TTTQF Chapter 119

Teaming Up to Participate

Early in the morning, Jiang Miao wakes up. He’s used to rising early to prepare breakfast, but after opening his eyes, he remembers that he’s at the Duke's estate, where food and drink will naturally be brought to him by the kitchen. There’s no need for him to do anything. Thinking this, he lies back down.

His movements disturb Pei Che, who furrows his brows slightly, about to wake up. 

Jiang Miao turns his head, looking at Pei Che’s sleeping face up close, and can’t help but marvel again. This guy is really good-looking—flawless from every angle, even while asleep.

"Ah Miao?" A deep, magnetic voice, still tinged with drowsiness, calls out. Jiang Miao feels a tingling sensation in his ears just from being called like that. He secretly feels envious—if this guy lived in the modern world, even if he didn’t rely on his looks, he could probably make a living off his voice.

After calling out and getting no response, Pei Che opens his eyes to look for him, but finds Jiang Miao lying next to him, looking at him, and can’t help but smile.

“Ah Miao, why didn’t you answer me?” Pei Che asks.

“I did, you just didn’t hear it,” Jiang Miao deflects. How could he admit that he was in a daze just now?

Pei Che isn’t about to argue with Jiang Miao over something like this. Winning would only make Jiang Miao unhappy and ignore him. Losing—well, that’s not going to happen.

“It’s still early. Why not sleep a little longer?” Pei Che glances at the light filtering in from outside the window and notices it’s still dark.

“I’m used to getting up early. I can’t fall back asleep,” Jiang Miao replies. He isn’t tired at all. He’s the type of person full of energy; as long as he gets six or seven hours of sleep, he’s set for the day. Going back to sleep isn’t something that comes easily to him.

“Are you worried about today’s poetry gathering?” Pei Che guesses. Jiang Miao usually gets up early, but never as early as today.

Jiang Miao lets out a sigh. "I guess so. To be honest, I haven't officially dealt with those people yet. I'm worried that if I say something wrong tomorrow, it might give them something to hold against me, and that wouldn't be good."

His only real contact with the elite families is on his wedding day, but he spends most of that day in the bridal chamber. Though there’s a bit of a mishap during the wedding night, he only meets about twenty people. Now, being suddenly told that he’s going to attend a Mid-Autumn poetry gathering—a high-class, elegant affair—feels like being thrown into the deep end. How can he not feel a little nervous?

“It’s fine. Tomorrow, just be yourself. Say whatever comes to mind. Don’t worry about anything else; I’ll take care of the rest.” Pei Che’s gaze is gentle yet firm, filled with an encouraging strength. As Jiang Miao listens, his anxiety gradually eases.

Since both are now awake and neither has the demy lorde to sleep, Pei Che gives Jiang Miao a general introduction to the Marquis of Xinyang’s estate. 

The head of the estate is named Guo, a family that has risen to power through martial prowess. However, with many years of peace in the kingdom, the status of military families has steadily declined. Many of them now seek to marry into scholarly families in hopes of quickly shifting their fortunes and joining the ranks of the civil officials, thus securing a smooth and prosperous path. The Marquis of Xinyang's estate is no exception, which is why they’re hosting today’s Mid-Autumn poetry gathering.

“So that’s the reason! I was wondering why they suddenly decided to hold a poetry gathering!” Jiang Miao exclaims, suddenly realizing it’s all just for show. “But you mentioned that the Marquis of Xinyang’s estate and the Duke's estate have always had a good relationship. How did that come about?”

Pei Che explains, “One of my grandmother’s aunts married into the Marquis of Xinyang’s estate years ago, so our families are somewhat connected by marriage.”

Jiang Miao sighs, “The marriage ties between these big families are indeed complicated. How many families is your Duke’s estate related to by marriage, anyway? Oh, right, I remember now. The first time I met you, even the old master of the Zhu family was related to yours.” It’s as if all levels of status and identity are tied together in one vast web.

“Why else do you think the Emperor dislikes my father but doesn’t dare to deal with him openly, only taking indirect measures? The connections between the families are so intertwined that pulling one thread could affect everything. Without solid evidence, he can’t just target someone without repercussions. One day, I’ll have someone bring out our family’s marriage genealogy for you. When you have time, study it a bit, so you won’t be caught off guard when you meet someone unfamiliar,” Pei Che says. Although maintaining relationships during festivals and holidays comes at a significant cost, for these families, it’s an essential expense.

Jiang Miao lets out a long sigh, staring blankly at the ceiling. If he had known, he wouldn’t have asked—wasn’t he just creating trouble for himself?

After dawn, Jiang Miao gets up with mixed feelings and begins to dress. Since they are attending a banquet today, both of them wear attire different from their usual clothing—especially Jiang Miao, who normally only cares about comfort and convenience and dislikes wearing such formal clothes.

After getting dressed, Pei Che and Jiang Miao board the carriage and set off for the Marquis of Xinyang’s estate. As they leave, Jiang Miao notices that the other carriages from the estate are also prepared and waiting at the gate. Judging by the scene, it seems like they are all headed to the same event.

“Should we wait for them?” Jiang Miao asks. They are all from the same estate, and if the others group up while they go separately, wouldn’t it suggest that they are being isolated?

“There’s no need to wait. If they had wanted to invite us to go together, they would’ve sent someone to notify us yesterday,” Pei Che replies.

“That’s true,” Jiang Miao nods.

Their carriage sets out first, and after about forty-five minutes, they arrive at the Marquis of Xinyang’s estate. 

Since the Mid-Autumn poetry gathering is being held today, the street in front of the estate has been specially cleaned. The usual vendors who set up shop there are not allowed to do so today.

As soon as Jiang Miao and Pei Che get out of the carriage, someone comes to greet them. A servant from the Duke’s estate hands over their calling card and gifts, which are promptly accepted, and they are quickly ushered inside. The person calls out loudly, “The heir of the Duke of Zhongguo and the heir’s consort have arrived!”

At his loud announcement, everyone turns to look. Their eyes are filled with curiosity, likely intrigued by the heir’s consort. After all, it is well-known in Liangjing City that the heir’s consort is a man.

Jiang Miao is at a loss for words but maintains the same polite smile as Pei Che, standing shoulder to shoulder with him as they walk inside.

The layout of the Marquis of Xinyang’s estate is different from that of the Duke's estate, though Jiang Miao can’t quite pinpoint how. To him, it all looks beautiful. 

They follow their guide through several corridors and archways before finally arriving at the location that has been prepared for them in advance.

It is a large garden, filled with exotic flowers and plants. A small stream flows through the center, and there are several artificial hills with unique shapes, adding an extra layer of charm to the scene.

There are already people in the garden at this time. Since the host has yet to formally gather everyone, people stand in small groups, chatting with those they are familiar with, keeping a distance from others.

"Finally, you're here! Come on, you're the last ones," Han Qin complains as he walks over. It seems like he's been keeping an eye on the entrance the whole time.

Jiang Miao follows his gaze and sees He Chen, Su Jin, and a few unfamiliar people standing under a tree not far away, looking in their direction. Out of politeness, he raises his hand and waves at the group. The group seems a bit startled, but they wave back.

Once they join the others, Han Qin introduces everyone to each other, and soon, the conversation turns to the upcoming poetry gathering.

Jiang Miao is surprised. The host hasn't even announced the rules yet, so how do they already know? And it seems like the other groups are having similar discussions, probably about the same thing.

Noticing Jiang Miao’s confusion, Pei Che leans in and explains in a low voice, “The Marquis of Xinyang’s estate has been preparing for this for a while. It’s normal for word to spread early. People usually gather information ahead of time so they can prepare and avoid embarrassing themselves later.”

Jiang Miao grows a little anxious. “Why didn’t you send someone to find out then? You didn’t mention anything about it yesterday. What are you going to do if you don’t know the rules?”

Pei Che smiles confidently. “Even without gathering information, I won’t end up in an awkward situation.”

Jiang Miao can't help but glance sideways in surprise. Is this young man really that arrogant? Either way, if Pei Che can't do it when the time comes, he definitely won't stick around to be ridiculed along with him.

The sight of the two whispering closely together doesn’t go unnoticed, and it irritates the single men nearby. Unable to hold back, Han Qin says, “Ah Che, Brother Jiang, that’s enough. Save your sweet talk for when you’re home. Right now, we should focus on figuring out what we’re going to do later!”

This time, the Mid-Autumn poetry gathering, hosted by the Marquis of Xinyang, has a unique twist. They are required to participate in several activities as teams, rather than competing individually like in previous years.

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