Chapter 48
Backing

After singing in Haitang Garden for most of the day, the banquet guests finally arrived.

Song Wan and Mother Jiang escorted the ladies to Luling Courtyard for the meal, but they all stopped at the entrance in surprise.

The large courtyard had no tables or chairs. Instead, a large stage was set up at the front, covered with flowers and a red banner with the words “Huan Yan Zhai” written on it. In front of the stage was a long table filled with luxurious cosmetics.

On both sides of the courtyard, long tables were set up with a variety of exquisite dishes and desserts, creating a grand display.

Song Wan looked at Lin Jiayue, who was standing in the center of the stage with a joyful expression, and pursed her lips slightly.

Heng Zhi was startled by the scene and said, “Is this how Concubine Lin manages the household? It’s simply ridiculous.”

Song Wan glanced at her, and Heng Zhi lowered her head. “I overstepped.”

Song Wan knew that Heng Zhi had deliberately revealed that Concubine Lin was in charge of the household in front of the ladies to help her out.

Lowering her eyes, Song Wan apologized to the guests. “It’s my fault for not managing the household well, leading to this farce.”

Mother Jiang seemed to realize the situation and quickly held her head. “What a misfortune, what a misfortune…”

Even though Mother Jiang wanted money, she never expected Lin Jiayue to act so disgracefully.

What was this? Not only were the guests’ food placed outside, but there were also no chairs. Did Lin Jiayue expect the ladies to buy her cosmetics to get a chair and a hot meal?

As this thought crossed her mind, Mother Jiang felt her face burn with shame. How could that little harlot have the audacity to do this?

Thinking of the disdainful looks from the guests, Mother Jiang pretended to pass out. She couldn’t bear the responsibility for such an embarrassing situation.

The guests were all matriarchs of noble families in the capital, experienced in managing households. They can easily see this through Mother Jiang’s intentions. They instructed their maids to help, but they themselves stood at the entrance, not taking a step forward.

Seeing Mother Jiang faint as soon as she entered the courtyard, Lin Jiayue hurriedly ran to the guests.

Song Wan had the maids call the physician and sent Mother Jiang away. She then bowed to the guests. “I apologize for not hosting you well today. My mother is unwell, so the banquet… is over.”

“Song Wan, what are you saying?” Lin Jiayue, seeing her press conference being canceled by Song Wan, glared at her angrily.

She had written countless drafts for today’s press conference, carefully choosing every word. Even today’s products were selected meticulously, with a special auction planned. Now, all her efforts over the past month were dismissed by Song Wan’s words.

“How dare you!”

Before Song Wan could speak, an elderly woman with a gold and agate cane sternly said, “How is Lianjin managing the Marquis’ residence? How dare a lowly concubine shout at the legitimate mistress? Is this how she ruins the reputation and rules of the Marquis’ residence after Qingzhou’s passing?”

Lianjin was the maiden name of Mother Jiang, and Qingzhou was the courtesy name of the old Marquis.

Seeing the old woman address Mother Jiang’s mother this way, Song Wan realized she must be the Grand Madam of Duke Yuan’s residence, the old Marquis’ great-aunt.

“Great-grandmother, please calm down. It’s not worth harming your health over this.”

The old woman glanced at Song Wan with displeasure.

The entire Marquis of Chengyang’s residence had three generations of useless mistresses, allowing an insignificant person to flaunt their power and bringing shame to the Jiang family.

The Grand Madam of Duke Yuan’s residence grew increasingly angry, heavily striking her cane on the ground before turning and leaving without looking back.

The ladies present smiled apologetically at Song Wan, exchanged a few comforting words, and then left one by one. Within the time it took to burn an incense stick, they were all gone. Lin Jiayue tried to stop them several times but failed. Just as she was about to confront Song Wan, Song Wan had already left Luling Courtyard with Heng Zhi.

As soon as they left the courtyard, Song Wan said, “Find a few young maids…”

She whispered a few words in Heng Zhi’s ear, and Heng Zhi nodded and quickly ran off.

Meanwhile, in the outer courtyard, Jiang Xingjian’s face was dark.

“The three guests represent the three lights, and the four sides of the seating represent the four seasons. The host respects the guests, so the guests sit in the northwest…”

“The guests are received with righteousness, and the host receives them with benevolence, so they sit in the southeast.”

“The world’s etiquette is established. The seating and actions of the host and guests are all predetermined. How could the ancestral rules be discarded by you, Jiang Xingjian? Today, the guests include both elders and juniors. Do you want Old Master Song, who is over fifty, to stand and compete for food with my great-grandson? What kind of propriety is this?”

“Jiang Xingjian, you have gone too far!” Court Censor Fang scolded him harshly and left in a huff. A middle-aged man with a fake smile followed.

“The Marquis of Chengyang has quite the arrogance. I am impressed.”

After he left, an elderly man with a white beard stepped forward. “We do not seek universal kindness and loyalty, but a family like the Marquis of Chengyang’s should at least know the meaning of propriety, righteousness, integrity, and shame. Marquis Jiang, take care.”

Song Lan’an and Song Fu stood in the distance, and Song Lan’an’s face was stern. Seeing this scene, he coldly said, “What a pity for Wan’er.”

Song Fu’s face was cold as he looked at Jiang Xingjian with displeasure.

The male guests left with cold expressions. Once they reunited with their female companions outside the Marquis’ residence, they began to curse.

Madam Sun was scolded by Master Sun, and she whispered, “Today’s incident was caused by the concubine brought back by the Marquis.”

“She is from a lowly background, shallow-minded, and became arrogant with a bit of power.”

Master Sun said, “How could Song Lan’an’s daughter not handle a concubine and let her cause such chaos? Jiang Xingjian is also a fool. I do not agree with the marriage between Xiuxiu and the Marquis’ residence. No matter how wealthy they are, I will not marry into such a family.”

“This is a disgrace.”

Madam Sun quickly explained, “I did not agree to this marriage because of the Marquis’ residence. Besides, you said Jiang Yan is talented and a good match for Xiuxiu.”

Seeing Master Sun remain silent, seemingly weighing his options, Madam Sun sighed, “Today’s incident is not Song Wan’s fault. It is not her incompetence, but rather…”

She pointed to the top of the carriage. “That troublesome person in the palace.”

“Consort Jiang?”

“Yes, I overheard some maids from the Marquis’ residence whispering. If it weren’t for Consort Jiang’s backing, how could that concubine be so arrogant?”

Master Sun’s eyebrows furrowed. “A fool. With a mother like that, the Fifth Prince will never achieve greatness.”