Chapter 37 Spring Banquet (Part 1)
"If we offend the Zhou family and Jiang Wanning, or even Jiang Zheng, at most it will be you and me who suffer like we are now."
"But if we offend that person and things get delayed, we'll both lose our heads!"
Jiang Wanru rarely saw Aunt Liu lose her temper with her, and although she felt wronged, she dared not be presumptuous anymore.
"Don't be angry, Auntie. If anyone is to blame, it's Jiang Wan Ning for being so arrogant." Granny Zhang immediately stepped forward to comfort her.
Aunt Liu held Zhang Mama's hand tightly, "Mama, tell me, have I spoiled Ru'er too much?"
“How could that be?” Granny Zhang winked at Jiang Wanru. “The Second Miss just misspoke in a fit of anger.”
"Mother, I was wrong."
"From now on, you are not allowed to call me 'Mother' in private. You can only call me 'Auntie'!" Madam Liu instructed.
"But I used to call you Mother."
“That was then!” Aunt Liu scolded in a low voice. “Zhou never said anything before, but ever since your affair with the young master was exposed.”
"Although Jiang Wan Ning hasn't completely broken ties with you, look at everything that's happened recently—wasn't it because of her?"
"It was she who brought it up that day when she was with your father."
"Therefore, we must be more careful in the future and never give anyone a handle to use against us."
"But I just can't swallow this insult. Tomorrow is the Spring Banquet. Do you really expect me to wear that outfit?"
Aunt Liu sighed, "Don't worry, of course I won't let you go wearing those clothes."
"The Spring Banquet is of utmost importance. You must not only attend, but also make a name for yourself," said Aunt Liu. "You must impress all the men of the capital."
"Only in this way will the Crown Prince feel that he made the right choice."
"Only then can Jiang Wan Ning become a laughing stock."
"I will naturally prepare the clothes for you." Aunt Liu looked at her daughter, who resembled her by seven parts, "but Ru'er."
"Have you been a bit too indulgent lately? You look like you've gained weight."
"Women should be slender; that way, men will feel more protective of them."
Jiang Wanru looked down at her waist. "I don't know why, but I've been eating a light diet lately and I'm getting fatter and fatter."
"Not only that, her face doesn't look as delicate and refined as before." Jiang Wanru frowned.
Nothing has been going well lately.
Because she has gained some weight, she hasn't been to see the Crown Prince for the past few days.
"What you're saying is true. Although I haven't gained as much weight as you have recently, I do feel that I'm a bit heavier than before," Aunt Liu said.
“I have had people try out the meals every day, and there are no problems.”
"It seems that there is too much dampness in your body. You should take good care of yourself in a few days."
"Alright," Aunt Liu said. "Make sure you dress up nicely tomorrow, and you won't look too fat."
"Granny Zhang, go and get out that set of clothes I've been keeping, and alter it a little."
"Yes." Granny Zhang walked to the wardrobe and took out a white daffodil dress with blue trim from the bottom.
"Mom, where did you come from?" Jiang Wanru's eyes lit up the moment she saw the clothes.
They couldn't wait to pick it up and try it on themselves.
“This is something I prepared for you a long time ago. I was hoping that one day you could use the dance I taught you and become famous.”
"It's just that your current figure doesn't quite suit it perfectly."
"Although it may not be a perfect presentation, it will definitely amaze the audience."
“Of course,” Jiang Wanru said confidently. “I am my mother’s daughter.”
Aunt Liu was once the most famous courtesan in the capital, and her dancing was unparalleled in the city.
“But… there’s no jewelry to match it.” Jiang Wanru frowned.
"Silly girl, didn't she give you a gold hairpin? Why don't you pawn it and get one that matches this dress?"
Jiang Wanru immediately said happily, "Mother always has the best ideas."
Seeing Aunt Liu's brows furrow slightly, Jiang Wanru said ingratiatingly, "Aunt, I've remembered."
"Your daughter will work hard so that one day she can call you 'Mom' openly and honestly."
"Good child." Aunt Liu embraced the child.
"Go and enjoy the banquet. You'll be in for a surprise when you return." A calculating glint appeared in Aunt Liu's eyes.
The next morning.
Shen Ruzhi was waiting at the entrance of the Marquis's residence early in the morning.
"Ningning, Auntie."
Seeing the two approaching, he greeted them happily.
"Get in the carriage quickly."
Jiang Wan Ning helped Zhou Shi into Chen Ru Zhi's carriage, "Why did you come so early?"
"Didn't you think it would be better to pick me up on the way?" Shen Ruzhi said. "It would be too boring for me to go alone."
"Those people, they're all comparing whose clothes are nicer or whose headdress is more expensive, it's so boring."
Shen Ruzhi's eyes lit up as she spoke, "But Ningning, you've mostly worn white in the past."
"Today, your red dress is as dazzling as the blazing sun."
"I suddenly woke up and started listening to advice," Jiang Wanning joked, pointing to her head.
“Auntie looks beautiful today too,” Shen Ruzhi said.
Today, Mrs. Zhou wore a purple dress and her hair was styled in a high bun, which made her look very healthy.
"But Ningning, do you think Jiang Wanru will really wear the clothes you sent over?"
Shen Ruzhi had already heard from Shaoyao what kind of clothes she was sending.
She laughed so hard she almost smashed the bed.
“No.” Jiang Wanning was very certain. “Jiang Wanru is such a beauty-conscious person, she would rather not participate than wear it.”
"How could I possibly show my worst side to outsiders?"
"You knew she wouldn't wear them, yet you still gave her clothes."
"I also think she definitely won't come."
"Who said that? She prepared her carriage early and went ahead of time. Even if it's raining knives, she'll still go."
Shen Ruzhi slumped in the carriage. "Ningning, next time, can you please stop being so mysterious? My brain isn't working properly."
Jiang Wan Ning smiled and said, "You'll find out in a moment."
"Miss, we've arrived."
Jiang Wan Ning looked at Zhou Shi and gently took her hand, "Mother, I'm here."
Zhou nodded.
Shen Ruzhi got out of the car first, and Jiang Wanning got out of the car and turned to help Zhou Shi.
Zhou got off the carriage and looked at the four characters 'Royal Villa' in front of the gate.
I have many feelings in my heart. I never thought I would be standing here again one day.
"Mother, let's go inside."
Jiang Wanning helped Zhou Shi.
The Spring Banquet is an annual event held in the Eastern Ling Kingdom, gathering all the young masters and ladies of the capital, as well as some ladies from prominent families.
Enjoying flowers, composing poems, and having martial arts competitions.
Of course, the most important thing is to see each other.
This kind of banquet, besides allowing people to meet, also reveals the relationships between powerful families.
The three handed over the invitation and went inside.
Not far along, they encountered Jiang Wanru and several girls talking in a garden.
Jiang Wanru was feeling quite pleased with herself as she received the flattery from the group.
Suddenly, everything went quiet, and everyone turned to look behind her.
Jiang Wanru turned her head to look in the direction of their gaze.
The smile on his face froze instantly.
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