Chapter Seventy-Three: The Flower Banquet

  Ye Qingrou was also carefully dressed today, especially the hairpin on her head with a large Dongzhu inlaid with emerald jade, which added a lot of color to her.

  She thought she could surpass Ye Qingning today, but Ye Qingning not only had a stunning appearance, her cold and arrogant temperament was also unmatched. With just one casual stand, the noble lady's demeanor already overshadowed everyone else.

  Ye Qingrou suppressed the suffocating feeling in her heart and glanced at Ye Qinglan again. This glance made things even more unbearable, and Ye Qingrou's eyes widened in shock, staring blankly for a long time without blinking.

  Ye Qingning had been paying attention to her expression, seeing this foolish look, suddenly felt balanced in her heart. The little sister was born with a outstanding appearance, slightly dressed up and looked so beautiful, feeling threatened not just herself alone.

  Both Zheng and Li were very composed, although they were also surprised in their hearts, but it did not show on their faces.

  It was Cui Wan, smiling and sizing up Ye Qinglan for a few moments, sincerely praising her: "Tenth sister usually doesn't show off, but this time she's really a beauty!"

  Ye Qinglan's face showed a shy expression, but in her heart, she was secretly regretful. Today, it was really not right to be so high-profile, and Ye Qingning and Ye Qingrou might not be happy about it either. She had not yet stood firm on her feet, and if she provoked the jealousy of these two women, it would not be a good thing.

  People are too beautiful, and troubles are many. With just a slight carelessness, they become the focus of everyone's attention.

  Ye Qinglan thought for a moment and then put the matter aside. Whatever happened later would be dealt with later, what was most important now wasn't these things.

  The pattern of going out and visiting guests is the same as last time. After everyone gathered, they went to Changhe Hall together to bid farewell. Unexpectedly, Ye Sheng was also there today.

  Zheng and Li smiled and greeted Grandfather, the younger generation made their bows after which they quietly stood aside, hardly having a chance to speak. Even the most unruly Ye Qingning was unusually well-behaved. This shows just how powerful the atmosphere of the head of the household is.

  Ye Jing obviously already knew the purpose of everyone's trip. He specially reminded a few words: "You are going to the British Gongfu, you must be careful and cautious, and you cannot lose your courtesy. Zhengshi, you are the eldest daughter-in-law of our Changyuanbo Fu, and you should pay more attention to your words and deeds."

  Zheng nodded respectfully in response. This respect was subtly different from his attitude towards Jiang.

  Although Zheng's family seemed to respect Jiang's family, they actually looked down on this ordinary official family from the bottom of their hearts. Jiang's heart knew that her daughter-in-law's attitude towards her was subtle, but she didn't say anything about it in daily life.

  Chiang saw Ye Sheng attach so much importance to the British Consulate, and he couldn't help but feel a little displeased in his heart. But on the surface, he squeezed out a gentle smile and said: "Don't worry, Master Zheng has always been cautious in his actions and will not make any mistakes."

  Zheng smiled quietly and said: "Mother-in-law praises me so much, I'm ashamed to accept it." As long as Li doesn't come up with any more tricks, there won't be a problem.

  The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law exchanged a subtle glance, while Ye Sheng remained oblivious, his eyes scanning the several granddaughters for a moment before a satisfied smile floated up in his eyes. Each one was more lovely and lively than the last. With such a neat and tidy group walking out together, who wouldn't offer a word of praise?

  After a brief chat, everyone got on their horse-drawn carriages and set off towards the British Embassy.

  Let's put aside the idle chatter for now. It wasn't until about an hour later that the horse carriage finally came to a gentle stop. Having sat in the carriage for so long, I was almost suffocated. As soon as the carriage stopped, Ye Qingru hastily lifted up the curtain and looked outside.

  A hint of mockery floated in Ye Qingning's eyes as she coolly said, "Don't say I, your elder sister, didn't warn you. There are many guests at the British Embassy today, so you must be careful not to make a mistake and lose face for our Changyuan Duke Manor."

  These few words were both sarcastic and biting, making Ye Qingrou clench her teeth in anger, with flames of rage shooting up, she furiously pulled down the car curtain. Then she glared at Ye Qingning: "You'd better not worry about me, you should be careful yourself."

  Ye Qingning smiled proudly and disdainfully. She didn't bother to argue with her. Having entered the British embassy several times, she was very familiar with this place and knew many of the aristocratic ladies who came and went. Her etiquette was also impeccable, so how could she possibly make a mistake?

  Thinking of this, Ye Qingning couldn't help but remind Ye Qinglan a few more times: "Later on, don't run around randomly, remember to follow me. Whatever I do, just follow suit and that's all. So as not to be rude to others."

  Ye Qinglan obediently responded.

  This differential treatment is too obvious! Ye Qingrou was both annoyed and indignant, and couldn't help but glare at Ye Qinglan.

  Ye Qinglan looked innocent. Hey, hey, the one who bullied you just now was Ye Qingning, not me, okay? You can't beat him, don't vent your anger on me.

  The carriage door opened, and the guests were greeted by the housekeeper and maids from the British embassy. The lead housekeeper, Mrs. Qiao, was about 40 years old, with an ordinary appearance and not particularly elegant attire, but her every move revealed the elegance and poise unique to a noble family's servant. Her smile was proper and dignified, and her words were polite yet warm: "You've finally arrived! The mistress has been thinking of you all along!"

  Zheng smiled slightly: "Is sister-in-law's body still okay? It's been a few months since I saw her, and I've always missed her."

  After exchanging a few pleasantries, Mrs. Qiao finally returned the courtesy to Li's mother. Although the etiquette was impeccable, anyone with discerning eyes could see that her attitude now was vastly different from the warmth she had shown to Zheng's mother earlier.

  Li's eyes flashed, and her smile faded away.

  Qiao's mother didn't have the leisure to pay attention to her expression, smiling as she welcomed everyone into the manor. Her gaze swept across the faces of the several misses of the Ye manor before intentionally praising Ye Qingning.

  The previous British Gong, who was Zhang's elder brother, passed away two years ago. The current successor to the title is Zhang's nephew, Zhang Yuan. Ye Qingning should call him Uncle Zhang Yuan. Although they didn't get along very closely in daily life, this close relationship is right here, and it's no wonder that Qiao Mama looks at Ye Qingning with a different gaze.

  Ye Qinglan was not very clear about these complicated relationships, but after a rough inference, she had an idea. She couldn't help but sigh secretly, and it's no wonder that Ye Qingning's status in the mansion was so extraordinary.

  Among the granddaughters of this generation in Changyuan Bo's mansion, Ye Qingning is the legitimate eldest daughter of the main house, while Ye Qingrou is the biological granddaughter of Jiang Shi, who remarried. In terms of status, she can't help but be inferior to her sister. Moreover, Ye Qingning's background is too prominent, not to mention Zheng Shi and Zhang Yuan, this close relative, one more powerful than the other.

  Ye Qinglan couldn't help but feel fortunate that her vision was accurate, having just transmigrated into the body of a miserable daughter, she had managed to latch onto such a sturdy thigh... As the saying goes, "leaning on a big tree is good for cooling off", from now on, she must make sure to coax Ye Qingning well.

  After indulging in her wild thoughts, Ye Qinglan began to secretly observe the surroundings of the British Consulate.

  As a hundred-year-old aristocratic family, there are naturally some marks of the years. Although it is well-maintained, wherever you look, you can still see some traces that have been through the wind and frost of the years. It's similar to Dingguo Gongfu.

  Ye Qingrou had been taught a lesson last time at Dingguo Gongfu, and this time she didn't dare to criticize recklessly again.

  It was Ye Qingning, who intentionally or unintentionally glanced at Ye Qingrou and whispered lazily: "This place can't compare to the Li Mansion in Fenghuang Hall, you should be more patient."

  Ye Qingrou was choked with a belly full of stagnant air, but she didn't dare to make a move, let alone feel suffocated.

  Ye Qinglan lowered her head and held back a smile. As long as Ye Qingning's sarcasm wasn't directed at herself, it was actually quite entertaining to listen to.

  They soon arrived at the Shunyi Garden where the British Duke and his wife lived. The flower appreciation banquet was a grand occasion for the ladies, and the British Duke Zhang Yuan was not in the mansion. The British Duchess Xu led her two daughters-in-law to warmly greet the ladies. From afar, she saw Zheng's group approaching and hurriedly smiled as she welcomed them over.

  Next, there was a lively exchange of pleasantries. In addition to the Xus, many other noblewomen who were acquaintances also came over to greet her. At this time, Zheng's skill in handling social situations became apparent. Her usual reserved smile quickly changed into a warm and gentle one that put everyone at ease, and she was able to chat with anyone.

  Li was usually able to speak eloquently, but in such a situation, he was far inferior to Zheng. Moreover, among the women present, who didn't have sharp eyes and thought themselves superior, were even less willing to lower their status to interact with the daughter-in-law of the Changyuan Duke's family.

  Li's concealed effort was still not up to par, and his smile couldn't help but be a bit stiff.

  On such occasions, it's best for unmarried girls to keep quiet, and even Ye Qingning didn't make a sound. As for Ye Qinglan, she naturally didn't need to open her mouth, just keeping a smile on her face at all times was enough.

  Xu looked at Ye Qingning with a gentle smile and kindly praised: "It's been some days since I've seen Sister Ning, and she's become even more lovely."

  There were more than a dozen young girls of all shapes and sizes in the house, but Ye Qingning was absolutely the most dazzling one.

  Ye Qing Ning smiled reservedly: "Aunt is overpraising."

  Zheng also smiled and said: "Yue is getting more and more beautiful as she grows up."

  The slender girl beside Madam Xǔ smiled and said, "Thank you, Auntie, for your praise, but with Ning as my cousin, I don't dare to accept such compliments." This girl was about fifteen years old, her looks were not stunning, but every move she made exuded a strong scholarly aura, making people feel good. She was Xǔ's eldest daughter, Zhang Yuè.

  As they chatted, the female guests arrived one after another.

  Zheng saw Mrs. Xu arriving, and hurriedly stood up with a smile to greet her. This time, Mrs. Xu had also brought along a 12 or 13-year-old girl named Min'er, who was Zheng Junyan's younger half-sister.

  Ye Qingning felt awkward all over as soon as she saw Mrs. Xu, and hastily greeted her before lowering her eyes and falling silent.

  Madam Xü watched her with a twisted expression, but her face remained calm and composed, chatting casually with Zheng Shi.

  Zheng smiled and said: "The weather has been great these past few days, I was just thinking of taking Ning'er back for a visit!"

  "That's great," said Mrs. Xu with a smile: "The old lady has been thinking of you two all these days!" The two of them tacitly avoided mentioning Zheng Junyan, but there was still a hint of ambiguity in their words.

  The conversation between the two people pierced into Ye Qingning's ears without a single word being missed, and Ye Qingning bit her lip, with a hint of annoyance flashing in her eyes.

  At this moment, the door suddenly creaked open.

  Ye Qinglan couldn't help but look over.