388: The banquet begins

After everyone had exchanged greetings, Situ Jun looked at the estate's servants and instructed:

"The madams have had a long and tiring journey. Lead them back to their respective courtyards to wash up and rest. Yun Niang's body is inconvenienced, so she must rest well. Come to the West Courtyard for the banquet later."

"Yes, Lord of the Estate."

The servants quickly complied, bowing respectfully to take their orders, not daring to be the least bit negligent.

Qiu Lan took the initiative to step forward, once again carefully supporting Su Yunniang's arm, and said softly:

"Sister, let me take you back."

Su Yunniang nodded in agreement and, supported by Qiu Lan, walked slowly toward the Main Courtyard. Her steps were soft and slow, each one filled with caution.

Situ Jun watched their retreating backs, his eyes full of concern and tenderness. It wasn't until their figures disappeared at the end of the corridor and could no longer be seen that he slowly withdrew his gaze. He then turned to the other madams and urged:

"It has been a hard journey. Everyone, go back and rest well."

Ye Nianrui followed a servant through several long corridors. The palace lanterns under the eaves were still swaying, casting mottled patterns of light and shadow.

Along the way, she could occasionally see neatly trimmed flowers and trees, smell bursts of floral fragrance, and hear the crisp chirping of birds and the gurgling of flowing water. It was extremely pleasant.

Before long, they arrived at an independent courtyard in the North Courtyard of the estate.

The servant said respectfully:

"Madam Ye, this is your courtyard. All the necessary items have been prepared. If you have any needs, just instruct the servants at any time."

Ye Nianrui nodded slightly and said softly:

"Thank you for your trouble."

After the servant withdrew, she stepped slowly into the courtyard.

Looking at the scenery within the courtyard, a hint of warmth rose in her heart. Although this place was not as bustling as the East Courtyard, it possessed a rare tranquility and seclusion. Perhaps this was her own little world within this vast City Lord's Estate.

Ye Nianrui looked around as she walked.

The courtyard was not large, but it was arranged very elegantly, with traces of careful craftsmanship everywhere.

Several crabapple trees were planted in the yard, blooming passionately and brilliantly at this moment.

The pink and white petals were layered upon each other, piled up like crushed clouds from the horizon, becoming even more dazzling under the reflection of the setting sun.

A light breeze brushed past, and the petals rustled down like butterfly wings, scattering in a romantic rain of pink flowers that was breathtakingly beautiful.

In the center of the courtyard sat a stone table and several stone stools, all carved with exquisite patterns, where one could sit idly to enjoy the scenery and a moment of peace.

Entering the room, a warm and comfortable atmosphere greeted her.

The room's furnishings were exquisite and luxurious. The tables, chairs, and furniture were all made of high-quality red sandalwood, with clear and natural grains, emitting a faint, long-lasting woody fragrance.

A dressing table stood by the window, holding a set of exquisite toiletries made of top-grade white jade, warm and translucent, glowing with a soft luster under the light.

The heater in the corner was emitting waves of warmth, dispelling the chill of the Northern Border and making the entire room warm and pleasant.

Ye Nianrui walked with light steps to the window and gently pushed open the carved wooden frame with her fingertips.

Fresh air mixed with the rich fragrance of crabapple flowers rushed in, carrying the scent of greenery and the moisture of the earth, instantly making her feel refreshed.

She took a deep breath, dispelling the fatigue of the journey along with the apprehension in her heart, as a bright light gradually colored her eyes.

At this moment, her heart was filled with infinite longing and expectation for her future life.

She knew that this would be her new home, her new starting point.

No matter what lay ahead, or what storms the future might bring, she would cherish every moment with Situ Jun and carefully protect this hard-won affection.

The sun gradually set, and the afterglow plated the entire City Lord's Estate with a layer of warm golden light, making the scenery in the courtyard appear even more beautiful.

The banquet in the West Courtyard had long been prepared. In the spacious hall, round tables were neatly arranged, covered in tablecloths made of fine Cloud Brocade embroidered with lotus vines and auspicious cloud patterns, exuding luxury.

The tables were laden with exquisite dishes, a dazzling array that filled the air with fragrance.

Su Yunniang had specifically instructed the kitchen to prepare Situ Jun's favorite Sweet and Sour Carp—the golden fish body was drizzled with a thick sweet and sour sauce, its aroma wafting through the air. The Braised Venison was bright red in color, the meat tender, juicy, and richly flavored.

In the center of the table was a whole roasted lamb, a specialty of the Northern Border. Its skin was roasted to a golden crisp, glistening under the lamplight and emitting an inviting fatty aroma. It was paired with emerald green scallions and bright red chili peppers, a dual impact on sight and taste that drew frequent glances from everyone.

In addition, there were plump white shrimp in the Jiangnan style, with tender and springy meat; Osmanthus Glutinous Rice Lotus Root, with snow-white segments stuffed with translucent glutinous rice and emitting a faint osmanthus fragrance; and various novel vegetables and fruits dotting the spread, colorful and appetizing.

The scents of wine and food intertwined, lingering throughout the hall and making everyone's mouth water.

After the women finished washing up, they all changed into even more magnificent attire.

Jiang Ya wore a goose-yellow silk skirt embroidered with peach blossoms on branches. The lifelike blossoms made her already lively personality seem even more charming and spirited.

Liu Xuaner wore a water-green skirt with misty cloud patterns. Her figure was graceful, and as she walked, her skirt swayed like a moonlit Fairy.

Lin Suwan wore a light purple gown with dark-embroidered orchids, her temperament gentle and quiet, fully displaying the dignity of a lady from a great family.

Nangong Xue wore a silver-red soft satin skirt with scattered flowers, bright and moving, with a hint of valiant spirit between her brows.

Shen Xingwan and the Embroiderer wore moon-white and lake-blue brocade skirts respectively, one elegant and otherworldly, the other gentle and lovely... The women were all exquisitely made up and beautiful, like blooming flowers gathered in the West Courtyard hall, instantly adding much color to the entire room.

Su Yunniang slowly entered the hall supported by Qiu Lan. She had changed into a bright red brocade skirt embroidered with a golden Phoenix pattern, its collar and cuffs adorned with pearl tassels that swayed gently as she walked, making her look even more dignified and noble.

The bulge of her abdomen was even more apparent against the brocade skirt, yet it did not affect her poise in the least. Every gesture displayed the grand and dignified air of the mistress of the house, and her brow held an extra touch of the gentle, soft light of motherhood.

She sat down on one side of the head seat. Qiu Lan quickly placed a soft fox-fur cushion behind her, carefully adjusting it to a comfortable angle, and brought her a cup of warm honey water.

Once everyone was seated, Su Yunniang held her cup of warm honey water and looked at everyone with a gentle smile:

"The Lord of the Estate has returned today, and new sisters have joined us; this is truly a joyous occasion. I shall use honey water instead of wine to toast you all. May the sisters in the estate live in harmony and happiness from now on."

With that, she took a light sip, the smile in her eyes sincere and warm, like a spring breeze turning into rain, nourishing everyone's heart.

The women all raised their glasses in response. The glazed wine cups clinked together with a crisp sound, like broken jade falling onto a plate, pleasant to the ear.

"A toast to Sister Yunniang!"

Crisp responses rose one after another, and the atmosphere at the table became increasingly lively.