Although the Su family was of modest status, and the head of the family was only a fifth-rank official with little real power, their daughter had married into the Fucha family, becoming the second son of Fucha Zhongtang.
This alone is enough to make most people flock to it.
So when his grandson turned one year old, he still held a fairly large banquet.
Changning also came with her second sister-in-law.
This made the Su family mansion feel honored, and the guests who came and went were very respectful.
Who hasn't heard of the formidable reputation of this Pure Consort?
Some respectable guests came to pay their respects to Changning. Those who had daughters were especially eager.
There are also some Manchu bannermen from the Bordered White Banner and Bordered Red Banner. Both banners have some connection with Yinzhen. Although there is no banner leader yet, they all have a vague idea that they regard Yinzhen as their future master.
Changning also had some impression of them.
She remembered that after Yinzhen was granted the title of Prince Yong, he should have been the banner lord of the Bordered White Banner.
Her subordinates were all servants, and she didn't need to care about anyone's feelings or give anyone face, because here, she was the one with the highest status.
Changning sat languidly to one side, with a freshly served fruit tea beside her; she loved drinking this sweet and sour drink.
She was surrounded by the flattery and obsequiousness of many people, but she paid them no heed. She simply smiled at those who interested her and chatted casually with her second sister-in-law. Most of the time, she simply sat at the head of the table and listened.
Because she was pregnant, she needed two cushions to lean on, which contrasted sharply with the group of very reserved wives of officials next to her.
Su Jia's eldest sister-in-law couldn't be happier. Originally, she only wanted to please Chun Fujin, who had married the Fourth Prince, and didn't expect her to agree. Who knew that Chun Fujin would give her this face? So why not seize the opportunity?
Ignoring Su Jia's disapproving look, she quickly had her daughter brought over and presented her to Changning, saying with a smile, "Pure Consort, look, this is my eldest daughter, named Hezhuo."
After saying that, he quickly pulled over a six or seven-year-old girl and shoved her to speak.
"Hezhuo, quickly call someone to greet Chun Fujin."
The little girl was well-behaved and had a very graceful personality. It seemed that she had been well-educated by her nanny, and her manners and etiquette were very complete. She gracefully bowed and said, "He Zhuo greets Chun Fujin."
Changning has always been unable to resist such well-behaved and cute little girls. Moreover, Hezhuo is the same age as her Hutuli, with a pair of big, bright eyes that look very intelligent, which makes her feel good about him.
Changning took her small hand and asked her a few questions in a soft voice, such as what she liked to eat, whether she could ride a horse, and whether she wanted to study.
He Zhuo was small but very clever. He answered while smiling sweetly, leaving a deep impression on Changning.
Watching her daughter chatting intimately with Chun Fujin, Su Jia Shi was overjoyed. She thought to herself, "How could He Zhuo not be likable when she is so beautiful and smart?"
If it weren't for their different social statuses and their unsupportive families, she wouldn't have even looked down on that dull and taciturn Ah Lin.
The other officials' wives and female relatives all showed envious expressions. If they had known that Consort Chun would come, they would definitely have brought their own children with them this time!
Regardless of gender, this Pure Consort is very fertile. Besides those who have entered the palace to study, there are three princes in her household, and one of them is pregnant. They all need Haha Zhuzi. Each of them needs four children. Where can the Fucha family find so many children of marriageable age? They have to find them from among their servants.
If you climb up now and make a good impression, maybe you'll reap good results in the future, and your child's future will be secured!
As for marriage alliances, no one was as enthusiastic about it as Haha Zhuzi. After all, girls from Manchu families were all selected through a talent show, and many wanted to try their luck in other branches of the imperial family or in becoming future princes.
Seeing the crowd's noticeably warmer expressions, Changning was well aware of their intentions, but she wasn't offended. She did have many sons, and if there were one or two that caught her eye, it wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing.
Just as everyone was laughing and joking, a servant reported that someone from the Duke of Cheng'en's mansion had arrived.
Suddenly, everyone's gaze towards Su Jia's family changed.
Wow, they've been keeping a low profile for a long time!
Not only did they get on board with the Fucha clan, but they also had connections with the Emperor's maternal family and the Cheng'en Duke's mansion!
However, a few people's expressions changed slightly. The Cheng'en Duke's Mansion was far beyond the reach of a family like Su Jia's. But there was one in her family who loved to show off and join in the fun.
Could it be...?
Changning was also thinking to himself, "No way?"
I've been rejected every time I've submitted my application before, is it possible I'm going to run into them here today?
As soon as the others entered, the first thing Changning noticed was the enormous gemstone on her head, which shone brightly and was adorned with gold thread, making her head full of vermilion and jade, extremely gorgeous.
The light was blinding as soon as you entered.
Good heavens, she thought some gold ingot had come to life.
"Oh, so many people have come! How lively! Do you have any good tea for me?" This woman was naturally charming, with a seductive makeup style, and coupled with a pile of glittering gold jewelry, she was indeed dazzling.
The moment that voice came out, everyone in the room turned their attention to her.
Su Jia and Chang Ning exchanged a glance; neither of them recognized the woman. However, Chang Ning knew in her heart that such a frivolous demeanor must belong to Longkodo's beloved concubine, Li Si'er.
Su Jia's eldest sister-in-law, who was in charge of entertaining the female relatives and was also the mother of her grandson who was turning one year old today, was naturally in charge of taking care of the guests.
She clearly recognized Li Si'er, and quickly put on a smile: "Madam Li, we've been waiting for you. We also have some newly arrived Wuyi rock tea. Would you like to try some?"
"This is considered good tea? Your family is quite stingy."
Li Si'er laughed ostentatiously. In addition to the jeweled hairpins adorning her temples, she also wore a red gold pearl hairpin with a long tassel hanging down, from which hung large, round, and lustrous pearls that swayed with her movements.
Changning, being well-traveled and knowledgeable, recognized it at a glance: it was a Dongzhu pearl. It seems this Li Si'er really has some skill.
Li Si'er's mouth never stopped as soon as he came in. He first chatted with Su Jia's eldest sister-in-law for a few words, and then turned his attention to Chang Ning, who had the highest status in the room. He smiled and said something that made people feel awkward.
"Is this Consort Chun? What a grand entrance! Just look at her, her bearing is truly extraordinary. No wonder she didn't respond to my invitations! It seems that important people have bad memories; she doesn't even recognize her own relatives!"
Changning glanced at her indifferently and noticed that her makeup today was both beautiful and sharp. Her lips were bright red, and her expression was fierce, making her look like a vicious female supporting character who liked to cause trouble.
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