Although Changping Fang and Lingye Imperial Residence were located in Yongxing Fang and separated by only a single street, the two sides were divided by walls.
One could say they were clearly distinct.
Just as Lu Zineng had said, there were checkpoints at the entrance of Yongchang Fang, guarded by patrolling soldiers.
However, upon seeing the carriage and guard team of Lingye Imperial Residence, none of the patrolling soldiers dared to step forward to block them, allowing them to pass through without any obstruction.
After entering Changping Fang for about two quarters of an hour, the carriage train came to a stop.
A guard's voice came from outside: "Princess Lingxiu, Young Lady, we have arrived at the residence of Vice Minister Zhuo."
Hearing this, the Young Lady pushed open the carriage door and stepped down from the carriage.
Chen Xuan followed behind her and also got down from the carriage. What met his eyes was a magnificent and grand residence. It could be said that this vice minister's residence was in no way inferior to Lingye Imperial Residence.
After everyone had gotten out of the carriages, the Young Lady said to the guards: "Park the carriages properly, you don't need to follow us."
"Yes!"
The Young Lady led everyone to the main gate of the Vice Minister's Residence and handed over a golden invitation with jade inlay.
The people of the Vice Minister's Residence quickly took the invitation, glanced at it, and said respectfully:
"Princess Jing, Princess Lingxiu, please come inside."
A servant led Chen Xuan's group through the Vice Minister's Residence without any obstruction. However, what surprised Chen Xuan was that they were not heading toward the main hall.
Instead, they were heading toward the backyard of the Vice Minister's Residence.
According to the layout of this world, the backyard was generally a place where female family members lived and played.
The group passed through a long corridor and soon saw a shimmering lake.
On the lake, there was a courtyard composed of more than a dozen pavilions.
In the pavilions, one could see beautifully dressed beauties and elegantly dressed men, chatting and laughing in small groups.
However, most of the people in the pavilions were young people, with occasionally a few slightly older individuals.
"You honored guests, the Qunfang Banquet is in this lakeside pavilion. I can only escort you this far." After saying that, the servant turned and left without daring to delay for a moment.
"Qunfang Banquet?"
Upon hearing this name, Chen Xuan instinctively glanced at the Young Lady.
"Xianshi Chen, it's like this. The second daughter of Vice Minister Zhuo's family had her soul damaged a year ago and was in a coma for a full year. But miraculously, she woke up half a month ago.
However, to prevent the second daughter from having another accident, the Zhuo family placed her under house arrest, so she organized this Qunfang Banquet to invite the famous ladies, noblewomen, and talented young people of Jinyang to gather at her home."
The Young Lady explained.
Chao Youqian's face showed a hint of surprise, and said:
"I didn't expect the Zhuo family to actually have a method to treat soul damage. As far as I know, treating soul damage requires a Fushen Dan, which is an elixir that only a Saint can refine."
The Young Lady shook her head: "That is not something this humble woman can inquire about."
Chen Xuan asked: "You mean there's something wrong with this Second Miss Zhuo?"
Chao Youqian shrugged: "I never said that. Besides, won't we find out soon enough?"
"Yes, that makes sense. Let's also see what the famous ladies of Jinyang look like. It's a pity there's no 'ming qun' (famous lady skirt)." Chen Xuan said with a look of regret.
"Ming qun, is that a type of skirt?" The Young Lady asked curiously.
"No."
Chen Xuan smiled meaningfully.
Soon, the group walked onto the lakeside pavilion.
From afar, Chen Xuan could hear various discussions.
"I didn't expect Princess Lingxiu to come too. Her luck is really good!"
"What's so good about it? She's just the result of the Zuiyun Ancestor getting drunk and having a child with a maid. She's not favored by the Ancestor at all. Otherwise, she wouldn't have been married off to a place like Shangyuan City."
"..."
"Princess, what these people are saying is too harsh. I want to teach them a lesson."
The Young Lady said angrily.
Princess Lingxiu held her back: "There's no need to argue with them. Let's just find a quiet place to stay."
The Young Lady nodded and then led everyone to a relatively quiet pavilion.
The tables in the pavilion were filled with all kinds of delicacies from the mountains and seas, as well as rare and exotic fruits.
Seeing no one around, Chen Xuan started eating directly. After he was full, he would go look for Junior Brother Leng's whereabouts.
Just as he was eating with great enthusiasm, he heard footsteps. A tall and sunny young man, surrounded by a group of young masters, walked over.
Seeing the person, the Young Lady's expression changed slightly, and she said with some displeasure:
"Yang Chen, what are you doing here? You're not welcome here."
"Hmph!"
Yang Chen snorted coldly: "You think having Princess Lingxiu as your backer means you're safe? The person here to see you today is a direct disciple of the Daluo Holy Sect. If you don't want to embarrass the princess, come with us."
Hearing this, the Young Lady instinctively hid behind Chen Xuan.
Yang Chen didn't expect the Young Lady to dare to hide. He completely ignored Chen Xuan's existence and reached out to grab the Young Lady, but was blocked by a sword that hadn't been unsheathed.
Only then did he notice Chen Xuan. However, seeing that the other party was just a mortal, his face showed a thick disdain:
"A mere mortal dares to block this young master. Do you know who I am?"
"I don't know, and I'm not interested in knowing. If you know what's good for you, get out of here yourself."
As he spoke, Chen Xuan used the silk handkerchief on the table to wipe his mouth.
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