At night, after washing up, Shen Tangning lay on the couch. Seeing Chi Yan take off his outer robe and get into bed, she propped her head up slightly and looked at him, her clear eyes revealing a hint of unspoken words:
"I thought you were just joking, how come you actually got me an imperial decree?"
Chi Yan turned over, and their faces were suddenly very close. He stared at her intently: "Are you unhappy?"
Shen Tangning shook her head, lowered her eyes and coughed lightly: "No, it was just a bit of a surprise, and... how could I go before my mother?"
“I never take back what I’ve said.” His brows relaxed, and he curled his lips into a smile. “As for Mother, there’s no rush. There will be opportunities in the future. She’s not one to hold grudges.”
He owed his success to her, and he couldn't very well use her credit to honor his mother; he couldn't bring himself to do such a thing.
Feeling slightly relieved, Shen Tangning was about to speak when she saw him staring at her with great interest: "Is there any reward?"
Caught off guard, she choked for a moment, her lips moving as she realized that the two of them were a little too close, Chi Yan's breath spraying on her face, carrying a burning sensation.
She leaned back subtly, turning her face away quietly: "What...reward do you want?"
A sudden dizziness washed over her as Shen Tangning lay back on the bed, a soft gasp escaping her lips. Her wrist was tightly gripped by Chi Yan, and her rapidly trembling eyelashes betrayed her unease.
He leaned down and whispered something in her ear, causing her to blush instantly. Her watery eyes glared at him: "Chi Yan!"
"I'm here." Chi Yan's voice was tinged with a casual smile as he waved his hand, causing the curtains to fall.
Her slender fingers were held tightly by a stronger hand, their grip conveying a sense of passionate, desperate entanglement. Her embarrassed and angry gasps were swallowed up by the draped brocade curtains.
*
If you're going to treat people to a meal, you should think things through carefully.
Shen Tangning and Chi Yan discussed the matter all night and compiled a guest list. After confirming that nothing was missing, she took advantage of her free time to start preparing the invitations.
She was very good at these things, and seeing how skilled she was, Chi's mother simply handed them all over to her and prepared the feast herself.
After the invitations were sent out, the replies received were rather intriguing.
If you receive an invitation from the host, you should reply to it, whether you go or not; it's a matter of etiquette.
Looking at the replies that had been sent, Shen Tangning saw that apart from a few families who were on good terms with her and Chi Yan and had agreed to attend the banquet, most of the others had declined.
She frowned, vaguely sensing something amiss. Although Chi Yan had offended many people by proposing reforms, now that he had been promoted, he had to maintain appearances regardless of his true thoughts.
Just as she was about to send Ba Liang out to find out what was going on, the other person rushed in breathlessly: "Young Madam, I just found out that the Marquis's residence is holding a banquet on the same day as ours!"
Shen Tangning was taken aback, then suddenly understood.
I see.
She remained calm and asked carefully, "Have you found out whether they're holding the event at noon or in the evening?"
Eight Liang looked indignant: "Just like us, it's nighttime too!"
Xueqing bit her lower lip: "Miss, could they be deliberately trying to challenge us?"
Not only did they choose the same day, but the time of their meeting also coincided!
Shen Tangning twitched the corner of her mouth: "That's not necessarily true. The nearest auspicious day is the sixth day of the eighth lunar month. Otherwise, we'll have to wait another half a month. If we can think of it, the Marquis's mansion might be able to as well."
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