Rebirth: Making a Fortune in Ancient Times

The entire Hou residence was filled with joy as they prepared for the housewarming banquet a few days later. Madam Liu and Madam Li were especially determined to make it a success. Besides handling the daily affairs of the household and the banquet arrangements, they also had to find someone to take measurements for Qiuyu and Dongyu's clothes, keeping them incredibly busy. Fortunately, Xiayu, as the eldest princess, had her clothes made according to certain regulations by the palace's clothing bureau, eliminating the need for outside tailors. Otherwise, the two of them would have been even busier.

Xia Yu hadn't initially realized what the housewarming banquet had to do with her, but seeing her second uncle and mother going to such lengths to make new clothes and jewelry for her two younger sisters, and even Liu Shi going to the palace to urge the clothing bureau to make her several new outfits, she began to understand. It turned out that her family was using the housewarming banquet as a pretext to hold a large-scale matchmaking event!

But considering that Changyun and Changyuan in the family were not young anymore, and Qiuyu was a few months younger than her, it seemed that holding this matchmaking banquet was also necessary. So, with the mindset of just participating, Xia Yu was happy to follow her mother's lead and do whatever she was told.

Zhou Luo secretly instructed the palace's jewelry bureau to coordinate with the clothing bureau to produce several sets of matching jewelry for the princess's new clothes, ensuring the princess wouldn't be late for her housewarming banquet. Zhou Luo's actions led many to realize that the banquet was actually a pretext for choosing a husband for the princess. Of course, this speculation remained unspoken; no one dared to voice it. Criticizing the princess would be a serious offense if overheard.

Wang was originally going to come too, but Chunyu was about to give birth, and she didn't want to leave at this time. So she asked her two younger siblings to keep an eye out for families who were interested in her for the long term, and she would come to the capital as soon as Chunyu gave birth safely.

Before long, the housewarming banquet at the Marquis's residence arrived. Those who were close to Madam Liu arrived early in the morning, with Liu Xiaocui and her husband Zhang Haoran being the first to arrive. Liu Xiaocui and Madam Liu were sisters, and she thought that arriving early would help her sister entertain the early guests.

Liu Xiaocui had only been there a short time, and hadn't even finished a cup of tea, when she heard someone rushing in to report something.

"My lord, my lady, General Shen Jingxun has arrived and has been led to the flower hall for the men's guests."

Upon hearing the servant's report, Zhang Youtie and Liu Shi exchanged a puzzled glance, both seeing the same confusion in each other's eyes. Wasn't General Shen ordered to go out on business? When will he return to the capital?

Despite his doubts, Zhang Youtie quickly put down his teacup and went to the flower hall with Zhang Haoran.

When they arrived, Shen Jingxun was standing with his hands behind his back, looking at the calligraphy and paintings hanging on the wall. Hearing footsteps, he turned around and looked at Zhang Youtie and Zhang Haoran, a smile on his face. Before Zhang Youtie and the others could speak, he first gave Zhang Youtie a junior's bow.

Seeing this, Zhang Youtie instantly understood that Shen Jingxun had taken a fancy to one of his daughters. He was pleased, but he didn't show it on his face. Instead, he laughed and helped Shen Jingxun's arm as he was bowing down.

"General Shen, I heard you were ordered to leave the capital on official business. When did you return? Have you finished your duties?"

"Uncle Lao inquired, and Zhiming learned that your family was holding a housewarming banquet. I wanted to join in the fun, so I specially rushed back. The matter is not yet finished, but I have already explained the reason to the Emperor, and he granted my request before I returned." Shen Jingxun's attitude was very humble, completely different from everyone's usual impression of him.

"Haha, I didn't expect Zhiming to be such a sentimental person!"

Shen Jingxun used his courtesy name when speaking to Zhang Youtie, so Zhang Youtie could no longer address him as "Little General" and continued in the same manner.

Looking at Shen Jingxun's expression, Zhang Haoran had a rough idea of ​​what was going on. He had a good impression of Shen Jingxun, and after weighing the options in his mind, he felt that while Shen Jingxun wasn't the perfect match for the princess, he was still passable. With this in mind, his words to Shen Jingxun inevitably carried a hint of scrutiny.

Seeing Zhang Haoran treat him this way, Shen Jingxun felt not displeasure, but rather a hint of joy. Did this mean the Marquis's mansion was considering him for a position? Their conversation didn't last long before guests began to arrive, forcing Zhang Youtie and Zhang Haoran to go out and greet them. After instructing the servants to serve them well, they left the flower hall.

On the way to the gate of the Marquis's residence, Zhang Haoran asked Zhang Youtie...

"Does Your Excellency understand what General Shen means?"

"Hmm, I didn't expect him to arrive first," Zhang Youtie nodded, not saying anything more.

Zhang Haoran didn't say anything more. A woman's marriage is a major event that affects her reputation, so it's best to keep a low profile until the day of the betrothal.

Lady Li brought Qiu Yu and Dong Yu out to greet the guests. Xia Yu hadn't returned from the palace yet, and even if she did, Lady Liu didn't intend for her to come out and greet the guests. Her status, regardless of who she was greeting, would always exert a certain pressure on that person.

Once most of the guests had arrived, everyone gathered in the Marquis's garden, where the banquet was to be held. It was the height of summer, but the sun wasn't too strong, and the servants had erected numerous shaded pavilions in the garden. Ice basins were also placed inside, making it quite cool.

The male and female guests were separated by a flower wall, but even though it was a separation, one could still hear each other's movements if one listened carefully. This was a last-minute idea of ​​Mrs. Liu's. Besides giving her own children more opportunities, it also gave other families' eligible young men and women more chances to marry.

Meanwhile, Lady Liu also arranged a talent show for the young people. The officials and their families who came were very satisfied with the way the Marquis's family did things. This increased their children's opportunities considerably. Even if a marriage alliance with the Marquis's family didn't work out, other families might still have their eyes on their children.

Xia Yu came with Zhou Luo, along with several of Zhou Luo's unmarried sisters from the palace. She said she was bringing them to the Marquis's housewarming banquet and to let them get to know each other better with other young people of similar age.

Their arrival brought the banquet to a new climax. Many of the young noblemen who had already showcased their talents now regretted their actions. Knowing the princesses were coming, they wished they had waited to perform. Now that they had already performed, another performance would clearly be seen as an attempt to curry favor with the princesses, which would only make them a laughingstock.

Compared to the fierce competition among the male guests, the female guests were relatively more harmonious. This was mainly because Zhou Luo was too young and still several years away from her wedding, so they didn't have that opportunity.

The banquet went smoothly, and no one caused any trouble. The princesses in the palace were very satisfied with the Marquis's hospitality. When speaking with Lady Liu, their tone showed no disdain for her as the Marquis's wife, but rather great respect.

After a lively and bustling day, the housewarming banquet at the Marquis's residence was a joyous occasion for all, and those who wanted to showcase their talents had the opportunity to do so. By the end of the day, several more talented and beautiful young women had emerged in the capital.

Everyone was happy, except for Xia Yu. If it weren't for the words spoken by the person in front of her, her good mood could have lasted all day.