Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
On the day of the spring banquet, Su Dingheng woke up early in a good mood, intending to check if Su Yurou was ready.
As he stepped out of the courtyard, he spotted Su Yingxue dressed in vibrant red riding attire, holding a whip. Her fresh appearance and fiery spirit were truly dazzling.
âWhy are you out here?â Su Dinghengâs greeting lacked warmth.
Su Yingxue looked puzzled as she inquired, âFather, did you not receive the invitations for todayâs spring banquet at Upper Forest Court?â
Su Dinghengâs expression stiffened. âOf courseâ¦! received the invitations!â
He pondered how to respond if Su Yingxue questioned him about why he hadnât taken her along.
Su Yingxue continued, âThatâs good then. 1â11 throw the extra invitations back to the study.â
âExtra invitations? Did you receive multiple invitations by yourself?â Su Dinghengâs eyes widened.
The Upper Forest Court, spring banquet was a prestigious event only open to officials of the third rank and above. Moreover, it was a high-level banquet that the madam of titled individuals with imperial favor could bring their children to. Su Dingheng himself only managed to secure an invitation each year based on his title.
Given Su Yingxueâs lack of official position and imperial favor, where did she get these invitations? And more than one?
Su Yingxue looked at Su Dinghengâs puzzled expression and casually replied, âFather, are you unaware? The emperor personally extended an invitation to me. Consort Xiang also granted me one. The Ninth Prince and Mrs. Liang have invited me as well. General Lin has sent an invitation. Oh, and of course, my dear brother also sent me an invitation.â
âYour brother⦠Even if he is a military general, he hasnât reached the third rank. Where did he get an invitation?â The blood rushed to Su Dinghengâs throat, his incredulity evident.
âOf course, itâs the emperorâs recognition! Brother is a young general with renowned military achievements. Even if he holds a fifth-grade general position, the emperor acknowledges him regardless of his title!â Su Yingxueâs face radiated pride and beauty, her eyes gleaming with a sense of accomplishment.
In contrast, Su Dingheng, who was also a member of the Su family and Su Haoâs father, couldnât help but feel diminished in pride. His son and daughter seemed to have more prestige!
Compared to his reliance on his title to secure an invitation, Su Hao and Su Yingxueâs reception of the invitations outshone his own. It was as if they had overshadowed him!
It was enough to blind even a fatherâs eyes!
Su Dingheng coughed violently and took out two pills from his pocket to eat. Only then did he suppress the surging blood in his heart.
After Su Yurou was ready, she walked out as well. When she saw Su Yingxue in her riding attire, she gritted her teeth. Her mother was right. Su Yingxue had come!
With a bright smile, she approached Su Yingxue. âSister, itâs wonderful that youâre attending the spring banquet. However, your outfit today might not be entirely suitable. Iâve prepared two new sets of clothing and accessories. Would you like to choose one to change into?â
Su Yingxue glanced at the valuable attire. A hint of mockery played on her lips. âSister, donât you know? Upper Forest Court consists of both scenic spots and hunting ground. Otherwise, why arenât you wearing a gown today? It seems youâve dressed lightly for ease of movement?â
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Su Yurouâs face. Her intentions had been transparent to Su Yingxue.
Today, most of them were going to two places to enjoy the scenery. Whoever wore heavy clothes was destined to not be able to go to the hunting ground to play. She wanted to limit Su Yingxueâs range of activities, but she did not expect that Su Yingxue, who had never been to the spring banquet, would know the rules!
However, she immediately changed the topic and bowed slightly. With an apologetic expression, she said, âIt was thoughtless of me. If Seventh Prince had given me more riding attire, I would certainly offer a set to Sister..â