The courtyard here was considerably quieter.
With Zhao Jiaqi's arrival, the entire Fan family was assembled.
Zhang Cuihua and Fan Heduan sat upright in their grand chairs, their faces radiant and their smiles beaming.
Fan Guangping and Wang Zhaodi stood at the front, followed by Fan Chenchen and Fan Xueyao, kneeling and kowtowing: "Son, daughter-in-law wish Mother a happy 50th birthday, health and peace, and a long life! Wish Father good fortune and longevity!"
As their congratulatory words concluded, Chenchen and Xueyao chimed in unison: "Grandson, granddaughter wish Grandma eternal life and boundless fortune!"
Zhang Cuihua had never dreamed of such a grand celebration for her birthday in this lifetime. Overjoyed, she repeatedly gestured with her hands: "Eldest son, eldest daughter-in-law, quickly get up."
Fan Guangping rose and presented the brocade box in his hands to Zhang Cuihua. He had never formally celebrated his parents' birthdays before. This was the first time he was earnestly presenting a birthday gift before his children and friends!
"Mother, this is a small token of my and your sister-in-law's sincerity. Please accept it!" Before Fan Guangping could finish speaking, his shy face flushed redder than the sunset. Fortunately, his naturally dark complexion masked some of his embarrassment.
"I must accept it! This is from my eldest son and daughter-in-law's filial piety, of course, I will accept it!" Zhang Cuihua took the brocade box, cradled it in her arms, and stroked it carefully, feeling deeply gratified.
Fan Zehao, who was next in line, pulled his wife forward a couple of steps, with the three younger ones following behind. They all knelt and kowtowed.
"Son, daughter-in-law wish Mother everything goes as she wishes and a lifespan equal to heaven, wish Father his heart's desires and good fortune and health!"
"Granddaughter, grandsons respectfully wish Grandma a life as long as the Southern Mountain and eternal youth, wish Grandpa a lifespan as long as Mount Tai!"
Zhang Cuihua nodded serenely, her eyes crinkling with a smile: "Son, daughter-in-law, quickly get up!"
Fan Zehao placed a hand on his wife's side, while in his other hand, he held a tray covered with a layer of red cloth. After standing up, he presented it with both hands: "Mother, this is the birthday gift from me and Qier!"
Before Zhang Cuihua could lift the red silk to see the gift, the three little ones couldn't wait. They stepped forward and presented their own birthday gifts to her with eagerness: "This is Mengmeng's birthday gift for Grandma. I wish Grandma eternal youth and to become more beautiful!"
Yaoyao and Sensen, not to be outdone, also presented their gifts. Zhang Cuihua's heart melted. She quickly accepted the gifts. How could she have imagined that her daughter-in-law would give her such adorable granddaughters and grandsons!
When the in-laws had said her daughter-in-law was infertile, now she not only had a granddaughter but also grandsons, who were cute, intelligent, and so beloved!
"Good, good, Grandma will listen to her granddaughter and become an ageless old enchantress!"
The old woman's happiness was the most important thing. As for the gifts themselves, the elders wouldn't be picky. As long as people were present, the elders would be very happy.
After her biological sons and daughters-in-law paid their respects, it was Fan Biao's family's turn.
Fan Xiaofeng, with his wife and child, Fan Xudong, with his wife and child, and Fan Meichen, with her husband and child, all kowtowed to the elder, offering a cascade of auspicious well-wishes as if they were free.
By noon, due to the overwhelming number of guests who had come upon hearing the news, some famous, some not, and even villagers who just dropped off their gifts and left, the mansion decided to host a feast to thank everyone.
The mansion's chefs and kitchen staff were insufficient, so they enlisted help from restaurants. Steward Wang borrowed two cooks each from Murong, Leng, Peng, and Dong Ziheng's households, ensuring that the midday banquet could proceed without a hitch.
The inner courtyard of the mansion was where the womenfolk dined.
The front courtyard was for the men. Separated by the garden, the two areas remained peaceful.
To put it bluntly, this was a prince's manor, and even more so, the former emperor's residence. Who would dare cause trouble here?
Zhao Jiaqi was not worried about any dramatic confrontations. As she was entertaining the ladies, Su Ya walked in with a strained smile. Though she suppressed her emotions, her cold eyes betrayed that her smile did not reach her eyes.
"Madam, Prince Xiaoyao was on his way to the kitchen and happened to pass the lotus pond. Miss Murong coincidentally fell into the pond and was rescued by Prince Xiaoyao. They are currently resting in the Warm Peony Courtyard."
Su Ya whispered to Zhao Jiaqi with a smile. Zhao Jiaqi's smile remained unchanged, as if she had just heard a joke.
However, inside, she was seething, as if someone were poking her lungs with needles.
Smiling, she said to her mother-in-law beside her, "Mother, some distinguished guests from Lingnan have arrived. I will go and see to them and make arrangements."
Zhang Cuihua believed her and waved her off: "Go ahead. Your aunts and the others are here, you don't need to worry about me."
She offered an apologetic glance to the guests, gave a slight bow, and then left.
The Peony Garden was next to the warm pavilion. Zhao Jiaqi walked with great speed, asking as she went, "Who saw Miss Murong fall into the lotus pond?"
Su Ya pursed her lips and replied, "Several prefect's daughters witnessed it and also saw Prince Xiaoyao rescue her."
Although she was reluctant to mention such an embarrassing matter, it was impossible to keep it a secret.
"Li Meilan said she would find an official position for her daughter, and then she plays this trick on me. Her audacity is truly astounding, to cause such a scene on my mother-in-law's birthday!"
After all, she came from a merchant family and used such vulgar tactics.
Upon entering the Peony Garden, she encountered Fan Zehao, who was on his way. The moment they met, his wife glared at him several times.
Fan Zehao also looked wronged. This was a woman's affair. If anyone was to cause trouble, it would be Madam Murong and her daughter. Why was his wife glaring at him?
"Look... it's useless to be angry with me, it wasn't my plan, right!"
Zhao Jiaqi gritted her teeth: "Go away, don't provoke me!"
As they entered the Peony Garden, before they reached the bedroom, they could hear rustling sounds and the sobs of someone crying, accompanied by a woman's comforting voice.
At this moment, Prince Xiaoyao, having changed into dry clothes, also walked over. His expression was serious, devoid of his usual frivolous demeanor.
"Eldest Brother, Eldest Sister-in-law, I was rash today and disrupted Mother's birthday celebration. As for the young lady inside, I will take responsibility!"
Although Zhao Jiaqi was angry, her anger was not directed at Huangfu Xu.
"I know you were worried about any mishaps in the manor today, which is why you went to rescue her. It was a regrettable but necessary action, and I apologize for the inconvenience."
Seeing that she understood his intentions, Huangfu Xu felt no longer wronged.
When Murong Sheng heard the news, his heart sank. He rushed towards the Peony Garden with swift steps. As he arrived, he happened to see Zhao Jiaqi entering the room with her maid.
Inside the room!
Murong Yongqing, dressed in new finery, had eyes as red as a rabbit's from crying. Li Meilan was constantly comforting her daughter. Seeing him arrive, she fell to her knees with a thud, grabbed his hem, and pleaded, "Sister-in-law, save your niece! Her reputation is ruined now, who will marry her in the future!"
Zhao Jiaqi pulled back her hem and looked coldly at the person kneeling before her, speaking indifferently: "Murong Sheng is a man of integrity. We have supported each other from our poorest days, which is why my husband and I recognize him as our elder brother. Although I do not value status or position, your addressing me as 'sister-in-law' at this moment makes me feel utterly disgusted!"
Her words struck Li Meilan squarely, and the color drained from her face.
"Can you swear to the heavens that the lotus pond incident today was not meticulously planned by you and your daughter?"