Later one night, they discussed it for a long time, but it was kept secret so well that Zhang You and the others had no idea what Qiao Si was planning.
The weather is getting colder, and the long-awaited winter has arrived in Beijing. Every household in Beijing has begun preparations and decorations.
But Prince Qiao's Mansion remains the same.
Because of the passing of the princess, Prince Qiao's mansion will not be decorated for the holidays this year.
Compared to the bustling atmosphere of other people's homes, Prince Qiao's Mansion is much quieter.
There were no lights or decorations, no red paper-cut Spring Festival couplets, no fireworks or firecrackers, only a family of four gathered around a table, with very few words spoken.
Zhang You looked at the people and felt sad as they looked at how things had changed.
Over the years, the prince and princess, though unspoken, had longed for a reunion with Qiao Duzhou's family. During those New Year's Eve dinners, the harmonious prince and princess sat at the head table; the concubines and aunts sat quietly to the side, watching the family reunion. Qiao Da had become more mature over the years, though still a bit frivolous. Qiao Er chatted quietly with the prince and princess; Qiao Si was always arguing with Qiao Er. Qiao Nai listened to their bickering with gentle resignation, while the two little girls, Qiao Wu and Qiao Liu, naively said they wanted to be like their princess sister...
Now, Prince Qiao was sitting alone in the main seat, with the princess' seat left vacant next to him...
Qiao Er and Qiao Si had stopped bickering. Qiao Er was still concerned about Prince Qiao's health as usual, but Qiao Si had become much quieter and rarely spoke...
Qiao Duzhou, whom I had never met before, was a talkative person. He was always talking about what had happened in the past few years, trying to liven up their sentimental atmosphere. However, his liveliness only lasted for a moment, as the table soon fell silent again, with only the sound of dishes being served and chopsticks being used to pick up food.
The reunion dinner was actually too quiet.
"There's a lantern fair tonight. Let's go out for a walk together. You haven't been to the capital for so long, and a lot has changed." After dinner, Qiao Duzhou made an invitation.
Prince Qiao had long lost interest in these things and waved his hand, telling them to go and join in the fun. Seeing that Prince Qiao was not going, Qiao Er also wanted to refuse. Qiao Duzhou, knowing that she had just broken off the engagement, dragged her out to relax. Unable to resist, she agreed, and the three of them left the palace together.
The capital's lantern fair was bustling with activity, its night markets ablaze with thousands of lights, and the high-rise buildings bustled with elegant ladies. The myriad of unusual lanterns illuminated the capital like a city that never sleeps. As we walked along, the streets were bustling with people, some walking by in pairs, others strolling together in groups of two or three.
Zhang You and her companions had never been to the capital, and had never witnessed such extravagance and prosperity. Not only were the streets and alleys filled with places to visit, but even some of the grander restaurants had reserved areas for performances by singing and dancing troupes. The splendor was unprecedented.
This is probably what a life of luxury and decadence is like.
Zhang You followed Qiao Si into a restaurant and was instantly struck by the resplendent decor and the sounds of laughter and joy. A large area had been cleared inside, where beautiful women, dressed in thin dance costumes, danced gracefully to the sounds of a piano. The room was packed with spectators, all smiling and appreciating the performance.
Qiao Duzhou seemed to have made an appointment with a friend. He took Qiao Er and Qiao Si to the third floor with ease. The third floor was obviously different from the one below. The style here was more elegant and high-profile. There was no idle talking. It was quiet and luxurious here.
The moment he pushed open the door, Zhang You caught sight of the two men inside. One, in a white brocade robe, exuded a noble aura, his demeanor and posture exuding dignity. The other, in a red robe, was uninhibited and flamboyant. Upon seeing Qiao Duzhou, he stood up and greeted him with a smile, appearing to be very familiar with him.
The door was not a place they could peek into, and soon they were isolated outside. Fortunately, they were not the only ones outside the door. There were also several of the two servants guarding the door, and they followed and stood guard on both sides.
The room was well soundproofed, so Zhang You couldn't hear what was being said inside. However, the sound of string music from below did reach his ears, arousing his interest.
They stood in the corridor, where the view was wide and they could clearly see the woman below dancing surrounded by other dancers.
The woman's lithe figure, lifted by the silk hanging from the building, spun, flew, and flung her sleeves to the music. Her dance was graceful, truly unlike anything I'd seen before.
No wonder everyone wants to come to the capital, it's so luxurious, so eye-catching...
They talked for an unknown amount of time inside, but Qiao Er and Qiao Si felt bored and decided to go downstairs for a walk, and Zhang You and the others followed closely behind them.
"Princess..." Cui Liu looked at Qiao Si as if she wanted to say something but hesitated, which aroused the curiosity of Zhang You and the others.
"Let's talk about it outside." Qiao Si walked straight ahead without looking around. She had a strong aura. Cui Liu did not refute her, swallowed the words she wanted to say, and followed her out of here.
Dongmei walked up to Cuiliu curiously, gave her a puzzled look and asked her what was going on. Cuiliu shook her head and indicated that she would tell her later.
Cui Liu didn't speak until they were far away from there: "Princess! The Xie family is really going too far! How can they have the nerve to invite us after canceling the second young lady's marriage? And they even let others deliver the invitations on their behalf? This is really going too far!" She was so angry that her teeth were about to grind.
"What? How could he be so shameless?" Dongmei's face flushed with anger after hearing this. Qiao Size's face was calm. She had calmed down now, and her initial anger was gone. "Don't be angry. I think it was Lin Qingyao's work. It's just a disgusting trick. If you really take it seriously, it will suit her."
Qiao Er also looked calm and composed, as if he had let go of everything. "You don't have to stand up for me. It's just a little jealous prank. Don't take it seriously."
She knew these maids had been with her for so many years and had feelings for her, so she naturally felt sorry for her. However, wasting her time and energy on such a despicable person was a waste. They had invited her, but they had no reason to go. Even if rumors were to spread again, there was no reason for a former fiancée to attend her ex's wedding after breaking off the engagement.
However, Zhang You and the others were really disgusted by their tricks. Despite Qiao Er and Qiao Si's explanations, they still secretly greeted their family.
But they were soon drawn into the excitement of the Lantern Festival, forgetting all about it. With Qiao Si leading them, they could play to their heart's content, always pampering them with food, drinks, and entertainment. Their relationship was less like master and servant and more like friends. Qiao Si would spend lavishly, buying them a whole street of food, and they would reciprocate by using their small purses to buy him quirky little gadgets.
Even Qiao Er, who had been feeling a bit down these days because of Xie Zhuan's broken engagement, was moved by their emotions and made to laugh several times.
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