Time Travel: The Noble Family-Chapter 194 - 79: Banquet

Chapter 194 -79: Banquet

Ma Chengteng had not originally planned to hold a celebratory banquet for Ma Peng’s successful examination, but now that his son had entered the Hanlin and he himself had been promoted, they were blessed with double happiness. On top of the previous negative news, this banquet was definitely to be held.

When the Ma Family prepared a banquet, an invite to the Lian Mansion was certainly expected.

Facing Lady Mo, Old Madam said, “Yueying and the others are all grown up now; it’s time to take them out and about.” Yueying was thirteen this year, an age to start considering matches. They needed to attend more of these banquets to get to know the Madams, so in the future they could find a good family to marry into. Otherwise, if people were unacquainted, where would one find a suitable match? Although Yueying had her faults, having spent such a long time by Old Madam’s side naturally forged a bond between them.

Yueyao was definitely going to attend, as the Ma Family’s messenger had subtly mentioned that Cousin Miss needed to be there. Now that the Ma Family was on the rise, Old Madam certainly wouldn’t let such a trivial matter sour relations with the Ma Family.

When going out to attend banquets, Lady Mo always took Yuebing along. This time, Yueying and Yueyao would also be brought, so naturally Yuehuan could not be left out.

With such a grand celebration in the Ma Family, Yueyao had someone summon Brother Zheng to return and join them at the banquet the next day. Now that the eldest cousin had made something of himself, it was fitting for Brother Zheng to become closer to him.

If there was anyone in the Capital City who hadn’t heard of Ma Peng’s achievement by now, they were surely out of touch. Those scholar candidates who always failed the examinations were filled with envy and jealousy toward Ma Peng! Mr. Zhu, who had attempted the examination four times and failed each time, was not lacking in scholarship, but somehow just couldn’t pass, so this time he also didn’t prepare specially but just went to try his luck.

Upon returning from the imperial court and learning that Tingzheng had been fetched by Yueyao to attend the Ma Family’s celebratory banquet, Li Guoxing said with a smile, “Brother Chengteng has ascended in rank this time by basking in his son’s light.”

Lady Li exclaimed in surprise, “How so?”

The position that opened up had been intended to be filled by either Ma Chengteng or another official, who, regardless of seniority or popularity, was more qualified than Ma Chengteng. However, the Emperor had been hearing Ma Peng’s name so often these past few days that he ended up smilingly appointing Ma Chengteng.

Lady Li was astonished, “Such important state affairs, how can His Majesty be so arbitrary?”

Li Guoxing laughed and said, “His Majesty isn’t being arbitrary, Brother Chengteng is also fully capable of handling the appointment. It just so happens to be a fortunate coincidence, seizing the opportunity.” When the Emperor decides on someone, what words can others have? Besides, Ma Chengteng’s qualifications are more than sufficient.

Lady Li nodded, “Speaking of it, the Ma Family’s fortune is indeed good.”

Li Guoxing shook his head, “Luck can run out one day, but what’s most important is diligence and ambition.” Li Guoxing did not value luck; he believed one had to be outstanding in their own right, as one couldn’t rely on luck for a lifetime.

Knowing her husband’s nature, Lady Li didn’t argue with him. From her perspective, both diligence and good fortune were necessary, and neither could be lacking.

Before heading out, Lady Mo reminded Yueyao, “Later on at the Ma’s Mansion, there will surely be people asking you questions. If you find it difficult to answer, don’t speak up.” Yueyao was still in her period of mourning, and it wouldn’t be proper to recklessly appear in the front courtyard. If there happened to be those with ill intentions, it was better to remain silent than to offend anyone.

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This had also left Lady Mo with the impression that Yueyao was quiet and not adept at socializing. Of course, Yueyao wasn’t naturally sociable either.

Yueyao shook her head and said, “Eldest Aunt, I’m currently in a period of mourning. If I were to meet guests, it would be disrespectful to them. Once we arrive at my uncle’s home, I’ll go directly to the backyard.”

Lady Mo shook her head, her expression as gentle and kind as before, “How would that do? Since you’re there, you must greet the relatives and friends of the Ma Family, as well as the elders who come. Otherwise, it would also be a breach of etiquette.” Among the Ma Family’s guests were certainly relatives and elders of Yueyao; if she did not meet them, no one would say she avoided coming out due to her mourning attire. They would definitely say there were issues with the Lian family’s upbringing.

Yueyao thought for a moment and then nodded, “Alright.” Although still in the mourning period, it was already more than half over, and meeting guests was no longer an issue. After greeting them, she wouldn’t join in their entertainments and would go straight to Begonia Garden.

The carriages of Lian Mansion were rather small, generally seating only six people. Lady Mo took a carriage with Yuebing and Yuehuan along with two maids, while Yueying rode with Yueyao and Tingzheng in another carriage.

Before boarding the carriage, Lady Mo said to Yueying, “You are the eldest sister; take good care of your brother and sisters.”

Yueying didn’t think Yueyao needed her care, but as Lady Mo had spoken, she naturally nodded and replied, “Mother, rest assured, I will take good care of my brother and sisters.”