Chi Yan said lazily, "Then please come. It's a joyous occasion, why hide it?"

After the two of them spoke, Chi's father had no further objections and smiled with relief: "Alright, then let's have a big celebration."

Chi's mother couldn't help but glare at him, her tone sarcastic: "What, does my word not carry any weight?"

Mr. Chi looked embarrassed and pleaded in a low voice, "I was just thinking about our family."

Chi's mother didn't hold it against him. After finishing her meal, she pulled Shen Tangning aside and discussed the details with great interest.

"I've checked the auspicious dates lately, August 6th is good, Tang Ning, what do you think?"

Shen Tangning glanced at it and had no objection: "Let's do as Mother says."

——

At the same time, the Ningyuan Marquis's residence also had the same idea.

Chi Jingyu was promoted to Minister of Works. Very few people could sit in this position at such a young age. For a time, the entire Marquis's mansion was filled with pride and joy.

The old lady dressed up specially, her hair was combed meticulously, and she slowly and methodically instructed, "Jingyu's promotion is a great joy, and our Marquis's mansion has not had a lively celebration in a long time."

The elegantly dressed Lady Hou also agreed, a smile playing on her lips: "Mother is right. In my opinion, why not hold a promotion banquet?"

The old lady nodded slightly, which was exactly what she meant: "You have always been good at handling things. Quickly come up with a plan and pick an auspicious day to get this done."

Aunt Qiu frowned and stammered, "Madam, Madam, but our household just spent a large sum of money a few days ago, where will we get the money to make this happen?"

She didn't want to spoil the mood, but she was still in charge of the household. If she couldn't come up with the money, she wouldn't be able to satisfy the old lady and the madam, and she would be the one who suffered.

During the previous disaster relief efforts, the household spent five thousand taels of silver and even mortgaged some of the valuables in the house. Given this situation, they still want to hold a banquet, and they can't even do it too casually. Isn't this just putting on a show of wealth when you're not?

Her words immediately made the originally festive atmosphere in the room freeze.

Lady Hou's face turned somewhat unpleasant, and she gave her a cold glance: "But the promotion of the heir is a joyous occasion. If the Hou family doesn't make a gesture of celebration, wouldn't we become a laughing stock?"

She narrowed her eyes, a hint of displeasure flashing in them. "Besides, the second wife's son was also promoted this time. With their arrogant ways, they're bound to throw a huge party. How can we be outdone?"

Upon hearing this, the old lady's wavering resolve immediately hardened. After the second branch of the family was separated, the two families had been subtly competing with each other. How could she tolerate that illegitimate child climbing over her head at such a time?

Her eyes were sharp: "Qiu Shi, this is because you've failed in your management! The Marquis's mansion has so many shops, and they make a lot of profit every month, yet you can't even afford to hold a banquet?"

Faced with the old lady's questioning, Aunt Qiu felt extremely wronged. The Marquis's mansion was such a large family. The masters' food, clothing and daily necessities, the servants' monthly salaries, and the young master's social obligations all amounted to a considerable amount each month. Where would there be any left over?

However, knowing the old lady's temper, she dared not argue and silently swallowed her bitterness.

Lady Hou glanced at her subservient manner, a hint of disdain flashing in her eyes. She had only been in charge of the household for a short time, and she really thought she was someone important?

Having chosen the most auspicious day according to the Chinese almanac, the matter is now settled.

"Let's make it the sixth day of the eighth lunar month."