Destined Marriage with Fragrance

Chapter 12: Go to Hongmen Banquet (1)

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The warm sunlight in the morning penetrated through the white gauze hazy, and the breeze brought the unique fragrance of bamboo forest, and the moisture of the soil, bringing a touch of freshness to this midsummer morning.

"Miss, you got up so early!" Hong Xiu carefully entered the inner room with a stack of clothes, and saw that Murong Shuqing had already woken up and was casually fiddling with the white gauze in front of the window.

"Yeah." Murong Shuqing replied lazily to the red sleeves. She rarely had the chance to see the scenery in the early morning. Because of her habit of sleeping late, these girls were used to it, but getting up early surprised them.

On the second day after returning from the Lotus Prayer Festival, Xuanyuan Yi returned to the capital. She did not come to bid farewell, nor did she send him off, as if nothing had happened between them, but that Qinglian was still by her side.

Putting down the clothes in his hand, Hong Xiu walked to the window and neatly wrapped the veil to let the sun shine into the bamboo house. Lu Yi pulled Murong Shuqing to the table and sat down, and brought the towels and tea that had been prepared.

"Miss, what are you going to wear today? The red one is nice and festive; the golden one is also nice and luxurious; or is this your favorite light green dress?" They're all so pretty, it's hard to choose.

After Murong Shuqing wiped his face, he glanced at the clothes in Hong Xiu's hands, and said indifferently, "Don't be busy, just pick one."

Holding a pile of clothes, Hong Xiu hurriedly shouted: "How can this be possible? You are going to the Fu family. Today, many business owners, dignitaries and nobles will be present. You have to dress up beautifully."

Hong Xiu's face flushed with excitement, and the clothes of various colors on her body were almost drowning her. Seeing her embarrassed and funny appearance, Murong Shuqing and Lu Yi couldn't help but laugh.

No matter how gorgeous the external things are, they are only appearances. These appearances may be exchanged for praise, flattery, and admiration, but these things only mean trouble to her. This girl was very emotional, and there was a tendency that she would cry and show her if she didn't choose one. Murong Shuqing had to take advantage of the situation and said, "Okay, you're right, let's go with the purple one."

"Yes!" Hong Xiu happily found her clothes and dressed Murong Shuqing neatly.

Lu Yi also combed a simple but delicate flowing cloud bun for Murong Shuqing, inserted a jade hairpin with exquisite jade and jasper, and wanted to put on the purple jade gold hairpin, but was stopped by Murong Shuqing. Combing such a towering bun is already heavy, and with a bunch of headgear, her neck must be broken.

Lu Yi is not reluctant. The young lady usually uses a wooden hairpin to tie her hair in a bun. Today, this way of dressing is already official. Holding the prepared jewelry, she came to Murong Shuqing and waited for her to choose.

Murong Shuqing looked at the large plate of jewels in front of her with a headache. She knew that these were the fine products in the treasure house and were invaluable. The white jade Xinhe necklace, she didn't want to dress herself up as a Christmas tree. Murong Shuqing waved his hand and said to Lu Yi, "These are no longer worn."

Green Yi nodded with a smile and put away the accessories. She knew that the lady would not wear it.

"Miss, the carriage is ready!" Zi Yuan came in to report, but was stunned by Murong Shuqing in front of him. The lilac Ru skirt made her fair skin dazzling and dazzling, as if it would glow. There was only a jasper hairpin on her head, which was simple and elegant. I have always known that the young lady's appearance is not beautiful. It is not as delicate and sweet as Miss Tang, nor is it graceful and beautiful like a young lady, but a lazy, elegant, gentle and peaceful lady can always catch people's attention.

Murong Shuqing patted the silly purple mandarin duck and said with a smile, "Let's go!"

Today's Fu Mansion is full of flowers, antique calligraphy and paintings, and it is very beautiful. Some early-arriving businessmen expressed their friendship and chat with today's birthday star Fu Bowen. After all, the Fu family can be regarded as a big family in this flower.

As soon as Murong Shuqing appeared, he immediately became the focus of everyone. Those who have business dealings with the Murong family needless to say, hurriedly stepped forward to greet them; those who were not related to the Murong family, although they only regarded her as the young lady of the Murong family, but due to the power of the Murong family in the business world, they had to come forward to show her. Okay.

Fu Bowen saw Murong Shuqing, his sharp eyes flashed, he stepped forward with a smile, and said loudly, "Miss Murong, welcome!"

Murong Shuqing returned the salute and said with a smile: "Master Fu is very polite, I wish you the old pines and cypresses evergreen!"

"Hehe, thank you!" Fu Bowen patted the young girl beside him kindly and said with a smile, "Mingshuang, come here, I have seen Miss Murong!"

Fu Mingshuang carefully looked at Murong Shuqing. With an ordinary appearance, a thin body, and an ordinary dress, this is the amazing Murong Shuqing that Daddy always talks about? Nothing special either. Fu Mingshuang murmured in his heart, and then leaned over slightly to greet her and said, "Sister Murong, I have been listening to Daddy mention you, and I have a chance to see you today!"

This Fu Mingshuang really has a ladylike demeanor. She speaks generously, has a good demeanor, and has a beautiful appearance. It's a pity that she is too young, and she doesn't know how to restrain her momentum and control her emotions. Murong Shu returned the salute with a light smile, "Miss Fu is very polite!"

"Master Rong is here!"

The two were chatting, and the loud announcement attracted everyone's attention. Murong Shuqing also took the opportunity to move to the side, avoiding a group of curious and ingratiating people.

Murong Shuqing had already stepped back several steps, but Rong Deren still saw it. He walked up to Murong Shuqing and asked with a smile, "Shu Qing is here too, I haven't seen you for a long time."

Rong Deren was originally the proud student of Prime Minister Qi. At that time, Qi Yue, the young lady of the Qi family, was very elegant and famous all over the capital. She was the object of admiration of many nobles, nobles and rich sons. He finally married a businessman in a hurry. He also regretted it. When he took office in Huadu two years ago, it was also because Murong Shuqing was Qi Yue's daughter that he paid more attention to her. Who would have thought, this woman really gave him a lot of insight. A woman, full of talent, intelligence and wisdom, who manages the huge Murong family, not only did not make any mistakes, but also became stronger and stronger.

However, what surprised and admired him most was not these, but the natural charm, self-confidence and calmness. How old is she, she is not satisfied with Double Ten, but she already knows how to restrain her sharpness. This is something that many people will never learn in a lifetime, or that they understand but cannot do it.

Because of Rong Deren's words, Murong Shuqing became the focus of the crowd again, so he could only laugh and say, "Yes, I haven't been feeling well recently."

Rong Deren shook his head secretly, he was not in good health, he was too lazy to socialize. But looking at the thin woman in front of him, Rong Deren still said, "Then take more rest, don't be too tired."

Murong Shuqing nodded lightly and stopped talking.

Fu Bowen, who was on the side, came forward to greet Rong Deren and sat on the throne, and everyone hurried forward to greet him.

Murong Shuqing, however, fixed his gaze on the old man in his fifties who had been standing beside Rong Deren. The man was of medium build, of ordinary appearance, his face was deeply engraved with the traces of the years, and he was dressed in commoner clothes. But he was straight, and his eyes were sharp. And although Rong Deren was sitting and talking to everyone, he looked at him from time to time, and his identity could be guessed somewhat.

While looking at it, it collided with his line of sight. Murong Shuqing did not avoid it, but nodded politely. The old man didn't respond, looked at her for a moment, then looked away. Murong Shuqing didn't care, and looked away with a smile.

On the corridor, the servants brought in two men, one in a white robe, evil spirited and lazy, with the corners of his mouth hooked like a smile;

It's him? ! Murong Shuqing looked at the two who walked in slowly in the leisurely court, lowered his head and sighed, it was really lively today.

Obviously, Fu Bowen also saw them, and bowed his hands: "Elder An, I haven't seen you for many years, but you are still handsome!" Unexpectedly, An Qin, the son of An Qin who had been away for five years, came back by appointment.

An Qinxuan laughed loudly: "Master Fu, you are still tough!"

After An Qinxuan greeted Rong Deren, she spontaneously walked to the low table beside Murong Shuqing and sat beside her. Today, she is dressed in purple, elegant and out of the dust, and the towering bun makes her look noble and charming. He picked up a strand of her long hair scattered behind him, wrapped it around his fingertips, and whispered, "You are beautiful today!"

What did he think he was doing? ! Although it was under the table and no one saw it, Murong Shuqing pulled back his hair. Looking down at her outfit, Murong Shuqing wanted to laugh, what happened? Did she get lucky this year? First it was Xuanyuan Yi, and now it was An Qinxuan. Murong Shuqing's helplessness finally turned into a wry smile in the face of this person who exudes an evil and charming aura anytime and anywhere, and is so beautiful that one can't look directly.

The silky-looking hair felt better than expected, but what An Qinxuan didn't understand was why she frowned and smiled bitterly. According to what he knew about women, there was nothing he didn't like about the praise of his appearance. Even if he wasn't ecstatic, he should accept it. Her reaction was really special, but good and more interesting.

Seeing them chatting in a low voice, a gloom flashed across Fu Bowen's already aged face. He didn't invite them here to make them talk happily. But in just a moment, he raised a kind smile, raised his glass and said loudly: "Today, this old man's 60th birthday, thanks to everyone's honor, the old man will do it first as a respect!"

Everyone complied, and Fu Mingshuang, who had been standing behind Fu Bowen, walked to the center of the banquet, Ying Ying bowed, and said softly: "Ming Shuang presents a dance today, I wish Daddy a long life, good health, and a hundred years of life." , the sweet voice is intoxicating.

When Rong Deren heard Fu Mingshuang say that he wanted to dance, he also smiled happily: "I heard that Miss Fu's family is talented and beautiful, and her dancing skills are excellent."

"Where is it, the little trick of the worm, let Lord Rong laugh!" Although Fu Bowen was humble, the pride on his face could not be concealed.

After a while, the music sounded, and the soft sound of silk and bamboo drifted in the huge banquet hall, attracting everyone's attention. A few red-clothed women covered their faces with veils, revealing only bright and agile big eyes, catching the beat and twisting their graceful waists. A drum sounded heavily, and the red-clothed girls gently fell to the ground, and the person who had been blocked by them appeared slim in front of everyone.

For a while, a gasping sound of admiration sounded all around, and Murong Shuqing felt his eyes lit up. Fu Mingshuang, who changed into a red dress, is gorgeous and luxurious, and this red dress is also one of the reasons why everyone is amazed. The bright red brocade is embroidered with rich and elegant peonies of various colors, and the colors are matched just right. Every flower seems to be born in this brocade. Fu Mingshuang's dancing skills are indeed superb, with the drum beats that are sometimes strong and weak, whether rotating, jumping, or lowering the waist, they are all like flowing clouds and flowing water, tactfully and enchanting. The red clothes make the beautiful people more delicate than the flowers, and the beautiful women also bring aura to the red clothes, which really complement each other.

Fu Bowen looked at Rong Deren's expression from time to time, and the old man in plain clothes behind him. He had been in the business world for decades. He could see that the old man was by no means a servant. Seeing the satisfaction of the two, Fu Bowen was full of joy, he made the right move.

Looking at the two brothers, An Qinxuan and An Qinyu, one leaned against the low table, holding a wine glass in one hand, tapping the rhythm on the table with the other, with a sinister smile always on the corner of his mouth, and the other still shaking the paper fan gently. , smiling politely watching the show.

No matter who these two brothers are, if he likes Mingshuang, it is the same to him. Although he does not want to provoke An Jia, he is the best backer when necessary.

As soon as Fu Mingshuang came to power, Murong Shuqing could see Fu Bowen's intentions. Although it is a good idea to kill two birds with one stone, let's not talk about the feelings of the two people in the main seat. Will the two beside me obediently fall for this beauty's plan? It's a pity that such a beauty, who has been favored for so many years, was only for today's use.

Murong Shuqing picked up the tea in her hand and sipped it lightly. The tea was very fragrant, but it was not the dragon birthday she liked. It's a pity...

With a heavy hammer, the dance ends.

"It really lives up to its reputation." Rong Deren was the first to praise, and everyone followed suit.

Fu Mingshuang, who was sweating thinly but more charming, saluted slightly and replied, "Thank you for your compliment!"

Rong Deren smiled and said: "This dress is gorgeous and eye-catching, it must be from Caiyunfang."

Fu Bowen quickly replied with a smile: "Exactly. This dress was made by twelve top embroiderers in three months, and the silk threads used are as many as ninety-nine colors." He tried his best, today is to be the first to win.

Glancing at Lin Hang behind him, Rong Deren nodded and sighed, "No wonder it's so delicate and dazzling."

Lin Hang will come to participate in this birthday banquet today, entirely because Rong Deren insists on bringing him here. He said that the royal brocades for the past five years were all produced by the Fu family, so you can check them out. Tired of being flattered, he just came in plain clothes, unwilling to reveal his identity.

He has also seen some handkerchiefs and sachets embroidered by Su Nishang of the Murong family for Mrs. Rong. The embroidery is indeed exquisite, which is another reason why he came here. He really wanted to meet the Murong Patriarch who Rong Deren praised.

When I first entered the door, I saw this clean and gentle woman. On the birthday banquet, who is not arrogant and beautiful, and she is just standing there with a simple smile, like a fragrance that penetrates the heart. Later, after listening to their conversation, he realized that she was the head of the Murong family, which was beyond his expectations and made him pay more attention to her.

The Fu family's long dress with hundreds of peonies falling to the ground is indeed luxurious and gorgeous, and the embroidery work is exquisite, but because it is completed by many people, the styles are not uniform, and it is inevitably a bit messy. A good piece of embroidery is not only about the embroidery skills, but also about the artistic conception. Therefore, this piece of work is beautiful, but it is procrastinating and procrastinating, and it loses a little spiritual energy!

In contrast, Murong Shuqing wore a lilac skirt that he liked even more. Only the cuffs and front of the shirt were embroidered with gold-edged flowing cloud patterns. There was not much ink, but it already showed dignity and elegance. Furthermore, what surprised him was that half a pure white hibiscus was embroidered on the right shoulder of the clothes. It seemed that it had fully bloomed, but the whole picture could not be seen. And Murong Shu's light and elegant temperament complement each other.

Rong Deren took another look at Lin Hang and saw that he looked contemplative, so he ignored him and said loudly, "Everyone is here today, so I will remind you again on the way that the Queen Mother's birthday this year, the imperial court will treat this group of people. The brocade embroidery is very careful and will be screened by the royal weaving director Lin Lin from the capital. The deadline for submitting samples is three days later, please be careful."

In the banquet hall, there was a little commotion because of Rong Deren's words. Everyone whispered and speculated back and forth between Fu Bowen and Murong Shuqing. Fu Bowen has been making royal brocades for five consecutive years, which should be the most promising, but the Murong family should not be underestimated. Fu Bowen's face was kind, and Murong Shuqing was drinking tea with a light smile, but nothing could be seen from the two's faces, and they could only wait for the results to be announced in one month!

"Shu Qing, when will Su Nishang hand in the samples?" Isn't this girl planning to participate this year

"It's still preparing." She gave Su Nishang full authority to the two of them. They haven't come up with embroidery products yet, and she has no choice.

"Okay, don't let me down."

Murong Shuqing got up and said with a light smile, "Shu Qing will do his best!"

Lin Hang sighed secretly, what a calm and calm woman, who is not humiliated, it seems that she can maintain her own temperament and self-cultivation at any time. He is now looking forward to the samples of Su Nishang.

The banquet officially started, with staggered preparations.

Halfway through, Rong Deren left on the grounds that he was unable to drink. Shortly after Rong Deren left, Murong Shuqing also used physical discomfort as an excuse to leave the table early, but it was the An family brothers who did not leave until the end. Before leaving, Fu Bowen brought Fu Mingshuang to the door.

After saying goodbye to each other, the two rode away.

After walking for a while, An Qinyu pulled the reins slightly and said, "The meaning of the Fu family is obvious, what do you think?"

An Qinxuan raised an eyebrow and smiled, and said nonchalantly, "There is no need to ignore him."

"This is a good opportunity. We just need to control it from behind. The Murong family has a strong momentum now. If the Fu family can seriously damage the Murong family, of course it would be the best. If you can't, you can also give her some blows!" Although she is currently in business There has not been a head-on conflict yet, but the Murong family has become their biggest competitor, and sooner or later they will meet.

"You'd better not act rashly."

An Qinyu asked with a teasing smile, "Could it be that you have a crush on Murong Shuqing?" It is very likely that the eldest brother has been talking to Murong Shuqing in a low voice today, and he has never seen him so patient with any woman.

An Qinxuan caressed the mane of the horse under him with a smile but not a smile, and narrowed his long and narrow phoenix eyes. The moonlight shines on him, and the lazy style permeates this quiet summer night. His low voice sounded lazily, "She's not beautiful enough, and she's not charming and enthusiastic. It's really inappropriate to use it to warm the bed. That Fu Mingshuang is very good."

Murong Shuqing is more suitable to be his opponent. He wants to break the calm smile on her face with his own hands, take a calm attitude, and see her panic-stricken appearance.

The younger sister is right, the eldest brother is indeed a goblin, a man's heart beats fast when he sees it, and no woman can escape the temptation of his evil charm. An Qinyu shook his head and asked with a smile, "What do you mean?"

An Qinxuan sat up straight and said, "Why do you think the Murong family turned around in three years, that's because Murong Shuqing not only has brains and courage, but she has also grasped what can be said to be crucial in the business field. Two o'clock, contacts and information. You have also dealt with her people several times. You should know that they are all powerful characters. Besides, as you have seen today, she maintains a good relationship with the court and officials. The most important thing is that she has her own keen information network, and she is doomed to fail if she is not sure about playing against such a person."

An Qinxuan's expression became serious, and An Qinyu put away his playfulness, thought for a moment, and then said, "Then we can only wait and see what happens now."

In less than a moment of seriousness, An Qinxuan returned to his evil look, "Old Man Fu will not be Murong Shuqing's opponent, and he will not bring us any benefits. We don't need to take this risk. Besides, I also I don't want Murong Shuqing to lose so easily!"

"Why?" An Qinyu was curious!

"She can only lose to me!"