On the sixth day of the third lunar month, it was Li Jinqian's full moon celebration.
The Li family naturally wanted to host a grand banquet for their guests, with a continuous feast.
The Li family is no longer what it used to be; no one would object to calling them the number one family in Chengyang County.
So early in the morning, the area in front of the Li family's house became lively.
The area in front of the gate was bustling with cars and people coming to give gifts.
Yan Qingqing also got up early in the morning to start getting ready.
To put it bluntly, the reason so many people came to our house today is not because of Li Jinqian, the newborn, but because of the Li family's wealth and power, and because of her reputation as a wise and virtuous person.
Ruyi picked out several outfits for Yan Qingqing, but Yan Qingqing was not satisfied with any of them.
Ruyi pouted and said, "These clothes are so beautiful, why doesn't Madam wear them? Is it because she thinks Ruyi isn't serving her well enough?"
Upon hearing this, Yan Qingqing tapped her forehead and said, "You silly girl, I told you a long time ago to choose that crimson dress for me, but you insisted on giving me green, blue, or even pink."
You think I'm too old to wear that out in public? Wouldn't people laugh at me?
Ruyi still said with some resentment, "But these colors look good on Madam."
Besides, Madam doesn't mind being old at all. When you go out with the young mistress now, people will think you two are sisters.
This servant just feels that the crimson dress is too old-fashioned and doesn't suit your beauty.
Don't people usually like to dress younger?
How could Yan Qingqing not know that Ruyi only had eyes for her?
But today isn't her day, so how could she steal Yuan Huiniang's thunder?
Besides, her current identity is Li Jinqian's grandmother, so she can't dress in a flashy way.
Otherwise, people would laugh their heads off if they found out.
In ancient times, there were few forms of entertainment, so any interesting news from someone's family would spread like wildfire.
She certainly didn't want to wake up tomorrow morning to the whole neighborhood talking about Mingzhao's beloved grandson. Mingzhao, on the other hand, was dressed even younger than her daughter-in-law. Anyone who didn't know better would think she was the mother.
It's possible that the story will eventually become true, and some people might even speculate that the child was born to her and one of her lovers.
Yan Qingqing felt a chill run down her spine just thinking about these rumors; they weren't just wild guesses.
Yan Qingqing still vividly remembers the look Cao Zhanggui gave her when she wore men's clothing last time she bought the shop.
Although Ruyi still wanted Yan Qingqing to dress younger and prettier, she knew that Yan Qingqing was far more farsighted than her, a mere maid, so she took out the crimson dress instead.
When Yan Qingqing put on the outfit, Ruyi looked at her carefully and didn't think she looked old-fashioned, but rather more composed than usual.
It seems to have a more dignified and authoritative air about it.
After getting dressed, Yan Qingqing went to the flower hall to greet the guests. Of course, not everyone was qualified to be received by Yan Qingqing.
It wasn't that Yan Qingqing wanted to categorize people into different classes, but rather that she simply couldn't possibly entertain all of them, and there were many she didn't even know, so naturally she didn't need to personally attend to them.
As per usual practice, Li Xiang'an was responsible for receiving the relatives and friends who came to visit this time, as well as those from business dealings.
Close relatives and family members of officials were received by Yan Qingqing and Yuan Huiniang.
Li Xiangping was responsible for receiving officials of lower rank.
Ah Da, accompanied by a group of maids and servants, busied himself checking the congratulatory gifts and relaying messages, acting quite like a head steward.
As noon approached and most of the guests had arrived, Yan Qingqing had her wet nurse bring Li Jinqian out.
Li Jinqian is already a month old. His little face is fair and rosy, and he is chubby. His big black eyes are bright and sparkling, making him extremely cute.
Furthermore, since he is Yan Qingqing's grandson, it naturally attracted a large number of people's praise.
Some people praised Li Jinqian for his good looks, while others praised him for his full forehead and square jaw, saying he was a lucky man. Naturally, some people also praised him for his good judgment in becoming the eldest son and grandson of the Li family.
Yan Qingqing accepted all the praise with a smile, which made everyone extremely happy.
Soon, Ru Xue walked in and whispered a few words to Yan Qingqing. After listening, Yan Qingqing glanced at Yuan Huiniang without changing her expression and said to her, "Jinqian's maternal grandfather and grandmother have arrived. Go and greet them."
If they want to come to the flower hall for some fun, bring them along. If they are afraid of strangers, take them back to your courtyard.
Also, have Ah Da arrange for someone to take good care of them, and make sure they don't neglect their in-laws.
Having been mother-in-law and daughter-in-law for so long, Yuan Huiniang immediately understood Yan Qingqing's meaning after hearing her explanation.
Yan Qingqing meant that if they didn't cause trouble, they could come to the front hall.
If they dare not face Yan Qingqing, then let Yuan Huiniang take them back to her own courtyard. In order to prevent them from causing trouble, we should still send someone to keep a close eye on them.
Most daughters-in-law would feel resentful after hearing their mothers-in-law say this, but not Yuan Huiniang.
She even thanked Yan Qingqing for being so thoughtful.
Today is her son's one-month celebration, and even her parents can't cause any trouble.
No sooner had Yuan Huiniang left than people from the Yan family arrived.
Old Mrs. Yan already lived at Yan Qingqing's house, and the three Yan brothers had always been doing business in Canghe Village, so the three sisters-in-law from Yan Family Village naturally came this time.
When Yan Qingqing heard that her three sisters-in-law had arrived, she quickly sent Ruyi to greet them.
The guests in the flower hall were all very perceptive. As soon as they heard that Yan Qingqing's family had arrived, they all got up and said they wanted to take a stroll around Canghe Village.
In preparation for Li Jinqian's full moon celebration, Yan Qingqing ordered that several of her family's gardens be opened to the public free of charge for three days.
Normally, visiting the park would cost two taels of silver.
Who wouldn't take advantage of such a readily available benefit?
Yuan Huiniang then led her parents back to their own courtyard.
Mother Yuan remained silent. Father Yuan rubbed his hands together, took out a small silver lock from his pocket, and handed it to Mother Yuan Hui, saying apologetically, "Father knows you don't lack anything right now."
This child was born into a blessed family. This longevity lock isn't worth much money, but it's a small token of my affection. I hope you won't find it offensive.
Yuan Huiniang recalled that her father had treated her fairly well since she was a child. Although he was not as good as Yuan Huicong, he had not been too biased.
So he smiled and took the longevity lock from Yuan's father, saying, "Father, you're so kind. I thank you on my behalf."
When Yuan's father saw that Yuan Huiniang had accepted the longevity lock, a smile appeared on his face.
Mother Yuan opened her mouth several times but couldn't say anything.
Seeing this, Yuan Huiniang instructed the newly purchased maidservant beside her to go to the front hall and bring Li Jinqian over.
Overall, the Li family's celebration of Li Jinqian's full moon was lively and peaceful.
Just as everyone was immersed in the excitement, a group of people entered Canghe Village.
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