No one knows a mother better than her daughter.
Just as Peng Yuan thought, Madam Peng harbored a grudge against Jiang Jiuniang and began to plot against her, wanting to vent her anger.
But she couldn't think of any good solutions, so she went to the courtyard where Granny Pang was.
Granny Pang has stopped eating; her time is up in the next day or two.
As soon as Madam Peng saw Granny Pang, she started crying, as if she had suffered a great injustice.
Granny Pang had already guessed this would be the outcome. She was now speechless and could only gesture with her eyes to the maid beside her.
While she was still able to speak, she had already given instructions to the maids serving her.
(People lose the ability to speak when they are about to die. I've seen it happen, and I don't know if you know it or not. I'm just writing it down based on what I've seen.)
Seeing this, the maid hurriedly said, "Madam, the nanny said that since Madam Lu stopped you from sending your confidants to the two young ladies, then you should send them to Madam Lu instead. Taking the opportunity to annoy her will also be a way to vent your anger. The nanny also said that the Lu family is currently enjoying great favor, so don't really offend them too much. Just do enough. In the future, the nanny will not be able to serve you, and there will be no one to help you relieve your worries. Madam must be careful."
Upon hearing this, Madam Peng instantly burst into tears again.
The daughter she raised with such care doesn't even have a servant who cares for her. Look at her, even in this state, Granny Pang still thinks of her. Unlike her two biological daughters, one doesn't want to see her, and the other directly contradicts her to her face. How is she going to live like this?
However, Granny Pang's idea was brilliant. Jiang Jiuniang not only forbids her husband from taking a concubine, but also forbids her two daughters from having anyone help them in their rooms. She is really selfish. Isn't she petty? Just send her to Lu Baichuan and see what she can do!
"Who should we send?"
She looked at the maid, who had been instructed by Granny Pang beforehand. The maid replied, "Granny Pang said that the Hu woman who came to the mansion recently is quite good. She is beautiful and has a charming figure, which is what men like. Moreover, that Hu woman is quite cunning and can teach Madam Lu a lesson."
Madam Peng's eyes lit up. She had originally planned to send that Hu woman into the palace. She did have some tricks up her sleeve. She thought that even if her daughter fell out of favor, with that Hu woman around, the emperor's heart would be kept in check, and the Peng family's honor would last forever. She just didn't expect that Lu Baichuan would benefit from her now.
"Great idea, great idea! You've worked so hard, Granny. Don't worry, Granny, I will definitely avenge you!"
Madam Peng smiled slightly, and Granny Pang took a few deep breaths after hearing her promise to avenge her, then closed her eyes and passed away.
Madam Peng held Granny Pang's hand and wept bitterly, instructing the servants to give Granny Pang a proper burial.
After Pang Mama's funeral arrangements were completed, Madam Peng finally had time to take revenge on Jiang Jiuniang. She sent an invitation to the Lu family, saying that her family had just held a funeral and was feeling unlucky, so she wanted to hold a banquet to dispel the bad luck. She invited families who usually had a good relationship with the Peng family to attend the banquet.
Jiang Jiuniang had a good relationship with both of Peng's daughters, and Qin Jian and Lu Baichuan were sworn brothers who had gone through thick and thin together, as well as capable ministers by the emperor's side. With this relationship, the Lu family would definitely be among those invited.
However, since the Lu family had already split up, there was no need to bring the people from the first and second branches. But Jiang Jiuniang still brought Lianhua along, because it was clear that there was going to be a tough battle, and she wanted Lianhua to go and learn from her.
Once Lei Zi enters officialdom, she will face even more challenges.
"You don't need to do anything today, just watch from the side."
On the way, Jiang Jiuniang gave special instructions.
"I understand, Auntie."
Lotus smiled easily. Although she knew this was a trap, she believed her aunt could handle it.
Lu Baichuan, who was standing next to him, was reading a military book and didn't say a word.
Yes, male guests were also invited to the banquet.
The intention was too obvious, and Jiang Jiuniang began to doubt Madam Peng's abilities.
It seems that Granny Pang has played a significant role behind the scenes over the years; otherwise, with Madam Peng's limited intelligence, it would be very difficult for her to cause so much trouble.
Upon arriving at the Peng family home, they found that Qin Jian and Peng Yuan had already arrived. Qin Jian was waiting for Lu Baichuan because neither of them knew what Madam Peng was planning. Qin Jian could only try to stay with Lu Baichuan and not let anyone take advantage of the situation.
Peng Yuan then went to find Madam Peng to find out what she was up to.
Madam Peng refused to admit it and was very cold to Peng Yuan, saying, "I'm just hosting a banquet, why are you making such a fuss? There are so many people here today, do you think I'm going to eat that Jiang Jiu Niang?"
"Alright, you're heavily pregnant, so don't run around. Just sit properly at the table and don't cause any trouble."
After all, she was her own daughter, and Mrs. Peng didn't want anything to happen to her.
Peng Yuan refused to leave and said, "Mother, Sister Jiu Niang is an benefactor to me and my elder sister, and General Lu has saved Qin Jian's life many times. Please, for the sake of me and my elder sister, don't do anything wrong that would ruin our relationship, okay?"
Madam Peng ignored her and said to the maid beside her, "Take Miss to rest."
The maid responded and tried to help her up, but Peng Yuan dodged her and said, "I can walk by myself. Mother, please take care of yourself."
After saying that, she turned and left to find Jiang Jiuniang at the table. Today, she would stay by Jiang Jiuniang's side at all times so that if her mother did anything wrong, she could deal with it immediately.
When Jiang Jiuniang saw her, she felt that her complexion was much better than before, probably because she had recently come to terms with things. She was happy for Peng Yuan and took the initiative to link arms with her.
"Sister Jiu Niang, let's sit down and talk."
She smiled and led Jiang Jiuniang to a seat at the table, then said that her mother might take action and that they should be careful later.
Jiang Jiuniang found her cautious manner amusing and said, "I know."
Today, men and women sat separately, but not far apart, just opposite each other. Jiang Jiuniang's gaze met Lu Baichuan's in the air, they smiled at each other, and then continued eating.
Putting everything else aside, the Peng family's dishes are quite delicious and suit Jiang Jiuniang's taste perfectly.
A short while later, Madam Peng came out and spoke, basically inviting everyone to come and bring good luck, and hoping everyone would eat and drink well.
Everyone knew that the deceased was an old nanny who had served Madam Peng for many years. Madam Peng even held a grand funeral for her, which was considered very kind and righteous. Many people advised her to be more open-minded, and she responded with a smile, but her gaze remained fixed on Jiang Jiuniang.
Jiang Jiuniang continued eating as if she didn't feel anything, waiting for Madam Peng's next move.
Soon, a melodious zither tune began to play, and Madam Peng said with a smile, "We've recently acquired a group of dancers, they're quite lovely, everyone please enjoy!"
As she spoke, she glanced meaningfully at Lu Baichuan.
Jiang Jiuniang pouted: That's it?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com