Seeing Jiang Changning responding appropriately, Zhao Xifang suddenly realized that she had underestimated Jiang Changning.
She couldn't help but think of what her grandmother often talked about, the family heritage.
Although those present were the most powerful ladies in the Qin Empire, the topics they talked about were not much different from those of other women.
It’s nothing more than makeup, jewelry, and clothes. Those who have children talk about them, and those who don’t have children are urged to have children.
Jiang Changning said shyly: "The prince said that I am young and there is no need to rush."
These words immediately attracted envious glances from many women. Zhao Xifang wanted to say something but stopped herself. At this time, Princess Song Yirou of Ningxia arrived.
The noble ladies looked at Zhao Xifang and then at Jiang Changning.
The former had been at odds with Song Yirou in their boudoir, and the latter married the Prince of Jin, whom Song Yirou had always dreamed of marrying.
It's rare for the three of them to get together, so I'm afraid there will be a big show to watch today.
However, all the noble ladies were disappointed. Although Song Yirou looked at Jiang Changning and Zhao Xifang unkindly, she did nothing and turned around to sit next to Prince Qing's wife.
Song Yirou doesn't cause trouble, and Jiang Changning won't provoke her either. Although Zhao Xifang wanted to instigate her, she was afraid that Jiang Changning would be harsh, so she stayed put for the time being.
The three of them lived in peace and did not interfere with each other.
After a while, everyone arrived and the disaster relief banquet began.
The Princess of Prince Ding came over and asked everyone to move to the hall. Under her guidance, they walked through the short inner corridor and arrived at the hall.
In the middle of the hall stands a huge copper hollow carved incense burner, which exudes a rich aroma.
There are more than a dozen round tables around the incense burner.
There are charcoal stoves burning in all four corners, making the hall as warm as spring.
Led by the maid, Jiang Changning sat down at the first table.
Sitting at the same table were the Crown Princess of Prince Qing, Princess Zhao Xifang of Prince Yu, the Crown Princess of Prince De, the Queen Mother of Prince Runan and Princess Song Yirou of Prince Ningxia.
The relationship with the Queen Mother of Prince Runan was okay. After all, they didn't have a falling out at that time.
There is also the Princess of Prince De to chat with, so this position is quite good.
"There are six people sitting at a table. What are the purposes of leaving those four seats empty?" asked the Crown Princess of Prince De in a low voice.
"There must be a performance. There's a stage in front." Jiang Changning guessed.
"You're not going to write a disaster relief play and sing it for us, are you?" Prince De's wife said with a smile.
"It's possible." Jiang Changning thought of the charity performances by modern celebrities.
At this time, Princess Ding, who had never appeared, appeared in a luxurious full set of princess attire, and the person following behind her was Gao Yanyun.
Jiang Changning was not surprised at all, as he had expected that the palace had the idea of holding a disaster relief banquet at Prince Ding's Mansion.
Princess Ding's next words also confirmed this point, "It has snowed heavily for several days, and it has become a disaster. The people are displaced. The Queen Mother, Your Majesty, and the Queen Mother heard about it and were very worried and anxious. They specially ordered our palace to hold a disaster relief banquet."
"The Empress Dowager, the Empress, the Imperial Concubine, and the Virtuous Concubine have specially gifted us several precious and valuable pieces of jewelry for this disaster relief banquet."
Jiang Changning's eyebrows twitched slightly. This disaster relief banquet was not a charity performance, but a charity auction.
I don’t know if the emperor is auctioning off his collection as a man.
"These jewelry will go to the highest bidder. Part of the money will be used to buy food, cotton clothes and mattresses to keep warm, and part will be used to repair the collapsed houses."
Princess Ding made what she wanted to say clear, then abdicated and the charity auction was hosted by Gao Yanyun.
Gao Yanyun bowed to everyone first, and then asked the palace maid to take out the first item for auction, "This is a red gold headpiece inlaid with gems donated by the virtuous concubine."
There are six pieces in this set of headpieces, each of which is inlaid with red and blue sapphires, colorful and extremely gorgeous.
"The reserve price is five hundred taels of silver, and the minimum bid is fifty taels of silver." Gao Yanyun started the auction in a very serious manner.
Although there was a distance between them, Jiang Changning could still tell at a glance that the gemstone inlaid on the head was of ordinary quality.
"Five hundred and fifty taels." The first person to bid was a middle-aged woman sitting at the sixth table.
The Dewang Crown Princess whispered, "Madam Bao Rongbo."
Jiang Changning nodded slightly. The truth can be seen in the details. The Baorong Marquis' Mansion must be close to the Ding Prince's Mansion, which is why they are so supportive.
"Six hundred taels." Someone else called out the price.
Jiang Changning turned around and saw that it was the wife of the Earl of Wuchang.
Mrs. Bao Rong was not to be outdone, "Six hundred and fifty taels."
"Seven hundred taels." This time it was Princess Jiujiang who joined the bidding.
After a fierce competition, Princess Jiujiang won the headdress at a high price of nine hundred and fifty taels.
Jiang Changning's eyes were solemn. There was no need for the Princess of Jiujiang to flatter Concubine Liu, so why did she also want to grab the top position
Gao Yanyun took out the second item for auction. "This is a gold filigree, gem-inlaid, jade-inlaid double-phoenix peony hairpin donated by the Imperial Concubine."
The hairpin is carved from green jade, with peony flowers occupying the entire piece of jade. There is a phoenix on each side. The phoenix on the left spreads its wings as if ready to fly, while the phoenix on the right stands tall and graceful with its wings folded and looking back.
This hairpin not only has beautiful meaning and novel design, but is also inlaid with various gorgeous gems. The combination of gold, jade and gems makes the whole hairpin very noble.
"The starting price for this hairpin is one thousand taels, and the minimum bid is fifty taels. Please bid."
"One thousand five hundred taels." Song Yirou shouted with wealth and generosity.
Zhao Xifang raised her hand, "One thousand five hundred and fifty taels."
Song Yirou glared at him, "Zhao Xifang, what are you doing?"
Seeing the two of them arguing, the crowd not only did not try to persuade them, but also looked like they were watching a show.
Zhao Xifang smiled and said, "Be kind and do good deeds without sparing any effort."
"You want to compete with me? Humph." Song Yirou raised her hand, "Two thousand taels."
Zhao Xifang smiled elegantly, "Two thousand and fifty taels."
"Is Prince Yu's Mansion so poor that it can only give fifty taels at a time?" Song Yirou asked sarcastically.
"No matter how poor those who receive salaries from the court are, they are not as poor as the people affected by the disaster. They are just not as wealthy as the Song family." Zhao Xifang did not mention the Ningxia Palace, but instead attacked the Song family.
Song Yirou didn't know whether she didn't hear the malice in her words or didn't care at all, and a smug smile appeared on her face, "You know, and you still dare to argue with me?"
"Princess Ningxia, if you don't raise the price, the distraction will be mine." Zhao Xifang reminded with a smile.
Song Yirou glared at her and raised her hand, “Two thousand five hundred taels.”
"Two thousand five hundred and fifty taels." Zhao Xifang only added fifty taels.
Song Yirou was extremely angry, "Three thousand taels."
The two of them were having a blast bidding against each other. The Dewang Crown Prince's wife was watching the show and whispered in Jiang Changning's ear, "Do you want to raise your price too?"
"Stop it." Jiang Changning had no interest in getting involved.
Concubine Song donated her jewelry, and Song Yirou auctioned it off to save face for the Song family.
I'm afraid Zhao Xifang also knew this, which is why she deliberately raised the price.
If you want to save face, don't be stingy with money.
In the end, this distraction was bought by Song Yirou, but the price was as high as nine thousand five hundred taels.
Song Yirou's face turned green with anger. The way she looked at Zhao Xifang was like a knife, and she wished she could torture Zhao Xifang to death.
(End of this chapter)