Chapter 61: The Xu Family Hosts a Banquet – Xu Nian Meets the Sisters

Three days passed in the blink of an eye, and on the morning of the banquet, the Xu family was already busy preparing.

Xu Nian was in her room, struggling to choose the most suitable hair accessory from the selection Shu’er had laid out for her when she heard Zhao Lan’s voice outside the door.

“Miss, Madam sent me to ask if you are ready?”

Xu Nian quickly placed a pair of pearl hairpins in her hair and stepped out of the room.

“Let’s go, Aunt Zhao. I don’t want to keep my mother waiting.”

Xu Yaozu and Tian Shi lived in the main courtyard, Jingming Courtyard. When Xu Nian arrived, she saw Xu Ling and Chen Xiao arranging some lucky pouches.

“Ling’er, you’re here early. What are these for?”

Tian Shi smiled as she looked at her carefully dressed daughter, pleased with how radiant she appeared. “The ladies from various families will be bringing their daughters today. Since it’s their first meeting, it’s customary to present a small gift. I had the steward buy these from the outer courtyard. What do you think?”

Xu Ling opened one of the pouches and showed its contents to her.

“Big Sister, take a look. It’s fancy, but it’s not as delicate as the ones you made for me.”

Xu Nian tapped her forehead lightly. “You little trickster, are you eyeing something of mine again?”

“I’m not! It’s just that the ones you made look much better.”

Xu Nian carefully examined the bracelet in her hand. It was indeed a bit too extravagant. If there was nothing to compare it to, it wouldn’t be an issue. But now, against the accessories she and Xu Ling were wearing, it might be misinterpreted.

“Mother, I still have a few pearl hairpins. Let’s use those instead. I think the ladies will be more pleased with them.”

Tian Shi had no other choice but to agree.

“Alright then. I’ll give you the silver later in the evening so you can buy more.”

“You’re really keeping track of everything, Mother. But if you insist on giving it to me, I suppose I can’t refuse, can I?”

Tian Shi playfully poked her. “And you say Ling’er is a trickster? You’re the real one here.”

“The time is almost up. Let’s go out and welcome the guests.”

“Shu’er, go to my room and bring the pearl hairpins to Shouzhu Courtyard.”

After giving her instructions, Xu Nian took Xu Ling’s hand and followed behind Tian Shi.

By the hour of Si (approximately 9–11 a.m.), the guests’ carriages began arriving one after another at the courtyard entrance. Only a few families had been invited: the county magistrate, the assistant magistrate, the education officer, and the commandant.

Among them, the most special guest was the commandant, as this position did not exist in other counties. Due to Wan Sheng County directly supplying funds and provisions to the Northern Garrison Army, a sixth-rank commandant was assigned.

Although the Sheng Dynasty valued civil officials more than military officers, in the northern frontier, military positions were legitimate and respected. This particular commandant had even been on the battlefield and earned merit.

The first to arrive was Lady Zhu, the wife of the education officer. Xu Nian found it curious that she had come alone without any family members or even servants.

Xu Nian accompanied Tian Shi in welcoming her, exchanging pleasantries before Zhao Lan led Lady Zhu to Shouzhu Courtyard.

Next to arrive were Lady Liu, the wife of the assistant magistrate, and Lady Cui, the wife of the assistant registrar. Both brought their daughters along. The last to arrive was Lady Guan, the commandant’s wife, with her daughter.

By the time Tian Shi led Lady Guan into Shouzhu Courtyard, the room was already lively with conversation, and the source of the excitement was none other than Lady Cui’s twin daughters, whom Old Madam Wang had taken an instant liking to.

“My apologies for arriving late today. I must first offer my respects to Old Madam,” Lady Guan said with a bright smile as she stepped forward to greet her.

Old Madam Wang looked up to see an elegantly dressed woman, her face full of warmth as she greeted her.

Yesterday, her eldest daughter-in-law had already explained the identities of today’s guests, so she had a general understanding of everyone.

“You’re not late at all! You arrived at just the right time. Oh my, what a lovely young lady you’ve brought! Come here, dear, let me have a good look at you.”

Lady Guan smiled as she gently pulled her daughter forward.

“This is my youngest daughter, Pingting.”

“Good, good! I have a soft spot for sweet, flower-like young girls, especially when they’re this well-mannered.”

Old Madam Wang held onto Guan Pingting’s hand, carefully examining her.

“Old Madam, don’t let her fool you. At home, she’s as mischievous as a monkey!”

Guan Pingting, who had been lowering her head and pretending to be shy, twitched her lips slightly. Mother, are you really my biological mother? Do you have to expose me like this?

“Children are always like that around their own mothers. My eldest granddaughter is the same way.”

Xu Nian, who was suddenly dragged into the conversation: “…”

The group did not stay long in Shouzhu Courtyard. Tian Shi led the ladies to the main hall, while Xu Nian took the young noblewomen to her own Qingteng Courtyard.

Xu Nian could tell that among the girls, Wang Pingting was the leader. The county magistrate’s daughter was named Shen Yan, who was fourteen years old, the same age as Wang Pingting. She had a scholarly demeanor, always watching the others with a gentle smile but rarely joining in their chatter.

The assistant registrar’s twin daughters were named Fu Wanling and Fu Wanru, both nine years old. Their lively personalities closely resembled Xu Ling’s, so the three of them quickly gathered together, chattering away and playing enthusiastically.

Xu Nian personally poured tea for Wang Pingting and Shen Yan.

“This is tea I made myself. Please try it, sisters, and see if you like it. If not, I’ll have the servants brew another pot for you.”

Shen Yan gracefully picked up her cup, took a sniff, and praised, “It has a refreshing fragrance—this is excellent tea. I like it very much.”

Unexpectedly, Wang Pingting glanced at the chrysanthemum in her cup, and her expression changed instantly. She snatched Shen Yan’s cup from her hands and slammed it onto the table with a loud clang, rolling her eyes.

“Aren’t you allergic to flowers? Who are you pretending for?”

Shen Yan’s face turned red as she lowered her head. Xu Nian was also startled—an allergy could be a serious matter. She quickly ordered Chen Xiao to remove the tea and instructed Shu’er to brew a new pot.

Xu Ling and the twin sisters were startled by the commotion and obediently sat still, not daring to speak.

“It was my oversight,” Xu Nian said quickly. “Thank goodness Sister Wang reminded me. If anything had happened to Sister Shen today, I would never have been able to forgive myself.”

Shen Yan hastily waved her hands. “It’s not Sister Xu’s fault—it was my own mistake.”

Wang Pingting scoffed. “If she wants to suffer, let her. You don’t need to concern yourself with her.”

Xu Nian did not understand the deeper context behind their exchange, but she did not want the atmosphere to remain tense.

“As long as Sister Shen is not upset, that’s all that matters. Sitting around drinking tea can get dull—why don’t we do something fun instead?”

Wang Pingting’s expression softened, and she asked, “What kind of fun?” Then, as if suddenly realizing something, she gasped in horror. “You’re not going to make us play Flying Flower Order or recite poetry, are you?”

Xu Nian was amused by her exaggerated look of suffering, and even the three little ones, who had just been frightened, couldn’t help but stifle their giggles.

Shen Yan smiled. “As long as it’s not poetry or embroidery, Pingting won’t complain.”

Xu Nian’s eyes lit up. “I was actually worried that everyone would prefer those things, and I wouldn’t be able to keep up, making a fool of myself. So, I’ve prepared something different—rope weaving!”

Everyone looked at her with curiosity, unfamiliar with the term.

Xu Nian had Shu’er bring over the colorful ropes and silk threads she had prepared earlier. With swift movements of her fingers, a flower petal quickly took shape. In less than the time it took to drink a cup of tea, a delicate pink azalea flower rested in her palm.

The girls watched, fascinated and amazed. Xu Nian picked up the flower and placed it in Shen Yan’s hands.

“A gift for Sister Shen, as my apology.”

Shen Yan gently touched the azalea and brought it close to her nose, her eyes turning slightly red. “Thank you, Sister Xu.”