So, after having lunch with Lanqin that day, the Fourth Prince went to his study to practice calligraphy. After all, besides morning runs, the Five Animal Exercises, and painting, the Fourth Prince had nothing else to do in the Yuanmingyuan. Even his initial plan to review the memorials sent over every three days was secretly thwarted by Lanqin.
Having finally found complete leisure, the Fourth Prince developed the habit of practicing calligraphy in his study every day after lunch.
However, today, Lanqin did not go to the study to grind ink for the Fourth Master as usual. Instead, she was in the main hall discussing with Cui Niang who should be invited to the banquet.
Although it was a family banquet, and the guests were all family members, the royal family had many offspring, and mistakes could easily occur if not careful. Therefore, choosing who to invite to this banquet was quite particular and required some thought.
At this moment, the sounds of Lanqin and Cui Niang discussing things continued in the main hall.
"Hongli, we must invite the families of Wuxiha and Bechuk. Let them bring their children as well. His Majesty is very fond of these children, and their presence will make things more lively," Lanqin said slowly to Cui Niang, fanning herself gently with her fan.
"Yes." After saying that, Cui Niang wrote down their names on the list.
After thinking for a moment, Lanqin continued, "In addition, let's invite the Song and Wu families to come as well. That way, the Geng family will also be able to come, and Hongzhou's whole family can come as well."
After a moment of contemplation, Cui Niang said, "If we invite these ladies from the harem, we must also invite some of our own people. We cannot show favoritism and cause gossip."
"Mmm," Lanqin nodded in agreement.
After all, Cui Niang had been by Lanqin's side for many years, and she knew Lanqin's thoughts and who she was close to. So she said to Lanqin, "Then invite some of the Empress's family members as well, such as the Seventeenth Prince's concubine and the Thirteenth Prince's wife. They are all family."
"Alright, that's about right. Just compile the list and let me take another look." Lanqin nodded and looked at Cui Niang.
"Yes." Cui Niang nodded and continued writing down the guest list for the birthday banquet.
Before long, Cui Niang finished sorting out the list. After looking at the list, Lan Qin pondered for a moment and said, "This Yuanmingyuan is not like the palace. There are no palaces for them to live in. We need to rearrange their accommodations."
"Fortunately, there weren't many guests this time, otherwise I'm afraid the Yuanmingyuan wouldn't be able to accommodate them all."
Lanqin picked up the tea on the table, took a sip, pondered for a moment, and said, "Hongli's family lives in Changchun Xianguan, Wuxiha's family lives in Xinghua Chunguan, and Bechuk's family lives in Wuling Chunse."
"What about Consort Song and Consort Wu?" Cui Niang put down her pen and looked up to ask.
"Let Song and Wu keep each other company, then let them stay at Wan'an Fanghe."
“Hongzhou’s family lived in Quyuan Fenghe, the Seventeenth Prince’s family lived in Yuedi Yunju, and the Thirteenth Prince’s wife lived in Zaoyuan.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” After a moment’s hesitation, Cui Niang slowly asked, “Do we still need to hire an opera troupe this time?”
"A theatrical troupe..."
Lanqin thought for a moment and then slowly said, "His Majesty doesn't usually have much to do to pass the time, so hiring an opera troupe would be good."
"Then, Your Majesty, which family should we invite this time?"
After a moment of contemplation, Lanqin said, "Then let's invite the same opera troupe that His Majesty invited to his birthday banquet last time."
Upon hearing this, Cui Niang nodded and said, "Yes, Your Highness, this old servant will make the arrangements immediately and instruct the maids to clean the place where the masters will be staying."
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