usatvline Chapter 432: Birthday Banquet Incident
Chapter 432: Birthday Banquet Incident
In the next few days, Jiang Suining and the others focused almost all their energy on Concubine Shu's birthday banquet.
Yang Manman didn't cause any more trouble.
Ever since she was slapped by Lu Yan in the Imperial Garden, she hated him so much, but she couldn't find a chance to take revenge.
As for the preparations for this banquet, Yang Manman didn't want to get involved at all.
Just as Jiang Suining had said before, she had already thought about it. If everything went well, she would also be able to get some credit for it.
If the preparations don't go smoothly, she'll use her exclusion as an excuse to say she had no chance to participate at all and put all the blame on others.
Yang Manman's little plan was so loud that others naturally noticed it.
He Qingrui was dissatisfied and wanted to file a complaint to Queen Shi about the matter, but was stopped by Jiang Suining and Lu Yan.
Although this birthday banquet seemed to be handed over to them on the surface, it was after all a major event in the palace. It was impossible for Queen Shi not to secretly send people to keep an eye on it. How could Yang Manman's thoughts be hidden from Queen Shi?
Everything was being prepared in full swing. In addition to the usual birthday banquet arrangements, because Concubine Shu liked orchids, especially lotus orchids, a large area of lotus orchids would be arranged at this birthday banquet.
"The flowering period of Cymbidium should be in early spring, where do so many of them come from?" Wei Yao was surprised when she saw a whole row of shelves of Cymbidiums in the greenhouse.
"I heard that Concubine Shu's mother's family specially cultivated them to celebrate Concubine Shu's birthday. They spent a lot of effort on them and they were only transported to the palace greenhouse two days ago." Jiang Suining spoke as he carefully examined the orchids.
The flowers are rich in color and the plant shape is beautiful. It seems that a lot of effort has been put into cultivating such a good Cymbidium orchid in this season.
"So that's how it is. But since we've put so much effort into it, there must be no mistakes. Can these flowers in this greenhouse last until the birthday party?" Wei Yao was a little worried.
"The people in charge of the palace's flower rooms are all experienced gardeners, so there won't be any problems. But just in case, we'll come and check on them every day." Jiang Suining stood up and spoke.
Wei Yao nodded in response.
After confirming that there was no problem with the lotus orchid, the two went to the kitchen to check the day's menu and confirm dietary restrictions and other issues.
From flowers to food and drinks, to seating arrangements and performances, and even the arrangements for the palace maids who would accompany the banquet, Jiang Suining and Wei Yao arranged, finalized, checked, and inspected everything...
By the eve of the banquet, all aspects had been checked repeatedly, and preparation plans had been reserved for some possible problems.
In the flower room, looking at the Cymbidium orchid that was still in full bloom, Wei Yao breathed a sigh of relief and smiled a rare smile.
"I really hope tomorrow will come soon and the party will be over soon."
Jiang Suining also smiled at Wei Yao, "The past half month has indeed been enough to make people nervous."
As the two were talking, they turned around and were about to leave the greenhouse when they saw Yang Manman standing at the door.
Wei Yao frowned and asked defensively: "What are you doing here?"
"I'm also one of the planners for this birthday party. Can't I come and take a look?" Yang Manman said with a cold face.
One of the organizers?
Although Wei Yao didn't say anything, she felt it was ridiculous in her heart.
What does this birthday party have to do with Yang Manman? She didn't do anything, but she has the nerve to say that she is one of the organizers.
Jiang Suining looked at Yang Manman and heard from He Qingrui that Yang Manman had not had an easy time in the past half month.
Perhaps because she was used to spending money lavishly, in the first few days, Yang Manman had to go to the restaurant for every meal and drink, which cost her a lot of money. Although she started to be more frugal later, she didn't have much money left.
More importantly, after the Duke's Mansion was confiscated, Wang was taken back to her husband's home by Yang Huihui to recuperate. It was said that they found the courtyard where Yang Manman rented a few days ago and smashed everything inside.
Yang Manman was on duty late that day, and when she returned home she saw that Wang in the courtyard had run away early. But now she had to stay in the inn again and could not go back to that courtyard.
"Let's go." Jiang Suining retracted his gaze and said to Wei Yao.
When passing by Yang Manman, Jiang Suining glanced at her sideways and reminded her.
"Yang Dianbin, you can have a look if you want, but these orchids are still here in good condition. If something happens tomorrow, you will be left here alone and I'm afraid you won't be able to explain it clearly."
Yang Manman's face darkened, "Jiang Suining, do you think I was brought up by fear?"
"I'm just giving you a kind reminder. If Yang Dianbin is upset, just pretend I never said anything."
Jiang Suining smiled indifferently and left the greenhouse without waiting for Yang Manman to speak again.
After leaving the greenhouse, Wei Yao was still a little worried.
"Jiang Suining, is it true that nothing will happen if we leave Yang Manman in the greenhouse?"
Tomorrow is the birthday party, and these flowers have been specially cultivated with great care, so nothing can go wrong.
"Don't worry, even if Yang Manman wants to take action, she won't do it at this time. After all, if something goes wrong at the banquet, it will not be good for her."
Unless... she can ensure that if something goes wrong the responsibility falls on herself or Lu Yan.
Jiang Suining did not say the latter part of the sentence.
Soon, it was the next day.
Shufei has been in the palace for many years, and she has an adult prince and princess. Although her position has not changed for many years and it seems that she has no chance of moving up, she is not inferior to others in the palace in terms of seniority or family background. In addition, Shufei's father and brother are now quite powerful in the previous dynasty. Therefore, the specifications of today's birthday banquet are second only to that of the queen, and are almost comparable to those of the noble concubine.
Early in the morning, the palace was bustling with activity.
First, Emperor Xiao and Empress Shi gave birthday gifts respectively, and then, the empresses in various palaces gave each other gifts.
According to the banquet procedures, there will be fireworks at the beginning of the banquet, so today's birthday banquet is scheduled to officially start at the hour of Xu.
After the officials and their wives arrive, there will be a special flower-viewing session before the banquet officially begins, and the flower to be appreciated is the lotus orchid.
Jiang Suining and her colleagues arranged for the palace maids to properly place the lotus orchids in the imperial garden not far from the banquet venue.
After these arrangements were made, many officials' wives began to enter the palace one after another.
When Jiang Suining, Lu Yan and others went over, they saw Qin at first sight.
Qin and Concubine Shu are close friends and have a very good relationship. Today, she entered the palace to celebrate Concubine Shu's birthday. She was obviously very happy and looked very energetic.
Qin also saw Jiang Suining and the others and walked straight towards them.
"Greetings to Madam Qin, Prince Zhou, and the Prince's Consort." Jiang Suining and Lu Yan bowed and saluted.
"You're welcome. I heard that you arranged today's birthday party. Thank you for your hard work."
"You're too polite, madam. This is our job." Lu Yan said with a smile.
Qin looked at Lu Yan who was talking, and after exchanging a few words of greeting, her gaze turned and fell on Jiang Suining.
"Miss Jiang probably seldom went to the palace for banquets before. I didn't expect that after becoming a female official, she could arrange a banquet so quickly. It's really not easy."
She was not wrong before. Jiang Suining was a capable man. It was a pity that he did not end up in their Changning Marquis Mansion.
"Thank you for the compliment, madam." Jiang Suining responded with a calm smile.
Qin wanted to say something else when a palace maid came hurriedly towards her.
When he got closer, he first bowed to Qin, then quickly moved to Jiang Suining's ear and whispered in his report.
"Master Jiang, something happened to those lotus orchids!"