She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

Hundreds of round black lacquered tables were neatly arranged, with guests abound, the clinking sounds of glasses and cups constantly heard.

Far in the distance on the opera stage, a famous performer was singing a grand opera, but Han Lei couldn’t understand what was being sung. She only felt the flowing water sleeves on stage, the melodious singing drawing frequent attention from many of the ladies.

Ancient banquets differed from modern ones, emphasizing seating arrangements.

The ladies gathered on the east side of the garden, adorned with pearls and jade, laughter flowing.

The men were seated on the west side according to their status, all engaging in high-spirited conversations, drinking freely.

Servants shuttled back and forth, serving exquisite dishes, the silver wine jugs shining brightly in the sunlight.

Han Lei confidently found an empty seat among a gathering of young people to sit down.

Her plump figure twisted slightly on the chair, deliberately pressing it to make it creak, causing the gentlemen nearby to frown slightly.

However, Han Lei didn’t mind at all, her eyes scanning around as if searching for something.

”This gentleman seems unfamiliar, may I ask which family’s young master you are?” A young man in a moon-white robe asked politely from beside her.

Han Le withdrew her gaze, clasped her hands with a smile and said, ”My surname is Wei, I am the nephew of Prime Minister Wei.”

”Ah, so it’s Mr. Wei!” The young man suddenly understood, ”I am Sun Mingcheng, the son of Mr Sun from the Ministry of Justice, pleasure to meet you.”

”You’re a young master of the Sun family?”

Han Lei looked him up and down, thinking how she could always encounter aristocrats everywhere she goes.

The young man seemingly unaware, nodded repeatedly: ”Indeed, indeed.”

”Pleasure to meet you.” Han Lei clasped her hands, lightly responding, her gaze unconsciously drifting towards the main table.

There, Mr. Wei and the champion marquis were accompanying Emperor Jing at the head seat, chatting and laughing.

Meanwhile, on the side where the ladies were seated, the marquis’ wife and Princess Changle were accompanying the Empress at the head seat, their gazes toward the young noble men here, whispering among themselves.

Yesterday, Princess Changle had sent someone to invite Yang Xiaomei to her residence, specifically to dress her up today.

With modern cosmetics and Yang Xiaomei’s skillful styling, Princess Changle wore a light pink gown today, her eyes bright and teeth white, radiant with charm, truly outshining the crowd.

”Mr. Wei, what are you looking at so intently?”

Sun Mingcheng followed Han Lei’s gaze, smiled knowingly:

”Ah, you’re admiring Princess Changle. Among the young noble men attending today, eight or nine out of ten are here for the Commandery Princess.”

Han Lei forced a chuckle: ”Mr Sun, you’re jesting, I was merely...”

”No need to explain, Mr. Wei.” Sun Mingcheng patted ”his” shoulder.

”Today, the champion marquis’ manor is hosting a banquet to select suitors, it’s a widely known matter. Look around us.”

He pointed to the tables around them, filled with young men dressed lavishly, lowered his voice, saying:

”Each of them are outstanding individuals. Though the Commandery Princess now... well! There are still those hoping to connect with the champion marquis’ manor.”

Han Lei listened half-mindedly, hoping to see which table Mr. Zhang’s family was seated at, intending to remind them to leave early today.

But she recognized almost none of the people here, surrounded by guests in merry conversations and laughter, unable to inquire further, she bowed her head to eat, quietly waiting for an opportunity.

Indeed, the young men present today were many, all graceful and elegant, but their family backgrounds varied.

Just as Sun Mingcheng had said, although aware Princess Changle was already an elder lady, there were still young men hoping to connect with the champion marquis’ manor.

Those with such thoughts frequently approached to toast, or sought opportunities to speak with the champion marquis.

Just then, at Han Lei’s table, one of the young men dressed in a blue brocade loudly proposed.

”Gentlemen, today is a fine day with beautiful scenery, and with such a beauty as Princess Changle present, why not let us befriend each other through poetry? I’ve heard the Commandery Princess loves poetry; a good verse might win her favor!”

”Great idea!” Everyone agreed enthusiastically.

Han Lei smiled and shook her head.

She thought: Power! Always making people rush toward it.

These young noblemen criticized Princess Changle’s age without mercy outside. Yet privately, they eagerly hoped to marry her, becoming in-laws with the marquis’ manor.

Truly laughable!

Han Lei watched them compete in poetry with interest. Their voices rose one after another, seemingly afraid they wouldn’t catch Princess Changle’s attention.

This round’s theme was ”Spring”, with everyone contributing banal clichés.

”Mr. Wei, quick! It’s your turn.” Sun Mingcheng nudged Han Lei with his elbow, urging.