Gu Yu whispered, “A few days ago, General Dou, who was guarding the Xiaguan Pass in the north, died in battle. When the news reached the capital, it caused an uproar among the nobles and generals.
There's been a drought in the north this year, and I heard that the cattle and horses in Beirong have been severely killed or injured. They can't survive, so they want to enter the pass and plunder.
General Dou held Xiaguan for three full months. His death was not due to any wrongdoing, but rather to a lack of timely food and fodder supplies.
The documents for allocating food and fodder had been held up in the government hall. Several officials in the hall deliberately delayed the process, resulting in a shortage of food and fodder for Xiaguang, which led to General Dou's death in battle.
This matter was exposed, and the noble military generals and civil officials started arguing in the court in front of His Majesty, and later they even came to blows.
"Minister Li of the Ministry of Personnel had his nose broken by someone who had attacked him. Second sister, do you know who this Minister Li belongs to?"
Gu Jiu frowned, and a thought occurred to him, "Could it be the prince's men?"
"No. Strictly speaking, Minister Li is the Empress's man. Recently, the Master heard that the Master was promoted to the position of Governor of the Capital City. It was Minister Li who made this possible through his advice to the Emperor. Minister Li usually works in the Government Affairs Hall."
Gu Jiu suddenly understood.
"All the nobles and generals hate His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."
"Exactly. From what I understand, General Dou was personally promoted by the Marquis of Lu, and his accumulated military merits earned him the rank of Second-Rank General. Unexpectedly, he was ultimately killed by his own men. Rumor has it that the Marquis of Lu lost his temper in the barracks and threatened to make the entire Council of State suffer."
Gu Jiu said, "The first person to bear the brunt is Minister Li?"
Gu Yu nodded, "That's about right. The water is too deep here. It's not just the prince's faction that's making moves. Others are also trying to fish in troubled waters."
Our Gu family got our start through military merit. Although the master became a civil servant, there is a fundamental difference between him and those civil servants who got their start through the imperial examinations.
The master's roots are still with the nobles and generals."
Gu Jiu understood, "Thank you, Fourth Brother Gu, for telling me this."
Gu Yu smiled and said, "Second sister, just keep it to yourself, don't tell anyone. The sisters will most likely marry into noble families in the future. Second sister, you must behave well tomorrow and strive for a good future."
"Thank you, Fourth Brother Gu, for your advice."
Gu Jiu returned to Zhilan Courtyard with a heavy heart.
Qingmei asked quietly, "Miss, are you worried about the master?"
Gu Jiu shook his head slightly.
She was worried that those people would continue to seek death as long as they lived.
The Queen was still lying there when she jumped out impatiently. Was she trying to be cannon fodder or cannon fodder?
Gu Jiu lowered his head and smiled.
Once the Queen dies, the Prince will be in danger.
The prince can either overthrow all the nobles and generals so that there will be no one to fight in the future, and he can ascend the throne smoothly.
Or he would be overthrown by the anti-Crown Prince faction, die, and return to dust. Only a few paragraphs remain of his life in history books.
Gu Jiu shook his head at the Gu family's stance.
She can't influence Lord Gu at all now, let alone the Marquis' Mansion next door.
According to Gu Jiu, the Marquis's position in the past was very good. They supported whoever became emperor.
Since the emperor is still in power, we should obey his orders and be his loyal subjects.
Fighting for the throne will most likely not end well. Even if you win, history shows that few people have a good ending in the end.
After all, kind monarchs are rare animals.
Most monarchs treat their meritorious officials by either guarding against them, killing them, or imprisoning them. Every one of them is destined to be cannon fodder.
Gu Jiu rubbed his eyebrows.
Forget it. She can't influence the decision of Lord Gu and the Marquis' Mansion now. She can only follow the general trend and take one step at a time.
The danger has not yet arrived, so there is no need to scare yourself.
Moreover, danger does not necessarily come.
Gu Jiu said to Qingmei, "Don't worry about me. Remember to wake me up early tomorrow morning."
"As you command."
The next day, early in the morning, Gu Jiu woke up from his sleep.
He shook his head and remembered that today was the first time his family had hosted a banquet since returning to the capital.
He quickly washed, changed his clothes, ate a little to fill his stomach, and then rushed to the flower hall.
The eldest wives, Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Xie, were busy with their maids and servants.
There are twenty tables at the banquet this time.
There are about twelve tables for male guests and eight tables for female guests.
Everything, inside and out, from the menu, to the dishes, to the tea, to the seating arrangement, to greeting guests, must be checked one by one, for fear of making even the slightest mistake and causing gossip.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, held the list and frowned.
"Sister-in-law, your family members cannot sit at the same table with the wives of noble families. You should know the reason."
Mrs. Xie was stunned for a moment. "My family should have sat at the same table with me. But I have guests to entertain, so it's hard to arrange seats."
The eldest wife, Zhang, was very straightforward. "Anyway, your family members can't sit at the same table with the wives of nobles. Why not let your family members sit with the girls?"
Xie frowned. It was too disrespectful to let her family sit with the girls.
"The children also have to greet the guests. They have to accompany the girls from other houses. It's not appropriate for my family to sit at the same table with the girls."
The eldest wife, Zhang, stared at Xie. "Then what do you think we should do? We can't offend all these noble ladies."
Xie frowned, "Just let my family and the sisters-in-law from the Marquis' Mansion sit at the same table."
The eldest wife, Zhang, snorted coldly, "Sister-in-law, what are you thinking about? The sisters-in-law in the Marquis' Mansion have to help greet the guests, so how can they accompany your family?"
Xie was dissatisfied, "According to what my sister-in-law wants, my family and the girls must sit at the same table?"
The eldest wife, Zhang, said expressionlessly, "Sister-in-law, you shouldn't have forgotten the purpose of this banquet. It's for your master's career and to help him build connections in the capital.
Your eldest brother is an official of the Eastern Palace, so naturally he doesn't get along with the nobles.
You arranged the women from your family and the wives of nobles at the same table, which offended them. I wonder how you can manage your master's network of relationships.
Pillow talk is no joke. Originally, because of your mother's family's stance, your master's position as an official was not easy.
Now, instead of helping him share his worries, you're adding to his troubles. I'd like to ask you, sister-in-law, are you on your side, your natal family or your husband's family?"
Xie's face immediately fell, "Sister-in-law, don't be so aggressive."
The eldest wife, Zhang, snorted coldly, "This time it's your second wife's turn to treat us, not our first wife's. Originally, I could have been a hands-off boss, not taking care of anything.
But I'm really worried about my sister-in-law's behavior. If I follow your plan, I'm bound to offend someone.
By then, you won't be able to build up your personal connections, but will instead earn resentment from others.
If it's just your second branch that's in trouble, I wouldn't mind. But our two families haven't split up yet, and as the saying goes, when one prospers, all prosper, and when one suffers, all suffer.
If your second wife offends someone, our first wife will also suffer misfortune. How can I just sit back and watch this happen?
"Sister-in-law, I advise you to put the overall situation first. Don't ruin a good situation just for a little face."
Xie gritted her teeth, her heart filled with rage. "Then let my family and my sister-in-law's family sit at the same table. That should be fine, right?"
The eldest wife, Zhang, shook her head. "Sister-in-law, this is a really bad idea. Have you forgotten that my family also has military commanders?"
My eldest and second sisters-in-law from my mother's family have a very good relationship with the women of Daihou Mansion. Also, my eldest and second brothers were both promoted by the Duke of Zhuguo.
At today's banquet, my eldest and second sisters-in-law will definitely be with the women from these two families, so they won't have time to greet your family."
Xie was upset and wanted to refute, but she couldn't find any reason to do so.
Mrs. Zhang's words were harsh, but they were indeed the truth.
But this would make Xie very embarrassed.
Gu Jiu saw that the two ladies had been arguing for a long time but still had not reached a conclusion.
So he reminded her, "Then let's set up a separate table for the women of the Xie family so as not to offend anyone."
Both ladies were stunned and looked at Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "The Xie family is a civil servant family. They are indeed not the same kind of people as the wives of nobles. It would be awkward for everyone to sit together. Why not have a separate table? That way, no one would have any objections."
The eldest wife, Zhang, burst into laughter. "Second girl is really clever! I didn't think of that. Sister-in-law, what do you think?"
Xie narrowed her eyes and looked at Gu Jiu.
Gu Jiu was very calm and allowed Xie to look at him.
Xie said with a stern face, "Then let's have a separate table."
Madam Zhang nodded repeatedly, "Nine tables for the female guests will be prepared. Shaoyao, tell the kitchen to prepare two more tables."
Mrs. Xie turned around and looked at Mrs. Zhang, the eldest wife. "Why do you want to prepare two more tables for the banquet?"
It doesn’t cost money to prepare a banquet?
Given Zhang's stingy nature, preparing two more tables of banquets would cost at least 10 to 20 taels of silver.
The eldest wife, Zhang, said, "We will also have a separate table for the male guests. Besides your brothers from your mother's family, there will also be officials from the prefectural government."
"You want my elder brother to sit at the same table with the officials of the prefectural government?"
"What else?" Madam Zhang asked, "Should we arrange for your eldest brother to sit at the same table with the Duke of Zhuguo and the Marquis Dai?
Sister-in-law, although your elder brother is an official of the Eastern Palace, he is only of the upper fourth rank after all.
Duke Zhuguo and Marquis Dai were of the highest rank. Even the Earl of Haixi was of the first rank.
Do you know who is qualified to sit next to them? Only the old marquis of the neighboring mansion and the eldest master of the mansion.
My master, your master, can only stand aside. Only with the old marquis's introduction can I have the right to drink a few glasses of wine with them.
Sister-in-law, I've said so much, do you understand? Let me remind you again, this is Beijing, not the northwest. Don't compare the rules of the northwest with those of Beijing.
Especially at a banquet like this, the seating arrangement must not be wrong at all. Otherwise, it would not be friendship, but enmity.
In addition, the wife of the Marquis of Lu and the wife of the Duke of Zhuguo have a private conflict, so it is best not to arrange for the two to sit at the same table."
Xie's chest was rising and falling rapidly, and she was obviously very angry. But she was powerless to refute.
Everything she was proud of in the past became vulnerable and even seemed redundant under the harsh words of the first wife Zhang.
After returning to the capital, Xie Shi couldn't hold back her pride when she hosted a banquet for the first time and made so many mistakes, especially in front of all the maids in charge.
Today, I was completely embarrassed.
Gu Yue, Gu Shan and the others also felt very embarrassed.
I used to think my mother was very capable, especially in this kind of welcoming and seeing off guests, which was what she was best at.
But he didn't expect that after returning to the capital, he would be exposed at the first banquet.
Gu Yue and Gu Shan both lowered their heads. Even Gu Zhen and Gu Lin felt embarrassed and cramped. Xie was embarrassed, and they also had no face.
The wife of the house made a mistake in basic social etiquette, and as children, they were naturally even more shameless than the wife. So, all four of them felt very embarrassed.
The words that the eldest wife Zhang said were like slaps in the face, and it felt so painful.
At this moment, in the eyes of the housekeepers, Xie was just an ignorant and self-righteous country woman.
I only saw the wealth and splendor of the capital, but I didn't see how deep the water in the capital was.
Do you really think that the capital is the same as the northwest and can be dealt with casually?
How naive.
Among all the people in the second house, only Gu Jiu did not feel embarrassed at all.
Gu Jiu stood aside, looking at the first wife Zhang, and remembered everything Zhang said.
This is all knowledge! And it is knowledge that cannot be bought.
Gu Jiu benefited a lot from what the eldest wife Zhang said.
In her previous life, Gu Jiu had never had the opportunity to personally organize a banquet. Her family members felt sorry for her and refused to let her get tired.
For all the banquets, she only needs to dress up beautifully and attend on time.
I have no idea about the preparations behind the banquet.
In this life, Gu Jiu has not had the opportunity to learn how to manage household affairs, let alone the opportunity to host a banquet for hundreds of people.
You can only seize the opportunity to learn a little bit.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, looked at Mrs. Xie and snorted coldly. She really couldn't expect too much from Mrs. Xie.
The eldest wife, Zhang, was very straightforward. She picked up her pen and rewrote a seating list, then handed it to the housekeeper. "Arrange the banquet according to this list. Prepare plenty of wine and drinks, and ask the storeroom to prepare a few extra items. Don't be stingy with money."
The housekeeper took the order.
If there is one, there will be two.
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, continued to revise Mrs. Xie's various preparations.
Xie was furious, but powerless to stop it.
She couldn't afford the risk of the banquet failing, so she had to sit aside and watch the first wife Zhang busy herself.
Gu Jiu thought about it and took the initiative to step forward. "Aunt, I write very quickly and neatly. I wonder if I can help you share some of the work."
Huh?
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, looked at Gu Jiu.
Then Zhang started laughing. She was a smart girl, much better than the other girls.
The eldest wife, Zhang, handed the brush to Gu Jiu and said, "You write it."
Gu Jiu took the brush with a smile, and without sitting upright, he just stood up and started writing.
Zhang sat and talked while Gu Jiu stood up and wrote with his pen in hand.
Zhang took a look at the handwriting and found that it was just as Gu Jiu said, written quickly and well.
Zhang laughed, "Second girl's handwriting is really good."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Aunt, you are too kind. My handwriting is not good enough, but it is neat."
"It's already pretty good. You're a girl, you don't need to take exams, and you don't need to write so well."
Gu Jiu smiled and said nothing.
Zhang continued to mutter and Gu Jiu continued to record.
This scene surprised Gu Yue and the others.
How could Gu Jiu be so bold? Why did he want to help record it?
Also, when would Gu Jiu be able to write in mid-air? How come they didn't know?
Gu Yue stretched her neck and leaned forward to take a look.
In her opinion, Gu Jiu's writing in the air must not be very good.
As a result, she saw a beautiful handwriting of small calligraphy with hairpin flowers.
Gu Shan also saw it and sighed softly, "I didn't expect that in just six months, my second sister's handwriting has improved so much."
Gu Shan remembered that Gu Jiu's handwriting was not as good as it is now.
Gu Zhen also saw it and nodded secretly, thinking it was very well written.
Gu Lin thought of her own vow to work hard, and then felt ashamed of herself for not working hard for three days and resting for two days. She encouraged herself again, saying, "I must work hard. I must work hard."
Xie stared at Gu Jiu. This damn girl really knows how to show off.
This scene actually gave Gu Jiu an opportunity to perform.
Zhang not only changed the seating arrangements, but also the menu and even the dishes.
Xie originally prepared a set of white porcelain.
Zhang said, "White porcelain is not good. It's better to use the porcelain set with the words 'Niannianyouyu'. It looks festive and can bring good luck."
Xie opened her mouth but didn't refute.
Seeing that Xie had no objection, Gu Jiu picked up his pen and wrote it down.
Zhang found fault with Xie's arrangements at every turn.
She even rejected the chair cushions.
"The cushions you arranged are too old-fashioned and look stale. We should use the new set of cushions the warehouse bought this summer. The patterns are fashionable and auspicious. Sister-in-law, do you have any objections?"
Xie snorted, "What opinion can I have? My sister-in-law makes all the decisions, and I just learn from her."
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, raised her eyebrows and smiled, her eyes and eyebrows turned up, and she looked smart, capable and decisive.
She said to Xie: "Sister-in-law, don't be dissatisfied. The capital is a rare place of wealth and prosperity in the world, and everywhere there are people who flatter the powerful and look down on the weak.
As the host, we do not ask for the satisfaction of our guests, but only want to do our work with a clear conscience, make proper arrangements and do our best.
Sister-in-law, follow me and learn more, and you will understand later that banquets in the capital are a very complicated matter.
If you meet someone who is unlucky, even a random dish or bowl can become a reason for them to find fault with it, thinking that they are mocking them and thus bear a grudge against the host.
Xie smiled, "I have to thank my sister-in-law today for worrying so much about me."
The eldest wife, Zhang, said with a smile, "We are a family. This is what I should do."
Xie gritted her teeth and cursed Zhang over and over again in her heart.
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