Chapter 1076: Chapter 901: Madam Ji’s Plum Appreciation Banquet_3

Everyone exclaimed in surprise!

"The old lady of the Ji Family sent out invitations for a surprise banquet, this is very sudden!"

Inside the Minister’s Mansion, Madam Lu took the invitation to consult with Minister Lu!

Minister Lu’s eyes narrowed slightly as he took out another invitation and said, "This was just received by Yunsheng, it was sent by Divine Hunter of the Ji Family, also for attending the surprise banquet!"

"And Yunsheng’s invitation too, what is the Ji Family planning?"

Madam Lu was perplexed, murmuring in confusion!

"I inquired, and this time the old lady of the Ji Family invited many ladies from noble ministerial families, as for young talents, there are not many, only a few renowned ones with talent, and the invitations were written by Ji Youzhi himself!"

"In that case, it seems the old lady of the Ji Family might have ulterior motives!"

"You mean that the old lady of the Ji Family plans to find a match for Divine Hunter?"

Upon hearing his wife’s words, Minister Lu suddenly felt enlightened!

"It’s not impossible, but it’s a pity we don’t have a daughter, or else forming an alliance with the Ji Family, especially with someone as distinguished as Divine Hunter, would be a splendid match!"

Mentioning not having children, Minister Lu’s eyes dimmed slightly. He did have children, but only sons and no daughters!

"Don’t overthink it, dear. Although the Ji Family is a good match, it’s still a matter of fate. Divine Hunter is a rising star in the court, and the eighth son of the Ji Family is favored by the Emperor, even as study companions!

This time in the imperial examination, he ranked fifth, reportedly on purpose. Next year’s palace examination, he’s certain to be among the top three!"

"Are you telling me this because you want to befriend the Ji Family?"

"Indeed, attend the Ji Family’s surprise banquet with Yunsheng, you both should foster goodwill with the Ji Family!"

"I understand, husband. It really is something for the old lady of the Ji Family to organize a surprise banquet so close to the New Year. These days I’ve been so busy my feet haven’t touched the ground."

Madam Lu grumbled as she left.

The Ji Family sent invitations to all those who were supposed to receive them, and to those who weren’t supposed to as well.

Of course, the reason those who weren’t supposed to receive invitations did, was because of the Ji Family’s deliberate intentions!

Xie Pan’Er, who was in the palace, received the news personally delivered by Princess Lianchun, who also sent her an extremely beautiful set of clothes.

"These clothes are so beautiful. They seem like something only someone of rank could wear, don’t they?

Princess, have you given me the wrong clothes?"

Princess Lianchun approached, smiled at her, and said, "No mistake, these are your clothes. The day after tomorrow, just wear these to the Ji Family’s surprise banquet and you don’t have to worry about anything else!"

Hearing this, Xie Pan’Er’s eyes widened.

"Is this about what Seventh Brother mentioned before, about the old lady of the Ji Family adopting me as a goddaughter?"

"Oh! You guessed it? So clever, yes, that’s exactly it. Rest assured, the old lady of the Ji Family has already visited your home and received your parents’ consent!"

"Really! So the day after tomorrow..."

"Yes, yes, your parents are invited too, and there’s another good news! Do you want to hear it?"

Xie Pan’Er looked at Princess Lianchun with wide eyes, "What good news?"

"Your brother Xie Si already proved through Princess Ata’s testimony that he was framed back then, and he has been released from the Celestial Prison, returning to the Xie Family!"

"Really? You’re not tricking me, Princess?"

"Oh, you child! Why would I trick you?

If I were to trick you, it would be to make you my sister-in-law! Why would I use this to deceive you?"

"Oh my, Princess! What are you saying?" Xie Pan’Er blushed in the face of Princess Lianchun’s teasing!

"Also, there’s even better news. Your brother not only returned to the Xie Family, but he also apprenticed under Grand Tutor Wei as a closed-door disciple of Grand Tutor Xie!"

"Really! Grand Tutor Wei, he’s the most learned man in the Great Han Dynasty!"

"Happy now?"

"Of course I’m happy. My brother loves reading, and now he’s caught the eye of Grand Tutor Wei, he will surely be able to delve into his studies and become a pillar of the Great Han in the future!"

Princess Lianchun watched her with a smile; indeed, what a little fool, even though Xie Si became a disciple of Grand Tutor Wei, she was actually the one who stood to gain!

Ji Youzhi sought an audience with the Emperor, explaining that the person who poisoned the Emperor only exploited Xiao Ning’Er’s infatuation with the Emperor, using her hand to apply poison to her chopsticks. Xiao Ning’Er was truly unaware, and he requested the Emperor’s judgment!

The Emperor ordered the release of Xiao Ning’Er and officially tasked him with openly investigating the fire at the Prince’s Mansion!

Ji Youzhi received the order, first visiting the Prince’s Mansion to observe, and inquired around the neighborhood. He found two elderly witnesses who claimed to have seen the great fire themselves!

Ji Youzhi recalled what Xiaosuisui mentioned about helping Lu Yunsheng, so he brought the witnesses to the Ji Mansion!

Now, they wait for the start of the surprise banquet!