Tianliangyuan

Chapter 227 Banquet

Chen Cong thought that after years of studying, he could surely do something for Daxing and the Chen family.

Over the years, the Chen family has deliberately distanced itself from the Xu family, mainly because they are worried that the Xu family will think that the Chen family is trying to curry favor with them.

The Chen family did not want the Xu family to feel that they were an inescapable burden, so they always strictly controlled their family members and did not rely on the Xu family except for normal festival exchanges.

Before coming to Beijing, Chen Cong had considered many possibilities.

For example, wouldn't that cousin's wife think that the Chen family came to ask for favors?

For example, will the Xu family's siblings avoid them like the plague?

Fortunately, none of the worst-case scenarios he had anticipated materialized.

The Xu family treated the siblings very well.

Not only were they courteous, but their words never contained any hint of distance or disdain.

Only in this way can one be considered a true relative willing to associate with the Chen family.

As for that cousin, although she seemed affectionate in her conversation, it was all empty talk. Moreover, her words revealed that she wanted to use the two siblings to benefit the Sun family.

Do you really think they're young and therefore know nothing?

Chen Cong has also figured out some of the grudges between the Sun family and the Marquis family in the past few days.

As for the truth behind Sun Qian's disfigurement, although he hadn't found it, he always felt that there was something strange about it. Moreover, some of the things Sun Qian did in the past were clearly using Xu Zhaozhao and were obviously bullying her.

Chen Cong only wants to maintain a good relationship with the Marquis's mansion, but that doesn't mean he has to be subservient to everyone.

Especially Xu Lin!

Chen Xiangxiang has thus made her presence known to the elite social circles of Beijing.

After all, she had truly witnessed the dignity of a princess.

Chen Cong was actually somewhat grateful to Xu Zhaozhao.

After all, judging from what her sister said, Xu Zhaozhao genuinely introduced her to many noble ladies, and even mentioned it to Princess Leyang. This shows that Xu Zhaozhao did not look down on Chen Xiangxiang because the Chen family was now in decline.

Come to think of it, even the two illegitimate daughters of the second branch of the Xu family could be brought by Xu Zhaozhao to entertain guests, which shows that the Xu family did not have so many dirty deeds.

The harmony between嫡子 (legitimate sons) and 庶子 (illegitimate sons) is the best indicator of whether a household is truly harmonious.

Chen Cong was preparing to go out today, but just as he finished dressing, a servant came to inform him that a young lady from Ziyuan had come to deliver a message.

"So it's Miss Dingxiang, thank you for your trouble."

"This servant dares not. I am here on Miss's orders to deliver a message. Young Master, please return to the manor as soon as possible during your next day off. The Third and Fourth Young Masters have invited many scholars and famous figures from the capital to a banquet. This banquet was prepared by the Heir Apparent's wife, and Miss has also specially prepared a banquet for the top scholar. The former top scholar will also be present at the banquet. Please prepare several of your best essays so that this top scholar can give you some pointers."

Chen Cong's eyes lit up: "Please go back and thank Sister Zhao Zhao on my behalf."

"You're too kind, sir. This servant will take her leave."

Chen Cong immediately sent his servant to inquire, and the servant did not arrive at the academy until evening.

"Young Master, I heard that it was initially the Young Master's idea, but later the Second Miss reminded him that it would be better to take this opportunity to hold a grand event. It just so happens that the Third Young Master is a civil official, and the Fourth Young Master and you are both studying. At that time, the Young Master can stay away, and only some young people can eat and drink together, so that no one will gossip."

The Crown Prince's wife took the initiative to suggest arranging a banquet, so the Second Miss proposed having some ready-made food sent over by Xiang Piaopiao's shop, followed by the preparation of Zhuangyuan wine and osmanthus incense. This way, the food and wine would be readily available, the household wouldn't need to exert too much effort, and it wouldn't affect the inner quarters.

"So they didn't consult the old lady about this matter?"

"Reporting to the young master, I have learned that the person truly in charge of the Marquis's residence is the Madam. Moreover, the Heir Apparent's wife is currently in charge of the kitchen, and the Second Young Mistress also helps with some affairs. For such trivial matters, the Marquis's wife only needs to make arrangements and report to the Madam; there is absolutely no need for the Old Madam's approval."

Chen Cong nodded: "Now I understand. It seems that this banquet was specially prepared for my fourth cousin and me. Our Chen family must remember this favor."

The servant understood. Given the status and position of the Marquis's family, it was normal for them to hold banquets whenever they wanted. This time, they had specifically invited only the young top scholar and some talented men, clearly indicating that they were considering the interests of the Fourth Young Master and Chen Cong.

After all, Xu Junting really doesn't need these things now.

Xu Junting now holds a noble title and is favored by the Emperor, making him an object of flattery for many talented young men in the capital.

Now that the host has personally prepared the banquet, it's natural that it will attract many students.

In addition, the gimmick of having fine wines produced by Pagoda Fruit Garden will naturally attract countless people to yearn for it.

When Chen Cong returned, the servants of the Marquis's mansion were already waiting at the gate.

"Young Master, please go and change your clothes. Originally, the Third Young Master only planned to host a banquet for about twenty people, but upon hearing that there was a banquet for the top scholar today, more than ten noble young men have come. All of them come from prominent families. Among them is the heir of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, who is also the elder brother of our heir's wife."

Fortunately, the Second Miss prepared plenty of fine wine, and just now sent someone to Xiangpiaopiao to instruct them to send over a few more snacks. She will certainly ensure that all the gentlemen enjoy themselves to the fullest today.”

Chen Cong nodded, understanding the implication. It was obvious that Xu Zhaozhao had been prepared for this, otherwise how could she have prepared so much wine?

You know, every time the fine wines from Baiguoyuan are delivered to a tavern, they're immediately snapped up.

The thought that today's banquet would feature the most expensive wine among the ten thousand wines, the Zhuangyuan Wine, filled Chen Cong with immense gratitude.

The Marquis's residence has done more than enough.

Today's banquet can be considered an introduction of Chen Cong to the sons of noble families, and these people were the ones who came up to him eagerly, since Xu Junting hadn't invited them at first.

Chen Cong felt that this result was exactly what Xu Zhaozhao had expected.

With good wine as an incentive, how could those sons of officials and nobles not be tempted?

Chen Cong's premonition was correct; it was indeed a deliberate act by Xu Zhaozhao and Xu Junting after their discussion.

Moreover, these young gentlemen all have a good relationship with the Marquis's mansion, mainly because their elders have a good relationship with the Marquis. Otherwise, why would they come directly to the door?

Chen Cong had drunk too much that day, and when he woke up again, the lamps were already lit.

"How long have I been asleep?"

The servant stepped forward, helped him sit up, and quickly handed him a bowl of still-warm hangover soup.

“You’ve been asleep for almost two hours. Miss came by earlier, but seeing you were still asleep, she didn’t disturb you. This hangover soup was sent over by the Second Miss, who said she thought you would wake up soon.”

Chen Cong chuckled; the little girl was truly prescient.

"Reporting to the young master, the second young lady also left a message saying that she has something to discuss with you first thing tomorrow morning, which concerns our Miss Chen."