The Four Banquets of Chongqing
After Mid-Autumn Festival, the capital welcomed the Chrysanthemum Banquet at Princess Duanmin's mansion.
There are four grand banquets in the capital, namely the Chrysanthemum Banquet at Princess Duanmin's residence, the Plum Blossom Banquet at the Wei King's palace, the Peach Blossom Banquet at the Anguo Duke's palace, and the Peony Banquet in the palace. Among these four grand banquets, the Peony Banquet in the palace is the most prestigious. Firstly, peonies are known as the king of flowers, and secondly, this banquet is often hosted by the Empress herself, making it extremely noble and honorable.
Besides the Peony Banquet, the other three banquets are also considered to be at the top of the capital's prosperous era. Whether it is Princess Duanmin, Wei Wangfei, or Anguo Gongfu, they are all top-notch nobles in the capital. Such a grand banquet, everyone naturally wants to show their face, but the invitation letter for this banquet is not easy to get.
Under the emperor's feet, even a casually fallen tile can hit two or three nobles. If one's status is not high enough, they certainly cannot participate.
Li had no chance to attend such a high-end flower banquet in the past, but last year due to the change of throne, the court was in turmoil, and those flower banquets were not held. This March, the former Crown Prince Wang Huai ascended to the throne as the new Emperor, changing the era name to Qitai.
As the younger sister of Emperor Wu, Princess Duan Min's status naturally rose to a higher level. In order to demonstrate the new emperor's benevolent rule and bring peace to the four seas, this flower appreciation banquet had to be re-established.
This year's chrysanthemum banquet was even more grand than in previous years. When Li received the invitation with the golden lettering, her face flushed with excitement.
Since she took over the management of Weiyuan Houfu for her sister-in-law, this person is naturally different from before. However, such a grand flower appreciation banquet, even all the nobles and aristocrats in the capital will participate, she has never seen anything like it before.
In the past, it was only hearsay, but this time she can bring her two daughters to participate. Adding that Qingyu has reached the age of marriage, with such a good opportunity, if they are favored by the nobles, it would be a great leap forward.
"Wei Zi, go to the warehouse and take a look. I remember there are still a few pieces of soft smoke-colored gauze left. Take them out and make clothes for the girls. It's just in time for the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet." Li Shi took a deep breath, suppressing her slightly excited emotions before starting to instruct, "Qing Yu can have the red one since she has fair skin. Qing Yuan is still young, so the light yellow one will do. Give the blue one to Second Miss."
As soon as the mention of Qing Luan, Li Shi's face lost some of its joyful color. She didn't want to bring her along nor did she want to make clothes for her. However, the invitation card was from the Weiyuan Marquis Manor, and those soft silk fabrics were also things from the manor's storage room. In the end, it was still the second branch of the family that had taken Qing Luan's spotlight.
"Yes, madam, I'll go and take care of it right away." Wei Zi replied and went down.
Madam Li's maid, Jin, came forward and poured a cup of tea for Madam Li, saying regretfully, "That soft smoke gauze was given by the palace last time, and now there are only three pieces left. What a pity."
Jin Niang is Li Shi's confidante, so she naturally understands Li Shi's thoughts very clearly. Although Li Shi appears to be kind to Wei Qinglan on the surface, in her heart, she can't wait to destroy her. The reason why she made new clothes for the three of them with equal treatment is to shut up outsiders' mouths, and what she said "what a pity" naturally refers to Wei Qinglan.
If Qing Luan heard these words, she would definitely be amused. It turned out that she had used something that belonged to her and still felt sorry about it.
"However, madam, aren't you looking for an opportunity to let everyone know about the second young lady's character? This chrysanthemum banquet is so grand, if something really happens to the second young lady, I'm afraid she won't be able to turn over a new leaf for the rest of her life." Jin Yuzhen smiled and smiled, with a hint of sternness flashing in her cloudy eyes, making her whole person look very gloomy.
