Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey
Chapter 28: Welcome Banquet

Chapter 28: Chapter 28: Welcome Banquet

This conversation contained too much information.

Warm bedding, attending diligently, and catering to preferences... This Mr. Zhao, he really isn’t picky about gender?

Such things, just thinking about them feels obscene, how did the Commandery Princess know?

Song Yuan felt his scalp tingling, he glanced at the smiling Commandery Princess and silently swallowed back the words on the tip of his tongue.

Jiang Shaohua smiled soundlessly: "These matters, my grandfather told me."

For matters inconvenient to explain, pushing the blame on grandfather is foolproof.

Song Yuan calmed his mind and whispered: "A person like this can be the Chief Eunuch of Jingyang Palace, it’s clear how messy this palace is. The Empress Dowager’s private virtue can be seen... The Commandery Princess must never go to the palace."

Jiang Shaohua nodded: "Rest assured, Uncle, I won’t leave Nanyang County."

Song Yuan breathed a sigh of relief, thought about Prince Consort Lu’s behavior today, anger flashed in his eyes. He lowered his voice and said: "Prince Consort Lu went too far today. Knowing the Commandery Princess doesn’t want to go to the palace, yet he stood by Mr. Zhao’s side speaking."

Being a father to this extent is really disgraceful.

Does he really think people can’t see his wishful thinking?

Jiang Shaohua maintained a calm face: "A strong wind reveals sturdy grass, intense fire shows true gold. If he loves me with a father’s heart, I’ll naturally be a filial daughter. His numerous schemes against me, he only humiliates himself without blame for me."

Song Yuan agreed without hesitation: "That’s right; the Commandery Princess should be tough-hearted and set rules for Prince Consort Lu." He paused and continued: "If there’s a next time, the Commandery Princess need not speak; I’ll ’invite’ Prince Consort Lu to leave."

After all, Lu Xuan is Jiang Shaohua’s father. It’s a customary rule for unmarried daughters to follow their fathers. Although the Commandery Princess holds nobility, it’s inconvenient to frequently oppose her father. Spread the word, it would be bad for her reputation.

Jiang Shaohua looked at Song Yuan and said slowly: "There’s no need to worry, Uncle. I know what I’m doing."

The pair of black eyes were calm, composed, deep and unfathomable.

Song Yuan’s worries soon faded.

...

In the evening, the Prince Mansion held a banquet to welcome Mr. Zhao.

Jiang Shaohua still invited Mr. Zhao to sit at the head.

Mr. Zhao’s face was rosy, smiling charmingly, showing that Qiu Dianshan had "entertained" him well all afternoon. Looking at Qiu Dianshan, his smile was stiff, eyes had lost their luster.

Jiang Shaohua inwardly clicked her tongue and smiled, instructing Qiu Dianshan to sit beside Mr. Zhao.

Tonight’s banquet was a two-person affair. Usually, it should be the Commandery Princess and Mr. Zhao sitting together. However, the fragrance of cosmetics on Mr. Zhao was too pungent. Qiu Dianshan had smelled it for half a day; he probably got used to it.

Mr. Zhao’s bright eyes sparkled, sending affectionate waves over.

Qiu Yuanshang’s hair stood on end, repeatedly declining: "I’m of low rank, just a seventh-rank officer, where am I fit to sit at the head?"

Jiang Shaohua understandingly smiled: "This is a welcoming banquet, not a meeting to discuss official matters. Mr. Zhao and Chief Steward Qiu get along well; Chief Steward Qiu sitting beside Mr. Zhao makes it easier to attend to him."

Mr. Zhao nodded happily: "Indeed, my family and Chief Steward Qiu get along at first sight; just right to get closer during dinner."

Chen Zhuo coughed lightly, smiling as he joined: "The Commandery Princess is young and doesn’t drink. Chief Steward Qiu keeping Mr. Zhao company with drinks can ease the Commandery Princess’s burdens."

The role of Chief Steward involves managing ceremonies and guests. Actually, this is Chief Steward Qiu’s duty.

Qiu Yuanshang felt isolated and feeble, looking at Yang Zheng for help. Yang Zheng swiftly averted his gaze, embracing the principle "Better him than me."

Qiu Yuanshang gritted his teeth with resentment, forced a smile, and reluctantly sat beside Mr. Zhao.

Mr. Zhao indeed preferred the type of tall, mature man like Chief Steward Qiu, and was greatly pleased, drawing closer intentionally.

Jiang Shaohua smiled and sat down at the lower seat.

Chen Zhuo and Feng Wenming shared a table, Wen An and Shen Mu another, and the remaining seat went to Yang Zheng and Song Yuan.

Song Yuan never parted with his sword, setting the long knife by his side after sitting.

Yang Zheng’s right eyelid twitched; he couldn’t help but whisper: "Commander Song usually carries his sword now; this is a banquet, maybe keep the sword somewhat away!"

Facing such a blade ready to unsheath, how could one enjoy the fine food and wine?

Song Yuan glanced at him: "Duty requires the sword not leave my side, apologies to Mr. Yang."

Yang Zheng’s heart skipped. Alas, with only five tables, even if he wanted to change seats, there was nowhere else... The vacant seat by the Commandery Princess’s side wasn’t his to occupy.

Yang Zheng endured, pinching his nose.

Once the banquet started, the tactful Chen Zhuo frequently toasted to Mr. Zhao. Other officers followed suit, regardless of their drinking limits, raising their glasses constantly.

Jiang Shaohua held a cup of honey water, sweet and warm, very enjoyable to drink.

Mr. Zhao had quite an alcohol tolerance, welcoming each cup warmly. Jiang Shaohua occasionally ordered: "Chief Steward Qiu pour wine for Mr. Zhao."

Qiu Yuanshang had to raise the wine jug to pour for Mr. Zhao. This inevitably drew them closer. Mr. Zhao, taking advantage of the rosewood wine table’s concealment, placed his hand on Qiu Yuanshang’s leg.

Qiu Yuanshang: "..."

Qiu Yuanshang trembled all over, right hand shook, almost losing grip of the wine jug.

"Chief Steward Qiu, pour slowly, my family will drink slowly." Mr. Zhao winked at the faintly blushing Chief Steward Qiu, caressing through the spring robes.

Qiu Yuanshang’s eye twitched violently, hurriedly finished pouring the wine, excused himself needing a break, and fled the banquet.

Jiang Shaohua stifled her laughter and said to Mr. Zhao: "Chief Steward Qiu and Mr. Zhao seem to get along well."

Mr. Zhao cheerfully replied: "My family and Mr. Qiu hit it off at first sight."

Jiang Shaohua casually remarked with a smile: "After some days, I’ll have Chief Steward Qiu escort Mr. Zhao back to the capital. The journey back to the capital is long; having someone to talk to can ease the loneliness."

Mr. Zhao perked up, immediately saying with a smile: "The Commandery Princess shows such kindness; the servant is incredibly thankful. The servant honors the Commandery Princess with a toast."

Saying that, he actively rose to toast.

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, raised her glass in return.

The officials: "..."

Everyone silently put forth a candle for Chief Steward Qiu.

Qiu Yuanshang came back from the restroom and felt the atmosphere at the banquet was somewhat unusual.

Why are they all looking at him?

He just went to the restroom, what happened?

Also, what does Yang Zheng’s incessant signaling mean?

Qiu Yuanshang utterly confused, he deliberately kept some distance from Mr. Zhao upon returning. Luckily, Mr. Zhao, eloquently speaking, chatting merrily with the Commandery Princess about palace anecdotes, didn’t extend his hand again.

Qiu Yuanshang silently exhaled in relief.

An hour later, the banquet ended. Mr. Zhao drank quite a bit tonight, showing signs of intoxication. Qiu Yuanshang had to support Mr. Zhao as they left.

After escorting Mr. Zhao out, Qiu Yuanshang rushed into Yang Zheng’s courtyard as if he had a fire on his seat: "What happened tonight that I don’t know of?"