Chapter 2407 - 2381: Wedding Banquet

Liu Huan was overjoyed and grabbed Cheng Zhangheng’s hand, saying, "From now on, we share the same honor!"

Bai Erlang found this statement a bit odd, for if he took the Ming Classic exam next year, wouldn’t he be a year behind Liu Huan?

They have gone from classmates to seniors now.

Bai Erlang just glanced at him.

Liu Huan was oblivious to this; despite not ranking very high, he was ecstatic about passing the exam.

He pulled Bai Shan and Bai Erlang aside and invited them, "When my family hosts the feast, you must come to my house for the banquet."

Bai Shan chuckled and nodded, "You have to personally write the invitation for us."

Liu Huan patted his chest and said, "Don’t worry, I will personally write invitations for classmates from both the Imperial Academy and the Chongwen Pavilion!"

When Liu Huan returned, he personally wrote invitations, not only for his classmates from Chongwen Pavilion and the Imperial Academy, but also for Assistant General Nie and several soldiers he was friendly with.

After all, this banquet wasn’t only to celebrate his success in the Ming Classic exam but also because he was given the title of County Lord.

Indeed, the celebration of his title had been postponed until now.

Liu Huan personally wrote invitations to Bai Shanzhou, Zhou Man, and others, Zhou Liru even received one separately.

An invitation comes with a gift, so after Zhou Liru received the invitation, she naturally couldn’t be considered part of her aunt’s gift, thus she needed to prepare a gift of her own.

Fortunately, she had money now. With her parents not in the capital and her brother and sister not overseeing her finances, she had retained all the spoils and earnings from following her aunt to the Western Regions.

So she dragged out her box from under the bed, took out a gold ingot, thought about it, and put it back, took out a silver ingot instead, and then replaced it with a smaller one, pondering what gift she should give.

Manbao went to the royal estate, so Zhou Liru could only consult her aunt’s husband.

Bai Shan laughed generously, "You’re younger, just follow along with us, no need for a separate gift."

Bai Erlang also assumed the demeanor of an elder, nodded repeatedly, saying, "Yes, yes, we’ll prepare a gift for you, just follow your uncles. No need to... Ouch!"

Bai Shan said, "Don’t call yourself that, how can you be her uncle?"

"Why can’t I call myself uncle? You’re her uncle, shouldn’t I be called uncle too?"

Zhou Liru refused to back down, saying, "Second Young Master, my aunt didn’t tell me to call you uncle."

Bai Erlang sternly replied, "I am your aunt’s junior brother, you are not only her niece but also her student. You should call me uncle as a junior disciple."

Zhou Liru was stunned, but looking at Bai Erlang’s face, she really couldn’t say it, and after much struggle, she could only muster up, "I also study under Mr. Zhuang..."

"If you dare, call your aunt Senior Sister then."

Zhou Liru turned and ran, "I won’t call you either, if you won’t explain, I’ll figure it out myself."

So Zhou Liru thought it over herself and decided to take the money to the bookstore to choose a nice set of stationery for Liu Huan, including a complete set of pen holders, brush washers, etc. She prepared everything for a study table and awaited the feast.

Minister Liu was also pleased, feeling relieved as the longstanding worry eased; Liu Huan’s success in the exam finally met the Emperor’s expectations.

This would also quiet many detractors, who assumed Liu Huan’s title was undeserved.

In truth, his grandson had some skill.

Manbao had already returned to reside in the royal estate, needing to take leave on the day to attend the banquet.

Once she took leave, the entire royal estate only had Imperial Doctor Lu remaining, who stood at the courtyard gate watching as she left.

Manbao smiled at him courteously and then ran off.

First, she returned home to change clothes, then went to Liu’s family with Bai Shan and others to attend the banquet.

The Liu house was bustling with activity.

The family hadn’t hosted a grand feast in a long time, even for birthdays of Minister Liu or Old Madam Liu. This was the largest gathering in years, drawing relatives and friends, including some from afar in Jinyang.

Minister Liu was surprised, saying he hadn’t sent invitations that far, but guests were guests, and he quietly told the Old Madam, "Quickly send someone to book a banquet at the restaurant, as many as possible — we must not lose face."

The Old Madam acquiesced with a smile, but once she returned to her room supported by her maid, she frowned, "Why have so many relatives come? Did we send out that many invitations?"

"Old Madam, this is great news! The Second Young Master hasn’t yet settled on a marriage, it’s perfect timing..."

The Old Madam waved her hand, saying, "Go and see what that foolish boy is doing, this blessing is too great — he might not handle it well."

The maid’s smile faded, as she helped her to sit in a chair.

After sipping tea, the Old Madam continued, "Call Steward Liu, I need to discuss adding another banquet for these sudden guests. Regardless of their sincere congratulations or other intentions, guests should be properly entertained."

"Yes, ma’am."

Manbao and their group, who built competence alongside Liu Huan, were seated in a corner of one of the front tables in the banquet hall — not a central position, but with Liu Huan as the host, they were indeed in the spotlight.

Assistant General Nie, who returned from the Western Regions, had gained rapid promotions, though not a title, he obtained actual duties, and was very pleased.

Sighting Liu Huan, he laughed aloud, clapping him on the shoulder, "Liu Gongzi is too courteous, giving us such elegant invitations, you could have just spoken up about the banquet and we’d come regardless of location."

Liu Huan chuckled, "Of course I had to send invitations, and wrote them by hand! I even drew the designs myself."

These were the two biggest joys in his life; he felt they deserved his efforts.

Assistant General Nie was deeply moved.

Listening from the next table, Lu Yue and others were envious, teasingly asking, "Liu Huan, did you personally illustrate our invitations?"

Liu Huan sheepishly replied, "I personally wrote your invitations, you can’t recognize my handwriting?"

Lu Yue said, "Just writing isn’t enough; did you paint the illustrations? They accompanied you for only a year, but we’ve been classmates for two to three years."

Bai Shan smoothed over, laughing, "Let it go and spare your eyes; if you want his drawings later, wait until he passes both the Ministry of Rites and Ministry of Personnel exams, and then ask for a hundred or a thousand pieces to decorate your home at leisure."

Zhao Liulang said to Lu Yue, "You might want his drawn invitation; I don’t. It’s not like Bai Shan drew it, which could sell for a pretty penny someday, whereas Liu Huan’s painting might only be fitting for kindling."

Liu Huan immediately protested, "That’s too harsh! My paintings might not be great, but the orchids are quite vivid."

Zhou Liru added, "I thought you painted rice stalks, implying you’d endure hardships and labor, signifying good qualities..."

Bai Erlang burst into laughter, followed by everyone else.