Old Madam Gu followed Qin Yuan behind, and along the way, only Madam You accompanied her in conversation, while the rest crowded around Madam You, chattering lively.
Madam You, in her every three sentences, would say two to pass the conversation to Qin Yuan, but Qin Yuan had made up her mind to smile silently, doing her best to portray the newlywed conserving her words.
Madam You had no choice but to chat with Old Madam Gu all the way.
Though she was angry, there was nothing she could do about it.
Fortunately, the day was still long, and there would be ways to approach the Dingbei Marquis’s wife.
Madam You was ushered in with great fanfare, and the noisy hall suddenly quieted down. Then, the ladies surged forward to congratulate her, and after Old Madam Gu and Qin Yuan took their seats, many surrounded them with small talk.
After a while, the gift-giving ceremony began, and the crowd repeatedly gasped in amazement at the rarity of the gifts.
Madam You laughed and said, "This year, it’s my full birthday. I thought about postponing it until after the festival, but the Empress Dowager somehow found out and had my son enter the palace to talk. She said that the You Family followed the Grand Ancestor Emperor in founding the country and are thus meritorious ministers. It can’t be delayed for taboo reasons. I requested the Empress Dowager multiple times to change her mind, but she refused, truly boundless is her benevolence."
Another lady immediately echoed, "This is because the Duke Zhen’s Mansion has the deep trust and regard of the Empress Dowager and His Majesty, making it so dignified."
Madam You’s mouth slightly raised in a smile.
Someone else added, "The Empress Dowager has always been frugal, keeping her own birthday simple. This year, she suddenly wants to celebrate, which is surprising. The Old Madam and the Empress Dowager have a deep friendship, garnering such attention from the Empress Dowager."
Madam You proudly coughed lightly, and Madam You immediately said, "Speaking of the Old Madam’s friendship with the Empress Dowager, that’s a long story, spanning decades. Naturally, it’s unlike others. But we, as subjects, dare not presume, firmly remembering our station and strictly adhering to the rules for subjects, who would have thought the Empress Dowager to be so gracious and generous, bestowing us this honor."
Madam You stood and bowed towards the Empress Dowager’s bedroom, prompting everyone to hurriedly rise and bow as well.
Madam You then slowly sat down and sighed, "The Empress Dowager still remembers us old folks, she doesn’t like luxury and ostentation but remembers my birthday, and even says to celebrate it well, and lively. Thinking about it makes me want to weep, I’m getting on in years, my health isn’t what it used to be, and I wonder how many more years these old bones of mine can serve the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager is truly too gracious."
Everyone rushed to flatter her.
Some said the Empress Dowager couldn’t do without Madam You, others that Madam You would live as long as the southern mountains, more spirited for the next full birthday than now.
Qin Yuan didn’t speak up.
Old Madam Gu softly snorted and whispered, "This old woman always has to show off, which is why I don’t like coming to her banquets."
Qin Yuan smiled lightly.
"Mother, the Old Madam inviting us for idle talk seems to show that we’re a bit closer than others."
Old Madam Gu said, "I knew her when she barely had her hair up, running after her and always calling Sister this, Sister that. Later, when we both married in the Capital City, she loves to show off when she has nothing better to do, a competitive nature she’s had all her life. Ever since the third one went to the Northern Border, I’ve closed the Marquis Mansion and haven’t gone out often. It’s been a few years since we’ve seen each other, and calling us over is just to see us."
Qin Yuan understood.
The relationship between Old Madam Gu and Madam You was close but not intimate, mostly depending on the men in the family.
So she told Hehua, "Today is Duke Zhen’s Mansion’s good day, with many people coming, be more careful not to offend any nobles."
Hehua and Yang’er both knew they had to be extra cautious at Duke Zhen’s Mansion today.
Hehua softly said, "Madam, rest assured, we understand."
After the You family’s descendants presented their birthday gifts, Madam You said, "We older folk will sit together and chat, while you younger wives and girls go play by yourselves."
With a word, the gathering scattered.
Qin Yuan rose to take her leave, and Gu Baoshu, who was talking lively with others, rose to leave as well upon seeing her.
Miss You quickly stopped her: "Where are you going?"
Gu Baoshu said, "My third sister-in-law is going out to visit for the first time, shouldn’t I accompany her?"
Miss You said, "You’re so cautious, anyone who didn’t know better would think our Duke’s Mansion is some place that eats people. Today’s the ancestor’s grand birthday, and later even nobles from the palace might come. The courtyard is full of sisters-in-law helping entertain guests, what could possibly happen? If you keep being like this, I’ll really get angry."
Gu Baoshu hesitated.
Song Zi Yu smiled and said, "Last time I hurt my face, didn’t you ask your third sister-in-law for the Jade Beauty Cream? I have to thank her properly. How about we go talk to her together."