Chapter 10: Preparation - Rebirth of the Noble Daughter
Chapter 10: Preparation
"Then I'll thank my cousin for her generosity. Next time, I'll definitely serve you tea and prepare a gift as well, how about that?"
"Sounds good, sounds good. I heard from Second Cousin that there's a new chef at Changchun who specializes in cooking excellent Jiangnan dishes. You can invite me there for a meal and that'll be your thank-you gift, how about that?"
"Deal."
Watching the mischievous look in front of her, Bai Siruo seemed to be reacquainted with this cousin she didn't interact with much in daily life.
In the past, Feng Jinyao always appeared obedient and taciturn, not fond of speaking at banquets and didn't like to stand out. Her straightforward temperament didn't match with Bai Siruo's, so even though they were blood relatives, they weren't very familiar with each other.
Today, however, she brightened up Bai Siruo's eyes a bit, and Bai family members were naturally pleased to see the two young girls getting along.
On the other hand, Shen Shi, heard her daughter's words and felt somewhat dissatisfied. She pushed her daughter, Bai Sihan, who was standing next to her, with her elbow, but unfortunately Bai Sihan seemed lost in thought and didn't know what she was thinking.
Unwilling to let her daughter be left behind, Shen Shi decided to retort.
But before she could speak, the maid outside came in and said that breakfast was ready, and Master Xiang and the three young masters were waiting in the hall.
So everyone got up, and Bai Siruo and Feng Jinyao supported Madam Bai on either side, heading towards the hall.
After breakfast, Madam Bai was escorted back to Shou'an Courtyard by Shen Shi and Princess Wen Yi to rest. There were many guests today, and it was necessary for her to rest well to maintain her strength.
Meanwhile, the younger generation followed Bai Lin, the eldest lady, and busied themselves.
The maidservants were in the inner courtyard, while the young male servants were in the outer courtyard, shuttling back and forth between the two places in an orderly manner. Although they couldn't speak loudly, everyone had a smile on their faces.
Today's guests were all important, so they couldn't be treated lightly at all.
Bai Lin, the eldest lady, had arranged everything properly half a month ago.
The arrangements for tables, chairs, utensils, dishes, and daily necessities for the banquet were all taken care of by Bai Lin.
The food and wine were managed by Chef Xu.
The seating arrangements for the guests were discussed by the two sisters-in-law. The responsibility of entertaining and persuading guests fell on Feng Jinlin's shoulders during the banquet.
"Aunt, rest assured, I'll make sure everyone has a good time and leaves happy today!" Feng Jinlin assured, and Bai Lin, felt relieved.
There weren't many children in the family, and the eldest, Feng Jinxu, had a steady and upright personality, so it was best to leave such lively affairs to Feng Jinlin.
After that, she instructed Feng Jinyao and the others.
"The women's banquet today will be held in Qinxian Courtyard. Everything is arranged properly, but since there will be many ladies and young misses coming, make sure to gather together more often on weekdays and have a good time. Remember, the Zhang family from the Ministry of Justice and the Wang family from the Yingtian Mansion had a conflict recently, don't let them bring trouble here, understand?"
"Aunt, don't worry, with me here, nothing will go wrong." Bai Siruo assured, and Bai Lin nodded in relief.
Then, she took the three sisters to Qinxian Courtyard.
The courtyard was quite large, with pavilions, towers, small bridges, and flowing water, both grand and delicate.
Although it was winter and there wasn't much scenery to see, Bai Lin was a resourceful person.
She had previously ordered many delicate lanterns to be made, hanging them on the bare branches, with some lantern riddles attached to them. In the courtyard, there was a sandalwood table with many delicate and exquisite items on top, all gifts corresponding to the lantern riddles.
This way, the women had something fun to do, and their gossiping minds naturally subsided.
"Auntie is so capable."
Feng Jinyao praised sincerely from her heart, while Bai Sihan picked up something from the table, glanced at it and curled her lips, showing no interest. But out of respect for the elders, she didn't dare to say anything.
Bai Lin, didn't like the Bai Sanfu family very much, but over the years, they had never neglected any gifts or visits during festivals or family gatherings. She didn't know how she had offended Shen Shi and her 'precious' daughter.
One always had something sour to say to stimulate others, and the other was always acting indifferent, disdainful of everything.
If it weren't for her mother's birthday, she would have to deal with this mother and daughter pair aggressively, and she would tolerate their arrogance here.
Too lazy to pay attention to Bai Sihan's behavior, she instructed Feng Jinyao and the others after a few words and went to greet the guests in the outer courtyard with her personal maid.
Bai Sihan was naturally charming, with a natural charm and a delicate appearance, blending the two qualities very cleverly. Even standing next to Bai Siruo, who had royal blood, she didn't fall behind.
Charming and alluring.
Bai Siruo didn't like this cousin, so she made an excuse to leave with Feng Jinyao from here.
On the other hand, Bai Sihan, who was standing aside, didn't rush to follow. Instead, she asked someone to find a guqin.
In the pavilion of Qinxian Courtyard, with incense burning the guqin played by her fingertips seemed to have spirituality. A rendition of 'Spring River Flowers and Moonlit Night' was performed superbly, and even Feng Jinyao, listening from behind a half-wall, felt it was quite good.
Feng Jinyao held a cup of hot tea in her hand, dispelling some of the chill. As she listened to the music played repeatedly, the displeasure she had hidden in her heart was all revealed on her face.
"What are you showing off for! Today is Grandmother's birthday, and you still want to steal the spotlight?" Then she slammed the teacup heavily on the table, splashing hot tea on the back of her hand, but she didn't even notice.
She was a straightforward person who didn't hide her feelings. Thinking of the 'good sisters' she had befriended in her previous life, who were all smiling in front of others but had venomous hearts behind their backs, she couldn't help but feel sorry for Bai Sihan, who was straightforward.
"Why is Cousin so angry? Is it because your excellent guqin skills were praised by Fourth Uncle?" With one sentence, Bai Siruo revealed Bai Sihan's thoughts. She blushed for a moment but then admitted it frankly.
"Father said that I'm over sixteen and don't have any outstanding skills, while this cousin, although she grew up in Qiongzhou, behaves more like a legitimate daughter of a noble family in the Eastern Capital in everything she does. Since he likes her so much, he might as well take her as a daughter and give me some freedom."
The disappointment and unwillingness in her eyes were fully revealed, a stubborn expression of a young girl, which made Feng Jinyao feel a little sorry for her.
"Cousin really doesn't have any outstanding skills? I heard from Second Brother that you're very good at archery, even better than him in accuracy. Unfortunately, Fourth Uncle and Fourth Aunt keep a close eye on you, otherwise, your talent in archery might be even better than Second Brother's."
"What's the use of that? Father always forces me to study and Mother sends a tutor to teach me manners every day, as if they want to turn me into another Wei Lanxuan before they're satisfied."
Bai Sihan looked weary, and talking about these things stirred up her frustrations again.
Wei Lanxuan, the eldest granddaughter of the Wei State Duke, was the legitimate granddaughter of the Wei Empress, and she had always been a well-known noblewoman in the Eastern Capital. Therefore, Bai Siruo always felt like a dwarf in front of her.
Now, there was another Bai Sihan, how could she not be angry!
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