Chapter 484: Chapter 453, Connected Parties_1
Daohua had thought the Dong Family and the Su Family would come maybe a day or two in advance, but unexpectedly, they both arrived together on the twentieth of November.
At the Chuihua Gate, Madam Li greeted Dong Madam and Su Madam with brimming smiles, while Daohua excitedly pulled Dong Yuanyao and Su Shiyu aside, “How come you arrived so early?”
Dong Yuanyao smiled teasingly, “What, aren’t you welcoming us?”
Daohua laughed, “I couldn’t wait for you to get here.” With that, she led the two towards Songhe Courtyard, chatting as they went, “Jingwan arrived a couple of days ago, now that you’re here, we’ll have plenty of fun.”
Hearing this, Dong Yuanyao and Su Shiyu both laughed. In the cold winter, unless there was something to do, they generally stayed inside to avoid the boring and gloomy indoors, so they were very happy to be visiting.
Daohua turned to Su Shiyu, “Sister Su, didn’t you write in your last letter that you really like tomatoes? I still have some growing in the greenhouse on my farm. Tomorrow, I’ll make you a tomato feast.”
Su Shiyu smiled gently, “It’s thoughtful of you to remember. I really do like the sour and sweet taste of them.”
Daohua smiled, “When you go back, I’ll send some with you.”
After the tomatoes had been harvested, since some were being saved for seeds, she only shared them with families she was close to for tasting.
Dong Yuanyao interrupted the two, “We probably won’t be able to have that feast tomorrow.” Looking at Daohua, she added, “Didn’t your family receive the invitation?”
Daohua was perplexed, “What invitation?”
Dong Yuanyao, “It’s the invitation from Chen Family, the Inspector.”
Daohua shook her head, “I haven’t heard my mother mention it.”
Source: NovelFull.com, updated on ƝονǤօ.ƈ0
Dong Yuanyao frowned, “That shouldn’t be the case. Although Chancellor Chen was personally appointed by the Emperor to manage the gold mine operations, your father is the Magistrate of Ningmen Prefecture and the gold mine is in its jurisdiction, so there will be dealings in the future, how could he possibly not be invited?”
Daohua gave an ‘Oh’: “So this Inspector Chen is in charge of mining the gold?”
Su Shiyu continued, “Even though the Inspector’s official rank isn’t high, the Chen Family is not to be underestimated.”
Dong Yuanyao nodded.
Daohua’s interest peaked, “So, this Chancellor Chen has some influence?”
Dong Yuanyao lowered her voice, “Influence? Indeed, he has a significant one. Chancellor Chen’s mother was the Emperor’s wet nurse, and he grew up alongside the Emperor. He is one of the Emperor’s most trusted confidants. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been entrusted with the task of mining the gold.”
Daohua nodded, “That’s quite a substantial background.” She paused and then asked, “So, the reason you both came to Ningmen Prefecture early is because of the Chen Family?”
Su Shiyu nodded, “The Chen Family sent out invitations to their banquet tomorrow, saying they want to meet their colleagues from Zhongzhou.”
Daohua looked puzzled, “If even the provincial you were invited, it doesn’t make sense for them to exclude our family, does it? Could it be that Chancellor Chen looks down on our family?”
Su Shiyu shook her head, “That’s unlikely. Even if Chancellor Chen might act proudly due to his connection to the Emperor, he shouldn’t commit something as offensive as this. Perhaps, they forgot? Or maybe, the invitation was delayed?”
Daohua’s expression was indifferent, “Whatever the reason, it’s evident that the Chen Family is disregarding my family.”
Both Dong Yuanyao and Su Shiyu found it difficult to respond to that.
Indeed, compared to their families, the Yan Family’s heritage was somewhat lacking.
The Chen Family had not been established for long, and in comparison to aristocratic families, they did indeed fall short in many aspects of propriety and etiquette.
In matters such as sending out invitations for a banquet, they would never commit such a low-level oversight.
As they talked, the group arrived at the old lady’s courtyard.
Once inside, there was another round of greetings and formalities.
After paying respects to the older generation, Daohua introduced Dong Yuanyao and Su Shiyu to Yang Xiujun, Yan Yunxi, and Yan Yunyan.
Yang Xiujun watched the others exchange pleasantries somewhat distractedly; she hadn’t expected her grandmother and the others to be so well-connected, given their dismissive remarks about her poor and unimpressive maternal family.
The Dong Family hails from an official Marquis Residence in Beijing, with the Su and Zhou Families also ranking as two of the most prestigious households in Zhongzhou.
The Yang Family simply pales in comparison to the Yan Family!
After lunch, Madam Li escorted Madam Dong and Madam Su to the guest courtyard for a rest and then returned to the main courtyard.
“Madam, the gatekeeper just reported that the newly appointed Inspector, Magistrate Chen, has sent out invitations to our family, the Zhou Family, and the Han Family.” Ping Tong stepped forward to help Madam Li take off her cloak and then handed her the received invitations.
Madam Li made a noncommittal noise and glanced at the invitations without taking them.
She had already learned about the Chen Family’s banquet from Madam Dong and was quite upset to realize that her own family had not received an invitation earlier.
At that moment, Daohua entered, casually took the invitations to look at them, and then threw them onto the table with a snort, “The banquet is tomorrow, and the Chen Family doesn’t seem worried that we might have other engagements and be unable to attend.”
Madam Li gestured for her daughter to come closer, and once Daohua sat beside her, she scoffed, “The matriarch of the Chen Family was the Empress’s wet nurse, and because of that alone, even if we had other matters, we must attend tomorrow.”
After speaking, she looked at Ping Tong, “Take the invitations for the Zhou and Han Families over to them.”
Ping Tong bent her knee slightly, “Yes.” She then took the invitations and left the room.
Once alone, Daohua pouted, “They’re just a family with connections, acting all high and mighty!” And it was she who had discovered the gold mine.
This time, Madam Li did not reprimand Daohua, as she herself was also very dissatisfied with the Chen Family. She felt embarrassed recalling her clueless reaction when Madame Dong mentioned the banquet.
Furthermore, since the Chen Family knew that the Han and Zhou Families were staying with them, how could they not be aware of the Little Madam returning to Ningmen Prefecture? It was infuriating that they had not extended an invitation to her family as well.
After a moment of silence, Madam Li still said, “When you go to the Chen’s tomorrow, you can’t show any displeasure on your face.”
Magistrate Chen had a close relationship with the Emperor, and many issues could reach the Emperor’s ears directly. If they spoke ill of the Master in front of the Emperor, their family would definitely suffer.
Daohua nodded, “Mother, rest assured, I understand.”
…
On the 21st of November, the main gate of the Chen Residence was wide open. By 10:00, the new Inspector Chen Hong and his eldest son Chen Jiayou were already standing at the entrance with smiles, ready to welcome the guests.
The Chen Family’s hosting of guests saw officials from Ningmen Prefecture showing great respect and arriving early; all of them were keen on making connections with Chen Hong. Simply because Chen Hong had the opportunity to meet with the Emperor, the officials flocked to him.
Of course, not everyone was willing to give him face.
“Has the Little Prince arrived yet?”
Upon hearing his father’s question, Chen Jiayou shook his head, “Father, how many times have you asked that? If the Little Prince comes, I will notify you immediately. There’s no need to keep asking.”
Chen Hong glared at his son, “What do you know? The Little Prince represents the Imperial Family. If he comes early, it means he values us, and our days in Ningmen Prefecture will be easier in the future.”
Chen Jiayou was skeptical, “Father, we are the Emperor’s people, who would dare to disrespect us?”
Chen Hong shook his head, “The waters here run deep. I’m also in charge of the gold mine management. If I don’t maintain good relations with the local officials, they may give me trouble from time to time and I will suffer the consequences.”
“If the Emperor thinks I am incapable and sends someone to replace me, then our Chen Family can forget about having any future prospects.”
He paused, his expression changing.
“Right, has Magistrate Yan arrived yet?”
Chen Jiayou shook his head again, speaking discontentedly, “Not yet. Not only has the Yan Family not arrived, but the Dong, Zhou, and Su Families staying with them haven’t either. I think they’re planning to arrive just in time for the meal.”
Chen Hong frowned, “I met Magistrate Yan once in the palace; I thought he was a sensible man. It’s unexpected that after becoming a Magistrate, he’s started to put on airs.”
Chen Jiayou curled his lip, “A petty man gaining power.”