Chapter 14: The Flower-Viewing Banquet and an Unexpected Acquaintance

After three days of preparation, the much-anticipated flower-viewing banquet finally arrived. From the early morning, the Mu household was bustling with activity.

Song Wei, worried about Mu Rong Shu’s appearance, sent her most skilled maid to assist at Gui Ning Courtyard.

When Mu Rong Shu appeared, fully dressed and made up, everyone was momentarily stunned by her beauty. Amid the praise and admiration, the group set off for the Wen residence.

General Mu had other matters to attend to that day, so Mu Si brought along his eldest nephew, Mu Rong Shu’s older brother, Mu Si.

On the women’s side, the elder matron, Lady Ning, avoided the festivities due to her dislike of crowds. Song Wei and Rong Qing accompanied Mu Rong Shu instead.

On the way there, Song Wei, concerned about potential issues at the banquet, gave a brief introduction to the Wen family and other prominent families in the capital. Though she didn’t expect her daughter to remember everything, she wanted her to have some familiarity.

“Sister-in-law, why don’t you take a break? I’ll explain the banquet’s etiquette to Shu Er,” Rong Qing suggested, noticing her sister-in-law’s nervousness.

“Yes, Mother, rest for a while. Let Second Aunt explain the process to me,” Mu Rong Shu chimed in, picking up on her mother’s unease.

“Alright. It’s the same either way. Just follow your second aunt and me when we introduce you to some respectable young ladies,” Song Wei said, patting her daughter’s hand gently.

“Thank you, Mother!” Mu Rong Shu replied sweetly, nodding in agreement.

---

Arrival at the Wen Residence

When the carriage arrived at the Wen residence, Mu Rong Shu was struck by the grandeur of the centuries-old aristocratic family. Though the Mu family wasn’t late, a line of carriages already stretched down the street.

The scene reminded her of a bustling traffic hub, yet everything was orderly. Mu Rong Shu couldn’t help but admire the efficiency, thinking it would be impressive even by modern standards.

Upon the Mu family’s carriage’s arrival, word immediately reached the Wen household. The steward quickly sent a clever servant to inform the inner courtyard while ensuring the carriages ahead were promptly directed to make way.

Song Wei commented, “The Wen family certainly lives up to their reputation for valuing propriety. Just look at how efficient they are.”

“Yes, I thought we’d have to wait a while, but we’re moving in so quickly,” Rong Qing added, her tone equally impressed.

Once they alighted and presented their invitation at the entrance, the Wen family’s First Lady and Second Lady arrived to greet them hurriedly.

“Lady Mu, Second Lady Mu, Miss Mu, my apologies for not welcoming you sooner!” the two women said, a bit embarrassed.

“Hosting a banquet is a busy affair, there’s no need for you to greet us personally. A servant guide would suffice,” Song Wei responded graciously.

“Our matron instructed us not to neglect our guests. Please, come with us,” they said, leading the way.

---

A Warm Reception

The First and Second Ladies discreetly observed Mu Rong Shu. The young girl was a vision of beauty, delicate and charming, with eyes that seemed to speak.

The Second Lady, curious about Mu Rong Shu, slowed her pace and struck up a conversation with Rong Qing. “Second Lady Mu, my husband can be a bit careless at times. Please don’t hold it against me!”

“Second Lady, there’s no need to say that. My husband has his faults too. Let’s not concern ourselves with them, we are we,” Rong Qing said warmly, taking the other woman’s hand. Having experience managing family businesses, Rong Qing skillfully bridged the gap between them with just a few words.

Turning her attention to Mu Rong Shu, the Second Lady asked, “Miss Mu, are you settling in well after returning to the capital?”

“Thank you for your concern, Second Lady. I’m adjusting quite well so far,” Mu Rong Shu replied sweetly, her soft voice only endearing her further to her host.

---

Meeting Old Friends

When they entered the garden, familiar ladies approached to exchange greetings. The First and Second Ladies, feeling it inappropriate to stay solely with the Mu family as hosts, excused themselves politely.

“Shu Er, come meet your Aunt Ming,” Song Wei said, introducing Mu Rong Shu to her close friend, Ming Shu.

“Shu Er greets Aunt Ming,” Mu Rong Shu said, stepping forward to bow gracefully.

“Good child, I’m glad you’re back. Your mother can finally feel at ease now. Here, take this, it’s a gift for our first meeting,” Ming Shu said, slipping the bracelet from her wrist onto Mu Rong Shu’s hand.

Mu Rong Shu tried to return it, but the bracelet was already on her wrist. Playfully, she said, “Thank you, Aunt Ming.”

“What’s there to thank me for? Your mother and I are old friends! A bracelet is nothing. Here, let me introduce you to your sister, Ru Yan,” Ming Shu said, gesturing to the young girl behind her.

“Shu Er, it’s so good to finally meet you after all these years! We’ve been waiting for your return,” the girl said enthusiastically, her face beaming with excitement.

Mu Rong Shu was momentarily taken aback by everyone’s warmth. The lively and charming girl before her looked at her with so much anticipation that she couldn’t help but respond sweetly, “Ru Yan Jie.”

“Go ahead and have some fun with your sister, Ru Yan. You don’t need to stay here with us,” Song Wei said, not wanting the two girls to feel bored and gesturing toward the garden where the peonies were in full bloom.

“Thank you, Aunt Song! I’ll take Shu Er to explore the garden,” Ru Yan said, taking Mu Rong Shu’s hand excitedly.

“Take care of Shu Er, Ru Yan. Off you go,” Ming Shu reminded her daughter with a smile.

“Got it, Mother. Come on, Shu Er, let’s go!” With her mother and Aunt Song’s permission, Ru Yan happily led Mu Rong Shu away.

As the two girls walked off, Ming Shu chuckled. “Look at her, she’s so grown up but still acts like a child.”

“What’s there to worry about, Sister Ming? As long as my eldest sister-in-law and Si Shu adore her, it’s all fine!” Rong Qing teased with a smile.

“Exactly. I love Ru Yan’s lively personality. If Si Shu, who barely speaks, ends up with someone equally quiet, their days would be unbearably dull,” Song Wei added, causing Ming Shu to laugh even harder.

Ming Shu, whose beloved daughter was now being considered as a match for her close friend’s son, felt a great sense of relief. Moreover, Ru Yan and Si Shu had been childhood playmates, so she had no concerns about their compatibility.

“Our Shu Er is also quite lively. The two of them will make great companions! Besides, Si Shu refused to marry until Shu Er returned home. Now that Shu Er is back, we should start preparing soon,” Song Wei said, holding Ming Shu’s hand earnestly.

“Of course, Wei Er, we’ll follow your lead,” Ming Shu replied warmly.

“Then let me congratulate both of you in advance! Si Shu will be thrilled once he hears this,” Rong Qing added cheerfully, already imagining the joy it would bring.

“I’ll find someone to pick an auspicious date, and when the time comes, we’ll officially propose at your residence, Sister Ming. Just don’t get too attached to Ru Yan and refuse us!” Song Wei said, her excitement barely contained at the thought of her son’s marriage finally being settled.

“Don’t worry, I’ll welcome you with open arms,” Ming Shu said with a smile.

“And we’d better prepare for Minister Liu shedding a tear or two! Sister Ming, you’ll have to console him,” Rong Qing joked, drawing hearty laughter from the group.

The scene was so warm and joyous that it felt like a painting of happiness come to life.