Dugu Jingyao is reborn as Li Chu's beloved

Chapter 214: Housewarming Banquet at the Zhennan Marquis Mansion

In the study, Dugu Xin sat at the table, looking at his daughter Dugu Jingyao. He said softly, "I didn't expect that Yue'er, at such a young age, would be so talented in business."

Dugu Jingyao nodded slightly, agreeing with her father's opinion. She replied softly, "Yes, Yue'er is indeed smart and clever. At least she has this path to pursue. Even if I'm not in Yunnan in the future, if Daddy wants to come to Chang'an to find me when he's old, she'll be able to live a good life on her own when she grows up and gets married."

Dugu Xin deeply agreed. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Let's first see how well Yue'er can run this shop. If it really succeeds as she expects, we can make further plans. Perhaps we can discuss it with your second uncle and let her help out in his shop when she grows up."

Hearing this, Dugu Jingyao frowned slightly and shook her head gently to express her disapproval. She said firmly, "Daddy, you are so stupid! You must not do that."

Although Dugu Jingyao said so, Dugu Xin was not annoyed. He knew that his daughter was very opinionated. If she said so, she must have her reasons. So he asked, "Yao'er, why do you say that?"

Dugu Jingyao said with some concern, "Not to mention that my second uncle has many children, including a legitimate son. If Yue'er were to interfere, she might suffer the same fate as I did, such as being poisoned."

When Dugu Xin heard this, he immediately realized that his idea was a little inappropriate. He sighed and nodded, saying, "Okay, let's forget about it. Just pretend I never said anything!"

Seeing that Dugu Xin had listened, Dugu Jingyao nodded in agreement, and then said, "If there is nothing else, then I will take my leave first." Dugu Xin nodded in agreement, and Dugu Jingyao left the study.

Two days later, before daybreak, the Dugu family rose early. This day was very important to them, as it was the relocation banquet for the Zhennan Marquisate. Since the Zhennan Marquisate was located on the edge of Chang'an City, it was quite far away, so they needed to leave early to ensure they arrived on time.

After a quick tidy up, they began to enjoy breakfast. After breakfast, they instructed the servants to load the housewarming gifts onto the carriage, and then boarded the carriage one by one.

Because she got up too early, Liu Jingyue felt very sleepy and fell asleep leaning against the wall of the carriage as soon as she got on. However, as the carriage bumped, her body kept shaking and she almost hit the wall several times.

Dugu Jingyao looked at her with great distress, and finally could not help but gently put Liu Jingyue's head on her legs so that she could sleep more comfortably. Dugu Xin and Dugu Jingyao chose to close their eyes and rest for a while.

About a quarter of an hour later, the carriage finally slowly stopped in front of the gate of Zhennan Marquis Mansion.

After getting off the carriage, they looked around and found that although there were many guests, the number of people was significantly reduced compared to the housewarming party at the Yunnan Palace a few days ago. Some palaces had only sent people to deliver gifts.

Dugu Jingyao analyzed methodically, "It's normal that there aren't many people here. After all, this place is relatively remote. Also, I'm the Emperor's chosen Princess Guangping, and some people are attending the banquet because of this status. Uncle Chu and his family are away from Chang'an all year round, so even if I try to please them, what good will it do? It would be more practical to please our family."

Dugu Xin deeply agreed with Dugu Jingyao's analysis. As a modern person, Liu Jingyue secretly despised them: "What a bunch of profit-seeking villains!" But she didn't show it on the surface.

Several people supported each other and walked towards the Zhennan Marquis Mansion. When they were about to reach the door, Chu Xinghan noticed them first, told Chu Xiaoyi, and then came to greet them in advance.

Chu Xinghan strode towards them with a bright smile on his face and said, "Uncle Dugu is well, and my two sisters are well!"

Seeing this, Dugu Xin hurriedly told Chu Xinghan not to be so polite, and asked with concern: "Xinghan, why did you only see your father? Where is your mother?"

Chu Xinghan replied respectfully, "Uncle Dugu, you may not know that since we don't expect many people to come, we don't have separate tables for men and women. My father and I are outside to greet the guests, so my mother is inside with my younger brothers and sisters."

Dugu Xin nodded in sudden realization, with an expression of "I see," and said, "I see. In that case, you and your father will go ahead and do your work. I'll take Yao'er and Yue'er in first."

Chu Xinghan smiled and gestured "please come in," signaling them to go in first. They walked towards the mansion gate. As they passed Chu Xiaoyi, Dugu Xin exchanged a few pleasantries. Then, Dugu Xin had his men take the housewarming gifts down to the people at the Zhennan Marquis' Mansion, and then he walked into the mansion.

After entering the mansion, they found that the people who came today, except for their family and Guo Ziyi, were either civil officials of lower rank whose faces they could not remember, or some military generals.

When Dugu Xin's family arrived at the main hall, Chu Xinyu was the first to see them. She quietly poked Wei Jiayan and whispered, "Mother, Uncle Dugu and his family are here."

Wei Jiayan looked up and saw Dugu Xin and Dugu Jingyao walking slowly towards them with their families. She waved to them to come over and sit down, and said with a smile: "Brother Dugu, you are here, please take a seat!"

Dugu Xin and Dugu Jingyao hurriedly bowed their heads in thanks. After all, if they were divided by rank, their Dugu family would be in the upper capital.

Led by the maids, several people sat down in the front seats. As soon as they sat down, civil officials and military generals came forward to greet them.

However, Dugu Xin and Dugu Jingyao both felt that today was the housewarming party of the Marquis of Zhennan Mansion after all, and it would be bad if the guests took over the main event, so they just exchanged a few pleasantries and prepared to let them go back first. However, a few of them were shameless and refused to leave, wanting to continue chatting.

Fortunately, the three Li siblings arrived in time. After everyone saluted them, the rest had to return to their seats and sit down quietly, watching these distinguished people in front of them chatting and laughing.

Soon, the people at the door had almost arrived to greet them, and Chu Xiaoyi and his son returned to the main hall, and the banquet officially began.

Everyone first went outside to watch the unveiling of the Zhennan Marquis Mansion, then set off firecrackers, and then returned to the main hall to start the banquet.

Chu Xiaoyi and Wei Jiayan stood together, both dressed in finery, looking a perfect match. Chu Xiaoyi raised his glass and said with a smile, "Thank you all for coming to the Zhennan Marquis's housewarming party today. The Marquis and his wife offer a toast to you all!" He then raised his head and drank the entire glass in one gulp, his gesture generous and magnanimous. Wei Jiayan gracefully raised her glass, took a sip, and then smiled at the crowd.

The rest of the people responded, stood up, drank the wine in their glasses, and said in unison: "Thank you, Marquis Zhennan and his wife!" The entire banquet hall was suddenly filled with laughter and a warm atmosphere.

Chu Xiaoyi put down his wine glass and continued, "Then don't be shy, eat and drink well!" His tone was cordial and enthusiastic, making people feel relaxed and happy.

Wei Jiayan smiled gently and continued, "If the banquet is over, if you are interested, you can come to the mansion for a stroll. We have also prepared seasonal fruits and snacks for you." Her voice was soft and pleasant, which made people feel good about her.

Everyone nodded in gratitude, then began to enjoy the food and wine, sharing their experiences and anecdotes. For a moment, the banquet hall was filled with the clinking of glasses, laughter, and a lively atmosphere.

After everyone had finished eating and drinking, some ladies and young ladies went for a walk in the courtyard. Someone couldn't help but sigh, "Although this place is a bit remote, the scenery inside is unique and charming. There is a scene every ten steps."