A maid came to inform them that the banquet was ready and invited the ladies to please move to the Flower Pavillion
Gu Jiu stood up and said, “Several jiejie, let’s go to the banquet.”
“Xiao Jiu, lead the way.”
Gu Jiu smiled and led the group back to the Flower Pavillion.
Nine tables were set up, all arranged in the right-side Flower Pavillion. Everyone took their seats accordingly.
Gu Yue took the initiative to sit with Zhao liu guniang, saying she was there to keep her company.
Gu Jiu ignored her and instead had Gu Shan sit with the Xie family.
Gu Shan felt somewhat apprehensive about Ma shi. She pulled Gu Jiu aside and whispered, “Er jiejie, can wu meimei sit with me?”
Gu Jiu looked at her curiously. “Why? Is something wrong, si meimei? Wu meimei and da jiejie are accompanying the ladies from other noble families.”
Gu Shan opened her mouth, unsure of how to explain. “It’s just that da jiumu talks too much, and I’m afraid I won’t be able to handle it, so I’d like wu meimei to accompany me.”
This reason barely convinced Gu Jiu.
“I’ll ask wu meimei,” Gu Jiu said. “But if she doesn’t want to, don’t be disappointed.”
“Thank you, er jiejie.”
After settling everyone down, Gu Jiu approached Gu Lin and asked if she was willing to sit with the Xie family.
Gu Lin glanced at the Xie family’s table and said, “Is si meimei really unable to handle it alone?”
Gu Jiu nodded. “She said she can’t manage on her own.”
Gu Lin raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Alright, I’ll keep her company.”
She cheerfully went over to sit with Gu Shan.
Gu Shan secretly breathed a sigh of relief and smiled at Gu Jiu.
With Gu Lin there, if her aunt Ma shi started spouting nonsense, Gu Lin would surely retort. That would be quite a scene to watch. There was no way Ma shi would still have the audacity to continue rambling.
Meanwhile, Gu Jiu and Gu Mei sat with the young ladies from guogong fu and hou fu.
Xie shi, after settling the other noblewomen, came to check on the younger ladies.
She frowned slightly when she saw that Gu Yue was not sitting with the daughters of the guogong fu.
Xie shi shot a glare at Gu Yue. This wretched girl, why was she sitting at that side table? Could it be that Gu Jiu had stolen Gu Yue’s opportunity?
She snorted coldly in her heart. She knew Gu Jiu wasn’t a good person—always competing for attention and now even stealing Gu Yue’s chances. Outrageous!
However, the seating arrangements were already set, and it wouldn’t be appropriate to change them. Xie shi suppressed her anger, put on a smile, and warmly invited everyone to enjoy the food and drinks.
As she passed by Gu Yue, she secretly pinched her.
Gu Yue shrank back, afraid to meet her gaze.
Xie shi snorted again, deciding to question Gu Yue about this later that night.
The banquet officially began.
The well-trained maids served the dishes in an orderly manner.
The menu had been carefully planned—sixteen dishes per table: two cold dishes, four steamed dishes, four roasted dishes, four stir-fried dishes and two soups.
Once the food was served, Xie shi, as the hostess, invited everyone to eat and drink.
The atmosphere in the Flower Pavillion gradually became lively.
The kitchen had done an excellent job, and the dishes suited most people’s tastes.
A variety of wines had been prepared to cater to different preferences.
Taking advantage of the lively atmosphere, Gu Jiu raised her cup, called on her four sisters, and went from table to table offering toasts, fulfilling her duty as the hostess.
The hou fu’s eldest furen, Wei shi, noticed this and smiled as she whispered to Zhang shi, “These young ladies are quite good. The atmosphere at this banquet is excellent.”
A good atmosphere meant that at least seventy percent of the banquet’s purpose was achieved.
Zhang shi smiled and said, “It’s mainly because of Xiao Jiu. She is quick-witted and capable. Without her taking charge, the other young ladies would probably just sit there stiffly, unsure of what to do.”
Wei shi glanced at Gu Jiu upon hearing this.
Over the past six months, Gu Jiu had grown taller. Though still slender, she was beginning to show the graceful lines of a young woman.
Wei shi watched as Gu Jiu led her four sisters through the banquet, toasting guests and exchanging pleasant words with ease.
The entire process was natural and made everyone feel comfortable.
She nodded to herself. “Xiao Jiu, although lacking experience, is intelligent.”
“She also has beautiful handwriting,” Zhang shi added with a smile. “Today’s menu was copied by Xiao Jiu herself.”
Wei shi chuckled at this and then lowered her voice. “Do you know what the couple have planned for Xiao Jiu?”
Zhang shi immediately understood—she was referring to Gu Jiu’s marriage prospects.
She glanced around, then quietly replied, “It’s obvious what my dimei is thinking. She definitely doesn’t want Xiao Jiu to marry better than Gu Yue. She will prioritise securing a marriage for Gu Yue first before considering Xiao Jiu’s future.
“Gu daren’s thoughts on this matter are not entirely clear to me. However, he and his wife likely share a similar perspective. After all, Xiao Jiu’s maternal family has fallen into decline and cannot compare to the Xie family.”
Wei shi nodded. “Xiao Jiu lacks a powerful maternal family, which does put her at a disadvantage.”
Upon hearing this, Zhang shi raised her eyebrows slightly. “Perhaps you, dear tangsao, could lend a hand and help find a suitable marriage match for Xiao Jiu. Given your connections, it shouldn’t be difficult.”
Wei shi did not immediately agree but instead replied, “If her own parents are not in a hurry, it would be inappropriate for me, an outsider, to take the initiative in arranging a marriage for Xiao Jiu. Let’s wait and see.”
Zhang shi pondered for a moment and quickly understood Wei shi’s intent.
Wei shi was indeed willing to help arrange a match for Gu Jiu but did not want to offend either Gu daren or Xie shi.
She preferred to wait until Gu Yue’s marriage was settled before using it as a reference for Gu Jiu’s match.
This way, she would avoid offending anyone while ensuring the matter was handled smoothly.
Realising this, Zhang shi chuckled. “You are indeed thoughtful, tangsao. Xiao Jiu still has more than half a year before she comes of age, so her marriage is not urgent.”
Wei shi nodded. “Indeed, there’s no rush. However, it’s about time you focused on arranging marriages for your sons.”
Zhang shi responded, “To be honest, I’ve been discussing my children’s marriages with my natal family.”
Wei shi suddenly understood. “Are you considering marrying within your family?”
“That is one possibility. However, for my eldest son, I still wish to find a suitable noblewoman. Tangsao, do you have any good candidates in mind?”
Wei shi smiled.
It seemed Zhang shi intended to marry her second di son to a relative while securing a noble match for her eldest di son.
Wei shi pointed ahead. “There are many noble ladies sitting over there. If you fancy one, just let me know, and I will act as a matchmaker for you.”
“I was waiting for you to say that! What do you think of the third young lady from the Lu hou fu, Pei Man?”
“Lu hou fu?”
Wei shi frowned slightly, almost imperceptibly.
“Are you certain? The Lu hou fu is not an easy person to deal with. Marrying into that family carries risks.”
Zhang shi hesitated.
Wei shi suggested, “What about a young lady from Dai hou fu? If you are interested, I can make the arrangements for you.”
Zhang shi glanced at the ladies from Dai hou fu.
She hesitated. “I heard that you are planning to arrange a marriage between Mei yatou and the Dai hou fu. If my eldest son also marries a lady from there, wouldn’t people say our Gu family is merely exchanging marriages?”
Wei shi shook her head slightly. “That won’t be an issue. Our two households have already separated, so it wouldn’t be considered an exchange marriage. However, you should be prepared—your son can only marry the second di daughter. The eldest daughter of Dai hou fu is already promised elsewhere.”
Zhang shi laughed. “You don’t have to remind me. I know my son isn’t worthy of marrying the eldest di daughter of a hou fu. Being able to marry the second daughter is already a great match for him.”
Wei shi asked, “So, shall we proceed with this arrangement? I’ll sound out the Dai hou furen later.”
“That would be wonderful! Thank you, tangsao.”
The two ladies chatted and laughed, and just like that, a marriage arrangement was nearly settled.
Xie shi came over to offer a toast, and the sisters-in-law drank a couple of cups together.
Xie shi had something on her mind and took the opportunity to ask Wei shi, “Tangsao, has Haixi bo furen said anything?”
Wei shi smiled. “No need to worry, Xie dimei. I will inquire about it after the banquet. But judging from her attitude, she seems quite satisfied with Zhen yatou. As long as nothing unexpected happens, the marriage should be secured.”
Xie shi immediately beamed. “Thank you, tangsao! If this marriage is settled, I’ll treat you to a feast.”
“You should give me wedding sweets instead.”
“Yes, yes, of course! Look at me, speaking so clumsily. Please don’t take offense, tangsao.”
After speaking, Xie shi moved on to the next table to continue toasting.
Zhang shi leaned over and asked in a hushed voice, “Do you think Zhen yatou and Zhao silang’s marriage will really go through?”
“There shouldn’t be a problem. After the banquet, you should ask Xie shi how much dowry she’s preparing for Zhen yatou.”
Zhang shi raised an eyebrow. “What, is Haixi bo furen going to be picky about the dowry?”
Wei shi took a sip of wine, carefully considering her words before replying, “It’s not Haixi bo furen who will scrutinise the dowry, but the second and third branches of the Zhao family. As you know, the three branches of the Haixi bo fu have deep-seated conflicts.
“If Zhen yatou marries in with a meagre dowry, she will likely suffer grievances. She is a daughter of the Gu family. As her tang bomu, how could I bear to see her mistreated in her husband’s home?”
Zhang shi suddenly understood. “You want me to remind Xie shi to prepare a more substantial dowry for Zhen yatou, at least enough to maintain appearances.”
“Exactly,” Wei shi admitted candidly.
Zhang shi frowned. “Xie dimei isn’t short on money. She followed her second brother in the northwest for years and made a considerable fortune—I know that for a fact. But she’s rather stingy, especially toward her husband’s shu daughters. She’s unlikely to be generous.”
Wei shi sneered. “It’s not even her private money she’s spending—it’s their household’s communal funds. Does she really have the nerve to give Zhen yatou a measly dowry of only two or three thousand taels?
“In families like ours, even shu daughters receive at least five thousand taels in dowry, and ten thousand is not considered excessive. I’m not asking her to give Zhen yatou a ten-thousand-tael dowry, but five or six thousand should be reasonable.”
After a pause, Wei shi added, “Before I came, lao furen instructed me to remind Xie dimei. When marrying off a daughter, one must not be stingy, as if sending her off to an enemy. I feel it’s not my place to say this directly, since our households are already separate.
“So, dimei, please pass on the lao furen’s words to Xie dimei. My family’s laoye will also give Gu daren some pointers on this matter,” she said.
Zhang shi smiled. “As long as Gu daren nods in agreement, there will be no problem. After all, the second household is still under his control.”
Wei shi let out a sigh of relief. “I’ll have to trouble you with this, dimei.”
Zhang shi waved her hand with a smile. “Tangsao, there’s no need to be so polite. If my eldest son’s marriage with the Dai hou fu goes through, I’ll have to thank you and even prepare a matchmaker’s reward for you.”
Wei shi chuckled. “No need for a matchmaker’s reward—just invite me to the wedding banquet.”
“Of course, tangsao, you won’t be left out of the banquet.”
Gu Yue was chatting with Zhao liu guniang from the Haixi bo fu.
She flattered and praised her endlessly, showering her with an unceasing stream of auspicious words.
Zhao liu guniang was well aware that Gu Yue had a motive in buttering her up, but flattery is like sugar-coated candy—too sweet to resist.
At first, she remained cautious. However, after being fed so much sweet talk, she couldn’t help but enjoy the feeling of being praised. It was simply delightful!
Within half a meal’s time, the two of them had grown as close as sisters, holding hands and chatting warmly.
Onlookers were all surprised by the sight.
Gu Yue was truly going all out to win over Miss Zhao.
After the banquet, the two of them moved to a side floral hall on the left, sipping tea and eating snacks as they continued their conversation.
Gu Yue had her own agenda. Through indirect probing, she managed to gather quite a bit of information about Zhao erlang.
Zhao liu guniang, on the other hand, didn’t think much of it. She simply assumed that Gu Yue was merely curious about her family affairs.
Gu Yue, however, was full of schemes. She coaxed Zhao liu guniang, saying, “Zhao meimei, can you take me to meet your si ge? If my da jiejie and your si ge get engaged, our families will be relatives in the future. But before that, at least let us meet him and see what he looks like.”
Zhao liu guniang hesitated.
Gu Yue held her hand tightly. “Zhao meimei, please agree. I’ll call my da jiejie over too, and we can go together. How about that?”
After a brief hesitation, Zhao liu guniang nodded. “Alright. I’ll have a maid check the outer courtyard and ask my si ge to meet us in the central courtyard.”
“Great! Zhao liu guniang, wait for me here while I inform my da jiejie. She’s shy and might take some time to persuade. Just sit here and wait—I’ll be right back.”
“Go ahead, Yue jiejie. I’m in no rush.”
Gu Yue nodded with a smile and hurried off.
But instead of going to see Gu Zhen immediately, she summoned her maid, Putao, and instructed, “Find an unfamiliar maid to go to the outer courtyard and call ba shaoye. Tell him to bring Xie family’s cousin to the central courtyard to wait for me. Got it?”
Putao was startled and asked anxiously, “Guniang, what are you planning?”
Gu Yue sneered coldly, her gaze sharp and determined. “Can’t you tell? I will not sit back and watch my da jiejie marry into Haixi bo fu. Her best match is with the Xie family.”
“Guniang, have you lost your mind?”
Putao’s heart almost leapt out of her chest. She glanced around, relieved that no one else was nearby.
Gu Yue fixed her gaze on Putao. “Do I look mad to you? I am calmer now than ever. Hurry up and go.”
Putao hesitated. “Guniang, please reconsider. I saw that taitai and Haixi bo furen were having a pleasant conversation. The engagement of the eldest young lady is likely to be settled soon. Why interfere? Ruining da guniang’s marriage won’t benefit you.”
“Who said that?” Gu Yue narrowed her eyes. “You’ve been with me for years—don’t you understand my heart?”
“Huh?”
Putao was dumbfounded. “Guniang… you’re serious? You actually have feelings for Zhao erlang? But he’s known for being unlucky with wives, has a bad temper, and even hits people! Guniang, please don’t be foolish! How about I call taitai here so you can discuss it with her? If she supports you, then we can call ba shaoye later.”
Gu Yue’s face darkened. “What’s there to discuss? What do I have to negotiate with Mother right now? I need leverage before I can talk to her—do you understand? Only by ruining da jiejie’s engagement will Mother agree to let me marry into the Haixi bo fu. Do you get it?
Besides, if da jiejie marries into the Xie family, it’ll be a huge advantage—it will shut them up and stop them from scheming against my liu ge and me.”
Putao grew increasingly anxious and uneasy.
Guniang must be out of her mind to come up with such a plan.
“Of all people, why does guniang fancy Zhao erlang?”
“You wouldn’t understand!”
Gu Yue suddenly smiled, her eyes soft and full of longing.
“A man like him—how could a mere maid like you comprehend? But I understand him. From the moment I first saw him, I knew he was my destined one.”
Her tender tone sent shivers down Putao’s spine.
Gu Yue stared at Putao intently. “Are you going or not? If you refuse, you can forget about serving by my side in the future.”
Tears welled up in Putao’s eyes as she reluctantly nodded. “I will do as you say, guniang.”
“Make sure to pick an unfamiliar maid. This must be done naturally and without leaving any trace—do you understand?”
“I understand, guniang.”
Leave a Reply