Three families hire each other, the mistress of the marquisate accidentally offends the treacherous

Chu Wan'er gained power and thrived in the mansion. She prepared a welcoming banquet before Xue Feimu took office.

The purpose of this welcoming banquet was, firstly, to promote the reputation of the Marquis' Mansion and let everyone know that the Loyal and Brave Marquis' Mansion still existed, and secondly, to get in touch with those who had been on good terms with the Marquis' Mansion in the past.

Whether going up or down, Xue Feimu has returned to Beijing now. When he walks in the court in the future, there will inevitably be intersections. It is necessary to keep in touch and make friends now.

Thirdly, there is Xue Feimu’s position. As long as he does not take up the position, there is a possibility of change. It is better to move the dead than to live. We have to find a way.

Now that Chu Wan'er is in charge of the family, this matter is naturally handed over to her.

Chu Wan'er was overjoyed when she received this task. This was a good opportunity for her to become famous.

She has now been recognized by the Marquis' Mansion, but has no reputation in the capital. This time, she has to spread Chu Wan'er's name and take the opportunity to get to know some ladies to pave the way for her future.

She is now in charge of the inner house, and who knows, one day she may become the mistress of the house. If she lays a solid foundation now, the road ahead will be easier.

She was naturally aware that with her status, those noble ladies might not necessarily give her face, but it didn't matter. With the old lady around, those ladies would always give her a smile. As long as she had this smile, she would be confident that she could leave a good impression among these noble ladies. As for the rest, she would take her time.

The welcoming banquet is scheduled for the last day of March.

For the female guests, the old lady personally selected the list and sent out the invitations.

Xue Feimu delivered the invitations to the male guests himself. Since he had difficulty walking, he asked several cousins ​​from the Sun family to help with the reception.

The Sun family's status was not as high as the Marquis's, so they naturally gladly agreed to such an opportunity.

Xue Feimu also knew that the Sun family had a low status, and it would be rude to ask them to receive them, but there was no other way. He thought that those who looked down on the Xue family would not come, and those who were willing to interact with the Xue family would not care about these trivial matters.

After all, he has difficulty walking, so it's understandable.

Chu Wan'er was making careful preparations in full swing, and together with the four maids, she was giving instructions and instructing this and that, acting very properly.

At this time, Chu Wan'er had already changed into the fashionable attire of the ladies in the capital. She dressed neatly every day, and when she checked the accounts with the shopkeeper outside, at first glance, she had the style of a mistress of the house.

The maidservants around her naturally praised her again and again, and Chu Wan'er was overjoyed to hear that. She felt that the days were getting more and more promising.

Soon, the day of the welcoming banquet arrived.

Early in the morning, the servants of the Marquis' Mansion cleaned the house, made arrangements, and waited for the guests to arrive.

The area in the garden for receiving guests was also prepared.

With four maids present and the old lady personally supervising, everything was in order and there was no trouble at all.

Chu Wan'er got up early in the morning and dressed up, putting on the clothes she had prepared early and a complete set of jeweled hair, which cost her a lot of money.

The ones the old lady gave her were old and outdated, but they were still wearable, but they were not suitable for her. She spent a long time choosing this set.

After putting on makeup, she looked elegant and dignified, completely different from when she first came to Beijing. When she walked out, people who didn't know her would think she was the lady of some family.

Amid the maids' praises, Chu Wan'er was so happy that she couldn't suppress the smile on her face. She looked at herself in the mirror again and again, and was very satisfied.

She spent so much time choosing the clothes and jewelry, and today's appearance must end perfectly.

After everything was packed up, Chu Wan'er went around to look around.

The more I watched, the happier I became, and a sense of pride rose in my heart. I felt that it was all my own contribution to what I had achieved today.

She said, what's the difficulty in managing an inner house? She even managed such a big welcoming banquet very well.

When she was feeling proud, the four maids did not dare to slack off for a moment and each confirmed the things they were responsible for again.

The old lady took the eldest wife to the front to welcome the guests. Chu Wan'er also wanted to go and said it would be fine to stay behind.

Of course the old lady did not agree. Today's banquet is so important that there cannot be any mistakes.

It would be fine if Chu Wan'er stayed in the inner house, but it was too inappropriate for a concubine to welcome guests.

Wutong Courtyard.

Jiang Qingyue did not go out.

A few days ago, Xue Feimu came to her twice and asked her and Chu Wan'er to host the welcoming banquet together. Jiang Qingyue refused, and Xue Feimu was a little angry, so he gave up out of spite and did not mention it again.

Chu Wan'er hosted the welcoming banquet, and everyone in the mansion knew about it, so she naturally couldn't hide it from outsiders. She was afraid that outsiders would misunderstand her, so she announced to the public: The mistress was ill, so the concubine took over the banquet, and it was not Chu's fault.

In this way, Jiang Qingyue doesn't even have to show her face.

This was a punishment and a warning from Xue Feimu to her, meant to tell her that there would be no problem in the Xue Mansion even without Jiang Qingyue.

Jiang Qingyue knew what Xue Feimu was thinking, but she didn't expose him or argue with him. She just lived her own life behind closed doors.

In the past few days, good news came one after another from the Lin Mansion, which made her happy.

First, my second uncle's illness has gradually improved after taking the medicine, and his life is no longer in danger. He will be completely recovered after some time of recuperation.

Second, my eldest uncle’s silk business was going very smoothly.

Because the other party had to pay the full amount, there were not many competitors, and even those who were interested were not particularly determined. They got a very good price and are now distributing the products.

Jiang Qingyue knew that this batch of goods would sell very well.

After receiving the news, Jiang Qingyue was happy even if she didn't go out of the house.

At this moment, she was sitting in the yard drinking tea, and Lu Huan told her what was happening outside.

"Madam, today's event is quite grand. There are no less than ten tables for the men, and even more for the women. Although there are not many wealthy families, almost all the families with the same or even lower status as the Marquis' Mansion have come."

Jiang Qingyue raised her eyebrows and did not comment.

In the capital, all dealings are based on interests.

Those wealthy and powerful families naturally looked down upon the Marquis' Mansion.

However, as long as there are no conflicts between those who are similar to the Marquis' Mansion, they are still willing to make friends with the Marquis' Mansion, not to mention those who are not as good as the Marquis' Mansion. Now that they have the opportunity to show their faces in front of the Marquis' Mansion, they are naturally eager.

"Madam didn't go out today, so Aunt Chu got the limelight."

"No, today's banquet is so important. Even if Xue Feimu has sympathy and wants to ask her for help, the old lady will not agree."

Xue Feimu was not in a clear mind, but the old lady was very shrewd in this regard.

"Then, what if Aunt Chu insists on coming forward?"

Jiang Qingyue smiled:

"That's great. Tomorrow, the censor's memorial impeaching the prince of the Loyal and Brave Marquis's mansion for favoring his concubine over his wife will be sent to the emperor's dragon case."

Outside, Zi Su came in to get information:

"Madam, most of the guests have arrived, and it's very lively in front. The old lady is being praised by everyone and is smiling from ear to ear."

"Of course, almost all of those who come here are inferior to the Marquis' Mansion, so they naturally have to flatter the old lady."

In Jiang Qingyue's view, this was just a noisy market. Fortunately, she didn't have to show up. If she were asked to flatter those people, she didn't want to do that at all.

She drank her tea leisurely.

It's a beautiful spring day today, with sunshine shining brightly.

Tender green buds sprouted on the branches.

There is a peach tree planted in the yard. It is in full bloom at this time. The pink and white petals flutter in the wind, and the spring is filled with the fragrance of fresh mud.

The peach blossoms in the capital are in bloom, and the spring scenery in the south of the Yangtze River is bound to be breathtakingly beautiful.

If one day she could leave the Marquis' Mansion, she would go to Jiangnan.

In the book, it is a very beautiful paradise.

She was yearning for it.

At this time, in the garden outside where guests were received, the guests were sitting in an orderly manner, drinking tea and chatting.

On the male guests' side, led by Xue Feimu, who brought the uncles and young masters of the Sun family, walked among the guests, met everyone one by one, and greeted them warmly.

After going around, Xue Feimu's face looked a little ugly.

Up to now, most of the people who come here are from mansions that are not as good as the Marquis' Mansion.

Even the good colleagues of his father and grandfather who he invited for drinks last time did not come this time.

Is it a done deal for him to get this position?

Xue Feimu was not convinced. Since the emperor had given him the position, rumors occasionally circulated in the capital, all of which wanted to make fun of him.

I originally wanted to take advantage of this occasion to invite someone to help me.

But now it seems that we are going to be disappointed.

Things were not going well for him, and no one who could help him came, so he could only pin his hopes on the female guest.

When drawing up the list, he had discussed with the old lady who to invite, how to talk to them if they came, and how to ask them for help. There were still a few possible candidates, but he didn't know if they had come.

As for the female guests, the old lady and the eldest wife were very happy.

The eldest wife was so pleased with what the younger generations said that she smiled happily and kept praising them back.

The old lady remembered the purpose of this trip, and she was so happy that she kept looking forward, asking Madam Li to pay attention to see if the ladies she particularly emphasized had arrived.

After waiting for a long time, I didn't see anything. I already had the answer in my mind. I could only hope that someone from the men's side would come.

He also asked Nanny Li to tell Xue Feimu about the situation here.

As long as someone from one of the two sides can be invited, there is still hope for the position.

The old lady greeted them with a smile, saying that if no one came to the residences of those adults today, then the news that the prince of the marquis's mansion had returned to the capital should also be spread.

At least one thing must be accomplished, otherwise today's welcoming banquet will be meaningless.

Just as she was talking to a lady behind her, she didn't notice that Chu Wan'er brought up a fruit plate.

She was wearing expensive Su brocade, the embroidery on it was obviously the work of Yunyifang in the capital, and it was very expensive.

She wore a complete set of headgear and had decent makeup on her face, looking like a lady.

When the old lady saw her coming, she frowned and signaled her to go back with her eyes.

Chu Wan'er just pretended not to see it. She had prepared for so long just for this moment, how could she give up so easily?

She came over with a smile on her face and bowed to the old lady in the first seat:

"Wan'er greets the old lady, the eldest lady, all the ladies, and all the young ladies.

"Fresh fruits and vegetables from Jiangnan have arrived. Wan'er specially asked the kitchen to cut a plate and send it up for everyone to try."

As she finished speaking, the maids behind her opened the covers of the plates in their hands one by one, revealing the fruits on the plates on the tray.

The fruit is fresh, colorful, crystal clear, and looks tempting.

A voice came from the crowd.

"Wow, it's not even April yet and there are watermelons. They look so tempting."

"It's the early melons from Jiangnan. They are indeed available at this time, but it is difficult to transport and purchase, so they are very expensive. I didn't expect to have the good fortune to eat them in the Marquis' Mansion today."

"The Marquis' Mansion is indeed a Marquis' Mansion, it is really rich and powerful."

"Old Madam, you are too polite. We are already bothering you by coming here and costing the Marquisate money."

The old lady listened to these flattering words and responded with a smile.

But looking at Chu Wan'er, his brows were furrowed. This Chu Wan'er really didn't know the rules.

Chu Wan'er saw what the old lady meant, but she couldn't retreat. Today was a great opportunity for her to become famous, and she absolutely couldn't miss it.

Anyway, Jiang Qingyue had already told everyone that she was sick, and she just came out to deliver some fruit, which was nothing serious.

Fortune and wealth are achieved through risk. With only a few words of criticism from the old lady, I can stand out among all the ladies. This deal is really a good deal.

Chu Wan'er had a smile on her face and asked the maids to share the fruits in their hands:

"Everyone try it, eating melon in spring has a special flavor."

When she spoke, she happened to be talking to one of the ladies, who replied with a smile on her face:

"Thank you, Madam. I have heard that you are kind and gentle. Now that I see you, it is true."

"Yes, yes, my daughter-in-law doesn't know anything. She even has to be taught by me how to treat people. Seeing the elegant and graceful appearance of the wife of the Crown Prince, I really envy her. After all, she is a lady from a Shangshu family, and she is not comparable to ordinary people."

When it comes to the Shangshu family, the others fell silent.

The lady who was speaking then realized that she had said the wrong thing. Although the Marquis's Mansion and the Jiang's Mansion were related by marriage, no one from the Jiang's Mansion came to the welcoming banquet today.

A lady saw that the situation was not right and came out to help:

"This melon is really delicious. The Crown Prince's wife is really thoughtful."

Others echoed:

"Yes, yes, thank you, Madam Prince."

Chu Wan'er was very happy to see that everyone praised her so much and recognized her as Jiang Qingyue. This showed that everyone thought she was a lady from a wealthy family and the mistress of the house, and there was nothing wrong with that.

This gave her more confidence.

She took a step forward and said to everyone with a smile:

"Ladies, please admit your mistake. Wan'er is not the young lady. Wan'er is the prince's concubine. Because the young lady is ill and cannot host the welcoming banquet, she gave it to Wan'er."

This statement clearly told everyone that today's banquet was hosted by her.

After she finished speaking, the garden fell into silence. The ladies looked at each other, not knowing what to say for a moment.

A concubine hosting a welcoming banquet?

This outfit is exactly the same as the mistress's, this is really...

Should they praise this concubine for her ability?

Or should I ask about the young lady's condition?

Or should I say something else?

The ladies had never encountered such a situation before and were at a loss for a moment. They all looked at the old lady sitting in the first seat.

The old lady grasped the back of the chair tightly with one hand, and really wanted to tear Chu Wan'er's mouth.

There were so many people present, so they could only give her face and not ruin her performance. Otherwise, it would be the Marquis' Mansion that would be embarrassed.

"Yes, Qingyue has worked hard for the Marquis' Mansion. She fell ill a few days ago, but the welcoming banquet is coming up and the invitations have been sent out. We can't delay, so I asked Wan'er to help. I am old and can only rely on the young people to worry more."

Chu Wan'er felt completely relieved after hearing these words.

Today, she succeeded.

She accepted whatever punishment the old lady gave her.

The ladies smiled and replied, "So that's how it is. The old lady is very lucky that even a concubine is so capable."

"Yes, yes. The others couldn't say anything else and could only respond with a smile."

Seeing everyone's enthusiasm, Chu Wan'er wanted to say a few words, but before she could speak, she heard an inappropriate question from behind:

"Oh, I didn't know that this mansion is ruled by a concubine."