Chapter 49: Slapping in the Face

A few days later, it was Chengguang's birthday feast, and the Cheng family set up a sumptuous banquet, becoming the new topic of conversation in Mingdu after-dinner chats.
However, news of a woman causing a disturbance in the Muguogong Mansion on the day of the birthday feast soon spread, and there were immediately new rumors in the city of Mingdu.
On the day of the Grand Duke's event, there were two banquets arranged at the Mu State Duke's Mansion, one inside and one outside the mansion. The flowing water banquet was set up outside the mansion, which may appear to be quite grand in scale. However, this had been reported and approved by the emperor beforehand, and only then did the family dare to set it up in such a manner.
This flowing feast not only demonstrates the love and importance that the Mu Duke Mansion has for the Crown Prince Chengguang, but also showcases the deep favor the Cheng family has gained from the Emperor. By openly displaying the Emperor's favor, it not only invites the envy of others, but also silences some imperial censors' criticisms. For this year's birthday celebration of Chengguang, the Mu Duke Mansion cannot afford any mistakes or flaws.
Outside the government, people were enjoying themselves, while inside the government were the close friends and colleagues of Duke Mu, gathered together in a elegant setting reminiscent of flowing wine and winding rivers. The renowned chef from Cuiyang Tower was invited to prepare the feast, and as the guests sat around the table, the cups and dishes were passed around, accompanied by soft whispers and lively conversations, creating an equally festive atmosphere as outside.
For such an important occasion, the Mu Duke's residence prepared for several days, and the maids and servants serving at the table even rehearsed in advance. But for some reason, a strange woman managed to sneak past the entrance gate and successfully made it to the table inside the residence.
She was wearing a honey-colored coat, and the rest was dazzling crimson - a wedding dress embroidered with gold flying phoenixes - it was obvious that she was not a kind person.
Although the birthday banquet of Cheng Guang was not hastily ended because of this, when that woman started making a scene... No, it shouldn't be said that she was making a scene, she was just silently shedding tears, her eyes filled with eager anticipation when Cheng Guang appeared.
She did not say anything inappropriate, but her presence in this occasion was inappropriate itself. Because of this unexpected situation, although the banquet at the Mu Duke Mansion continued, it was unknown how many people on the table were able to fully concentrate on their meal.
In this world, there are no walls that are not ventilated. Let alone setting up a flowing feast when hosting visitors at home, even if one is not seated in the mansion, they would still know what is happening inside, right? On that day alone, countless rumors spread throughout the capital, and the name of Prince Chengguo, Cheng Guang, became known to everyone.
Rumors grow with each passing person's mouth, gradually adding some other people's imaginations.
Cheng Guangben has never hidden his promiscuity, but this once innocent promiscuity has now become tainted. Some people would jokingly comment on his handsome appearance and charming nature, saying that just by meeting him once, even the hearts of the women in the pleasure quarter could be captured, leading to gossip about becoming either a concubine or a maid in his backyard.
Behind his back, it is unknown how many people mocked him for being "unselective in his appetite", preferring to sleep with women who are not of high status, instead of the noble ladies.
"This is really strange. Cheng Guang has had a reputation for being a womanizer for a long time. How come there is now a girl who refuses to marry anyone other than him? I heard she is even a geisha invited to play music at banquets." Although Yan Jiuye was bedridden due to illness and her family did not specifically tell her about these "irrelevant" matters, she couldn't resist the curiosity of Lian Chi, who spent the whole day outside and loved to watch the crowds. Therefore, the happenings in the Mu State Duke's Mansion were immediately turned into entertaining anecdotes to amuse her by Lian Chi.
连皌见她投来别有深意的一眼，忙撇清道：“可不是我的手笔！这手段一点也不高明，叫人一眼便能看出背后有人指使，或许是幕后的人蠢笨，亦或是不上心，只求打一打成家的脸面罢。我若是要用成广的风流做文章，出手必定是杀招，你可不要小瞧了我呀。”
In the past, she knew that Cheng Guang did not care about the Ye family at all, and even had no intention of marrying Yan Jiuye and bringing her home as a decoration. He was constantly entangled in the red light district, playing with those low-born women, and falsely called them "close confidantes." Even Xiaoke was burning with anger and almost wanted to burst out and kill.
But then I realized that Yan Jiu Ye never took this marriage seriously. It was originally a passing thought from the lady of the Xie family, mentioned half-jokingly. Now that they are married, why should they care about the Ye family? Why bother making a fuss about an unrelated person?
Even though Cheng Guang revealed his promiscuous nature a long time ago, Liang Hao has never taken the initiative to do anything about it.
Yan Jiuye nodded after listening, indicating that he understood, and then stopped caring about this matter.
When Lian Xi returned to the mansion this time, it was because she had another matter to report. She spoke with a strange expression: "Now that the New Year is approaching, I have prepared all the gifts for the visitors. However, unexpectedly, I received a letter yesterday, signed by Yan Rudaomen, saying that the time has come and they have prepared a small gift for you, Master, to show their intentions."
This "Ghostman" has always been elusive, just like his nickname suggests - like a ghost. He recently caused quite a stir on the Azure Sparrow Island, playing tricks on almost everyone there. Even after Yanyu Ye went to confront him, he didn't seem to show any restraint. He claimed that someone had sent him to seek Yanyu Ye's help, but his actions are too mysterious to be easily believed.
God knows, since that night when Yan Jiuye met Yan Rendao, the last thing he wanted to hear was the word "opportunity." That old man said he came with sincerity to seek cooperation with Yan Jiuye, but he was unwilling to reveal his client - he said the time was not yet right.
Although Yan Rudo's words do not show much respect and seem to be doing things for the people behind him in exchange for benefits, he also implies to Yan Jiuye not to let go and investigate the people behind him - he still slyly says that the timing is not right yet.
The feeling of losing control is not pleasant. Yan Jiu Ye slightly furrowed his brows and asked, "So, what about the gift that is meant to express my feelings? Is it here now?"
Li Xiang's mouth twitched and he said, "It has arrived in Mingdu, but we still have to wait for the right moment to deliver it to the master's hands."
“Huh.” Yan Jiuye smirked without a smile. "Since the letter was delivered to you, when the time comes, the things you are supposed to give me will naturally be delivered there. It's good, I've been bored at home for a few days, and I was just thinking of going out to relax."
After a few days, rumors about Cheng Guang in Mingdu City were gradually replaced by other strange stories. Yan Jiuye's body also recovered and he happened to have something to do and needed to go out.
Young Master Ye looked at the cute and lovely appearance of servant Yan Jiuye, seemed to have many words to say, but didn't know where to start for a moment.
Yan Jiuye's eyes were bright, with a hint of show-off, turned around in front of Ye Gan and asked, "How do I look?"
Ye Quan complimented with a lot of face: "It's truly amazing."
He knew that his sister would encounter situations that required her to disguise as a man when she was out and about, but he didn't expect that when she dressed up, despite having the same face, she used some strange methods. Even with her beautiful appearance, standing in front of people, no one could ignore the fact that she was a girl.