Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

If it is jade or gold thread, the cost will be much higher, and it will be a great test of the craftsman's skills.

The lifelike flower specially sent by Hai Chaoyun was woven with gold thread, and the texture of the petals and the gradual change in color were a great test of the craftsman's skill.

The fact that they sent such lifelike flowers so soon after the engagement is undoubtedly a sign of goodwill.

"The Hai family of Jiangning has been prominent for generations, so the young lady's upbringing is naturally first-rate." Wang Ruofu nodded, looking pleased.

In order to marry a good man, as soon as Sheng Changbai passed the imperial examination and became a junior official, he went to Jiangning with Sheng Hong to arrange a marriage proposal.

As expected, Hai Chaoyun and Sheng Changbai were both very satisfied with their meeting.

There was no way around it; Sheng Changbai was indeed handsome and had a face like jade!

In fact, the Sheng family has had three generations of exceptionally good looks.

This tactic of winning a woman's heart with his handsome face has been used three times across three generations.

There's no need to say more about Old Master Sheng. He was a third-place scholar in the imperial examinations. With his handsome appearance, he won the attention of the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Yongyi's family. She was so smitten that she fell head over heels in love and insisted on marrying him.

Sheng Hong also used this tactic.

Years ago, as soon as he passed the imperial examination, he was taken by Old Madam Sheng to ask for the hand of the eldest daughter of Grand Tutor Wang, and he succeeded in the end.

A poor scholar who easily won the heart of the Grand Tutor's daughter—who would believe it was because he lacked beauty?

This time, Sheng Changbai used the same trick.

The title "Shujishi" signifies exceptional talent and learning.

The act of inserting a hairpin into a marriage proposal allows the woman to see the man's beautiful face and demeanor up close.

His good looks and talent naturally pleased the woman greatly.

As far as Sheng Changbai was concerned, Hai Chaoyun came from the prominent Hai family, was well-educated, and was also quite beautiful, so she was naturally a good match.

Both parties were satisfied, and thus the marriage was arranged.

"In two days, it will be the famous Kim Myung Chi Polo Club."

Wang Ruofu glanced at his daughter: "There will be many sons of powerful and wealthy people there. Aren't you going to dress up?"

The requirements of the Kim Myung Chi Polo Club are higher than most people can imagine.

Given the Sheng family's social standing, they were not qualified to participate in the Jinmingchi Polo Club.

However, what can she do when she has a son-in-law who is a high-ranking official?

Sheng Rulan shook her head dismissively: "Does Mother think that dressing up a bit will make her outshine everyone else and attract the attention of the sons of the powerful and wealthy?"

Jinmingchi Polo Club is home to many children of top noble families, all of whom are of excellent character and appearance. Sheng Rulan does not believe she has a chance to stand out.

Lately, she has gradually lost her allure for the young master, but she has no desire to deliberately show it.

Wang Ruofu knew her daughter well and knew what her daughter cared about, so she slowly said, "Mo Lan is going too."

"You don't dress up, but Mo Lan dresses up with all her might."

"Ok?"

Sheng Rulan was startled and looked over, somewhat surprised: "Wasn't it the invitation sent by the eldest sister? How could that little bitch go?"

"Keep your voice down."

Wang Ruofu's expression changed, and she subconsciously glanced towards the door: "How can a young lady be so rude? If your father hears this, you'll definitely get a scolding."

Sheng Rulan hung her head, snorted, and didn't talk back.

"As the eldest sister, Hua'er should not be too biased and must be magnanimous."

"Just tell me if you want to dress up or not!" Wang Ruofu provoked. "I don't know if you can outshine everyone. But if you refuse to dress up, you'll definitely be overshadowed by Mo Lan."

In a moment of panic, Sheng Rulan wrinkled her delicate nose slightly: "Get dressed!"

……

Linqi Pavilion.

Sheng Molan changed into different ruqun (traditional Chinese dresses) one after another, while Lin Qinshuang offered her comments from time to time.

Since she comes from a respectable family and is the sister-in-law of a high-ranking official, she should make good use of this advantage and dress up as a lady of noble birth.

"Mo'er, there are many sons of powerful families at the polo match, so you must seize the opportunity," Lin Qinshuang instructed.

The Kim Myung Chi Polo Club is an absolutely rare and exceptional opportunity.

Among the sons of the powerful and wealthy who participate in polo matches are many legitimate sons of earls, marquises, and dukes. If they can attract the attention of a particular person, they can make a fortune.

Conversely, if it doesn't work, then things will be difficult.

Sheng Molan is already fifteen; at most, she'll have to wait another year.

If she couldn't find a wealthy husband, she would have no choice but to marry a poor scholar and live a miserable life.

Anyway, that's what Lin Qinshuang and Sheng Molan think.

Neither the mother nor the daughter was very satisfied with Sheng Hong's arrangements.

If you marry a poor scholar and are unlucky, he might not be ambitious and you'll have a miserable life.

Compared to that, marrying a nobleman's son is still the best option.

Once you marry into that family, you'll never lack wealth and status.

"Ah."

Sheng Molan nodded earnestly.

Lately, she has gradually lost her infatuation with the young master and realized that he seems to have feelings for Minglan.

Therefore, she could only temporarily find a son of a noble family as a candidate.

If you can't catch the young master, then catch the son of a noble family.

That night.

Jiang Zhao was summoned and hurriedly entered the palace.

Chapter 130 Polo Match!

The wind sweeps across the low sky, and the clouds hang low over the vast wilderness.

The ball skimmed across the green felt carpet, and colorful flags fluttered in the wind.

From time to time, noble ladies and sons of powerful families would gather there to play games such as pitch-pot, fishing, or ball-throwing.

Even more extreme, some rode horses with golden saddles and red sleeves, wielding clubs, and started playing polo.

On the grassland, Sheng Hualan, dressed in a light blue brocade dress, held a brocade handkerchief in her hand, her head held high and her eyebrows arched, her red lips slightly parted.

"Let's go."

Wang Ruofu, Sheng Molan, Sheng Rulan, Sheng Minglan, and Sheng Changfeng accompanied him.

As dawn broke and golden light pierced the clouds, illuminating the past, one could see the expressions of wonder on the faces of the people present.

When it comes to high-end activities in elite circles, Jinmingchi Polo Club is definitely one of them.

In fact, if Sheng Hualan hadn't specifically sent the invitation, the Sheng family, with its social standing, might not have even known about the event, let alone participated.

"This is the polo club?" Sheng Molan was dressed in a light green floral jacket over a light blue ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), holding a fan with ink-painted orchid patterns. She looked fresh and elegant yet youthful and lively, clearly having dressed up carefully.

(Shengmolan Polo Club, as shown in the picture:)

The meadow was filled with noble ladies and sons of powerful families.

At first glance, the clothing is exquisite, made of the finest materials, and is a first-class luxury item.

Sheng Molan was slightly startled.

Is this what the elite circles of power and wealth are like?

Both Sheng Rulan and Sheng Minglan were somewhat surprised.

Since Sheng Hong became a fifth-rank official in the Ministry of Rites, the Sheng family has grown increasingly powerful, and their clothing and food have visibly improved compared to their time in Yangzhou.

Looking at it now, it was still too conservative!

"Let's go, the pavilion offers a place to rest," Sheng Hualan said softly.

The group nodded quickly and followed closely, afraid of being impolite.

Before long, we arrived at the pavilion.

Inside, tea, fruits, pastries, and candied fruit had already been laid out.

As Jiang Zhao's wife and a second-rank Lady of Nanyang County, Sheng Hualan was a prominent figure even among women.

Therefore, the pavilion that Madam Wu arranged for her was three or four zhang long.

This was also because the "madam of the county" might want to gather some female relatives together to enjoy tea, discuss tea, recite poetry, and play some games.

After all, once a woman reaches the level of "madam of the county," her husband must be a key figure in a certain faction.

It could even be someone at the level of "party leader".

For the female members of the party, their husbands' status was their status, and their responsibility was to appease the female members of the party.

The cabinet has six chairs, six factions, and the officials' families are not all the same group.

Occasionally, women from several factions might laugh and chat together, but this is a rare occurrence.

In most cases, it was the women of a particular faction who would gather together to play.

Because Han Zhang's lineage lacked a "principal wife," even though his concubine, Cui, was respected by the people, her actions were subject to many restrictions, and her respect was limited to the older generation.

The younger generation of women still need to gather together in Sheng Hualan.

The group entered the pavilion and sat down for a short while.

"Madam Sheng."

A hearty laugh, full of spirit, instantly won people's favor.

Wu Da Niangzi was the organizer of the Jinmingchi Polo Club.

She lifted her skirt and took two steps at a time, her every move decisive and efficient.

"Madam Wu," Sheng Hualan bowed.

As a second-rank county lady, her status was beyond question.

However, since Madam Wu was the organizer of the polo club, the wives and noblewomen of officials would tacitly give her some face.

After all, it's unreasonable to beat up the cook when you want to eat.

Wang Ruofu, Sheng Molan, Sheng Rulan, Sheng Minglan, and Sheng Changfeng followed suit and bowed in unison.

"Madam Sheng, it's been years since we last met. You are even more radiant than before!" Madam Wu approached and returned the greeting.

"Madam Wu, you are still as charming as ever." Sheng Hualan smiled faintly.

Madam Wu laughed heartily and waved her hand, and a maidservant brought over a pot of tea: "Last time, Her Majesty the Empress bestowed some 'Dragon and Phoenix Cakes' upon me. I'm not good at appreciating tea, so I took them out to enjoy with everyone during the polo match."

Dragon Ball and Phoenix Cake, also known as Imperial Tea.

"Thank you, Madam Wu." It was just a pot of tea, and Sheng Hualan did not refuse.

"Madam Sheng has come especially to show her support. If any of you young ladies, gentlemen, or Madam Wang need anything, please feel free to ask," said Madam Wu.

Clearly, being a skilled communicator, she had no intention of staying long.

Sheng Hualan nodded slightly.

Madam Wu bowed and turned to leave, but then remembered something.

"By the way, I heard that Second Master Gu is coming to the polo club to play polo. I wonder if Young Master Gu has the time?" Madam Wu asked in surprise.

Logically speaking, as a third-rank official, a minor minister was already a prominent figure in the court, and it would be impossible for him to come to the polo club for fun.

However, that applies to old men.

It's really hard to say whether Xiao Ge, who is only twenty-seven years old, will actually come to visit.

Sheng Hualan was taken aback, then covered her mouth and smiled: "Originally, my husband did not mean to bother you."

Given Jiang Zhao's status as a high-ranking official of the third rank, his presence was bound to attract attention.