kvmb Chapter 756 Banquet
Chapter 756 Banquet
Meanwhile, Song Yunniang returned to the courtyard and immediately began directing people to prepare for the welcoming banquet.
Then he summoned a servant: "Go and keep watch at the gate. If the Duke returns to the manor, come and report it."
The servants quickly acknowledged and left.
Granny Du poured her some tea and hesitated before saying, "Miss, what if the Duke is unhappy with such a grand celebration? After all, the family has already separated, and the Duke instructed us to keep a low profile and not to make a fuss. Last year, we didn't even celebrate when my son-in-law passed the imperial examination."
Song Yunniang took the tea and drank a sip. Du Mama was her wet nurse, the only nanny she could rely on and the person she trusted most. Knowing that Du Mama was doing this for her own good, she explained to her, "Don't worry, wet nurse, the Duke won't disagree."
Seeing that no one was in the room, Song Yunniang lowered her voice and said, "I asked my husband, and he didn't know the specific reasons, but he told me that the reason why the second branch of the family separated from the main branch while Grandmother was still alive was because of that aunt of the Zheng family. In this matter, the Duke's mansion owed the second branch the debt. Otherwise, why do you think that even now, after so much time has passed, the second branch's courtyard is still guarded by people from the second branch? It means that the Duke never even thought about separating the family. Now that Second Aunt is back to arrange a marriage for Fourth Sister, the Duke will give her face no matter what."
At this point, Song Yunniang sighed, "This is also my opportunity. If I can take this opportunity to establish connections with those aristocratic families in the capital, I can help my husband when we separate from the family in the future. I come from a humble background, and if I'm not clever enough, how long can I rely on my husband's favor? Others think that the Duke of Sheng's mansion is full of filth and a pit of fire, but for me, it's a salvation. If I manage my life well, I can go further in the future."
Her marriage was delayed due to the mourning period, and she was already twenty when she married. Although it wasn't late for a girl from Da Zhao to marry at eighteen or nineteen, her family background was ordinary. Her father was just a low-ranking official with no real power, and he had little hope of promotion. At her age, and having broken off an engagement, finding a poor scholar was already a great achievement. To marry someone of equal social standing, she would have to become someone's second wife. Therefore, she was already very content to have married the young master of the Duke of Sheng's mansion. Although her husband wasn't very talkative, he was devoted to his studies. How she would live her life from now on was up to her own efforts.
If she misses even the chance to have it delivered to her, she might as well just accept her fate.
Granny Du felt sorry for her and began to massage her shoulders. "I've heard that the young ladies of the Duke's mansion are all exceptionally beautiful. The Duchess of that time was the most beautiful woman in the capital, I wonder..."
Song Yunniang quickly interrupted her: "Nanny, please stop talking. Don't let anyone hear us. The day I entered the manor, someone reminded me that the person you should never mention in this manor is my mother-in-law."
Song Yunniang had heard people say that back then, Lady Lan would rather be divorced than leave the mansion. The Duke pleaded with her for many days, but he could not change his mind. Since then, the Duke's mansion has been without a mistress, and the Duke has never even been to his concubine's room. It is said that he still does not agree to divorce.
When Song Yunniang woke up from her afternoon nap, a servant came to report that the Duke had returned. Song Yunniang immediately got ready and went to the front yard with her maid.
Song Yunniang waited for a while before being summoned by the Duke of Sheng.
"Daughter-in-law greets Father." Song Yunniang bowed. Even after more than a year in the mansion, she still dared not look directly at the high and mighty Duke Sheng.
When Duke Sheng entered the mansion, he had already heard about it and probably knew why Song Yunniang had come. "Make proper arrangements for the second branch of the family to return to the capital. Take good care of it."
Upon hearing this, Song Yunniang breathed a sigh of relief and quickly replied, "Your daughter-in-law has arranged a welcome banquet for Second Aunt and Fourth Sister tonight. Second Aunt said she will stay at home to take care of Grandmother. The main reason for her return to the capital this time is for Fourth Sister's engagement. She wants to host a banquet for all the ladies at home later."
Duke Sheng frowned slightly, but after a moment, he replied, "You make the arrangements."
Song Yunniang was completely relieved. "Yes, then I'll take my leave."
"Hmm." Duke Sheng responded, and only after Song Yunniang left did he summon the steward, "Did Second Sister-in-law bring anyone back?"
"Besides the Second Madam and the Fourth Miss, there is only Miss Wen, who is said to be the daughter of an old friend. She seems to know some medical skills and is some kind of miracle doctor," the steward replied.
"A miracle doctor?" Duke Sheng seemed to be deep in thought.
The steward asked, "Lord Duke, is there something amiss?"
"Alright, have someone keep an eye on the old lady. Don't send your second sister-in-law to take care of her unless it's absolutely necessary." Duke Sheng pinched the bridge of his nose. "The atmosphere in the capital is tense lately. Go through the banquet guest list."
"Yes."
Duke Sheng leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes in despair.
With the Duke of Sheng's permission, Song Yunniang immediately held a grand welcome banquet. After attending several banquets with Madam Wang, she quickly sent invitations to the major families in the capital. With Madam Wang supporting the Duke of Sheng's mansion, the mansion, which had been quiet for two years, finally became lively again.
From a young age, Sheng Yunjiao had mingled with Madam Wang at banquets of the capital's prominent families. These events were her forte, and even after two years away from the capital, she quickly reconnected with the noble ladies. With Wen Qingqing, a skilled physician, by her side, Sheng Yunjiao not only rapidly made several new friends but also conveniently promoted Wen Qingqing. Female doctors were always highly sought after among the noblewomen of the capital, especially those with exceptional skills. Before one banquet was even over, Sheng Yunjiao had received a stack of invitations.
"The heir apparent of the Duke of Xiao's mansion has arrived!" someone shouted.
Sheng Yunjiao, who was chatting with a few girls, suddenly perked up and immediately got up to greet Cheng Ruoxue. She fluttered to Cheng Ruoxue's side like a butterfly and affectionately took her arm. "Sister Ruoxue, I've missed you so much! I wasn't in the capital when you got married. Did you receive the gifts I sent? I've been back in the capital for half a month and haven't seen you. I hurriedly sent you an invitation, but I thought you weren't coming!"
Cheng Ruoxue affectionately pinched her cheek. "How could I not come to Jiaojiao's banquet? I unfortunately caught a cold a few days ago and didn't go out. I didn't know you were back, so I came looking for you immediately. I heard you went to the south. You must tell me if the lychees there are really as delicious as described in the poems and books?"
"Lychees are delicious, but they can cause internal heat. I brought something good for Sister Ruoxue, I guarantee she'll like it." Sheng Yunjiao affectionately took her arm and led her to the pavilion. "Sister Ruoxue, are you feeling unwell? I have an older sister who is a renowned physician in the south. She came back to the capital with me this time, and I'll ask her to take a look at my sister later."
"Oh? I'm really looking forward to it. Our Jiaojiao is the best."