Chapter 228

Yun Wan's vision went black.

Six hundred taels of silver was not a small sum for her when she had a token, let alone now that she doesn't have one!

"...How much silver is left in the account?"

"Fourteen hundred taels."

Yun Wan swayed slightly, almost unable to sit still.

Almost half of the jade stone is used up...

Now that she has become the mistress of the household, she naturally has to organize the banquet. Although the Marquis's accounts are clear, this banquet is a time to show filial piety, so even if it is paid from the public funds, she still has to add some to express her feelings.

Yun Wan had a headache just thinking about it.

However, we can't do without the jewelry, otherwise we'll lose four hundred taels for nothing.

"Go ahead," Yun Wan said.

Jade responded and left with the silver notes.

Pearl looked at Yun Wan with concern: "Young Madam, after this banquet, we might be a little short of money."

“How could I not know?” Yun Wan sighed. “When will we be able to get our money back from the shops downstairs?”

"Debts are collected every three months, and it's still more than a month before the next collection."

Yun Wan pressed her temples.

After removing her headdress and other miscellaneous items, she only had a few hundred taels of silver left.

More than a month...

Yun Wan's heart skipped a beat again.

The Lunar New Year is almost here!

Forget it, let's get through this birthday banquet first, and then we'll think about what to do later.

——

Practice makes perfect, and this banquet was once again held in a dignified and distinguished manner.

Shen Rang and Yun Wan came over together and each presented a gift.

Shen Rang presented Zheng with a jade Guanyin statue, made of precious material and exquisitely carved. In addition, there was a string of sandalwood prayer beads, which were perfect for Zheng to hold and play with in her hand.

His two gifts touched Zheng's heart perfectly, and she couldn't stop smiling.

Yun Wan gave her a complete set of jade stone masks.

Knowing that Zheng disliked extravagance, this set of jewelry did not appear as ostentatious as gold and silver jewelry, but every jade stone inlaid on it was lustrous and translucent, without a trace of impurity, and the workmanship was exquisite, clearly an extraordinary piece.

"You've put your heart into this," Zheng said gently.

"I'm glad my mother-in-law likes it." Yun Wan finally showed her first smile in several days.

Her money wasn't wasted after all.

The family of four sat down, but it seemed rather lonely.

Shen Jun looked around and said, "Why don't we invite Duan Jieyuan as well, and make it more lively together?"

Upon hearing him mention Duan Huaichuan, Shen Rang unconsciously tightened his grip on his chopsticks.

Zheng was unaware: "Well, today is different from last time, so I'm sure that Scholar Duan will agree."

Last time Shen Jun went to invite someone, Duan Huaichuan said that the Winter Solstice was a day for family reunion, and it was not appropriate for him, an outsider, to be there, nor was he used to it. So Shen Jun gave up. But today's banquet is naturally the more lively the better, and Duan Huaichuan should not refuse again.

Just as Shen Jun was about to send someone to invite him, he saw Shen Rang put down his chopsticks: "It's getting late, and I have to go to court tomorrow, so I'll head back now."

After saying that, Shen Rang stood up straight and looked at Madam Zheng: "Happy birthday, Mother."

Zheng's eyes crinkled with laughter: "Alright, since you're tired, go back and rest."

Shen Rang cupped his hands in a respectful gesture, then turned and left.

He went straight back to Jibai Residence.

Yunxi had just finished dinner and was wondering what to do when she saw Chen Rang return.

"Zirong, why are you back so early?"

I thought the birthday banquet would be a lively affair for quite some time.

Shen Rang looked at her but didn't say anything.

His eyes seemed to hold a hint of helplessness, and also a hint of grievance.

Yunxi was puzzled.

The next moment, Shen Rang lowered his body and hoisted her onto his shoulder, heading towards the warm pavilion.

The door to the warm room closed, and Shen Rang buried his face in her neck, almost greedily inhaling her scent.

"Zirong?"

A warm, large hand touched her chest and gently pressed down.