Chapter 103: 宴會
[Banquet]
Given the Ji family’s influence, whether out of genuine or feigned respect, a large number of guests attended Ji Ling’s birthday banquet to offer congratulations. Even the gifts presented were significantly more valuable than usual. Particularly those who had heard the news that Ji Ling would become the next head of the Ji family greeted him with great enthusiasm from the outset, as if they were long-lost friends reunited. Ji Ling responded to each greeting with equal courtesy, even greeting some with practiced familiarity.
Seeing Ji Ling handle the situation so well, the Elder Ji standing beside him nodded approvingly. He then turned to exchange pleasantries with an old friend who had also come to the banquet. Yet the true focus of today’s gathering remained Ji Ling. After a brief exchange, the conversation inevitably turned to him. The once-overlooked legitimate heir of the Ji family had now ascended to become its next patriarch. Regardless of their true thoughts, all wore appropriate smiles as they praised Ji Ling’s competence.
Ji Ling wore a clearmooncolor-style robe, his face bearing his usual serene expression that felt remarkably comfortable. His few words were always perfectly measured. Seeing him like this, even those who had come with reservations couldn’t help but marvel at how well-suited Ji Ling was for his role.
With so many guests arriving, it was impossible for Ji Ling and the Elder Ji to personally greet each one. Only those of comparable status received their personal welcome. After brief pleasantries, they were escorted by dedicated servants to the important seating areas. Those of lesser standing or insufficient status entered through the main gate and were received by the household steward. As these were established conventions, no one raised objections. Guests with existing connections naturally sought out old friends to renew bonds, while those without connections sought to establish new ones.
The men were naturally received by Ji Ling and his associates, while the ladies were attended to by Lady Ji, accompanied by Tang Xiaobao. Observing the vividly adorned ladies, Tang Xiaobao repeatedly steeled himself internally: Stay calm, composed—don’t embarrass Ji Ling. Maintaining the social etiquette he’d hurriedly learned, Tang Xiaobao did his utmost to receive the ladies before him.
The ladies whom Lady Ji herself chose to receive were naturally no ordinary figures. Upon seeing Tang Xiaobao, they smiled warmly before speaking, appearing exceptionally amiable. “So this is the husband of Young Master Ji? He truly is a sight to behold.”
Tang Xiaobao looked at the lady, momentarily unsure whether her words were sincere or feigned. He could only offer a faint smile in response.
Seeing his reaction, the lady didn’t take offense. She merely gave him a couple of amused glances, exchanged a few playful remarks with her sisters, then followed the servants who had been waiting nearby to take her seat. Only after departing did she turn to her daughter, who followed close behind, and sigh, “That innocent young man truly has a fortunate fate.”
The daughter remained silent, offering only a faint, dismissive smile, seemingly unconvinced by her mother’s words. “Who knows why that young master of the Ji family chose to marry such a young man?”
“You ah,” the lady said, not scolding her daughter further. She followed the servants up the ornate tower, greeting other ladies arriving for the banquet along the way. With a refined smile, she ascended the stairs.
After receiving several waves of ladies arriving for the banquet—whether their smiles were genuine or feigned—each adorned with meticulous makeup and radiating warmth, they all appeared remarkably approachable. Consequently, Tang Xiaobao quickly grew adept at the task, his initial trepidation gradually giving way to composure. He reasoned that if things went awry, he could simply treat these guests as he had treated his former patrons—it couldn’t go too wrong either way.
Completely unaware of Tang Xiaobao’s inner thoughts, Lady Ji observed his growing ease in social graces. Her eyes flickered slightly, and she found herself holding him in slightly higher regard.
This banquet served not only to celebrate Ji Ling but also to formally introduce her to society, making its scale exceptionally lavish. The banquet hall alone occupied the largest space in the Ji residence. Every decoration and backdrop featured the finest materials imaginable—even the crimson silk used was of a quality ordinary families would reserve for bridal gowns. Commoners entering might mistake it for a celestial palace, while even ordinary merchants couldn’t help but marvel at the Ji family’s extravagance.
This banquet alone drew nearly a thousand guests. Had invitations been more widely distributed, the turnout would have been even greater. When Tang Xiaobao first learned of this scale, he was startled. Seeing Ji Ling calmly overseeing the arrangements afterward, he quietly chided himself for overreacting. It wasn’t until he witnessed the thousand guests formally commence the banquet that he was truly overwhelmed by the spectacle, finally grasping what it meant to be a family of immense wealth.
Men and women dined separately, even the household’s master was no exception. Tang Xiaobao now sat atop a lofty pavilion with Lady Ji, leading a group of women of higher status and standing, awaiting the unfolding festivities. Though this region accepted both eunuchs and women, the wealthy families still believed a legitimate wife should be a woman. Thus, among the ladies present, Tang Xiaobao was the sole eunuch; all others were women. Listening to their conversations, Tang Xiaobao—who had always been treated as a man except at certain moments—felt profoundly uncomfortable.
Even though these ladies appeared amiable on the surface, he sensed some were secretly sizing him up, making him feel profoundly uncomfortable. Then he reminded himself that he would soon attend various banquets as Ji Ling’s husband. If he couldn’t endure this now, how would he manage later? With that thought, he steeled himself to sit there patiently, learning the polite niceties exchanged among them. He knew he fell short in many ways, but to avoid embarrassing Ji Ling, he resolved to learn diligently.
At the banquet for a thousand guests, Ji Ling sat with Lord Ji at the very center. On the elevated platforms flanking them sat distinguished guests from various families. Below, aside from the first three rows of seats, the rest were arranged according to the order of arrival. When the time seemed right, Lord Ji waved his hand. Instantly, red lanterns were lit on both sides, whether on the high towers or the eaves, creating a dazzling display. Then, servants dressed uniformly in the standard attire of the household appeared from somewhere. They placed the dishes they carried steadily onto each table with remarkable speed and perfect coordination. Instantly, waves of enticing aromas wafted across the entire venue.
None of the guests were distracted by these fragrances. Their eyes remained fixed on the hosts atop the elevated platforms, awaiting their command.
Observing their expressions, Grand Master Ji felt deeply satisfied. As the most prominent and prestigious family in these parts, the Ji clan had always enjoyed great renown. Seeing everyone now looking to them for direction felt perfectly natural, and a hint of pride stirred within him. The Ji family had flourished in the past, and they would continue to thrive prosperously from this day forward.
Master Ji rose to his feet, noticing the gazes lingering upon him. He smiled with satisfaction, then patted Ji Ling, who had stood up alongside him. Turning to the crowd below, he announced proudly, “This is my nephew, Ji Ling. I ask for your continued kindness and support in the future.”
At these words, everyone understood his meaning. Those who knew each other exchanged knowing glances, then turned their attention to the two figures on the high platform and broke into applause.
Hearing the applause below, Ji Ling’s face remained serene. He then shifted his gaze to the platform on his right, where Tang Xiaobao was staring intently at him. A faint smile curved his lips, and the icy glint in his eyes softened.
The instant Tang Xiaobao met Ji Ling’s gaze, he felt a jolt of excitement. Seeing the faint smile directed at him, his whole being lit up with joy, unable to contain his delight for Ji Ling.
The true purpose of this banquet was to introduce Ji Ling to everyone. Having achieved his goal, Master Ji spoke no further words. With a sweeping gesture, he signaled for the feast to begin. The servants had already swiftly arranged the pre-prepared dishes on the tables. Each table bore identical spreads, all crafted from the finest ingredients—dishes so exquisite that even ordinary households rarely tasted such delicacies, not even during the New Year.
Having delivered his remarks, Lord Ji led Ji Ling to a table at the rear where a group had been waiting. Surveying the assembled elders at that table—figures of such stature that ordinary folk scarcely encountered them—Ji Ling paid his respects to each before taking his seat beside his eldest uncle.
Every person present was a seasoned veteran, well aware of what this banquet signified. They couldn’t help but scrutinize Ji Ling as he arrived. If one had heard of Ji Ling before, it was as the disfavored legitimate son of the Ji family, exiled to a distant place due to illness. Yet somehow, he had obtained a miraculous medicine there that cured his near-fatal affliction. Ultimately, his innate talent for commerce won the favor of Lord Ji, making him the family’s next heir apparent.
After observing Ji Ling for a moment, a portly man bearing a striking resemblance to the Maitreya Buddha raised his wine cup to toast the Elder Lord Ji. Yet the sidelong glance from his eyes was fixed on Ji Ling. “My nephew truly shows great promise at such a young age. He is destined for greatness in the future.”
Master Ji raised his own cup in return, his tone unassuming. “You flatter me. My nephew merely possesses some aptitude. Compared to the sons in your households, he is hardly worthy of mention.”
The Maitreya Buddha chuckled twice, his entire demeanor radiating warmth. He continued with a smile, ” How could our monkeys compare to Nephew Ji? I heard those food stalls that suddenly popped up were his doing. Is that true?”
Upon hearing this, Grand Master Ji paused, momentarily at a loss for words. Before he could respond, Ji Ling beside him spoke softly, “That’s just child’s play, hardly worthy of Uncle’s attention.'”
The man, who had only intended to probe, narrowed his eyes slightly upon hearing Ji Ling’s reply. Then he laughed heartily, his voice booming with merriment: “My nephew Ji is truly modest. Compared to those mischievous monkeys in my household, he certainly keeps his composure.”
Though smiling, the man’s gaze shifted from initial disdain to contemplation as he studied the young man before him. Lost in thought, he suddenly asked, “I wonder if you’re married yet? My family has a daughter of marriageable age who might make a suitable match.”
Ji Ling lifted his head to meet the man’s gaze. The smile that curved his eyes gave his face a festive air, yet it also made his true thoughts impossible to read. Without hesitation, Ji Ling replied, “Thank you for your kindness, but I’ve already taken a husband. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be a suitable match for your daughter.”
The man patted his belly and chuckled, “No matter. Should you ever meet my daughter and find her to your liking, my word is always mine to keep.”
Ji Ling lifted his eyes to meet him, his gaze serene and unruffled. His tone was calm yet sincere. “Thank you for your kind offer, Uncle. However, my husband and I met when we were both humble and have grown deeply attached. If your daughter were to marry me, I fear she might suffer hardship.”
Receiving no response from Ji Ling, he showed no sign of anger. Instead, he turned to look at the Elder Ji, who had been observing their exchange, and said cheerfully, “What do you think of my proposal?”
The Elder Ji stroked his beard, gave a subtle hint, and replied steadily, “As long as Ji Ling is willing, it is acceptable.”
Seeing the conversation circle back to square one without achieving his goal, he didn’t grow angry. Instead, he cheerfully offered a toast to Lord Ji and steered the topic elsewhere. Yet his earlier words spread like ripples, gradually taking root in everyone’s minds. Had Ji Ling just returned, they wouldn’t have paid him such close attention. But now his status was vastly different. With only a lowly-born husband at home, a marriage alliance would undoubtedly benefit them all in the future. Moreover, Ji Ling’s character and appearance were both exceptional—no one could be a more suitable match for a dragon-riding son-in-law.
Unaware that he had become everyone’s ideal son-in-law, Ji Ling sat quietly listening to their conversation, occasionally offering his opinion when asked. Observing the assembled ladies, he suddenly thought of Tang Xiaobao. How was he faring now? Those ladies weren’t exactly easy to deal with.
Meanwhile, Tang Xiaobao and the First Lady dined with the other ladies and young misses. Having arrived in the city only recently and rarely venturing out, Tang Xiaobao paid little attention to its bustling affairs. Thus, when the ladies shared amusing anecdotes, he often found himself lost. He could only sit quietly, listening to their conversation and occasionally answering questions directed at him.
“I’ve heard that Young Master Ji and his wife are deeply devoted to each other. I wonder how you two met? Would the young mistress mind sharing her story with us?” A lady who had been conversing with Lady Ji turned her attention to Tang Xiaobao, who sat there looking remarkably at ease. Her tone was gentle as she posed the question.
At first, he didn’t register that the question was directed at him. Only when he felt all eyes turn his way did he realize he was being addressed. Seeing this, Tang Xiaobao paused to think for a moment before slowly replying, “We haven’t known each other very long. The meeting was really a matter of chance.” Truth be told, had Ji Ling not been in such dire straits back then, they likely would never have crossed paths. This thought made Tang Xiaobao feel even more heartbroken for Ji Ling.
Most people present here knew about Ji Ling’s exile and were aware that Tang Xiaobao was just a lowly country boy with no status. But now, Ji Ling’s changed status had caught them off guard while also sparking a glimmer of hope. After all, it was perfectly normal for a man to have multiple wives and concubines. The person he had married back then was just an obscure young man. That meant if he were to marry someone of comparable status and standing in the future, this young man wouldn’t be able to say much about it. For women, this world was especially harsh. Finding a suitable husband was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Any chance, however slim—even one in a hundred—was something they wouldn’t let slip away. Thus, when Tang Xiaobao mentioned the part about their meeting, the women who hadn’t yet heard the full story pricked up their ears, listening intently. Seeing that Tang Xiaobao had only a few sparse sentences to share, they began to feel a bit resentful, even growing impatient.
“What kind of coincidence could it be?” One woman, perhaps overcome by impatience, blurted out the question. The moment the words left her mouth, she realized her slip and quickly clamped her lips shut, her cheeks flushing crimson with embarrassment.
Hearing her words, Tang Xiaobao initially didn’t think anything was amiss. But a moment later, something felt off. He glanced around at the crowd and noticed several young women dressed in unmarried attire, all staring at him with intense curiosity. For some reason, Tang Xiaobao’s gut told him something was off, an inexplicable sense of unease washing over him. Yet, ever the easygoing sort, he didn’t dwell on it. He simply replied, “Ji Ling was gravely ill back then and wished to marry. So, he took me as his wife.”
The moment the words left his mouth, the room fell deathly silent. The gazes that now fell upon Tang Xiaobao were indescribably heavy. Some women, unable to hide their thoughts, practically screamed with their eyes: How could Tang Xiaobao be so fortunate to have met Ji Ling and become the principal wife of the mighty Ji family? Especially considering Ji Ling’s striking good looks—no other young man of talent in the city could compare to him. Their hearts twisted with a mix of envy and pain.
The surrounding crowd fell silent, the atmosphere growing awkward for a moment.
Compared to the unmarried girls, the older women were far more level-headed. Their gazes toward Tang Xiaobao held a hint of scrutiny—it seemed Ji Ling’s husband was a man without much guile. Instantly, they imagined that if Ji Ling ever came to power, they could use this Tang Xiaobao to their advantage.
For a moment, each person harbored their own thoughts. Lady Ji observed them all without betraying a hint of emotion, then spoke in a calm tone: “If you’re curious about how Ji Ling and his husband get along, we can discuss it another time when we have the chance. For now, let’s talk about something more cheerful. There’s no need to rush this.”
Once he heard these words, the conversation swiftly shifted. Only Tang Xiaobao regarded the matriarch with puzzlement. Was it his imagination? He couldn’t shake the feeling that something about Da Fu Ren’s words was off. He moved with extreme caution, afraid she might notice his gaze.
Little did he know that while he was observing the First Lady, others were observing him, even murmuring among themselves about why he had earned Ji Ling’s favor. The atmosphere in the room was harmonious, yet it seemed to carry a hint of strangeness, making it feel somewhat peculiar.
Just as their conversation shifted elsewhere and began to improve, a young servant rushed in, startling everyone present.
Upon seeing the newcomer, Lady Ji offered a slight apology to the assembled ladies before approaching the servant. Furrowing her brow slightly, she asked, “Why such panic?”
The servant felt a flicker of fear at the sight of the Lady of the House, but the urgency of his message quickly overcame his trepidation. He looked at her anxiously and said, “Lady of the House, the Master has fainted.”
His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried clearly. Tang Xiaobao, who had followed the mistress, saw a flash of surprise in her eyes before her expression hardened. She immediately lifted her foot and followed the servant.
The other ladies nearby, having heard the news, were naturally curious about what had transpired and began to follow. But they were stopped by Tang Xiaobao, who remained behind.
Tang Xiaobao looked at the ladies before him and said with a slight smile, “The eldest lady has gone to see the master. Please forgive any inconvenience caused. Given the uncertainty of the situation, I ask that you all remain here for now. We shall discuss further once there is news from the other side.”
Hearing Tang Xiaobao’s words, though the women were intensely curious about the events, they halted their steps. Their gazes fixed on Tang Xiaobao now held a hint of scrutiny, as if the person before them was vastly different from the one moments earlier.
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