TSWRLM -Chapter 335 The Housewarming Banquet

The next day, Su Yang indeed came to find Chun Xi with the jade pendant, asking her to take him to Xiao Yechen’s housewarming banquet.

Ever since seeing Xiao Qinghe, Su Yang had been restless, his mind full of thoughts about finding opportunities to get closer to her.

Xiao Qinghe had only recently divorced and was at a vulnerable time. If he seized the chance to appear often, show concern, and talk with her, perhaps he could win her heart.

Moreover, the Xiao family would also attend Xiao Yechen’s banquet. At that time, he could showcase his talents in front of them.

Su Yang’s calculations clicked away in his mind. He had expected to spend some effort persuading Chun Xi, but as soon as he spoke, Chun Xi nodded: “Alright. I’ll have someone send you an invitation in a couple of days.”

Su Yang was stunned. “You agreed just like that?”

Chun Xi raised her brows. “Or should I wait for you to kowtow before agreeing?”

“……”

A man’s dignity was worth more than gold beneath his knees—how could he possibly kneel to Cao Chun Xi?

Su Yang snorted and left with a flick of his sleeve.

A moment later, Feng Yinyin came out from the inner hall, her eyes red.

After more than a year of forced labor at the quarry, she had been worn down terribly, while Su Yang was now dressed in fine silks, basking in success, even scheming to climb higher. She wished she could drink his blood and eat his flesh.

Chun Xi handed her a handkerchief and comforted her gently: “The investigation is almost complete. Just wait a little longer, and you’ll be able to avenge your family.”

Feng Yinyin held back her tears and said hoarsely, “Yinyin thanks you, Madam.”

The Ministry of Works moved quickly. Xiao Yechen’s residence was completed before the New Year, and the housewarming banquet was set for the twentieth day of the twelfth lunar month.

The Crown Prince personally inscribed the plaque for the residence, and the banquet was organized by Madam Xiao herself.

It had snowed heavily two days earlier. On the day of the banquet, everything was covered in a vast expanse of white.

After breakfast, Chun Xi and Shen Qingyuan were building a snowman in the courtyard for the two children.

An’an was now crawling quickly, and Ning’er could skillfully roll over. Both were curious about the snowman, squirming restlessly in the nurses’ arms, wanting to try for themselves. Chun Xi made two small snowballs for them to play with.

Just as they were enjoying themselves, A-Li came to report that Su Yang had arrived.

Hearing this, Chun Xi’s smile faded. Shen Qingyuan said calmly, “It’s still early. Let him wait.”

With Shen Qingyuan’s word, Su Yang ended up waiting for a full hour.

The servants offered no tea, nor any charcoal for warmth. By the time Chun Xi and Shen Qingyuan were ready to leave, Su Yang was frozen stiff.

Chun Xi directly took Feng Yinyin and boarded a carriage from the back courtyard, while Shen Qingyuan went alone to the front hall to meet Su Yang.

Su Yang was full of anger and had intended to complain, but upon seeing Shen Qingyuan, he forced it down and asked softly: “We’re going to the General’s residence for the banquet today. Why hasn’t Lord Shen set out earlier?”

Shen Qingyuan lifted his gaze and glanced at him. “If Young Master Su wants to go early, you can go by yourself. Why insist on waiting here?”

“……”

Su Yang was speechless.

Although Chun Xi had given him an invitation, he didn’t know anyone there and lacked confidence. He wanted to go together with Chun Xi and Shen Qingyuan.

After all, Shen Qingyuan was favored at court—others would look at him more favorably as well.

Not daring to speak recklessly anymore, Su Yang left with Shen Qingyuan. However, instead of a carriage, he saw only two horses.

After sitting in the cold for over an hour, his hands and feet were numb. Seeing the horses made the biting wind feel even harsher. He quickly said: “It snowed a few days ago. The roads must be slippery. Riding to the banquet might not be safe.”

As soon as he finished, A-Li said loudly, “I had someone shoe the horses yesterday with iron studs—they’re very steady. If Young Master Su doesn’t even dare ride a horse, what are you going to the General’s residence for?”

While they spoke, Shen Qingyuan had already mounted his horse. Impatient, he said coldly: “If you’re unwilling to ride, then find your own way there.”

With that, he urged his horse forward and left.

Seeing A-Li about to lead the horse back to the stable, Su Yang had no choice but to mount up bravely.

Xiao Yechen’s residence wasn’t far from the Xiao family—just a few streets away.

Early in the morning, members of the Xiao family had already arrived to help receive guests.

Upon seeing Shen Qingyuan, Xiao Qingyang immediately came forward: “Uncle Shen, Auntie has already gone inside. He’er and Yue’er are with her.”

As he spoke, he led Shen Qingyuan inside.

Afraid of being left behind, Su Yang hurriedly dismounted. But after being blasted by cold wind the whole way, his limbs were stiff and unresponsive. The more anxious he became, the clumsier he was. After just a couple of steps, he lost control and fell forward.

At that very moment, Xiao Yechen came out to receive guests—and ended up receiving Su Yang’s full kneel.

“Pfft—hahaha!”

Just getting off her carriage, Princess Hengyang witnessed the ridiculous scene and burst into laughter.

Su Yang’s face flushed red with embarrassment and anger.

Now he understood—Cao Chun Xi had agreed so readily to give him the invitation with no good intentions.

Once he rose to prominence, he would never let that pair of scoundrels off!

“General Xiao’s reputation is truly impressive—someone is even prostrating themselves in gratitude,” Princess Hengyang teased with a smile.

Su Yang got up, dusted himself off, and, recognizing her retinue, quickly explained: “Your Highness, I am Su Yang, this year’s newly appointed jinshi. Just now, my legs stiffened from the cold wind, so I accidentally fell. I hope Your Highness will forgive the embarrassment.”

“Oh, so you’re one of this year’s jinshi?”

Thinking she had heard his name before, Su Yang felt delighted and was about to say something to show off his talents when Princess Hengyang added: “I went to see the results posted that day. This year’s tanhua isn’t very good-looking.”

“……”

All the words Su Yang had prepared stuck in his throat.

Princess Hengyang hadn’t heard of him at all—she had merely been reminded of the tanhua because of him.

After arriving in the capital, Su Yang had worked hard to build connections and had some acquaintance with the tanhua. That man had only become tanhua because of his good looks, and was even chosen as a son-in-law by the Vice Minister of Rites, rising in status overnight.

Su Yang had long been jealous. Hearing this now made him even more uncomfortable, and he couldn’t help but say: “Your Highness, beauty may be important for women, but for men, I believe it is better to rely on true talent to establish oneself.”

Princess Hengyang didn’t like that at all. She snorted: “I used to think this year’s examiners didn’t have good judgment. Now it seems they didn’t even grade the papers carefully. A dignified jinshi, yet so shallow.”

Women must possess both talent and beauty to gain fame, while men only need talent? What kind of twisted logic was that?

Su Yang had no idea which of his words had angered her. He was about to argue further when Wen Yanshu stepped forward to shield Princess Hengyang and said coldly: “If you don’t know how to speak, it’s better to keep your mouth shut.”

Su Yang: “……” ???