Chapter 93 - You Dare to Cause Trouble Today?

In the capital city, the streets and alleys were filled with people, and they all gathered together and talked in a low voice about today’s liveliest scene in Prefectural Princess Zhaohua’s Mansion.

“The gift from Vice Minister Shen is really precious. I’m afraid that the gold and silver jewelry in that box can be used for several years if she uses one piece every day.”

“That’s nothing. You didn’t see the gift from Princess Anning. That’s what you call a rare gift.”

“No, no, what you said is wrong. I’ve heard people say that the gift from His Majesty is really precious…”

The crowd gathered together and argued with great vigor as if they had seen those treasures with their own eyes.

Inside the Prefectural Princess Mansion, Shen Ninghua was sitting in front of the mirror. After she removed all the extra accessories on her body, she was only wearing a simple white dress. Then she loosened her long hair behind her.

Hong Ling carefully reached out to touch her hair and exclaimed, “Miss, people say that hair is as beautiful as silk, but I never believed it. After seeing your hair, I find their words are totally wrong. Your hair is like water. I’m afraid that I will stain it if I touch it with my rough hand.”

Shen Ninghua was amused by her words. “Look, what a sweet mouth you’ve got today. Looks like you want a big red packet from me.”

“No, I’m only speaking the truth.”

“Alright, I believe your sincerity.”

Bai Ruo walked in with a tray and a pair of plain embroidered shoes on it. “Miss, the guests in the front yard have already taken their seats. The Second Lady asked me to invite you over.”

Shen Ninghua put on the shoes and folded her hands slightly in front of her. “Let’s go.”

Shen Ninghua’s fifteenth birthday ceremony must be held with the presence of her elders. Because of what had happened to the Shen family, she invited her second uncle, Shen Liang, and her second aunt, Madam Su, to be the guests of honor. The two of them stood on the steps of the hall and smiled as they looked at the figure slowly walking in from the door.

The guests who came to watch the ceremony had heard of Shen Ninghua’s beauty, but when they thought of the requirement of getting rid of all the decorations at the ceremony, many people had the idea of watching a good show in their hearts, especially some young ladies from aristocratic families who had always paid attention to their appearances. Shen Ninghua was hailed as the number one beauty in the capital. Although they agreed on the surface, who knew how jealous they were in their hearts!

However, the moment Shen Ninghua appeared, everyone present was shocked. She was dressed in white and her long hair lay on her back. Other than that, there were no other decorations on her. However, her elegance did not diminish by the slightest amount. On the contrary, because she did not have any other accessories that would distract people’s attention, her beauty became even more shocking. Everyone’s gaze was focused on her face.

She carefully drew her eyebrows with cosmetic Dai stone. Her resplendent dark eyes against the slender eyebrow looked like a pool of clear water condensing the best colors in the world. Nobody could find anything comparable to them.

The Master of Ceremony was stunned for a few seconds before he regained his senses. He hurriedly announced in a loud voice, “Please take your seats. The ceremony now begins!”

Everyone restored their senses and followed Shen Ninghua into the hall.

Madam Su sat in the seat reserved for the guest of honor. Qing Que held a basin in her hand for Madam Su to clean her hands and then handed over the comb.

Shen Ninghua smiled and walked forward. She knelt on the futon and said, “Thank you, uncle and aunt, for coming to help me preside the ceremony.”

Madam Su smiled and looked at her. “No need to thank your family members. My eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law are in trouble and can’t personally help you complete the ceremony. I, as your aunt, should definitely help you. You are the main character today. Just sit there comfortably. I have already arranged for everything else.”

Shen Ninghua revealed a sincere smile. In her previous life, she was almost transparent in the Shen family. No one remembered her fifteenth birthday, let alone holding such a big celebration banquet. This regret was finally made up for her today.

“On this auspicious day, I dress you up in the clothes of an adult. From today on, you will abandon your dream in your childhood and start your ambition as a grown-up. Keep a dignified bearing and cultivate moral excellence. Wish you longevity, wealth and good luck.”

With the announcement of the Master of Ceremony, Madam Su carefully wrapped up Shen Ninghua’s long hair with an exquisite jade carved hairpin.

Shen Liang picked up a red dress and draped it over Shen Ninghua.

Shen Ninghua was dressed in gorgeous clothes, and her sharp eyes were filled with an imposing aura. Her beauty was beyond description.

The guests lavished in their praises. For a moment, all kinds of compliments filled the entire hall.

The Master of Ceremony smiled and announced loudly, “The praiser, please step forward.”

Everyone’s gaze was focused on the entrance of the hall. Praisers on such a ceremony were usually friends, brothers or sisters of the birthday girl. Shen Ninghua had invited her younger brother, Shen Xuanhua.

However, no one expected that Princess Anning would be the one, wearing a ceremonial gown.

Baili Anning’s face was full of smiles. “Ninghua, I hope don’t mind me robbing your brother of his task.”

Shen Ninghua smiled. “Not at all. I also want to thank you, Your Highness. This time, you committed a good robbery.”

“Haha, that’s what you said.” Baili Anning stepped forward and couldn’t help but sigh when she saw the exquisite and peerless face. No wonder Second Elder Brother was so obsessed with this girl. Her appearance was too soul-seizing. As she thought about it, she gently held the jade hairpin and said, “Congratulations, Ninghua.”

Shen Ninghua nodded in thanks and respectfully kowtowed towards the direction of the imperial palace.

At this point, the fifteenth birthday ceremony was halfway through.

“Here is the imperial decree!”

Shen Ninghua had just finished her ceremonies and before she could get up, the eunuch who came to announce the imperial decree strode in.

Everyone hurriedly knelt down to receive the imperial decree.

“With the Heaven’s Blessings, His Majesty hereby announced that Prefectural Princess Zhaohua is fifteen years old today. I am very relieved. I have specially ordered the Internal Affairs Department to make a crown as a token of congratulation to wish my daughter safe and sound in the future!”

This imperial decree was somewhat written in a strange style. It was more like what His Majesty wanted to say to Shen Ninghua than a decree. This intimate tone made people realize Shen Ninghua’s position in his heart.

“Thank you, Father Emperor. Long Live Your Majesty! Long Live Your Majesty! Long Live Your Majesty!”

A eunuch brought in a tray on which a crown was shining with brilliance. Decorated with gold threads, jade, precious stones and pearls, the crown was extremely luxurious. It took an incredible amount of effort to make these precious materials fit together in a perfect way.

Madam Su stepped forward. She carefully took over the crown and helped Shen Ninghua wear it. For a moment, the Spiritual Qi of Heaven and Earth seemed to be attracted over, making people almost feel that a celestial fairy from the Nine-fold Heavens had descended from the sky.

The flattery speech at the banquet was especially loud. His Majesty had clearly expressed his favor for Shen Ninghua. No one dared to cause trouble for Shen Ninghua at this time.

“The Crown Prince presents a gift.”

“His Highness Prefectural Prince De presents a gift.”

“The Third Prince, Fourth Prince, and Fifth Prince…”

After Baili Qingcang’s imperial decree was announced, princes’ gifts were sent over one after another, almost dazzling everyone present for a while.

The hall was filled with all sorts of precious treasures, which were so numerous that they made too big a feast for people’s eyes.

Baili Anning exclaimed in a low voice from the side. Her brothers had probably emptied one-third of their private storehouses. Their gifts were too precious.

The hall slowly quieted down. Many people stared at the door and wanted to see how many gifts this Prefectural Princess could receive.

A loud and clear announcement sounded.

“Shen Linghan sends a gift.”

Shen Linghan? Wasn’t she Shen Ninghua’s Second Younger Sister, the one who had been demoted to a commoner?

Immediately, many people started to look at Shen Ninghua in astonishment and doubt, secretly observing her expression.

Shen Ninghua turned her head and signaled for Bai Ruo to personally go out and present the gift that Shen Linghan had sent.

Shen Linghan followed behind Bai Ruo with a faint blush on her cheeks and a trace of shame and unease. With her big and watery eyes, she aroused people’s affection and care for her.

Bai Ruo handed over the tray in her hand and lifted the red cloth. On the tray, several handkerchiefs embroidered with orchids were stacked neatly.

“Greetings, Eldest Sister.” Shen Linghan curtsied and looked up at Shen Ninghua embarrassedly. “Congratulations on your fifteenth birthday, Eldest Sister. I should have prepared a generous gift, but…because of the special circumstances, I can only give you the handkerchiefs that I personally embroidered. I hope you don’t mind. I wish you luck and success in the future.”

There was a faint discussion in the crowd. The so-called “special circumstances” naturally meant the Shen family had been confiscated and its family members were demoted to commoners. Only Shen Ninghua received His Majesty’s reward. Not to mention her being crowned as a Prefectural Princess, she also received countless precious gifts on the day of her fifteenth birthday ceremony. The difference between the two sisters was truly stunning.

Especially thought-provoking was Shen Linghan’s last blessing about success… If Shen Ninghua achieved success but her relatives were still living in hardship, this kind of comparison would absolutely make people think a little deeper.

Shen Linghan lowered her head, and her eyes flashed with complacency. People were inclined to sympathize with the weak. She was now in trouble, but Shen Ninghua was favored by everyone. The more humble she appeared, the more sympathy she would receive from others.

Shen Ninghua watched her performance coldly, and the temperature in her eyes became colder. Shen Linghan had improved a lot during this period of time. Although this move was simple and crude, it was really effective.

An ordinary person would probably be caught off guard, but Shen Ninghua was not an ordinary person, so she wouldn’t be forced into embarrassment by Shen Linghan.

“Younger sister, I’m very happy that you can come. Even if you send me a feather, I will still cherish it. How can I feel disappointed about it? Bai Ruo, take my sister to the backyard for dinner.”

Shen Linghan raised her eyes. Her eyes were already filled with tears. “Eldest Sister, there’s no need to arrange meal for me. I am just an ignorant bumpkin now. I don’t dare to embarrass you.”

“Younger sister, what you said is wrong. You were only demoted to a commoner, even if you were a convicted criminal, my door will always be open to you. If it weren’t for the ladies and young ladies present today, I would definitely arrange a seat for you.”

When other people heard this, they immediately understood. Shen Linghan was not a convicted criminal, but Zhao Yunxiang was.

According to the laws of the Da’an Dynasty, if the mother was convicted, her children were not allowed to enter the court for three years. Shen Linghan’s arrival today was a great disrespect of the etiquette. If she were allowed to be seated in the hall and have a meal with the guests, rumors that the ladies and young ladies of various families showed no respect to etiquette would probably spread throughout the streets and alleys tomorrow.

This was an understatement. If dug a little deeper, His Majesty had just given his conviction for the Shen family, and today so many people attended a banquet with Shen Linghan. Was this an expression of their dissatisfaction with His Majesty’s judgment? Or did they have other ideas?

Although they wanted to watch the show, they didn’t want to get themselves dirty.

Shen Linghan’s face turned pale. She stood in the distance and almost wanted to find a crack in the ground to bury herself.

Someone around said mockingly, “Shen Linghan, it is already very merciful for Her Highness to let you in. Don’t be insatiable.”

“That’s right. Is this a place that anyone can come in?”

“That’s right.”

Shen Ninghua stood up and walked to the front of Shen Linghan. She took off an emerald bracelet from her wrist and handed it over. “Sister, listen to my advice and let Bai Ruo take you down to have some food. When the banquet is over, I will follow you to visit father. Take this bracelet as my return gift for you.”

“No, how can I take your gift?” Shen Linghan’s expression was stiff, but she had no choice but to keep a forced smile. If she lost face on this occasion, she would have no chance to turn the table again.

Shen Ninghua looked at her disapprovingly. “We are sisters. A bracelet is too small a gift in my eyes. Don’t decline. Quickly put it on.”

As she spoke, she directly held onto Shen Linghan’s hand and wanted to put the bracelet on her hand. As Shen Linghan struggled fiercely, her sleeves slid down and her wrists were revealed. On each of her wrists was an exquisite glass jade bracelet. As they swayed, a faint radiance was emitted. Clearly, the bracelets were very valuable.