The chrysanthemum appreciation banquet held by Wang Yinuo basically invited people who were familiar with each other. It was said to be a banquet, but in fact it was just a gathering of girls.
Although Wang Yinuo was a concubine, she was the only precious daughter of Duke Dingguo, so he naturally loved her more. Moreover, the crown prince Wang Yanqing was also very close to her, so her status among the nobles was high. There is no humbleness in the female circle.
Xie Rongzhao was going to attend the banquet, so Liu Ruolan naturally had to remind him, first of all, not to make enemies easily. Furthermore, if he met people from the Xie family on Anhe Street, it would be better to stay away.
Chen Jiaojiao prepared a sachet for her, which contained some mint, which could help Xie Rongzhao wake up. She was mainly worried that if she was greedy, she would get drunk if she drank too much fruit wine.
The chrysanthemum viewing banquet organized by Wang Yinuo was actually a gathering of a few well-played little sisters to talk, appreciate the flowers, and most importantly, eat and drink together.
Mrs. Wang felt that since she was going to have a small banquet, she couldn't really invite only a few people, so she organized a small banquet and invited more than ten girls to gather.
After Xie Rongzhao got the post, he naturally had to be prepared. From the clothes to the gifts, no one could find fault.
When visiting guests, it is not good to steal the scenery of the host's house, so Xie Rongzhao usually does not wear too fancy clothes, and will try his best to choose a decent headdress.
It is also because of her self-awareness that she is loved by many ladies and ladies.
No hostess wants to see their guests outshine themselves.
Chen Jiaojiao saw that although she was young, she was very thoughtful, and she felt more and more that this sister-in-law was cute and sensible.
"Miss, Miss Wang is here, do you see?"
"Which Miss Wang?"
"She is the eldest lady of Mr. Wang's family in Zhongshushe."
Only then did Xie Rongzhao realize that Chen Xia should be talking about Wang Qin'er.
"Since you have guests, I'll go back first."
"Sister-in-law, there is no need to avoid it. Uncle Wang has been friends with our family for many years. He and my father are Jinshi in the same discipline and we studied together at Mingshan Academy."
Chen Jiaojiao nodded: "Okay, then I'll see you too."
In fact, they have met before, but Chen Jiaojiao has no impression of this Wang Qin'er, so meeting her alone now can increase her memory. After all, they are good friends, and it is difficult not to know each other when they meet. That would be really embarrassing. .
Wang Qin'er entered Xie Rongzhao's small courtyard with only a little maid by his side, and the look of envy on his face rose again.
"Sister Zhaozhao, I came here uninvited. I hope I didn't disturb you."
"No. This is my sister-in-law, whom you have met before. Sister-in-law, this is the eldest lady of Mr. Wang's family."
Wang Qin'er said happily: "I have met Sister-in-law Xie. I am Wang Qin'er. You can just call me Qin'er."
Chen Xia came over to serve tea, and then when she saw Xie Rongzhao winking at her, she took the initiative to retreat out the door.
She withdrew, and the little maid Wang Qin'er brought also withdrew.
"Chen Xia, don't stand on the porch. It's windy outside and it's too cold. You go to the east wing to warm your hands together."
"Yes, miss."
Wang Qin'er wouldn't come over for no reason, so Xie Rongzhao deliberately sent all the servants away so that she could speak directly and avoid going around any more detours.
"Sister-in-law, this sweet-scented osmanthus cake is delicious. Honey is used this time, so it's not too sweet. Try it."
Chen Jiaojiao smiled and nodded, and then she indeed picked up a piece to try.
When Wang Qin'er saw Chen Jiaojiao around, she was actually embarrassed to say it.
But this is the Xie family, and this is a new sister-in-law. If he opens his mouth, he will probably make this sister-in-law unhappy again.
"Sister Wang, give it a try too. It tastes really good with this tea."
"Okay, I'll try."
Wang Qin'er was embarrassed to speak, and Xie Rongzhao just pretended that she didn't know she had something to say, or Chen Jiaojiao felt that this was not good and found an excuse to leave first.
Xie Rongzhao felt a little regretful. He should let his sister-in-law see how powerful Wang Qin'er was.
Wang Qin'er took another sip of tea and then said politely: "Sister Zhaozhao, I heard that Miss Wang from Duke Dingguo's Mansion has posted a message for you?"
Xie Rongzhao nodded and said indifferently: "Yes, what's wrong?"
Wang Qin'er's face turned slightly red, but she secretly cursed Xie Rongzhao for not being able to speak.
"It's nothing, I just heard that the new chrysanthemums brought to Duke Dingguo's mansion are rare, so I'm just a little curious."
Xie Rongzhao heard what she meant, but he didn't understand it and just nodded lightly.
Wang Qin'er was a little anxious.
If she had said this to someone else, they would have naturally said that they could take her to the Dingguo Duke's Mansion to enjoy the flowers.
But this Xie Rongzhao couldn't understand what she meant at all!
Wang Qin'er hesitated for a moment, then continued: "I heard that the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet at Duke Dingguo's Mansion is not held every year, and I heard that Miss Wang is very popular with Duke Dingguo. Is that true?"
Xie Rongzhao thought for a while and then said: "Sister Yinuo is indeed very popular with them. Even brother Yanqing also likes sister Yinuo."
Wang Qin'er's face trembled slightly, and seeing that she had no intention of continuing, she could only speak more straightforwardly.
"I heard that Miss Wang's banquet was all the daughters of important officials in the court. Sister Zhaozhao is so lucky. Your father is Zuo Cheng, the fourth-rank minister, and he has the favor of the Holy Emperor. Unlike me, my father is only a minor official of the fifth rank. .”
Xie Rongzhao looked at her in disbelief: "Why did Sister Wang say that? Uncle Wang's current position is not a small official! Although his rank is lower than that of my father, he is a very important position in Zhongshu Sheren. And The lowest grade in our Dazhi Dynasty is the ninth grade. According to this calculation, Uncle Wang’s grade is not low.”
In the capital, there are indeed an overwhelming number of fifth-rank officials.
But the problem is that there are only a few fifth-grade Zhongshu Sheren in total.
This position is very critical, it can be said that it holds real power, and is not compared to those high-level idlers.
What made Xie Rongzhao unhappy was, how could Wang Qin'er say this about his father?
No matter how low the official rank is, it is still an official!
You, a concubine who has enjoyed all the benefits brought by Wang Jin's official position, still dare to despise his low official rank?
Don’t want to live anymore?
Only then did Wang Qin'er realize that what he just said was ambiguous, and quickly explained: "That's not what I meant. I just wanted to say that I envy you for receiving notices from Duke Dingguo. My father has a low official position, so he can't get into those noble houses." In people’s eyes, as his daughter, how can I dare to dislike my father?”
Xie Rongzhao stared at her doubtfully, until he saw her face turned red and ashamed, and then he looked away.
"It's not the best. Wang Abo has only been a Jinshi for a few years. He has reached the fifth rank of official so quickly, which is considered a quick promotion. If you do this in the future, please don't say it again."
