A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace

Jiang Wanrong was still a little scared.

"But, Aunt...where are you going?"

Madam Shi pointed to Wangjiang Tower at the corner of the street not far away.

"I’m heading there to wait for you! Go on!"

Today was a festive gathering for young men and women, the streets were filled with young ladies and young men, and she really didn’t want to get into the lively crowd.

In fact, it wasn’t just her; most ladies from wealthy families were embarrassed to join the festivities, but they also worried about their daughters going out alone.

So they arranged to gather at a place in groups of three or five.

Either a teahouse, a tavern, or even a theater.

A few acquaintances gathering together, chatting and laughing, and enjoying the street view, could also be considered a delightful affair.

Seeing that her aunt had made up her mind, and noticing that only some young ladies were indeed around not far off, Jiang Wanrong felt somewhat reassured.

Taking a look at the ten or so house servants and maids standing behind her, her thoughts finally calmed a little.

"If that’s the case... then Wanrong will come look for Aunt later!"

"Go on, have a good stroll!" Madam Shi said cheerfully.

So many people were following her, and the streets were so crowded that nothing would happen!

Madam Shi felt very assured.

So Jiang Wanrong performed a proper bow, respectfully bade farewell to her aunt, and turned to cross the street.

...

The street was bustling with noise.

The street runners shouted energetically, and the vendors who had set up stalls along the road beckoned customers with smiling faces.

The wide bluestone road was clean, reflecting the ancient buildings on both sides of the street and the red lanterns hanging from the trees, creating a charming and classical ambiance.

The noble ladies and fair maidens on the street walked in groups of three or five, chatting and laughing.

The young gentlemen wore white jade robes, holding folding fans, exchanging courtesies with one another.

Jiang Wanrong felt a slight sense of loss as she looked at her solitary figure.

Her moist apricot eyes, which were originally bright with excitement, gradually dimmed.

Even the courage to look around was gone; she lowered her eyes and slowly moved forward, her entire back conveying an indescribable sense of melancholy.

The attending maid hurried forward to comfort her when she saw it.

"Miss, don’t be afraid! We are all here with you!"

Jiang Wanrong still felt somewhat sad.

After a long silence, she suddenly looked up at the stars in the sky and said in a voice as soft as a mosquito’s.

"Ever since mother passed, I feel...like I’ve been abandoned by the whole world!"

If people turned into stars after they died, which one was mother?

Aunt was good, but she was ultimately not her own mother.

No matter how hard she forced herself, she couldn’t feel close at all!

The noise was too loud for the maid to hear what she said, she only saw her staring blankly at the vast expanse of stars.

The maid continued to comfort her mistress.

"Look how beautiful the stars in the sky are."

"Even the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl are meeting, and who knows, Miss, where your future husband might be."

Implying that she should quickly walk around, maybe she could run into the young men Madam mentioned!

Seeing them in advance was better than knowing nothing at all!

The Qiqiao Festival was indeed a rare opportunity for unmarried girls.

Only once a year, if one missed it, they would have to wait until next year.

Jiang Wanrong chuckled lightly, understanding the maid’s good intentions, and smiled while nodding her head.

"Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing!"

Then she continued to walk forward.

...

At Wangjiang Tower.

Madam Shi had arranged to meet with the wife of the Assistant Minister of Rites, the wife of the Prefect of the Capital, and the main wife of the Grand Scholar of the Hanlin Academy.

The ladies were having tea in the most luxurious private room on the third floor of Wangjiang Tower.

The few of them weren’t actually close, nor did they interact much, but they gathered for the sake of their children’s marriage prospects.

Families with such intentions would inform each other beforehand.

Whether things worked out or not, they’d consider it as making friends; nothing was explicitly stated, and it wouldn’t be awkward.

A family with daughters is sought after by many houses; such matters weren’t decided yet, and thus inviting several families was quite normal.

Besides, they were merely enjoying the lanterns together, which was nothing significant.

Though they weren’t very familiar with each other, they were all part of the Capital City’s noblewoman circle and had excellent social skills.

Starting with simple topics like clothing, accessories, and the weather, the atmosphere quickly became friendly and familiar.

Topics rotated among the four of them in turn.

Similar to introducing themselves and stating their family backgrounds.

After everyone had spoken, they all became familiar and began chatting about various topics.

Any curiosity about each other could be subtly asked and answered in a joking manner.

The exchanges made the atmosphere even livelier than outside.

...

After more than half a Shi Chen, information had been exchanged thoroughly.

The tea gathering was also nearing its end.

After politely seeing off the three ladies, Madam Shi asked a bit worriedly.

"Why is there still no news from Wanrong? It should be time for her to return after more than half a Shi Chen!"

Even if she wasn’t coming back, someone should have sent news by now.

Hopefully, she hasn’t encountered any danger!

The old woman beside her also looked grave.

"This old servant has been sending people to inquire, but there’s been no news!"

"What?"

Madam Shi’s face grew stern, and she immediately stood up.

"Quick! Let’s go look for her!"

The remaining four or five wives hurriedly followed behind her.

Madam Shi instructed with a frown.

"Leave two of you here to stand guard. If Wanrong returns after I’ve left, notify me immediately!"

"Yes!"

Madam Shi nodded and, without further delay, led the group out the door.

...

Jiang Wanrong indeed encountered danger.

This started with her feeling downcast.

Realizing she was alone, she became somewhat despondent, even feeling indifferent about this unique opportunity.

The young men Aunt mentioned, she was not interested in meeting, so she deliberately chose paths with fewer people.

Her intention was to avoid the crowds, but soon she suddenly looked up and realized she was entirely alone.

She stood alone in a dead-end alley, with only the moon overhead casting a pale light.

"Where is everyone?" Her voice trembled with fear.

But only the chilly wind blowing from the corner responded to her.

Unconsciously shrinking back, she was about to frantically turn around to look for someone.

At that moment, several shadows suddenly sprang from the darkness by the road.

"Haha, I’m right here!" It was a man’s voice.

Jiang Wanrong nearly had her heart jump out of her throat in fright.

Upon slightly regaining her composure and seeing the shadows, she became even more terrified.

Shaking, she stepped back a few paces, staring intently at the figures approaching her.

"Who...who are you?"

The leading masked shadow approached her, his voice filled with extreme lewdness and malice.

"Rong’er, do you not recognize me?"

"It’s a waste of my deep affection for you! Alas!"

While lamenting, he tore off his mask with a ripping sound.

"I’m Lv Zhaoliang!"

"Rong’er, marry me, I like you, I’ll take good care of you for a lifetime!"