Tongsu was busy arranging the banquet, which didn't strain her body, but she was tired from thinking.
Setting up a banquet is the ultimate test of a person's planning and strategizing abilities. Fortunately, in her previous life as Xi Tongsu, she was a wealthy heiress, and she had carefully learned these things in that life.
Now that I'm busy, things are going relatively smoothly.
As the party time approached, girls from various families arrived one after another, their elegant clothes and charming smiles making the small venue lively and bustling.
Tongsu didn't recognize many of the faces, but luckily a maidservant whispered a hint in her ear. She showed no nervousness and greeted them with grace and poise, and for a while, no one noticed.
Xiao Qingwan sat to one side with a gloomy face, her gaze darting back and forth at the entrance.
On the eve of the banquet, she finally saw the figure of Prince Helian sneaking over. Her eyes lit up and she beckoned to her trusted maid.
This maid is named Zhu Se. She was specially chosen by Xiao Baishu after her rebirth and is the only person in the entire Xiao family who knows that she and Xiao Baishu will switch identities.
"Tell her that Miss Wen's favorite soup is clam soup, and tell her not to forget to serve that soup!"
Zhu Se nodded, and when no one was paying attention, she quietly stepped forward and called out to Tong Su, giving her the same instructions exactly as before.
Tongsu smiled and said, "Of course I won't forget. Please go back and tell my sister that I remember everything."
Xiao Qingwan associates with daughters of wealthy families and has excellent taste, so she is naturally picky. However, when Tong Su called for the dishes to be served, and the exquisitely plated dishes were brought out, she couldn't help but raise her eyebrows in amazement.
The dishes were arranged meticulously, the food was exquisite, and the taste was delicious; there was nothing to criticize.
"Qingwan, I've long heard that you're skilled in cooking, and now that I see you, you really are quite clever and skillful."
"Oh, not at all, I'm still far from that level."
After chatting and laughing, Tongsu invited everyone to start eating. Just then, a loud laugh suddenly rang out from the doorway.
"I apologize for coming uninvited, ladies. I was just passing by when I came across this delicious food. My stomach is pounding like a drum, so I'm shamelessly asking for a bite to eat. Please don't chase me away."
Hearing the voice, everyone looked up and saw a handsome young man with affectionate eyes. Several girls raised their eyebrows and smiled, blushing as they looked at Tongsu expectantly.
Tong Su stood up and said with a smile, "In this dynasty, there is no major obstacle between men and women. If the young master wants to come, there is naturally no problem. Someone, please invite the young master to take a seat."
"Is the Crown Prince the Prince of Zhenbei?"
"Is he Prince Helian? No wonder he looks unfamiliar..."
The noble ladies turned to the side and whispered among themselves, their eyes occasionally glancing over with smiles.
Prince Helian was completely at ease, greeting the noble ladies with a smile, praising this one's beautiful clothes and that one's exquisite beaded hairpins. He was so charming and sweet-talking that he made everyone smile.
Just then, a new dish was served: clam soup.
"Huh, what's this good stuff? It smells like seafood?"
Tong Su smiled and said, "This is clam soup. Seafood is difficult to transport, so it is mostly dried before being transported. The young master has lived in the northwest for a long time and may not have tasted this kind of food made from dried seafood. Why don't you give it a try?"
Upon hearing this, Prince Helian nodded, scooped up a spoonful, and put it in his mouth. His eyes lit up: "It tastes wonderful! I..."
Before he could finish speaking, his face suddenly changed drastically, he covered his mouth and fell backward to the ground, having already fainted!
The crowd erupted in uproar, retreating in fear and uncertainty. The soup bowl was overturned in the chaos, and the room was filled with turmoil. Prince Helian's personal guards rushed in with livid faces!
Just then, a malicious scream rang out from behind the crowd.
"It was Xiao Qingwan! The young master was poisoned after drinking the soup she prepared!"
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