Everything was finally arranged.
The eldest wife, Zhang, stood up and invited Xie, "Sister-in-law, come with me to check everywhere. This will prevent the servants from making mistakes and being laughed at by others."
Mrs. Xie did not refuse, "Sister-in-law, please."
The eldest wife, Zhang, smiled and said to the girls, "Hurry up and eat something. You'll be so busy soon that you won't even have time to drink water."
"We listen to our aunt."
The eldest wife, Mrs. Zhang, went out with Mrs. Xie.
Zhang asked Xie, "Has everything been arranged for my sister-in-law?"
Xie said with a stern face, "We've prepared a separate banquet and sent it to the old man."
"It's not enough to just prepare the banquet. We need to arrange for a few strong servants to watch over the old man. I don't think my sister-in-law would want the old man to cause a scene at the banquet and embarrass the guests."
Mrs. Xie recalled the day when Old Man Gu made a scene after she returned to the capital, and she couldn't help but shudder.
She expressed her gratitude sincerely, "Thank you, sister-in-law, for your advice."
Mrs. Zhang, the eldest wife, looked at Mrs. Xie with a half-smile, "I finally heard my sister-in-law express her sincere gratitude."
Xie was embarrassed, trying to decide whether to laugh or not. "Sister-in-law is really good at joking."
The eldest wife, Zhang, smiled and said, "Are you kidding me? My sister-in-law knows better than me."
The two sisters-in-law said yes and no, and checked every place from the backyard to the front yard.
Sure enough, many omissions were found during the inspection.
Mrs. Zhang, the eldest wife, ordered the servants to rectify the situation immediately, as guests were about to arrive. It would be embarrassing if the guests laughed at the situation.
Finally, the two sisters-in-law came to the kitchen again.
The kitchen is the top priority today and we cannot be careless at all.
Mrs. Zhang carefully checked the vegetables, meat, fruits, and various snacks.
"Besides the sweet snacks, are there any salty ones?"
"Reporting to Madam, both flavors of dim sum are prepared, and they are divided into different varieties."
The eldest wife, Zhang, nodded. "That's thoughtful. My dear sister-in-law, you know that many people like sweet snacks, but there are also many who prefer savory ones. As the host, we must make thorough preparations in this regard."
Xie secretly kept it in mind.
In the past, when I was in the northwest, there were not so many fancy things to do when entertaining guests.
In the Northwest, everyone is very casual, as long as the thought is shown, it’s enough.
Xie was unhappy with Zhang, but at the same time she felt that what Zhang said made sense.
She was struggling and conflicted, and then customers started to arrive one after another.
Xie quickly put on makeup, cheered herself up, and followed Zhang to the second gate to welcome the guests.
Gu Jiu and her sisters also followed the two ladies to welcome the guests.
The task of entertaining the girls fell on the six sisters.
Gu Yue was very nervous, and her palms were sweating.
Gu Shan appeared relatively calm, but her tightly clenched handkerchief also revealed her inner nervousness.
In the past, they had also accompanied Xie in entertaining guests, but things back then were completely different from now.
Now they were in the capital, and the guests they were entertaining were either from the Duke's Mansion or the Marquis' Mansion. The guests were too high-ranking, making them feel a little at a loss as to what to do.
They wanted to entertain guests casually like they did in the past, but they were afraid of offending anyone. Moreover, they couldn't really be casual when facing the girls from the Duke's Mansion and the Marquis' Mansion.
They wanted to be dignified and serious, but they were also afraid that the guests would misunderstand them and think they were not welcoming enough. Some of them were even petty and wondered if the girls in the Gu Mansion didn't welcome them.
It is difficult to strike the right balance in entertaining guests.
Even Gu Lin and Gu Jun, the two youngest girls who didn't have to worry about anything, became nervous and their breathing became a little rapid.
Only Gu Jiu stood beside the two ladies with confidence, smiling as he watched the guests getting off the carriage.
The first guests who came to the house were the family of the eldest wife, Zhang.
The eldest wife, Zhang, greeted them with a smile on her face, "Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, you came really early today."
"I haven't seen my aunt for a long time. I miss her so much."
Then, the girls from the Zhang family came forward and bowed to meet Zhang and Xie.
The girl from the Gu family also stepped forward and saluted.
Afterwards, the two girls met each other and got to know each other.
"Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, please follow me. I will take you to the house to rest."
Three flower halls have been prepared today for guests to rest. The one in the middle is used to entertain all the ladies and madams.
The smaller flower hall next door is used to entertain the girls from various mansions.
After the Zhang family's first and second wives sat down, Gu Jiu stepped forward and said, "Sisters of the Zhang family, would you please come with me to the next room for some tea and snacks?"
"Okay! Second sister Gu, lead the way."
Gu Jiu led the girl from the Zhang family to the flower hall on the left.
The maids brought tea and snacks.
Gu Jiu and Gu Jun were together, chatting with the girls from the Zhang family.
Gu Zhen, Gu Yue and the others were unable to join in the conversation and felt a little awkward. After all, they were all unfamiliar with each other and it was their first time meeting.
In fact, Gu Yue has no problem dealing with similar situations.
She just didn't dare to step forward because she was timid.
If it were in the northwest, in a familiar environment, Gu Yue would have already taken the initiative to chat with the visiting girls.
A maid came in to report that the three ladies and girls from the Marquis's Mansion had arrived. They had just entered the main gate and would soon reach the second gate.
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "Sister Zhang, there are guests coming. I will go and greet them first. You guys stay for a while."
"Second sister Gu, don't worry about us. Go quickly."
Gu Jun stayed to keep them company. Gu Jiu winked at the other four sisters, and the four sisters, led by Gu Zhen, quickly followed Gu Jiu out of the small flower hall.
Gu Jiu said to everyone, "Most of the girls who came to visit us are very easy to talk to. Big sister, three younger sisters, you don't have to be so restrained. Just do it the same way you did before. As long as you do your best, no one can find fault with you."
Gu Zhen whispered, "I'm nervous. I'm afraid of saying something wrong and offending someone."
Gu Jiu pursed her lips and smiled, "No. The sisters from the Marquis' Mansion should be here soon. We are all relatives and have met each other before. I believe that the eldest sister and the three younger sisters will be able to handle it well."
Gu Yue nodded heavily, and Gu Shan also perked up.
Gu Lin said, "Second sister is really amazing. She did such a great job in welcoming guests for the first time."
What Gu Lin said was indeed true. This was indeed the first time in Gu Jiu's life that he had done something like welcoming and seeing off guests.
Gu Jiu smiled but said nothing.
Gu Yue disagreed. Gu Jiu was simply a bit bolder, daring to think and act. Once she adjusted, she would perform no worse than Gu Jiu.
Welcoming the ladies and sisters from the Marquis' Mansion at the second gate.
The eldest lady, Xiao Wei, smiled and said, "My two brothers and sisters have worked hard. Today we will have a ready-made meal. Please don't be disgusted."
"Look at what my eldest cousin's wife said. I'm so embarrassed." The eldest wife, Zhang, smiled brightly and, together with Xie, welcomed the guests to the flower hall.
Gu Jiu accompanied the girls from the Marquis' Mansion.
"Sister Mei is so beautiful today."
Gu Mei smiled softly, "Not as good as Sister Xiaojiu. Sister Xiaojiu works so hard, can her body handle it?"
Gu Jiu nodded and said, "Thank you for your concern, Sister Mei. I am in good health now, and this little thing won't tire me out."
Gu Mei secretly breathed a sigh of relief. "That's great. When I came here, I was still worried about Xiaojiu's health. Now that I see you are full of energy and spirit, I am completely relieved."
Gu Jiu smiled knowingly, "I'm sorry to have made Sister Mei worry these days."
Gu Jiu knew that it must be her reputation as a sickly person that made Gu Mei worried.
Now, Gu Jiu's health, as she said, has improved greatly. However, she is still a little weak and cannot overexert herself. She still needs to take medicine to recuperate.
But it’s much better than when I was in the northwest.
When I was in the northwest, I was always weak, which I guess was related to the weather and diet there.
The air in the capital is more humid than that in the northwest, which is suitable for Gu Jiu to maintain his health.
Bring people to the flower hall.
The girl from the Zhang family knew the girls from the Marquis' Mansion, so they started chatting as soon as they met, so Gu Jiu and the others didn't have to worry about it.
Guests arrived one after another.
Gu Jiu and her sisters were so busy that they had to go back and forth countless times.
When the maid announced that Lady Haixi and the girls from the mansion were almost at the second gate, Gu Zhen stood up immediately.
Seeing everyone looking at her, Gu Zhen blushed and said hurriedly, "Second sister, let's go and welcome the guests."
Gu Yue raised her eyebrows and smiled, pulling Gu Shan along, "Fourth sister, let's go too."
Seeing this, Gu Mei laughed and said, "I know the sister of the Zhao family. Sister Xiaojiu, I will go with you."
Gu Jiu nodded repeatedly and took Gu Mei's hand. "With Sister Mei here, I feel at ease."
"I think Sister Xiaojiu is doing very well."
Gu Jiu smiled and said, "That's because Sister Mei cheered me up."
The two chatted and laughed as they came to the second gate to welcome the guests.
Lady Haixi was helped down from the carriage by her maid.
She is fair and gentle, and seems to be a gentle person who is easy to talk to.
Behind her, the girl from the Haixi Marquis's Mansion got off the carriage.
Gu Zhen was so excited that her face flushed red, but she quickly lowered her head for fear of being seen.
She wanted to be noticed by Lady Haixi, but was also afraid of being noticed, and she felt very conflicted.
So she only dared to glance at Lady Haixi out of the corner of her eye.
Xie was also secretly looking at Lady Haixi.
At first sight, Xie frowned subconsciously.
This Lady of the Marquis of Haixi bears some resemblance to the late Su.
It's not about looks, but about temperament.
The two people have the same temperament, both are fair-skinned, beautiful and tall.
Zhang was the first to greet her, "Madam is finally here. We have been looking forward to seeing you."
Madam Haixibo smiled faintly. "I saw Madam Luhou's carriage earlier. Has she arrived yet?"
"Here we are, here we are. Is this the sixth young lady from the mansion?"
There are four girls in the main house of the Haixi Marquis's Mansion. The three oldest girls are already married, leaving only the youngest, the sixth girl, still waiting to be married.
Miss Zhao Liu stepped forward and bowed, "Greetings, ladies."
"He's really handsome. Don't you think so, sister-in-law?"
Zhang specifically conveyed a message to Xie.
Xie came back to her senses, her face full of smiles, "Sister-in-law is absolutely right. Madam, these are the girls in my family, the eldest girl Zhen, the second girl..."
Gu Zhen stood in front of Lady Haixi and bowed politely.
Lady Haixi looked at Gu Zhen calmly and nodded secretly. She was very well behaved, with outstanding appearance and graceful manners. She was almost the same as the one described by the Marquis' Mansion.
Mrs. Haixi had a pretty good first impression of Gu Zhen.
Of course, whether a marriage is finalized cannot be decided based on first impressions. You still need to observe further.
Mrs. Haixi continued to look at the girl from the Gu family.
Gu Yue left a deep impression on Lady Haixi.
Gu Yue has a bright appearance. When she tries to please others, her smile is really lethal and makes people happy.
No wonder even though Gu Yue made so many mistakes, Xie still doted on her the most.
Gu Yue had a real knack for pleasing people. As long as she kept her head above water, didn't do anything stupid, and thought things through before she spoke or acted, she was a very popular girl.
Her mouth is as white as honey, and even though she looks stubborn and stubborn, it doesn't stop the elders from liking her.
It’s a pity that Gu Yue liked to seek death in the past.
No matter how good the situation is, she will always ruin it.
I don’t know if Gu Yue will continue to do stupid things today.
Welcome the guests to the flower hall.
Gu Mei took Miss Zhao Liu's hand and said with a smile, "Sister Zhao, it's been a long time since we last met. You've grown taller again."
Miss Zhao Liu stretched out her hand and gestured to show the height difference between them. "Sister Mei, have I really grown taller?"
Gu Mei nodded, "Of course it's true. You've already met my sisters at the second gate. Now, let me introduce them to you formally."
Gu Jiu and his friends officially met Miss Zhao Liu.
Miss Zhao Liu probably knew that the two families might get married. When Gu Zhen was introduced, she couldn't help but look at her a few more times.
Miss Zhao Liu asked with a smile, "What does Sister Zhen do on a daily basis? Does she study?"
Gu Zhen immediately perked up and said, "I have read a few books. Besides reading, I also do needlework."
"Then Sister Zhen must be very good at sewing."
Gu Zhen blushed and smiled.
Gu Jiu said on behalf of Gu Zhen, "Among the sisters, the eldest sister is the best at needlework. This handkerchief was embroidered by the eldest sister herself."
Gu Jiu pulled Gu Zhen's hand, revealing the handkerchief she was holding.
There is a bunch of orchids embroidered on the handkerchief, which looks lifelike.
Miss Zhao Liu asked curiously, "Sister Zhen, do you like orchids?"
Gu Zhen secretly glanced at Gu Jiu, took a deep breath, and cheered herself up.
She nodded at Miss Zhao Liu and said, "I have always liked orchids. I have a pot of orchids in my yard."
"Really?! I wonder if there's a chance I can go sit in Sister Zhen's room."
Gu Zhen nodded with a smile, "It's my honor."
"Great, then it's a deal."
Miss Zhao Liu smiled happily, looking innocent.
Gu Jiu raised his eyebrows, found an opportunity, and asked Gu Mei quietly.
"Is Miss Zhao Liu from the Haixi Marquis's Mansion truly naive or is she..."
Gu Mei smiled secretly, "Sister Xiaojiu, there won't be any truly innocent girls in a family like ours."
Gu Jiu understood.
Gu Mei continued, "It seems that Miss Zhao Liu was ordered to observe Sister Zhen. You should remind Sister Zhen to cheer up and perform well. Don't be fooled by Madam Haixi's gentle appearance. She is an extremely powerful person."
Gu Jiu smiled knowingly. All the noble wives in the capital were incredibly capable. They all possessed a brilliant mind.
Gu Jiu fired Gu Mei and found an opportunity to remind Gu Zhen.
Gu Zhen suddenly became nervous and took Gu Jiu's hand, "Second sister, am I behaving well? Is there anything inappropriate?"
Gu Jiu patted her hands and said, "Don't worry, big sister, you performed very well, there will be no problem."
"That's good, that's good. Next, should I continue to welcome guests at the second gate?"
"Big sister, you don't have to go. With me, my third sister, and my fourth sister here, we can handle it."
"Then I'll have to trouble you, second sister."
The wife of the Duke of Zhuguo has arrived.
The eldest lady of the Marquis' Mansion, Xiao Wei, followed Zhang and Xie to the second gate to welcome the guests.
The Mansion of the Duke of Zhuguo is the maiden home of the eldest lady, Xiao Wei, so he should come out to welcome her in person.
There were two other girls following the wife of the Duke of Zhuguo.
As soon as Xie saw the girl from the Duke of Zhuguo's Mansion, her eyes immediately widened.
Xie's eyes sparkled as she calmly appraised the two ladies from the Zhuguo Mansion. They were so pretty. They were a perfect match for Gu Cheng.
Xie's originally extinguished thoughts were rekindled.
It would be great if I could marry into the Duke's family.
If Gu Yue can't marry into the family, Gu Cheng can still marry a girl from the Duke of Zhuguo's Mansion.
Xie was a little excited, but now was not the time to talk about these things.
She suppressed the heat in her heart and followed Zhang to welcome the guests into the flower hall.
About an hour before noon, all the guests on the list arrived.
Mrs. Xie looked around and saw that Mrs. Xie was not available, so she took Gu Shan's hand and asked, "Who is the fourth young lady of the Marquis' Mansion?"
Gu Shan didn't know that Ma wanted to marry Gu Qin, the fourth daughter of the Marquis' Mansion.
Gu Shan pointed towards the crowd honestly and said, "Aunt, that's the fourth sister from the Marquis' Mansion."
Ma stretched her head and looked him over from head to toe.
Well, not bad, not bad. Good enough for her son.
Gu Shan asked curiously, "Aunt, why are you asking about the Fourth Sister of the Marquisate?"
Ma narrowed her eyes and smiled, "Shan'er, tell your aunt the truth. What do you think of your eldest cousin Xie Shi?"
When Gu Shan heard this, she immediately felt bad.
When she looked at Ma's smiling face, she felt that it seemed a little fake.
Gu Shan was anxious to get rid of Ma, so she casually said, "Thank you, cousin, of course it's great."
"Yeah. I think so too. Your cousin Xie Shi is an honest man. Whoever marries him will be blessed."
Gu Shan was startled, thinking that her aunt was planning to take advantage of her.
Without thinking, Gu Shan hurriedly broke free from Ma's hand and said, "Aunt, I have things to do. I'm leaving now."
After saying that, Gu Shan left in a hurry.
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