Traveling to an ancient peasant family: I got rich by doing business

Li Yu didn't expect to receive a post.

Although Han Zheng was an official, his position was low. Even if Prince Hui's Mansion invited her, they should have invited Han Zheng alone instead of asking her to go as well.

Li Yu wanted to pretend to be sick and avoid it, but the person who delivered the invitation said that she had to go no matter what.

Li Yu had no choice but to make plans in advance. The next day, when she estimated that the time was about right, she went out with Han Zheng carrying the gifts.

In fact, she could ask Princess Jianing for help in this matter, but Prince An's Mansion seemed to be planning something recently, and there were some plausible rumors in the capital. There was no need for her to disturb her because of this matter at this time.

*

The one who went out with the two of them today was Lu Xuan. After arriving at the place, Lu Xuan did not go home but waited directly outside Prince Hui's mansion.

In this way, if they leave halfway, they can get away from Prince Hui's Palace in the shortest time possible.

After thinking about it, Li Yu reminded Han Zheng, "There are many people going today, and men and women must be separated. I can't go with you. You can find Lu Sheng and other familiar people when the time comes."

Han Zheng said that he understood everything and told Li Yu not to worry.

*

The two of them set out not too early, and Lu Xuan deliberately slowed down on the way. So when they arrived, the front of Prince Hui's mansion was already bustling with activity.

The officials of King Hui's faction were all in high spirits, with pride on their faces.

Although the other factions were smiling, their smiles did not reach their eyes.

Li Yu observed for a few seconds and walked forward with Han Zheng.

Today, the guests at Prince Hui's Palace were a middle-aged scholar in his forties and a nanny in her thirties. Li Yu and Han Zheng separated directly at the gate of the palace. Han Zheng walked to the front yard, while Li Yu, led by a maid, turned to the garden.

*

The garden of Prince Hui's Palace is filled with exotic flowers, plants, rockery and strange rocks.

In the open space in the middle of the garden, tables and chairs for entertaining guests were neatly arranged. After the banquet officially began, the women had their meals here.

When Li Yu arrived, there were already quite a few people in the garden, and those familiar ladies were standing together and talking.

Thinking that today would be a restless day, Li Yu did not approach a few familiar faces, but stood under an inconspicuous tree.

Although she was not afraid, she hoped that Princess Hui would forget about her in her busy life today. After all, less trouble is worse than more.

But obviously, she underestimated how much the Princess Hui valued her. After all the female relatives arrived, the Hui Palace began to pay attention.

The dessert is in the shape of peach blossoms. The beautiful pastry is decorated with some osmanthus and peach petals, which looks very delicate.

Madam Cai, who had asked Li Yu to order snacks that day, stood beside Princess Hui and happily introduced the food to everyone:

"This is a double flower red date cake. Not only does it have flowers on the outside, but it also has osmanthus and peach blossoms inside. It was made by the chef of our palace, and it took a lot of effort just to season it. Ladies, please try it."

Upon hearing this, the ladies sitting in the front took up the snacks and put them into their mouths.

After a few breaths, Madam Huang, the wife of the Minister of Revenue, who had not been seen outside for a long time, exclaimed: "Peach blossoms bloom in spring. The chef was able to preserve the peach blossoms and make cakes with osmanthus flowers. His skills are really profound. Such delicious snacks are not sold outside!"

The wives of several other officials from King Hui's faction also nodded in agreement.

*

Li Yu listened to their praise, picked up a piece of dessert, covered it with his sleeve and brought it to his mouth.

She didn't eat it, she was worried that there was something in the pastry. But it was too obvious that she didn't eat when everyone else was eating, so she pinched off a piece of the pastry with her fingers, then put down the rest and pretended that she had eaten it.

Aunt Cai in front had been paying attention to Li Yu's actions. Seeing her eating, she continued with what she had just said:

"During the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet last month, many people liked to eat the bacon mooncakes from Li's Hot Pot Restaurant. I thought I should make everyone happy this time, so a few days ago, the princess asked me to go to the hot pot restaurant's boss Li, who is also Han Zhuangyuan's sister-in-law, to order some snacks.

Unexpectedly, Boss Li could only make some ordinary pastries. Our princess had no choice but to arrange for the chef in the mansion to prepare them carefully.

Madam Li, I just saw you eat the Double Flower Red Date Cake. How does it compare to what you made?"

*

This was obviously an attempt to humiliate Li Yu, saying that she was not capable of doing her job, but Li Yu had been mentally prepared and was not angry.

However, she did not act too indifferent, and a somewhat humiliated expression appeared on her face from time to time.

"Of course...Of course the chef in Prince Hui's mansion cooks better. My ability is limited and I failed to make snacks that would satisfy Princess Hui. I am guilty."

Princess Hui saw Li Yu shrinking timidly, and the corners of her lips curled up slightly.

She was called here today to humiliate her, because she had helped the Crown Princess to gain attention before.

It was a pity that Jianing didn't come today, otherwise she could have used this opportunity to ridicule Jianing. Recently, there had been some discord between Prince An's Mansion and the Eastern Palace, and she felt very happy.

Turning her eyes away from Li Yu, Princess Hui turned to the others and said, "I thought the people of Jianing were omnipotent, but it turns out they are not very good at making snacks."

Several ladies immediately came to support her, saying that the princess was right. Some others said that Li Yu was from a small place, and if he hadn't had the support of Princess Jianing, he wouldn't have been able to do business well.

Su Yi's wife Ruan Xinming, who was also at the table, became angry when she heard these words and wanted to interrupt and say something, but Li Yu saw her and stopped her with a look.

This is Princess Hui's home turf. There is no need to confront her just for a momentary win. It will do no good. Besides, Princess Hui's goal has been achieved, so she probably won't care about her anymore.

There are many people coming today, and she can't keep dwelling on the snacks.

*

Li Yu guessed correctly. After Princess Hui finished speaking, she just ignored him and let Li Yu stand there.

Li Yu pretended to be aggrieved and angry, and only sat back in his chair after a quarter of an hour.

During the meal, she did not pick up her chopsticks because she was worried that the food was not clean. Instead, she pretended to be wronged and rubbed her eyes with a handkerchief from time to time, as if she was too sad to eat.

Because her acting was so realistic, no one else in the palace bothered her anymore.

However, several ladies from King Hui's faction secretly pointed fingers at her, but she pretended not to see them and just kept the identities of the ladies in mind.

The banquet ended at six o'clock in the afternoon, and those who had things to do at home could leave afterwards. Originally, today's banquet was for Prince Hui to receive gifts. Now that the gifts have been received, Prince Hui's Mansion no longer cares so much.

Li Yu did not leave immediately, but waited until someone left before moving out.

*

Lu Xuan was waiting outside anxiously. When he saw Li Yu coming out, he hurried to greet her and asked, "Are you okay today?"

“No big things happened, but small things did.”

As Li Yu spoke, he turned around and looked at the plaque of Prince Hui's Palace.

After Han Zheng comes out, she will ask him carefully about the situation there. She feels that some of her plans will have to change.