Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 1335 - 547: Banquet (Part 1)_2

Yueyao looked at the four girls in the room and said with a smile, "Kexin, take them to the garden." Kexin knew them well, and they got along quite harmoniously.

Yueyao didn’t have time for chit-chat today and soon went out to greet the guests. Before long, Lady of Marquis Weiyuan, Madam Yin, arrived, followed by Lady of Marquis Jingning, Madam Ping. Gradually, the guests arrived one after another.

For this banquet, all the noble families of the Capital City were invited. These families showed great respect, sending either the heads or the accomplished younger descendants.

Yueyao was initially worried something might go wrong, but to her gratitude, Princess Wanhe took the initiative to help her.

Zhuang Ruolan gazed at the guests in the room, feeling a bit sentimental. Of the two Dukes, four Marquises, and six Counts in the Capital, everyone was present except for the people from Duke Ning’s Mansion. Moreover, it was the heads of the families who came, clearly indicating An Zhichen’s current status.

Gu You walked in, bowed to the madams, and then said to Yueyao, "Madam, the Wife of the Heir of Duke Ning has arrived."

The people in the room had subtle expressions upon hearing this. The Wife of Duke Ning’s Heir was, in fact, Mu Qinglian.

Yueyao thought Lady of Duke Ning could prevent Mu Qinglian from achieving her status, but alas, Yueyao underestimated Mu Qinglian’s means. In April of this year, Mu Qinglian finally succeeded, becoming the Wife of the Heir of Duke Ning.

Yueyao originally didn’t want to invite people from Duke Ning’s Mansion, not wanting to see Mu Qinglian. However, this suggestion was vetoed by An Zhichen. An Zhichen was very clear; since all other nobles were invited, they couldn’t leave out Duke Ning’s Mansion. Although Duke Ning’s Mansion had waned in power, it was still a duke’s house, and not inviting them would seem opportunistic.

An Zhichen also loathed Mu Qinglian’s actions; however, An Zhichen’s stance was clear: there was no conflict of interest between the two families, and they couldn’t let personal dislike become enmity.

Yueyao wasn’t happy about it, but she knew An Zhichen was right. Social interactions couldn’t be managed according to personal whims.

As Yueyao stood up, Mu Qinglian was led in by a maid. This was Mu Qinglian’s first public engagement after securing her status.

Mu Qinglian was wearing a deep red long dress today, with an extremely elaborate and luxurious design, and the cuffs and skirt hem were adorned with pearls of similar size. She wore a high soaring cloud bun, adorned with a set of gemstone jewelry. Hanging from her ears were purple gold earrings, and on her wrist was a mutton fat jade bracelet.

Mu Qinglian was a beauty, something Yueyao never denied. Back then, they were both known as the Beauties of the Capital, not only for their talent but more so for their exceptional looks. However, now, Moon Qinglian made Yueyao feel very uncomfortable.

It wasn’t that Mu Qinglian was no longer beautiful; on the contrary, she was more beautiful than before. Yet this beauty felt, how should one put it, quite discordant.

As Mu Qinglian entered the room, her eyes naturally fell on Yueyao.

Yueyao’s attire today was not complicated, just a striking green long dress with a sheer aquatic green shawl, highlighting her elegance. Her jewelry was sparse, but the Phoenix hairpin with emerald inlays and pearls on her head was unmistakably rare and exquisite upon a glance.

Yueyao smiled and said, "Madam Ning, please sit." Before Mu Qinglian arrived, Yueyao had already placed an extra chair below the seat of the Wife of Crown Prince of the Duke of Lu.

Mu Qinglian greeted the several madams present, then glanced around the room and asked curiously, "Why isn’t Younger Sister Lin here?"

Yuehuan laughed and said, "Yes, why hasn’t Fourth Sister-in-law come? Last time Fourth Sister-in-law was ill and couldn’t make it; won’t she be sick again this time?" The same question, but with a completely different implication in the words.

Yuebing thought Mu Qinglian was too annoying, bringing up sensitive topics purposefully; as a guest, why would she ask such questions? It must be intentionally provocative! Despite her dissatisfaction with Yueyao due to the Lady family matters, Yuebing couldn’t let an outsider have her way when it involved her family.

Yueyao nodded slightly: "Madam Lin has always been in poor health." She didn’t provide a reason, just made a simple statement of fact.

Yueyao’s tone made the madams present feel a bit puzzled. Speaking of Madam Lin, Yueyao’s tone seemed cold, suggesting something had happened. The guests thought back to the events of last year and had a rough idea.