Ye Liangyu's straight back slumped slightly.
"I also wanted him to temper himself for another three years, but on one hand, the child himself wants to enter the court as an official as soon as possible. I guess he doesn't want his sister to work so hard supporting everything alone."
"On the other hand, I really don't know if I'll still be around in three years. What if I can't help him then?"
Fei Yanzhang glared at him with tiger-like eyes. "What nonsense are you spouting? You're only in your forties, what do you mean you don't know if you'll be around? You have to live to at least eighty before you can die."
Ye Liangyu's fingers slid from his white beard to his white eyebrows, finally grasping his head full of white hair.
His hair turning white overnight was a true reflection of the utter despair he felt when he learned he was crippled back then.
"Who knows when an accident might suddenly happen. It's better to make preparations early. This child is neither anxious nor rash; he is calm and patient when facing issues. I believe he can do it."
Thinking of what happened at the hunting grounds back then, Fei Yanzhang could only remain silent. If only the Emperor had fathered a few more princes.
The number of guests arriving to offer their congratulations gradually increased. With the appearance of Dongfang Shaoting bringing his wife and children, the banquet truly began to liven up.
At a glance, although not many officials from the factions of the Prince of Ying and the Prince of Qi came, half of their female family members had arrived.
Her gaze fell upon the young man whose skin was so white it seemed to glow. A flash of amazement crossed Song Jinzhao's eyes; Qiming truly hadn't exaggerated.
Dressed in a crescent-white brocade jacket, the young man was dazzling among the crowd. The others couldn't even serve as a foil to him, completely fading from sight.
Song Shixue blinked, staring at him with the thought that he was someone to be admired from afar but not approached lightly.
Seeing this, Dongfang Yukun was secretly pleased, though on the surface he maintained the aloof demeanor of a modest gentleman.
Faced with such a handsome man, Song Jinzhao merely appreciated him briefly before moving on. Instead, it was Song Shixue who kept stealing glances at him.
This caused Lanxi, who was bringing things over, to look extremely displeased.
Once the hour arrived, even though the tables weren't full, Song Jinzhao didn't wait any longer and directly announced the start of the banquet.
She took Song Shixue to host the women's tables, while the men's tables were left in the charge of Song Qiming. With Ye Liangyu guiding him, nothing would go wrong.
Young Song Anhao was arranged to sit at a table full of female guests, showing no stage fright at all.
His mouth never stopped moving. Not long after the banquet began, he had already praised every lady at the table. The madams all complimented him for being clever and adorable, and some even gave him small gifts on the spot.
Just when everyone thought today's housewarming banquet would pass by just like this, Yunhe hurriedly ran in and said to Song Jinzhao, "County Princess, the carriages of Princess Yongjia and the Duke of Qing have already stopped at the estate's entrance."
Although his voice wasn't loud, the madams at the table all heard him.
Their eyes were filled with astonishment, unable to believe that Princess Yongjia would come.
"Please enjoy your meal, ladies."
Song Jinzhao stood up and had only taken a few steps when she heard the servant standing outside the front hall shout loudly: "Princess Yongjia has arrived! The Duke of Qing has arrived!"
The men's tables, previously bustling with clinking glasses, instantly fell silent. Everyone looked up in unison, and sure enough, they saw Xiao Yongjia and Chu Liuyun step over the threshold one after the other.
"Your subject greets Her Highness the Princess."
"Your humble official greets Her Highness the Princess."
"Your subject's wife greets Her Highness the Princess."
"Your commoner greets Her Highness the Princess."
...
In the blink of an eye, a whole swath of people knelt in the front hall. Only two Ministers and Ye Liangyu remained standing, offering a bowing salute.
"You may all rise."
"Imperial Father heard that the County Princess of Linghui is hosting a housewarming banquet at her estate today, and specially sent this princess to offer congratulations."
Song Jinzhao: "Your subject bows in gratitude for His Majesty's profound grace."
Something wasn't right. Why would the Emperor specifically send a princess to deliver gifts for a mere County Princess's housewarming banquet? Even if he wanted to send gifts, a eunuch would have sufficed.
Thinking of the relationship between Princess Yongjia and Chu Liuyun, Song Jinzhao already had a theory in mind.
If this matter wasn't handled well, it might truly become a troublesome issue.
Chu Liuyun swept his gaze over the officials sitting at the men's tables.
Two out of the Six Ministers had come, and there were also people from the Hanlin Academy and the Censorate. After today, the Song family could be considered to have firmly established their footing in the capital.
One truly could not underestimate this woman. Her rise was even faster than that of civil officials making their fortunes. Her next step would likely be aiming for the title of Commandery Princess.
"This official was busy with public affairs and arrived a bit late. I wonder if the County Princess still has a seat available."
Song Jinzhao smiled faintly and said, "With Her Highness the Princess and the Duke of Qing gracing us with their presence, even if there were no seats, we would have to make some. Qiming, host the Duke of Qing well."
After speaking, she extended her hand toward Xiao Yongjia. "Your Highness, please take the seat of honor."
Seeing that Song Jinzhao's gaze did not linger on Chu Liuyun, Princess Yongjia walked toward the women's tables with peace of mind.
Duan Yanhua, sitting in his chair, tightly pinched his thigh with the hand hidden under the table. The Song family was truly formidable!
If those who hadn't come knew that the Emperor had sent the Princess to deliver gifts, and that even the Duke of Qing had arrived, what would they think?
They would probably be terrified to their cores.
