Chapter 554 Peach Blossom Breaks Love
Jia Cong was somewhat surprised by Miaoyu's origins, but upon reflection, it made sense. Even in the original novel, Miaoyu's origins were not explained, but judging from her behavior, speech, and belongings, she must have been of noble birth. But he never imagined she was actually a princess from the Kingdom of Qianxiang.
When Miaoyu finished her story, Jia Cong put down his teacup and said, "Let's go. It's getting late. It's time to go back!"
Seeing Jia Cong stand up, Miaoyu also stood up. She followed him two steps at first, and her expression changed after she stood still.
"My Lord!"
"Huh?" Jia Cong stopped and turned around.
But he saw Miaoyu standing under a peach tree, her hands tightly grasping the corner of her clothes, and her eyes looking at him were filled with uneasiness and admiration that was hard to conceal.
"You know, in our country, peach blossoms represent the most beautiful love! Whenever the peach blossoms are in full bloom, young men and women will sing songs. If the other person likes it, they just need to sing a duet."
"I never thought about what love is like, nor did I understand why the infatuated men and women in books were so obsessed and reluctant to let go, until I met you."
"We first met outside of Yangyue Suzhou, but for some reason, your shadow has fallen into my heart. I don't understand why, nor do I know if this is what is called love, but maybe it is."
"I... our country is different from your Daqian in its reserve. If we are happy, we will speak out."
She stepped forward, walked in front of Jia Cong, and said in a whisper, as if talking to herself, "Jia Cong, I like you. Do you... like me?"
Jia Cong's eyebrows moved slightly, but he didn't say anything. After a long while, he slowly said, "Miaoyu, you are innocent. Why do you have to wade into this mess with me?"
"As the saying goes, the sun shines brightly in the autumn moon. Our meeting was merely a coincidence. Whether it's these splendid peach blossoms or a cup of tea, you and I...we are not destined to be together in this life."
Having said this, Jia Cong turned around silently, then lowered his brows and looked down, "If you say that these peach blossoms bloom because of you and me, then... they don't have to bloom!"
Looking at Jia Cong's departing back, Miaoyu burst into tears!
…
Jia Lan and Qin Zhong both performed well in the imperial examinations. On the third day after the examinations, the county government posted the results of the examinations, and both of them were on the list, with Jia Lan ranked third and Qin Zhong ranked ninth.
When the news came, the whole house was happy, and everyone gathered in Li Wan's courtyard to congratulate her.
"Sister-in-law, you're truly in great glory," Wang Xifeng said, pulling Li Wan aside. "Lan'er has passed the imperial examination. In two years, won't you have a Jinshi scholar to rely on?"
The New Year has passed, so it is a rare occasion that all the sisters are gathered in the mansion today. "Sister-in-law should host a party and invite us over," Daiyu said with a smile.
"First we had Third Brother, and now we have Lan'er. Our house is becoming more prosperous." Tanchun said, holding Yingchun's hand.
"How can Lan'er compare to Third Uncle!" Lan'er said a little nervously , "Third Uncle was a top three scorer back then, Lan'er is still far behind. Moreover, the reason Lan'er can pass the exam now is also due to Third Uncle's teachings and help. Otherwise, how could Lan'er be where she is today?"
"It's good that you understand this!" Li Wan said with relief. "Although you've passed the county exam, that's only the first step. You mustn't slack off and continue studying hard. Also, since you've finally achieved some success, don't forget to write to your uncle to let him know the good news."
Jia Lan bowed deeply, "Mother, I'll remember this."
After saying this, Jia Lan bowed to the others again and said, "Aunts, I still need to check the omissions in my previous exam papers, so I'll let my mother accompany you all!"
"Lan'er, go by yourself!" the girls laughed.
After Jia Lan left, Xiangyun stepped forward, took Li Wan's arm and said, "Sister-in-law, Lan'er also said that the reason she was able to pass the exam was also due to the help of Third Brother. You should host a big banquet for him. Although Third Brother is not here, we can still help him with his meals."
Li Wan laughed and tapped Xiangyun's forehead, "You little girl, it's just a treat, what's the big deal!"
"Suyun, go get ten taels of silver. I want to host a banquet for all the girls."
"Biyue, go to the East Palace and invite my sister-in-law, Yuanyang and the others over as well."
Although Li Wan was reluctant to spend money on ordinary days, today was her son's wedding day, so she would be willing to spend not only ten taels, but even two hundred taels.
Li Wan's words made everyone present cheer. Although there were many banquets, big and small, during the festival period, most of them had elders present. Even when playing around, they felt a little restrained. How could it compare to the freedom they have now?
"Sister Biyue, don't forget to ask Xiaoqueer to come along." Xichun said hurriedly.
"And the small opera troupe from the East Palace, please invite them over as well, and we'll also order two Gaole plays." Tanchun said with a smile.
The maids and old women took care of everything, while the other girls went into the house and started playing around. After waiting for about half an hour, everyone from the East Palace arrived.
There were Youshi, Keqing, Yuanyang, Mu Ning, Xiuyan , Xiao Que'er, Qingwen and other maids, a total of more than a dozen.
All the masters sat on the couch, and the maids sat on stools below.
Soon, a sumptuous feast was brought over! After the previous crackdown by Jia Cong and Wang Xifeng, the servants in the mansion were much more obedient now. Especially since the girls were hosting, the kitchen staff naturally wouldn't be so blind as to skimp on the food. Therefore, the ten-liang feast included dozens of plates and bowls of various sizes.
But this is normal. For ordinary people, ten taels of silver is enough for half a year's expenses. So, ten taels of silver is not a lot, but it is definitely not a small amount for hosting a banquet. After all, not every family can come up with hundreds of taels of silver to host a banquet like the Xue family.
Everyone sat down and enjoyed the meat and wine.
"It's a rare occasion that everyone is gathered here today, let's share the flowers!" Xiangyun couldn't help but speak as everyone was enjoying the meal.
As soon as these words were spoken, they were immediately agreed by everyone.
The so-called flower name-taking is actually a kind of drinking game. Various flower sticks are placed in the stick box, with the names of the flowers and annotated poems on them.
Moreover, the content of each flower sign is different.
For example, the peony is the most beautiful flower among all flowers, and you can ask anyone or several people present to recite a poem or joke to accompany the wine. For example, the plum blossom is to drink a cup by yourself and let the next person roll the dice.
In short, there are dozens of flower names, each with corresponding explanations and rules. Now that the girls from the two mansions have gathered together, it is most appropriate to play with them.
"Sister, you guys play, I'll go play with Xiao Que'er." Xiao Xichun obviously didn't have much interest in such games, especially when she saw Xiao Que'er and the others, her heart had already flown away.
Baochai smiled and said, "Then Fourth Sister can take Xiao Que'er and the others to play together. Ying'er, you go with them, and have the maid follow too, so as not to bump into anything."
