There are several types of banquets.

Those gatherings aimed at matchmaking are usually led by women, who bring along their young children, while family members mostly stay out of the picture.

When men want to discuss business, they naturally take the lead; some bring their wives, and some don't.

Given the special circumstances today, the Duke of Wei explained in his post that everyone should not bring their families.

The main concern is that if there's a conflict, someone might get scared or injured, which would be difficult to handle.

The heads of each family who received the news were filled with mixed feelings of joy and worry.

Having already intended to rekindle their relationship with the Duke of Wei's mansion, they were naturally delighted and immediately began planning what to bring as a gift.

Some are burdened by family matters and are hesitant, unsure whether today's invitation is good or bad for their family and children.

Of course, there were also those who had already chosen sides and did not intend to get involved with the Duke of Wei's mansion anymore, and they began to think about what excuse to use to refuse.

Duke Shen Zhongyi of Wei didn't care at all and just told his steward to go and make the purchases.

Zhao Yuzhu was no stranger to these kinds of things. Since it was a gathering of men, all she had to do was prepare the various dishes and drinks.

The first to arrive were the Duke of Dingguo and his wife.

Originally, the Duchess of Dingguo was not required to come, but upon hearing that it was a banquet hosted by the Duke of Wei's mansion, and that the Duchess of Wei and Princess Qingyu were also at the mansion, the Duchess of Dingguo took the initiative to request to come along.

"If we have to take sides, wouldn't it show our sincerity if my husband and I went together?"

After hearing his wife's words, the Duke of Dingguo arrived with his wife and a group of guards.

The Duke of Dingguo was Shen Zhongyi's deputy back then. After Shen Zhongyi resigned, the Duke of Dingguo served as the interim general for a period of time and briefly commanded the Shen family army.

Later, the late emperor bestowed upon him the title of Duke, and he was allowed to retire in comfort.

As soon as the Duke of Dingguo entered the room, he separated from his wife and went to the study to whisper with the Duke of Wei and Qi Yunxiao.

Lady Dingguo was welcomed to the backyard by Zhao Yuzhu and Shen Qingyu.

The lotus flowers in the pond had long since faded, leaving the vast water surface feeling empty, making the stone boat in the center of the lake appear exceptionally expansive.

Lady Dingguo, Zhao Yuzhu, and Shen Qingyu sat on a stone boat in the middle of the lake. In front of them, a lotus-shaped ceramic pot was boiling spiritual spring water, and in the tea set next to them were tea leaves grown in the space.

I've never had fresh tea leaves steeped in water before.

Lady Dingguo looked at the exquisite pastries and fresh tea leaves with curiosity in her eyes!

"This is the first time I've ever seen fresh tea leaves steeped in water, especially in winter."

This is not the season for fresh tea leaves at all!

Did they grow tea leaves in a greenhouse? How much would that cost to support?

Lady Dingguo had a new assessment of the strength of the Duke of Wei's mansion.

Shen Qingyu first thanked the Duke of Dingguo for protecting her last time and presented him with her gift.

The latest handmade soap series sets include several items that are not yet available for sale, and even the palace does not have them, so they are naturally very impressive.

Zhao Yuzhu then presented a set of newly produced porcelain teaware from Shenjia Village.

Looking at the exquisitely designed tea set and the handmade soap box, Lady Dingguo was overjoyed: this was truly thoughtful.

If you give expensive jewelry or headwear as a gift, it will inevitably be suspected of being a bribe.

However, if the soaps and tea sets are handmade by the refugees of Shenjia Village themselves, no one can say anything if they are given away.

This thing isn't actually that expensive.

But this thing is rare!

It also sounds good to others.

After exchanging pleasantries, the Duchess of Dingguo began to talk about weddings, funerals, and gossip in the capital over the years.

Zhao Yuzhu and Shen Qingyu listened attentively. After they finished, Zhao Yuzhu also shared some stories she had experienced while traveling around the country over the years...

Shen Qingyu then brought up the poverty and backwardness of Shenjia Village in the past.

This made the Duchess of Dingguo and Zhao Yuzhu so distressed that they almost shed tears...

In the study in the front courtyard, after the Duke of Wei and the Duke of Ding reminisced for a while, the Duke of Ding brought up the situation in the court, saying cryptically, "Brother Zhongyi, now that you've taken over the Jingxi Army, you've taken away their livelihood. Have you thought about how to deal with it?"

Shen Zhongyi smiled and glanced at his son-in-law.

Qi Yunxiao received the signal and explained the assassination attempt that had occurred the previous night.

While being shocked, the Duke of Dingguo looked Shen Zhongyi up and down and asked, "Are you alright?"

Shen Zhongyi pointed at Qi Yunxiao: "Thanks to my son-in-law, who brought people to protect me, otherwise I would have invited you to a banquet before I even took office."

The Duke of Dingguo sighed: "Have the man been caught? Is there any evidence?"

Shen Zhongyi knew what he was talking about and shook his head: "We haven't found any evidence yet..."

Before he could finish speaking, a steward announced from outside, "The Marquis of Anding has arrived!"

Shen Zhongyi stopped talking and went to greet Marquis Anding.

Just as the people here were seated, several more arrived.

They all wore smiling faces, offering their congratulations. Upon hearing that Shen Zhongyi had been assassinated last night, they expressed their concern and even offered to send their own soldiers to help with security.

Shen Zhongyi expressed his gratitude while politely declining the offer.

Are you kidding me?

I don't even know which side you're on, so why would I dare use your soldiers?

What's the difference between that and courting death?

Before we knew it, it was lunchtime. We had sent out about twenty invitations, thirteen of which came, and seven or eight didn't.

Having received prior intelligence from Qi Yunxiao, Shen Zhongyi had anticipated this and was not surprised. He happily invited the guests to sit down for dinner.

Everyone sat down with laughter, and drinks and food were served in a continuous stream. After only a few bites, the Duke of Dingguo, who was next to Shen Zhongyi, suddenly felt his vision go black and slowly shrank to the ground.

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