After farming, I opened a family tree

Chapter 166 Lottery

The one who made the suggestion this time was the daughter of a civil official, and writing poetry and prose was naturally their strong point.

However, it is a bit difficult for the daughters of military generals. Although they are also good at writing, there is still some gap compared with other girls in the boudoir who are well-read in poetry and books.

Shen Tang looked at the girls surrounding her. If she guessed correctly, most of them were daughters of military generals.

As the host, Zhu Shiwen naturally cannot disappoint the guests.

I can only stand up and host.

The maid was holding a plate filled with lucky charms placed there by the young ladies of various families.

The plate was brought to Ji Ruhui, who shouted:

"Since everyone is in such a good mood, I didn't bring anything with me today. How about this? I'll use this phoenix hairpin as a lucky charm."

As she spoke, she slowly took off the sparkling phoenix hairpin on her head.

"County Lady, isn't this a gift from the Emperor? This phoenix hairpin was given to you by the late Emperor. It's a gift from the Emperor!"

"Yes, County Lady, this is too valuable. You should take it back. It's just an ordinary competition. There's no need for such a valuable phoenix hairpin. It's better to exchange it for something more ordinary."

The people surrounding Ji Ruhui tried to persuade her.

"Although the phoenix hairpin is nice, the bond between us sisters is more precious. I'm sure *** will be happy when she knows about it."

Ji Ruhui spoke loudly, and her voice reached everyone's ears.

"Although the county lady is a bit arrogant, she is also a true person."

Some people immediately changed their previous views of Ji Ruhui.

Shen Tang raised his eyes and met Ji Ruhui's provocative gaze. Sure enough, he heard Ji Ruhui say:

"Marquis Ning'an, I wonder what your prize is?"

After going around in circles, I found out he was waiting here.

Shen Tang raised his hand and plucked a plum blossom and brought it to his nose. It smelled so good.

Then he let go, and the rebounding branches caused the snow on the tree to fall. Shen Tang's voice was clearly heard by everyone:

"When did I ever say I wanted to participate in the competition? Could it be that there's some rule that requires me to compose a poem just by stepping into the Plum Garden?"

When Zhu Shiwen heard this, she hurriedly explained:

"Of course not. Just do it as you please."

In the past, not everyone participated. Those people and things that Ji Ruhui looked down upon were not invited.

"You won't participate?"

When Ji Ruhui heard this, a crack finally appeared on her face.

"Yes, I was born in the countryside, I haven't received much education, and my handwriting is not very good, how can I write poetry?"

Shen Tang answered calmly, his eyes brighter than the white snow.

It made them feel quite guilty.

Ji Ruhui has done this more than once or twice, but today's jackpot is so good that many people want to give it a try.

Besides, the county lady has already offered the phoenix hairpin awarded by the emperor, so the Ning'an Marquis must be no less impressive.

Although the people present were all rich ladies, they were all dressed in silk and satin and wore gold and jade hairpins and rings.

But these can all be bought with money, but today the prize is different, there are also royal gifts inside.

"It doesn't matter if you can't compose poetry. Ning Anhou can be the judge."

Being a referee also requires a bonus.

"Could it be that the county lady got a cold injury to her brain from going out today? How can I, a marquis who can't even recognize a single word, be a judge?"

This was obviously a setup targeting her, and she got involved because she was desperate.

Seeing that Shen Tang refused to fall into the trap, Ji Ruhui felt a little annoyed.

If Shen Tang doesn't participate, then her phoenix hairpin will be given away in vain.

Moreover, she had calculated that most of the people on her side were civil officials, so they would definitely win.

Even if she wins the prize, she can just return the phoenix hairpin and leave Shen Tang's to her.

Ji Ruhui had thought it through before she asked her close friends to suggest the poetry writing competition.

But who would have thought that she would not be persuaded by anything.

"Does Ning'an Hou really want to spoil the fun like this?"

Ji Ruhui thought that if Shen Tang really didn't participate, she might not be able to get the phoenix hairpin back. Even if she got it back, she wouldn't be able to take it out, and she couldn't help feeling annoyed.

Sure enough, as soon as Ji Ruhui finished speaking, the girls' attention turned to Shen Tang.

"The county lady doesn't understand what I'm saying? This marquis has never been to school, so I can't participate, nor can I be a referee. Why is the county lady pressing on so hard? Shen Tang had never met the county lady before, and he didn't know that the county lady had first maliciously slandered this marquis from behind, and now she was pressing on so hard.

I would like to ask the county lady, have I ever offended you?"

Shen Tang directly made it clear,

"Shen Tang has just arrived in the capital and has never met anyone here. If there's anyone he recognizes in the capital, it's only the Minister of Revenue. Could it be that the county lady has a grudge against the Minister, and since she can't see him on a regular basis, she's taking it out on me?"

Minister Zhao, I’m sorry.

Shen Tang said secretly in his heart.

All the ladies present were noble ladies, and they had never heard such straightforward words. Shen Tang almost said that Ji Ruhui was unhappy with Minister Zhao and said it out loud.

"Don't talk nonsense! This county lady is just kind and wants you to meet more sisters."

Ji Ruhui looked shocked and incredulous.

"How could I, a girl from the boudoir, recognize the Minister?"

If we were to say which of the six ministries one should not offend the most, it would definitely be the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue.

One is in charge of official assessments, and the other is in charge of money.

Although Ji Ruhui was arrogant and narrow-minded, she also knew that people from the Ministry of Revenue should not be offended.

“I can’t participate in this poetry competition, but Miss Zhu did a great job hosting the Plum Blossom Banquet.

I also like to interact with you ladies. Shen Tang is a vulgar person and can't give you any good things.

From now on, Miss Zhu will get 50% off on all Tangji items when she comes to buy them."

Shen Tang spoke with a smile.

Everyone gasped when they heard this.

How could they forget about Tangji’s things? Shen Tang still has Tangji in his hands!

Careless.

"My Lord, what you mean is that from now on, Miss Zhu will only have to spend half the price on Tangji soap?"

Shen Tang nodded.

"Humph, it's just a small shop. How dare you show it off, Marquis Ning'an? Besides, as far as I know, there's no other shop like yours in the capital. And you're offering a 50% discount. Where else can people buy it?"

"It's normal for you ladies to be out of touch with the news in your boudoirs. Tangji will open in the capital by next spring at the latest."

Shen Tang spoke lightly.

Zhu Shiwen immediately smoothed things over:

"Of course I'm happy. Tangji's products are good. With what you said, I can save a lot of money on buying things in the future."

At this time, people still didn't know how extensive Tangji's business would be in the future.

Sure enough, some people looked at Shen Tang with disdain.

Shen Tang didn't care either.

Just when everyone was at a stalemate, a maid came from a distance.