Not long after, Li Congzuo and Li Congyou's wives, Xu and Zhang, welcomed Li Yunyan and Jiang into the mansion.

Upon entering the main gate, one sees a hanging flower gate and a covered corridor. In the distance, there is a pavilion overlooking the water, from which the faint sounds of string and bamboo instruments can be heard, presumably housing a musical troupe.

Today's birthday banquet is being held in the main hall near this waterside pavilion. The faint music adds an elegant touch to the banquet without overshadowing it. The arrangement is quite ingenious.

Upon entering the main hall, one would see the masters of the Li family: Li Zewen, Li Shuhua, and Li Mingzhu, who was being pampered by them.

Today, Li Mingzhu wore an orange short jacket and a crimson skirt. Blooming peonies were embroidered on the bottom of the skirt, making her look gorgeous and rich, yet still youthful and beautiful.

She knew very well how to play to her strengths and downplay her weaknesses. Although her skin was on the darker side and she wasn't very tall, she wore a light layer of powder on her face, and a short top paired with a long skirt, which elongated her figure. She also accessorized with delicate and small accessories. In this way, she had a lively and charming look, like a young girl.

When the three of them saw Li Yunyan's face, they were all shocked.

Jiang had long noticed that Li Yunyan looked very similar to her friend, and today, after comparing the two, she realized that they were so alike!

Even if they were to be told to be mother and daughter, no one would doubt it!

She and Lu Shuhua were longtime friends, so she spoke without any reservations, jokingly saying, "Shuhua, look, I've brought you a daughter!"

What was said in jest was taken seriously. After her initial shock, Lu Shuhua took two steps closer, looked Li Yunyan up and down, and asked with some surprise, "Miss, what's your name?"

Li Yunyan's face also showed just the right amount of surprise. She looked at Lu Shuhua's face and bowed respectfully, "Replying to Madam, my daughter's name is: Li Yunyan!"

Also surnamed Li!

Lu Shuhua and Li Zewen exchanged a shocked look. There was too much information in this exchange for them to think about!

"Husband..." Lu Shuhua called softly, her eyes filled with shock.

Li Zewen remained calm and composed, giving her a slight nod and patting her shoulder imperceptibly.

Lu Shuhua steadied herself and, holding Li Yunyan's hand, said, "May I call you Yunyan?"

"Mrs. Li and my wife are good friends, so just call me Yan'er."

"Then you can call me Auntie!"

Li Yunyan obediently changed her address to "Auntie".

Lu Shuhua gently patted the back of her hand and asked softly, "Yan'er, please forgive my rudeness, but I didn't know your birthday..."

"Mother!"

Having been ignored for too long, Li Mingzhu interrupted their conversation with a hint of displeasure in her voice.

Ever since this woman named Li Yunyan appeared, her mother has let go of her hand, and now she actually wants to keep chatting with this stranger!

She had never been so neglected before.

Li Mingzhu looked at Li Yunyan and thought, "She's just lucky. She looks a bit like her mother and happens to have the surname Li!"

What's the big deal?

She tugged at Lu Shuhua's sleeve and pleaded, "Mother, it's almost time. Come with me to see if all the guests have arrived, okay?"

After saying that, she glanced at Li Yunyan with a smug look. How could a girl who appeared out of nowhere compare to her, a legitimate daughter from a high-ranking family?

Li Yunyan stood there obediently, neither vying for attention nor speaking, yet she effortlessly attracted everyone's gaze.

People nearby were already glancing over, whispering amongst themselves.

Lu Shuhua frowned slightly, feeling that her daughter's sudden interruption was indeed somewhat impolite, but since she was her most beloved youngest daughter, she did not show it.

She released Li Yunyan's hand, then took Li Mingzhu's hand and said to Madam Jiang, "Let's go out and see. Mingzhu organized this banquet all by herself, so she's a little nervous."

This also explains why my daughter was rude just now.

Jiang Shi wouldn't hold such a grudge against her, and laughed heartily, "Mingzhu is capable, you should go quickly!"

Jiang pulled Li Yunyan to sit down, and the maid behind them immediately stepped forward to pour them tea.

Li Yunyan sipped her teasingly, her movements elegant and refined, a sight to behold.

A quick-witted woman came forward to inquire.

"Madam Sang, is this Miss Li married?"

Jiang paused for a moment. She had not asked about this matter, and besides, she was not Li Yunyan's elder and could not make decisions for her.

She looked at Li Yunyan, her eyes also questioning.

Li Yunyan smiled gently, "Madam, Yunyan is not married, but Yunyan currently has no plans to get married!"

Her graceful response put Madam Jiang at ease. Seeing that the woman still wanted to inquire, she smiled and said, "Madam Ye, Doctor Li is a distinguished guest in my household. If Madam Ye wants to compete with the Sang family for someone, I will not allow it!"

"How could that be?"

Lady Ye understood the unspoken meaning and dared not compete with the Sang family for the person. She smiled awkwardly and said, "I just heard that Doctor Li is a highly skilled doctor and wanted to ask her for some advice."

Li Yunyan said seriously, "If this lady has any ailments, please tell me in detail, and I will prescribe a remedy for you!"

"No, no need!" Madam Ye waved her hand. "It's just a minor illness, no need to trouble Doctor Li!"

Madam Jiang spoke gently, "Madam Ye, you're too kind. Come visit the Sang family for tea sometime!"

"Definitely! Definitely!"

Although Madam Ye didn't have any designs on Li Yunyan, she did receive a promise from Madam Jiang that she could visit the Sang family in the future, so it wasn't a complete loss.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!