Chapter 11: Birthday Banquet, Stunning Those Present (1/2)

Chapter 11: Birthday Banquet, Stunning Those Present

Bai Xiangxiu had truly prepared this present in earnest. After she’d finished carving and painting it, even Xiao Shi was greatly surprised. She asked, “This is really meant to be given to the Old Madame?”

“Yes, how is it?” Looking at her finished work, Bai Xiangxiu elegantly twirled an engraving knife in one hand, her other hand on her waist, looking extremely proud of what she had accomplished.

Xiao Shi nodded until her head almost fell off. Why hadn’t she known that her mistress possessed such skills after serving her for so many years? But this was really too good! The old madame would surely look at her mistress in a different light as soon as this gift was presented. Bai Xiangxiu was also very satisfied and went to choose the clothes she would wear that day.

Her face was born beautiful, so even if she appeared without any make-up on, she should also be able to draw many gazes. However, she was highly motivated to tone down her looks since that was what the old madame hated the most. Although she wanted to seduce the male supporting character, she also didn’t wish to be beaten to death by staves before she’d succeeded.

Thus, she chose a light blue dress that didn’t appear too casual along with a red outer vest, not standing out too much while also not appearing too mild. After all, this was a day of a happy tidings, and she had to give some face to the old madame.

As her head accessories, she decided to choose only a few. She felt that her hair was already very heavy to begin with. If she added a bunch of accessories on top of that, she’d probably develop a spinal injury sooner or later.

Xiao Shi sighed. The mistress’ features are far too outstanding. She is dressing so low-key today because she’s worried about being accused of seducing the master.

“Spend some money and have the servants to carry it in. They’d better not drop it,” Bai Xiangxiu instructed before standing up. Gazing at her reflection in the bronze mirror, she mused that however low-key she tried to dress, this face of hers was just still too attractive. Why was it that such a perfectly good face had to end up like that? Could it be because she didn’t have the female lead halo?

Actually, Bai Xiangxiu also knew from the book that concubines of this era actually didn’t have a position at all. While she was a precious concubine having entered the household through legitimate means, she was still just a concubine.

This time, the four concubines actually didn’t have the right to sit in at the old madame’s longevity banquet. They were only going there to present their gifts, and would have to leave after the women of the family [1] arrived.

Only if the old madame presiding over the banquet or Prince Li, Long Heng, agreed to it, would they be allowed to stay. But she remembered from the novel that they had not been allowed to stay. Therefore, it was fine as long as she presented her gift and caught a little of the male supporting character’s attention. Other than that, there was nothing else to look forward to. The presenting of gifts would come before the outsiders arrived, so they would have to go over early.

The male and female guests should have congregated before the old madame by now, so perhaps she would be able to see that male supporting character Song Jiaoyue. Bai Xiangxiu felt some anticipation begin to bubble inside. After all, she had chosen him, and would be rescued by him if she succeeded, so she may be even… No, she shouldn’t think of anything else. Being able to secure her life was already a very good outcome.

The two once again walked towards the front lounge, heading for the main hall this time. Many guests had already gathered, but most of them were still from within the complex or relatives of the family.

Before having been received his title of Prince Li, Long Heng’s family had been extremely large. His bloodline had flourished the most, but possessed the least amount of people.

Long Heng’s father was also a general, having spent many long years out on the battlefield. Although there were two concubine-born sons [2] of his who had not managed to survive, he had a concubine-born daughter who had already been married for many years.

Meanwhile his wife, née Liu, who was the current old madame, had only borne him one son, Long Heng. Having obtained the incomparably high position of a common prince for her son[3], the old madame who had taken great pains and suffered much in raising this son of hers had earned everyone’s respect. This time, even the current king had sent over a congratulatory gift, which had long since been hung over in the main hall. It was a Hundred Longevity Picture.

Right after they’d arrived, Bai Xiangxiu and the other three concubines were instructed to first kneel and pay their respects to that Hundred Longevity Picture to avoid overlooking the rules. Therefore, having not even seen the old madame, Bai Xiangxiu had to first kneel and pay her respects to the Hundred Longevity Picture, and then was supported as she walked over to pay respects to the old madame herself.

The knees of these ancients were really pitiful indeed. She had already kneeled twice in such a short period of time. Just as she was mentally complaining about this unusual torture, she heard someone announce, “His Highness has arrived!”