The young man wore a long black robe with cloud patterns, a matching belt tightly fastened around his waist, and a dark-colored black-purple-gold crown on his head.

His outfit was also predominantly dark.

This was the first time Jiang Shuwan had seen him wear such a dark color; apart from a jade ring around his waist, he had no other accessories.

"Miss."

Qingxing brought in water in a silver basin. Jiang Shuwan snapped out of her daze, took the basin, and presented it to the old lady.

"Please wash your hands, ma'am."

After washing their hands and lighting incense and candles, the younger generation kowtowed one by one, while a monk specially invited by Jiang Shuwan from Xiangguo Temple read the eulogy.

It will be two hours later when everything is over.

It was almost time for the New Year's Eve dinner, so everyone moved to the dining room.

The dining room was brightly lit, with thick candles costing ten taels of silver each burning freely, and an underfloor heating system running.

Outside, it was the dead of winter, but inside it was as warm as spring.

Many of the ladies took off their cloaks as soon as they came in.

"This expenditure is probably even greater than last year's."

"That's right. The price of charcoal this year is no lower than last year, and candles are also very expensive. Look, so many candles burn without a trace of smoke, which means they are all top-quality."

"The Crown Prince's wife is indeed different; she is much more generous than Lady Wen."

"Of course, who wouldn't love a daughter-in-law who is good at making money and spending it?"

"..."

Hearing these words, Wen, who had been silent all along, almost bit his teeth off.

What do you mean she's much more generous than me? She's never been stingy before, especially during the Lunar New Year. Even if she's reluctant to spend money, she still manages to make it all look respectable.

Now look what's happened. She's only been out of charge of the household for a short time, and in the eyes of these clan ladies, she's already useless.

Clutching the prayer beads in his hand, Wen tried hard to suppress the frustration in his heart.

Who knows how to both earn and spend money...

I made money this year, but who knows if I'll be able to make it next year...

Jiang Shi really has no idea how to manage a household...

Completely unaware of what Madam Wen was thinking, Jiang Shuwan stood at the door and instructed the maids and servants to serve the dishes.

This year's menu was written by Jiang Shuwan and Li Guijia, the head of the kitchen. In addition to the various delicacies that are traditionally served every year, Jiang Shuwan also specially asked the blacksmith to make a copper pot for one person.

Each person gets a bite, served over premium smokeless charcoal. It's perfect for dipping slices of meat or vegetables in hot broth, and it's very popular with the elderly ladies and women from the clan.

"Grandma, we heard that all the affairs of the manor were handled by the young master's wife. We were worried that she was too young and inexperienced to handle things, but we didn't expect her to be so capable."

"That's right. If our wives were this capable, we would have to study for over ten years. You've really struck gold."

After the meal, the women of the clan gathered in the tea room, drinking tea and praising Jiang Shuwan, the hero of the day.

The old lady appreciated everything, but still politely said, "She is still young, and if there's anything she doesn't understand, she'll need guidance from the elders."

"Of course, we couldn't be more satisfied."

Hearing this, Wen felt even more suffocated. She had thought that she had some connections and prestige in the clan, and that when she returned from Lotus Village, someone might stand up for her. She never expected that these relatives would directly side with Jiang Shuwan.

Staying any longer would only cause him more distress, so Wen made an excuse to go back and rest.

Wen's departure did not cause any disturbance. All the ladies praised Jiang Shuwan and told her not to bother and to sit down and have some tea together.

"Alright, Granny Tao and Nanny, you should go back and rest too."

At the door, Jiang Shuwan spoke to the people inside her room.

This was the first time she had organized a New Year's Eve banquet and ancestral worship ceremony since taking over the household management. For this day, all the capable maids and servants in her house came out in droves, just in case something went wrong.

There was nothing else to do, so Jiang Shuwan told them to go back and rest.

The young girl walked gracefully into the crowd and immediately became the object of everyone's flattery.

The aunt clutched her handkerchief, her eyes reddening.

"They both have the surname Jiang, but one is good at making money and managing the household, while the other is so angry that she vomited blood when she called her 'lowly concubine.' The difference between sisters is too great."

Of course, she didn't dare say this to Jiang Shuwan's face, because Jiang Shuwan always protected Jiang Yao in public.

Jiang Yao was so angry with Xiao Tao Hong that she almost vomited blood. She was just grateful that Jiang Shu Wan wasn't bothering her, so how could she dare to say anything bad about Jiang Yao?

“You mean my daughter-in-law? She’s wonderful. She’s smart and quick-witted, and she even helps Lingyu study hard.”

"She is of course excellent, and all the girls in the Jiang family are excellent."

"She's been busy and tired lately, and she caught a chill. I was worried that she might pass on her illness to the other ladies, so I let her rest at home. Lingyu didn't come either; she stayed home with her."

During the tea break, some of the ladies asked about Jiang Yao and Pei Lingyu, and the aunt could only give vague answers.

These ladies of the clan knew a little about the affairs of the Earl's family. They knew that the Earl's wife was putting on a brave face. They were all relatives, so there was no need to expose her and make her lose face. They asked a couple of questions and then stopped talking.

Even the old lady shared the same idea, only ordering servants to send some food to the Earl's residence, without saying anything else.

In the dining room, everyone's attention was mostly focused on Liu Yunyan.

Liu Yunyan wore a brocade robe from the Green Lake, with a white fox fur cloak over it. The soft and fluffy fur on the cloak made her look even thinner and more frail than Xi Shi.

The room was warm, and she took off her cloak as soon as she came in. She was now sitting obediently on the soft seat next to the old lady.

She rested her left hand gently on the armrest, and slowly ate a piece of hibiscus cake with her right hand.

Her raised arm revealed her fair and slender wrist, on which wore a jade bracelet of emerald green, a gift from the old lady who had been bringing her chicken soup for over ten days.

Liu Yunyan and the others knew this, including Liu Yunyan's mother and maternal grandmother, who had always had a close relationship with the Marquis's mansion.

It was only after the Liu family left the capital that they had less contact with each other.

Previously, the old lady had intended to choose a husband for Liu Yunyan, and these women from the clan had also come over to sound her out.

Liu Yunyan is excellent in both talent and background.

Marrying a daughter-in-law like that would be a source of great pride.

Later, when they heard that Liu Yunyan didn't even fancy the eldest son of the Guanglu Temple, everyone gave up on the idea.

"She's so proud and arrogant, I thought she was going to marry a young prince or nobleman, but I never expected her to become a concubine in a marquis's mansion. This is simply unbelievable..."

"Who can argue with that?"

"When I found out, my jaw almost dropped."

"Who would choose to be a concubine instead of a proper wife?!"

Several clan ladies discussed in hushed tones, seemingly feeling sorry for Liu Yunyan. However, when their gazes fell upon Pei Yanzhi, who had changed into a white casual outfit and looked dignified and elegant, they realized they had been overthinking things.

It is indeed a bit unfair for Liu Yunyan to become Pei Yanzhi's concubine, given her background, but in the end, the Liu family has already declined.

And there is also a Princess of Nan'an.