Chapter 410 - 402: The Crowd
Riding in the carriage, they traveled leisurely towards the Zhou Mansion.
Although the Zhou Mansion had invited women this time, Mr. Zhou Sr. also invited some men over, wanting to use the opportunity to forge more alliances.
When Lin Youning and the others arrived outside the Zhou Mansion, they saw many carriages lined up outside. By the time they reached the entrance, the carriage could hardly move, often stopping in place, taking half an hour to travel just a few steps.
After getting off the carriage, they sat in a soft sedan chair, carried all the way to the backyard of the Zhou Mansion. Upon alighting, they found the yard filled with servants and some madams from various families, quietly conversing together.
Lin Youning recognized these noble madams, having known them in a previous lifetime, and later attended several banquets with her aunt. Though she only watched from a distance, she was aware of which family each belonged to.
Lin Youning paused at the soft bridge, instantly drawing private scrutiny. Her identity was very special, and the incidents that happened around her made the noble madams gasp in surprise or consider it ungenteel.
Thus, the looks directed at her were more inquisitive, even though she was now with the Dingyuan Marquis and was the granddaughter of Prime Minister Liu, none stepped forward to curry favor.
Lin Youning didn’t mind, letting her young maid lead her to take a seat in the flower hall.
Inside the flower hall, Lin Youning saw many acquaintances, including Feng Yufu, the Dong Sisters, the Wu Sisters, Vice Minister Zhang’s daughter, Zhou Yuyan, and Xu Ya’an.
Perhaps deliberately, when they were guests at the Xu Mansion, along with Wu Fu, these individuals had gathered together, and today they coincidentally grouped again at the Zhou Mansion.
In just a few years, everyone’s fate had changed.
Seeing Lin Youning enter, Xu Ya’an stood and approached to sit beside her. "I knew Sister Lin would definitely come. I was wondering when you would arrive. Looking at Sister Lin these days, you seem to be in better spirits. I planned to visit the mansion recently, but Grandmother hasn’t been well, so I couldn’t go. It’s wonderful to see you today."
No matter how indifferent Lin Youning was to Xu Ya’an, Xu Ya’an acted as if nothing had ever happened when she saw Lin Youning.
Not being one to publicly embarrass others, Lin Youning cordially engaged with Xu Ya’an. The others in the room cast varied glances towards Lin Youning. While each quietly conversed with familiar people, many kept attentive to what Lin Youning discussed.
Sister Ran had once quarreled with Vice Minister Zhang’s daughter, and upon seeing her now, seemed energized, fiercely glaring, ready to pounce if the daughter dared look back.
Despite the staring, Vice Minister Zhang’s daughter scarcely glanced her way.
On any usual day, Sister Jian would have reprimanded Sister Ran’s behavior, but clearly preoccupied now, Sister Jian bowed head, sitting without intervening.
Lin Youning was surprised to see Sister Hong and Sister Ying had arrived as well.
As it was their first time at such a gathering, Sister Hong and Sister Ying rarely attended banquets in the Capital, leaving them almost unknown. Sister Ran recognized them, eagerly welcoming them.
The sudden appearance of these unfamiliar ladies naturally drew everyone’s eyes in the flower hall. Realizing they hailed from Prime Minister Liu’s Mansion, the audience was mildly astonished.
But seeing Sister Ran engage with the duo so amiably, it became apparent they had connected through Lin Youning previously.
Zhou Yuyan glanced at Lin Youning momentarily, then calmly withdrew her gaze, resuming conversation with Wu Xueqin.
Wu Xueqin responded coolly to Zhou Yuyan, echoing each statement in kind. Yet, Zhou Yuyan remained untouched by any latent chill; those observing understood Zhou Yuyan was soon to enter the Prince Mansion as a Princess Consort, and her pandering to Wu Xueqin served the Eldest Prince’s ambitions.
Many in the flower hall disapproved of Zhou Yuyan’s manner, feeling she hadn’t yet married but already acted on the Eldest Prince’s behalf, neglecting maidenly reserve.
Yet, with the gathering hosted by the Zhou Mansion, no further critique was made regarding her actions.
Vice Minister Zhang’s daughter, Zhang Xian, noticed Sister Ran mingling with the Prime Minister’s daughters, initially indifferent until Sister Ran persistently glared at her, prompting Zhang Xian’s ire.
"Dragons match with dragons, phoenixes with phoenixes; they’re just illegitimate children grouped together," Zhang Xian quipped, candidly.
Her words quieted the entire flower hall instantly.
Lin Youning stopped conversing with Xu Ya’an, focusing on the scene instead.
Considering Sister Ying and Sister Hong were attending such a grand event for the first time, their status was already scrutinized; being directly challenged heightened Lin Youning’s concern, prepared to intervene if tension arose.
But Sister Hong simply smiled, unfazed, as if she hadn’t heard a word, while the typically lively Sister Ying unexpectedly presented equal composure.
Arguing would have diminished their standing, and by maintaining calm, they effectively gave Zhang Xian a subtle reprisal.
Zhang Xian regretted her words, realizing her target wasn’t truly Prime Minister Liu’s Mansion but Sister Ran.
Though she directed frustration at Sister Ran, mistakenly projecting it onto the Prime Minister’s daughters.
Zhang Xian knew anger towards Sister Ran had clouded judgment; otherwise, aware of the legitimate daughters’ superior rank, she would have refrained from uttering such remarks.
Sister Ran was intolerant, leaping up as soon as Zhang Xian spoke, "I’m illegitimate, but can’t change that. Sister Hong and Sister Ying are Madam’s official daughters, rightful and proper. Scoffing at me alone is one thing, but scorning them is mighty bold, I wonder what they’ve done to earn your disdain."
"Am I wrong? Even legitimate daughters are born from concubines," Zhang Xian retorted for pride’s sake.
Witnesses felt Vice Minister Zhang’s daughter acted foolishly; when Sister Ran’s challenge arose, an apology, not dispute, was expected.