mtl008 Chapter 326 The Banquet Begins
Chapter 326 The Banquet Begins
The banquet was held in a large hall on the right side of the courtyard. When Xiao Siyue entered, she saw that Lin Qin and the others were already seated. After saying goodbye to Gu Silan, Xiao Siyue went to Lin Qin's side.
"mother"
"You're back. Please sit down."
Gradually, everyone arrived, and Xiao Siyue actually saw her older brother and fifth brother. Not only that, even her second brother came.
Xiao Siyu came with Lu Zhijin and the others. When they came in, Xiao Siyue could clearly feel the bright eyes of the young ladies.
A group of handsome young men from prominent families certainly attracted attention. Xiao Siyue also overheard some ladies discussing whether they were a good match for her daughter.
When Xiao Siyue came in, she saw Xiao Siyue and Lin Qin. She smiled at them, greeted them, and then went to sit down in the men's section.
When most of the guests had arrived, the eldest princess entered the house with her two children.
Everyone stood up and bowed.
The eldest princess smiled politely and waved her hand gently: "Everyone, there's no need to be so formal. Today is just an ordinary banquet, so please relax and enjoy yourselves."
After speaking, the eldest princess took the lead, supported by her maid.
Princess Changning and Prince Wuchang sat at the lower end of the table. There were still a few seats reserved for the male guests, probably for the princes, Xiao Siyue thought to herself.
Just as I was thinking this, I heard a servant's voice announcing something from outside.
Immediately afterwards, several princes strode in.
"Nephew greets Aunt."
"Get up, get up, please take your seats." The princess smiled brightly and gestured for them to rise.
Xiao Siyue had never met any of the princes. She was most interested in the eldest prince, who was two-faced, and wondered what kind of person he really was.
So when the group came in, she kept watching them; all five princes had arrived.
The one standing at the very front should be the eldest prince. From what he had heard before, the eldest prince was refined and gentle, while the second prince had a fiery temper.
The eldest prince looked quite respectable, with a smile always on his face, making him very approachable. The second prince, on the other hand, was the complete opposite, giving off a feeling that he was about to explode at any moment.
"Let's begin the banquet." The princess beckoned to the maidservants serving her, and soon servants brought up plates of exquisite delicacies.
The main purpose of today's banquet was to find a partner, so even though the food was delicious, no one ate much.
At that moment, everyone put down their chopsticks, their gazes unanimously focusing on the lady who had stood up. She gracefully walked towards the princess, her movements elegant and dignified, and then bowed slightly, giving the princess a standard salute.
The lady smiled and spoke softly yet clearly, “Your Highness, the young ladies of noble families in the capital are gathered here today; it is truly a feast for the eyes! My eyes can hardly take it all in! However, I am filled with curiosity and anticipation for all of you young ladies. I wonder if I might have the honor of witnessing your extraordinary talents? I imagine that everyone here shares my desire to see them.” With that, she gently raised her head, looking at the princess with expectant eyes, awaiting her response.
Another lady smiled and said, "Your Highness, Madam Cui's thoughts are exactly what I've been thinking. I'd also like to see the talents of these young ladies."
The eldest princess nodded slightly, her gaze slowly sweeping over the group of female guests below, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. She asked in a low voice, "In that case, among all the young ladies present, would any one of you be willing to take the lead and perform a talent to add some fun to this banquet?"
As soon as the words were spoken, the entire banquet hall fell into a brief silence. The women looked at each other, seemingly hesitant about whether to be the first to step forward.
Just then, the dignified, beautiful, and elegant Princess Changning slowly rose from her seat. She slightly raised her head, her gaze gentle yet firm as she looked at her mother, and her lips parted slightly: "Mother, you see, all the ladies here seem a little shy. Therefore, I humbly request to be the one to start things off and set an example for everyone!"
After speaking, Princess Changning smiled and took a few graceful steps forward, as beautiful and charming as a blooming flower. All eyes were drawn to her, anticipating her next performance.
"Very well, then let Jing'er start by giving a speech to all the young ladies." The eldest princess looked at the poised and elegant Princess Changning and nodded in satisfaction.
Princess Changning gracefully walked onto the wide stage in the center, attracting attention like a beautiful blooming flower.
Just as she had gained her footing, her well-trained maids appeared as if by magic, quickly carrying a beautiful and exquisite guqin to her side and carefully placing it in its place.
This zither exudes an ancient and elegant aura, its strings shimmering with a faint silver light, as if telling countless moving stories and beautiful notes it carries.
Princess Changning sat down to play the zither, her slender fingers landing on the strings, and instantly the beautiful music flowed into everyone's ears like a gentle stream.
No one spoke in the hall; only the sound of the zither filled the air. When the piece ended, everyone slowly came back to their senses from the music.
Xiao Siyue also plays the zither and has been learning for five or six years. Perhaps she has some talent, and her zither skills are not bad, but she still feels that she cannot compare with Princess Changning.
Princess Changning's zither music can draw people into the scene she is describing, making them feel as if they are there.
Princess Changning stood up: "I'll make a fool of myself." Immediately, thunderous applause filled the hall.
The Third Prince stood up, clapped his hands, and exclaimed, “Aunt, look at my cousin’s musical skills! They’ve become even more exquisite! I’m afraid no one here can compare to her now! I dare say that even those renowned masters might not be able to match her skill!” He nodded repeatedly as he spoke, his eyes filled with admiration and amazement at his cousin’s musical talent.
The princess was very pleased. She dared not say that no one could rival her daughter's musical skills, but there were few who could compare. This was all thanks to Jing'er's tireless practice day and night.
Princess Changning bowed slightly to the Third Prince and said softly, "Your Highness flatters me. My musical skills are truly unworthy of such praise! Compared to the real masters, my meager skills are simply insignificant. It is too much of a compliment for me." With that, she slowly returned to her seat and sat down gracefully.