Chapter 1609: Song Ci’s Birthday Banquet
Chapter 1609: Chapter 1609: Song Ci’s Birthday Banquet
On the occasion of Song Ci’s birthday, just as Madam had forewarned Guan Shuyan when she first entered the family, today was her chance to show her skills by assisting Madam with hosting the banquet.
It was a small birthday celebration, and Song Ci didn’t invite too many people. Some close friends were invited but couldn’t come due to poor health, including Old Madam Wei, who was ill.
So those attending the banquet were mostly family members, some relatives by marriage, Princess Anping, and even the Madam of Earl Anle Mansion came.
Although the number of people was not large, all were the most eminent ladies within the Beijing Circle. Their families, though not of pure roots, were currently at the height of their fame, which made many regret missing such a gathering.
It was a pity that the Song Family didn’t hold a grand event; otherwise, it would have been a good chance to establish connections. Even those unable to attend the birthday sent gifts, especially the business partners of the Song Family, who had already presented generous gifts to Song Ci, the Old Lord.
At that time, the madams and young ladies attending were watching a play in Qu Garden while chatting about family matters.
Lady Gongsun, smiling, said to Song Ci, "The lady is truly fortunate; every daughter-in-law is capable, and now this granddaughter-in-law is also a great help. She just entered the door and is already helping Madam Prime Minister manage the household."
Not far away, Lady Guan was beaming, pleased that Guan Shuyan’s praise reflected well on the Duke Dingguo Mansion’s upbringing.
Song Ci smiled and said, "It’s all thanks to the effort and consent of our dear family, Madam, that we have such good fortune. There’s no need for Lady Gongsun to be envious. The Madam not only raises her daughters well but treats her daughters-in-law like her own. You’ll know in the future."
Earl Anle Mansion is also betrothed to Duke Dingguo Mansion, hence Song Ci’s remark.
Madam of Earl Anle Mansion replied, "Indeed, from top to bottom, our second daughter is also blessed." She glanced towards the younger generation.
Today, Lady Guan also brought her second daughter-in-law, Madame Zhan, to the banquet. First, they were relatives by marriage; second, the second daughter-in-law had returned to the capital for less than a year, so it was good to acquaint more madams.
At that time, Madame Zhan was getting along very well with Lady Jiang and Niu Pan’er.
Madame Zhan, also from a military general background, had a candid nature. While some madams might see her behavior as coarse, Lady Jiang and others found her temperament more to their liking.
Upon hearing Song Ci’s praise, Madame Zhan, smiling, replied, "You flatter me, dear family matriarch. My mother-in-law is wonderful, and you are even better. One can tell just by looking at the Second Madam and the Commandery Princess."
Song Ci never troubled her daughters-in-law, which was well known. She neither set rules for them nor meddled in their private lives.
So, how could the daughters-in-law not be at ease?
Princess Anping laughed, "No need for the flattering back and forth; listening to it makes my ears tingle. I can’t even tell what’s being sung on stage."
The crowd burst into laughter.
Niu Pan’er wanted to say something, but saw her personal maid signaling to her from not far away. Her eyes glimmered slightly, and she said to Lady Jiang and Madame Zhan, "Second Sister-in-law, please keep Madame Zhan company. Excuse me for a moment."
Lady Jiang, noting the maid, nodded with a smile.
Niu Pan’er approached the maid, hearing that someone from the palace had summoned her, her brow tightened, and she quickly left the garden.
Emperor Chu wouldn’t summon her to the palace without reason; since they came to summon her now, could it be something important?
This news reached Song Zhiyuan, who, after some thought, decided not to act. If it were truly urgent, the Emperor would naturally summon him.