Chapter 160 Mid-Autumn Banquet

Chapter 160: The Mid-Autumn Banquet

The air seemed to freeze for a moment.

The wolf-hair brush in Cheng Ge's hand dropped with a thud, landing squarely on the spread red gift list.

It landed right next to the entry for ten jin of red dates, leaving a medium-sized ink blot.

Though he had been mentally prepared, Cheng Ge couldn't help rolling his eyes dramatically.

He grabbed the brush, ignoring the unsightly ink blot.

With two swift strokes on the registry, he firmly wrote down a full one hundred fifty taels.

Ask that asshole! Might as well ask Dahuang!

Cheng Ge set down the brush, rubbed his sore wrist, and looked at the crowded gift list.

From outside the courtyard came familiar pattering footsteps accompanied by heavy panting.

Immediately after, Dahuang burst in like a tornado, holding a three-tiered red lacquered food box in its mouth.

The dog trotted cheerfully, tail spinning like a helicopter, heading straight for Cheng Ge's chaise lounge.

Upon reaching him, it carefully placed the heavy food box at Cheng Ge's feet.

Then it immediately stood on its hind legs, its front paws eagerly pawing at Cheng Ge's knees.

Its wet black nose kept pressing toward Cheng Ge's face, letting out whining sounds for recognition, its tail wagging so fast it looked like it might cramp.

Cheng Ge reached out to rub its big furry head, then bent down to open the food box lid.

Inside was the health tonic Lin Nanshu had sent—today it was old chicken stewed with angelica and astragalus.

The soup was clear, the chicken tender, and it was accompanied by several appetizing side dishes and a small plate of yam and date paste cake.

Cheng Ge happily scooped up a piece of the tender chicken, savoring the comforting warmth, he squinted happily.

He casually picked up a small piece of boneless chicken breast, blew on it, and handed it to Dahuang, who was staring at him eagerly.

"Here, Dahuang, you've worked hard, this is a reward!"

Dahuang barked excitedly, flicking its tongue out as it grabbed the meat.

"Take Star Frost to the kitchen and find Old Wang, grab something good for you both." Cheng Ge took another sip of soup and mumbled his instructions.

Star Frost, coiled at the corner of the table, upon hearing this, immediately turned its crimson snake eyes toward Dahuang.

Its slender tail curled nimbly, gently wrapping around Dahuang's neck.

Dahuang picked up the now-empty food box from the ground and trotted happily toward the kitchen.

Just as Cheng Ge shoved the last piece of date cake into his mouth, he heard noises from the courtyard entrance.

Looking up, he saw Lü Rou and the steward walking in, followed by several servants.

Each of them held several gift boxes stacked high.

Cheng Ge quickly put down his bowl and chopsticks and stood up from the chaise lounge.

Lü Rou had the servants stack the gift boxes on the nearby stone table.

"Sir, these are tonic items sent by the ministers from various departments, having heard that you were somewhat... startled and worn out at the hunting grounds recently. They're meant to soothe your nerves and build up your strength."

Cheng Ge glanced at the gift boxes, picked one up, and weighed it in his hand—it was quite heavy.

"Were they all delivered by servants?" Cheng Ge asked casually.

"Sir, not by servants. They... they were personally delivered by the ministers themselves."

"In person?" Cheng Ge was genuinely surprised this time, raising an eyebrow. "Then... where are they? Why not invite them in for a seat? Even a cup of tea would do."

He thought, since they came all the way to deliver gifts in person, why wouldn't they even enter the gate?

The steward and Lü Rou exchanged a glance, carefully choosing their words.

"Well... the ministers... um... all said they had urgent business to attend to, so they didn't want to disturb, and left after dropping off the items."

Cheng Ge: "???"

Actually, the reason was quite simple—

That day, after everyone witnessed Cheng Ge's valiant deeds at the hunting grounds, they all had a hard time digesting it.

Especially Yang Guanlan—after returning, he had nightmares night after night.

In his dreams, Batur's blood was splattered all over his face, and no matter how he wiped it off, it wouldn't go away, driving him nearly to a nervous breakdown.

Cheng Ge, unaware of all this, happily had the items taken down and stored properly.

But Lü Rou didn't leave immediately. She stepped forward and reminded him, "Young master, tomorrow is the Mid-Autumn Banquet at the palace. The palace just sent a message, asking you to be sure to attend on time."

"Mid-Autumn Banquet?" Cheng Ge was stunned. "I can go too?"

He knew his place well.

In previous years, royal feasts of this level were traditionally only attended by imperial clansmen and high-ranking ministers and their families.

An official of his rank wouldn't even be allowed to serve dishes, let alone attend.

"Yes! You earned merit by protecting the emperor at the hunting grounds, so His Majesty specially issued an imperial edict, allowing you to attend the Mid-Autumn family banquet at the palace!"

The next day, around 5 PM, at the end of the Shen hour.

The sky was tinged with twilight hues, and brilliant sunset clouds spread across the western horizon.

Lü Rou had already bustled around early, helping Cheng Ge change into the crisp new dark-blue official robe, fastened his jade belt, and set his black gauze hat straight.

The person in the mirror stood tall; he still had a youthful look, but with an unusual seriousness.

"Young master, after entering the palace, remember to be cautious in speech and action, watch and listen more, talk and act less."

As Lü Rou straightened his collar, she kept reminding him, unable to hide the worry on her face.

"There are many rules at the palace banquet. I asked around—seating, bowing, and eating all have rules.

After you enter, just pay close attention to the actions of the other officials, and also..."

She lowered her voice and emphasized, "Although the palace meals are exquisite, don't overindulge."

"Especially alcohol—just a light sip, that's all. If you lose your composure in front of the Emperor and displease His Majesty, it would be a huge disaster."

Cheng Ge’s head was buzzing, but he still nodded obediently: "Sister Lvrou, rest assured! I'll watch what I say and do, and not let His Majesty down."

He agreed verbally, but in his mind, he was already thinking about the imperial kitchen’s grand dishes, figuring out how to eat more without losing decorum.

Once ready, Cheng Ge cheerfully prepared to head out and board the carriage.

Lvrou followed behind him, still nervously running through all the things she had to remember inside the palace.

Just as they reached the front courtyard, the steward came rushing over with a look of surprise, his voice tinged with excitement.

"Milord! Grand Tutor Lin… Grand Tutor Lin’s carriage is waiting just outside the gate! He's inviting you to ride together to the palace!"

Cheng Ge and Lvrou both froze. "Grand Tutor Lin?"

Although Cheng Ge had been something of a half-disciple to Grand Tutor Lin when he served as the Crown Prince’s Tutor, he wasn't arrogant enough to think he deserved that kind of treatment.

Cheng Ge hurried out the manor gate and, sure enough, saw a plain but dignified blue-curtained carriage waiting at the end of the lane.

The curtain was lifted slightly, revealing Grand Tutor Lin’s gaunt yet authoritative face, a faint trace of warmth in his gaze.

"Your student Cheng Ge pays his respects, Grand Tutor!" Cheng Ge stepped forward and made a deep, solemn bow, his posture respectful and meticulous.

"Mm, no need for that. Get in." Grand Tutor Lin nodded slightly, his voice steady.

Cheng Ge obeyed and climbed into the carriage, sitting upright across from the Grand Tutor.

The interior was spacious and elegantly furnished, with a faint scent of sandalwood.

He sat up straight, staring ahead with a serious expression.

The carriage crept toward the palace, and silence settled in.

"I heard you got a bit of a fright at the hunting grounds a few days ago. Have you fully recovered?" Grand Tutor Lin was the first to speak, his tone that of an elder’s concern.

"Thank you for your concern, Grand Tutor," Cheng Ge replied respectfully. "I'm quite sturdy; just a few minor injuries, already healed without issue."

Seeing that Cheng Ge seemed in good spirits, Grand Tutor Lin nodded slightly and picked up the teacup on the side table, using the lid to gently brush off the foam.

He added, as if offhandedly: "I happened to hear a few days ago that you seem to be putting together betrothal gifts? Has your family arranged a marriage for you?"

At this mention, Cheng Ge’s eyes noticeably brightened, though he kept his respectful attitude.

"In reply, Grand Tutor, my father indeed has his eye on the daughter of a neighboring county’s Scribe for me, but…"

He paused with a note of regret. "But I'm bound by official duties, and the wedding date hasn't been set yet. At that time, I'll probably have to ask for leave to go home for the ceremony.

If the wedding could be held in the capital, I would certainly invite an esteemed elder like you, Grand Tutor, to preside, so everything would be done with proper dignity."

Grand Tutor Lin’s hand, holding the teacup, paused almost imperceptibly.

Looking at Cheng Ge’s earnest expression, his heart clenched.

But he showed nothing on his face, slowly taking a sip of tea before continuing: "Oh? The daughter of a Scribe—she must be well-educated and sensible. Do you know her character, looks, and temperament?"

"Well…" Cheng Ge thought for a moment, then replied honestly: "I haven't met her yet, but my father’s letter says she is gentle, virtuous, and suited to be a good wife and partner, presumably wise and sensible."

"Suited to be a good wife and partner, gentle and virtuous…" Grand Tutor Lin set down the teacup and looked directly at Cheng Ge, his gaze deep with worldly insight.

"You have never met her in person, yet you trust those eight words based solely on a few lines from your parents’ letter?

Marriage is no small matter. I’m not questioning your parents’ judgment, but ‘knowing someone inside and out’—that is the foundation of a good match."

Cheng Ge was taken aback, knowing the man had a point, but still gave no sign of it.

"That's very wise, Grand Tutor. I understand the logic too.

But parents' orders and a matchmaker's say-so have been the way since ancient times.

I believe whatever my parents choose has been carefully thought out for my long-term good."

Seeing Cheng Ge’s attitude was respectful but still held firm, Grand Tutor Lin grew even more frustrated on behalf of that blockhead Lin Nanshu, and his tone became more earnest.

"Parents' orders and matchmaker's words are indeed the proper rites.

However, you're not that young kid anymore. Here in the capital, your horizons have broadened.

You should know that marriage is not only about parental agreement, but also about having real feelings for each other.

A blind marriage, staking your whole life on just a matchmaker's words and a letter from home—have you really thought about what could go wrong?

If that woman’s temperament is far from what you imagine, or if your interests clash completely, wouldn't it hurt both of you and breed resentment?"

He paused, watching Cheng Ge listen earnestly, and continued to guide him: "I've been around the block, and I know that marriage is all about understanding each other and sharing feelings.

Rather than pinning hopes on someone you've never met thousands of miles away, you'd do better to focus on what's right in front of you, to those around you.

Maybe there's already someone more suitable—someone whose heart and nature match yours, but you just haven't noticed.

Young man, matters of the heart ultimately require mutual love to be in perfect harmony and grow old together."

Cheng Ge: "???" What is this old guy going on about?

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