As some appraised Cheng Jiao Jiao, so too was Zeng Wei Yang appraised. Compared to the Princess of Rui's apparent favor, Zeng Wei Yang's identity as a "sister" seemed more stable and reliable.
Cheng Jiao Jiao had endured these subtle, scrutinizing glances too many times. She lowered her head, fiddling with her fingers, her lowered eyelashes perfectly concealing her impatience.
Zeng Wei Yang also disliked being scrutinized. The highest-ranking ladies present were no more than third-rank noble consorts, and even if their descendants achieved success, they would still be struggling at the fifth or sixth rank. Her ambition was to rise above others, but it was clear that in the eyes of those she disdained, her worth was also not entirely satisfactory.
She subconsciously looked at Lu Nian Fu, only to see her smiling and chatting with Cheng Jiao Jiao, which made her bite her lip.
This elder sister was truly petty. She had only taken her blood a few times out of necessity, why must she be so unrelenting? And Madam Ban, why didn't she say something to her?
As time went by, more and more people arrived for the banquet.
Qing Ya entered the room and whispered a few words into Lu Nian Fu's ear. Lu Nian Fu then smiled, "I didn't expect the Prince to be in such a mood. Ladies and young ladies, the Prince says he has organized a polo match. I wonder if you would be interested in watching?"
Polo was highly popular among aristocratic families. In Yangzhou, young ladies not only enjoyed watching but also organized their own polo teams. Once a match began, a whole row of young, beautiful girls with their dark hair tied high, dressed in riding attire and holding the reins, looked incredibly captivating. The girls in the capital were less so, perhaps due to stricter social etiquette, they were more constrained than those in Yangzhou.
Therefore, they could only watch others play to satisfy their desire.
As soon as Lu Nian Fu finished speaking, the young ladies became excited, their eyes lighting up.
Compared to chatting idly in this warm chamber, watching a polo match was undoubtedly a better option.
Immediately, someone asked, "My brother is here today too. I wonder if he's playing?"
"My younger brother is also here. He always boasts about his skill; I wonder how he'll perform."
"Madam You, remember your son is here today too. Do you think he'll be playing?"
"With so many young talents today, that brat's riding skills aren't good enough, he probably won't get a chance."
"Whether he gets a chance or not, we'll have to see to know."
"That's true. Shall we go and take a look then?"
"We must, of course, give the Prince face."
...
Lu Nian Fu listened to them chat for a while, "Since everyone is interested, let's go to the training grounds. If anyone is afraid of the cold, you can stay in this warm chamber for tea and conversation. I'll have the maids prepare some sets of Mahjong later, make yourselves at home."
This arrangement thoughtfully catered to the elderly and those who were frail.
At least half of the people got up with great enthusiasm, mostly the younger ones. Madam Ban disliked noisy affairs, so she naturally chose to stay.
Lu Nian Fu was pregnant, so she had Qing Ya lead the way for everyone, while she leisurely followed at the end.
Cheng Jiao Jiao and Zeng Wei Yang flanked her on either side.
She glanced at Zeng Wei Yang, "Sister, your health is not good, why are you joining this lively affair? Don't catch a chill from a gust of wind."
"Thank you for your concern, Sister. However, I've been recovering well recently, and my health is much better than before."
"That's good."
The same thing would be desperately sought after by some and avoided at all costs by others. Cheng Jiao Jiao suddenly clutched her stomach, "Oh, hiss, Your Highness, my stomach hurts so much."
Lu Nian Fu: "...What do you intend to do?"
"Your Highness, you go ahead. I need to go to the privy."
"Don't try that. If you go to the privy, how will we catch you today? This match was specially arranged for you. Wouldn't it be a waste of your brother's painstaking efforts if you don't go?"
Cheng Jiao Jiao's face immediately turned sour, her stomach no longer hurting, and she pouted resentfully, "With your belly so big, how do you still have the energy to bother with such trivial matters?"
"It concerns your future. How can it be considered a trivial matter? Come, let's go to the training grounds and see which young man catches your eye."
"What you say, Your Highness, what's the use if I like someone? They have to like me too. Being scrutinized like a common turnip or cabbage every day, just thinking about it is vexing."
Lu Nian Fu smiled, "That's ancient history from years ago. Feng Shui takes turns. Now that your brother is rising in prominence, it's time for you to pick and choose."
Cheng Jiao Jiao: "You're just teasing me. No matter how capable my brother is, he's still just a merchant. Alas, why can't I go back to Yangzhou to pick a husband? Life there is much more carefree than in the capital."