared in advance.
The kitchen had already prepared food and drinks, just waiting for the two of them to arrive.
The banquet was held in a small garden, with lanterns hanging around the perimeter and incense burning beside them to repel mosquitoes and insects. A faint medicinal smell filled the air, which was not unpleasant.
At this moment, Ning Sihan, Physician Wang, and Physician Hu were chatting when they saw the couple being led over by servants. The three of them stopped talking and got up to greet them.
In the dim light, Xu Jinnian walked side by side with Sheng An. He was tall and upright, with a leisurely and composed gait. His handsome face was even more striking, and he possessed an air of elegance that ordinary people did not have.
Even though Imperial Physician Wang and Imperial Physician Hu had seen many noble young men in the capital, they couldn't help but be amazed when they saw Xu Jinnian for the first time.
This child is no ordinary person!
Come to think of it, a man who can win the heart of a woman like Boss Sheng must be no ordinary man.
With such outstanding looks, even a brainless and ignorant good-for-nothing could easily climb the social ladder.
Ning Sihan was also momentarily stunned by Xu Jinnian's outstanding appearance and temperament. Then her gaze fell on Sheng An beside her, and a strange sour feeling gradually spread in her heart.
Xu Jinnian keenly noticed the two strange gazes and looked up to meet Ning Sihan's gaze across the water.
Ning Sihan smiled gently at him, nodded slightly, and then looked away.
Xu Jinnian seemed to be deep in thought, and looked down at the woman beside him who knew nothing.
Sheng An immediately caught his gaze, looked up, blinked, and asked a question.
Xu Jinnian shook his head and chuckled, hooking his hand under his wide sleeves around her fingers.
Sheng An glared at him secretly, reminding him that they were at someone else's house and he shouldn't be so clingy and make a fool of himself.
Xu Jinnian pretended not to know until they reached the small garden across the street before letting go of her hand.
Ning Sihan didn't notice their subtle actions and slowly stepped forward to greet them: "Young Master Xu, Boss Sheng, it is my great honor to have you both here today."
Xu Jinnian returned the greeting with a cupped hand: "It is my honor to share a drink with Young Master Ning."
Sheng An glanced at her husband, then at Ning Sihan, and silently compared them in her mind.
Well, her man is still more handsome.
Ning Sihan's appearance is also quite remarkable, especially her eyes, which are rarely matched. She has an androgynous beauty that is difficult to distinguish, and she looks perfectly natural in women's clothing.
No one knows a wife better than her husband. Xu Jinnian could tell what Sheng An was thinking just by looking at her expression, and he silently made a mental note of it.
Sheng An felt a chill run down his spine and subconsciously looked around, feeling as if he was being watched by something unclean.
Seeing this, Ning Sihan asked with concern, "What is Boss Sheng looking for?"
Sheng An was too embarrassed to tell the truth, so he casually pointed to the burning incense around him and asked, "What are these?"
Physician Hu replied with a smile, "This is a sleeping incense I concocted. It is very effective at repelling mosquitoes and flies. Burning one in the room can ensure a good night's sleep, and it is harmless to the human body."
Sheng An's eyes lit up: "Do you have any left? Could you spare some for me?"
Shengyuan is great in every way, except that the flowers, plants and greenery are too lush, and there is also a lotus pond that is a natural breeding ground for mosquitoes. There are so many mosquitoes on summer nights that ordinary mosquito repellent is not very effective, and she has been bitten a lot.
Physician Hu laughed heartily: "There's plenty. I'll have someone bring it to you in a bit, and I'll also give you a copy of the prescription. You can have someone prepare it for you later; you can have as much as you want."
Feeling embarrassed to accept it for free, Sheng An quickly said, "I'll buy the formula; I can't let your hard work go to waste."
Physician Hu waved his hand: "It's just a little trinket, you can keep it without worry."
Seeing that he really refused to accept the money, Sheng An didn't want to force him and thanked him sincerely, planning to write down some snack recipes as a return gift when he got back.
After exchanging pleasantries, the atmosphere in the garden became harmonious, and a plethora of delicious dishes were served one after another.
Ning Sihan took the lead in raising her glass and solemnly toasted Sheng An: "I am so lucky to have met you. It is no exaggeration to say that you pulled me back from the brink of death. Today, I will toast you with tea instead of wine."
He is still recovering and cannot drink alcohol for the time being.
Sheng An also stood up, his expression equally serious: "Meeting is fate, which means that Young Master Ning's life is not meant to end. His future will be smooth sailing."
"Thank you for your kind words."
Ning Sihan smiled brightly, lowered her eyes to conceal the emotions hidden in her peach blossom eyes, and tilted her head back to drink it all in one gulp.
Sheng An also finished the wine in his glass. It was smooth and mellow, with a faint aftertaste, making it a rare and exquisite wine.
Next, Physician Wang and Physician Hu also toasted Sheng An, thanking her for her help in saving Ning Sihan's life and allowing them to return to the capital with great merit.
Of course, they did not reveal their identities to Sheng An; the last sentence was spoken in their hearts.
Ning Sihan and the other two did not neglect Xu Jinnian. After toasting Sheng An to express their gratitude, they began to urge Xu Jinnian to drink as well.
Xu Jinnian did not refuse and smiled as he toasted the three of them.
After a few rounds of drinks, they became more familiar with each other. Ning Sihan looked at Xu Jinnian and asked, "Young Master Xu was the top scorer in last year's provincial examination. He could be recommended to study at the Imperial Academy. If Young Master Xu is interested, I will recommend you to the Imperial Academy."
Xu Jinnian politely replied, "Thank you for your kind offer, Young Master Ning, but I have no plans to leave Qingzhou for the time being."
This answer was within Ning Sihan's expectations. He glanced at Sheng An, his words carrying a hint of persuasion:
"Qingzhou is a bit too remote. With Young Master Xu's talent, staying here might ruin his future. Moreover, with Boss Sheng's abilities, he will surely shine in the capital."
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