Chapter 17 - New Year Banquet (1)

Time passed peacefully.

New Year celebrations were usually held in their homes. They would have dinner with all of their family members. But since this marked 20 years of Emperor Xuan's reign, there was a banquet in the palace on the night before New Year.

The events were the one discussed the most by everyone. All noble families were invited to attend the banquet along with their main wife and children. And for Wei Hong, this was a huge dilemma.

"I can't take you to the banquet tonight," Wei Hong said to Concubine Chou in his arms.

Concubine Chou pursed her lips. "Why not? You don't have a main wife, and it's obvious that you'll need other women to watch over your children. Why can't that woman be me?"

Wei Hong sighed. "It's not that easy, Darling."

"But I want to come!"

During that celebration, it was the best chance for her to get involved with other noble families. As a concubine, Concubine Chou's position was extremely low. Because of that, she wished that she would be able to know more noble ladies and become acquainted with them.

Wei Hong rubbed his forehead. "Zilin is not a child anymore. She's already 14 years old, so naturally, it's not possible for you to come."

Wei Zilin had her birthday just a few days ago. Wei Xiao Hua would have hers just a few days after New Year while Wei Liuying was in a few more weeks. These three's birthdays were all close to one another, but they only held a small party in their house to celebrate it because they were all unmarried ladies in Wei Household.

"But…"

"No more buts. Prepare Zilin for the banquet."

Concubine Chou was unwilling, but she had no other choice but to comply. Internally, she was still feeling annoyed because she knew that she couldn't attend the banquet. Such a rare event and she couldn't come.

How hateful.

…

Wei Liuying stayed inside her residence peacefully for the past few days before the New Year celebration. She only came out to take a walk or to sneak out and have a spar with her brother. Xiao Qing would always complain that her bruises never heal at this rate, but Wei Liuying couldn't say anything.

It was impossible for her to escape this arrangement unless she reported to Wei Hong. However, what good would it be to report it? He would just berate Feng Chun, and her relationship with her mother would experience a huge fallout.

"Miss, what do you want to wear for today's banquet?"

"A simple dress will do," Wei Liuying replied. She was not fond of wearing too many accessories and all. Her neck would only feel hurt if she tried to wear those accessories that weighed a lot.

Xiao Yu pouted. "But Miss, this is also a chance for you to attract men's attention."

Wei Liuying passed a sidelong glance. Attract men's attention? She would need to have the quality to do that beforehand. Besides, men and women's parts were separated, so they couldn't meet with each other.

"I don't need it."

Xiao Yu wanted to urge Wei Liuying to dress up better, but Xiao Qing had already picked a pink dress. The dress was slightly peach in color, but it still leaned to pink. Normally, they would wear the red color, but aside from those part of the Imperial Family, no one was allowed to wear red. The best they could wear would be pink.

As for males, they usually wore black if not red.

Wei Liuying changed her dress and did simple makeup. Her face still looked childish as she was only 13 years old. The baby fat clearly didn't want to leave her cheek, making her face look rounder. However, the fair skin and exquisite countenance marked that she would be a beautiful lady in the future.

Xiao Yu helped to make Wei Liuying's hair to form two buns on the side before adding pins. There were not many decorations on Wei Liuying's head, making her look simple yet elegant.

"It's done, Miss."

"Good work, Xiao Yu."

"Hehe." Xiao Yu rubbed her nose. She was the one who usually took care of Wei Liuying's appearance. Her slender hands were proficient when it came to make the hair.

Wei Liuying stood up and walked out. It was already afternoon almost evening, and she had already stuffed herself with food just now. After all, Wei Liuying was certain that she wouldn't be able to eat properly at the banquet later.

On the main courtyard, Wei Xiao Hua was already waiting. Different from Wei Liuying, she wore several headpieces and also braided her hair prettily. She also wore a pink silk dress with rose patterns on the hem. It looked beautiful as the dress moved slowly whenever Wei Xiao Hua moved.

"First Sister," Wei Liuying greeted politely.

Wei Xiao Hua's eyes landed on Wei Liuying. "Third Sister, you're up early today."

"First Sister must be joking, you're the one who's earlier than me." Wei Liuying chose to play along in their short play of conversation.

"I wonder where the Second Sister is. I hope she won't be late."

"I'm sure she won't."

Wei Liuying turned her head to the side and saw two boys standing near the gate, talking with a cold expression. The first boy was tall and had a handsome face. His features were extremely similar to Wei Hong, which make him almost the exact copy if not for the difference in age.

'Wei Yijun.'

It was her First Brother, Wei Yijun. He was around three years older than her as he was already 16 years old. In terms of study, he was pretty good, but he was fairly weaker when it came to martial arts. This was the reason why Wei Hong Zheng trained crazily in martial arts too, as he wished to surpass Wei Yijun.

Honestly, considering their difference in age (Wei Hong Zheng was 13), it was not weird for Wei Hong Zheng to lose.

The real problem was that in Wei Hong Zheng's age, Wei Yijun's lesson had far surpassed what Wei Hong Zheng currently learned. For this reason alone, Wei Hong had been rebuking Wei Hong Zheng to learn more.

"Ah, everyone is already here," Wei Zilin was surprised to see everyone had already gathered. Her movements slowed down as she walked to them.

Wei Xiao Hua and Wei Liuying both frowned when they saw Wei Zilin's appearance. Her dress was even closer to red compared to theirs. At the same time, the extravagance headpieces, along with several decorations on her dress, made her look extremely grand. If one didn't know better, they would think she's the main daughter and not just a concubine.

"Since you're already here, let's go," Wei Hong said from the side.

Wei Xiao Hua lifted her head as her eyes darkened. However, her lisp still showed a faint smile as she said sarcastically, "Second Sister is really pretty."

"Thank you," Wei Zilin said sweetly.

"It makes me wonder who do you want to see with this kind of appearance," Wei Xiao Hua said with a hint of jeer.

At this remark, Wei Zilin's face changed drastically. "What are you talking about? I'm not planning on seeing anyone."

"Is that so?"

Wei Liuying chose not to comment anything and watched from the side as her two sisters clashed. With Wei Zilin's current appearance, how come one does not know that it was certainly targeted for men to see her.

However, it was certainly not something good to say out loudly.

Wei Hong frowned, but he didn't say anything and only motioned them to get on their carriage. It seemed that he understood, but he chose to turn blind eyes for Wei Zilin.