The Wealthy Eldest Sister Rules Supreme

Zhuang Wencheng was delighted by Zhuang Qingning’s joy, but he also felt a pang of bitterness because of it.

Feeling everything at once was overwhelming and unbearable.

Compared to last time, he assumed it was because he had been rejected once before, he didn’t lose his composure as he did then.

After all, he’d done everything he needed to and asked everything that needed to be asked. There were no more regrets, he supposed.

“Little Sister Ning, I’ll leave you to it. I’ll be on my way home,” said Zhuang Wencheng.

“Safe trip, Brother Wencheng,” Zhuang Qingning bid farewell as Zhuang Wencheng left the courtyard.

Watching Zhuang Wencheng depart without looking back, Zhuang Qingning realized he must have finally given up.

As hard as it might sound, it’s better to end things quickly than to prolong the pain. Since she was not interested in him, she must not let him harbor any illusions about her.

Though it felt somewhat cruel to do so…

But it had to be done!

However, she had told a brazen lie earlier, claiming she was betrothed. If Zhuang Wencheng decided to confront her about it, where would she find a betrothed to introduce to him?

After pondering it over, Zhuang Qingning decided on a plan.

[What are your commands, Host?]

You previously said that I already have the marriage stone, so why don’t you straightaway tell me who my future husband will be?

In this way, I could go directly to him, saving me a lot of troubles, right?

[Host makes a valid point!]

[However… the marriage stone only grows when the host is in the presence of her destined significant other, hence I can’t tell you directly who your destined partner is.]

[So, you’ll need to find him yourself…]

Zhuang Qingning, “…”

This system is useless, indeed!

It seems the initiative is hers after all.

Zhuang Qingning fell back into deep thought.

[However, the host can think back. The previous few times the marriage stone grew, it triggered good fortune. Reflect who among the opposite sex you were in contact with, that might give you a clue.]

That sounds pretty simple…

She meets so many people every day, how could she know whose presence triggers the growth of the marriage stone?

But speaking of contact with the opposite sex, she did come up with a solution.

[What’s the solution?]

Well… you’ll know when the time comes.

Zhuang Qingning chuckled, and began tidying up the courtyard.

It was deep autumn now. The roses that once filled the courtyard were wilting, replaced by vibrant chrysanthemums along the wall. The leaves on some fruit trees had also begun to fall, covering the courtyard.

Zhuang Qingning cleared away all the fallen leaves.

—-

Royal palace.

As the chrysanthemums were in full bloom, the Empress held a Chrysanthemum Banquet. She invited all the imperial concubines, and nobility.

On the surface, it was said that it had been a long time since everyone had gathered, so a lively occasion was to be had. But everyone knew that such royal banquets were opportunities for people to find suitable matches for their unmarried children.

Moreover, this kind of high-level banquet was attended by either royal relatives or important court officials, at least those who were favored by the emperor. This effectively filtered out those of lower official ranks, saving the trouble of discovering someone’s background.

Even if a suitable match wasn’t found, letting their children make more friends was still beneficial for the future.

Therefore, everyone who received an invitation was eager to find a good match for their children at this banquet. They were all dressed to kill, earnestly initiating conversations.

The banquet was a grand and lively affair.

“Why don’t you go over there and have a few drinks?” Chu Yunzhao approached observing Chu Jinnian sitting alone by the lakeside pavilion.

“You know I’ve never been fond of these situations,” Chu Jinnian answered nonchalantly.

He truly did not.

Since Chu Jinnian returned to the capital, rumors circulated that Chu Jinzhuo, was likely to inherit the title of Prince due to Mrs. Ruo’s stable position in the Prince of Qi’s mansion and his support. This resulted in Chu Jinnian receiving mockery and contempt, more numerous than the stars in the sky.

However, soon after, Chu Jinnian was brought into the palace by Concubine Hui and even the Empress was extremely satisfied and favored him. Gradually, the mockery and contempt turned into flattery and brown-nosing.

Given this, it was understandable that Chu Jinnian disliked these people.

If it weren’t for the palace banquet and Miss Luo’s arrival, with Chu Yunzhao insisting that Chu Jinnian accompanying him, Chu Jinnian surely wouldn’t have attended such an event.

“Why are you still here?” Chu Jinnian glanced at Chu Yunzhao.

He had seen earlier that the people around Chu Yunzhao went the other way, probably to invite Miss Luo over, so the two of them could find a secluded place to talk. This would surely ease the longing pains they were feeling.

Chu Yunzhao sighed deeply, “Mrs. Luo and Miss Luo are still being held up by Her Majesty, admiring the flowers.”

“She even said that she feels extremely close to Miss Luo, and has heard that Miss Luo plays the zither well. She wishes to listen to a tune later, for a ‘feast for the ears’.”

“This isn’t about Miss Luo’s closeness at all. She clearly saw me coming today, deliberately wanted to annoy me, and purposely kept Miss Luo busy.”

“This Empress really knows how to make life difficult!”

Chu Jinnian pursed his lips and looked ahead, “Isn’t that Young Master Liang?”

Chu Yunzhao looked up, “Indeed, it’s Liang Xuelin.”

“Concubine Liang has just entered the palace, the Liang family is now on top of the world. Liang Xuelin must feel quite triumphant.”

“Having such an accomplished sister, naturally means a proud brother,” Chu Jinnian gestured to Jing Zhao,” Go, invite Young Master Liang over. Tell him that the Fourth Prince and I would like him to have a drink with us.”

“Yes,” Jing Zhao followed his orders and left.

“Why did you invite Liang Xuelin?” Chu Yunzhao frowned, “Despite Young Master Liang’s profound schemes, his status and capabilities are indisputable. His performance on the job is impeccable. Perhaps it is because he is the only son of Mr. Liang that he is extraordinarily pampered.”

“Liang Xuelin likes to put on airs, but he’s essentially a wastrel who pursues wine and women. He has made no notable achievements, and I’ve heard he hasn’t been wed. Instead, he’s already concubining a few charming beauties. I’ve also heard that he is a cruel schemer and not a good person.”

“Normally, someone like him couldn’t even scratch the doorway of this palace. It’s obviously only because of Concubine Liang’s status that he’s been invited to this banquet.”

He was hinting that it was beneath their status as a prince and son of the Prince of Qi to invite someone so lowly to drink with them.

—-

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