Before they knew it, it was Madam Pei's birthday. Yan Qingqing had been away from Canghe Town for more than three months.
With the Lunar New Year just over a month away, Yan Qingqing guessed that Yuan Huiniang and the others would be heading to the capital soon.
She also specifically instructed Butler Yu to clean out several of the largest courtyards in the house.
Because Yan Qingqing was going to attend Madam Pei's birthday banquet, Ruyi and Ruxue were busy finding clothes and accessories for Yan Qingqing early in the morning.
Yan Qingqing looked at the two of them and smiled, "You two don't need to dress so formally. Just dress a little more formally than usual."
Today is Madam Pei's birthday, we mustn't steal the spotlight.
Today is Madam Pei's birthday. Why is she, a widow, dressed so formally, to avoid being gossiped about behind her back?
Despite Yan Qingqing's instructions, Ruyi and Ruxue still tried their best to choose the most gorgeous clothes.
They didn't want their mistress to lose face in front of the other ladies and young women.
In the end, the two of them unanimously chose a sky-blue hookah dress, plus a royal blue kingfisher feather headdress, which was also inlaid with two cat-eye sapphires, making it particularly eye-catching.
Because the weather is quite cold now, the two of them chose a pure white fox fur cloak.
Yan Qingqing already has fair skin, and this makeover makes her look even more refined; she doesn't look like a grandmother at all.
Yan Qingqing looked in the mirror and couldn't help but admire how discerning these two girls were becoming.
Ah Da had prepared the carriage well in advance; this carriage was a special gift from the emperor to Yan Qingqing.
The carriage is made of Phoebe zhennan wood, which is very sturdy, and is fully equipped with incense-scented cushions, backrests, and stoves.
It's bigger and more impressive than the one they had in Chengyang County.
Ah Da helped Yan Qingqing into the carriage, and a warm feeling rushed towards them; it felt really good.
Ah Da asked, "Madam, shall we depart now?"
Yan Qingqing replied calmly, "Wait a little longer, your second young lady and Mu Xi haven't arrived yet."
Upon hearing this, Ah Da quickly agreed.
Yan Qingqing rarely goes out for social events, but when she does go out, she makes sure to maximize her usefulness.
Li Yueniang is already engaged to Han Yu, and now that Han Yu has entered the Hanlin Academy, he will definitely be working in the capital in the future, barring any unforeseen circumstances.
In the future, Li Yueniang will inevitably have to associate with these high-ranking officials and noblewomen.
Yan Qingqing definitely wanted to take this opportunity to let Li Yueniang familiarize herself with the people and situation in the capital.
The Han family has no roots in the capital. Even if Madam Han enters the capital, these noble people may not look up to her.
But Li Yueniang was different; at least she had a mother who was Lady Mingzhao, and her family also had capable brothers.
Mu Xi is Yan Qingqing's daughter-in-law. Even if Li Xiang'an doesn't go into politics in the future, no one can underestimate her.
Li Yueniang and Mu Xi didn't keep Yan Qingqing waiting long; the two of them quickly boarded the carriage.
Li Yueniang wore a light pink dress with a white fox fur vest, and a matching ruby hair ornament in her hair, which made her small face look even more pink and lovely.
Li Yueniang was still young, and this outfit made her look even more playful.
Mu Xi, on the other hand, was dressed in light blue clothes and the same headdress, which made her appear much more composed.
Mu Xi and Li Yueniang lowered their heads in embarrassment when Yan Qingqing looked them up and down.
Yan Qingqing chuckled and said, "It looks great. Don't be shy. Just be natural and confident when you meet people."
Both of them nodded upon hearing this.
Once everyone had arrived, Ah Da drove the carriage to the Zhenguo General's Mansion.
The Pei family has a long history of meritorious service. The patriarch of the Pei family is a general who protects the country and also holds the title of Duke. The emperor specially bestowed upon him a plaque that reads "General Who Protects the Country's Mansion".
This is no ordinary mansion; all guests must dismount from their sedan chairs (civil officials) and dismount from their horses (military officials).
This honor is also the first of its kind in the Great Yan Dynasty.
Mingzhao Prefecture is not far from the General's Mansion, only two streets away.
Soon Yan Qingqing and her group arrived at the Zhenguo General's Mansion.
This year marks the 60th birthday of Madam Pei. With General Pei not by her side, the Pei family wanted to make her happy, so they arranged an exceptionally grand birthday banquet.
When Yan Qingqing and her group arrived, there were already many carriages parked in front of the Pei family's house.
Yan Qingqing's carriage was nothing compared to these prestigious vehicles.
As soon as they stopped the carriage, a servant came over to lead the horses.
Madam Pei was talking with Old Madam Pei when a servant came to report that Madam Mingzhao had arrived.
With a big smile, Old Mrs. Pei said to Mrs. Pei, "Our distinguished guest has arrived. Why are you still slacking off here? Hurry up and go outside to greet him."
Madam Pei, who also came from a family of military officers, was easygoing and readily agreed, saying, "Alright, your daughter-in-law will go and greet them right away."
After saying that, he was about to leave Old Madam Pei's room.
Grandma Pei immediately called out to her, "Remember to bring it over so I can see it."
Upon hearing this, Madam Pei smiled and replied, "Mother, I know, you've said that several times already."
Ever since Madam Pei sent Yan Qingqing an invitation, Old Madam Pei has been saying that if Madam Mingzhao comes, she must bring her to see her.
Yan Qingqing, along with Li Yueniang and Mu Xi, stood out conspicuously when they stood there.
After all, the three women were relatively unfamiliar to the noblewomen of the capital, and they were also exceptionally good-looking.
It wasn't that everyone didn't recognize Yan Qingqing; after all, quite a few people had seen her the day she went to the Wu family.
Soon, the people around started talking about it.
[This is Lady Mingzhao. Her appearance and bearing don't seem to belong to someone from a small place.]
Look at her clothes and headdress; this whole outfit must have cost at least a thousand taels of silver.
That's true; after all, they made their fortune through merchants, so naturally they reek of money.
Not everyone likes Yan Qingqing. Just look at that sharp and sarcastic voice; it's obvious they're jealous of her.
Li Yueniang was the first to lose her temper and was about to retort.
Yan Qingqing pulled her aside and laughed, "Why do you have to learn from some people who spew nonsense?"
"They're old and shameless, but you're so young, you can't be shameless."
Yan Qingqing spoke quite loudly; almost everyone at the Pei family's door heard her.
Someone couldn't hold back any longer, and then a burst of laughter followed.
The woman who had been scolding Yan Qingqing was furious, but she dared not speak out because of Yan Qingqing's fighting prowess.
Just as everyone was feeling awkward, a very cheerful voice said, "Oh dear, how can you let such distinguished guests stand here in the cold at the gate? My servants have not been hospitable enough, and I apologize to all the ladies and young women."
However, let's be clear from the start: If any ladies come to celebrate my grandmother's birthday, the Pei family will naturally welcome them. But if you cause trouble and offend our distinguished guests, don't expect me to be ruthless.
Pei Zisheng is now the commander of the Imperial Guards and a favorite of the emperor. In addition, the Zhenguo General's Mansion not only has the old general Pei, but also a former empress, so no one dares to underestimate Madam Pei.
Everyone spoke with a smile on their face to Madam Pei.
Madam Pei did not engage in a deep conversation with the other ladies, but instead turned her attention to Yan Qingqing.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com