Ji Jinmo's appearance caught everyone by surprise. He hadn't attended any similar banquets since the death of the Empress Dowager, and often missed even imperial banquets.
Everyone rose to bow, a rustling sound as they all knelt.
"Greetings, Your Highness!"
The voices rose and fell, eventually merging into one. Ji Jinmo swept his gaze over the assembly, and only when his eyes landed on Nan Shiying did a flicker of emotion stir within him. "Rise!"
"Thank you, Your Highness."
The guests stood, their gazes following Ji Jinmo.
Why was he here?
Madam Liu cast a subtle glance at Nan Yuan'er. A trace of solemnity flashed in Nan Yuan'er's eyes, but seeing Madam Liu's gaze, she offered a reassuring smile.
With her mind put at ease, Madam Liu approached gracefully. Whether intentionally or due to genuine illness, even the rouge and powder on her face couldn't conceal her weary pallor.
"This humble consort welcomes Your Highness. May Your Highness be well," Madam Liu curtsied towards Ji Jinmo.
She held a noble title, exempting her from kneeling.
Having served two dynasties, the former Emperor had already bestowed a noble title upon Madam Wang. Now, Ji Hong had granted another, and Nan Chaoyin, citing his嫡妻's existing title, had given the new one to Madam Liu.
Ji Jinmo's eyes remained lowered as his gaze swept over Madam Liu, lingering not for a moment, nor acknowledging her. He walked directly towards Nan Shiying.
Ji Jinmo's disregard was like an invisible slap to Madam Liu. The onlookers exchanged glances of varied expressions, but dared not overtly display their emotions. Even so, the gazes from all directions were like the world's most venomous needles, piercing Madam Liu's flesh and penetrating her very soul.
Humiliated and furious.
The smile on Madam Liu's lips froze. For a moment, she lost control of her emotions, nearly making a spectacle of herself.
"Mother!" Nan Yuan'er's voice chimed in at the opportune moment. She gently took Madam Liu's tightly clenched fist, subtly prying apart her fingers that were digging into her palm. Madam Liu turned, and Nan Yuan'er's smiling face met her gaze.
Madam Liu took a deep breath, doing her utmost to suppress the anger and resentment churning within her.
...
Watching Madam Liu's expression, on the verge of exploding yet unable to unleash her fury, Nan Shiying couldn't help but curve her lips upwards. When it came to provoking others, this lord's methods were far superior; he simply treated her as if she were air. Had it not been for Nan Yuan'er, Madam Liu might have publicly embarrassed herself.
"Very pleased?"
The smile on her face was subtle, but the light dancing in her eyes was radiant. Seeing her happy, a wave of joy surged deep within Ji Jinmo. His already upturned lips curved even higher, adding a touch of seductive charm to his stern countenance.
Fortunately, his back was to the crowd, otherwise, he would surely blind the envious eyes of the commoners.
Nan Shiying raised an eyebrow noncommittally, "Of course."
However, more than this, she was curious as to why this lord had suddenly appeared at the Nan residence. "My lord, why have you come?"
Ji Jinmo unfastened his fur coat, handed it to Lü Wan, and then sat down beside Nan Shiying.
It was the depth of winter, and the banquet could not be held outdoors. Madam Liu had ordered the largest pavilion in the western courtyard of the estate to be prepared, capable of accommodating a hundred people.
The room was warm, with roaring fires on all sides, so much so that one could wear a single layer of clothing.
"To join the fun."
Ji Jinmo's reply was perfunctory. Join the fun? She had never known this lord to have such a hobby.
Seeing that he was unwilling to elaborate, Nan Shiying didn't press further.
The Nan estate had not arranged for singers or dancers. This banquet was, in essence, a matchmaking event for young men and women.
However, with the Great Li princess present, the atmosphere was somewhat peculiar.
The young lords who usually loved to show off and attract attention in such gatherings were all hunched in their seats like quail.
The young ladies of various households watched with suppressed smiles, their gazes subtly falling upon the Great Li princess. They covered their mouths with their hands, whispering to each other.
The mocking stares, like those directed at a monkey, made Baolan blush. However, the Great Li princess remained composed and unruffled.
Nan Chaoyin couldn't help but steal a few glances at her.
...
Nan Chaoyin arrived fashionably late.
He had not intended to appear at this banquet, and neither had Nan Yujin. Now that Ji Jinmo had arrived, he could no longer avoid showing his face.
"Your Highness's presence at my humble abode truly brings brilliance to my doorstep!"
Upon Nan Chaoyin's arrival, everyone rose to greet him. Nan Chaoyin nodded to the crowd with a smile, walked directly towards Ji Jinmo, and bowed with utmost deference. If the others weren't aware of the relationship between Nan Chaoyin and Ji Jinmo, they would have believed he held Ji Jinmo in genuine respect.
Ji Jinmo nodded at Nan Chaoyin. Unlike Nan Chaoyin's insincerity, he made no attempt to hide his disdain for him. "Prime Minister Nan is truly a pillar of our Lin Yuan Kingdom. Such skill in concealing one's emotions truly earns my admiration."
"Your Highness flatters me."
Nan Chaoyin responded to his "praise" with a smile, as if he hadn't detected the mockery in Ji Jinmo's words.
Ji Jinmo let out a cold laugh and said no more.
The exchange between the two was fleeting, and the onlookers felt a sense of suffocation. The atmosphere of the banquet grew even more unbearable.
...
A few young ladies here and there went out in pairs for some fresh air.
The young lords also made excuses and slipped away one by one. The cold wind outside seemed to blow away the stifling air that clung to them.
"What's going on?"
Someone grumbled softly.
If not for that damned monster at Weianshan, would they have ended up in this predicament?
That Great Li princess had worn a veil since arriving in Lin Yuan, only lifting it to eat even at the banquet. It was unclear if this was a Great Li custom or if the princess was so unsightly that she dared not reveal her true face.
This person, with an unknown appearance, would hinder one's career if married. Who knew which unlucky soul would end up embracing this 'beauty'!
...
Mu Xiaoxiao adamantly refused to marry Wang Mingyang and was confined to her chambers, so only Mu Baiyu attended the banquet. He used the excuse of being drunk to seek some quiet, finding an unoccupied corridor to sit down. A light snow began to fall, and the biting cold made him shiver. Just as he was contemplating whether to return, he suddenly heard low sobs from not far away.
Mu Baiyu paused, but adhering to the principle of "see no evil, hear no evil," he had no intention of getting involved. He rose and retraced his steps.
However, at the corner, he bumped into the person who was weeping with their head bowed.
"Careful!"
The two collided, and the figure was thrown backward.
A look of panic flashed across the tear-streaked, pretty face. Mu Baiyu was startled but reacted quickly, grabbing the person's wrist and pulling them back.
The slender body fell into his embrace, and a faint fragrance instantly filled Mu Baiyu's nostrils.