The First Madam turned around and looked at Gu Qianying, "Qianying, if you're all set, go early. Don't keep the guests waiting."
"Mm, alright, daughter understands."
Gu Qianying approached the First Madam, standing between her and the Third Concubine, Madam Han. She subtly guided the First Madam towards her side, "I'll accompany Mother. The Third Concubine just returned yesterday and must have many things to discuss with Third Sister. There's no need to trouble the Third Concubine here."
Gu Qianying's aloofness was evident in her eyes.
Han Peijun's smile froze instantly. She then said, "It's fine. Ziran is changing. She'll go with Yu Mei and Ming Yue shortly."
For a concubine to accompany the primary wife when entering the front hall was entirely different from entering the front hall alone.
When people discussed the former, they would inevitably discuss how weak the First Madam was.
She had specifically dressed in a dignified and elegant manner today. When people discussed the First Madam, they would also feel that her demeanor and speech were more dignified than a primary wife's. In this way, when comparing a concubine to a primary wife, people would naturally think highly of her.
Conversely, if she went alone, people would think that this concubine was so ignorant of the rules.
One must know that accompanying the First Madam meant she had the First Madam's permission. But if she went alone, there was the possibility that people would say she was driven by jealousy and disrespect, rushing into the front hall.
"An姨娘 following behind the First Madam and entering the main hall is not in accordance with the rules. If the Third Concubine acts this way, it will make outsiders think my mother is weak and incompetent, implicitly allowing the Third Concubine's unruly behavior. If the Third Concubine wishes to go to the main hall, she should ask Father to agree to her entering the main hall. There's no need to curry favor with my mother."
Madam Han's expression gradually changed.
She never expected that after only two or three months apart, Gu Qianying would become so sharp-tongued.
"Eldest Miss is joking. This concubine knows her status is not as noble as the First Madam's. However, it was the Master who permitted this concubine to accompany Elder Sister yesterday. This concubine thought that with so many matters today, if she could help Elder Sister share some of the burden, Elder Sister wouldn't have to work so hard."
Gu Qianying smiled faintly, "Oh, Third Concubine is thoughtful. Since that's the case, then please trouble the Third Concubine to go to the kitchen and see how the pastries and other food for the birthday banquet are being prepared."
"Yes, this concubine will go."
The Third Concubine wanted to accompany the First Madam, but Gu Qianying refused.
Gu Qianying knew very well that someone like the Third Concubine, who endured patiently and rarely revealed her true intentions, needed her to take the initiative.
In the revenge of her past life, although the Third Concubine had never appeared, she knew very well that the poisoned sachet came from the Third Concubine's hands!
Finally, accompanied by Gu Qianying, the First Madam proceeded to the main hall.
Madam Han maintained her elegant smile, but inwardly she harbored resentment towards Gu Qianying.
Gu Qianying accompanied the First Madam to the main hall and exchanged pleasantries with the wives and legitimate daughters of various high-ranking officials.
During this time, she saw Gu Wen, the illegitimate son of the second branch, and Gu Yi, the illegitimate son of the third branch, who had recently returned.
Gu Wen bore some resemblance to Gu Mingyue. Although his appearance could be described as that of a handsome young man, he was, in reality, a complete idler who was proficient in everything from drinking, gambling, and womanizing.
However, on the surface, he pretended to be studious every day.
The other person, Gu Yi, was a true frail scholar, but unfortunately, he was not well. He had to be sustained by medicinal soup every day.
Three months ago, Gu Wen was sent by her father to Jizhou to study with a master. The imperial examinations were approaching soon.
As for Gu Yi, because he pleaded for the Third Concubine, he was punished to accompany the Third Concubine to a temple. He lived in the temple as an outside benefactor, cultivating his character to atone for his past mistakes.
He took the medicinal soup with him when he left.
There were many guests in the main hall.
Old General Gu sat in the main seat, while other princes, including Nan Rongqi, were seated accordingly.
Logically, Nan Rongqi, as the Crown Prince, should have been the guest of honor, seated in the main seat, when descending to the mansion. However, Old General Gu never acted according to convention.
Fortunately, his arrogance and high-handedness were something everyone was accustomed to, so no one dared to criticize him.
After the birthday banquet began.
Everyone presented gifts and engaged in pleasantries, making for a lively scene.
Gu Mingyue, Gu Yumei, and Gu Ziran each presented their birthday gifts.
Gu Mingyue personally presented Old General Gu with an embroidered piece that read "May your lifespan be as long as the southern mountains and your blessings as vast as the eastern sea." The embroidery threads were of excellent quality, and the resulting embroidery was neat and tidy.
"Your granddaughter wishes Grandfather a long life."
Gu Mingyue bowed slightly to Old General Gu.
Old General Gu smiled and had the old steward accept Gu Mingyue's birthday gift.
Gu Yumei presented a valuable calligraphy and painting, while Gu Ziran presented a brocade robe she had personally sewn.
When it was Gu Qianying's turn, she approached Old General Gu holding a brocade box, "Grandfather, your granddaughter wishes Grandfather eternal longevity."
Her birthday wish was unoriginal, drawing ridicule from the crowd.
Gu Mingyue was the first to speak.
"Eldest Sister, Grandfather usually dotes on you the most. Today is Grandfather's birthday, yet you are so perfunctory. Aren't you afraid of hurting Grandfather's feelings?"
"Eldest Sister, perhaps you were too busy with daily affairs and forgot to prepare a birthday gift for Grandfather, so you had to copy others. Such lack of care, I imagine your gift won't be much better."
Gu Yumei dabbed her handkerchief and chuckled. Before her smile had fully settled, she heard a voice say, "Whether the gift and the birthday wish are good or bad has nothing to do with whether it's thoughtful. Eldest Sister has always been the most filial. How can you slander her like this!"
Gu Ziran couldn't stand it and spoke up for Gu Qianying.
As she spoke, the Third Concubine, Madam Han, who had rushed over, tugged at her sleeve unnoticed.
Gu Qianying being put in an awkward position was exactly what she wanted to see.
However, on the surface, she spoke in support of Gu Qianying, "Ziran is right. No one can surpass Qianying's filial piety towards the Old Master. What does it matter if the gift is good or not?"
As she spoke, the Third Concubine took Gu Qianying's hand and patted her on the back twice, comforting her, "Qianying, don't pay too much attention to these things. It's alright. The Old Master understands your filial piety."
Her words confirmed that Gu Qianying was too busy with her own affairs and had failed to prepare a thoughtful birthday gift for Old General Gu.
:
Old General Gu frowned slightly.
Gu Qianying was his most beloved granddaughter, and naturally, he disliked others pointing fingers at her.
Just as he was about to speak.
Gu Qianying opened the brocade box in her hand.
A black pill was presented to everyone.
The mocking laughter intensified.
"Ah? What is this black thing?"
"It looks like a pill."
"Haha, giving someone a pill at a birthday banquet, what could this mean..."
Before the person could finish speaking, they suddenly fell silent, becoming mute.
A golden light suddenly flashed, almost blinding everyone.
The crowd followed the light...