Chapter 174 Preparations Before the Banquet
Before the birthday party began, the third wife, who was a music teacher, grabbed Mao Mao and started training her.
Every morning, after finishing a Chinese literature class, the third concubine would take Mao Mao away from the second concubine's Chinese literature class and take her to practice the harmonica.
That's right, Mao Mao's harmonica performance has finally been confirmed.
On the day of her birthday party, she will perform the harmonica for all the guests.
That really terrified the Third Concubine!
It's one thing to play around in their own homes, no matter how badly they play; they'll still praise it with their eyes closed. But performing in front of guests is a different story. If they embarrass themselves, they'll embarrass themselves in front of the entire city.
Mao Mao isn't afraid of losing face, she is!
As the music teacher for Mao Mao, the third concubine couldn't bear the shame.
So she had no choice but to take advantage of the time before the birthday party started to quickly improve Mao Mao's musical skills.
Amidst the "plop, plop, plop" sounds in the background, Xia Xiaoxiang rubbed her ears and finished writing the Chinese language exercise sheet in front of her.
"Third Madam, Third Madam?"
Xia Xiaoxiang called out several times before she finally got the second concubine's attention back.
The second concubine rubbed her ears and muttered, "I've listened for so many days, but why does Mao Mao's harmonica playing still sound the same?"
Xia Xiaoxiang: "..."
Hearing the harmonica music coming from outside, Xia Xiaoxiang couldn't recognize it at all.
However, the old lady's cat hasn't appeared for many days. Before, the big white cat would always come to play with Mao Mao after school. Recently, it's disappeared, hiding in some corner, only appearing at night.
Although she couldn't tell from what others said, Xia Xiaoxiang could tell from their comments that the Third Concubine's makeshift tutoring seemed to be making no progress.
Outside, the third concubine was nearly driven mad: "My dear, it's Doraemon, La Mi! Can't you tell the difference between Doraemon, La Mi, and Mi?"
Mao Mao, holding her harmonica, looked at her with an adorable expression: "Fourth Auntie, Mao Mao is just playing 'Do-la-mi-ya'."
As she spoke, she lowered her head, took a deep breath, puffed out her cheeks, and brought the harmonica closer, "Puff—Puff! Puff!"
Then she raised her head again, and although she didn't say anything, the expression on her little face clearly asked for praise.
Third concubine: "..."
The third concubine also picked up her harmonica: "Honey, let me demonstrate it for you again."
As she spoke, she moved closer to the harmonica.
A light and cheerful tune came from the harmonica.
When she was going to teach Mao Mao, she specifically chose the simplest piece of music. The melody wasn't complicated; it was just a repetition of a single tune, but it was beautiful just like that.
After she finished playing, she asked again, "Did you understand this time?"
Mao Mao confidently raised her head: "I understand!"
So she picked up her harmonica again, took a deep breath, puffed out her cheeks, and leaned in: "Puff—puff, puff!"
Listen carefully again.
After so many days of instruction, Mao Mao's harmonica skills seem to have improved. When she plays, she's not just randomly blowing through the strings; she's maintaining the same melody and repeating it over and over.
But why does it sound like it has nothing to do with what she taught?
The intonation wasn't the same; some exhaled more, some less, the pitch was high and low, like a crow cawing randomly.
Third concubine: "..."
"Ah Chun, Ah Chun!" The third concubine, clutching her forehead, hurried into the house. "Where's my headache medicine? Quickly find it for me!"
The music teacher got so angry she left.
Mao Mao didn't mind. She sat on a chair in the courtyard and picked up her harmonica to continue playing.
The soft, pattering sounds echoed in the courtyard as she swung her little feet, completely absorbed in her own music.
Puff puff puff~
Mao Mao is going to play the harmonica for the guests~
Pfft pfft~
Fourth Auntie said I need to practice more!
Puff puff puff~
...
The Lou family is holding a banquet, and invitations are being sent to each household.
Most of Haicheng's elite were invited, including not only military and political figures who were on good terms with the Lou family, but also prominent businessmen like the Zhang family.
Recently, the biggest topic of conversation in Haicheng's high society has been this birthday party.
However, many guests had doubts after receiving the banquet invitation.
Because the invitation clearly stated that it was an invitation to guests to attend the Lou family's youngest daughter's fourth birthday party!
The latter is fine, but when did the Lou family get a four-year-old daughter?
However, that doesn't matter.
Since the incident involving the fourth young master of the Lou family, the Lou family has rarely held banquets. On the occasion of a master's birthday, they would simply hold a small family dinner at home. This banquet had been so long in coming, everyone was putting in their best effort to prepare, considering it an honor to receive an invitation from the Lou family.
Banquets are a great opportunity for guests to network and build relationships. The Lou family's guests are all wealthy and influential, and if you can get into this banquet, you can meet many people you would never normally see.
On the day of the banquet, all the celebrities of Haicheng went to the Lou family's castle-like mansion.
As dusk settles, the Western-style building is brightly lit inside and out.
In the spacious hall, magnificent crystal chandeliers shone brightly from the ceiling, and the crowd below was dressed in gorgeous and exquisite gowns, their elegant attire and graceful movements creating a lively atmosphere. Occasionally, crystal glasses clinked together, and toasts were exchanged.
Upstairs, Mao Mao ran barefoot down the hallway.
Xia Xiaoxiang chased after her, holding up her little dress: "Mao Mao, come back quickly! The banquet is about to start, hurry up and change into your dress."
"Mother, the cat is missing."
"With so many people here today, it definitely won't dare to come out."
Xia Xiaoxiang caught her daughter, who was unusually excited today, and pulled her into the dress.
The dress was newly made, with layers of skirts that looked like blooming flowers, and pearls and diamonds sewn onto the lace fabric. When the light shone on it, Mao Mao became sparkly.
Mao Mao, with her sweet dimples, raised her little hands and let her do as she pleased. After spinning around, she happily leaned against her mother, saying, "Mother, you're beautiful."
Xia Xiaoxiang stroked her freshly permed curls, her eyes and brows brimming with pride.
"That's right." Xia Xiaoxiang said proudly, "It's your birthday, and as your mother, I can't let you down. I specially went to the hair salon to get a new hairstyle, new clothes, and new jewelry. They're so expensive."
The third concubine, dressed in her finest attire, came over and skillfully braided her hair.
Her soft, fine hair was braided, styled into an adorable bun, and adorned with a small diamond crown.
Third Aunt kissed Mao Mao's little face: "Our Mao Mao is the cutest little princess in the world."
Mao Mao giggled and laughed in her mothers' arms.
The grandfather clock downstairs chimed a few times, and Xia Xiaoxiang gently patted her little bottom: "It's getting late, little birthday girl, it's time for you to make your appearance."
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