Chapter 12: Planning the Flower-Viewing Banquet

“Second Brother is right. We can host a flower-viewing banquet at our residence. That way, Third Brother can meet Miss Mu, and we can confirm everything,” Wen Zhi agreed enthusiastically, finding the idea excellent.

“The Empress recently cultivated a new batch of peonies. Tomorrow, have your mother visit the palace and borrow some. It will give the banquet a prestigious theme,” Wen Shou Fu mused.

The current Empress was his youngest daughter. Deeply loved by the Emperor, she shared a close bond with her third brother, Wen Jing. If she learned that Wen Jing’s curse might be lifted, she would likely leave the palace immediately. Borrowing a few flowers would be no trouble at all.

“I’ll inform Mother right now so we can prepare the banquet as soon as possible!” Wen Ye declared, turning to leave, but his eldest uncle stopped him.

“Tell your aunt and sisters-in-law to help with the preparations. The sooner we can host the banquet, the better. If we’re missing anything, they can figure it out together.”

“Yes, Uncle. I’ll notify Mother, Aunt, and the others right away.” Wen Ye bowed to the group and quickly left.

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At the Elder Matron Wang’s Residence

When the idea of hosting a flower-viewing banquet was presented, the household’s daughters-in-law were a bit stunned. However, since their mother-in-law had given the order, there was no room for debate.

As seasoned managers of the inner household, the women were well-versed in organizing such events. After some discussion, they decided to host the banquet in three days. The men of the family would handle the invitations.

The Wen family, being the leading house of scholars and the maternal family of the Empress, held significant prestige. Receiving an invitation to a Wen family banquet was a coveted honor.

With a timeline and tasks assigned, the preparations began in full swing. The household buzzed with activity.

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Early the Next Morning

Elder Matron Wang entered the palace to visit her daughter, the Empress. After explaining the purpose of her visit, the Empress readily sent a batch of freshly cultivated peonies to the Wen residence.

“Mother, why are you suddenly hosting a flower-viewing banquet? And why the rush?” the Empress asked curiously.

“Qing Er, I’ll tell you, but you must remain calm, especially since you’re expecting,” Elder Matron Wang said, glancing at her daughter’s belly with concern.

“Mother, don’t worry about me. I’m not a child anymore. The imperial physician checked just yesterday, and both the baby and I are fine. Now, tell me!” The Empress, Rong Qing, clung to her mother’s arm, playfully urging her to continue.

As the youngest child in the family, Rong Qing was cherished by her parents and siblings alike. Her brothers doted on her endlessly. It was only with their blessing and the Emperor’s sincere love that her marriage to him was allowed.

“Your Third Brother met a young lady yesterday, and the bell he always carries rang. Qing Er, we need to confirm if she’s the one who can lift his curse,” Elder Matron Wang explained gently.

“That’s wonderful, Mother! My Third Brother, such a noble and upright man, will surely live a long life,” Rong Qing exclaimed, overwhelmed with emotion.

“Qing Er, if you think of anything the household might need, send it over. As for the young lady, she’s the youngest daughter of General Mu’s family. Regardless of her status, as long as she can save your brother, we’ll treat her like a revered ancestor.”

“Mother, that’s exactly how it should be!” Rong Qing, still trembling with joy, held her mother’s hand tightly.

“Don’t get too excited, Qing Er. Let’s confirm everything first, and I’ll send word to you once we do,” Elder Matron Wang said, soothing her daughter. She could see how deeply moved Rong Qing was, her hands were still shaking.

“Mother, I understand. I’m just so happy. My Third Brother is truly blessed to have waited so long for this moment!” Tears welled up in Rong Qing’s eyes.

“May heaven bless the Wen family and your Third Brother. I’ll visit the temple to give thanks in a few days,” Elder Matron Wang murmured, bowing toward the door in prayer.

“Mother, there’s just one thing, didn’t the Emperor mention that Second Brother often clashes with Mu Si on court matters? Won’t this be an issue if General Mu disagrees?” Rong Qing recalled the Emperor’s frequent complaints about their bickering and voiced her concern.

“There’s been such tension? Our family has no feud with the General’s house. Why would your Second Brother quarrel with Mu Si?” Elder Matron Wang asked, surprised.

“Mother, it’s a long story. It seems Second Brother once liked a woman who chose Mu Si instead. Since then…” Rong Qing trailed off, her voice growing softer.

“If this affects your Third Brother, I’ll break his legs myself! After all these years, he still hasn’t let it go? I’ll have a word with his wife—she needs to keep him in line. Married for so long, yet still pining for someone else!” Elder Matron Wang was both furious and amused by her foolish son.

“Mother, just remind Second Sister-in-law lightly. If she finds out the full story, Second Brother will suffer. It’s all in the past, and he’s probably just jealous that Mu Si is more talented,” Rong Qing said, laughing at the thought of her brother facing his wife’s wrath.

“Don’t feel sorry for him, and stop covering for him. Next time he picks a fight, tell the Emperor to have him dragged out and beaten. That’ll teach him,” Elder Matron Wang said, chuckling.

“Mother, Second Brother has always been kind to me. Besides, he and Mu Si are just sparring verbally, they hold no real grudges. Once you remind him, I’m sure he’ll patch things up, especially since he cares so much about Third Brother,” Rong Qing said with confidence.

“You make a good point. When I return home, I’ll warn your Second Brother not to argue with Mu Si anymore, to avoid straining relations between the families.”

“Mother, since you’re here, won’t you stay for lunch in the palace?” Rong Qing asked, her face full of reluctance to part.

“Qing Er, I’ll visit you again in a few days. For now, focus on taking care of yourself and the baby,” Elder Matron Wang said, gazing at her daughter with affection.

“Mother, you don’t need to worry about me. I’m doing perfectly well. Right now, organizing the flower-viewing banquet is the priority. If it turns out to be Miss Mu, then the match will be fitting, and you and Father can rest easy.”

“Qing Er, in that case, I’ll head back home now to help your sisters-in-law with the preparations,” Elder Matron Wang said, though her eyes reflected her reluctance to leave. The pressing matters at home couldn’t wait.

“I’ll have someone escort you out, Mother. It’s almost time for court to adjourn, so you can join Father and Eldest Brother on the way home for company,” Rong Qing suggested, noting the timing of her father’s likely departure.

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When Elder Matron Wang returned to the Wen residence, the flower-viewing banquet invitations were promptly sent out to various households. When the main and second branches of the Mu family received their invitations, Mu Si was thoroughly puzzled.

“Has Wen Ye lost his mind? He argues with me every day and now sends us an invitation?”

“Second Uncle, perhaps the invitation isn’t actually for you. Could it be meant for Second Aunt instead?”

Mu Rong Shu’s remark prompted hearty laughter from the entire family, leaving Mu Si scratching his head in embarrassment.

“Hehe, Shu Er is so clever! You’ve figured it out already!”

The family couldn’t help but roll their eyes at Mu Si’s foolishness. His usual sharp wit seemed entirely absent, replaced with a sheepish demeanor.