In late autumn, in the chilly morning light, the two best friends got up early to prepare a birthday cake.
Last year, many things were in short supply, so for Aunt Pei's birthday, they only had a simple cake.
This year, Li Nian asked Xiao Yunyu to gather the ingredients early, waiting to make a double-layer cake for Aunt Pei today.
As soon as the morning light rose, Li Nian and Li Sisi started busying themselves in the kitchen. Thinking that the Pei family would be very busy today, Li Sisi asked Yu Niang to go to the Pei family to help at noon.
The sun rose from the east and was now at high altitude.
The cake outline is complete, and all that’s left is to add some decorative elements.
The whole kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of cake.
"Second Miss, Aunt Pei said she doesn't need my help." Yu Niang walked into the kitchen with an embarrassed look on her face.
Li Sisi looked at her puzzledly: "Why not? Didn't their family plan a big birthday celebration this year?"
"There shouldn't be any. I saw only two unfamiliar maids in Pei's kitchen."
Li Sisi nodded when she heard that. "Okay, then you don't have to go. Just cook some lunch for everyone at home. Nian Nian and I won't be back at noon."
Yu Niang responded and left.
The warm midday sun shines on the Pei family courtyard, making it particularly harmonious and warm.
Pei Yanli looked at the table full of dishes, but there was still no sign of that figure outside the house, and his thick brows furrowed slightly.
He walked towards Aunt Pei: "Mom, I'll go call Sisi."
Upon hearing this, Aunt Pei immediately grabbed his arm and said in a low voice, "You are not allowed to go! If she comes, I won't chase her away, but you are not allowed to go looking for her again!"
She looked around and saw Su Xingmian looking at her curiously. She lowered her voice a little: "Can't you just let me spend my birthday in peace?"
Pei Yanli's cold eyes flashed with suspicion. Yesterday, he had told Sisi that today was his mother's birthday. He had also invited her to come at noon. Now she hadn't shown up. Could it be that she didn't want to come?
Just as I was thinking this, I saw Li Sisi walk in with a smile on her face, holding a two-layer exquisite pastry.
Perhaps to highlight the festive occasion, she wore a light red long dress, looking happy and beautiful.
When she saw the mother and son, her eyes suddenly lit up and her face was filled with joy: "Auntie, happy birthday!"
Aunt Pei listened to her cheerful tone and looked at the birthday cake in her hand.
The two sisters had given this sweet and sticky snack as a birthday present last year, but it wasn't as exquisite and beautiful as this year's.
Aunt Pei put on a smile and politely went over to greet her: "Oh, Sisi, why are you here? And you brought such a valuable gift."
Li Sisi smiled and said, "It's not expensive. Nian Nian and I made this cake ourselves. It didn't cost much."
"You made it yourself? That's even more precious. The two ladies of the Marquis' Mansion in the capital personally gave a birthday gift to a common woman like me. How could I possibly afford it?"
Li Sisi's smile froze. She never expected that Aunt Pei would say this.
Pei Yanli frowned, his cold expression suddenly becoming ugly: "Mom, what nonsense are you talking about?"
"What I said is all true."
Li Sisi unconsciously clenched her fingers holding the cake, opened them and looked at Aunt Pei, wanting to say, "Auntie, I..."
She opened her mouth but didn't know how to explain. The old lady was right, it was she who was wrong.
Su Xingmian vaguely heard their conversation from a distance and hurried over to join in the fun.
She looked at Li Sisi without hesitation and asked curiously, "You are the censor's first wife? You are really pretty!"
She greeted Li Sisi, "My name is Su Xingmian. Your husband was killed in Bei'an City. It was my mother and I who escorted him to Dong'an City!"
At this time, Li Nian, who followed behind, saw several people standing here, and the atmosphere seemed a little wrong?
She smiled and congratulated Aunt Pei: "Auntie, happy birthday. I wish you happiness as vast as the East Sea and a long life as long as the Southern Mountains."
She took out the gift I had prepared long ago and said, "This is my birthday present for you. It's not worth much, so please don't despise it."
Aunt Pei couldn't refuse at the moment, so she accepted it with a smile, saying politely: "Hey, you already gave me a cake, why are you spending extra money?"
"It's different. The cake is for everyone to enjoy together, but birthday gifts still need to be given separately."
Li Nian took out a peacock green embroidered long dress and said with a smile, "This is a satin robe that Sisi had specially customized for you some time ago. Do you think it fits?"
Su Xingmian, standing by, exclaimed, "This was custom-made by Yuqiong Pavilion in the city, right? This dress must have cost at least fifty taels of silver. As expected of a lady from the capital, she's so generous!"
Mrs. Su hurriedly grabbed Su Xingmian and gently scolded him, "Why are you yelling? You have no manners!"
Su bowed to Li Nian and Li Sisi and apologized respectfully.
Her words and attitude all showed the meaning that "you two are the wives of marquises from the capital, and we small people cannot afford to offend you."
"I hope the First and Second Madams will forgive me." Su's attitude was respectful, and there was not a single flaw in her etiquette and words.
When Aunt Pei saw that the wife of the Tongzhi treated the two sisters like this, she became panic-stricken.
I used to think that although the matter between Li Sisi and Pei Yanli was difficult to handle, it was not too serious.
Seeing how Su treated both sisters, he became particularly worried that his own foolishness might bring disaster upon the entire family. And that stubborn Yan Li! He absolutely couldn't continue to be foolish!
No, I have to find a chance to talk to Sisi and tell her not to bother her family anymore.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
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