dining room.
Servants were already serving the food, and several uncles and maternal uncles came in from outside to join the family feast.
Most aristocratic families separate men and women at their family banquets. The Jiang family didn't have the means to do so, and since they were all blood relatives, they arranged for them to all be in one hall.
Men and women sat separately at two tables, separated by a screen.
A braised goose had just been served over there, and it smelled delicious. Jiang Shuwan couldn't help but glance at it several times.
Braised dishes don't taste good when they get cold in winter.
Suddenly, Jiang Yao tugged at his sleeve.
"Elder sister, what are you planning to wear to the Marquis's family banquet?"
Jiang Shuwan blinked.
Is Jiang Yao trying to set her up?
What are you wearing?
“I’m wearing the clothes made from the betrothal gifts from the Earl’s mansion. Our Jiang family can’t compare to the noble families. It’s such a grand occasion as the clan banquet of the Earl and Marquis’ mansions. If I don’t dress well, I’m afraid I’ll embarrass my mother-in-law and husband.” Jiang Yao said, then asked, “What will you wear, eldest sister?”
It was indeed a trap set for her.
"Me too. The betrothal gifts from the Marquis's mansion are of good quality. I'll dress up nicely and make my mother-in-law and the young master proud."
"Then we made a date." Jiang Yao couldn't suppress the smile on her lips.
“Okay!” Jiang Shuwan smiled as well.
Anyone who doesn't wear it is a dog!
After the two finished talking, most of the dishes had been served.
Everyone moved to the dining room and sat down. After a few rounds of drinks, Father Jiang mentioned with particular pleasure the pen that Pei Yanzhi had given him.
The relatives all looked on with envy, especially the uncles and aunts at the table.
Unlike Jiang's father, who was a scholar, they had heard of the famous blue-and-white bamboo-leaf purple-tipped brush.
"A blue-and-white bamboo-leaf ink brush with purple hair, that's incredible..."
"According to the manager of Tingmo Bookstore, the goods were snapped up as soon as they arrived."
"That shopkeeper is just kidding you. Those pens are all custom-made for important people and can't be sold on the market at all."
There was much discussion, and then everyone congratulated Jiang's father on getting such a fine pen and such a good son-in-law.
Jiang Yao, who was listening from the side, turned green with rage. She had specially asked Pei Lingyu to prepare lavish gifts for her return to her parents' home today in order to save face, but her father hadn't mentioned it at all.
The women at the table overheard what was being said and quickly used the opportunity to compliment Jiang Shuwan again.
"The young lady married so well! She married so respectably!"
"Not only did her mother-in-law value and like her, but even the young master sent her a generous homecoming gift."
"I always thought the young lady was a lucky one, and I was right."
"Yes, yes, the young lady always looked different from us, with the bearing of a dragon and phoenix. Our Jiang family has produced a golden phoenix!"
"Yes, yes! The golden phoenix is so precious and gorgeous, it really makes our Jiang family proud."
Jiang Yao was so angry she could barely hold her chopsticks.
What a bunch of simps! They'll say anything to fawn over Jiang Shuwan!
Don't be so shameless, you blind fool. Even if you marry well, you still have to be alive to enjoy it!
Jiang Yao looked disdainful and glanced at Jiang Shuwan next to her.
The Hou family's betrothal gifts are all just for show. Jiang Shuwan has no decent and precious jewelry and has never seen a grand occasion. The clan banquet will surely be a complete disaster, making her look foolish and embarrassing.
She will dress up nicely and steal the spotlight, bringing great prestige to the Earl's mansion.
Didn't the aunt look down on her?
I'll give her a good slap in the face then!
And all these relatives of the Jiang and Song clans have to come back and fawn over her!
After dinner, we set off for home.
The Marquis's residence and the Earl's residence were both located on the same street, so Pei Lingyu did not ride a horse when she returned.
The two carriages traveled together, and Jiang Shuwan chatted with Pei Lingyu for a few moments.
Fate is truly unpredictable. In her previous life, Pei Lingyu treated her badly in every way, but in this life, he shamelessly calls her "big sister."
That was awesome!
Jiang Shuwan thought happily.
Jiang Yao grabbed Pei Lingyu's sleeve hard, "What do you have to say to her?!"
Pei Lingyu was taken aback by her fierce tone. "My elder sister's bracelet is beautiful. I asked her where she bought it because I wanted to buy one for you too."
Jiang Yao's eyes softened immediately.
She gazed at her lover with watery eyes.
Pei Lingyu was captivated by the sight, so he put his arm around Jiang Yao, and the two of them decided not to return to the mansion, but instead drove their carriage to Zhuque Street for a stroll.
Jiang Yao was overjoyed, and before leaving, she gave Jiang Shuwan a smug look.
Poor Jiang Shuwan not only had to suffer at the hands of the Wen family, but also had to live as a widow for two generations.
So what if Jiang Shuwan is beautiful?
A woman is only a complete woman when she has a man.
Jiang Shuwan pretended not to see her arrogant gaze, and instead applauded Pei Lingyu's skill in coaxing women.
No wonder so many concubines fought over him in his previous life, and women from outside also flocked to him.
My luck with romance is unbeatable.
The carriage arrived at the Marquis's residence quickly, and Jiang Shuwan was greeted by everyone as soon as she stepped off.
"Young mistress, please slow down. This old servant will help you into the carriage."
"Young mistress, this old servant will hold the umbrella for you."
"Young mistress, this is a hand warmer that this old servant made..."
A group of old women and maids surrounded Jiang Shuwan, fawning over her. They were the same group of people who had been misled by the old woman in the know.
The maids and servants rushed to help, afraid of falling behind.
Although they were all minor managers with no background, or even less than minor managers.
But Jiang Shuwan was already quite satisfied. Spreading rumors is something that can't be done overnight.
It takes time for it to ferment slowly to reach its maximum effect.
Moreover, she didn't spend much money.
Low cost, high return, guaranteed profit – isn't that amazing?
At the entrance of the Marquis's residence, Jiang Shuwan, supported by the servants, got off the carriage. Seeing Pei Yanzhi sitting still, she looked at him with a puzzled expression.
Perhaps thinking of the betrothal gifts, Pei Yanzhi announced his itinerary, "I'm going to the Imperial Academy."
Wow!
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