Chapter 488 - 152: Attending the Banquet_4
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In the two days leading up to the banquet at the Shen residence, the government office’s people still had not found Jiang Youyao’s whereabouts. Thanks to Jiang Yuanbai’s heads-up to the government office, Jiang Youyao’s name hadn’t been released; her reputation was preserved. For now, aside from the people inside the government office, no one knew that Jiang Youyao had disappeared.
Jiang Yuanbai’s complexion was becoming worse by the day, and Jiang Li knew that he was genuinely worried—after all, Youyao was his biological daughter. No matter how angry or disappointed he was, when it came to such a moment, he couldn’t help but be worried. However, this did not change anything for Jiang Li.
On the day of the banquet at the Shen residence, early in the morning, Madam Jiang the Elder had Zhenzhu deliver some jewelry.
She had made several new outfits for the New Year which hadn’t yet been worn, and now there was an opportunity to wear them. The jewelry sent by Madam Jiang the Elder was indeed generous, glittering and diverse. Tonger picked out accessories that matched the clothes for Jiang Li, then carefully combed her hair, applied a light touch of makeup, and everything surprisingly turned out well.
"Miss hasn’t attended a banquet for quite some time; this is a good opportunity to dazzle others," boasted Tonger, who seemed never to have learned the meaning of modesty, "Outshine the other young ladies and let them drop their jaws in astonishment!"
Jiang Li smiled, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. She was going to the Shen family on this occasion to look for more evidence, even though any evidence there might be was incredibly slim—the Shen family must have cleaned up all traces after Xue Fangfei’s death. Shen Yurong was always cautious and careful, unwilling to leave any handle that could be used against her.
But she still wanted to have a look.
Once they left the courtyard, Madam Jiang the Elder and her party were already waiting. Lady Lu did not bring Jiang Jingrui and Jiang Jingyou—Jingyou had books to read, and Jingrui was too mischievous, making Lady Lu afraid he’d cause trouble at the banquet. Some young ladies from noble families were also present, and it wouldn’t look good if any mishap occurred. Lady Lu also came to the banquet with the intention of selecting a daughter-in-law for herself. As for the third branch of the family, Madam Jiang the Elder had sent someone to inquire, and Lady Yang politely declined due to her recent poor health. Madam Jiang the Elder felt she had done everything she could; if Lady Yang was ungrateful, there was no need for further persuasion.