novelaction Chapter 447 Supporting the Liu Family!
Chapter 447 Supporting the Liu Family!
Mu Xin Nuan was somewhat surprised to learn that Yang Shi had been divorced. After a while, her expression turned serious as she said, "It seems that this Madam Lu is quite a character! Either she is too clever and knows how to advance and retreat, or she has other plans."
"Your Highness, in my opinion, she probably won't fall in love with Liu because of this."
"She likes Liu Shi?" Mu Xin Nuan shook her head with a smile. "Hehe, I think she'd rather Liu Shi's child was lost! Now that the news that Liu Yi has been given an important position by the Prince has already spread, hasn't it?"
"Your Highness, the news has already begun to spread among the officials in Yanzhou. Moreover, His Highness is planning to hold a banquet tonight to welcome Lord Liu back and celebrate his return."
"Well, since we're going to hold a banquet, it should be done properly. Bring out the several sets of fine porcelain that came with my dowry; they'll naturally be used at tonight's banquet."
"Yes, princess."
Mu Xin Nuan knew that after tonight's banquet, Liu Yi would become famous throughout Yanzhou City! At the same time, Liu's status in the Lu family would naturally change. If Madam Lu was a smart woman, she would know what she should do next; at the very least, making things difficult for Liu would not benefit her in the slightest.
However, Madam Lu's mind was clearly different from that of ordinary people. She was very curious to know whether Madam Lu would ultimately choose to oppose Liu and go all the way down this path, or whether she would realize her mistakes and reflect on them as soon as possible.
Regardless of her reaction, in Mu Xin Nuan's view, the Duke of the Lu family would never let her run wild again!
The Yang family and the Lu family have already produced one; naturally, they cannot produce another Xie family!
The banquet that evening was indeed a sensation. Although the variety of dishes was limited, each one was exquisite.
In response to Duanmu Chuze's call for frugality in all aspects, the tea, snacks, dishes, and drinks were all served in moderation, with an emphasis on deliciousness and refinement.
This elevated the banquet to a whole new level!
Especially when the Lingzhi chicken soup, personally prepared by Princess Chang Le, was served, everyone could only smell the rich aroma, but could only crane their necks to take a look.
Since it was made by Princess Chang Le herself, it was naturally not something that just anyone could enjoy. Otherwise, wouldn't that be degrading Princess Chang Le's status?
Besides Duanmu Chuze's chair, there was a bowl of chicken soup in front of Liu Yi. After Yu Mama personally brought the dish up, she smiled and said, "Your Highness, the Princess Consort says she is waiting to hear your evaluation."
Duanmu Chuze smiled faintly, scooped up a spoonful of soup, took a sip, and nodded, saying, "Not bad! It tastes delicious and fresh. Thank you for your hard work."
"Your Highness, this soup was simmered over a low flame by the Princess herself for more than two hours."
Duanmu Chuze nodded, then took a few more sips before asking, "Is that all?"
Seeing the prince's furrowed brows, Granny Yu smiled and said, "Your Highness, only three bowls were served in total. One bowl each for you and the princess, one bowl for Lord Liu, and the rest were sent to the Lu residence by the princess's orders to be delivered to the eldest young mistress."
Duanmu Chuze was slightly taken aback, then noticed a hint of doubt flashing in Liu Yi's eyes. He smiled gently, "I know they are sisters, but is it really necessary to confiscate all my chicken soup? She's really ruthless."
Hearing the prince complain in public over a bowl of soup, everyone laughed. Lu Shaofeng, on the other hand, looked very gratified. If his wife hadn't been protected by the princess, she would probably be suffering from the pain of a miscarriage by now.
Granny Yu retreated with a smile. Her goal had been achieved. Most importantly, she wanted all these high-ranking officials and nobles to know that Liu held an extraordinary place in the Princess's heart.
When Lu Shaofeng thought of the princess's protection of his wife, he immediately stood up, went to the center of the hall, raised his cup, and said, "This humble servant is deeply indebted to Your Highness and has no way to repay you. This humble servant will drink first as a sign of respect, and wish that my Yan region will prosper step by step and flourish day by day from now on."
"Good! Well said! May the people of Yan live in peace and prosperity from now on, free from the troubles of poverty."
"Respectfully, Your Highness!" Everyone stood up at the same time and said in unison.
At the banquet that night, Duanmu Chuze successfully put Liu Yi in the spotlight. Meanwhile, just a few days later, ladies and young women flocked to the Lu residence to visit Liu Yi. The reason for this was self-evident!
Lady Lu observed that Liu Shi's reputation in Yanzhou had risen so rapidly in just two months. Besides the Princess's support, this was undoubtedly due to the rise of her father, Liu Yi. Therefore, in Lady Lu's view, separating the couple would become even more difficult.
Moreover, Liu is now pregnant with Lu Shaofeng's child. Once she gives birth to a legitimate son and becomes the eldest grandson of the Lu family, her position in the Lu family will likely be irreplaceable.
As Madam Lu watched Liu's status rise day by day, and given that Liu herself came from a scholarly family and was naturally well-mannered and refined, Madam Lu noticed that Liu's status was rising.
Previously, due to Yang's deliberate suppression, Liu had almost never appeared in public. Now, without Yang's suppression and with the strong support of the Princess, Liu's status in the Lu family has been rising day by day, and her prestige in the noble circles of the entire Yanzhou has also been increasing.
Especially Madam He and others, who previously thought that this Liu was just the daughter of a poor family, and must be a timid, reserved and stingy person. Who knew that after meeting her and getting to know her a few times, they found that Liu was a generous and graceful person, and her manners and speech were no less than those of a lady from a noble family!
After learning that her father was highly regarded by the prince and was renowned for his talent in Jiangnan, the ladies regretted not having gotten to know this young mistress better earlier.
Now that they're only trying to be friendly, it's probably too late to say many things.
Madam He was quite shrewd and quick-witted; after only a few visits, she became familiar with Liu. According to the Xie family's generational hierarchy, they were of the same generation, so it was perfectly reasonable for her to have Liu address her as "elder sister."
Mu Xin Nuan, being inside the Prince's residence, naturally knew a bit about what was happening outside. In her opinion, Madam Lu would not give up so easily. Since she had looked down on Liu Shi before, she might not look up to her now. It was just that no one in the Lu family was on her side anymore, which was why she had not yet taken any action.
However, Mu Xin Nuan was very curious as to why Liu Shi, such a gentle and refined person, was so unappealing to her. Was it simply because of her family background?