Chapter 41 The Banquet in the Palace (1/2)

Mo Xuetong woke up rather early. However, it took some time for Mo Lan and the others to do her hair and makeup. When Mo Xuetong left, it was the peak period to enter the palace. Carriages after carriages drove through the palace gates in an orderly manner. Then, they drove onto the wide and neat road slowly. There were no other sounds but the crisp sounds of horse hooves.

Those who came were all from n.o.ble families. They had a strict upbringing and were in the palace. As such, they all behaved demurely and did not dare to speak loudly. If they embarra.s.sed themselves here, it would not only be themselves they are embarra.s.sing. Their family members might even lose their lives.

When they arrived at the location, they got off the carriage and onto a palanquin. They were then carried to the royal gardens. The flower appreciation festival was held at the southeastern area of the royal gardens. There was an autumn garden there where the blooms were all autumn blooms. There was mostly chrysanthemum there. There was a variety of beautiful chrysanthemum flowers, begonias, and tall osmanthus trees.

The osmanthuses were very fragrant. It was when the fragrance of the flowers was the strongest. The scent of the flowers made one feel relaxed and happy the moment they got off the palanquin. It was as if they were in the season when flowers bloom in the south of the Yangtze River.

Mo Lan carefully smoothed out her skirts when they got off the horse carriage. She even smoothed out the smallest crease.

It was still early and the banquet had not yet started. The young ladies gathered together in twos and threes, admiring the beautiful scenery of hundreds of flowers blooming. The Empress had arranged the banquet and had invited the children of the main branch of each family. This was a way for the royal family to gain control over their people, and also for families to match up. If both parties liked each other, they can even get the Empress to marry them. As such, it was even more leisurely than the usual banquets. It was normal for men and women to speak here.

In the Great Qin, there were not as many protocols between men and women at a banquet.

”Did anyone hear that it is not the first miss of the Mo Family who is attending today? It is the third miss who is said to be ugly, weird and arrogant who is here today.” The sounds of a few women laughing could be heard.

”Where did the third miss come from? Only the first miss is somewhat outstanding. The whole family is filled with children from concubines. It doesn't even sound nice.”

”There is a main daughter. It is said that she has an odd temper and character. And is also ugly. That's why Lord Mo left his main daughter behind in a border city when he entered the capital. Otherwise, why would they leave a main daughter behind? I guess she's really ugly.”

”Is she really that terrifying?” Everyone was surprised!

”Of course, Mo Xuemin is really so pitiful. She's so beautiful and talented. And she's also so gentle, but she is only a concubine's daughter. Last year, their family had no main daughter, which was why she could come. I fear she's not as lucky this time.”

”That's right. Otherwise, how could Mo Xuemin, a concubine daughter enjoy such a status in the capital? But no matter how good she is, she is still a concubine's daughter.” Someone said with disdain.

”I heard that her birth mother is about to become the matriarch. Lord Mo will marry her soon.”

”Well, she still won't be a true daughter of the main branch.”

A nasty temper, an odd temperament and ugly?

They really thought highly of her. She was so ”famous” even though she had been left behind in Cloud City. It was evident how much they paid attention to her. They praised Mo Xuemin a lot, but said that she was ugly and untalented. A faint smile appeared on her lips. She looked elegant and beautiful in the flowers.

She was a beauty, but because of her young age, her figure had not fully developed. Her face still looked rather childish and cherubic. Her clear eyes were like brilliant pearls in the depth of the sea, s.h.i.+ning with light and charm. Her face was crystal clear and her lips were ruby red. Her white satin skirts draped down elegantly on her as she stood among a bush of flowers. There were b.u.t.terflies flying at her feet and the breeze blew gently on her. She looked innocent and beautiful.

The beautiful scenery became a simple sight around her.

Many were drawn to her figure standing under the tree and amongst the flowers. Her clothes were plain but elegant and beautiful. It complimented her skin color. There were many sighs. Whose daughter was this? She was so beautiful and elegant.

”Cousin, it is you. Why were you so late? I have been looking for you for a long while.” Luo Mingzhu appeared from nowhere. She went up to Mo Xuetong with a smile when she saw her.

”Second cousin. You're here early. Tong'er was late and was just about to look for you. But I didn't know where to find you and was getting worried!” There was a hint of shyness in her gentle and sweet voice.

”Cousin, I told you to come with me but you refused. See, you couldn't find me, could you!” Luo Mingzhu nattered on. She was truly worried that Mo Xuetong would get lost, which was why she told Mo Xuetong to go to the General's Mansion first before heading to the palace together. However, Mo Xuetong refused. The Mo Manor had rules, and she must not embarra.s.s her father.

She was the main daughter of the Mo Manor, so she must not allow anyone to gossip about her that she did not even dare to go to a banquet alone. Even though she knew that Luo Mingzhu meant well, there were so many negative rumors about her. If she were not more careful, she might not be able to salvage her reputation. She would not tread on the same path as she did in her past life. She had lived two lives and knew how important reputation was to a woman.

”Many thanks, second cousin. I had just gotten off the carriage and had not waited long. I have troubled you to look for me.” Mo Xuetong explained with a smile.

”You. Sigh. Oh, did the First Miss from your manor come today? She is a concubine's daughter, how could you bring her in?” Luo Mingzhu berated her with a glare and a smile. She was not truly angry. She took Mo Xuetong's hand and they walked and stopped under a tree.

”Eldest Sister?” Mo Xuetong pretended to look surprised. ”I didn't bring her in!”

Mo Xuemin had indeed gotten into the palace. This was just as Mo Xuetong had guessed. She felt a chill run down her spine!