Splendid Book

Chapter 66 Family Birthday Banquet
Today, there were 66 tables set up inside and outside for the birthday banquet of the old lady of the Jining Hou Mansion, not counting the porridge and steamed buns at the door.Since a month ago, the Jining Marquis Mansion has been cleaned up and down, and it has been intensively cleaned up in the past few days. I am afraid that something might be wrong on such an important day.

The Marquis of Jining is also a very wealthy family, with many descendants, but the generation of the old Marquis has many brothers, but Shen Changle's mother's generation, from the first branch to the concubine, there are only five brothers and sisters in total, but the son of the concubine was born earlier. It was released outside, and the daughter of the concubine has also been married to Beijing for many years. This time, they all sent birthday gifts early, but no one can come.

The old lady naturally didn't care at all. She and the old Hou Ye were young couples, and they were considered loving and harmonious.In addition, she has the most children, and her life will be smooth and blessed.

Zhang Ru was busy here for another day yesterday. Although Xu's work is all about things, there are still many things that need her advice.Originally, the old lady felt sorry for her, knowing that she would definitely get up early tomorrow, so she let her rest here, but Zhang Ru still returned to Anjun Palace.

But Shen Changle was dug up from the bed by Chunliu and Luwu early in the morning.She has her own yard in the Jining Hou Mansion. Since her aunt has no daughter, her yard is not far from her aunt's yard. Not only is the scenery beautiful, but the location is also excellent.

Since there is no girl in my aunt's house, Shen Changle has to come forward to entertain any girl who comes. This is probably the first time she has appeared in front of everyone in two years.Although there are quite a few girls in the branch of Zhang's family, none of them are very popular with Mrs. Zhang, so there are fewer places to visit on weekdays.

Probably yesterday Zhang Ru mentioned a few words to the two of them, telling them the importance of this banquet to Shen Changle, after all, any girl in the family was disfigured, and the elders in the family were not in a hurry.Therefore, these two people can be regarded as using their bottom-of-the-box skills to greet her, and they are going to make her the most eye-catching delicate flower in today's colorful flowers.

Shen Changle naturally knew that today was important, even for her grandmother, she couldn't be perfunctory.So stare at the yawns and let them toss on their heads and faces.Fortunately, these two girls are not that vulgar, and they have some experience in dressing up.What's more, it is Shen Changle's box of jewels, anyone who looks at it for a long time will have some eyes.

After breakfast, Shen Changle followed the old lady to the main hall, which is used as a place to entertain female guests today.Shen Changle stood beside the old lady, and after a while, the guests began to arrive one after another.The first ones to come were the offshoots of Zhang's family. Since it was the old lady's birthday, the female relatives brought their children to pay respects to the old lady.The men and women knelt down together to celebrate the old lady's birthday, which was also extremely lively.

There was a maid nearby who had already prepared an embroidered pouch, and whoever came to kowtow would give one, and inside it was a silver scorpion with the word "Fu".Even though these are all cousins, but Shen Changle glanced over and found that few of them knew each other.But it's not surprising, these nephews of the Zhang family don't live in Jining Hou's Mansion, and the old lady is quiet, so it's more difficult for these grandchildren to come to Jining Hou's Mansion, so she knows less.

So every time the other party looked at Shen Changle, Xu who was next to him smiled and explained: "This is the cousin girl of Duke Wei's mansion, the old lady celebrates her birthday, she came to help several days in advance."

When others heard about the cousin girl in Duke Wei's mansion, they immediately reacted.The Zhang family's in-laws present here don't know that, not to mention anything else, the two daughters are married in a more prominent family than the other.Zhang Ru married Prince An, a serious son of the royal family, while Zhang Rong, who died young, married Yipin Guogong.

So there is no need to guess, everyone knows that this is the third girl of the Shen family.

Needless to say, the sons, nephews and daughters-in-law of the Zhang family looked at Shen Changle and they were full of praise.It is estimated that no one here has never heard of the previous rumors about Shen Changle's disfigurement.So because of this, when they first saw Shen Changle, everyone was dumbfounded.

The girl in front of her was tall, with a graceful figure, her fair skin almost oozes water when pinched, her cheeks are rosy and shiny, her moist lips are light pink, even the best lip balm is adjusted to Can't find such a fresh and tender color, but the most eye-catching thing is the pair of eyes, the black pupils are covered with a layer of water mist, so bright that people can't move their eyes away, a small face is as gorgeous as peaches and plums, even if At this time, the room was full of flowers, but it seemed that she was the only one left.

Really stunning.

"Speaking of which, my niece is very elegant. She stays at home all day long. Otherwise, wouldn't we have seen such a beautiful girl a long time ago?" A pretty woman smiled while covering her mouth, but her eyes were looking up and down. looking at her.

These words are a bit unkind, if outsiders listen to them, they will think that Shen Changle is arrogant and disrespectful to the elders, after all these years in the capital, there should be a face-to-face meeting during the festivals.

When Mrs. Xu introduced her just now, Shen Changle knew that she was the second grandmother of the third room of the Zhang family, which was the room of her third uncle.It's just that this third uncle is a concubine, and he is not a capable person. After going out to live alone in this sub-fu, I heard that life is not easy.Therefore, the daughters-in-law his family found were all from merchant families, not to mention, the dowry was full.

Although Mrs. Xu and this woman are of the same generation, there is a difference in age. If it wasn't for the old lady's birthday, she wouldn't be so cold.Fortunately, the person next to her gave her a hand, and said with a smile: "It's a good thing that Miss San has a quiet temper. I think it's difficult to teach her temperament if she's evasive. The one in my family is about the same age as Miss San. What's the result?" Can sit still for a moment."

And the woman's daughter was sitting in the hall, her face was red and her ears were ashamed.

Fortunately, the old lady said with a smile: "Thousands of people in this world have different temperaments. Some people like to be quiet and others like to move. It can't be said that those who like to be quiet are better than those who like to be active. It depends on each person's temperament. It's fate."

Shen Changle was listening, just smiled, the old lady is indeed experienced, but she stopped her conversation with a few words.Xu also arranged for everyone to sit down at this meeting.

When Zhang Ru led the two sons of Zhilan Yushu in, almost everyone in the hall couldn't help staring at the two handsome boys.At this time, Ji Qijun was already a handsome man, but because he was not yet married, Zhang Ru still thought about taking the two of them over to greet his grandmother before the guests arrived.

Although the rules in the inner house are strict, Ji Qijun and Ji Qishu are not yet married, they are not yet adults, so they are not so taboo.What's more, most of the people sitting in the room at this time are the female relatives of the Zhang family, all relatives.

Seeing the two grandchildren, the smile on the old lady's face was much wider than before.The Ji family brothers were also sincere, they kowtowed three times respectfully, and the old lady hurriedly told them to stand up.After they got up, Mrs. Xu smiled, and asked them to go to the front yard to find Zhang Xun and Zhang Yang, and help greet the guests.

On the other hand, Shen Changle, who stood here for a quarter of an hour, felt a little sore in his feet and back.Fortunately, it didn't take long for the grandmother to bring the female relatives of the Shen family here, because the Zhang and Shen families are related by marriage.So almost all the female family members of the Shen family came.As soon as Mrs. Zhang saw the old lady of the Shen family who was the leader, she immediately got up and said repeatedly: "It's just a birthday, why bother old sister to come here in person?"

The old lady of the Shen family immediately took her hand and said with a smile: "This is your great day, I still want to say how can I bother you to get up in person. Today you are the birthday man, but you are the most precious."

Mrs. Zhang immediately waved her hands repeatedly and said, "Old sister, you are making fun of me."

At this time, Mrs. Xu also asked someone to set up the upper chair, and Mrs. Zhang personally greeted her and sat down.And Shen Changle, who hadn't seen her grandmother for a few days, was also very happy, and immediately bowed to greet her and said, "Granddaughter has seen grandmother, second aunt, and third aunt."

"Get up," Mrs. Shen smiled when she saw her attire. She wanted to ask something, but there were too many outsiders here, so she didn't say much.

Afterwards, the girls of the Shen family came forward to greet Mrs. Zhang, but when Lin Xinlan came forward, she had a look of fear on her face, and said softly: "Congratulations to my aunt and grandma, I wish my aunt and grandma a blessing like the East China Sea and a happy birthday." Bi Nanshan."

Mrs. Zhang had heard her name just now, and seeing her standing with Shen Jin, she already guessed which family she was the daughter of.Speaking of which, after Lin's incident, she broke off contact with her own sister in a fit of anger. Speaking of which, the two families have not moved around for many years.It's just that when she thinks that Mrs. Lin married into the Duke of Wei's mansion by relying on her family's power, she actually wanted to harm her granddaughter in turn, she couldn't bear it anyway.

So for so many years, she resolutely refused to associate with the Lin family. Even if the people from her natal family made peace with her a few times, she never bowed her head.

Xu who was next to her heard that her surname was Lin, and guessed whose family she was from.It's just that she didn't expect that she came with the Shen family.The Xu family is very clear about her mother-in-law's knots. Over the years, her family has also been in contact with the Lin family.So she was afraid that she would be involved in some unpleasant things on this happy day, so she immediately smiled and said: "Sit down quickly, Chang Le, you lead your sister to sit down, and don't be restrained when you get home."

Although Zhang Rong had an accident for many years, the Zhang family is still the natal family of the girls in the big house.Therefore, this is considered to be at the grandfather's house, but both Shen Yue and Shen Jin came to less places.And Shen Hui and Shen Lan only came once or twice, and they were all catching up with Zhang's family's happy event.

Shen Changle personally led them to sit down, and she also took the opportunity to sit here to rest her feet.

After everyone sat down, Shen Hui glanced at the hall and said with a smile: "It's really lively today, I guess there are still many people who haven't come?"

"It's still early for you to come here, you have to wait a little longer, and you will go to the garden after all the guests are here, where the banquet for the female relatives will be held," Shen Changle said carefully.

"Third Sister, I heard that they invited the Fuxi Class? But is it true?" Shen Jin seemed to have forgotten the matter of his quarrel with Shen Changle, and asked curiously.

Shen Changle nodded, "Aunt invited me back."

Everyone is also somewhat knowledgeable, so naturally they have heard of the name of the Fuxi troupe. Last year, this troupe was able to enter the palace to sing operas for ladies, perhaps because of some kind of god.All of a sudden, he became famous in the capital, and he was in the limelight for a while, but anyone who had some happy event at home was willing to invite the Fuxi Troupe to sing.So this Fuxi class has become difficult to invite, even if you invite it, you have to wait in line.

"Auntie is really amazing," Shen Yue smiled and said sincerely, Zhang Ru not only married well, but also her husband dotes on her very much, King An loves his wife very much, but the whole capital is famous.

When he heard the voice of Mrs. Changping Hou's arrival, Shen Changle raised his head almost immediately, while Shen Hui next to him raised his head unconsciously, and both of them looked at the new lady who came in.It's just that she came here with others, and Mrs. Xu went to meet them in person, and welcomed the two of them to the front of the head.But Mrs. Changping Hou is not a good person to get along with, she has no smile on her face, and the two lines beside her nose are deep and obvious, Shen Changle knows that this is the result of keeping a straight face for a long time.

Fortunately, when Mrs. Zhang was talking to her, she only laughed twice.

Shen Hui hadn't opened her mouth yet, but Shen Lan next to her looked at Mrs. Changping Hou, a trace of jealousy flashed in her eyes, but she asked with a smile on her face: "Third sister, this Changping Hou's mansion is also different from your grandfather's." Do you have relatives?"

Although Shen Changle didn't expect her to ask, but he was still stunned.After all, in her memory, there is indeed no relative in the Changping Houfu. If there is, she doesn't need to ask her second brother to inquire about Feng Youfeng, she can just ask her aunt directly.But thinking of it, a trace of vigilance flashed in her heart, and she looked at Shen Lan.

Did she ask this question for no reason?

Shen Changle really didn't wrong Shen Lan. Although the battle between the concubine and the concubine of the second room had ceased on the surface, as the two girls grew up, Aunt Han's eyes were fixed on Chen Shi and Shen Hui's mother and daughter. Became cross-eyed.She was afraid that the Chen family would keep silent, so she made a good marriage with Shen Hui, and finally married Shen Lan casually.

But no matter how much she stared at her, Mrs. Chen just didn't move, and lived like that all day long, as if she wasn't in a hurry.Fortunately, Shen Hui turned fifteen this year, and Mrs. Chen gradually became anxious. She entrusted her sister-in-law from her natal family to help her see her, but she used all the connections that could be used.

But because Shen Hui had brainwashed Mrs. Chen long ago, Mrs. Chen didn't expect to find any wealthy family.But this made Aunt Han anxious, if even Shen Hui couldn't marry into a noble family, what would happen to her Lan'er.

Who knew that she was so anxious that she waited for another news that Chen's sister-in-law actually climbed onto the Changping Hou's mansion, seeing that the eldest girl was about to discuss marriage with the Hou's mansion, but Aunt Han's heart was burning. She panicked even more, wishing she could take this good marriage over with her hands.But she was able to inquire about this news because Mrs. Chen met Mrs. Changping Hou when she went to offer incense, which made her discover it by accident.

But if she really wants to get involved in the Marquis of Changping's family, she has nothing to do, she doesn't even know where the gate of the Marquis of Changping's mansion opens.So Aunt Han is scratching her heart and lungs, but she is not stupid. Although she doesn't have Zhang Liangji, she has a wall ladder.So she cried in front of Shen Lingchang, saying that the fourth girl is getting old now, but the wife is not worried about her at all, and never takes her out to socialize, what will happen to the girl's marriage in the future.

To be honest, it was fortunate that this was said in private, and if this was really heard, it is estimated that saliva could drown her.Shen Lan didn't say that she was very respectful to Mrs. Chen, but she followed Aunt Han's appearance. Since she entered the women's school, she never greeted Mrs. Chen again.You don't respect your aunt on weekdays, oh, when it's time to say goodbye, you think of this aunt.

But Shen Lingchang didn't think so. When he heard Aunt Han's cry, he felt that it made sense. After all, girls' marriages were mostly decided by their aunts.As a aunt, you should fulfill your responsibilities. If you don't take care of the girl, it will be a big dereliction of duty on your part.

So he also mentioned something about Mrs. Chen, but although Mrs. Chen is soft-tempered, she is not really the kind of clay figurine who can be kneaded and flattened by others, so he immediately replied: "Second girl will still be studying for girls now. , Master, you have always told me that it is important for a girl to study at home, how dare I make decisions for her casually."

When Shen Lan refused to greet Chen Shi, Chen Shi naturally refused, but when Shen Lan went to him and cried, Shen Lingchang said such a flower in front of Chen Shi.Who would have thought that this time it would be better, but was actually refuted by Mrs. Chen.Although Shen Lingchang was unhappy, he also felt that it made sense, so he did not mention this matter.

But he pressed it, but Aunt Han didn't want to let it go. She was planning to let her daughter marry into a noble family.Although there is indeed a gap in this identity, since Shen Hui can discuss marriage with the Changping Hou Mansion, why can't her Lan'er fail? Besides, Shen Lan is not only favored by her father, but also a student of a female school.

So before they came, Aunt Han had told Shen Lan to behave well at the birthday banquet.After all, on such an occasion, so many noble ladies came, if Mrs. Changping Hou also came, this would be her chance to perform.

Aunt Han was just thinking about it just in case, but she guessed it right, Mrs. Changping Hou really came.

So Shen Lan was very interested, and wanted to find out more.

It's just that Shen Changle has always been suspicious of her, seeing her inquiring, naturally he didn't want to say more, just said indifferently: "I don't know, but I never heard my grandmother mention it."

Fortunately, someone came into the room again at this time. The girls looked at it and felt that the Jining Marquis Mansion was indeed rich and noble. This relationship was either from a noble family or a noble family. From what they heard along the way, the worst was the third rank Officer's wife.In fact, it's just that Mrs. Shen didn't hold a birthday party. If it really happened, the Shen family's banquet would probably be no worse than the Jining Marquis's.

After all the guests arrived, Mrs. Xu asked the maid again, and then she told the old lady that the stage on the other side has been set up, and I don't know if this meeting can pass.

Mrs. Zhang nodded naturally, Xu Shi and Zhang Ru stepped forward to support her, and everyone got up, and followed her to the stage.Fortunately, the weather was not so hot at this time, and the stage was not too far from the ground, so it was easy to walk around.

As soon as they approached, they heard the sound of gongs and drums not far away, and the faces of all the girls became excited.

As the host, Shen Changle naturally has to take care of everyone, and now the girls are all sitting together.Fortunately, many of them were acquaintances, so they chatted on their own without being greeted.Shen Changle is also happy and quiet.

But after a while, I heard a steward trotting all the way over, happily saying: "Ma'am, the palace has come to reward you."

As soon as this was said, everyone in the lobby heard it, and a smile appeared on Xu's face immediately.Quickly asked: "But who is here to announce the decree?"

"The Seventh Prince and the Ninth Prince came to present gifts in person, and the Lord Hou and the Eldest Prince are entertaining the two princes," the steward couldn't stop saying, with a smile on his face.

The congratulatory gifts were actually sent by the two princes in person, which shows how much the emperor attaches great importance to the Jining Marquis Mansion. This is an honor, a great honor.

At this time, the Ninth Prince, Ji Ting, was looking left and right.He didn't go out of the palace many times, and most of them went to his natal family, and it was the first time he came back to the Jining Marquis Mansion.When the father asked Seventh Brother to come, he pestered him to follow, but now, Seventh Brother brought him here.

At this moment, tears were shining in the eyes of the old Hou Ye, and he said tremblingly: "Your Majesty's grace, the old minister will not be able to repay even if he dies."

"Master Hou is too modest. My father has always said that Lord Hou is the pillar of the country. Back then, he attacked the Tartars in the north and expanded the territory for the dynasty. He contributed a lot," Ji Yu said emotionally. The sincerity and seriousness, and the irony of the words, can be said to burn the heart of the old Hou Ye.

Fortunately, Zhang Xingzhi knew his father's body, so he really shouldn't get too excited, so he hurried forward to dissuade him.And Ji Yu on the side even said: "Master Hou takes good care of his body, that is to repay the emperor's kindness, so Lord Hou must not get excited anymore."

Zhang Xing glanced straight at Ji Yu with a gentle smile on his face.The emperor has many sons, but he has no sons. Now the emperor is in the prime of his life, but if it is true in the future...

From the merit of the dragon, that is a great achievement.The reason why the Zhang family can be so prominent is also due to the great achievements of the old Hou Ye, but he did not inherit his father's martial arts, he is just a weak scholar, so if he wants to continue the Zhang family's prominence, it is the merit of the dragon. For him, the temptation was too great.

After the old Hou Ye sat down, Zhang Xingzhi immediately said: "The mansion has prepared a little wine, I wonder if the two princes can appreciate it?"

Ji Yu looked at Zhang Xingzhi, but he was having fun in his heart. It seems that his future uncle is really a smart person.

(End of this chapter)