Chapter 402 Communication
Chapter 402 Communication
As soon as Qin Huiyin got off the carriage, an old maid came to greet her and took her to Chang Xiaohuan's place.
Today's banquet was a bit complicated, and she didn't know what would happen, so she didn't bring Tang Luwu with her. In fact, Tang Luwu didn't like such gatherings, so it was better for her to be at her own ease.
Qin Huiyin thought she was good at interpersonal communication, but after arriving in Beijing, she found that such interpersonal communication was very tiring. If possible, she would rather stay in her own little world and entertain herself.
Unfortunately, it’s impossible. She can’t keep a low profile even if she wants to. Lord Tang’s sister, who comes from a grassroots background, must show her face in front of others to let others know that their upbringing is no worse than those from aristocratic families.
She had to manage the situation today. First, she couldn't be too flamboyant, so her performance couldn't be too impressive. Second, she couldn't embarrass her brother, so she had to leave a lasting impression.
It takes a few tricks to control such a degree. However, none of this stumped her. As a modern person, controlling her score is an innate talent.
"Sister Qin." Chang Xiaohuan came over. "The other sisters are here, why are you here just now? You have to run a few more laps later, otherwise we won't let you go."
Qin Huiyin smiled and said, "Sister, I don't dare to show off my skills in front of Guan Gong. You invited me here, so if I lose face, you can't blame me."
"Don't worry, you are so handsome. Even if you fall off the horse, there will be people rushing over to act as a cushion for you, and your beautiful face will not be damaged." Chang Xiaohuan covered his mouth and chuckled.
Chang Xiaohuan brought Qin Huiyin to the gathering place. Thirty or forty officials and noble ladies had already gathered. Each one was dressed in gorgeous attire, like butterflies in a garden, competing for beauty.
As soon as Qin Huiyin appeared, people around her looked over, including Cui Lingyao.
Cui Lingyao was wearing a moon-white riding suit. Her hair was simply combed and tied up high. As she moved, her hair swung into beautiful arcs, making her look pure and playful.
It's obvious that Miss Cui has a good image designer. Her face is pure and harmless, so she should go for this kind of white flower style. Once she crosses the line, there will be nothing to watch.
Looking at the others, they are all dressed up and fancy, and I don’t know if they can run when they enter the racecourse.
Beside Cui Lingyao were two noble ladies, and judging by their attire, it was clear they were not ordinary people. Zhu Hongxiu and Gong Qianyue were also there with the two noble ladies, and judging by their positions, they must be the most prestigious of the female guests present.
Qin Huiyin had never seen those two people before and didn't know their identities. She was worried that she would be impolite later, so she asked Chang Xiaohuan about the two people's origins in advance.
"The one in red is Princess Yuanying," Chang Xiaohuan said. "She is the legitimate daughter of Prince Zhong and is deeply loved. The one in blue is Princess Minghua, the daughter of Princess Jinglan."
Qin Huiyin understood.
Both of them are royal relatives.
"That person looks unfamiliar. I haven't seen him before." Princess Yuanying looked at Qin Huiyin, her gaze fixed on that face.
"She is the younger sister of Lord Tang, the Minister of History." Cui Lingyao said with a smile, "With such beauty, if she had grown up in the capital, she would have been famous long ago."
"Just a common woman." Princess Yuanying curled her lips with disdain. "That Tang woman is from a commoner family. I'm afraid his sister has never even seen a horse, right?"
"I heard that Miss Qin is an expert in business," said another noblewoman. "She started from scratch and supports her family with her own abilities. She's no ordinary person!"
"I want to see how extraordinary she is."
Cui Lingyao looked at Qin Huiyin.
Princess Yuanying's brother committed a crime, but no one dared to take his case to the court. He encountered inspector Tang Yichen, who, predictably, took the victim's complaint directly before the emperor. Princess Yuanying's brother was thus taken to the border, becoming a fifth-rank general, barred from returning to the capital without meritorious service. Her mother wept until she went blind, and Princess Yuanying resented Tang Yichen from that moment on.
"Just riding a horse is boring, how about we have a competition?" Princess Yuanying said, "Everyone bring out an item as a prize. The first place winner picks five items, the second place winner picks three, the third place winner picks two, and then everyone picks one item after that. However, the last few will not only be ineligible to choose, but will also be punished."
When everyone heard this, they became interested.
Of course, they knew how to ride, as they dared to come to the horse farm. Winning wasn't really important, as everyone present was familiar, and everyone knew their skills.
The noble ladies praised Princess Yuanying's good idea. At this time, Qin Huiyin saw the skills of flattery in various ways.
No matter how glorious these noble ladies were outside, they were still divided into different classes in such occasions. The rank of their family determined their status here.
Gong Qianyue came over and said to Qin Huiyin, "How's your riding skill, sister?"
Qin Huiyin was distressed: "I can only say that I won't fall off the horse."
"It's okay. It doesn't matter if you lose. It's just for fun." Gong Qianyue comforted, "I'll accompany you later."
"Sister, please don't sacrifice yourself for me. I will feel so guilty that I won't be able to sleep. You just rush ahead and pick out something good to comfort me." Qin Huiyin said.
Zhu Hongxiu said, "The princess just loves to play. She always finds something fun to entertain everyone. She won't really embarrass anyone, so don't be afraid."
Zhu Hongxiu and Gong Qianyue went to choose horses.
Today, the princess and the county lady are present, and the noble ladies almost surround them. A small figure like Qin Huiyin has been marginalized. Apart from being amazed by her appearance, few people take her seriously.
That's good.
She didn't want to be the center of attention in such an occasion.
Gong Qianyue's sister Gong Qianshu came over and said to Qin Huiyin, "Be careful when riding a horse later."
Qin Huiyin had no contact with the Sixth Miss of the Gong family. They didn't even say a word to each other at the last party. She suddenly reminded herself of this today, and there must be a reason for it.
"Miss Gong Liu, my makeup today is a little cakey. Do you have any pearl powder?" Qin Huiyin said, holding Gong Qianshu's hand.
Gong Qianshu looked around and found that everyone else had gone to choose horses and nodded to her.
Gong Qianshu is the concubine's daughter of the eldest son and has a low presence in daily life.
"Miss Gong Liu, why did you ask me to be more careful on my horse just now?"
"That Princess Yuanying has an old grudge against your brother." Gong Qianshu lowered her voice and said, "I overheard it by chance. I just guessed she would embarrass you, but I can't be sure it's true. However, it's always better to be cautious."
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