Chapter 729 Birthday Ceremony Completed [7k, please vote for me!]
Today is a big day for everyone in the Huaiye Lane mansion.
From morning to evening, throughout the day, there were no traffic jams at the gate of the Huaiye Lane mansion.
Except for a large number of clan members and other visitors from Nanlong at noon, Mrs. Zhen personally went to pick them up.
There are almost no lively scenes at the gate, let alone heavy traffic.
It is estimated that most of the neighbors in the surrounding area do not know that this incident still exists today.
On the contrary, at the back door of the mansion, one or two carriages with excellent privacy would arrive from time to time. After entering the house, they would put down a few guests, and Zhen Shuyuan, a maid who was close to her, would lead the maids to check the invitations.
, and then quickly welcomed the distinguished guests to the main hall... everything was in order.
As the only direct elder in the Ouyang family, the biological aunt of the youngest governor of this dynasty, the fourth-rank commander, and the imperial concubine... Mrs. Zhen's birthday gift will naturally not be that plain and simple.
The noble daughter of the Xie family has been preparing for a long time, and naturally follows the low-key but solemn model of a wealthy family:
The guests are all carefully selected and have close personal relationships, and the gilded invitations are solemnly delivered early.
It focuses on a low-key and private place with exquisite specifications.
Zhen Shuyuan has been smiling from ear to ear since the first batch of guests arrived in the morning.
Obviously, he was very satisfied with the birthday ceremony arranged and hosted by Xie Lingjiang.
At least, when it comes to arranging maids and servants, decorating the banquet venue, and preparing welcome gifts, the noble girl with the fifth surname and Qi Wang is still good at it. After all, she has been exposed to it since she was a child. Even if she does not deliberately learn it, she can still learn it very well.
Quickly find the right track and take over all tasks.
Although Xie Lingjiang also consulted his aunt for a little advice, many items for this birthday ceremony were also transferred from Xie Xue'e in Yangzhou on a special ship.
But being able to arrange things in such a dignified and elegant manner is also a manifestation of the ability to manage a household well.
Temperament cultivation is something that sometimes has to be admitted. It does require a family background to cultivate it. High-quality resources are monopolized and accumulated in this way. Otherwise, if you are an ordinary farm girl, you can only focus on the word "diligence".
, use "diligence" to make up for your weakness.
No wonder the poor families in the world and the noble families in the Zhou Dynasty are all keen on pursuing girls with the fifth surname, which can immediately boost their family status and improve their family style.
Among the people, women with these five surnames are even more "noble" than princesses. Some people even say, "I would rather marry a girl with these five surnames than join the king's family."
In the past, Ouyang Rong didn't really understand that being able to marry a princess and princess, and being a relative of the emperor would make one's family more noble. But since he met a certain little princess, he accidentally took it from her and handed it to Piaoduan.
After taking the water bowl out of his intestines, Ouyang Rong had an epiphany.
The reason is very simple, Qian, the princesses of the Zhou royal family are too tough, extravagant, arrogant, and domineering. It is commonly known as princess disease. If you marry into the family, you will be a guest and bully the master. You cannot make her angry. There is nothing she can do if she makes a mistake.
Lesson, to put it harshly, isn’t the so-called son-in-law the royal son-in-law? Just from the origin of the name, we can see that the son-in-law
Ma Duwei was originally the official in charge of the emperor's chariots and horses. Well, Bi Mawen gave a thumbs up, but even Bi Mawen was not interested in the Seven Fairies. There is also a little tidbit about marrying a princess,
According to the dry system and the weekly system, after the death of the princess, the husband needs to mourn for three years, which is really the same as his father and mother.
On the other hand, women with the fifth surname and Qi Wang have good family backgrounds, good upbringing, and do not have the problems of princesses. The five surnamed families will also help each other, which will greatly help the improvement of the family status and the development of the husband's career. The most important thing is that
The husband's status at home will not be lower than that of his wife, and he will not have to serve three years of mourning...
Looking at it this way, it is no wonder that women with the fifth surname and Qiwang are more popular than the princesses of this dynasty.
Therefore, ever since Zhen Shuyuan saw Xie Ling Jiang Qi at Donglin Temple in Dagushan, Dragon City, she has been attracted to him.
So far, I have got what I wanted.
In the main hall, Zhen Shuyuan looked at the elegant Xie Xue'e who was sitting next to her.
Apart from the elders such as Xian Lao, the patriarch from Nanlong, Xie Xue'e was the one sitting closest to her.
Originally, the chief position was reserved for visitors from the Xunyang Palace, but Xie Lingjiang persuaded him to stop, saying that the prince and the princess were traveling in normal clothes, so there was no need to reveal their identities too much, and everything could be done as usual...
Zhen and Xie are both women of about the same age, and they have more in common.
Although her personality and temperament are very different, Xie Xue'e has never shown any disdain and disdain in front of Zhen Shuyuan, nor is she cold, but she is full of witty words and graceful.
There were even many topics of conversation between the two girls. Xie Xue'e liked to ask Ouyang Rong about his past affairs, which hit Zhen Shuyuan's point. She talked a lot about someone's embarrassing childhood, and both beautiful women burst out laughing.
However, Zhen Shuyuan knew in her heart that the reason for having a common language was that Mrs.
That is, the opponent is many ranks higher than you, and he can handle it with ease. The process of making good friends with you is naturally natural and calm.
Regarding these, Zhen Shuyuan has a strong balance in her heart.
At the moment, she responded with a smile and treated Xie Xue'e as if she were her biological mother.
Because Xie Lingjiang's mother died early and his father Xie Xun was away, Xie Lingjiang had a good relationship with his younger aunt, and the latter naturally took the position of the female elder on Xie Lingjiang's side.
As night falls, outside the hall, apart from the remaining orange dusk in the sky, there are only dark trees covered by the wall.
Zhen Shuyuan's eyes came back from the outside and fell on the maids in the main hall. Under the guidance of a semi-professional, they walked in obediently and sensibly, scattered throughout the main hall, and lit lamps everywhere.
The main hall, which was originally dimly lit to the naked eye, suddenly became brighter.
The relatives and guests on the seats looked around subconsciously and laughed.
It’s time again when all the lights are on.
Zhen Shuyuan couldn't help but look around. The halls of the mansion, which used to be brightly lit but lonely and empty, were now lively and full, filled with faces of old and new acquaintances and the laughter and laughter.
Her mood became high for no reason, and she straightened the scarlet silk shawl on her lower arms, which was a gift from Ah Qing.
As the birthday girl today, Zhen Shuyuan wore her favorite sapphire blue floor-length skirt. At Xie Lingjiang's suggestion, she specially paired it with a red waistband, which not only highlighted the graceful figure of a tall woman
, highlighting the full gourd-like hip-to-waist ratio.
It can also be paired with a vermilion shawl to cushion the sapphire blue. This tone is too rich and heavy, so a touch of red is needed as an embellishment to soothe the eyes. In addition, red also means good luck and good luck, which is in line with Zhen Shuyuan's status as the birthday girl tonight.
Zhen Shuyuan straightened her clothes and saw Ouyang Rong striding into the main hall.
It not only attracted all her attention, but also attracted the attention of all the guests in the main pavilion.
Zhen Shuyuan stood up, Ouyang Rong raised his hand in the air and said with a smile:
"Auntie, sit down quickly and look who's coming."
He turned sideways and gestured to the back. Zhen Shuyuan and the guests looked over and saw two figures in men's clothing walking into the main hall behind Ouyang Rong, followed by a boy in blue with a bun face and a book in his hand.
Holding two small gift boxes, he was looking around curiously.
The two figures in men's clothing in front are about the same height. One has a square face with a stubble and a strong build, while the other is extremely handsome with a slender figure and carries a folding fan in his hand.
The latter's eyebrows are also dotted with a faint red mark of plum blossom makeup, and his steps are vigorous, but his beautiful facial features look a bit feminine. Looking down carefully, there is indeed no Adam's apple.
Without Ouyang Rong's introduction, Zhen Shuyuan recognized the person immediately.
"Prince, princess..."
She was about to stand up to greet her, but someone politely stopped her.
"Madam, please don't be polite. A-mei and I are taking the place of father...Daddy is here to wish Madam a happy birthday. Today we focus on being happy. Madam is the birthday girl, so don't care about the red tape."
Li Dalang raised his palms in the air and said with a silly smile.
Li Bao'er, who was dressed beautifully in men's clothing, nodded gently, put away his folding fan, clapped his palms, and glanced at the surrounding mansions with his lacquered eyes, seemingly interested.
After Ouyang Rong left Yinbingzhai, he went to pick up the Li brothers and sisters.
This time, Li Xian and Wei Mei did not come over. The reason was that they were not feeling well. They also declined tomorrow's Donglin Giant Buddha celebration ceremony. This was Ouyang Rong's suggestion a few days ago, so they should not come at all, but
Li Xian and his wife wanted to come over to celebrate Zhen Shuyuan's birthday, but Ouyang Rong gave up their idea with just one word and asked Li Guo'er and Li Dalang to give gifts instead.
Ouyang Rong said at that time that if the prince and princess came too, then Li Congshan and Rong Zhen would definitely follow them with guards. By then, the Huaiye Lane residence would be surrounded by three floors inside and three floors outside...
However, Li Xian and his wife were not defenseless when they stayed in the palace. Xie Lingjiang said that Li Guo'er left a powerful thunder talisman for them to protect them.
"Where's Sister Xie?"
Li Guo'er asked.
Ouyang Rong glanced at the sky: "I should be in the kitchen now."
Li Bao'er was thoughtful.
The two Li brothers and sisters walked to the side and sat down.
The bun-faced maid Cai Shou handed over the gift she had brought.
Zhen Shuyuan looked at Ouyang Rong and said with emotion:
"Tan Lang is so energetic."
In order to follow the principle of bringing the embroiderer home "innocent".
Ouyang Rong wore a brand new blue Confucian shirt today. The embroiderer helped him choose it and it was made by Ah Qing.
Pair it with an amulet with the four-character note "Never forget us forever" and hang it around your waist.
He already has a tall and slender figure, and a handsome and sunny face. The simpler clothes make him look fresher and more energetic.
Ouyang Rong walked habitually with long strides, and his steps were filled with a strong and powerful spirit. At first glance, he looked like a energetic person, but in his own words, he was a hard worker.
Ouyang Rong and Zhen Shuyuan stood together, one green and one blue, standing out in front of everyone, and they complemented each other.
Zhen Shuyuan, who was sitting on the seat, took the arm of Ouyang Rong who was standing, and looked at it with some emotion, as if she couldn't get enough.
"How come in the blink of an eye, Tanlang has grown so tall and so big, and is so promising..."
She murmured in her mouth, obviously there were many people around, pairs of eyes looking at her, today was another important day, but the eyes of the beautiful woman were still a little moist unconsciously.
In this crowded place, I feel a little emotional.
Zhen Shuyuan knew in her heart that if she didn't love her nephew to make a living, how could she, a "village woman", have such a great reputation, invite so many people to her birthday, and be named the imperial wife of the fourth-grade commander.
She couldn't help but tighten her grip on Ouyang Rong's right forearm.
Ouyang Rong originally focused on the layout of the surrounding main hall.
Just before he went to pick up the Li brothers and sisters, he stopped by the stable and took out the Mohist sword box from the carriage and hid it somewhere near the main hall.
Right now, I don’t forget to study the terrain, just in case.
There is no way, a qualified sword wielder should be ready to be the sixth sword at any time.
Sensing Zhen Shuyuan's emotions, Ouyang Rong turned around and gently patted the back of her hand.
"I'm fine."
Zhen Shuyuan tilted her head, wiped the corners of her eyes with her thumb, and resumed her smile.
At this time, the preparations in the kitchen seemed to be completed, after Ouyang Rong nodded.
In the main hall, dishes were brought out one after another, filling the long table in the center of the hall.
The dinner started, and the tribesmen and guests waiting outside also entered one after another, gave Zhen Shuyuan gifts, and walked to sit down at the same time.
Zhen Shuyuan sat at the main seat and responded with a smile, while Ouyang Rong stood beside her chair to accompany her.
Although some close friends who were not relatives did not arrive, they sent congratulatory gifts.
For example, Mr. Qin and the Qin family gave him a pair of words "longevity" written by Mr. Qin himself, and Qin Ying also gave him an additional gift.
Yan Liulang and Pei Shisanniang were also among the visitors. As Ouyang Rong's generals, they also got the opportunity to come and participate in the birthday ceremony.
However, after giving the gift, Yan Liulang did not leave immediately. He leaned into Ouyang Rong's ear and spoke a few words.
Ouyang Rong glanced at him, nodded slightly, and Yan Liulang stepped back.
After a while, Zhen Shuyuan noticed that Ouyang Rong seemed to be lowering his head and thinking about something, so she tilted her head and asked:
"What's wrong, Tanlang, is there something wrong?"
Ouyang Rong replied:
"It's nothing. Huai Min has an appointment. There may be changes. Someone will be sent to inform you."
Zhen Shuyuan asked: "That greedy guy, doesn't he blame us for not inviting him?"
Ouyang Rong shook his head: "He won't take it to heart if you don't invite me, but if he can't take a vacation with me, he will definitely complain about it."
Zhen Shuyuan laughed and didn't ask again.
Ouyang Rong glanced at the night outside.
Yuan Huaimin sent someone to inform him that they would not be able to gather together to go to Xunyang Grottoes tomorrow morning. He wanted to go there in advance, as if he had promised Yi Qianqiu to observe the depiction of the golden Buddha illuminated by the first ray of dawn at the beginning of the day.
The picture of the leader showed that he could not go together, so Yuan Huaimin asked him to go by himself and pay attention to safety... This was a common concern among colleagues.
However, Ouyang Rong felt a little strange. This old boy didn't seem to have such a polite and verbose temperament.
While Ouyang Rong was pondering, the lobby suddenly became quieter.
From the corner of his eye, he noticed that Zhen Shuyuan seemed to have come to Zhen Shuyuan to report. The latter looked outside and then tilted her head to look at him.
And the surrounding guests all looked towards the moonlit courtyard outside.
"What's wrong, auntie?"
Ouyang Rong came back to his senses and asked casually.
Zhen Shuyuan pursed her lips and gestured outside:
"Well, was she invited by Tan Lang? If so, just come in. Today is a happy day and everyone who comes is a guest."
Ouyang Rong turned around and saw that in the courtyard outside, there was a cold girl in palace clothes, standing under the moon, with her hands in sleeves. From a distance, she looked like an immortal from the Moon Palace.
It's Rong Zhen.
But today she wore a large purple palace dress, which was very rare. In the past, it was lavender, but today it was a deep purple, revealing a noble and mysterious feeling.
As if they were a hundred steps apart, Rong Zhen and Ouyang Rong looked at each other across the sky.
Ouyang Rong pursed his lips and ordered:
"Haixi, you go and get this person...forget it, I'll do it."
He walked out of the main hall and went to pick up the people in person. The guests were a little curious about who the god was, with such an appearance, that Ouyang Rong could pick him up in person.
Li Guo'er, who had lowered his eyes in boredom, became energetic now, looked sideways slightly, and seemed to be smiling but not smiling.
Li Dalang, who was next to him, picked up his wine glass and took a sip. After putting down the glass, he muttered:
"Didn't you bring back the Xiu Niang girl today? Why did Tanlang invite this female historian as well?"
Li Guo'er nodded: "I like watching fights the most."
Li Dalang was confused: "What fight?"
Li Guo'er blinked and didn't answer.
Ouyang Rong came to the courtyard outside and looked at the female historian standing in the wind with her sleeves and hair flying in the wind. He said with some restraint:
"Is Rong Nu Shi really here?"
Rong Zhen started with a familiar opening sentence:
"I didn't want to come, but I happened to be passing by. I want to go back to the city to go to the Overwatch Council. Anyway, I'm in Xunyangdu. I just stopped by to take a look."
Her face was cold and her eyes were looking at Ouyang Rong.
Ouyang Rong was ready to speak.
Rong Zhen glanced at the different looks in the main hall, interrupted and asked:
"Is it inconvenient? It's okay. Just say it. It's not a big deal. If it's inconvenient, just say it. I have to go to work and leave..."
She gestured to take her palms out of her sleeves.
"etc."
Ouyang Rong subconsciously raised his hand and called out to Rong Zhen.
Having said that, what else can he do?
However, Ouyang Rong soon discovered that Rong Zhen didn't seem to move at all. She just changed the posture of her sleeves and changed her standing posture.
"It's not inconvenient." After saying this, Ouyang Rong shook his head and said, "Let Nv Shi come in for a meal, but don't give me any gifts. It's too polite..."
Before Ouyang Rong could finish speaking, Rong Zhen had already passed by him. A girl in purple attire, short but with a high head, walked into the main hall.
Like other new guests, she went straight to Zhen Shuyuan and took out a ball of red cloth from her sleeve.
He stepped forward half-heartedly, wanting to take the gift.
Rong Zhen ignored her, opened the red cloth and took out a string of beads wrapped in it.
The popular girl in palace attire in front of the empress, with some low emotional intelligence, handed the prayer beads to Zhen Shuyuan.
"The eighteen seeds that keep you safe are made by me. Madam, you can wear them all the time. It's best not to keep them too far away from you."
She said seriously with a small face, and added:
"When we first met, I accidentally disturbed the eldest lady. I am very sorry."
Zhen Shuyuan looked at her and then at Ouyang Rong behind her.
Ouyang Rong shrugged slightly, his expression a little helpless.
Zhen Shuyuan nodded, took the eighteen seeds, and said politely:
"Buddha beads are good, they can increase your merits, avoid evil and bring peace to you. You have a good heart."
Rong Zhen seemed to let out a breath and looked around. She had nothing to say, so she turned and walked away.
Banxi took Rong Zhen to the side to sit down, but it was a vacant seat alone, and everyone spontaneously made way for a few seats.
Ouyang Rong also breathed a sigh of relief.
Zhen Shuyuan, knowingly or not, first placed the beads on the table next to her, paused, then picked them up and stuffed them into her arms, as if nothing had happened.
Not far away, Li Dalang was curious when he heard the sister beside him sigh with pity:
"That's really considerate. It's a pity that Sister Xie is not here."
When the surrounding guests saw this, many people inquired about the identity of this cold and cold-looking girl.
After a while, the dishes for the dinner were almost served.
However, the banquet was still not started, which made everyone feel a little strange.
At this moment, Xie Lingjiang and Ye Weilai returned to the hall together and sat down next to Zhen Shuyuan.
When everyone saw this, they thought they could have a banquet, but they didn't expect Zhen Shuyuan's eyes to fall outside.
I saw that Ouyang Rong's figure disappeared at some point and reappeared at the door.
He was supporting a delicate girl who walked slowly into the hall.
Ouyang Rong moved very carefully.
After getting closer, everyone found that the delicate girl had eyes that were not covered by ribbons, was slightly dull, and walked slowly. She was holding a bowl of longevity noodles in both hands and walked towards Zhen Shuyuan.
Many people looked at this scene curiously.
Rong Zhen tilted his head, as if staring straight at Zhao Qingxiu.
Li Dalang also watched with emotion as Tanlang bravely brought back the woman he liked and settled everything.
In the eyes of outsiders, this was a rather strange guest, but most people guessed that he must have a close relationship with Ouyang Rong.
Zhao Qingxiu came to Zhen Shuyuan dressed in plain clothes.
No one knew that since she entered the hall, her heartbeat had accelerated with every step she took. When she heard Zhen Shuyuan's breathing, her heart almost jumped into her throat.
Zhen Shuyuan kept looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar blind and mute girl, and asked tremblingly:
"What's wrong with your eyes?"
Zhao Qingxiu smiled and shook her head optimistically,
Zhen Shuyuan sighed for a long time and took the noodle bowl.
She immediately put it down and reached out to touch Zhao Qingxiu's head, her voice choked up unconsciously:
"Why are you still so miserable...But he is a good boy, so good..."
As she spoke, she stared at Zhao Qingxiu in a daze.
"Ahhh."
Zhao Qingxiu never wanted to speak so much for a moment, but what came out were meaningless notes, and tears burst into her eyes.
I obviously don't want to cry.
There were so many people around that the two girls, who had met after many years, could not communicate too much, so they could only go through the process in a tacit understanding.
But silence is actually better than sound.
Moreover, just walking through the process made them choke up to varying degrees.
Especially Zhao Qingxiu, whose thin and thin breasts were rising and falling violently, making people fear that for a moment, her small body would be unable to bear it. Seeing this scene, Ouyang Rong suddenly thought wildly. He was somewhat fortunate that Xiu Niang had learned Qi refining, and could also keep fit.
Stay alive, not as thin and lack of energy and blood as it seems.
Xie Lingjiang and Ye Weilai had a tacit understanding and immediately stepped forward to replace Ouyang Rong and supported Zhao Qingxiu. The two women took her to the main table next to her and sat down to comfort her.
Ouyang Rong held back his steps and continued to accompany Zhen Shuyuan, watching her eat longevity noodles and at the same time livening up the atmosphere at the dinner.
At the venue, except for some relatives who were familiar with Ouyang Rong's family and looked thoughtful, many guests did not know Zhao Qingxiu's identity and were a little confused.
However, as I watched, I roughly guessed what was going on.
Because it stands to reason that the person who serves longevity noodles to the elder's birthday must be someone who is loved and close to the elder's birthday. Ouyang Rong and Xie Lingjiang are both suitable, but now they have been given to a strange, beautiful and blind girl.
And judging from where this woman is sitting, she is sitting with Ouyang Rong. Her position is next to Xie Lingjiang, a little further forward than Ye Weilai, and her status is vaguely more aloof.
But there is no doubt that she is from Ouyang Rong's house. At least for now, it seems that Mrs. Zhen has accepted her.
At the dinner that followed, guests felt at home, and the girls around Ouyang Rong also became happy, creating a rare peaceful atmosphere.
Ouyang Rong ate two large bowls of rice, served by his junior sister and embroidered lady.
The junior sister took the initiative to find topics, and the atmosphere was lively. Ouyang Rong behaved like a gentleman and did not interrupt, leaving the main field to the other girls.
Zhen Shuyuan seemed to be observing from the side, and found that Xie Lingjiang was indeed accepting, and her eyes were a little relieved.
Ouyang Rong's attention throughout the dinner was entirely on the rice in front of him and the women beside him, and he didn't pay too much attention.
When the banquet was over, he looked around and found that Rong Nushi had disappeared. She didn't know when she left.
I originally wanted to give it away, but I wanted to ask about tomorrow's celebration. Although Prince Xunyang and his wife are not going, as the governor of Jiangzhou, he still has to go there.
Ouyang Rong shook his head gently.
Li Dalang and Li Guo'er came to say goodbye to him, but they did not go back to the palace immediately. The Huaiye Lane residence prepared a courtyard for them to rest. They will go back with Xie Lingjiang tomorrow, which is safer.
As for the clan leaders from Nanlong, Ouyang Rong had already arranged a boat for them to leave Xunyang City tomorrow morning. He had some special considerations here. Yan Liulang would be responsible for this matter; Pei Shisanniang would go back to make arrangements.
It's frozen. As planned, we will continue to transport some ice cubes to the palace...
After taking care of this, Ouyang Rong relaxed and could spend time with his women tonight.
A dinner party, where guests feel at home.
The main hall gradually became empty, with only Ouyang Rong and several female family members remaining.
The song ends, but people don’t leave.
But this time, without outsiders, we have to reminisce about the past.
…
——————
(PS: 7k words, continue to make up for it, the next chapter will be updated before 12 o'clock tomorrow night! Please give me a monthly vote or 2)