It's already this late, and these people should have already gone to the Marquis's residence by now, but they are coming to his door one after another, which is obviously abnormal.
She raised the corners of her lips, her eyes holding a meaningful look: "Perhaps something unexpected has happened at the Marquis's residence?"
Chi Yan felt that she might know something, but it wasn't appropriate to press her for details at the moment.
The two stood at the door greeting the guests. There were more guests than expected, coming in one after another, and they were completely overwhelmed. Chi Yan's face was stiff from smiling, and he secretly rubbed his face when no one was paying attention.
Looking at Shen Tangning, she handled things with ease, a faint smile always playing on her lips, her words and actions impeccable.
Even though she knew these people had just come from the Marquis's residence, she did not show any displeasure, giving people a gentle and warm feeling.
When no one else came, the two returned to their table, where they saw Chi's mother and father smiling broadly as they went back and forth between the men's and women's tables.
Looking around, every seat was taken; the garden was bustling with activity, filled with laughter and joy.
Chi Yan became increasingly curious about what had happened at the Marquis's residence. Since they had already sent guests, they naturally couldn't turn them away.
The men's and women's seating was separated by a screen. Shen Tangning returned to the women's section, and as soon as she sat down, she heard someone sigh:
"Madam Chi and the young mistress have truly put in a lot of effort! This feast is almost on par with a palace banquet!"
These words were undoubtedly flattering, but Chi's mother dared not accept them readily and quickly uttered a few humble words.
Madam Zhao spoke again, her tone somewhat intriguing: "Isn't that right? Unlike some families, who have no ability but insist on putting on a show of wealth, it's simply laughable!"
Shen Tangning slightly raised her eyes, and her words caused a subtle change in everyone's expression, quieting down the lively atmosphere.
Madam Chi didn't dare to respond rashly, and only smiled: "What are you saying, Madam Zhao?"
Someone nearby scoffed, "Madam Chi, you probably don't know, do you? We just visited the Ningyuan Marquis's residence, and the banquet was incredibly shabby! It's not that the dishes can't be simple, but the grapes that were served were rotten, and they even smelled bad! How dare they serve such a thing to their guests?"
"More than that! When I arrived, there wasn't even a maid to show me the way. I finally managed to sit down and get a cup of tea, but the tea they used was old tea from two years ago! Who do they think they are looking down on?"
"Knowing that the Lady of the Marquis has been bedridden for a long time and has not been able to manage affairs, it is truly unbelievable that the Marquis's mansion would hold such a banquet!"
As everyone chattered, Chi's mother instantly understood the whole story and felt a surge of satisfaction. However, being a clever woman, she simply frowned in surprise, as if she were quite taken aback.
A smile flashed in Shen Tangning's eyes. She knew all too well how sharp the eyes of these noble ladies in Yanjing were, having experienced it all in her past life. The slightest oversight would be seized upon by them.
She strived for perfection, how much thought and effort did she put into it? But Lady Hou didn't care, she just felt that it was all her duty.
Even so, when things finally came to a head, all her efforts were erased.
When she took on this responsibility, Aunt Qiu sent someone to deliver a message to her, asking for a solution.
They can't afford it, yet they expect her to put on a beautiful banquet. Isn't that just making her pay out of her own pocket? She's not stupid!
Shen Tangning kindly gave her an idea: to pretend to be sick and push the matter onto the Lady of the Marquis. Aunt Qiu did just that.
Lady Hou must be furious right now.
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