Help! The Frosty Noble's Son Is in Love With Me!-Chapter 276: The Ways of the World

Just as they reached the door, Tao Wan suddenly remembered something and exclaimed, "Oh no, I forgot to remind Young Lady Pei about what color my cousin is wearing today!"

It turns out that when hosting a banquet, the attire is more formal, and guests should avoid wearing the same color as the host’s family, as it would appear offensive and be laughed at for lacking etiquette.

Therefore, when anyone hosts a banquet, they usually inform the guests in advance about what color they will wear to avoid any awkwardness.

Madams and young ladies from prominent families usually prepare several outfits for any outing, either for changing after visiting the restroom or after meals. Among these outfits, they must also ensure they don’t match the host’s.

Selecting outfits requires meticulous effort since they cannot match the host, yet they should not be outshone by others. Thus, preparation in advance is vital, and a lack of communication is not acceptable.

For this banquet at Prince Qing Mansion, it was Tao Wan’s responsibility to notify everyone of the color the princess would wear.

Unfortunately, she forgot.

Princess Qing frowned immediately, "How could you forget such an important thing?"

This was no small matter; if not handled well, her genuine invitation to Young Lady Pei could become a laughingstock, and instead of becoming friends, they might turn into rivals.

But now, people were already at the door, and it was too late to give a reminder. After some contemplation, Princess Qing made a swift decision.

"Caiming, go check what color Young Lady Pei is wearing today. If it clashes, I will change immediately, while there’s still time."

They had records of the other women’s attire, so she could just say she decided to change clothes last minute, as long as she didn’t repeat anyone else’s.

"Cousin is being too accommodating; you are the princess. If anyone should change, it should be her," Tao Wan commented, confused.

In critical moments, Princess Qing knew where to draw the line, "No more words, just do it."

Soon, the maid returned, "Reporting to the princess, Young Lady Pei is wearing a dark beige embroidered shirt and skirt, no clothing clash with the princess."

Tao Wan was taken aback, not expecting this Young Lady Pei to wear dark-colored clothing. After all, which lady attending a banquet does not wish to dress brightly and outshine others?

Even her cousin’s outfits were all striking and vibrant, each more glamorous than the last.

Wearing dark colors? That’s unheard of.

Is it truly low-key, or is there another intention?

Qu Fulan had no other intentions; it was simply her first time attending such a banquet, and staying low-key seemed more prudent.

The original host had excellent looks and figure. Anything she wore looked good, so there was no need to dress too flashily and steal the limelight on such an occasion.

Regarding the princess’s clothing color, although no one informed her, Bicao and Ruyin, the two maids, did not know the etiquette of these high families, but the two maids in Lixiang Courtyard knew. Those elevated by the Princely Heir to first-class maid status naturally understood more than others.

Besides, Qu Fulan herself was aware; after all, she had mingled with Madam Pei and the princess in the past. Although that circle was not as demanding, it applied only when amongst themselves. When outsiders were present, every rule was observed. She had learned a lot by following along.

Today’s prepared outfits were all low-key, yet retained luxury and taste.

Supported by her maids, she alighted from the carriage and noticed other ladies from various families had arrived. Some she recognized and exchanged greetings, while unfamiliar ones received a slight nod in passing.

Being new, Qu Fulan naturally knew no one, yet many instinctively cast their gaze upon her.

Everyone knew that Princess Qing had invited the new Young Lady Pei today. When the Pei Mansion held the wedding earlier, all the men attended, so many ladies only knew the Princely Heir had married but had never seen his wife.

Upon seeing her today, they all understood why the Princely Heir would marry her. From a woman’s perspective in choosing a daughter-in-law, appearance is secondary. However, in a man’s eyes, appearance often takes precedence. With such a stunning beauty, even one as indifferent to women as the Princely Heir would entertain the idea of marriage and make it happen.

Despite wearing dark colors, her figure and looks brilliantly accentuated the attire.

Indeed, while others rely on clothes to look good, she makes the clothes look good. Her skin was as immaculate as shelled eggs, making one amazed and envious. Perhaps she used some powder; it should be worth inquiring about.

The maids at Prince Qing Mansion enthusiastically ushered the guests inside, and Qu Fulan followed in with her four chief maids.

Before long, she met Princess Qing. Qu Fulan was quite surprised, not expecting Princess Qing to look so young, with a hint of a baby face, giving the impression at first glance of someone friendly, though the reality was yet to be seen.

She exchanged pleasantries with several noblewomen, then spotted Qu Fulan and approached her, smiling warmly, "Young Lady Pei’s arrival truly graces our humble abode with glory. It is an immense honor."

Qu Fulan hurriedly responded, "The princess’s generous invitation is my true honor."

Princess Qing covered her mouth with a laugh, "Alright, the spring sun is quite strong today. Staying outside too long might cause a tan. Please come in and sit with me."

Under Princess Qing’s introduction, Qu Fulan met many ladies, and they exchanged courteous pleasantries.

Today’s banquet, aside from the various madams, also saw the attendance of many yet-to-be-married young ladies.

The young ladies from noble families rarely leave home; hence, they wouldn’t miss such an outing opportunity. At such events, each family’s madam would take the chance to seek a suitable daughter-in-law, understanding one another.

At the banquet, two people left a deep impression on Qu Fulan.

One was Miss Yu, and the other was Miss Zhou.

Starting with the Zhou family: it’s said they intended to ally through marriage with the Prince Anyang Mansion, which means marrying Prince An.

It’s said a matchmaker has been consulted. If nothing goes awry, Miss Zhou is likely to become Prince An’s wife.

Because of Prince An, she couldn’t help but take a few extra glances. The girl had a proper appearance, and from a purely appearance perspective, they seemed well-matched. Other compatibility aspects weren’t her concern.

Accidentally meeting Miss Zhou’s gaze, Qu Fulan gave a friendly smile. Unfortunately, the other remained expressionless and turned her head away, pretending not to see.

Mrs. Zhou, however, said a few words to her, smiling and friendly. Before long, she was pulled away by her daughter.

"Mother, why are you speaking to her?" Once they were far away, Miss Zhou could not help but complain.

Mrs. Zhou replied impassively, "She is Young Lady Pei. What’s wrong with me speaking to her? As for you, don’t act on impulse. The An Family and Pei Family have a long-standing friendship. Prince An and the Princely Heir are quite close. Getting along with Young Lady Pei isn’t it beneficial?"

Miss Zhou retorted with disdain, "She’s not even a sister-in-law. Why do I need to build a good relationship?"

Such occasions weren’t suitable for lecturing, so Mrs. Zhou said no more. After all, her daughter was young, impatient, and did not comprehend the importance of social relations.