Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 196 - 79: Banquet_3
Chapter 196 -79: Banquet_3
Yueying was dressed in a peach-red brocaded Hangzhou silk jacket with a spring blouse underneath, her hair tied up in a small flowing cloud bun, and a vermilion hairpin inset with red gems adorning her hair. From beneath her ears hung a pair of five-colored glass beads strung with gold wire.
Yuehuan wore a green long skirt today; her hair styled in an ordinary bun, adorned with a hibiscus warm jade with gold jade pendants on top, and a pair of pearl earrings dangling from her ears. With shrimp whisker bracelets wrapped around her wrists, and her skin tender and smooth, even though Yuehuan’s attire was not the most dazzling and she was young, her beauty was undeniable, resembling Maternal Aunt Su.
Excluding the especially serious Tingzheng, each of the four girls had her own charm: Yueyao was elegant, Yuebing was bright and beautiful, Yueying was gentle and graceful, and Yuehuan was stunning and captivating.
In the main hall, several Madams were seated, and one Madam laughed and said, “My, Lady Lian, where did you find these four little fairies carved out of jade?”
From that remark, it was clear that the speaker had a close relationship with Madam Lian Mo.
As soon as these words were spoken, naturally, others laughed and echoed, “Indeed, Lady Lian, you’ve kept them hidden very well. These four girls are like budding flowers, so beautiful that they make one envious.”
Yuebing thoroughly enjoyed the compliments from everyone, Yueying’s face also revealed a faint joy, and Yuehuan blushed from the praise while being held by a lady.
Yueyao was as calm as when she entered the room, not taking the crowd’s compliments to heart at all. In her previous life, she had received too much praise; it was all flattery and wasn’t to be taken seriously – taking it seriously would be foolish.
Lady Cheng was fine dealing with others, but when facing Yueyao, her eyes spat fire. If it weren’t for Yueyao, she would not have been confined, nor would there have been so many subsequent issues. Even Lady Cheng, albeit dull, didn’t dare vent her frustration, given the occasion. Yueyue was also fifteen now and it was time to discuss her marriage. Taking advantage of this banquet, Lady Cheng intended to choose carefully.
Yueyao respectfully gave her blessings to Lady Cheng, “Yueyao wishes Auntie congratulations.” Yueyao’s manners were impeccable, and the smile on her face was flawless.
Lady Cheng smiled and said, “Come here to Auntie. Your cousin’s success owes much to you. After the banquet, let your cousin thank you properly.” Her words clearly had ill intentions.
Yueyao tensed up but quickly relaxed. This matter was something Uncle would definitely not tell Lady Cheng, and Yueyao did not understand why Lady Cheng would say such a thing. Yueyao sneered inwardly, but her face was all flushed, “What is Auntie talking about? My older cousin’s success is due to his hard study for over a decade, which formed a solid foundation. Yueyao only assisted a little on the side, which is insignificant.” Had she outright refused, Lady Cheng’s comment could have aroused suspicion; it was better to address it directly.
The ladies present were already curious about Lady Cheng’s words, but they didn’t expect Yueyao to openly acknowledge it then and there, causing them to look towards her, fully aware of Ma Peng’s accomplishments.
This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.
Suddenly, the room fell eerily quiet.
Lady Li had also come today. Seeing how sincere Yueyao was, she sighed slightly. Could this child not hear that Lady Cheng was laying a trap for her to fall into? Lady Li felt disdainful of Lady Cheng’s unsubtle maneuvers and would have preferred not to attend if not for her husband’s words. Lady Li tried to smooth things over for Yueyao, “What are you talking about, you silly girl? How could you have helped your cousin?” Her scolding laugh implied affection. The ladies who were on good terms with Lady Li naturally picked up on her tactful aid and did not trouble Yueyao further.
But Yueyao, as if unable to understand the step down provided by Lady Li, continued with a smile, “It was actually quite coincidental. I was staying at Uncle’s house for a while and one day heard the old nanny mentioning that my mother liked to view the nightscape in the garden in the evening. So, I took the maid and old nanny to see the nightscape in the garden, where we happened to encounter my cousin. After inquiring, I learned he was restless from studying and couldn’t concentrate on his books, so he went to the garden for some fresh air. I advised my cousin that as the exam approached, it was even more necessary to have a relaxed mind, or else the tension could affect his performance. The next day, I also spoke to Uncle, suggesting that he should not put too much pressure on my cousin. Uncle thought my advice was sensible and took my cousin out to clear his mind before the exams. My cousin’s foundation was already solid, and being relaxed before the test naturally led to good results. So, if we really talk about it, I did apply a little effort after all.”
A lady couldn’t help but say, “Who told you that you need to relax before an exam in order to do well?”
Yueyao chuckled, “This was taught to me by my teacher. When I was in Jiangnan, my teacher often tested me, and after many times, I came to realize it myself.”
Lady Cheng’s complexion immediately turned unsightly. Her intention was to mock Yueyao for meddling in the affairs of Ma’s Mansion at such a young age, but she hadn’t expected the girl to seize the opportunity to climb higher, and she couldn’t expose her.
Lady Li smiled and subtly changed the subject, “You girl, you know so much. No wonder you can teach your brother so well, even your Uncle Li is full of praise. Come, Tingzheng, come to your Auntie here.”
Tingzheng looked at Yueyao, and after Yueyao nodded, Tingzheng walked over to Lady Li.
The ladies present, sensing a story, began to inquire. Lady Li took the opportunity to tell everyone about Yueyao’s teaching of her younger brother, “Not only does Old Master praise this child, but so does Mr. Zhu. Despite her young age, she’s not only knowledgeable but also incredibly patient, which is rare.”
Yueyao, completely nonchalant under everyone’s gaze, responded graciously, “Auntie flatters me too much. This is something Yueyao should do and doesn’t deserve praise from Uncle and Teacher. My brother is doing so well now, thanks to Teacher’s guidance.” Yueyao didn’t mention Li Guoxing, as Lady Mo was present.
Lady Mo, upon hearing this, still looked displeased. Traditionally, instructing a nephew was the husband’s duty, but this girl was saying such things in front of so many ladies, which was a severe affront to her husband’s reputation.
Everyone had a good impression of Yueyao.
Yueyao felt someone staring intently at her. She met their gaze, bowed in greeting, and then calmly shifted her gaze away as if unaware that her actions were impolite.
The lady seated third on the left nudged the person next to her and said with a laugh, “Sister Shen, it seems you’ve found an excellent daughter-in-law.”
Upon hearing the words “daughter-in-law,” Yueyao looked at the woman who spoke with shock, her lips quivered several times, and finally, she bit her lip and lowered her head. To outsiders, Yueyao’s behavior seemed very strange, as if she was unaware of this marriage arrangement.
Not to mention others, even Lady Li felt puzzled. This marriage was supposed to be known by all, yet Yueyao looked as if she knew nothing about it.
Lady Mu felt like vomiting blood from Yueyao’s expression. Her husband and Lian Dongbo had grown up together and Dongbo had even saved her husband’s life, so they had orally committed to becoming relatives by marriage. Because Yueyao was about the same age as her second son, Conghao, the match was made with him. Initially, she had felt it was a good match, but after Dongbo and his wife passed away and Yueyao became an orphan, she had her doubts. However, she only dared to murmur them in her heart, as she absolutely couldn’t dare to call off this marriage without her husband turning against her.
Among those present was a relative of the Ma Family. In terms of seniority, Ma Chengteng even had to call her aunt. This person was specifically invited by Ma Chengteng, fearing that Lady Cheng would cause trouble again. Now, she too sensed something was amiss and said with a smile, “Young ladies should enjoy each other’s company. Linlin, take the girls to play in the garden, you all go as well!”
A few people bowed in response and left. As they retreated, Yueyao was still holding Tingzheng’s hand.
