Chapter 423: Move More
The Lu Ming Banquet was a banquet held by the emperor to celebrate the top three candidates in the imperial examination. The other seven people who took the palace examination at that time were also invited, but their families were not included.
The court officials who entered the palace for the banquet were officials of the third rank and above.
These old foxes in high positions of power look at the young and promising scholars as if they were wolves staring at little white rabbits, ready to take them into their traps and expand their own power at any time.
After entering the palace, Qiao Yuanan suffered another wave of loving questioning from his father-in-laws, and his heart was trembling with fear.
After the Luming Banquet, there was a celebration banquet at the Qiao Mansion.
The Qiao family had just moved to the capital, and apart from their in-laws with the Lu family, they didn't know anyone here. They didn't dare to invite people they didn't know, so they finally decided to send invitations only to the homes of people they knew.
But for such a big event as a banquet held at the No. 1 scholar's house, even if there were no invitations, many people would take the initiative to visit with gifts, and the scene was several times more grand than the full moon banquet for the eldest grandson of the Qiao family.
"Fortunately, we chose a big house, otherwise there would be no space for so many people." Qiao Jingru looked at the endless number of carriages parked in front of the Qiao family's door and was so shocked that her eyes almost popped out.
I never thought that the Qiao family would have such a glorious day.
"Sister-in-law, see? Second brother Qiao has become successful now. He has such a strong family. If his brother dares to bully you in the future, you must not give in." Lu Xiang said as he accompanied Qiao Jingru to welcome guests at the door.
Qiao Jingru pursed her lips and smiled. Just as she was about to say something, she saw Lu Chao suddenly interject between them, jumping up and down like a cat whose tail was stepped on: "Xiangxiang, you are ruining my reputation behind my back again."
"Other sisters are pretty, sweet, well-behaved, and cute, and they always listen to their brothers, but you always contradict me."
Lu Chao said angrily with his hands on his waist.
Qiao Jingru snorted when she heard that, stretched out her hand to push Lu Chao aside, took Lu Xiang's arm and glared at him: "If you like someone else's sister so much, then you can go and be her big brother. Our Xiangxiang doesn't want her."
After Qiao Jingru finished speaking, Lu Xiang cast a provocative glance at Lu Chao and shook his head smugly.
Lu Chao was struck by lightning.
Madam, am I no longer the most important person in your heart?
"I was wrong."
Qiao Jingru: “Do things.”
"Okay."
"Sister-in-law, you make me feel safe." Lu Xiang joked with a smile.
Qiao Jingru blushed and glared at her: "Stop making trouble and welcome the guests properly."
"Sister-in-law, third sister." At this time, Lu Yao's cheerful voice was heard, and she was seen walking towards them with her skirt lifted. Behind her, followed Mrs. Zhou who was pretending to be elegant.
And a young girl following Mrs. Zhou.
"Second sister."
"Second sister."
Lu Xiang and Qiao Jingru called out.
When Mrs. Zhou walked up to them, the two of them bowed with smiles on their faces.
"Oh, please don't be so polite. It's too formal to call you Madam Zhou. Just call me aunt. Our two families are relatives. We should visit each other more often in the future." Madam Zhou smiled with her hands covering her mouth. Her voice was so loud that people around her couldn't help but look at her sideways.
Some people looked at him with envy.
Whose family is this? They are actually related to the Qiao family.
Mrs. Zhou enjoyed the envious looks of these people, holding her chin high like a proud peacock. Those who didn't know would have thought that her son had won the top spot in the imperial examination.
Lu Yao blinked at the two of them and shrugged gently, expressing her speechlessness towards her mother-in-law.
A few months ago, when little Momo was one month old, her mother-in-law was still arrogantly saying that the Qiao family was just a merchant family and were not worthy of dealing with their Zhou family. She thought it would be degrading to be tainted by the smell of money.
Today, however, you come here eagerly.
"Aunt Zhou, Miss Zhou, please come in." Qiao Jingru smiled politely and gestured to the two of them.
The visitors were Lu Yao's mother-in-law and sister-in-law. Even if Qiao Jingru didn't want to give face to Madam Zhou, she had to give face to Lu Yao. Otherwise, Madam Zhou would be unhappy and might blame Lu Yao when she returned.
It's just a name, she doesn't care.
Mrs. Zhou was very satisfied with Qiao Jingru's respect for her and her smile became even brighter.
Qiao Jingru led them into the mansion, and Lu Yao pulled her back, saying, "Sister-in-law, you are busy, there is no need to greet us specially, it is the same to find a maid to lead us in."
"Well, second sister, just treat it as if you are at home and feel more comfortable." Qiao Jingru didn't bother to be polite with her. She smiled and called a little maid, telling her to take people to the garden.
Autumn is a good season with clear skies and cool weather.
The water pavilion could no longer accommodate so many guests, so the banquet was held directly in the garden.
The pavilions, waterside terraces, small bridges and flowing water are very elegant.
The garden-style courtyard and winding corridors all reveal the wealth and grandeur of the Qiao family.
The guests who came to the banquet couldn't help but pay more attention to the Qiao family.
Not long after, another exquisite carriage stopped at the gate. The first to get off was He Zhiyan, who smiled and waved to Lu Xiang and Qiao Jingru. Lu Xiang and Qiao Jingru responded happily, and the next moment, the wife of Yong'an Marquis got off the carriage with the help of a maid.
She wore a double-breasted jacket with iron-embroidered chrysanthemums, a dark green silk skirt, and a hairpin with a scarlet gold peony, looking very elegant and graceful.
Lu Xiang and Qiao Jingru looked at each other.
"Even the wife of Marquis Wu'an came uninvited." Qiao Jingru whispered in Lu Xiang's ear.
There are many marquisate mansions in the capital, but they must be divided into different levels.
But Marquis Yong'an was the Jingzhao Yin and had real power in his hands. Although he was a little timid and fearful, he was by no means a poor man.
Originally, because they had no son, the lineage of Marquis Yong'an could not keep the title and had been keeping a low profile in the capital. Now that their son has been found, the couple has become more confident, while the second branch of the He family has fallen silent due to an ominous sign. The wife of Marquis Yong'an has become the most active person in the capital. She can be seen at any banquet that she feels matches her status.
Lu Xiang's gaze fell on He Zhimin who was standing behind the wife of Marquis Wu'an.
She was wearing a bright royal blue dress and had a little makeup on her face. She looked pretty and charming. She came over with a smile and took Qiao Jingru's hand warmly, saying with a smile, "It's been a while since we last met. How are you, Sister Qiao?"
Qiao Jingru was stunned.
Sister Qiao?
Has their relationship gotten to this point?
He Zhiyan frowned slightly and glanced at He Zhimin in confusion.
I wondered what weird thing she was planning to do.
Qiao Jingru calmly withdrew her hand, smiling politely but distantly: "Thank you Miss Fifth for your concern, I'm fine." As she spoke, she looked at the wife of Marquis Wu'an and said politely: "Madam Marquis Wu'an, please come in."
As he said this, he led the way in front.
When Mrs. Qiao saw the wife of Marquis Wu'an, she quickly stood up, bowed, and invited her to sit down.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
