Edited by Tnyhy
Chapter 76: Returning Banquet (Part 3)
The Imperial Palace was majestic and imposing. The glazed roof tiles and vermilion columns were like the golden dragon entrenching itself and the phoenix dancing in a whirl. It was golden bright, shining and dazzling but also cold, lonely and sorrowful.
Brightness was always the appearance and just like the fertile soil under the flower bushes, there were countless number of bones that were buried deeply in the Palace. There were numerous young beauties but at the end, they all became bones. This Palace looked so beautiful but it was also very dangerous.
In the garden, a palace maid and an eunuch were watering plants. All these boring and tedious tasks were most likely handled by the eunuchs and palace maids that newly entered. Both of them looked sixteen to seventeen and were rather tender looking.
The young palace maid said, “There are a lot of people who came over to the front hall. If I did not make that mistake and was demoted because of it, I would have been waiting those noble people in the front hall. One would know that during the yearly returning banquet, just the money that will be rewarded can be used for the entire year.”
“The returning banquet…” The little eunuch had an expression of looking forward to it, “Would there be many rewards that are awesome?”
“Look at your lack of exposure.” The palace maid’s mouth twitched up, “Truly ignorant and ill-informed. His Majesty is holding the returning banquet for the Formidable Great General and purposely arranged a dinner banquet for the officials. Those who were invited are all high ranking officials and female guests and of course it is extravagant. If you wait for a few more years, with good luck, maybe there will be a chance for you to know. Those noble people’s monetary rewards are all in ingots.”
“Ingots?” The young eunuch exclaimed and enviously said, “That Formidable Great General have such a great face that His Majesty were to specially hold a dinner banquet for him. One presume there would be unlimited limelight.”
“What is the point of having limelight?” That palace maid had a tone of disdain, “To have such an idiotic daughter, it is already good that one’s face was not all lost, what kind of limelight was still wanted.”
“An idiotic daughter?” The young eunuch asked, “The daughter of the formidable Great General?”
“You do not know about this.” The palace maid mysteriously said, “That General Shen is a brilliant god of war, his Shen Furen is also considered a warrior heroine and the young Deputy General Shen is also brave and good at fighting. But the Formidable Great General’s daughter is an out and out idiot. Not to say she had no knowledge of the four scholarly arts, she also like wearing gold and silver which is so tacky. In every returning banquet, she always make a fool of herself when the General Shen bring her. In last year’s returning banquet, I was serving and she does not even know the basic etiquette and rolled down the stairs when she stepped on her dress. Those young ladies and Furens love to mock and laugh at her. Even with the Shen family’s protection, everyone all looked down on that Shen Young Lady.”
“So since it is so…” The young eunuch sighed sadly, “It does not live up to the reputation of the Shen family.”
“Is not it so?” That palace maid continued speaking, “She is regarded as the faulty stroke in the painting of the Shen family. Unexpectedly her two TangJies are much more outstanding that her. General Shen’s reputation was totally thrown away by her. Previously this Young Lady Shen was so crazy in love with His Highness Prince Ding that this was spread out like wildfire and became common knowledge to all.”
“Really a vulgar female.” That young eunuch also had an expression of disgust on his face.
That palace maid often stayed in the Palace, unlike those official’s Furens or young ladies that could leave the Palace, so she only knew matters that happened in the Palace. As for the incident of Shen Miao purging her infamous reputation during the academy examinations, she did not know anything at all.
Just as they were talking, they saw the approaching people and both of them quickly looked down and worked hard at their jobs, not daring to speak. But they heard the approaching person walking towards them and said with a pointed voice, “New here?”
“Replying Gao GongGong, it is exactly so.” Someone at the side answered.
The young eunuch courageously raised his head and took a glance. He only saw three people standing in front, one had the uniform of a head eunuch and the rest had the uniforms of a second rank eunuch. The one who was called Gao Gonggong was the one who was dressed in the head eunuch uniform.
Gao GongGong swept a glance at both of them and his eyes fell onto the young eunuch, asking, “What is the name?”
“This servant is Xiao Li-zi.” The young eunuch was quick witted as he respectfully replied.
“Him then.” Gao Gonggong said to the person beside him, “There is a shortage for one to hold the jug in the front hall. Seeing that he has clever looks, most likely he would be able to enter the noble people’s eyes. Put him into it.”
“Yes.”
Xiao Li-zi was also excited. As such, according to what the palace maid had said, he was able to get a lot of monetary rewards and if he was favourable in any master’s eyes, he may also have some good fortune in the future.
In this Imperial Palace, everyone were racking their brains to climb up. Even the lowest level of servants would also dream of flying up to the higher branches overnight.
*****
There were already many Furens and young ladies that have arrived at the front of the hall. Other than those who had some relationships with the concubines in the palaces and were invited to speak with the various Ladyships at the back, most of the female guests were sitting outside to chat.
“Why has Shen Furen and General Shen not yet arrive?” A Furen with high cheekbones laughed, “The main roles today are them, was it that they deliberately come late?”
“Shen Furen wants to tuck her daughter and not let others see thus deliberately hide in her pocket.” Another round faced Furen also laughed but her words and tone of voice were filled with ridicule.
Shen Xin as a Formidable Great General who had accumulated numerous meritorious services, did not have concubines and was capable. He also treated Luo Xue Yan well and was faithful. As compared to all the noble Furens present, which families did not have a bunch of concubines and the numerous amount of issues that one need to worry about, they were naturally filled with jealousy of Luo Xue Yan, as she had such a good life of having a husband’s love and a capable son.
The most favourite thing that females liked to do was comparisons. The more Luo Xue Yan was fortunate, the more the other Furens would looked as they turned red, infuriated in jealousy, and could not wait for Luo Xue Yan to also meet with some unfortunate things. Thus Shen Miao’s appearance became the only thing that could be used to strike at Luo Xue Yan. Shen Miao was stupid, had no talent, did not look good and also made a fool of herself in the Palace. Every year at this time, it was the happiest time for these Furens. They were able to see Shen Xin and wife humiliated because of this daughter which was as if they had gain benefits from it.
“Do not know what kind of clothes Fifth Young Lady Shen would wear this year.” Yi Pei Lan had a ridicule smile on her face, “Last year her clothes that had golden leaves pasted on was extremely good, and matched with her golden jewellery which was considered as very ‘noble’. Could it be silver leaves this year?”
Those words set off echoing words from the young ladies around, and words of mockery could be heard incessantly.
Just at this time, out of thin air there was a crisp female voice, “Everyone must not say such words. Now the Fifth Young Lady Shen is considered as gaining General Shen’s teachings. One have to know that during the academy examinations how her archery technique was, that even the Young Master of the Cai family had no way of defeating it. If she is not happy, what if she were to deliberately shoot at you all?”
Once those words were spoken, the crowd suddenly grew silent. There were many Furens and young ladies that were present in the academy examinations and they had witnessed Shen Miao’s fierceness. Those words made them involuntarily shudder in their heart. Shen Miao did not even take Cai Lin to heart, if one were to anger her, what were they to do if she shoot an arrow over?
The person who said those words was Feng An Ning. When she just finished speaking, she was glared at by Feng Furen. It is not fun to offend so many Furens. Feng An Ning wrinkled her nose unhappily as she was not use to seeing these people speaking bad behind Shen Xin’s back, but dare not even fart in front of him at all and even quickly go forward to give their greetings. What was so just and honourable in talking bad about one’s daughter behind their back.
Before the awkward atmosphere dissipated, one could hear an eunuch shouting outside, “The Formidable Great General has arrived—”
Everyone’s eyes looked towards the door.
The ones who were at the front were Shen Xin and Shen Qiu. Shen Xin had a dragon’s gait and firm tiger’s steps, with his vigour and prestige that unknowingly overflowed out and with the normal military valour, it made even the entire hall of married women frightened. Shen Qiu’s posture was upright and straight and with a warm smile, two shallow dimples appeared that made him look very cordial, thus all the young females could not help but blush.
Both of them did not stay long at the front of the hall and turned towards the main hall where the shocked males were at. Everyone’s line of sight fell naturally behind them.
Luo Xue Yan wore a royal blue tinged waist robe with her hair up in a neat knife bun. Differently from the other Furen’s dressing, her overall look was extremely simple and relaxed but because of the fabric’s doing, she did not seem rough at all. With a change her beauty had some heroism which was very much different from any ordinary Furen’s beauty.
Followed behind was a purple slim figure who leisurely approached.
No!!!! That’s such a cruel cliffhanger 😩😩😩 I need to know everyone’s reaction to the beauty that is SM!!! So they can finally shut up and stop badmouthing her, and realize how inferior they are 😤
I liked how FAN defended SM tho, she’s such a nice girl!!! Also, I’m sure SM’s entrance will be so shocking, no one’s going to be impressed by / take note of her cousins’ entrance 😂
Oh well, at least Monday will be here soon….
Thank you for the chapter 💖💖💖
LikeLiked by 30 people
Thanks for supporting!! You will like Monday release then… 😀
LikeLiked by 2 people
IKR!!! I cant wait. ;w; XD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yayyyyyy! Im first!
Thx for the chapterssss can’t wait for shen miao’s revenge on shen qui! :3
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mean shen qing mistype
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!!
LikeLike
Cliff right at the good part… 😭
Thanks for the chapter!!! Can’t wait for all those furens and the ignorant ones to know the greatness of our Empress hehe
LikeLiked by 6 people
Thanks for supporting!! I love how everyone is super amp up!!!
LikeLike
Thank you for the update!
So happy with anticipation for SM new, glamorous reveals.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!!
LikeLike
Thanks for the cliff, i mean, chapter. Hehehe.
More power! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! 😛
LikeLike
Bad cliffhanger. I wanted to see everybody who is badmouthing Shen Miao to see how amazing she is now. Thanks for the chapter.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for supporting!! All to make us start reading the next chapter
LikeLike
Aw man that cliffhanger😣
Thanks for the chapter❤❤❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! Monday is coming soon…
LikeLike
Let the bloodbath begin
LikeLiked by 2 people
*Evil laughter* MUHAHAHAHAHA
LikeLike
Thanks again for you continuous update ^_^
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!!
LikeLike
Hello Mr. Cliffhanger long time no see..
Thank you for the update. Monday seems so far away..
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! When Monday comes… You will say Thurs is just too far away… 😛
LikeLike
My fix… isn’t ’til Monday…? *dies*
Thank you for the chapter! We want to see Shen Miao!! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! The hype is so up there… Everyone is waiting for the banquet arc
LikeLike
Thank you for the chapter!
Go Shen Miao! Stun them with your impeccable behaviour and regal air!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! It will be awesom!!!
LikeLike
Ow thanks for the chapter…
I cant wait for the next chapter
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! Monday will be here soon
LikeLike
oh my the cliffhanger is killing me??? T.T
need to wait until monday
thanks for the hardwork
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! Its coming soon…
LikeLike
Oh my goooood thank you!! When is the nect update?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Monday
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!!
LikeLike
Thank you very much….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!!
LikeLike
Thanks for this part.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!!
LikeLike
and Yep, she just leisurely walks over, like all you hypocrites are not on her eyes…
🤣🤣🤣
Thank you for the chapter ∗˚(* ˃̤൬˂̤ *)˚∗ fufu
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for supporting!! *Love your continuation*
LikeLiked by 1 person
This cruelty..for you to push me to the edge of cliff…..
LikeLiked by 2 people
We got to get used to the author’s cruelty (and sometimes mine)…
LikeLike
GAAAH you stopped at the good part….I wanted to see everyone’s jaws drop when they see how graceful beautiful our MC looks. Will XJX turn up at this party as well? Thanks for the chapter~~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! Maybe he will turn up? ;P
LikeLike
Thanks for the chapter!
I’d love to know about their reaction upon seeing SM. Harharhar
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! Its expected yet unexpected 🙂
LikeLike
Thank you!!,i desperately wait for your translations! It gives me breaks from my annoying thesis.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! Thats what I did when I did mine… I always take breaks for ‘inspiration’
LikeLike
I like how SM has an actually girl friend. Most novels like these make all other females (except loyal servants) idiots or rivals or just evil. It’s refreshing to have a nice female friend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There will be one more good female friend… But not so soon…
LikeLike
Short fanfiction to relieve people from the cliffhanger…” They were mesmerized by her whole appearance. With her refined posture and eyes that held no interest, Shen Miao walked behind Luo Xue Yan with confidence and pride portraying an aura of majesty and elegance that hardly any young lady could display. The officials, furens and the servants were wondering at first who that girl was, but looking closer at her face that face belonged to the only female who loved tacky fashion. They were stunned completely, who would had thought that last year’s main topic of mockery, the daughter of the grand Shen general, would turn into a such a pretty lady exceeding the beauty from other noble ladies in the banquet. The young bachelors couldn’t take their eyes off of her silhouette, many of them held admiration, some intelligent young second sons from distinguished families were planning on how to strike a conversation and get close to her, but Shen Miao didn’t pay anyone any attention, her mind was focusing on what kind of schemes she will get to see from her enemies, and how soon she will enjoy teaching them that she is not someone you can trifle with. His Highness Prince Ding was surprised to see her change but he quickly settled down his mind. He thought that no matter how you change the exterior, the person inside won’t be much different, before Shen Miao would constantly try to get close to him to form a closer relationship with an annoying and foolish look wearing tacky clothes and mismatching jewelry, he used to give her simple smiles back then hiding his disgust every time she approached him. The whole family of the Shen general were a few steps away from His Higness Prince Ding, as soon as he saw them already near he gave a courteous greeting to Shen Qiu, Luo Xue Yan, Shen Xin, and Shen Miao. He smiled and said to Shen Maio “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Great General’s daughter, Miss Shen Miao, at the last banquet that the emperor hosted last year, I see that Miss Shen Miao is looking very beautiful, it seems that your change has surprised a lost of guests now” That ironic look on him didn’t go past by Shen Miao’s eyes, his voice might sound gentle and noble but behind it lied an hypocritical undertone belittling her existence, she responded politely with indifference, giving him a dry response “Thank you your highness for such a compliment, but I don’t deserve your words. If His Highness could excuse Shen Miao, I have to follow my family” after saying her sentence, she looked at him as if he was a piece of trash, like he was less valuable than broken jade. She turned coldly and soon began to follow her brother. Prince Ding was astonished and petrified in place, the fool that was once infatuated with him now looked and spoke to him as if his presence was an eyesore. He felt humiliated, and his face contorted a little showing anger, he swore to make her pay for such reception. A great distance separated them, Shen Miao saw his face and could see his thoughts she thought in her mind “Ah Prince Ding ah… You will learn that I can make your life miserable, the happy life of a prince, I, Shen Miao will make you embrace death. In this life you will wish you were born as a snail instead of human.” Her face showed no sign of change but in her eyes there was an indescribable darkness, if someone where to look at them they would feel shivers run down their spine as if blood lust was emanating from her eyes, like a tiger waiting for a rabbit to reach close to her claws and fangs…”
Phew felling a little better now, thanks for your work!
LikeLiked by 5 people
Thank you Lazy Cat for giving a short summary to the cliffhanger. I was thinking SM will boil the frog ( Prince Ding) slowly and justice has been served by S. A sudden thought came to my mind that later on Shen Qiu and Feng An Ning will become a couple that will help SM in her revenge against her enemies. Looking forward to the next chapter.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Wasn’t her brother married to someone who framed him that caused him death (in SM’s past life) hope that when FAN & SQ becomes a couple like you said, they will also make that b****’s life miserable like the frog(FXY)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, that’s what I thought. I grow to like Feng An Ning more and more, and wish the author couple her with Shen Qiu whom is also one of my favorite characters.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clap clap clap…. *Whistle*
LikeLike
Thanks! This actually released my tension a bit😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Goddess.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Please let the meeting of Xie Jing Xing and Shem Miao be dramatic!!!! Because I believe that the Marquis’ family is also invited by the emperor (to spite them, since their famlilies are like oil and water)… And of course, XJX can finally give SM the medicine~~ ^_^
Thank you for the chapter!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for supporting!! Medicine was crushed by XJX… 😦
LikeLike
Ah, yes, my old nemesis, Cliffhanger.
Thanks for the Chappy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! This nemesis will haunt you lots
LikeLike
Feng An Ning has to become Shen Miao’s sister-in-law.
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLike
Gahhh! Although I can predict what their expression will be like, as this had happened numerous times already, I still can’t get enough of it!
This itself is a cliffhanger.
I need their dumbfounded expressions when they see the true face of Empress Shen Miao and how very well she blends with the Palace!
Thanks for the chap!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!!! I am sure you will like the next chapter when she comes in like she owns the place
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks for the chappy…
Sometimes your soo cruel… that cliffy… *cries*
You translators are definitely S with these cliffys…..
and we readers have to be M for reading these chappys while knowing.
it has to be so, yes, definitely, has to be. *hump*
Well since there is nothing to read for now, i gotta go back and work on ,y gamedesign. *sign*
worldbuilding, racedesign etc is a pain in the ass…… everytime i reread it its not right xd..
well until monday than for the next chappy…. would hope for tomorow but its only my illusion
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! Your break is over 😛 When u are back here on Monday I am sure you will be happy again
LikeLike
i gonna bet that his future Empress will lets the young Xiao Li zi climbs high before pushes him down to a free fall landing for revenge of betrayed her …
after lets him betray her for the second time she would take away everything from him before end him with giving silk to hang himself
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLike
To see everyone reactions will be interesting yup.
But i wish E ven more to see how she will de al with prince yu, and i kinda hope to someone notice the hairpin she wear wich was gifted by XJX
LikeLiked by 1 person
Most importantly, XJX has to notice it 😛
LikeLike
Well that Prince Ding fall in love with SM in this life?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Not telling 😛
LikeLike
I kinda wish he would but at tje same time I doubt it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for the update. I wasnt able to comment these days because I had an exam. Really looking forward for the Monday release. I hope SM will beat Prince Ding’s ugly ass and give him an agonizing death.
I’ll just imagine her looking at Prince Ding like the trash he is. F**k all those furens. Two faced weaklings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Relax relax prince ding is Reserved as Part of the Main Dish.
The 1sts step stones to that are the other Shen family households and prince yu
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! next week releases will be good!!
LikeLike
Oh, woe, thy name is cliffhanger…
You know, dear translator, Mondays are to be reviled rather than anticipated…
Definitely an M *facepalm*.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much!! 😘😘😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!!
LikeLike
Too much unnecessary things in this chapter that cause the miss of the main point….
LikeLiked by 1 person
The more Luo Xue Yan was fortunate, the more the other Furens would looked as they turned red, infuriated in jealousy, and could not wait for Luo Xue Yan to also meet with some unfortunate things. Thus Shen Miao’s appearance became the only thing that could be used to strike at Luo Xue Yan
yes, indeed it is a human nature jelousy towards people whose better then them.
Shen Qiu’s posture was upright and straight and with a warm smile, two shallow dimples appeared that made him look very cordial, thus all the young females could not help but blush.
I heard that Shen Qiu was typical handsome male brother. No wonder that SM was beautiful. That must be because the genes from their parents.
Followed behind was a purple slim figure who leisurely approached.
Our hero comes :). She likes wearing purple, WJX likes that color too, maybe because he got influence by her
Thank you for the updates
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nah… He originally love purple… Long before SM wore the colour… There will be a small small part in a distant chapter indicated his love for purple when he was a child.
Thanks for supporting!!!
LikeLike
Oh what a coincidence.. they’re really match made by heaven
Thank you for the info
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you for the chapter 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!!
LikeLike
Thank you for the chapter~
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
This cliffhangers will give me death halfway reading this novel
LikeLike
Thanks for the hard work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!!
LikeLike
Cruel cliffhanger
But thanks for the hard work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for supporting!! This cliffhanger is brought to you by the author 😛
LikeLike
Feng An Ning is such a good girl! Shen Miao, take care of her!
Thanks for the chapter!
LikeLiked by 1 person
She has a sad fate… Lets see if SM can change that…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I should have waited for the next release before reading! Everyone’s jaw will be falling to the ground once they realise that that noble female is actually that SM they were bad mouthing just a second before… I wonder how many marriage proposals will be raining into Shen household afterwards *haha*
LikeLiked by 1 person
Rest assure that the feeling of ‘should have waited for the next release’ will not end with this novel… LOL… This author is good at her cliffs
LikeLiked by 1 person
*GAH*
HAHA.. but I can’t wait for everything to be out, I just can’t… good thing I’m a masochist deep inside xD
LikeLiked by 1 person
Did now one notice that Xiao Li is the one that appeared in the first episode and willed our MC?:
“Shen Miao’s eyes landed on the eunuch and she remain silent for a long time before slowly speaking with a hoarse voice, “Xiao Li-zi, when Bengong promoted you at that time, you were still a dog beside Gao Gonggong.””
Hope she makes him pay right in this banquet and doesn’t give him time to rice like he wants. (evil face)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting, wonder what will happen in this banquet
LikeLike
I really like this plot where the FL is still the real FL albeit much older. There’s no need to isekai another soul who is smarter and domineering than the real soul/body. You really get to root for her, you know 😀
And another shoutout to my girl Feng An Ning!
Thanks for the chapter!
LikeLike