At three-quarters past seven in the evening, the glass lamps in the Dingbei Marquis Manor’s floral hall were lit one after another, illuminating the winding flower gallery as brightly as day. As Jiang Wan steadied her father, Shen Mingyuan, in his seat, she caught a glimpse of Jiang Rou sitting diagonally opposite, adjusting her skirt before a bronze mirror. The water-red pomegranate skirt was embroidered with twin lotuses, glowing with a brilliant luster under the candlelight—it was a precious garment that Madame Li had specifically ordered retrieved from the storeroom that morning.
"You are all honored guests today," Shen Mingyuan said, raising his wine cup and scanning the high-ranking officials and nobles at the banquet. "My daughter is a bit headstrong, and it is a rare occasion for her to host a banquet, so I hope you will all be generous with your guidance."
"You are too modest, Marquis," the wife of the Minister of Personnel replied with a smile and a clap of her hands. "We have heard that both your daughters are talented and beautiful; today, we must feast our eyes."
Chapter 16