0p0 Chapter 725 The Chu Family Banquet!
Chapter 725 The Chu Family Banquet!
On this day, the Prince of Chang Le and his wife accompanied the Emperor and Empress on a tour of the Imperial Garden. The Emperor was overjoyed and even bestowed many gifts upon the Princess of Chang Le. He also personally changed Duanmu Zonghua's clothes, but because Duanmu Zonghua was too playful, he wet his sleeves.
What does it mean that the emperor personally changed his grandson's clothes?
Originally, it was just that the emperor liked this little grandson, but once it reached the ears of some people, it obviously took on a different meaning.
For example, Duanmu Chen.
Duanmu Chen had always known that his father, the current crown prince, was kind but lacked decisiveness.
However, it was precisely because of his composure that he was able to sit firmly in the position of crown prince for many years.
The Emperor never once considered replacing the Crown Prince.
But now that Prince Chang Le has returned to the capital, it is only a minor figure like Duanmu Zonghua who has aroused such great interest from the Emperor.
Duanmu Chen vaguely felt that the Emperor's expectations of him seemed to be decreasing.
Of course, Duanmu Chen wouldn't be so foolish as to think that if the emperor liked that little boy Duanmu Zonghua, he would consider changing the crown prince.
After all, no matter how smart Duanmu Zonghua is, he is still just a child who is not even a year old. What is there to be afraid of?
However, Duanmu Chen just didn't like this feeling, he really didn't like it!
He disliked anyone who was more favored or valued by the emperor than he was.
Even Duanmu Zonghua wouldn't do!
Oh no! Fortunately, Duanmu Zonghua will soon be returning to Yanzhou with the Prince of Changle. So, Duanmu Chen kept reminding himself to just bear with it.
The next day, Mu Xin Nuan received a note from the Chu family.
It turns out that Duanmu Jing was holding a first birthday party for her child. Her child was older than Duanmu Zonghua, and since Mu Xinnuan was also in the capital at the moment, how could she not send her an invitation?
Mu Xin Nuan didn't take this too seriously. She asked Aunt Fang to choose a gift and carefully checked Fang Ke's gift. In the capital, they couldn't afford to make any mistakes.
However, Mu Xin Nuan suddenly remembered that Duanmu Jing was a princess, and when her daughter held her first birthday banquet, people from the Crown Prince's Palace would probably be there as well.
Sun Ruoxiang will definitely go, but I wonder if Duanmu Chen will also be there?
To be honest, she still harbored some resentment towards Duanmu Chen.
I'm worried that if I see him again, I won't be able to resist rushing up to him and slapping him again.
Thinking about my relationship with Duanmu Jing, I naturally couldn't not go. But this also made me a little annoyed.
When Duanmu Chuze returned and heard about the matter, he didn't take it seriously and said, "What's the big deal? If you feel uncomfortable, just don't go. Just say you're not feeling well."
“We just visited the palace yesterday, and now we’re saying we’re not feeling well? Is that appropriate? Besides, I think Princess Ming and Princess Kang will both be there. If I don’t go, I’m afraid someone will try to sow discord between us. Oh well, I’ll go after all.”
"Do you not want to attend social events, or do you simply dislike going to the Chu family's house?"
"Ok?"
“I know that the Chu family holds unpleasant memories for you.”
"I hadn't thought about that. It happened so long ago, how could I still remember it?"
"That's good. Alright, I'll go with you tomorrow. As for Xiao Zonghua, just let him stay in the manor. Aunt Fang, Mu Hua, and Mu Qing will take care of him, and nothing will go wrong."
Mu Xin Nuan nodded. Indeed, there was no reason not to reply to Duanmu Jingxia's post.
Upon arriving at the Chu residence, Mu Xin Nuan learned that her mother, Madam Li, and her aunt, Madam Liu, had also been invited.
Having acquaintances around naturally made me feel a bit more relaxed.
Originally, Duanmu Jing intended to hold the ceremony at the princess's residence, but considering that the child would ultimately bear the surname Chu, she naturally couldn't be too disrespectful to the Chu family.
Although her relationship with Chu Rong isn't exactly inseparable, it's still considered loving.
At least so far, Chu Rong has not taken any concubines or maids, which already makes her feel very gratified.
In fact, Duanmu Jing also knew that Chu Rong had feelings for Mu Xin Nuan back then.
However, due to Chu Moli's matter, the relationship between the two families became somewhat strained, and even deteriorated.
The wedding was originally on the agenda, but it ended up falling through again.
Of course, Duanmu Jing also knew that if it weren't for her brother interfering, the marriage might have actually gone through.
Fortunately, Mu Xin Nuan's heart was not with Chu Rong. Now that they had both started their own families, it was all in the past and there was really no need to keep remembering it.
"Anuan, why are you so late? I've been waiting for you for ages. I thought you weren't coming."
"How could that be? The child was a bit fussy before we left, which caused the delay. But it didn't stop you from starting the banquet, did it?"
Duanmu Jing rolled her eyes at her, "So you came here just to freeload a meal?"
Mu Xin Nuan nodded seriously, "Yes, that's true."
The two chatted and laughed as they entered the main hall. Mu Xin Nuan immediately spotted several princesses and Princess Zhao Yang.
Mu Xin Nuan gave a simple bow and was then pulled to a seat by Duanmu Jing.
"Fourth sister-in-law, you're late today. Shouldn't you punish yourself with three cups of wine later?" Princess Kang said with a smile.
Duanmu Jing nodded, "Third Sister-in-law is right, she should be punished this time."
Mu Xin Nuan chuckled, "If you're not afraid I'll get drunk and cause a scene at your first birthday party, then go ahead and try. If I get drunk, I might just tear this whole house down."
Everyone knew she was joking, and they all smiled.
"Where is Madam Chu?"
"Oh, she's chatting with several duchesses in the back. We're all of the same generation, so it's easier for us to talk. I don't want to get involved with them."
Princess Ming smiled and said, "Jing'er is married and a mother now, but her personality hasn't changed at all."
"That's right! Our little princess will always be a little princess, and in her heart, she will always be a child."
"So, your precious daughter was also accompanying Madam Chu in the back?"
"Yes, it's in the back too," Duanmu Jing said, gently placing her left hand on her lower abdomen.
Everyone noticed such a subtle movement.
Princess Kang blurted out, "Oh? Little sister, could it be that you're pregnant again? That would be wonderful news!"
Apart from the Princess Consort, whose face looked slightly pale because she could no longer have children, everyone else was overjoyed.
Mu Xin Nuan also carefully examined her complexion. "Judging from this, I know that Sister-in-law Kang was right. You're pregnant yourself, why are you having such a big first birthday celebration? Aren't you afraid of tiring yourself out?"
Princess Zhaoyang also said, "That's right, your pregnancy is the most important thing right now."
Duanmu Jing blushed slightly. "I understand. I just hope this baby will be a boy."