Chapter 1041 - 1043: Intentionally Promoting Her_1
This bracelet instantly reminded her of when Yang Tianhua framed him, having Dongqing steal a similar one, and the bracelet on Luoluo’s wrist was nearly identical to Bai Ruozhu’s. If it wasn’t for Bai Ruozhu’s excellent vision, she would have been unable to notice the previous subtle differences.
However, the quality of the bracelet on Luoluo’s wrist was not inferior to her own. The Empress Dowager, fearing it would bring her trouble, had thereafter given only more ordinary rewards, but anything bestowed by the Empress Dowager was splendid in itself.
The presence of such a bracelet on the wrist of a maid from the Duke Zheng’s Residence truly made one think there was more to it.
Bai Ruozhu vaguely felt that this bracelet was somehow connected to her own, very likely also a reward given by the Empress Dowager. Yet, if it had been a gift to Princess Huilan, the princess could not casually reward it to a servant, hence it was highly probable that it was given directly to this Luoluo by the Empress Dowager.
Bai Ruozhu withdrew her gaze, pretending she had seen nothing, and followed Luoluo towards the Inner Courtyard.
"Miss Luoluo seems somewhat familiar; have we met before?" Bai Ruozhu cautiously probed.
Luoluo smiled and said, "Lady Jiang has a good memory. Previously, during the Empress Dowager’s Birthday Banquet, this servant had seen Lady Jiang once in the palace; maybe it was then that Lady Jiang caught sight of this servant."
Bai Ruozhu nodded her head and did not ask further.
Immediately, Bai Ruozhu inquired about the day’s Flower Appreciation Banquet proceedings. Luoluo still wore a smile and said, "Since it is Lady Jiang’s first time here, this servant should introduce it to you; it was remiss of me not to."
Luoluo’s speech was always proper, and she consistently referred to herself as "servant," but her tone and demeanor lacked any sense of inferiority.
"Our princess’s Flower Appreciation Banquet is organized every season; this time, it’s for enjoying chrysanthemums. The main activity is to invite ladies and misses for the Chrysanthemum Banquet, to savor chrysanthemum wine and, if the mood strikes, ask the misses to compose poetry, paint, or perform a show," she explained.
Bai Ruozhu silently took note that Luoluo spoke of "misses," which suggested that ladies were not expected to perform, meaning this venue also served as a stage for the noble ladies of the capital to showcase their talents, and for the ladies to arrange marriages, opportunistically choosing daughters-in-law for their families in the process.
Yet why invite her, when her own children were still young and she was not an unmarried girl needing to catch attention?
Could it be for her to help her second brother find a match? But then, shouldn’t her mother have been invited to the banquet as well?
With questions in her heart, she quickly went to the Main Hall to greet Princess Huilan, and upon seeing the princess, she swiftly took her in. This princess bore a resemblance to Emperor Tang Yin, particularly in those slender eyes, though Princess Huilan’s eyes held an added allure.
"This unworthy concubine of the Bai Family pays respects to the princess," Bai Ruozhu stepped forward and saluted.
Princess Huilan scrutinized her for a while, then said with a smile, "Indeed, quite a beautiful sight. It seems the rumors out there are not entirely false after all."
Bai Ruozhu merely smiled, not uttering a word. Princess Huilan’s remark held layers of meaning; the rumors were not limited to just one, and her comment that they "are not entirely false" likely referred to more than just her good looks.
"You flatter me too much, princess. Ruozhu is but a mere countrywoman, hardly worthy of gracing the stage," Bai Ruozhu humbly said.
Princess Huilan laughed, her slender, phoenix eyes lifted, becoming even more enchanting, "Who would speak so modestly of themselves? You are running a Weaving Pavilion and a Toy Shop. If you’re claiming to be a countrywoman unfit for public appearance, then many in the capital wouldn’t dare to step outside."
"My business is all done by my family; Ruozhu only shines by the grace of my parents’ home." Bai Ruozhu’s mind spun quickly; she might have guessed wrong before. The princess’s goal might be related to her business.
"Don’t be overly humble. People say Bai Ruozhu is smart. I even heard that the Commerce Association holds you in high regard." Princess Huilan said, giggling coquettishly, a glimmer of indeterminate meaning in her eyes.
Then, as other guests arrived, Princess Huilan had Bai Ruozhu sit beside her to receive the guests together. They seemed very close, as if they had known each other for a long time, yet they had only just spoken moments before.
Bai Ruozhu sat uncomfortably, but she couldn’t disrespect the princess. She couldn’t help but sigh internally – the royals seemed naturally adept at acting. Girls with simple and pure hearts like Princess Diao Bin were truly rare.
Afterwards, several groups of guests arrived, and their attention shifted to Bai Ruozhu. Since Ruozhu had not attended many banquets in the capital, many of the ladies knew her by name but could not match it to her face. Therefore, there were a few inquiries if Bai Ruozhu was related to the Zheng country Duke’s residence. Princess Huilan laughed and clarified, "You’ve all been mistaken this time. She is the owner of Hua Xiangrong, the wife of Military Officer Jiang!"
With this revelation, everyone could place her correctly. Hua Xiangrong was also popular in the capital, though not as uniquely dominant as in Beiyu City, so the ladies were quite curious about Bai Ruozhu, but not eager to make her acquaintance.
However, seeing Princess Huilan’s attitude, everyone became somewhat warmer towards Bai Ruozhu.
Bai Ruozhu returned the greetings with a smile, growing increasingly convinced of Princess Huilan’s shrewdness. Was she lifting her up first before revealing her true purpose?
After the guests had paid their respects to Princess Huilan, they were led to the seats for the Flower Appreciation Banquet. When it seemed about time, Princess Huilan very affectionately helped Bai Ruozhu to her feet and said, "Ruozhu, come, it’s time we went over as well."
As Princess Huilan grabbed her hand, Bai Ruozhu felt it was quite awkward, barely suppressing her impulse to pull away. She wasn’t accustomed to being touched by someone she was not familiar with.
Nanny Zhang and Miss Luoluo followed behind, completely silent and behaving impeccably.
They soon arrived at the venue, and Bai Ruozhu was surprised to see the banquet set up as a self-service meal – her idea for welcoming guests, which had sparked a trend in Danliang Country. Recently, it was not as fashionable as it was initially, so it was unexpected to see it being used today.
She glanced at Princess Huilan, wondering if the self-service format was because of her.
When everyone saw Princess Huilan arrive, they stood up to pay their respects. They also noticed Bai Ruozhu, who was very "close" to the princess. Some looked on with envy, others with jealousy, and still others with disdain. Bai Ruozhu saw it all clearly, but her heart remained tranquil.
The aristocrats were more numerous and their relationships more complex in the capital than in Beiyu City, and with that came more chaos. She had prepared herself for this before arriving.
"Everyone, there’s no need for formalities today. It’s not my first time hosting a Flower Appreciation Banquet. If you all keep being so polite, it won’t be any fun," said Princess Huilan cheerily, appearing very approachable.
"By the way, this is Lady Jiang’s first visit today. You all should take good care of her. The self-service meal we are having is her creative invention, and the Weaving Pavilion of Hua Xiangrong that you like is also her establishment!"