Madam Pei gave Yan Qingqing a big smile and said, "This must be Madam Mingzhao. Seeing is believing, she is truly stunning."

Madam Pei's words came from the bottom of her heart; Yan Qingqing was indeed different from what she had imagined.

She had always thought Yan Qingqing was either a big, burly man or a skinny, dark-skinned woman dressed in gold and silver with the air of a nouveau riche.

But who would have thought that Yan Qingqing possessed such lofty bearing, no less so than these noble ladies from aristocratic families?

Yan Qingqing smiled and said to Madam Pei, "Madam Pei, you flatter me."

Yan Qingqing thought Madam Pei was just being polite, but to her surprise, Madam Pei suddenly walked up to Yan Qingqing, warmly took her hand, and said, "This is Madam Mingzhao's first visit. Please forgive any shortcomings in our hospitality."

It is said that one cannot hit a smiling face. Madam Pei had given her plenty of face, and Yan Qingqing was not one to hold a grudge, so she replied with a smile, "I haven't even entered the door yet, how could I have been unwelcoming? Today is a special occasion to celebrate the old lady's birthday, so let's not talk about such unpleasant things."

Upon hearing this, Madam Pei smiled even more broadly and pulled Yan Qingqing towards the Pei residence, saying as they walked, "Come on, let's hurry out of De'an Hall. My old lady is still waiting to see you."

Madam Pei was so enthusiastic that Yan Qingqing didn't even have time to refuse.

When Li Yueniang and Mu Xi saw Yan Qingqing being dragged away by Madam Pei, they naturally followed quickly.

Before even entering the gate of De'an Hall, Madam Pei said, "Mother, Madam Mingzhao has arrived."

Grandma Pei was admiring the birthday gifts she had received when she heard this, so she quickly put down what she was holding and sat up straight.

Madam Pei was a first-rank Lady of the State, bestowed by the Emperor, and was also the Emperor's mother-in-law. Yan Qingqing's rank was really not enough in front of Madam Pei.

So when Yan Qingqing entered the room, she first respectfully greeted Old Madam Pei, saying, "Great joy, Madam. I wish you a long and healthy life, as enduring as the moon, as rising as the sun, and as long as the Southern Mountain, without decline or collapse."

Upon hearing this, Madam Pei quickly smiled and said, "You silly child, if that were really the case, wouldn't you be a spirit? Come sit down next to me."

Yan Qingqing did not refuse upon hearing this and sat down on the stool next to Old Madam Pei.

Grandma Pei held Yan Qingqing's hand and said, "Good child, I've heard about Mo Chen's matter."

It's all thanks to you; otherwise, who knows what kind of situation that child would be in.

My little nemesis who arrived early was clueless and caused the child a lot of grievances. Later, he was framed by those scoundrels.

I was fortunate to meet you, which turned the crisis into an opportunity.

Mo Chen always looks at you with deep affection whenever he mentions you.

My wife knows that in his heart you hold more weight than his mother.

Upon hearing this, Yan Qingqing quickly said, "Madam, you flatter me. How can I compare to the late Empress?"

"It's just that I helped His Highness Prince Chen when he was in trouble, so she's somewhat dependent on me."

Yan Qingqing is not familiar with the Pei family. Although the two families are now in the same boat, Yan Qingqing will never forget herself just because the other party said a few nice words, and will not compare herself with Xiao Mochen's biological mother.

Grandma Pei was even happier to see Yan Qingqing's humility and prudence. She could only feel at ease with someone like this by Xiao Mochen's side.

She felt that Yan Qingqing was truly intelligent and kind-hearted, much better than the late Empress. She was wise all her life, and she didn't know how she could have given birth to such a muddle-headed daughter.

Today is Madam Pei's birthday, and Madam Pei didn't want to talk about such a heavy topic, so she changed the subject and said, "These two young ladies are so beautiful, are they my sister's daughters?"

Yan Qingqing smiled and said, "The one in light blue is my future second daughter-in-law, and the one in pink is my second daughter. The Emperor bestowed her with the top scholar in the imperial examination."

Upon hearing this, Madam Pei laughed and said, "Oh dear, what a pity, such a handsome child is already taken."

I have several promising young talents under my command.

Upon hearing this, Old Madam Pei laughed and scolded, "You're kidding me. The young talents you have are all roughnecks in the army. How could they be worthy of such a delicate girl?"

Yan Qingqing didn't respond, but said to Li Yueniang and Mu Xi, "You two are usually so eloquent at home, but now you're like gourds with their mouths sawed off. Hurry up and wish the old lady a happy birthday."

Upon hearing this, Li Yueniang and Mu Xi stepped forward to offer their birthday wishes to Old Madam Pei.

Grandma Pei happily said "good" several times, and then took off two bracelets from her wrist and put them on the wrists of the two people respectively.

The two quickly thanked Grandma Pei.

Yan Qingqing said helplessly from the side, "You two are shameless. Who would accept a gift while celebrating the birthday of an old person?"

Grandma Pei smiled and said, "I cannot refuse a gift from an elder. This is my heartfelt gift to the child, and you cannot stop me."

Upon hearing this, Li Yueniang and Mu Xi quickly and politely thanked Old Madam Pei again.

Grandma Pei said with a smile, "You two are at the age where you are lively and active, go find other little girls to play with."

"It saves us from feeling too constrained here."

Li Yueniang really wanted to go out, but Mu Xi hesitated for a moment.

It didn't matter whether she attended these banquets or not; she was there to protect the lady.

Seeing this, Yan Qingqing said, "Mu Xi, go out and play with Yue Niang. Don't be too reserved."

Upon hearing this, Mu Xi agreed and led Li Yueniang out.

With Mu Xi around, Yan Qingqing didn't need to worry about Li Yueniang's safety at all.

The three chatted for a few more minutes, mainly about Madam Pei and Madam Pei's curiosity about Yan Qingqing's past.

As women themselves, they knew how difficult it was for a widow to build such a family fortune with seven children, and to become a second-rank lady bestowed by the imperial court, with all her children being outstanding. It was beyond difficult to describe; in everyone's eyes, it was a legend.

Since they were curious, Yan Qingqing picked out what she could say and told them some things.

Both Mrs. Pei and Madam Pei were deeply moved by what they heard, especially Mrs. Pei, who wiped away tears when she heard about the difficult parts.

Madam Pei already had a good impression of Yan Qingqing, and now, after hearing about Yan Qingqing's deeds, she admired her even more. She said she wanted to recognize Yan Qingqing as her younger sister and that the two families should visit each other more often in the future.

Yan Qingqing neither agreed nor refused. Although both families were on Xiao Mochen's side and had some goodwill towards each other, she decided against getting too close. Before she could fully understand the other party, Yan Qingqing would not trust anyone, after all, the waters in the capital were too deep.

She's not a little girl anymore; she sees everyone as a good person.

Madam Pei knew she was being a bit too hasty, but Yan Qingqing was truly to her liking.

She's unpretentious, humble, insightful, courageous, and has done a great service to their family. I'll definitely have to look after her in the future.