Chapter 186: Lotus Garden Banquet

Chapter 186: Lotus Garden Banquet

Duan Shaoqing returned home and headed straight for Ruyitang.

The old madam still didn't know about Xin You's donation of 50,000 taels. Seeing her son enter, she asked with a smile, "Why are you back at this hour?"

"Mother, give me 1,000 taels from the private account."

The old madam sat up straight. "Is everything alright?"

Now that Second Madam Zhu was managing the household, all expenses were charged to the public account.

"To donate to the Dingbei disaster relief."

The old madam felt something was off. "Didn't we donate 600 taels a few days ago?"

Although the 600 taels were from the public account, they were given in the name of the eldest son, representing the face of Shaoqing Mansion.

Duan Shaoqing’s face twitched, and he forced out a sentence through gritted teeth, "Mother, have you heard? Qingqing donated 50,000 taels to the disaster relief."

"How much?"

Duan Shaoqing enunciated each word, "50,000 taels!"

The old madam gasped, clutching her chest.

"Mother, are you alright?" Seeing the old madam's reaction, Duan Shaoqing immediately regretted his words.

If she couldn’t handle the shock, it would be disastrous.

The old madam waved her hand, her voice shaky, "She really donated 50,000 taels?"

Duan Shaoqing nodded heavily, "It's all over the place now, it must be true."

"That girl!" The old madam slammed her hand on the armrest of her chair.

Spending a little silver to provide porridge and earn a good reputation was worthwhile, but she truly felt distressed over 50,000 taels.

What kind of reputation is worth 50,000 taels? Too much fame can become a burden.

After her moment of distress, the old madam asked her son, "Then why do you need to donate another 1,000 taels?"

Duan Shaoqing, feeling cornered by Xin You, was deeply embarrassed, but such a large expenditure had to be clarified. "That's the thing, that girl advised me in front of everyone to donate less. If I didn’t show some gesture, people would mock me."

The old madam took a deep breath and said slowly, "You should avoid being around Qingqing in the future."

Duan Shaoqing felt like slapping himself.

How could he be so forgetful!

The only consolation was that by donating more than 1,000 taels, he would receive an invitation to the Lotus Garden banquet, where he might gain some imperial favor.

On the 28th of the twelfth lunar month, with heavy snowfall, the streets were bustling with carriages and sedan chairs.

Those heading to the banquet were mostly excited, especially the wealthy merchants who felt both excitement and unease.

Xiaolian lifted a corner of the carriage curtain, her face beaming, "Miss, look at all the carriages!"

Xin You smiled warmly. "Are you that happy?"

Xiao Lian nodded. "I never imagined I would get to visit the imperial gardens."

For her, this seemed like an impossible dream. And not just for her, but for Miss Kou as well.

Since joining Miss Kou, she realized how wealthy her mistress was. She also saw how much could be accomplished with that wealth.

It could save lives, broaden horizons, and enable one to live confidently and joyfully.

Yet, despite having all this, Miss Kou was confined to the inner quarters and couldn't even enjoy occasions like this.

Thinking of this, Xiao Lian felt a deep resentment toward Shaoqing Mansion.

"Then make sure to take a good look later," Xin You replied with a smile.

Xiao Lian quickly shook off her melancholy, lowered the carriage window, and nodded vigorously at Xin You. "Yes."

Before long, they arrived at He Garden.

With the New Year approaching, He Garden was adorned with colorful lanterns and festive decorations. Palace attendants in new clothes stood at the entrance, waiting to welcome the guests.

As soon as Xin You stepped out of the carriage, she saw Duan Shaoqing and walked briskly forward, lifting the hem of her dress as she moved through the snow.

Hearing her voice, Duan Shaoqing froze and slowly turned around.

The young girl approached, her smile radiant, but to Duan Shaoqing, it was like a merciless blade.

Every time she came close, it was as if a piece of his flesh was being cut away.

Duan Shaoqing stepped back half a step, aware of the many eyes on him, and forced a warm expression. "Miss Kou, how about returning to Shaoqing Mansion with your uncle after the banquet? The New Year is approaching, and your grandmother has been thinking of you."

Xin You replied with a smile. "Very well."

Duan Shaoqing was speechless.

"Miss Kou," a voice called out.

Xin You turned her head and saw it was Prince Xiu.

"Prince Xiu," everyone bowed together.

Among them, the officials remained calm, but the wealthy merchants were so excited that their faces turned red. They wanted to take a closer look but didn't dare to look up casually.

Prince Xiu returned the greeting with a traditional salute. "Today, all of you are my esteemed guests; there's no need for such formalities."

Once everyone stood up straight, Prince Xiu nodded at Xin You. "Miss Kou ranks first among the benefactors. I am deeply impressed. Miss Kou, please—"

Xin You gave a slight bow. "Prince Xiu, you flatter me."

After the polite exchange, Prince Xiu escorted Xin You as they walked into the garden.

Those following behind them had mixed expressions, thinking how impressive it was for Miss Kou to have a prince personally escort her.

But then they remembered she had donated 50,000 taels, and they felt a sense of fairness.

The only one who wasn't balanced was Duan Shaoqing.

In his mind, he was, after all, Miss Kou's uncle. For Prince Xiu to show such respect to his niece, he should have received some special attention as her elder. Yet, he was just one of the "honored guests" to Prince Xiu.

Walking through the crowd, his eyes fixed on Prince Xiu's back, Duan Shaoqing felt a heaviness in his chest.

Prince Xiu led Xin You for a few steps, then stopped to instruct the palace attendants waiting there, "Attend to our distinguished guests well."

"Yes."

"Miss Kou, you may explore the surroundings for now. I must go to the entrance to greet the arriving guests."

Xin You bent her knees slightly and watched Prince Xiu walk back.

Given Prince Xiu's status, there was no real need for him to wait at the entrance for the guests. Undoubtedly, Prince Xiu was sure to gain considerable renown after this banquet.

Thinking about King Qing, who was reaping praise in Dingbei, Xin You could understand Prince Xiu's actions. Whether it was genuine or calculated, it made little difference to her.

As for Prince Xiu, she harbored no particular dislike.

Even though she learned from Lord He that her mother had left the palace after uncovering the truth about King Qing and his mother, she saw clearly that even if not Consort An, there would have been another. Her mother’s departure was not due to another woman, but out of disappointment in that person.

"Miss Kou, I am the proprietor of Jinde Rice Shop, and I hear that Xingren Rice Shop is also yours," a wealthy merchant chimed in.

Soon, Xin You was surrounded by a group of wealthy merchants.

Duan Shaoqing watched, his face turning dark with anger.

This girl really had no sense of shame, chatting and laughing freely with a group of men!

He Qingxiao walked in and upon seeing this scene, couldn't help but smile.

As expected, Miss Kou would be the center of attention at the banquet.

He Qingxiao’s attendant wore a complex expression.

Miss Kou was the center of attention, while within ten feet of their master, there was no one else besides him. The contrast was stark.

Meanwhile, in the palace, Emperor Xingyuan finished reading the final donation ledger presented by Lord Zhang, his gaze landing on the top name.

"So, the person who contributed the most to the Dingbei disaster area is Miss Kou."

It was surprising that a young girl had donated 50,000 taels of silver.

What sort of person was Miss Kou?

Emperor Xingyuan became increasingly curious.

"By now, the banquet at He Garden should be about to start, shouldn't it?"

Chief eunuch Sun Yan responded, "Yes."

Emperor Xingyuan stood up, "Prepare the carriage for He Garden. I wish to meet the benefactors who donated to Dingbei."