Chapter 19 The Doorman's Message
"Madam, the gatekeeper reports that the Marquis's wife has invited the Earl of Annam's wife to the mansion."
Granny Fang said worriedly, "What does the Lady of the Marquis want to do by inviting the Lady of An'nan at this time? Isn't the rumor outside already lively enough?"
Everyone in the capital knows that the Duchess of Annan is a big mouth; countless gossips and rumors have come from her mouth.
If it weren't for her noble status and the protection of her close friend, a favored concubine, she probably would have been stuffed into a sack long ago.
Of course, while some people dislike the Countess of Annam, others will naturally like her. For example, those who want to take advantage of her sharp tongue.
For example, the fact that Madam Zheng of the Duke of Jin's mansion was able to make her family's affairs known throughout the city was not due to the efforts of the Earl of Annan.
This time, Madam Wu invited her to her residence, undoubtedly intending to use her to say something that others didn't know.
Isn't it obvious what she wants to do?
Unlike Granny Fang's worries, Madam Min Qiao remained calm and composed.
"Have you forgotten about the annulment of the engagement? Who did the Wu family send to handle that?"
"It's flying catkins."
Someone had already reported this to Songhetang before.
Granny Fang suddenly realized, then flew into a rage, "Could it be that the Lady of the Marquis wants to pin the whole thing on you for breaking off the engagement?"
Min Qiao smirked, revealing a hint of disdain, and said, "Isn't that exactly what she's planning?"
"This, how can this be?" Granny Fang said anxiously, "Feixu left Songhe Hall a long time ago, how can she blame it on the Grand Madam?"
"We know that the flying catkins went to the Begonia Courtyard, but outsiders don't."
Granny Fang said indignantly, "Then, who sent Feixu? Doesn't Feixu know the answer herself?"
"Hehe, do you think Feixu will defend me?"
Granny Fang looked dejected and shook her head, saying, "I'm afraid it's impossible."
Ever since Feixu left Songhe Hall, the Grand Madam has forbade her from returning. No matter how much Feixu pleaded, the Grand Madam wouldn't budge. That girl must be harboring resentment now, right?
"Then, what should we do?" Granny Fang asked worriedly.
When life is going so well, suddenly a pot falls from the sky. Isn't that annoying?
"Alright, don't worry, I know what I'm doing," Madam Min Qiao comforted her.
If you want her to take the blame, you'll have to see if she's willing to do it.
"I remember the Prince of Chang'an's residence sent an invitation before?"
"Yes. It's said to be the old princess's fiftieth birthday, and all the old ladies from various families have been invited." As she spoke, Granny Fang pulled out the invitation cards.
Because the old princess's birthday falls in winter, it was not celebrated in previous years.
This year, because it's a significant birthday, we held a birthday banquet.
Presumably because the event is only held once every few years, the Prince of Chang'an's Mansion was particularly proactive, sending out invitations to each household half a month in advance.
Granny Fang handed the invitation card with the character for "longevity" printed on it to Madam Min Qiao, and said hesitantly, "Perhaps you shouldn't go to this banquet?"
Going there would only make you a laughingstock.
Speaking of this, Granny Fang remembered something else.
When the gatekeeper sent someone to announce the arrival of the Earl of Annam, he also mentioned something else.
It was said that a servant from the Duke of Jin's mansion came specifically to inquire whether their mansion had received an invitation from the Prince of Chang'an's mansion, and also indirectly inquired whether their matriarch would attend the birthday banquet.
When Granny Fang heard the message from the gatekeeper, she was furious.
What does the Dowager Lady of the Duke of Jin mean? It's not enough that they came all this way just to watch the show; they also want to see the Dowager Lady make a fool of herself at the Prince of Chang'an's birthday banquet?
Who in the capital doesn't know that the Dowager Lady of the Duke of Jin is at odds with their Dowager Lady the most?
What good intentions could she possibly have?
After all, they had known each other since childhood, so no matter how Fang Mama's expression changed, it did not escape Min Qiao's eyes.
"What? Are you hiding something from me?"
Granny Fang hesitated for a moment, but still told the truth: "The gatekeeper also mentioned something else. He said that the Dowager Lady of the Duke of Jin's Mansion sent someone to inquire whether she would attend the birthday banquet of the Prince of Chang'an's Mansion."
"You haven't even gone yet, and Madam Zheng already wants to see you make a fool of yourself. If you really go, won't you be humiliated to the point of having nowhere to hide?" Granny Fang was both angry and worried.
Upon hearing the name of the Dowager Lady of the Duke of Jin's Mansion, Madam Min Qiao was momentarily stunned.
She initially came with good intentions, hoping that Madam Zheng wouldn't go too far and would leave herself some way out. At the same time, her visit was also a gesture, letting others see that the Duke of Jin's mansion was not isolated and helpless.
Who would have thought that good intentions would be misunderstood? A well-intentioned visit to offer advice only resulted in creating an enemy for oneself.
Although she always appeared calm and composed when targeted by Madam Zheng in public in her past life, she would still feel incredibly frustrated and angry every time she returned home.
Over time, he developed a deep hatred for Madam Zheng. Later, he secretly tried to trip her up in many ways.
But who could have imagined that when she was terminally ill, Madam Zheng would be the only person to come and care for her!
Madam Zheng noticed something strange about her illness and wanted to ask the imperial physician for help, but she refused.
Because she wasn't sick at all, but poisoned.
If word gets out about this, the Xuanping Marquis's mansion will lose face. Min Rong and the others will also be in trouble.
In order to maintain the dignity of the Marquis's mansion and protect the future of her sons, she dared not make a sound.
In her past life, she truly devoted herself wholeheartedly to the Marquis's mansion and her children and grandchildren...
Well, none of that matters anymore.
Most importantly, a friend in need is a friend indeed!
It was only then that she realized that Madam Zheng was grateful to her and understood her good intentions. She didn't really hate her, nor did she really want to be at odds with her; she just couldn't bring herself to reconcile with her.
Having lived her life a second time, she realized that she actually wanted to live like Madam Zheng!
Therefore, during her rebirth, she spoke and acted with ruthlessness and shrewdness, showing no mercy to others and leaving herself no way out.
Looking back now, her behavior after her rebirth was exactly like that of Madam Zheng.
Thinking of this, Madam Min Qiao couldn't help but laugh out loud.
Granny Fang was baffled by the laughter. "Madam, what are you laughing about? How can you still be laughing at a time like this?"
Madam Min shook her head, her smile gradually fading. "Have Wei Jia prepare for me. In a few days, we'll go to the Prince of Chang'an's residence to attend the old princess's birthday banquet."
Granny Fang hesitated for a moment, but ultimately did not try to persuade her any further.
"Yes, I'll go tell Weijia right away."
***
In the Begonia Courtyard, Wu, with tears streaming down her face, held the hand of Lady Wang, the wife of the Earl of Annan, and said with aggrieved feelings, "I have been suffering so much these days, and I don't know who to talk to. We have never been close friends, and I have never treated you as an outsider. That's why I invited you to my residence to listen to what's on my mind."
Wang's eyes lit up, and she patted Wu's hand in return, saying, "Oh, I also consider you my younger sister. If you have any grievances, just tell me."
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