In the front hall of the general's mansion, breakfast had already been laid out, but no one had yet taken their seats.
In the front hall, not only were there people from the General's Mansion, but also two guests, who sat to the left of the Second Concubine. They were dressed in fine silks and satins, exuding an air of wealth and nobility.
Mu Jing recognized her as the Lady of the Prefect of Jingzhao, who was on good terms with the Second Concubine.
To be honest, the Prefect of the Capital was a down-to-earth and honest person who kept a low profile, while his wife was the complete opposite and was an extremely outgoing person.
Sitting next to the wife of the Prefect of the Capital was a young woman who appeared gentle and quiet, but was actually quite restless; she was the daughter of the Prefect of the Capital.
With her cherry lips slightly parted and her eyebrows slightly raised, she could be considered a beauty in the making. Sitting there, when she saw Xie Lingqin arrive, her demeanor slightly changed, a glance of disdain flashed across her eyes, but she still rose and gave a slight bow.
"Greetings, Sister Lingqin."
Xie Lingqin seemed oblivious to the disdain she was receiving, and was about to respond when the Lady of the Prefect of the Capital spoke up, "Oh, so this is the eldest young lady. I didn't get a good look at her at the Marquis of Anping's residence last time, but seeing her today, she's incredibly beautiful. Girls really do change a lot as they grow up. Such a face, what a pity, what a pity..."
That sounds like a compliment, but why does it sound so sarcastic?
"Mother is right. With Sister Lingqin's looks, if she were to dress up properly, she would surely be stunningly beautiful, comparable to a peony."
The young lady from the Jingzhao Yin family, standing nearby, also chuckled and echoed her sentiments.
Xie Lingqin smiled, lowered her eyes slightly, and remained silent.
"Oh, look how much you're praising her, Miss is almost embarrassed. Come, Miss, please take a seat and have breakfast together."
The second concubine, who was standing to the side, knew how to establish these relationships and invited everyone to take their seats.
Xie Lingqin was quite puzzled. It was so early in the morning, and the Lady of the Capital Prefecture had brought her daughter to the General's Mansion without having breakfast yet? Did that mean they had set off before dawn?
So proactive?
Xie Lingqin's gaze swept over the expectant face of the young lady from the Jingzhao Yin family, and she suddenly understood.
At this moment, Lady Huo Yanru, the daughter of the Prefect of the Capital, sat to one side, while General Xie, Second Concubine, Concubine Wan, and Xie Lingyu sat down in order. Xie Lingqin straightened her sleeves and, as usual, sat down next to Xie Lingyu, in the very last position.
It's just a seat, it doesn't matter.
but……
A miracle happened.
“Elder sister, we will have distinguished guests arriving soon, how can you sit there?” Xie Lingyu suddenly said, as if she had just remembered and slowly stood up, making a gesture to give her seat to Xie Lingqin, and even felt quite guilty, “It really is, it is my fault for not knowing the rules.”
Xie Lingqin sat down without pausing for a moment, glanced at Xie Lingyu, and said calmly, "That seat has always been occupied by my younger sister. If it's changed, I'm afraid she won't be used to it."
"Does what you're saying mean that I've been usurping the host's place all along?" Xie Lingyu bit her lip slightly, a hint of grievance on her face.
Xie Lingqin glanced at her, and their eyes met, sparks flying.
As expected, she wasn't given a single moment of peace.
but……
"Since that's what you think, then I'll sit down here."
Upon hearing this, Xie Lingyu's face flashed with smugness, and she immediately stepped aside to avoid him, saying, "Eldest sister is the legitimate daughter of the General's Mansion, she is the mistress, she cannot look down on herself."
These words... both criticize her for lacking status and imply her incompetence.
Oh!
Xie Lingqin smiled and gently shook her head, "We are all Father's daughters, so how can we be the masters? In this General's Mansion, Father is the master, the sky of this General's Mansion."
Using minimal force to achieve maximum effect.
Xie Lingyu's eyes froze for a moment, a flash of crimson light appearing in them.
Xie Lingqin was quite clever. She originally intended to give the seat to her, and if Xie Lingqin didn't sit down, it would stir up her resentment. Besides, Xie Lingqin was dissatisfied with her father, and if she sat down, she would take the opportunity to belittle and damage her again. She never expected that Xie Lingqin would actually accuse her of such a serious crime.
However, I'll let you be smug for a while.
“Big sister is right, then I will sit down.”
"Alright, let's start eating. After breakfast, no one should leave yet. The newly promoted runner-up, who is also the nephew of the Second Madam's family, will be coming to the manor later. Everyone should meet him. Lingqin, you should help him out too."
Xie Lingqin nodded gently, "Yes, Father."
Isn't this just a reminder to her to behave well as a guest and not embarrass herself?
"Well, my nephew is young, and I hope you will get along well with him in the future." The second aunt was truly modest.
However, the smile in her eyes clearly implied that I now have powerful backing, my family is strong, and I will no longer be inferior to others when I attend banquets.
That's right. It is said that yesterday, the Emperor issued an imperial edict appointing the newly promoted second-place finisher in the martial arts examination as the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, who will attend court immediately.
The Ministry of War, which is in charge of military affairs, is only a vice minister position. Compared to the other five ministries, it has a significant advantage. The road ahead is long.
The second concubine's younger sister has been married for over ten years, and all she has managed to achieve is the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
Xie Lingqin glanced at General Xie again, who looked pleased and was clearly very happy.
Indeed, there is something to be happy about. He has the title of general but no real power. Although his younger brother is the Minister of Personnel, the two have had little contact over the years and are no more than strangers. Therefore, if General Xie can win over this newly promoted Vice Minister of War, it will be entirely beneficial for him.
Xie Lingqin pondered for a moment, exchanged a quick glance with Aunt Wan as a greeting, and then looked away.
However, Aunt Wan's complexion seemed rather poor today, as if she was deep in thought. It was best not to ask too many questions now. Xie Lingqin put aside her thoughts and joined the others in picking up their chopsticks.
"By the way, Miss, I have already sent someone to convey the General's opinion to the Ministry of Works at the master's request. I heard that the eldest son of the Ministry of Works was very happy to hear this news. He said that he will come to propose marriage on an auspicious day."
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