Forcing me to raise a concubine? The mistress of the Marquisate has gone mad

With Shen Ruoyan's generous preparation, the celebration banquet is finally about to begin!

Because Pei Rushi and Qin Shaobei had both lived in the Marquis' Mansion before, Shen Ruoyan held the celebration banquet in their names.

This also resulted in an unprecedented number of guests coming to participate!

"Be careful! There are so many important people outside, and you are so clumsy, what if you bump into someone?" The little maid was holding a basin of clear water, and the flower petals in it were shaking and about to spill out.

The person who stopped her was older and couldn't bear to watch, so he took it over and said, "Forget it, go to the kitchen and help them get the food, leave it to me, I'll take it for you."

This is the hand-cleansing water prepared for distinguished guests. According to the lady's instructions, freshly picked flower petals are placed in it so that the guests can still have a faint floral fragrance on their hands after washing their hands.

The Marquis’ Mansion had held banquets before, but they were always hosted by Old Madam Lu.

It’s not that it’s not done well, but one can tell at a glance that it’s imitating other noble families, it’s all very rule-bound and doesn’t have any characteristics of its own.

Especially in terms of details, at this celebration banquet, after the guests washed their hands, they came to the "Dragon Gate" specially built by Shen Ruoyan.

It was an archway built with wood in front of the rockery, but on top of it were leaves woven into the shape of a dragon. Under the archway was a whole round log - stepping over it represented jumping over the dragon gate.

"Son, come on, come and cross over here!"

Many ladies were very interested in this door. After learning its meaning, they couldn't wait to bring their children over.

No matter what, we must let them get over here!

Therefore, the butler in charge of welcoming guests would see the excited ladies and the young men and women with resentful faces... walking slowly towards him.

"My dears, please take the broad road here. You will have a smooth and safe future." The housekeeper said with a smile. All the words they said today were previously planned by Shen Ruoyan, just to bring good luck!

Sure enough, everyone smiled even more when they heard this.

The noblewoman walking in front was a straightforward person, and she immediately praised: "Your mistress is a wonderful person, we should make an appointment to get together someday!"

Seeing this, others also said that Shen Ruoyan's banquet was very interesting, and the elements were interconnected, which was very innovative.

This was just the entrance stage. After entering, they discovered that today's banquet was full of "scheming"!

Every place has an auspicious meaning.

No matter what you do here today, the servants in this marquis' mansion will always give you a blessing word in return, so that everyone will always have a smile on their face.

The appearance of Pei Rushi and Qin Shaobei brought the entire celebration banquet to a climax!

There was no distinction between male and female guests at this celebration banquet. Instead, the men brought their families and everyone sat together.

This kind of form has only recently become popular in Shengjing. Shen Ruoyan focuses on keeping up with the trend. The only one who feels awkward is Madam Lu.

"Madam, I heard that sitting like this is popular in the city now. It is said that it can make guests relax and drink happily." The nanny explained to Madam Lu in a low voice. Madam Lu nodded coldly, "I know."

She actually doesn't know!

However, I don't want to appear inexperienced in front of so many people.

If it were in her hometown, men and women sitting together like this would be a violation of the law of heaven!

Everyone must burn incense and apologize to God!

But this is Shengjing, the most prosperous place in Dasheng. Even if she looks down on it in her heart, she will not show it.

"Thank you all for coming. Today's celebration banquet was organized by my cousin, who spent a lot of time and effort. I hope you all enjoy your meal and drink. Meeting is fate. Today we are guests, and in the future, we will be friends!"

Qin Shaobei raised his glass first and drank it all in one gulp.

Pei Rushi glanced at him and just raised his glass towards everyone as a statement.

With his attitude, no one present would be dissatisfied at all - after all, he is the champion of this session.

Moreover, with so many unexpected things happening in the Spring Examination, Pei Rushi's title of champion was not only hard-earned, but also well-deserved.

His literary talent was witnessed by all in Kyoto, and he himself was even more unforgettable.

Many noble ladies present couldn't take their eyes off him once they had him. Many were secretly trying to get information about the new champion.

Shen Ruoyan saw all of this and quietly memorized it.

In addition to Pei Rushi, there are also many people asking about Qin Shaobei. It can be said that the two are evenly matched.

After all, among all the candidates, they both have excellent literary talent and good looks!

"Cousin, how long will it take? If you don't hurry up, I feel like I can't hold on any longer!" Qin Shaobei accompanied Shen Ruoyan, dealing with the guests. As the host, Shen Ruoyan behaved generously and was deeply recognized by everyone.

But Qin Shaobei felt uncomfortable standing beside them, especially the way those women looked at him, which always made him feel very dangerous!

He is not that kind of casual man!

Can these women please control their eyes?

Although Pei Rushi said nothing, his slightly red ears betrayed his thoughts.

Shen Ruoyan couldn't help but find it funny. After walking to a quieter place, she said with a smile, "You two are the kind of people who would not change their expressions even if Mount Tai collapsed before them. Are you afraid of this small situation now?"

"Am I afraid? I just find it troublesome!"

Qin Shaobei lowered his voice. He knew what those women were planning, but he had no plans to settle down in Shengjing.

After all, he still has to return to the Qin family.

As for Pei Rushi, he was simply feeling uncomfortable.

People who only have the books of sages in their hearts have no desire for these love things and don't know how to deal with them.

He wanted to avoid those gazes, but found helplessly that they were everywhere. He could only avoid them by disappearing on the spot!

Shen Ruoyan couldn't help but chuckle, "Don't worry, you can rest soon."

Perhaps to confirm what she said, a few people walked out from the back and heard someone shouting: "I heard that the prince of Changning is Mr. Pei's student, and Mr. Qin is his cousin. I guess the prince must be very knowledgeable, right? I wonder if it would be convenient for Fang to show it to us?"

This is the Marquis of Changning's Mansion. What's the difference between asking the prince to demonstrate his knowledge and asking him to perform in public?

Qin Shaobei's expression changed immediately. Without waiting for Shen Ruoyan to speak, he rushed forward and said, "Brother, what's the point of letting a child demonstrate? Otherwise, let me show you!"

There was a mocking smile on his lips, but the smile did not reach his eyes. "I just don't know if your literary talent is worthy of Qin's display. Why don't you prove it yourself first?"