Daughter of aristocratic family

Chapter 478 Flower God
The Flower Festival, also known as the Flower God Festival, is the birthday of all flowers. On this day, every family will offer sacrifices to the flower god, and girls in the boudoir will also cut colorful silks and stick them on flower branches, which is called "appreciating red."

Early in the morning, Zhao Wangshu, Lan Fen and Bai Rong, under the protection of guards, rode in a carriage to the Liu family.

The Liu family is not too far from the Yun Mansion. It was the former Duke of Lu’s Mansion, which was awarded to the Liu family by the emperor not long ago.

The emperor awarded the Duke of Lu's Mansion to the Liu family, which caused an uproar in the court and the country.

The Duke's Mansion, what qualifications does the Liu family have to live there?

Some people even thought that the emperor wanted to make the eleventh prince the crown prince.

According to the Daliang etiquette, the new emperor's mother's family must be granted the title of duke.

The carriage slowly drove into Liu Mansion, and Zhao Wangshu got off the carriage. The one who greeted the guests at the second gate was Concubine Liu's sister-in-law, Xiao Fang.

She had a very festive round face. When she saw Zhao Wangshu, she smiled and greeted him, "Mrs. Yun, you are finally here. Please come in quickly."

Zhao Wangshu had never met Xiao Fang before, so even though this sentence sounded a bit strange, he didn't think much about it and just thought it was just her being hospitable.

Following Xiao Fang inside, this mansion is indeed worthy of being the former Duke's Mansion. Although it has been idle for a period of time, it is still magnificent after being renovated, with deep courtyards, carved beams and painted buildings, which is beautiful beyond words.

"I have heard of Madam Yun for a long time and have always wanted to make friends with her, but I have never had the chance. Today, I finally get my wish." Xiao Fang said as she walked.

"Madam Liu, you are too kind. I am just an ordinary woman. How can I be worthy of your efforts to make friends with me?" Zhao Wangshu responded with a smile, but there was a hint of alienation in his words.

Xiao Fangshi didn't seem to notice Zhao Wangshu's alienation, and she still led her forward enthusiastically. Through the long corridor, they arrived at the back garden of Liu Mansion.

The garden is full of colorful flowers, creating a vibrant scene.

In the center of the garden, an exquisite altar for the goddess of flowers was built, on which were placed various flowers and offerings, which were obviously prepared for today's Flower Festival.

Zhao Wangshu was led into the flower garden hall by Xiao Fang. Many noble ladies and girls from famous families had already come to the hall. They were either gathered in groups of three or five, chatting and laughing, or sitting alone to drink tea and appreciate the flowers.

"Mrs. Yun, please take a seat." Xiao Fang personally served tea to Zhao Wangshu.

"Thank you." Zhao Wangshu took the cup and smiled.

Xiao Fang chatted with her for a few words, then apologized, "There are still guests who haven't arrived yet, so I won't be with them for long."

Zhao Wangshu smiled and said, "Mrs. Liu, please make yourself at your leisure."

As soon as Xiao Fang left, a petite figure walked in front of her.

Zhao Wangshu looked up and saw a girl about fourteen or fifteen years old. She was wearing a light pink dress, had a rosy face, and bright eyes. She looked very lovely.

"Hello, Madam Yun. My name is Fang Feihong, and nice to meet you, Madam Yun." The girl smiled sweetly and bowed to Zhao Wangshu.

Zhao Wangshu smiled and nodded, "Hello, Miss Fang."

Seeing Zhao Wangshu's gentle attitude, Fang Feihong boldly sat down beside her and talked about the flowers in the garden. "My aunt specially brought a few rare camellias from the south for this flower festival banquet."

"Mrs. Yun, please look. Those camellias over there are those that were shipped from the south. They are brightly colored and full-shaped. Compared to the camellias in the north, they have a different flavor."

Zhao Wangshu looked in the direction she pointed, and saw that the camellias were indeed unique, with overlapping petals and bright colors, like burning flames, and even more beautiful against the green leaves. Seeing Zhao Wangshu's interest in flowers, Fang Feihong introduced them more enthusiastically: "My aunt even specially hired a gardener to take care of these flowers. Every day someone carefully waters, fertilizes, and removes insects to ensure that they can show their most beautiful posture on the Flower Festival."

"Your aunt is so thoughtful. This Flower Festival will definitely be unforgettable." Zhao Wangshu said politely.

"Madam Yun, you are too kind. In fact, I am also quite interested in flowers. If Madam Yun doesn't mind, I would like to accompany you to appreciate the flowers." Fang Feihong looked at Zhao Wangshu expectantly.

"Thank you for your kindness, Miss Fang. Let's wait until we have offered sacrifices to the flower goddess and then go enjoy the flowers together." Zhao Wangshu declined.

Fang Feihong's eyes flashed with disappointment, and she took a sip of tea from the cup, "Mrs. Yun, I heard that you are good at painting, is that right?"

"I can't say I'm good at it, I just like painting." Zhao Wangshu said modestly.

"Madam Yun, you are too modest. I have seen your paintings at a banquet before. The delicate brushstrokes and vivid colors are truly breathtaking." Fang Feihong looked at Zhao Wangshu with admiration. "Madam Yun, would you be willing to accept me as your apprentice?"

Hearing this, Zhao Wangshu became alert, because the last person who wanted to become her disciple was Wu Lin'er.

Wu Lin'er became a disciple in order to win him over, and Fang Feihong's intention in becoming a disciple is self-evident.

"Miss Fang, you and I just met today. It seems too early to talk about becoming your disciple." Zhao Wangshu said with a faint smile.

Fang Feihong's face froze. She didn't expect Zhao Wangshu to reject her so directly.

But she quickly adjusted her mood and smiled again, "Madam Yun is right, I was too abrupt. However, I really admire your painting skills, I wonder if you can give me some pointers?"

At this time, Madam Liu came out to preside over the ceremony of worshiping the goddess of flowers.

The maids came to invite all the ladies and girls to go to the altar and offer sacrifices to the gods.

I saw a group of women in colorful dresses, holding flowers, walking slowly towards the altar. They danced in front of the altar with graceful and elegant moves to the sound of music.

After presenting the flowers on the altar, Madam Liu walked up to the altar with a solemn expression and recited the sacrificial text aloud.

The ceremony of worshiping the goddess of flowers is not only to pray for the goddess's blessing, but also a kind of reverence and celebration for spring and life.

After offering sacrifices to the goddess of flowers, the maids took the offerings from the altar and distributed them to the ladies and girls.

"Ladies, next is the flower viewing session." Madam Liu smiled, "The flowers in the garden are all in bloom. Ladies, pick the ones you like."

Upon hearing this, the girls dispersed, some strolling alone, while others walked together.

"Miss Fang, I'm sorry, I need to change my clothes. Please feel free to do as you please." Zhao Wangshu made an excuse to avoid being with Fang Feihong.

But when she came out of the bathroom, she was stopped by a maid, "Madam Yun, my mistress wants you to come to the flower hall for a chat."

Zhao Wangshu was surprised. Madam Liu wanted to talk to her?
What to talk about?
"Please lead the way." Although Zhao Wangshu was confused, he still followed the maid to the flower hall.

In the flower hall, Madam Liu was sitting in the main seat. When she saw Zhao Wangshu coming in, she smiled and said, "Madam Yun, please take a seat."

Zhao Wangshu smiled and sat down at the guest seat. "Madam Liu, what do you want to talk to me about?"

(End of this chapter)