jdhmnovel Chapter 349 Princess Ninghua
Chapter 349 Princess Ninghua
"No need for formalities."
Lin Chuying raised her hand in a gesture, and the gilded armor made a soft sound as it sliced through the air.
As everyone rose as if granted a pardon, she had already moved to the long table in the banquet hall, her fingertips tracing the "Frontier Ballad" that Shi Wanxia had improvised on the table, the ink still wet and the characters penetrating the paper.
"His Majesty's special favor and bestowal of honors upon Miss Shi are due to her exceptional literary talent and ability to govern the world."
A night wind suddenly rose outside the palace, causing the gauze curtains to flutter. As Lin Chuying turned around, the hem of her phoenix-patterned brocade skirt swept across the glass cups scattered on the floor.
"Are you all aware of the floods in the southwest last month?" Her voice suddenly turned cold.
"The diversion map drawn by Miss Shi overnight saved 300,000 people from the flood."
"Those who call her 'low-class,' have they ever seen her measuring dikes in the mud and water?"
Princess Zhaohua's expression changed drastically. She had thought that Shi Wanxia was just trying to win favor by relying on her talent, but she did not expect that this seemingly weak woman would have such achievements.
Princess Dong'an quietly tugged at her daughter's sleeve, only to be met with a stubborn shake of her head.
"In the future, any woman of my Cangling Kingdom who wishes to serve the country like Miss Shi may come to me."
Lin Chuying raised the gilded wine goblet, the amber liquid swirling gently in the glass.
"I will work with Lord Shi to establish a girls' school in the Eastern Palace, where they will be taught arithmetic, cartography, and law."
Her gaze swept over the crowd, finally settling on Princess Zhaohua's pale face.
"However, if you slander Miss Shi in private, don't blame me for being ruthless."
Cui Yashu was the first to curtsy and say, "Your Majesty is wise!"
The noble ladies behind her seemed to awaken from a dream and echoed her sentiments.
Only Princess Zhaohua stiffened her neck, her nails digging deeply into her palms.
Looking at this spoiled princess, Lin Chuying recalled the scene of her studying with the Crown Prince when they were young, and sighed inwardly.
"Alright, get up! Today is Zhao Hua's birthday, so I will forgive your offense this time."
Lin Chuying pulled Shi Wanxia to sit down and gestured for the people below to stand up, indicating that there was no need to be formal.
Thinking that Shi Wanxia usually didn't interact with the other young ladies, he pulled her aside and introduced them to each of them.
First up was a graceful woman with an oval face, willow-leaf eyebrows, and lively, expressive eyes. She was Fan Yitong, the eldest daughter of Fan Peng, the Minister of Revenue.
Immediately afterwards, another woman with a gentle and graceful demeanor walked over.
She wore a light purple dress, and her hair was simply adorned with a jade hairpin, yet her dignified and beautiful appearance was still undeniable.
This is Wang Shiwan, the legitimate daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites, from the Wang clan of Taiyuan.
Following behind them was a charming young girl with curved eyebrows and a sweet smile. She was none other than Cui Yashu, the eldest granddaughter of Prime Minister Cui Zhe, who had spoken to Shi Wanxia earlier.
Just then, a nimble figure emerged from behind the artificial hill; it was none other than the Fifth Princess, Ning Hua.
Today she wore a pale yellow ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), with a silk sash embroidered with butterflies tied around her waist, and a few wildflowers casually pinned in her hair. Her face was full of smiles and slyness.
"Royal sister-in-law!"
Ning Hua rushed over joyfully and hugged Lin Chuying's arm tightly, "I've finally found you!"
Lin Chuying affectionately pinched Ning Hua's nose and scolded him, "You little rascal, you've sneaked out of the palace again."
"Aren't you afraid that if Father finds out, he'll punish you again?"
Ninghua stuck out her tongue. "No way! I'm very careful. Besides, staying in the palace all day is so boring. The outside world is much more interesting!"
Upon seeing this, Lin Chuying quickly went to greet her, took Shi Wanxia's hand, and introduced her to everyone with a smile: "Sister Wanxia, this is the Fifth Princess Ninghua."
"Don't let her mischievous and naughty nature fool you; she's actually very kind-hearted."
Then, she turned to Ning Hua and said, "Ning Hua, this is Shi Wanxia, the Minister of Works, Lord Shi."
"She was a renowned talented woman in the capital, proficient in poetry, prose, history, etiquette, and all sorts of other arts."
Ning Hua's eyes lit up, and she quickly stepped forward to grab Shi Wanxia's hand, excitedly saying, "I've long heard of Sister Shi's great name, and today I'm finally able to meet you in person! I must learn from you in the future!"
Lin Chuying then pointed to Fan Yitong and Wang Shiwan and introduced them: "This is Fan Yitong, the eldest daughter of Minister Fan Peng of the Ministry of Revenue, and next to her is Wang Shiwan, the eldest daughter of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites from Taiyuan."
"Although we all live in the capital, we rarely get together. Today, we've finally managed to gather together, so let's go to the flower hall and catch up."
Fan Yitong is the eldest daughter of Fan Peng, the Minister of Revenue. A royal blue dress accentuates her snow-white skin. She is straightforward and outspoken, displaying a spirit that rivals any man.
Wang Shiwan was the legitimate daughter of the Vice Minister of Rites, born into the prestigious Wang family of Taiyuan. Dressed in a light pink ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), she was gentle and quiet, like a blooming hibiscus flower, dignified and elegant.
The group exchanged smiles and followed Lin Chuying toward the flower hall.
Along the way, Ninghua curiously looked around at the scenery of the Prince's Mansion and exclaimed, "The garden of this Prince's Mansion is so elegantly arranged. The crabapple blossoms are even more beautiful than those in the palace."
Wang Shiwan nodded slightly, "That's right, it's thoughtful in every detail, and it makes people feel relaxed and happy when they see it."
Princess Zhaohua responded modestly, "These are just ordinary sights; I apologize for making you laugh, sisters."
"As for the older sisters, they look even more radiant than before, after all this time."
Upon arriving at the flower hall, the maids quickly served fragrant tea and exquisite pastries.
The group sat together, initially chatting about everyday matters and anecdotes.
Along the way, Ninghua chattered on, sharing the amusing stories she had experienced after leaving the palace, which drew bursts of laughter from everyone.
Inside the flower hall, fragrant tea and snacks had already been prepared. Everyone sat together in a harmonious and warm atmosphere.
Shi Wanxia took a sip of tea and said with a smile, "Fifth Princess, your experience outside the palace is truly fascinating. I'm already longing to go."
Fan Yitong chimed in, "That's right! I really want to go out and see all the new and interesting things around me."
Wang Shiwan said gently, "It's just that we women have many inconveniences in our daily lives, unlike the Fifth Princess who is so carefree."
Ning Hua blinked and said mysteriously, "Actually, it's not difficult at all! With a little disguise and a clever maid to follow you, you can sneak out! I'll take you with me next time!"
Lin Chuying smiled and shook her head, "You shouldn't lead everyone astray. What if something happens?"
Lin Chuying was preoccupied with helping Miss Shi find a suitable man, and she couldn't contain herself any longer. She looked around and, seeing that the maids had all left, said with a solemn expression, "I have invited you sisters here today because there is an important matter to discuss."
Fan Yitong and Wang Shiwan exchanged a glance and their smiles faded.
Ning Hua also sat up straight and looked at Lin Chuying intently.