CHAPTER 441: CHAPTER 441: THE COMING-OF-AGE CEREMONY (PART 5)

Lu Qi was waiting for this sentence and immediately smiled, "Thank you, Prince Consort."

The Fan Yang Lu Family knew full well the situation of Lu Xuan at the Nanyang Prince Mansion. Regardless of anything, Lu Xuan was always the biological father of the Commandery Princess. For the Commandery Princess’s marriage, Lu Xuan, as the father, would always have a say. Whether successful or not, we must give it a try.

Lu Xuan smiled reservedly, looking at his cousin’s face full of accompanying smiles; he felt a sense of pride and satisfaction arise spontaneously.

Back in the day, whether it was Lu Cong or Lu Qi, they were all legitimate heirs far beyond his reach. And now, they had to be respectful and polite to him, didn’t they?

Therefore, no matter how much he had to swallow his pride, he had to stay at the Nanyang Prince Mansion. Without the mansion, he was nothing. Only by staying here could he be Lu Junma, and everyone had to bow and show goodwill and flattery.

Old Madam Xue was supported as she walked out. Chief Historian Chen personally presided over the Commandery Princess’s coming of age ceremony and announced aloud, "Auspicious hour has come. Would the honorable guests please take their seats for the ceremony?"

Jiang Shaohua, dressed in a ruqun, walked out with a smile and bowed to her father, Lu Xuan. This was the first bow.

After that, the chief guest, Old Madam Xue, placed a hairpin on the Commandery Princess’s head, and the Commandery Princess changed into a formal deep gown and bowed again.

Then, Old Madam Xue placed a pin crown on the Commandery Princess, who changed into a grand robe with wide sleeves, and performed a third bow.

The coming of age ceremony was solemn and grand, lasting an entire hour.

"The Commandery Princess has finally come of age."

Sitting in the distinguished guests’ seats to observe the ceremony, Mr. Zhao turned his head and smiled at Eunuch Ge beside him, "Look at today’s Nanyang Prince Mansion; honored guests are as numerous as clouds, it’s so lively."

Eunuch Ge smiled knowingly and whispered, "It’s a pity that the Commandery Princess insists on bringing in a husband-in-law. Otherwise, if Wang She Ren and Zheng Sheren had come today, it would have been even livelier."

The two eunuchs, lacking descendants, had an air of vulgarity when discussing matters of love between men and women.

Mr. Zhao, idle and with nothing to do, began to comment on the brightly dressed young men: "Xue Qilang from the Xue Family, it’s heard that his studies are average and he is merely the nephew of Governor Xue. Even if the Commandery Princess wanted a marriage alliance, he wouldn’t qualify."

"Cui Jiulang from the Qinghe Cui Family, in terms of background, is indeed the best. Unfortunately, he is just an embroidered pillow. Think about it, any son with real talent and learning wouldn’t be content to become a husband-in-law."

"The young man brought by the Fan Yang Lu Family is the grandson of the Lu Family head’s daughter; his background also isn’t enough. However, his face is quite handsome. He might catch the Commandery Princess’s eye..."

Eunuch Ge glanced at Mr. Zhao, thinking the Commandery Princess is not a foolish girl who judges by appearance alone.

Mr. Zhao became more enthusiastic, assessing each of the dozen young men one by one, finally concluding, "...They all pale in comparison to Elder Changning."

Eunuch Ge chuckled softly, "Isn’t that obvious? Elder Changning’s abilities are unmatched within the entire court. The Nanyang County Princess has been building momentum for Elder Changning all along. He has a title and the support of the Boling Cui Family behind him; these embroidered pillows are no match for Elder Changning."

The two eunuchs chatted idly while eyeing Cui Du, not far away.

In terms of appearance, Cui Du wasn’t as good as Qiao Sanlang but was still top-notch. Today, wearing the Earl’s ceremonial robes, his demeanor stood out among the crowd, like a peacock displaying its feathers, exceptionally noticeable.

After the coming of age ceremony was completed, the honored guests moved to take their seats.

Usually, after completing a girl’s coming of age ceremony, she wouldn’t make an appearance. However, at the Nanyang Prince Mansion, there was no such rule. Jiang Shaohua changed out of her ceremony dress, donned the Commandery Princess attire, and sat calmly at the head table.

Seated with her were Governor Xue, Old Madam Xue, Chen and Feng, the two Chief Historians. There was also Lu Junma, Lu Qi from the Fan Yang Lu Family, and Cui Ping from the Boling Cui Family. As for other family delegates or those sent by the Northern Governors, their rank wasn’t high enough to sit with the Commandery Princess.

"Invite Elder Changning to this table," Jiang Shaohua instructed with a smile.

The housekeeper, Ma, immediately responded, and shortly after, Cui Du came over.

Cui Du, usually casual, was exceptionally sharp and sensible today, perhaps advised by someone, and deliberately sat at the last seat, greeting everyone with the manners of a junior.

Chief Historian Feng glanced at Chief Historian Chen.

The booklet you spent days on seems unnecessary now.

Chief Historian Chen stroked his beard with a smile, feeling rather complacent.

How could it be useless?

If Elder Changning hadn’t been so eager to "volunteer his services," and the Commandery Princess hadn’t given Elder Changning face in public, what would the current situation be like without his aid?

Chief Historian Feng looked at his old friend’s smug face and couldn’t help but laugh. This old thing is full of cunning tricks.

This table’s actions were noted by all. Seeing Elder Changning seated with the Commandery Princess, those with intentions of marriage felt a pang of regret.

Old Madam Xue, however, was undaunted and steadfast in her resolve, smiling at the Commandery Princess, "It’s rare for me to visit the Nanyang Prince Mansion; I shamelessly wish to stay a few days."

Jiang Shaohua smiled slightly, "Such a noble guest, I’ve always wanted to invite you without success; please feel at ease and stay."

Old Madam Xue smiled contentedly, "I’ll be intruding then."

Governor Xue glanced at his elderly mother, feeling helpless.

...

More than just Old Madam Xue stayed shamelessly. The people from Qinghe Cui Family and Fan Yang Lu Family also stayed.

The rest, realizing they had no hope for courtship, all took their leave. Ultimately, those who remained included Xue Qilang, Qiao Sanlang, and Master Cui Jiu.

Old Madam Xue was the most blatant, leading her grandson Xue Qilang to linger in front of the Commandery Princess every day. She kept saying, "My family’s Qilang has been diligent and progressive since childhood, waking up early and staying up late, always hardworking in his studies."

Xue Qilang’s face burned with embarrassment from the compliments.

Xue Liuniang couldn’t bear to listen anymore, lightly coughing, "This year’s government exam, seventh brother didn’t pass. Next year, seventh brother must work hard to strive for a scholar’s title."

Don’t boast anymore. Without even a scholar’s title, what face is there to talk about being diligent and progressive?

Xue Qilang’s handsome face flushed red, feeling like sitting on pins and needles.

Old Madam Xue was unfazed, continuing to praise her grandson’s filial piety, good temperament, and appearance, finding no fault at all.

Jiang Shaohua was quite well-bred and didn’t argue, listening with a smile. Occasionally, she even agreed with a word or two.

"To report to the Commandery Princess," the housekeeper Ma came to report back, "County Magistrate Cui and Mrs. Cui are seeking an audience outside."

The couple, County Magistrate Cui and his wife, reluctantly had to deal with family, braving it out to bring Cui Jiulang to meet the Commandery Princess.

"To report to the Commandery Princess, the Lu clan members and Lu Junma have come."

Chen Jinyu reported softly.

Since they had come, they couldn’t just send them away.

Jiang Shaohua nodded slightly, "Invite them all in."

Thus, Lu Xuan and Lu Qi brought the jade-like-faced Qiao Sanlang into the main hall.

Everyone loves to look at beauty. Jiang Shaohua couldn’t help but glance at Qiao Sanlang.

Lu Qi’s heart was pleased, thinking mother and daughter seemed quite similar, both appreciating beauty. As long as Qiao Sanlang could enter the Prince Mansion as a husband-in-law, the Fan Yang Lu Family’s relationship with the Nanyang Prince Mansion would become even closer.

The atmosphere in the main hall was quite delicate.

Old Madam Xue felt somewhat irritated in her heart—Cui Jiulang had the best family background, Qiao Sanlang had the best appearance. In comparison, her grandson had no advantage at all.

Just at this moment, Elder Changning, Cui Du, also arrived.