The Dongping Marquis's mansion was very lively today. There were so many carriages and horses parked in front of the gate, and the banquets were even set up on the street.
The table set outside was a real buffet. Empty plates, cups and glasses were constantly removed and immediately filled with delicious food and wine. Passersby coming and going could sit down and have a meal if they wished, and share in the festive atmosphere.
At this time, Bo Fusi didn't feel sorry for the money she spent like water.
In Mrs. Feng's view, money should be spent where it is needed most, and now it is being spent where it is needed most.
What could be more glorious than inheriting a title? This would bring honor to the family, and if she could accomplish this while she was the housekeeper, she would be pleased to see her ancestors a hundred years later.
Taking advantage of the grandson's safe return, we can arrange it. No one can find fault with it, and we don't have to worry about anyone gossiping about the arrogance of the Bo family.
This money must be spent.
Unlike the banquet set outside where people have to eat and drink in the cold wind, the banquet set in the mansion is prepared for people of status.
Quite a lot of people came to celebrate on this day, including many royal relatives and nobles, and this was obviously done to please Prince Yan.
The fact that the Emperor agreed to allow Prince Yan to travel south was enough to show that the Emperor had a good attitude towards this son. Moreover, Prince Yan actually brought back the Prince of Dongping alive and well, which probably made an even better impression on the Emperor.
People are naturally happy to get close to the prince favored by the emperor.
Moreover, in the eyes of the public, the Seventh Prince, Prince of Yan, had no chance of competing for the throne, so they did not worry about the Emperor being suspicious by trying to get close to him.
As for the King of Qi and the King of Shu - it's fine to show goodwill quietly, but you can't approach them so openly.
Old Madam Feng was very happy and satisfied with the company of noble ladies, but she was old and could not stand it any longer. She apologized to them and said, "I am no longer useful. Please forgive me for neglecting you all."
Everyone said, "Madam, just go and have a rest. We just need some tea to drink."
They have all seen the rise in status of the Dongping Marquis's Mansion, so they are naturally more polite to the old lady, not to mention that the Princess of Yan is here today.
Old Madam Feng slowly stood up with the help of her maid.
At this time Jiang Si stood up and said, "Grandma, I'll take you to rest."
Madam Feng was startled, and even the wrinkles on her face relaxed. It was obvious that she was very happy to see Jiang Si like this in front of so many people, but she still kept her composure while saying, "Princess, just accompany the ladies."
Jiang Si insisted: "I will send my grandmother to rest first, and then I will accompany you ladies."
"You are too polite, Princess."
"The princess is truly sensible and filial..."
Jiang Si listened to these words without any disturbance in his heart, but Old Madam Feng's face became even brighter. She nodded slightly to the Third Madam Guo and said, "Take good care of the ladies."
Guo bowed in response, feeling somewhat curious: The princess usually treats the old lady sternly, so what happened today?
After looking around, Guo had a guess: the princess might not want to be accused of disrespecting her grandmother in front of outsiders.
Jiang Si, who was walking inside with Madam Feng, was obviously not what Guo thought.
She sent Madam Feng to rest, just to find an opportunity to talk to her about the past and see if she could gain anything.
After sending Madam Feng to the warm room, Jiang Si did not leave, but told the maid who followed him: "You go out first."
The maid couldn't help but look at Old Madam Feng.
Old Madam Feng came back to her senses from her smugness and nodded to the maid.
The maid quickly retreated, leaving the two of them alone, and closed the door considerately.
Madam Feng's face straightened: "Is there something wrong, Princess?"
Jiang Si smiled slightly: "Grandma guessed it right, granddaughter does have something to ask you."
Upon hearing this, Old Madam Feng couldn't help but perk up.
No wonder the fourth girl was so abnormal today. It seemed that what she wanted to ask was not simple.
"Go ahead."
Jiang Si hesitated for a rare moment before asking, "Are you familiar with my grandmother?"
Old Madam Feng was stunned.
She guessed a lot of questions, but she never expected that the fourth girl would ask about the old lady of Yining Marquis.
The old lady of Marquis Yining and the old lady of Feng were of the same generation. If you count back a few decades, they would have often met each other at banquets.
But if you say I'm familiar with it, obviously not.
Unable to guess what Jiang Si meant by asking this question, Old Madam Feng said honestly, "Not very familiar, but acquaintance."
After the conversation started, Jiang Si stopped being hesitant and asked, "Then do you know who my grandmother is close to? Or who she often hangs out with?"
They both belonged to the circle of noble ladies in the capital and were of similar age. Jiang Si believed that even if Madam Feng and Madam Yining Hou were not familiar with each other, they would know something about each other.
Yesterday, Jiang went to the Yining Marquis's mansion to test the old lady of Yining Marquis. Jiang Si was certain that the old lady of Yining Marquis was hiding something, but the old lady of Yining Marquis was unwilling to say it, and she could not force her.
Given her current status, it would be too strange to ask anyone about her grandmother's past. After much thought, she decided that it would be most appropriate to ask Madam Feng.
Madam Feng's tone became strange: "Why are you asking these questions?"
Jiang Si smiled and said, "Grandma, if you know anything, just tell your granddaughter."
Having said this, she looked at Old Madam Feng meaningfully, her eyes twinkling slightly: "My granddaughter will appreciate it."
Madam Feng immediately stopped asking questions.
It's a bargain that I can get the fourth girl's appreciation just by talking about the past.
By now, Mrs. Feng has realized that this granddaughter is not a naughty person, nor is she the kind of person who only cares about her mother's family. If she wants her to help the uncle's house more, it is useless to act like an elder.
It would be best if the fourth girl could appreciate it. It just so happens that the eldest grandson will take part in the autumn imperial examination this year. When Cang'er enters the official career, he will need the fourth girl's help to plan a good way out for him.
Thinking about this, Old Lady Feng said, "Although I am not very familiar with your grandmother, I know who her best friend was when she was still unmarried."
At this point, Madam Feng paused for a moment, her expression a little strange: "After all, that person is now of great status, and those of us noble ladies of similar age have an impression of him."
Normally, it wouldn't leave much impression on someone an unfamiliar person made friends with after so many years. However, the identity of the person who was close to the old lady of Marquis Yining was so special that she had to remember him.
"That person is——"
Madam Feng smiled slightly and uttered two words: "Empress Dowager."
Jiang Si's eyelashes trembled, obviously not expecting this answer.
My grandmother’s best friend turned out to be the Queen Mother?
But she watched coldly, it was clear that her grandmother rarely interacted with the Queen Mother.
Jiang Si thought so in his heart and asked the question.
Madam Feng shook her head: "I find this very strange. They were so close at first, but then their relationship suddenly faded."
"Don't you know why, Grandmother?"
Madam Feng laughed: "Your grandmother and I didn't play together, so how would I know the reason? But she was a little girl at that time, so it's not surprising that she ruined her relationship because of a small matter."