In June, it is Shen’s birthday.

As the wife of the Marquis, Shen was the legitimate daughter of the Marquis of Changning and the legitimate sister of the current Marquis of Changning. All the wealthy families in the capital would give her face. When the invitation to the birthday party was sent out, they all agreed to come.

The bright golden morning light gradually dyed the eastern sky red. Thousands of golden rays of light shone through the treetops, dyeing the city a layer of rouge red.

Early in the morning, the Zhenyuan Marquis Mansion began to get busy. Carriages kept stopping in front of the gate, and maids at the door led the guests to the garden, which was already filled with all kinds of exquisite flowers and snacks that were difficult for the nobles in the capital to buy.

Xiao Yunrou has been busy preparing for this banquet for more than half a month, and today she can finally take a break.

As Shen's natal family, the Marquis of Changning naturally came to help early, and the Xiao family also came very early. Pei Guanyue, who married into the Ningguo Duke's mansion, also came back early. After sending congratulatory gifts, she followed Xiao Yunrou and several young daughters-in-law out to entertain the guests. Others Everyone stayed in Zhining Garden to talk to Mr. Shen.

The Marquis of Zhenyuan also returned to his mansion the day before yesterday, and today he brought Pei Lingfeng and Pei Lingzhi to entertain male guests in the front yard. As for the second son, Pei Lingyun, since officials on exile were not allowed to leave their places of residence at will, he had not returned, but the congratulatory gifts were sent to the Marquis' mansion early.

Today is a big day for the Shen family. Although Xiao Yunrou usually prefers to dress simply and elegantly, she couldn't let herself go today and chose to dress festively.

The lavender skirt with light gold flowers, the collar was embroidered with delicate sword orchid patterns with gold thread, the hem was embroidered with large camellia flowers with gold thread, her hair was tied up in a bun, with a red gold pearl hairpin inserted diagonally, and pearl tassels dangling down. The tassels swayed slightly when she walked, making her already outstanding face even more beautiful.

"My sister-in-law is like this, but she is better than everyone else."

Pei Wanyue covered her mouth and joked, but was scolded and teased by Xiao Yunrou in return.

"This is nothing like you. What's on your head must be a gift from heaven, right? With you in front of me, I dare not say anything."

Xiao Yunrou pointed at the red jadeite beaded phoenix-shaped golden brocade on Pei Wanyue's head and laughed. Although Pei Wanyue married the second son of the Duke's mansion, she made a name for herself in the army despite her family background. The Duke of Ning is the current Queen Mother's family. With such a promising offspring, the Queen Mother also values ​​Pei Wanyue a little. Except for the four concubines in the palace, no one dares to wear such a precious brocade on their heads so blatantly.

"It's all thanks to my husband." Pei Wanyue said with a smile.

Xiao Yunrou and Pei Wanyue had a good relationship in the imperial court. Both of them were born in aristocratic families and were strictly educated by the mistress of the house. Although Shen Shi made Xiao Yunrou feel uncomfortable, Pei Wanyue had been engaged since she was a child and often went in and out of the palace after the age of seven. Like the wife of the Prince of Ningguo, she was educated by the Queen Mother and did not get the habits of Shen Shi.

The third wife looked at Pei Wanyue and Xiao Yunrou, feeling very jealous. She had seen the jewelry and clothes prepared for her by the Marquis' Mansion, which were already extremely luxurious, but when she really saw these two people, she still felt that they were inferior. Now she had to compare with the younger wives of the Marquis of Changning's Mansion. They were all made by the Duke, so they were about the same, which made her feel a little more balanced.

Pei Wanyue had an air of arrogance and she didn't talk to anyone except Xiao Yunrou. Fortunately, it didn't take long to walk to the garden, and the awkward atmosphere between them disappeared.

As soon as they entered the garden, Pei Wanyue and Xiao Yunrou were surrounded by people. Those who surrounded Pei Wanyue tried their best to curry favor with her, hoping to get in touch with the Ningguo Mansion, while those around Xiao Yunrou were mostly the families of civil servants. After all, the old man of the Su family had many students, and the Xiao family was also thriving, so the ladies who wanted to ask for a place in Yunzhou Academy for their children were also actively negotiating.

Xiao Yunrou responded with a smile, while the Third Madam looked on with some envy from a distance, and the people in Changning Marquis's Mansion began to feel dissatisfied. In addition to the Crown Prince's wife, there were still many people around the Changning Marquis's Mansion, and the other rooms could only talk to people they knew.

"You just married your eldest cousin, but you really take yourself too seriously."

The person who spoke was the second wife of the Marquis of Changning. Just by looking at the jealousy in her eyes, one could tell that she was not a broad-minded person.

"She is the wife of the Crown Prince. Don't you see how familiar she is with the Second Lady of the Ningguo Mansion? And with such a good family background, she has a straight back."

Her words were full of sourness. Just think about it, because her family background is not as good as her husband's, she has to humble herself and endure the cold eyes of her mother-in-law. She also has to face the concubines who are not presentable and compete for her favor. Her life is really depressing.

"Who knows, maybe she only acts well in front of others, but who knows what she is like behind closed doors?"

“…”

Xiao Yunrou didn't know what the people in Changning Marquis' Mansion were talking about her. Seeing the Third Madam standing there in a daze, she called her over and introduced the people around her to her.

"This is Madam Zhang, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Minister of Rites, Madam Xu, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Hanlin Academy scholar, and Madam Sun, the second daughter-in-law of the Vice Minister of Works. They are all my good friends, and this is my sister from my mother's side."

"This is my third brother's wife. Don't bully her in the future."

Xiao Yunrou introduced them with a smile. The third lady also knew that being pulled over by Xiao Yunrou helped her to ease the awkward situation of not knowing anyone. She was grateful and hurriedly greeted everyone.

Although the Third Lady was not born and raised in the capital, she was born into the family of a fourth-rank prefect and had received the necessary education. Several people watched her behavior and greeted her in a friendly manner.

"Sister, you just promised me that you would give me the inkstone you found a few days ago. You can't break your promise."

Xiao Yunya took Xiao Yunrou's hand and started to act coquettishly. The thirteen-year-old Xiao Yunya was very lively. After hearing what she said, Mrs. Xu said

:

"You let it slip. You should pay for the inkstone. You know Xiao Ya'er loves these things. She stays in the study all day writing and drawing. Who knows, she might take the imperial examination next year."

"I hope she can pass the imperial examination and become the top female scholar, so that her mother won't have to worry all day. This girl has grown up now, so you can keep an eye on her for me. Is there any young man who can handle her?"

When Xiao Yunya heard her sister talking about her marriage, her face turned red, she stomped her feet and ran out, leaving a few people laughing.

"By the way, Madam Pei, we usually have some private tea parties. Next time I'll send an invitation to Yun Rou, you can come too."

Mrs. Zhang was straightforward. She saw that the Third Lady didn't seem to have many twists and turns, and she was introduced by a good friend, so she extended an olive branch to the Third Lady. Although the Zhang family was not as powerful as a real family, it could also allow the Third Lady to successfully enter the circle of noble ladies in the capital.

"Thank you, sister."

The third lady's heart warmed, knowing that this was her chance. She turned to look at Xiao Yunrou, only to see her smiling as she greeted everyone and thanked her.

Xiao Yunrou didn't expect the Third Madam to be grateful to her, but after all, they were family, and she couldn't just leave the Third Madam alone. If she didn't lend a hand, who knows what kind of rumors would spread after the banquet was over.

After a while, seeing that the time was almost up, Xiao Yunrou ordered the maid to serve lunch, and together with the Third Madam, Pei Wanyue and others, called all the ladies to take their seats.

Before the banquet began, Shen came with several ladies from the mansion. Many people gathered around her, laughing and talking like pearls, splashing in the garden decorated with lights and colors, showing a very harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

The banquet started, and the Yanqing Troupe also sang a grand opera about the immortal blessing the birthday. For a while, the banquet was full of laughter and joy, and there was no longer the usual silence while eating.

Xiao Yunrou paid close attention to everyone's table, and when she saw that they had almost finished eating, she nodded to Nanny Su. Soon the maids came out, swiftly cleaned the table, and replaced everyone's teacups, snacks and fruits. Their speed was astonishing.

When everyone reacted, they couldn't help but sigh that the Zhenyuan Marquis's mansion was so good at cleaning the table without making any noise. At the same time, they also admired Xiao Yunrou's housekeeping skills. Such vision and skills are worthy of being trained by a noble family. He wanted to marry Xiao Yunrou to his son's wife and regretted it. Why didn't he get in first? Some families with daughters who were about the same age as Pei Yuanxuan also began to think about it.

Naturally, there was also a troupe performing at the banquet in the front yard, and the stage was cleaned up just as quietly as the backyard, which made Zhenyuan Hou the envy of many people.

"The Marquis married a good wife. The prince is very lucky."

Hearing people praising his wife, Pei Lingfeng rarely showed a faint smile on his face.

"It's not as good as you say. Come on, let's continue drinking."

Zhenyuanhou smiled and spoke, with a look of smugness on his face. He had spent more than a year trying to find a daughter-in-law like this, and finally the Xiao family relented. After marrying her, he saw that his eldest son stayed in the front yard all day, and his old wife always wanted to put someone in the backyard, which made him very angry.

Fortunately, he received news these days that his eldest son had been staying in his daughter-in-law's yard recently, which made him feel relieved. He was very optimistic about Xiao Yunrou, his daughter-in-law. Other people's families always made some noise, and from time to time they were caught by the emperor and reported to the emperor, but he didn't worry about this at all.

Looking at his skills today, it was the first time he showed them in the capital, bringing him and the Marquis's Mansion a lot of honor.

Zhen Yuanhou stroked his beard with a smile and drank happily with his friends.

Pei Lingfeng looked at the look on Zhenyuan Hou's face and sighed helplessly. He leaned back in his chair and asked in a low voice what the banquet at the An Mansion was like when Liu Feng came here today.

As a reborn person, Pei Lingfeng decided that the throne was destined by heaven, so he had to stand on the side early and eliminate those hidden dangers as soon as possible to prevent those tragedies from happening to his little wife.