A servant announced, "The Miss of the Nan Prefecture is here."
"Miss of the Nan Prefecture?"
Mu Xiaoxiao glanced at her mother. The County Princess Consort also lifted her head from her conversations with the other ladies. Nan Yuan'er was dressed in a simple, elegant gown today, without excessive styling. She entered the courtyard through the archway, ascended the steps, and walked into everyone's view, step by step.
Why was she here?
The County Princess Consort was slightly taken aback. Hadn't she and Nan Yujin declined her invitation?
Nan Yuan'er paid no mind to the gazes falling upon her—whether they were playful, disdainful, or jealous. She walked up to the County Princess Consort and curtsied, "Your Highness, this subject, Nan Yuan'er, pays her respects to you."
"Please rise quickly."
The County Princess Consort stood up and walked towards Nan Yuan'er, helping her to her feet. No matter why this girl had changed her mind, since she was here, there was no reason to turn her away. The future was uncertain, and it was best to proceed with caution.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
Nan Yuan'er rose gracefully. The County Princess Consort took her hand and led her to a seat, placing her beside her.
"Tsk, look at her. What is she being so arrogant about?"
"Exactly. She's just a useless cripple. Even if His Majesty truly elevates her to the Imperial Consort, she'll become a laughingstock for future generations!"
"I just can't stand the way she acts like no one else matters."
These words were so sour and wretched!
Mu Xiaoxiao turned her head and glanced at the group who only dared to gossip behind people's backs and not confront them directly. Although she didn't like Nan Yuan'er either, she disliked these gossiping women even more.
Whether Nan Yuan'er came or not was irrelevant; she wasn't the Consort's match anyway. It was just that the unpleasant events at the Nan Prefecture banquet that day brought back a wave of annoyance. She worried that the other party might play some new tricks and dirty the air of their royal residence.
As she was thinking, the announcement of "Her Royal Highness the Consort is arriving" sounded from outside.
Everyone stopped talking and rose simultaneously. The County Princess Consort, as the host, stepped forward to greet her. Mu Xiaoxiao and Mu Baiyu followed closely, and then came the ladies and young lords from various prefectures.
Before Nan Shiying even entered the archway, she saw the large group approaching her from afar.
"This subject, your concubine, greets Your Highness. May Your Highness be blessed with peace and prosperity!"
"This subject, wife (daughter), greets Your Highness. May Your Highness be blessed with peace and prosperity!"
"Subordinate official, student..."
As they drew closer, everyone paid their respects.
"You are excused!"
Nan Shiying waved her hand. She immediately spotted Nan Yuan'er standing in the crowd. Her lowered gaze made her seem as humble as dust, yet Nan Shiying felt her back was straighter than ever before.
"Has Your Highness's health improved?"
The County Princess Consort led Nan Shiying into the courtyard, inquiring about her health. She had been ill for nearly a month before the New Year, missing many banquets, and the officials' wives had gossiped behind her back. Now that she was present, they all seemed as timid as quails.
"Thank you for your concern, sister-in-law. This consort is already much better."
"It's good that you are well. It's good."
The two entered the house, chatting and laughing. The royal residence's servants were setting up the dining tables. Since it was a "stove-warmed snow appreciation" feast, they would naturally dine outdoors. The dining area was on the steps behind the courtyard, facing the lake. At the top of the steps, a long table made of white jade, large enough to seat three people, was placed. Below the steps, on both sides, were long tables made of温泉鹅卵石 (hot spring pebbles), each ten meters long. Servants brought basins the size of washbasins filled with charcoal stoves, placing one every five meters. Even outdoors, it was not cold at all.
Moreover, today was a stove-warmed snow appreciation banquet, so they would be eating lamb hot pot. With the steaming hot pot and aromatic fine wine, one would feel truly warm.
The servants meticulously prepared the midday meal. In the courtyard, the elders chatted, not restricting the younger generation. They were free to eat fruits inside and listen to their conversations, or go out to play.
Nan Shiying sat in the place of honor, listening to the County Princess Consort find suitable matches for her children. Unfortunately, due to the recent matter of the marriage alliance with Da Li, families were afraid to choose their sons, so many engagements were made at that time. Some of the young lords attending the banquet today were acceptable, but their ages... they were almost ten years older than Xiaoxiao. Age was actually manageable, but her daughter had always been troublesome since childhood. If things didn't go her way, she might truly end up as her father-in-law said, remaining unmarried her whole life.
"Where is Wei Yuan? Your Highness, what do you think of Wei Yuan?"
Nan Shiying blew on the tea leaves floating on the surface of the water and asked abruptly. The County Princess Consort was talking with a granddaughter of Lord Liu Wanjun. Upon hearing the question, she completely forgot what she had intended to say to Liu Ling'er.
She turned and looked at Nan Shiying, "Who does Your Highness mean? Imperial Physician Wei Yuan?"
Nan Shiying nodded noncommittally, "Although he's a bit older, he's quite reliable, wouldn't you say!"