Pampered Consort of the Fragrant Orchard c1-234

by N/A

  "Since there's still some grape wine, then leave for later when everyone comes." Du Ke Xin said.

  "Eh, this----" Fu Wan San looked to Du Xiao Li.

  Du Ke Xin looked to Du Xiao Li with a smile, "This grape wine is very valuable, and right now there's only this one jar. If we leave it to drink until after everyone shows up, it'll give the Prime Minister Manor quite a lot of face."

  "She's not the one paying, what are you asking her opinion for?" Du Ke Hui swept Du Xiao Li a glance, afterwards saying to Fu Wan San, "Shopkeeper Fu, just do as what my sister said."

  "Then just do as second sister said." Du Xiao Li said, "I'll just continue drinking this yuhua tea."

  "Then, add a jar of grape wine to the beverages for noon?" Fu Wan San said.

  "En, that will do." Du Ke Xin nodded. She didn't expect that there was still grape wine. Previously when they asked, they all said they'd already sold out. If during the gathering today, they bring out the grape wine, then it can mean that she has face.

  Fu Wan San poured another cup for Du Xiao Li and said, "Then I'll first go to the kitchen to check, if there's anything you need just call for us."

  Fu Wan San said and went out. A while later, another waiter sent some food up.

  Du Xiao Li picked up a piece of dessert for Du Xue Qi, afterwards picked up a piece for herself too. She leaned against the windowsill, watching the streets outside as she ate.

  Actually, the advance preparations Du Ke Xin spoke of simply was just nothing. Just, because they were the hosts today, they needed to arrive the earliest. If they were to come later than the guests, then that would be considered very mannerless.

  "Third sister, this place is really lively." Perhaps because the bustling scenery below made Du Xue Qi feel somewhat excited, she too leaned by the windowsill to look.

  "Indeed very lively." Du Xiao Li agreed.

  "Third sister, is the place where you lived before lively?" Du Xue Qi turned her head to look at Du Xiao Li.

  "No, I lived in a farming village previously. The entire village didn't have too many people. It can't be considered lively, but it wasn't desolate either." Du Xiao Li reminisced.

  "What all did you do every day in the past? Go work in the fields? Then how did you pass the provincial exam, obtaining the qualifications to participate in the national exams next year?" Du Ke Hui came to Du Xiu Heng's side and asked. There was no lack of mockery in those words.

  Du Xiu Heng glanced at Du Ke Hui and said, "The things we did are all things you don't know how to do."

  Everyone in the entire capital all knew, Prime Minister Du's daughter was both beautiful and talented, but his son instead was ignorant and incompetent. In the Imperial Academy, Four Way Academy, he often stirred up trouble, and his grades were forever the lowest of the low.

  "Che, didn't you just pass the provincial exams, what's there to be pleased about?" Du Ke Hui heard the meaning in Du Xiu Heng's words and clicked his tongue, returning to Du Ke Xin's side to talk about some things in the capital.

  Du Xiao Li wasn't that interested in their conversation either, so she had her attention turned towards the streets. A crisp voice attracted her line of sight.

  She only saw a beggar with a small and skinny figure, in tattered clothes, dirty all over. In their left hand was a stick, and their right hand a broken bowl. They continuously called out to the pedestrians, "Hey, this aunty, have mercy and give some money, I haven't eaten in two days."

  "Many thanks aunty, with you being this kind-hearted, the bodhisattva will definitely bless you with a long and healthy life!"

  "Yo, this sir, see your face glowing today, this must be the sign for wealths to come!"

  "Yo, thank you sir, with you this generous, you'll definitely live for a hundred years!"

  "Aunty, have mercy, and take pity on me. I not only haven't eaten in three days, I even have an old beggar to take care of in that broken house......thank you aunty, wish you the best of luck!"

  "Go away, go away, where this beggar come from!"

  Some passerby will directly push her away when they saw her, and others will take pity and give two copper coins. As soon as she saw there was money in the bowl, she will pick it up and blow on it. Afterwards, place it under the sunlight to look at. Those glistening two eyes made Du Xiao Li can't help but laugh. Truly a smooth-talking clever person.

  Just then, a gorgeous palanquin came over from the streets, stopping outside Feng Xue Lou. Next, a fifteen sixteen year old girl came down from inside, wearing a blue short coat dress. On her head, she wore only a blue hairpin, and on her neck hung a blue crystal pendant. And on her wrist was only a single crystal pearl bracelet. Pretty facial features, a tranquil temperament, and a pair of eyes that seem to envelop the entire world, yet also appeared as if nothing walked into her world.

  (Left: Short coat dress or Ru dress; Right: Long dress for comparison)

  (T/N: I'm legit convinced she has eye-zoom powers, how the hell do you see someones eyes from the fourth floor.)

  "Such a strange girl." Du Xiao Li looked to that girl and said.

  "That's Cabinet Minister Fu family's miss, Fu Ya Lan. Heard she grew up in a nunnery in Jiangnan. Said her fate was stiff and have to grow up in a nunnery. She only came home after she turned 10, and after living in their Jiangnan ancestral home for two years, she finally came to the capital." Du Xue Qi said from the side.

  "You're acquainted her?" Du Xiao Li asked. Didn't Du Xue Qi rarely go out, how come she even recognizes these people?

  Du Xue Qi shook her head and said, "I hear second sister mention her frequently, that's why I know her. Afterwards, when I was together with some shu-born misses, I saw her from far away, so that's how I know, can't be considered acquainted."

  Di-born misses generally always got together with other di-born, and shu-born together with other shu-born. However, sometimes, everyone would all gather together too.

  Very soon, Fu Ya Lan came up. She didn't bring too many people, only a close servant girl.

  "Miss Fu." Du Ke Xin only stood up to greet her and didn't go forward to welcome.

  Fu Ya Lan nodded towards Du Ke Xin and said, "The other misses all haven't come up yet? Looks like Ya Lan has come early."

  "The other misses and young masters should be here soon. Miss Fu have a cup of tea first." Du Ke Xin said. Xiao Cui thus went forward and poured Fu Ya Lan a cup of tea.

  Fu Ya Lan lightly took a sip and said, "This must be this year's newly produced yuhua tea from Jiangnan?"

  "Miss really is impressive, immediately knowing this tea's origins from just a sip." Du Ke Xin praised.

  T/N: My mood throughout this entire chapter...

  Ch. 061.5 – First Time Gathering (5)

  First Time Gathering (5)

  T/N: Chapter sponsored by Wanderer! Thank you for sponsoring!

  "It's merely because I grew up in Jiangnan in the past and have a bit of understanding towards the teas from there, that's all." Fu Ya Lan smiled and looked to Du Xiao Li and them, "These three are?"

  "Oh, let me introduce you. This is my eldest brother Du Xiu Heng. This is my third sister Du Xiao Li, and this is my fifth sister Du Xue Qi. Eldest brother and third sister just arrived at the capital the day before yesterday." Du Ke Xin said, "In the past, they lived in a farming village, and don't know etiquette too well, so if they slight Miss Fu, asking Miss Fu to please excuse."

  "They're the prime minister's long lost children?" Fu Ya Lan said. Afterwards, she smiled to Du Xiao Li and them, and said, "Hello, I'm called Fu Ya Lan. In the past, I too grew up in the wilderness."

  Fu Ya Lan although doesn't normally interact with the young ladies of the capital that much, how could she not hear the meaning in Du Ke Xin's words. Thus, she introduced herself as such.

  As soon as Du Xiao Li heard Fu Ya Lan's words and her manner of speaking, she immediately became fond of her. She sweetly smiled at her and said, "Miss Fu, nice to meet you."

  A while later, several young masters and young ladies
showed up. Du Ke Xin introduced Du Xiao Li and them to each and every single one of them. However, while introducing, she didn't forget to mention that Du Xiao Li was a village girl in the past.

  Du Xiao Li looked to the room full of young boys and girls, feeling this Feng Ming's customs were still very open, nothing like those past feudal societies, where it was very strict for male and female to meet one another.

  When some people heard that Du Xiao Li and them were from the countryside, they let out a contemptuous look in their eyes. Some even directly ignored them. After getting to know each and every one of them, she sat back down at her own seat again and continued happily chatting with Fu Ya Lan.

  "Little sister Ke Xin, right now, everyone should've more or less all arrived, right?" Assistant Minister of War's daughter, Chen Yue said. She and Du Ke Xin's relationship was rather good, and normally addressed each other as sisters.

  (T/N: To avoid confusion, in a previous chapter, it mentioned that the nephew of the step-mother was also the assistant minister of war, however this girl has a different surname so there's either another assistant minister of war, or author glitched again. I tried checking whether it was possible for there to be more than one assistant minister for each department, but I didn't get a clear answer so I have no idea either.)

  Du Ke Xin looked around the room and said, "Still missing Princess Changle and Miss Ji. Additionally, there's also Gentleman Mo and Gentleman Shui."

  "Probably don't need to wait for those four, that Ji Liu Xia has always been disagreeable with you. She probably won't come today either." Chen Yue said.

  "Who said we won't come?" Just as Chen Yue's voice landed, Ji Liu Xia's voice came from outside the door. Next, the door was opened, and Ji Liu Xia and Han Ming Xiang walked in from outside.

  "Respectfully greeting Princess Changle." The roomful of people got up and bowed to Han Ming Xiang.

  "You're excused. I've merely just agreed to Miss Du's invitation today, and is also considered a guest, everyone doesn't need to be formal, you can be a bit more relaxed." Han Ming Xiang said.

  "Thanking Princess Changle." The people in the room all got up, sitting back down in their own seats.

  Du Xiao Li looked to Han Ming Xiang and Ji Liu Xia. After the two changed out of their riding clothes, they lost the heroic and valiant beauty from when they previously met, and added an air of composure.

  Han Ming Xiang glanced at Du Xiao Li and winked at her. She sat at the head seat of the guests, and Ji Liu Xia sat down at her side.

  "Alright, now only missing Gentleman Mo and Gentleman Shui." Someone said.

  "Those two probably won't come. When we gathered in the past, they've never come."

  Du Xiao Li turned to Fu Ya Lan at her said and asked, "Big sister Ya Lan, that Gentleman Mo and Gentleman Shui, who are they?"

  "Gentleman Mo is the Xinan governor-general's son, and Gentleman Shui is Jiangnan Wu county's governor-general's son. Gentleman Mo and Gentleman Shui are Four Way Academy's students. They're both well known figures in the academy, but they don't often participate in gatherings." Fu Ya Lan patiently explained to Du Xiao Li.

  "Aren't they currently at school? How can they come to the gathering?" Du Xiao Li puzzlingly asked.

  "Yesterday and today are public holidays." Fu Ya Lan said, "Else, why do you think there's so many people here?"

  "Are there people that are still studying?" Du Xiao Li asked.

  "Aside from Princess Changle, they all are students of the academy." Fu Ya Lan chuckled.

  "Those young ladies too? Aren't girls not allowed to enroll in school?" Du Xiao Li said in astonishment.

  "Pfft, how told you girls can't attend school?" Perhaps because Du Xiao Li's voice was a bit loud, the girl next to her heard her and instantly burst into laughter.

  "Eh, is that not it?" Du Xiao Li asked. Because she'd never thought of enrolling in school before, towards this matter, she's never paid attention to before. She even thought that it was just like the feudal era from history, where girls were only allowed to stay at home, embroider some flowers, play some zither and whatnot.

  The people in the room all went silent for two seconds, and them simultaneously began laughing. Fu Ya Lan said, "No, Four Way Academy has a school specially established for girls. Official family's daughters, as long as not married, all can study there, studying the four arts, literature and poetry. After reaching marriageable age, one can choose to not go, or when one reaches the teacher's requirement, can also apply for graduation. However, although everyone all resides in one place, boys and girls attend class separately, and girls can't participate in the imperial exam either."

  "It's actually this progressive! Girls can even attend school!" Du Xiao Li said with a sigh.

  (T/N: I just wanna facepalm---for a smart person MC's IQ sometimes isn't all there I feel---why do all the cliche transmig author go for the make MC dumb for comedy route------)

  "Not just our country is like this. Other countries' Imperial Academy also have girl's school. Sometimes, between the countries, there's even some competition."Fu Ya Lan added.

  "My third sister just arrived in the capital, so everyone don't laugh at her anymore. Let's wait for Gentleman Mo and them a little longer. Since the time is still early, how about we play some games?" Du Ke Xin said. Afterwards, she glanced at Du Xiao Li with ulterior motives.

  "Sister Ke Xin, what good ideas do you have?"

  Du Ke Xin had a cup placed on the table, and then looked to everyone, asking: "Have you all noticed anything different about this table?"

  T/N: I'm really glad there are more wholesome and nicer characters than the mean cliche villains. A few is enough to annoy me already. It makes me feel better that not everyone in the world is an ahole. I need wholesome content to fill my nonexistent heart. Anyways after next chapter the story improves when ML comes back. I'm so deprived of fluff right now.

  I've actually started listening to Mei Gong Qing's audiobook recently because I love ancient period political drama, but man that story is heavy. I'm not particularly a fan of petty backyard fights, but I love political schemes and tactics. It's why my all time favorite series till this day is still Nirvana in Fire, but a lot are super dark and depressing. ;;v;;)

  Ch. 062.1 – Army Outside the City Gates (1)

  Army Outside the City Gates (1)

  T/N: Chapter sponsored by Anon and ShiroiYukie! Thank you for sponsoring! ML doesn't appear until the very end, so don't get too excited lmaoo.

  Something different about the table?

  Everyone's gaze all shifted to the table, finally noticing that this table was much bigger than normal tables, and there was also a layer on top.

  "This table is actually double layered!?" Someone said in surprise.

  "Yes. Not only that, this table's top layer can even move." Du Ke Xin said and reached out to turn it. The layer on top began spinning. "I've asked the waiter, they said, this table is for when there's a lot of people, everyone can conveniently reach the dishes. Placing them on top of this, everyone can eat spinning this. Right now, I've placed a tea cup on this, and then spin this table. Whoever the teacup stops in front of, is who will have to perform a show for everyone. The tools for the four arts just happens to all be in this room too."

  "Ha, this method isn't bad." Someone seconded the motion.

  "Can be fun." Han Ming Xiang said.

  "Then let's begin." Du Ke Xin placed an empty cup on the round table, and began spinning the table. After the table spun around twice, she then let go, allowing the table to slowly stop.

  The first to get hit was Chen Yue. She didn't refuse either and recited a verse for everyone using tea as the main subject, winning an unanimous praise from everyone present.

  The second was Du Ke Xin herself. She borrowed the zither in the private room to a tune perform for everyone. The elegant and soothing tune made everyone's emotions all began stirring.

  "To have an abundance of skill, but not enough emotion." Du Xiao Li muttered to hers
elf as she drank the tea. She thought that everyone were all drawn in by the zither sound, and no one would hear her, but unexpectedly, Fu Ya Lan who was next to her glanced to her, somewhat surprised. However, that glance was quick and didn't attract the others' attention.

  In between, Du Xiu Heng also got picked once. He similarly used tea as an introduction and composed a poem.

  Because there was Du Ke Xin's seven-stringed zither performance in front, everyone behind all avoided this subject. Most completed their performance by composing a verse.

  Du Xiao Li sat in her own seat and watched those young masters and misses perform, sighing at the culture's diversity and openness. Poetry, verse, tune, all was there.

  "Oh, this time it's your younger sister's turn." The tea cup stopped in front of Du Xiao Li, and someone said to Du Ke Xin with a laugh.

  "Younger sister, you can just randomly perform something for everyone." Du Ke Xin looked to Du Xiao Li and said.

  "What talent would she have, don't tell me she's going to explain to everyone how to plant in the fields?" A boy next to Chen Yue said. Du Xiao Li glanced over. That was Chen Yue's younger brother Chen Ming.

  The atmosphere in the room instantly turned somewhat awkward, especially Du Ke Xin and Du Ke Hui's looks were somewhat not good, but didn't say anything. However, although they wanted to look natural at all cost, Du Xiao Li still discovered a trace of smugness in Du Ke Xin's eyes.

  "Then I'll just sing a song then." Du Xiao Li said.

  "What instrument does third sister want to use?" Du Ke Xin asked.

  Du Xiao Li shook her head, she was too lazy to move her hands. "I'll just sing directly, is that okay?"

  "I was just saying, what talent would she have." Chen Yue said.

  Normally, when everyone performed, no one would choose to sing, unless they didn't know anything else. So as soon as Du Xiao Li said she was going to sing, everyone all subconsciously believed she didn't have any talents. After all, she grew up in a farming village, not knowing any talents was very normal.