Chapter 199 Miss Wang is too narrow-minded

Chapter 199 Miss Wang is too narrow-minded

The Ningyang Marquis' Mansion was decorated with lights and colorful decorations, and the red doors were open to welcome guests from all directions.

Xue led the two girls into the mansion. The courtyard was deep, the path paved with bluestone was winding, and the flowers and trees on both sides were scattered. The beautiful peonies bloomed in the sun, with layers of petals, like brocade; the elegant orchids quietly exuded fragrance, and the faint fragrance lingered in the air, intoxicating people. Several ancient cypresses stood tall, with strong branches, like loyal guards.

Walking along the path, we arrived in front of the banquet hall. On the spacious corridor, red lanterns were hung high, and the columns were carved with exquisite patterns, with auspicious dragons and phoenixes, flowers, birds, fish and insects, all lifelike, showing the exquisite craftsmanship of the craftsmen.

Zhu Mingqiao looked around curiously along the way, feeling deeply moved. This courtyard of an ancient official was exquisite and sophisticated everywhere, unlike his previous life where the family lived in a small space and was busy running around for a living.

Xue looked at Zhu Mingqiao's curious expression with loving eyes. She smiled and said, "Mingqiao, look at the rockery in the courtyard. It is said that the Ningyang Marquis's Mansion hired a master craftsman to carve it carefully. It has different shapes. Look at the one that looks like a tiger descending from the mountain, majestic and awe-inspiring; and the one by the wall looks like a monkey climbing a tree, lively and playful. This rockery is not only a landscape, but also has unique Feng Shui characteristics."

Zhu Mingyue continued, "Qiao Jie'er, look at this pond. The water is so clear. There are koi fish of different colors in it. I heard from Shuqi that these koi fish represent good luck and fortune. Her father spent a lot of money to transport them from Jiangnan. On festival days, put a few lotus lanterns by the pond, and the scenery is even more beautiful."

"Hey, Sister Mingyue, where did this country bumpkin come from? Is he worthy of your flattery? Be careful not to be deceived by those shady people outside."

Before she saw the person, she heard an extremely discordant voice. Zhu Mingyue frowned. This was her old enemy who always liked to show off in front of her.

But within two breaths, the man came with a large group of maids and servants, and there were also several official women beside him. This person was Wang Xuehua, the legitimate daughter of the Minister of Revenue, and her eldest sister was Wang Xuerou, the concubine who was by the emperor's side. Although Concubine Rou was not the most favored, she was still a concubine, so everyone usually avoided Wang Xuehua everywhere.

"Sister Xuehua, please be careful with your words. This is my younger sister. She has been recuperating in the yard since she was weak. Now that she has recovered, you bring her out to see the world." Zhu Mingyue explained, telling everyone about Zhu Mingqiao's origins to prevent anyone from being blind and saying something irresponsible that would upset her younger sister.

Wang Xuehua was wearing gorgeous clothes and had delicate makeup, but her eyes were filled with a hint of arrogance and disdain. She looked Zhu Mingqiao up and down. This child had not grown up yet, but she had already shown some signs of beauty. She would definitely have an outstanding appearance in the future, so she wanted to suppress her. The corners of her mouth slightly raised, and she chuckled: "Humph, look at this girl who has never seen the world, she must be a country girl."

When Mrs. Xue heard this, her eyes suddenly turned cold. She raised her chin slightly and said in a neither humble nor arrogant manner, "Miss Wang, you are wrong. Although my daughter has never seen such a luxurious scene, she is kind-hearted, innocent and lovely. How can you laugh at her casually? The beauty of this courtyard can be appreciated by everyone, regardless of their background. Miss Wang, judging people by their background makes you look narrow-minded."

Wang Xuehua was speechless after hearing what Xue said, and her face turned pale. She wanted to take this opportunity to suppress Zhu Mingyue and her sister, but she didn't expect that she was outmaneuvered by Zhu Mingyue. The guests around her also cast dissatisfied glances at Wang Xuehua, thinking that she was too mean. Wang Xuehua was annoyed, but she couldn't get angry, so she turned around and left angrily.

After Wang Xuehua left, the guests' attention was focused on Zhu Mingqiao, their eyes full of amazement.

A lady exclaimed softly, "I have heard that the Prime Minister's wife has a little daughter. Today, I saw her and was amazed at how beautiful she is. This child has beautiful eyebrows, eyes like stars, and skin whiter than snow. She is like a fairy descended to earth."

Another lady also nodded and agreed, "Yes, looking at her lively appearance, she is really lovable. Although she has been staying at home all year round due to health reasons, she doesn't look sick at all."

Everyone was whispering to each other, discussing Zhu Mingqiao's beauty and temperament.

Zhu Mingqiao was a little shy under the gazes of the crowd and lowered her head slightly. Seeing this, Zhu Mingyue gently held her sister's hand and comforted her softly. Xue looked at her daughter with pride and was filled with satisfaction.

Everyone was chatting and laughing as they walked along the path and arrived in front of the banquet hall.

Entering the banquet hall, the scene was even more magnificent. On the high roof, colorful beams crisscrossed, and the floor was covered with gorgeous carpets, soft and thick, and no sound was heard when stepping on them.

Famous paintings and calligraphy were hung on the walls, and the scent of ink filled the air. The huge screen was embroidered with landscapes, flowers and birds, with delicate needlework and colorful colors, dividing the entire banquet hall into men's and women's areas.

The table was filled with various fruits, and various exquisite pastries were placed in exquisite porcelain.

The guests were dressed in gorgeous clothes, chatting and laughing, or whispering, with elegant manners and extraordinary temperament. The musicians played melodious music on the side, the sound of stringed instruments was gentle and pleasant, adding a romantic atmosphere to the banquet.

When the wife of Ningyang Marquis saw Xue and his group coming in, she hurried forward to greet them.

"This must be Miss Qiao, she's really pretty. Here, this is a gift from your aunt." The wife of the Marquis of Ningyang came from a military family, and she and the Xue family were close friends. After saying this, the wife of the Marquis of Ningyang took off the bracelet on her wrist and put it on Zhu Mingqiao's hand.

Zhu Mingqiao looked down. Although his soul came from a thousand years later and he did not know the value of the bracelet, it was obvious that it was not an ordinary item.

"Thank you, auntie." Zhu Mingqiao happily presented a thank you gift.

Wang Xuehua, who was sitting not far away, saw this scene and rolled his eyes in disdain. What a country bumpkin who was not worthy of being in the limelight. He was bribed with just a bracelet.

As the hostess, the wife of the Marquis of Ningyang was busy entertaining the guests. She did not say a word to Mrs. Xue, took them to their seats, and left to welcome the guests.

The table where Xue's mother and daughter were sitting was just full, and Zhu Mingqiao was surprised to see that there were two families with whom she had a close relationship. One family was the wife of the general who protected the country, Liang and He Qing. The other family was the eldest daughter-in-law of the Supreme Court Minister Meng and her daughter Ke Ning. As soon as Zhu Mingqiao sat at the table, she knew the identities of Meng and Ke Ning after hearing everyone's greetings. She knew that Ke Meng was pursuing her sister Shen Zhen, so she paid more attention to Meng and Ke Ning.

Mrs. Meng is like a beauty walking out of a painting of Jiangnan, with gentleness and intelligence in her every frown and smile.

Her daughter, Ke Ning, has perfectly inherited her mother's charm. Ke Ning also has the gentle temperament of a Jiangnan woman, and her every move is influenced by her mother.