Meng Zhaojun’s painting movements looked quite swift, yet they still took some time.
The banquet was about to start, and Madam Tang had someone find her grandson and the small guests to return to the banquet for lunch.
This time the banquet wasn’t excessively large; it was held in the Tang Family’s main living room, and some tents were set up in the garden, utilizing pavilions and corridors as well, so there was no need to go to an outside restaurant.
However, some dishes had to be cooked at an outside restaurant and then delivered here. One restaurant, in order to prepare the Tang Family’s meal, had even closed its doors to other customers and was booked entirely by the Tang Family.
The restaurant booked by the Tang Family wasn’t only for the substantial reward money offered by the family; delivering so many dishes meant the chefs had to work even harder than they would in the restaurant. One reason for this was that the restaurant was owned by the Tang Family.
Nevertheless, today’s busyness meant that all the workers would receive reward money, allowing others to share in the young Master’s good fortune.
"Young Master, Madam has asked you and the others to come back for lunch," said the maid who had been sent, as she carefully squeezed in and whispered in Tang Shunyan’s ear.
Her arrival drew everyone’s attention. Although her speech was soft, her voice could be heard by everyone in the room.
Meng Zhaojun, who was painting, paused her hand for a moment but chose to finish her task, aiming to swell someone else’s face, which would make lunch much more enjoyable.
The deed was done and irrevocable; even the adults had come in upon seeing the children’s affair.
Meng Zhaojun had no regrets about her actions; this was a great opportunity to strike at the Ye Family’s sisters, and she didn’t miss her chance.
Deciding not to let the opportunity slip away, Meng Zhaojun wasn’t hesitant to quarrel with a farmer girl. She thought about the limited time before she had to go to the Capital City and was determined to finish this matter.
She might never get another chance, which would forever remain a regret, an opportunity to discover the true identity of the transmigrator before her eyes.
Tang Shunyan shook his head at the maid next to him and quietly told her, "Go back and tell Grandmother that the banquet can start a bit late. We still have unfinished business here."
The maid, upon hearing the young Master’s words and glancing at Meng Zhaojun, understood that this Miss Meng of the Mengs couldn’t be stopped from showing off here.
This young girl before her was known to be rather domineering. Everyone in the Tang Family knew better than to upset her, as a displeased reaction from her was inevitable, and no retort was allowed. Who would dare to cross Meng Jia’s precious Miss and thus oppose the most powerful official in the county?
The maid, showing understanding, left the room. The children inside did not feel hungry. Their families had ensured they ate a full breakfast, and upon arriving at the Tang Family’s estate, they had both pastries and cakes.
Already quite full, they still managed to eat some more, especially since the sweet pastries were quite tasty.
The savory ones were slightly less impressive; it wasn’t clear whether the skills weren’t as good for the savory items.
Nobody had expected that the pastries and cakes would be tastier, as they contained honey rather than cane sugar.
Not every family could buy quality honey from the Ye Family, or even any honey at all.
When it came to estate honey, the Tang Family had cornered the market; other families had to focus on purchasing fruits, vegetables, or meat.
They were also interested in rice grown by one family, but unfortunately, the Ye Family did not cultivate wheat or sorghum.
The adults standing outside the room, including the children’s mothers or grandmothers, maids, etc., who had tasted the cakes and pastries at the Tang Family’s estate, weren’t hungry when lunchtime arrived. They were more interested in watching Miss Meng Xiao, who was painting.
Meng Zhaojun’s hand moved swiftly as she painted. She maintained a good posture, impressing both laymen and experts with her great foundation in painting.
Those who had previously thought Ye Shiqi painted well were now leaning towards Meng Zhaojun. They regretted their earlier, inconsiderate words and worried whether they had offended Meng Zhaojun and whether they could mend fences.
Their elders, upon hearing earlier praises for the farmer girl over this Miss, had secretly reprimanded them.
They were now more convinced of Miss Meng’s superiority over the farmer girl, considering it important to maintain the face of a wealthy family.
They were also indirectly maintaining their own face. Those who had always wanted to foster good relations with the Mengs thought it was best to remain onlookers in this duel between the two girls.