Chapter 1623: Invitation
Chapter 1623: Invitation
The two had initially planned to depart from the city after the third day of the Lunar New Year. However, their intentions took an unexpected turn when they received an invitation on the second day from the Fourth Princess Consort. The invitation was for a banquet scheduled on the sixth day of the Lunar New Year. This unexpected development piqued their interest.
Apparently, the eunuch delivering the invitation had received explicit instructions from the Fourth Princess Consort. In a shrill voice, he conveyed, “The Princess Consort insists that Madam Shao must attend! No excuses will be entertained; failure to comply will displease the Princess Consort.”
Qiao Xuan responded with a smile, addressing Shao Yunduan’s father, “Father-in-law, please convey my gratitude to the Fourth Princess Consort. I am truly honored that she still thinks of me during this time. I am delighted and see no reason to decline. Yes, absolutely!”
Qiao Xuan’s expression, conveying a sense of “honored acceptance,” left the young eunuch feeling as though his words had fallen on deaf ears.
Here to witness the spectacle and perhaps revel in their discomfort, the young eunuch couldn’t shake the feeling of being observed.
“Excellent! Madam Shao, remember that!” he warned.
“Hehe, unforgettable, absolutely unforgettable!”
“Bah!”
The young eunuch departed with a sullen expression, but Qiao Xuan’s sneer spoke volumes. “In your dreams!”
The Fourth Princess Consort might have aimed to mock and humiliate her, relishing in her embarrassment, but Qiao Xuan had no intention of letting it affect her.
Still, she couldn’t deny that dealing with such matters was a headache.
Shao Yunduan, holding her hands, offered a reassuring smile. “My wife, just go and enjoy the spectacle!”
Qiao Xuan looked up at him, reciprocating the smile. “Indeed, that seems to be the only way.”
The couple grinned at each other.
After a brief exchange of words, both of them began to ease up. Shao Yunduan expressed, “It would not be wise for you to decline. Considering we are departing the capital, I doubt the Fourth Princess Consort would risk causing unnecessary trouble. Rest assured, my wife.”
Internally, Qiao Xuan mused, “I am not concerned at all. Attending banquets is her specialty!”
“Yes, don’t worry, husband!”
Yet, a sigh escaped her as she added, “In that case, our visit to Cloud Water Town tomorrow will have to be postponed.”
Shao Yunduan burst into laughter. “Even if you go in a few days, it’ll be the same. Spend a few more days here to make up for the ones we missed.”
Qiao Xuan chuckled.
On the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, Qiao Xuan accompanied Lixia to the Fourth Prince’s mansion.
This time, the situation took an interesting turn. The Fourth Prince’s household staff guided her through the residence, making numerous twists and turns before leading her to a flower hall, instructing her to wait.
It was evident they intentionally left her there.
The reception hall lacked the warmth of a heated brick bed or a charcoal basin. Its cold and austere atmosphere was accentuated by its emptiness; besides Qiao Xuan and her servant, there was no one present.
Given the pleasant weather, Qiao Xuan decided to take advantage of it and brought Lixia to the courtyard to enjoy the sunshine.
In the yard, two robust and ancient winter plum trees blossomed at the perfect time. The golden flowers on the branches sparkled in the bright sunlight, and the fragrance filled the air, providing a refreshing sensation.
While admiring the flowers and conversing with Lixia, Qiao Xuan activated her superpower to eavesdrop on the ongoings within the mansion.
A cacophony of noises reached her ears, prompting Qiao Xuan to retract her superpower. Utilizing it in a bustling environment proved challenging due to the myriad voices and incessant noise. The residence lacked the tranquility necessary for effective use, a drawback that made Qiao Xuan feel lightheaded after a prolonged attempt.
This superpower, she realized, was better suited for information gathering in open landscapes and wilderness rather than crowded places.
However, within the mansion, the only discernible sounds were servants gossiping, various discussions, and envy expressed toward the madams and young ladies attending the banquet. Amidst the chatter, there were also whispers of mockery and gloating aimed at Qiao Xuan.