Chapter 135: How Many Discussions Have You Received Alone?
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
On the day of the spring banquet, Su Dingheng woke up early in a good mood, intending to check if Su Yurou was ready.
As he stepped out of the courtyard, he spotted Su Yingxue dressed in vibrant red riding attire, holding a whip. Her fresh appearance and fiery spirit were truly dazzling.
“Why are you out here?” Su Dingheng’s greeting lacked warmth.
Su Yingxue looked puzzled as she inquired, “Father, did you not receive the invitations for today’s spring banquet at Upper Forest Court?”
Su Dingheng’s expression stiffened. “Of course…! received the invitations!”
He pondered how to respond if Su Yingxue questioned him about why he hadn’t taken her along.
Su Yingxue continued, “That’s good then. 1’11 throw the extra invitations back to the study.”
“Extra invitations? Did you receive multiple invitations by yourself?” Su Dingheng’s eyes widened.
The Upper Forest Court, spring banquet was a prestigious event only open to officials of the third rank and above. Moreover, it was a high-level banquet that the madam of titled individuals with imperial favor could bring their children to. Su Dingheng himself only managed to secure an invitation each year based on his title.
Given Su Yingxue’s lack of official position and imperial favor, where did she get these invitations? And more than one?
Su Yingxue looked at Su Dingheng’s puzzled expression and casually replied, “Father, are you unaware? The emperor personally extended an invitation to me. Consort Xiang also granted me one. The Ninth Prince and Mrs. Liang have invited me as well. General Lin has sent an invitation. Oh, and of course, my dear brother also sent me an invitation.”
“Your brother… Even if he is a military general, he hasn’t reached the third rank. Where did he get an invitation?” The blood rushed to Su Dingheng’s throat, his incredulity evident.
“Of course, it’s the emperor’s recognition! Brother is a young general with renowned military achievements. Even if he holds a fifth-grade general position, the emperor acknowledges him regardless of his title!” Su Yingxue’s face radiated pride and beauty, her eyes gleaming with a sense of accomplishment.
In contrast, Su Dingheng, who was also a member of the Su family and Su Hao’s father, couldn’t help but feel diminished in pride. His son and daughter seemed to have more prestige!
Compared to his reliance on his title to secure an invitation, Su Hao and Su Yingxue’s reception of the invitations outshone his own. It was as if they had overshadowed him!
It was enough to blind even a father’s eyes!
Su Dingheng coughed violently and took out two pills from his pocket to eat. Only then did he suppress the surging blood in his heart.
After Su Yurou was ready, she walked out as well. When she saw Su Yingxue in her riding attire, she gritted her teeth. Her mother was right. Su Yingxue had come!
With a bright smile, she approached Su Yingxue. “Sister, it’s wonderful that you’re attending the spring banquet. However, your outfit today might not be entirely suitable. I’ve prepared two new sets of clothing and accessories. Would you like to choose one to change into?”
Su Yingxue glanced at the valuable attire. A hint of mockery played on her lips. “Sister, don’t you know? Upper Forest Court consists of both scenic spots and hunting ground. Otherwise, why aren’t you wearing a gown today? It seems you’ve dressed lightly for ease of movement?”
A flicker of embarrassment crossed Su Yurou’s face. Her intentions had been transparent to Su Yingxue.
Today, most of them were going to two places to enjoy the scenery. Whoever wore heavy clothes was destined to not be able to go to the hunting ground to play. She wanted to limit Su Yingxue’s range of activities, but she did not expect that Su Yingxue, who had never been to the spring banquet, would know the rules!
However, she immediately changed the topic and bowed slightly. With an apologetic expression, she said, “It was thoughtless of me. If Seventh Prince had given me more riding attire, I would certainly offer a set to Sister..”