Daughter of aristocratic family

Chapter 486 Peony
Prince Zuo's idea was good and his plan was correct, but there was one thing he did not expect, which was that the emperor would not let him leave the capital no matter what.

In the emperor's words, "He is still full of small thoughts under my nose. If I let him go to the border, wouldn't that be like letting a tiger go back to the mountains? How can I allow him to do whatever he wants in my country?"

Although Prince Zuo was unwilling and helpless, he had to endure it and appear to be more submissive in order to confuse the emperor.

In the court, no matter what the Zuo Prince did, it did not affect Wu Lin'er's fulfillment of her promise. She sent out invitations to many noble ladies and girls to go to the Prince's Mansion to appreciate the two-color peonies.

In spring, the sun is shining and the breeze is not dry, which is a good time to enjoy flowers.

Zhao Wangshu arrived as promised and was led to the back garden. Suddenly, the view in front of him opened up to a sea of ​​gorgeous peonies, red as fire, white as snow, and yellow as gold.

There were no more noble ladies and girls in the garden. They were either standing or sitting, drinking tea and appreciating the flowers in the carefully decorated pavilions and stone tables.

The ladies played among the flowers, chasing the flying butterflies, and laughter filled the entire back garden.

The person entertaining the guests was Wu Lin'er's sister-in-law Cui Yunru. When she saw Zhao Wangshu, she stood up and greeted him, "Madam Yun, you are here."

"Hello, Grandma Wu." Zhao Wangshu smiled and nodded politely.

"Please sit down." Cui Yunru said with a smile.

Zhao Wangshu smiled and sat down. He glanced around and found that most of them were women from various mansions who were close to the Prince's Mansion.

There are a few others who, like her, had to come, or have secretly defected to Prince Zuo. This needs to be investigated.

Zhao Wangshu silently took note of their words and actions, calculating the intricate web of interpersonal relationships.

About a quarter of an hour later, when all the guests had arrived, Wu Lin'er appeared, wearing a bright red brocade robe embroidered with peonies in gold thread, and walked in gracefully.

She had her hair tied up in a high bun, and on it wore a phoenix hairpin made of red gold and inlaid with rubies, with tassels swaying gently. Every step she took looked noble and elegant.

The sunlight shone on her through the sparse clouds, as if giving her a layer of light glow and adding a bit of indescribable grace.

All the female relatives complimented her, "The Princess is truly a goddess. She looks like a fairy from a painting. It's hard to take your eyes off her."

"Yes, the Princess of the County is extremely charming and every time she appears, she makes us ordinary women feel ashamed."

"That's right. The ruby ​​on the hairpin is dazzling, just like the brightest star in the night sky. It matches your temperament perfectly and makes people unable to take their eyes away!"

The corners of Zhao Wangshu's mouth twitched slightly. These words of praise were too exaggerated. Wu Lin'er's appearance was indeed good, but it could not be called the appearance of an immortal.

These compliments were nothing more than their respect and flattery for the Princess's status and position. They were not to be trusted, but Wu Lin'er felt extremely happy hearing them.

"Thank you all for your kindness. I am just a princess wearing a little makeup and borrowing the light of these clothes and jewelry." She said modestly.

She sat down at the main seat and looked around. "Spring is back, everything is reviving, it's a good time for us women to enjoy flowers, drink tea, and chat. I invited you all here today, firstly to enjoy the flowers, and secondly to take advantage of this beautiful spring weather for everyone to get together and enhance some friendship."

"You're too polite, Princess." Another round of compliments from the female relatives.

"Your Highness is right. Appreciating flowers and drinking tea in spring is indeed an elegant activity."

"It's rare that the princess has such a refined taste, so we must not disappoint her and enjoy this spring time. A group of maids brought up the prepared snacks and fragrant tea.

Various spring seasonal cakes were placed on the exquisite porcelain plates. They were colorful and fragrant, attracting the attention of the female relatives and their admiration.

And those pots of carefully brewed spring tea are full of fragrance, making people feel relaxed and happy.

"Come on, everyone, don't be so polite, try some. These are all made by the chef in our mansion according to ancient methods. They have a unique flavor." Wu Lin'er said as she took the lead in picking up a piece of cake and tasted it carefully.

Zhao Wangshu also took a piece and took a bite. It was peach blossom pastry, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It melted in the mouth, as if he was really chewing the first blooming peach petals in spring. It was sweet but not greasy, and the fragrance lingered on the tongue.

Someone has already praised: "The Princess is really thoughtful. This peach blossom pastry is just right and makes people linger on the taste."

Another lady praised: "This tea is really good, with a refreshing taste and a long aftertaste." A lady exclaimed.

"Yes, the princess is so thoughtful that she even chose the tea so carefully." Another lady echoed the compliment.

Wu Liner smiled modestly and said, "No, it's just some small gadgets I researched in my spare time. I'm satisfied if everyone likes them."

Zhao Wangshu could see that Wu Lin'er held this flower-viewing banquet just to show off and get everyone's compliments.

As soon as she thought so, Wu Lin'er used her actions to tell her that she held the flower-viewing banquet not only to show off, but also to humiliate her.

A woman in colorful clothes came out holding a pipa.

As soon as the woman in colorful clothes sat down, Zhao Wangshu recognized her as Zhao Jiahua.

Many people present also knew the relationship between Zhao Jiahua and Zhao Wangshu, and they all looked at her and then at Zhao Jiahua as if they were watching a good show.

Zhao Wangshu drank her tea calmly. Zhao Jiahua was only her cousin, not her biological sister. What's more, the affection between the two of them had long been consumed by Zhao Jiahua.

"This musician looks familiar." Zhao Wangshu said.

Wu Lin'er was startled. She obviously didn't expect Zhao Wangshu to pretend not to recognize Zhao Jiahua, but she didn't allow Zhao Wangshu to pretend to be confused. "Madam Yun, you are really forgetful. You don't even recognize your sister?"

"When you mention your cousin sister, I suddenly remembered that I do have a cousin sister who entered the Prince's Mansion. But she was the Prince's concubine. How could she be a musician and play the piano for everyone?" Zhao Wangshu asked in a puzzled manner.

Without waiting for Wu Lin'er to answer, Zhao Wangshu continued, "The Princess of the County is so frugal, is it because the Prince's Mansion is short of money? If so, the Princess of the County really doesn't need to pretend to be rich and hold a flower-viewing banquet. It would be so embarrassing for us."

"Madam Yun, you are joking. How could the Prince's Mansion be short of this little money? Madam Hua likes to play the piano in her spare time, and she volunteered to sing a song for you to express her welcome." Wu Lin'er said hurriedly.

Zhao Wangshu smiled lightly, with a hint of deep meaning hidden in that smile, "So that's how it is. I misunderstood the Princess."

After a few words from Zhao Wangshu, the situation turned around. The other guests exchanged glances with each other and for a moment, no one spoke. The atmosphere became subtle.

Cui Yunru saw this and tried to smooth things over, laughing softly, "Ah, everyone is here to enjoy the flowers and drink tea, why bother with these trivial matters? Madam Hua, please play the zither."

"Yes, yes, let's just appreciate Mrs. Hua's piano playing." Someone echoed.

Zhao Wangshu smiled and did not pursue the victory. After all, this was the Prince's Mansion and Wu Lin'er's territory.