The one who delivered the invitation was the granddaughter of the old General Cheng. Though the daughter of a military general, she was fond of elegant gatherings and often hosted flower appreciation and poetry events.
Ye Qingcheng listened to Lin Xiao, who was riding on horseback escorting her, chatting away inside the carriage.
Hearing him say that, Ye Qingcheng stroked her chin. "Then that means this Miss Cheng is also a refined person, so she must have a very good temperament!"
Lin Xiao, bouncing on his horse, sneered contemptuously. "What refinement can she have? Don't underestimate her. This Miss Cheng is skilled in horse riding and archery. When her grandfather was ordered by the court to hold martial arts competitions, she disguised herself as a man and sneaked in. She was even recognized on the spot, which caused quite a scandal for several months."
Ye Qingcheng pondered. It seemed that ancient cross-dressing was different from the deceptive portrayals in television dramas.
Ye Qingcheng asked curiously, "How was she recognized as a cross-dresser?"
Lin Xiao's tone became even more displeased, filled with disdain. "She lacked self-awareness and insisted on doing something unique. She didn't bind her chest while cross-dressing, and was caught on the spot... cough." He couldn't say more, as it concerned a young lady's reputation.
Uh... Ye Qingcheng felt awkward. With that said, she understood. It was likely this young lady was caught during the competition... and that's how she was recognized!
Lin Xiao continued chattering, "Actually, it's useless for you to go. This Cheng family, although they seem to be hosting flower appreciation and elegant gatherings, it's nothing more than Miss Cheng reaching marriageable age, and Madam Cheng is looking for suitable young gentlemen for her daughter."
Ye Qingcheng nodded, understanding Madam Cheng's actions perfectly. "Indeed, a bird soars with the phoenix. If her daughter had a scandal, it's natural to start from these efforts to salvage her reputation. She's also a mother concerned for her daughter."
Lin Xiao remained noncommittal. "Then why are you still going?"
Ye Qingcheng propped up her chin and smiled slightly. "Why shouldn't I go? She is looking for a husband, and I am going to make friends. There's no conflict." However, she suddenly thought, that's not right! Since Madam Cheng was looking for a son-in-law, why did she send an invitation to Xiao Wangye? Was she trying to send her daughter into the Regent's mansion as a concubine? But that's not right! Although the Cheng family didn't hold very high official positions, they weren't commoners. They couldn't possibly let their daughter become a concubine, could they?
Lin Xiao was stumped. Seeing that her mind wouldn't change, he didn't say much more and urged his horse forward to clear the path.
Soon, the carriage arrived at the Cheng residence.
Ye Qingcheng was helped out of the carriage by Bi Xi. She surveyed the main gate of the Cheng residence. This was her first time visiting someone else's mansion since her transmigration. Although the banquet was for Xiao Wangye and she was attending on his behalf, she still felt a little excited.
The main gate of the Cheng residence did not have the grandeur of the Regent's mansion, but there were still two stone lions standing guard.
There were also a few junior servants and guards. How to put it? They were still considered somewhat strictly guarded.
At this moment, someone was already taking the invitation inside.
Ye Qingcheng and her entourage followed.
Entering the Cheng residence, the first thing that met her eyes was a grand courtyard, which was quite beautiful. However, it still couldn't compare to the Regent's mansion. Now Ye Qingcheng understood. A mother naturally wished for the best for her children. Even if the Regent married, he couldn't resist Xiao Wangye's wealth!
Wouldn't it be better to eat well and live comfortably in the Regent's mansion? And someone would take care of her.
Ye Qingcheng and a few others followed the servants of the Cheng residence into the backyard.
Entering the backyard, they saw one or two people scattered around chatting and laughing.
Seeing Ye Qingcheng, they were a little confused but still observed proper etiquette and bowed to her.
Ye Qingcheng was led to Madam Cheng's side.
Looking closely at Madam Cheng, she was slightly plump, dressed luxuriously, and her attire was comfortable and well-fitting. Her face was full of smiles, making her appear to be a kind madam.
Upon seeing Ye Qingcheng, Madam Cheng's face flashed with a hint of confusion and surprise, but she still stepped forward with a smile and greeted her, "The Princess Consort has arrived, quickly, quickly, this old woman had already prepared a seat for the Princess Consort, waiting for you."
Bi Xi tugged at Ye Qingcheng's sleeve, signaling her to be formal. She understood, having watched so many historical dramas, it wasn't in vain.
Ye Qingcheng stepped forward with great composure and conversed, "Madam is too kind." She then followed Madam Cheng to the banquet hall and saw that there was indeed a clean seat.
Seeing her arrive, the other guests also put down what they were holding and bowed to her.
Ye Qingcheng nodded and sat down. Only then did she notice that it was a flowing-wine banquet.
Ye Qingcheng's eyes lit up. This Cheng residence was quite sophisticated!
Lin Xiao wasn't entirely accurate. Although the Cheng family was a military family, she felt that Madam Cheng truly understood these elegant things.
Madam Cheng beckoned to her, "Princess Consort, please start eating! Taste how it is."
Before Ye Qingcheng could speak, a madam seated beside her said, "Madam Cheng is too modest. In the entire capital, only your family's flowing-wine banquet is done the best."
The others chimed in, "Yes, it's second to none!"
Then they began to chat, discussing many things, and Ye Qingcheng couldn't interject a single word.
She muttered to herself, "They are all elderly people. It's only because of my higher status that I'm seated with them, and yet I can't get a word in."
At this moment, a plate of pastries floated past her. Ye Qingcheng was about to reach for it when she saw them picking up food with chopsticks. Ye Qingcheng paused and quickly switched to chopsticks to pick up a pastry.
The pastry was shaped like a plum blossom, very beautiful. As Ye Qingcheng opened her mouth to bite, she suddenly remembered Xiao Wangye's repeated instructions from last night: "You can go, but you must not be rude at the dining table."
Ye Qingcheng blinked her eyes and changed her large bite into a small one, taking a small piece of the pastry.
She chewed slowly.
Ye Qingcheng's eyes sparkled with brilliance. "Hmm~ *＾＿＾* It's quite delicious."
Madam Cheng smiled and said, "This is from a newly opened pastry shop in the west of the city. Their business is very good, and the pastries are delicious too. If the Princess Consort likes it, you can take some back."
Ye Qingcheng was about to agree when Bi Xi quickly tugged at her sleeve. Ye Qingcheng understood and replied, "No need to trouble Madam. How could I take food back when I'm visiting? The Prince would also speak of me... uh... of this Princess."
A drop of cold sweat trickled down from her hairline. She roared inwardly, "Mom, following the rules is so difficult... t＾t"
Madam Cheng covered her mouth and smiled, exceptionally elegant and dignified. "The Princess Consort is teasing this old woman. Princess Consort, my daughter is currently appreciating flowers with a group of close friends in the courtyard. Why don't you go and see them?" Fearing that Ye Qingcheng wouldn't find her way as this was her first visit to their mansion, she said to a mammy beside her, "You take the Princess Consort there."
The mammy acknowledged the order.
After Ye Qingcheng left, a group of aristocratic old women nearby teased, "Madam Cheng, why are you sending the Princess Consort to a small courtyard?"
Madam Cheng smiled, how could she not understand their meaning? They thought that the Princess Consort's status and position should be seated with them. Even if they found fault with the Princess Consort, their status as elders remained, and the Princess Consort naturally couldn't say anything.
Madam Cheng put down her chopsticks and smiled, "The Princess Consort is still young. Sitting with a group of elderly people like us, she might find it difficult to chat. It would be better for her to be with people her own age, and they can have fun in ways we can't."
With that single sentence, she silenced everyone present.