Chapter 73: New Year’s Celebration (Part 1)

Having learned from the lessons of the Winter Solstice night, Meinang, considering Madam Zheng’s feelings, decided that a grand New Year’s celebration would be inappropriate due to the recent passing of a family member. She gave instructions to forgo the usual decorations and red couplets around the household, and even convinced the Old Madam to accept this toned-down approach. However, the second household strongly opposed this decision, complaining that the recent birth of the Second Master’s son was cause for celebration and it should be marked more joyfully than in previous years. They felt that dampening the festive mood was a slight against them, arguing that if concern over the seventh son’s passing was an issue, they shouldn’t have celebrated so lavishly when Meinang returned. They claimed it was unfair to restrict only their happiness.

Sitting in the Hall, Meinang listened to the grumbling relayed by a servant, exchanging silent looks with Ning Rulan. At that moment, Madam Zheng entered. Meinang and Rulan immediately stood to greet her. Madam Zheng, with a stern face, took her seat and declared, “No matter what anyone says, you are the Marchioness, responsible for the whole family. You set the rules, and if there are issues, there’s me, and even the Old Madam. If anyone is unsatisfied, let them come to me; I’ll handle it personally.”

With Madam Zheng’s backing, Meinang felt free to disregard the second household’s complaints. It was clear who held the true authority in the family. Besides, as the legitimate elder, the upbringing of Heng was in her hands, giving her an advantage, no matter the circumstances.

Over in the second household, Lady Gui was scolding Second Master Xu Xi Ping as soon as he entered the room, saying, “You’re the only elder now in the family. If you say something, they’ll have to listen! Just look at Qin Meinang, she’s been running things for only a short while and already dares to criticize our servants. Now she’s taken it upon herself to prevent us from celebrating the birth of our son’s child! Do we not deserve joy just because of the seventh son’s passing?”

Xu Xi Ping, sipping tea calmly, replied, “Don’t worry. We can add a bit of festivity for our grandson when he’s a month old.”

Lady Gui wasn’t satisfied and, wiping away tears, argued, “But how can you let them stifle our son’s achievements? He’s earned his position through his own hard work. We should be allowed to honor him openly!”

Xu Xi Ping set his teacup down firmly. “What good will arguing do? There will be plenty of time to honor Wei’er in the future. It’s unseemly to quarrel now. And as for Meinang, let her do as she likes, she has the Old Madam’s support.”

Meanwhile, the New Year’s Eve banquet at the Xu residence began as usual in the afternoon, with extended family members joining for a reunion meal. The hall was filled with laughter and bustling children. As Meinang walked around assisting elders and children alike, she noticed that the banquet was more crowded than anticipated, resulting in extra tables being added.

By the men’s seating area, Xu Jun Ying and Xu Jun Lang observed Meinang’s quiet management of things. After a moment, Xu Jun Lang raised his cup, remarking to Xu Jun Ying, “It seems Big Sister in law may have misunderstood. Jing Yu is unwell, that’s why she’s assisting her mother by staying close.”

Xu Jun Ying replied, “As the elder sister in law, it’s her responsibility to be considerate. I’ll speak with her.”

Later, as Meinang finally found a moment to sit with a few other women for a quick meal, she directed servants to check that the holiday goods for each family were properly prepared. She advised them to remain vigilant in caring for the children amidst the festive chaos, mindful to ensure a safe and joyous New Year’s celebration for all.