After waiting a while, Chi Yan returned from court, followed by Shen Ci and two or three friends.
"Sister!"
"Mrs. Chi."
Shen Tangning smiled gently and welcomed the person into the room.
A few steps behind, Chi Yan walked alongside her, lowering his voice: "How is it?"
She shook her head, and he knew the situation wasn't optimistic, but he didn't show any disappointment on his face. Instead, he comforted her, saying, "It's nice to have a get-together with just a group of familiar people like us. There's no need to flatter us. I think it's fine."
He really didn't care much about these things; the number of people didn't prove anything, it was just for show.
"Mother seems a little disappointed." Shen Tangning hesitated for a moment, then softly reminded him, "Why don't you go and try to persuade her?"
If it were any other family, it wouldn't be a problem, but the Marquis's family is the one who's been overshadowed, so she must be unhappy about it.
Chi Yan smiled and said, "Don't worry, Mother knows what she's doing."
Sure enough, when they met Mrs. Chi again, she was smiling and chatting with the guests, showing no sign of anything amiss.
Everyone was a smart man and knew that the Marquis's mansion was also hosting a banquet today. Looking at the empty courtyard, naturally no one said anything tactless, and for a time, both host and guests enjoyed themselves.
Shen Tangning cleared her throat: "Mother, the guests have almost all arrived, shall we begin the meal?"
Mother Chi's eyes lit up with realization: "Alright, then serve the meal."
Mother Chi put a lot of effort into the banquet, with all kinds of dishes being exquisite and delicious. Each dish was added after careful consideration, and the fruits and vegetables were all picked as fresh as possible, for fear of not being able to entertain the guests well.
She had originally thought that since all the guests today were people of high status, and this was her first grand banquet since she had separated from the Marquis's mansion, she couldn't afford to be laughed at.
But she never imagined that even for aristocratic families, getting a bite of fresh fruits and vegetables at this time of year was not an easy task.
As one exquisite dish after another was served, Wen Yao swallowed hard: "Looks like we're in for a treat today."
Just then, there was a noise at the door.
"It seems I've arrived just in time. I hope Madam Chi won't be offended?"
Shen Tangning looked up and saw a servant leading two dignified ladies into the courtyard. She recognized them both. The one with a serious and stern face was Madam Yu, the Minister of Justice, and the one with a round face and a kind smile was Madam Zhao, the Vice Minister of Rites.
Madam Yu looked slightly uncomfortable, but Madam Zhao, who was always very shrewd, didn't show any fear: "We're a little late, so we'll punish ourselves with a drink later. But compared to those who came after us, we're early, so Madam Chi mustn't secretly blame us!"
Madam Chi was completely confused, but she still managed a smile and stepped forward to greet them: "It's not late, the banquet hasn't even started yet. It's better to be lucky than early. But you two ladies, you said there are still people waiting...?"
Madam Zhao took her hand affectionately, a subtle expression on her face: "Good sister, you'll find out soon enough!"
Chi's mother was a year older than her, so calling her "elder sister" made it seem even more intimate. Chi's mother was somewhat flattered, after all, the people these noble ladies had been befriended by before were all wives of marquises, and this was the first time she had received such treatment.
As Madam Zhao had predicted, guests began to arrive one after another. They were all ready to sit down and begin their meal, but Madam Chi had no choice but to send Shen Tangning and Chi Yan out to greet the guests.
On the way out, Chi Yan raised an eyebrow and looked at Shen Tangning: "What do you think is going on here?"
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