Chapter 122 Attending the Banquet 1
Amidst Zhao Lingmeng and Nanny Sun's frantic preparations, the Mid-Autumn Festival dinner finally arrived. They were busy from the moment they finished lunch. They tried on all sorts of clothes, showered, put on makeup, and even burned incense.
Although this was Zhao Lingmeng's first time attending such a grand event since she'd traveled through time, she wasn't nervous. After all, she'd attended numerous socialite gatherings in her past life, and the core principles of these banquets were generally similar. It was just that the times had changed, and so had the rules.
It took them almost an entire afternoon to pack up. Every item on Zhao Lingmeng's person was recorded, from large items like handkerchiefs and sachets to small items like earrings. They would check everything when they returned at night, fearing someone might pick it up and do something with it, especially now that Zhao Lingmeng had a high status.
This was the benefit of having a maid from the palace by your side. Zhao Lingmeng also planned to take Nanny Sun, Chunshui, Chunmu, and Chunqing with her in the evening, leaving only Chunguang in the mansion. There wasn't really any important data in the mansion.
Logically speaking, Zhao Lingmeng should have kept Chunqing in the mansion as well, but this was the first time for both children to enter the palace. Dongshui and Dongmian, who served them, had never been to the palace, so Zhao Lingmeng was worried, and the two of them must stay with the Chunqing.
In this way, Zhao Lingmeng must ensure that there is someone of the Chun generation by her side, and then bring Qiuyue and Dongyuan. Qiuyue used to often follow the original owner into the palace, and Dongyuan also knows martial arts, so it is better to bring them along for any eventuality.
Bring along Nanny Sun because she understands the affairs of the palace, and her status also has a certain deterrent effect in the harem. This way, she will have four servants around her, and the two children will have two by their side, so they will feel more secure.
Before leaving, Nanny Sun asked someone to count the things they needed to take again before helping Zhao Lingmeng out.
When Zhao Houjing and the others came out and saw their mother dressed like this, they stopped and stared at Zhao Lingmeng in blank stare.
Zhao Lingmeng looked at the two of them with a smile, "What's wrong? Don't you recognize your mother?"
"Not really, it's just that I'm a little uncomfortable seeing my mother dressed like this for the first time." Zhao Houjing touched his head, feeling a little embarrassed.
Zhao Houming walked around his mother and said, "Mom, you look so beautiful. I just don't see you wearing it. When I pass the imperial examination and become the top scholar, I will buy it for you."
"Okay, I'm waiting for your filial respect. I'm not dressed comfortably today, so why don't you two hold hands and walk?"
Zhao Houjing and the other two nodded obediently, and then they walked hand in hand. Nanny Sun told them that their mother had something important to do today, so they had to behave themselves.
After they had all boarded the specially made carriage reserved for the eldest princess, she instructed the driver to drive slowly towards the palace gate. They had left home fairly early, so there was no need to rush, preferring to proceed with caution.
When Zhao Lingmeng and his companions arrived at the palace gate, many carriages were already lined up. Zhao Lingmeng ordered the carriage drivers to drive the carriages to the back and line up.
As soon as their carriages were lined up, a eunuch came over to pay his respects, "Greetings to Princess Funing. The Empress has instructed that your carriage proceed directly."
"Thank you, Her Majesty, and thank you, Eunuch, for leading the way." Zhao Lingmeng said with a smile, and Qiuyue immediately handed the purse that had been prepared long ago to the eunuch.
The eunuch bowed again to express his gratitude, and then led the way carefully.
Seeing that a carriage went straight to the front, the surrounding carriages curiously lifted the curtains to take a look. Seeing that it was the carriage of Princess Funing, who had just been conferred the title by the emperor, they became even more curious.
Some people came to watch the fun, some thought Princess Funing didn't know the rules, and some were envious and jealous.
No matter what the people around him thought, Zhao Lingmeng sat calmly in the carriage and simply lowered the curtains to block out the sight of the people around him.
After a while, Zhao Lingmeng felt the carriage move slightly, probably entering the palace. Zhao Lingmeng rubbed his face, trying to wake himself up. The main event of the day was about to begin. He had to be fully alert.
When the families who were still queuing outside the palace saw Princess Funing's carriage really enter, they knew that Princess Funing really had the emperor's favor. They were all thinking in their hearts how to get in touch with Princess Funing.
Zhao Lingmeng's carriage arrived at the gate of Anhe Hall without any obstruction. Nanny Sun helped Zhao Lingmeng get off the carriage and walked inside. The two children followed closely behind Zhao Lingmeng. A palace maid led them to their seats.
When Zhao Lingmeng and her group entered, some concubines from the harem and some royal relatives had already arrived in the Anhe Hall. However, Zhao Lingmeng was the eldest princess, so she only had to pay her respects to the Empress and the Emperor. There was also the Crown Prince, but Jing Kingdom had not yet appointed a Crown Prince!
Bigwigs like the Queen and the Emperor would not enter the room hand in hand until everyone was present, so Zhao Lingmeng took Nanny Sun's hand without any guilt and walked straight to her seat, acting very cool.
The main reason is that Zhao Lingmeng, who studies weapons, is not suitable for having any close relationship with the emperor's harem, or she is tired of living, so this cold and aloof route is very suitable for her.
Zhao Lingmeng was also the center of attention when she entered. When the people in the harem heard someone outside shouting, "Princess Funing is here," everyone turned their eyes to the door.
When they saw Zhao Lingmeng coming in wearing the eldest princess's clothes, they were shocked. When they saw Nanny Sun supporting her, everyone took a deep breath.
That was a nanny who had served the emperor, yet Zhao Lingmeng could actually have Nanny Sun serve her personally. For a moment, everyone was filled with envy and jealousy.
The second princess born to Concubine Li was particularly special. The emperor only gave her the title of Princess Huaishu. Normally, she was jealous of Princess Fushou, but since she was born to the empress, she accepted it. Why could the daughter of a marquis also be given the title of Princess Chang, and the title was still Funing, riding on her head?
She looked at Zhao Lingmeng, wishing she could strip her clothes off herself. The handkerchief in her hand was twisted into a mess. Only Lipin held Princess Huaishu's hand tightly, preventing her from doing anything disrespectful in such an occasion.
Huaishu was still young and didn't understand the significance of Nanny Sun. Since the emperor had given Nanny Sun to Princess Funing, it was a warning to the harem not to get involved. At least that's how Concubine Li understood it, which is why she tried so hard to stop the Second Princess from saying anything.
Zhao Lingmeng didn't care what the others in the hall thought. She simply took her two children to her seat. Her casual posture carried a hint of natural dignity. Zhao Lingmeng knew how to sit comfortably and appear well-behaved in such situations.
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