Chapter Seventy-One: The Banquet

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Accompanied by Xu Zimo, she went to the main hall; not only was Lady Yang present, but Xu Yaohui was also sitting there, sipping tea.

Seeing the siblings arrive together, a look of satisfaction spread across Xu Yaohui’s face.

After they paid their respects, Xu Yaohui gestured toward Lady Yang. “Go to your mother’s side chamber. The embroiderers are all waiting—it's urgent. Don’t delay, or you’ll be working through the night and still not finish.”

“When is the banquet? The notice came so suddenly.”

Xu Ruojin murmured this as if in casual complaint. Xu Yaohui did not hesitate to explain: “The county magistrate decided at the last minute. All the prominent families in Zhonglin County have been invited. Hurry now, don’t ask more questions.”

With a rough idea in mind, Xu Ruojin still felt something was amiss.

Entering the side chamber, Lady Yang was watching Xu Zilin being measured for clothes. When both arrived, she immediately called to the embroiderers, “Use the fabric we just chose. Get the measurements right, that's all.”

The embroiderers acknowledged her and promptly gathered around Xu Ruojin.

She barely had time to utter a word before being directed to raise her arms and lift her chin.

After a round of fuss, Lady Yang produced set after set of jewelry, inviting the embroiderers to help select, “Come over and see which set matches the outfit we've just decided on.”

The embroiderers examined each set, discussing among themselves, but reaching no conclusion.

Xu Ruojin felt pitifully ignored—these items were to be worn by her, yet no one cared for her opinion.

She discreetly glanced at the notes the embroiderers had made: brocade dress with floral embroidery, thick brocade cloak edged with silver-mouse fur...

Stepping closer to view Lady Yang’s array, Xu Ruojin pointed to a set of silver-gilt hairpins inlaid with tourmaline and kingfisher feathers. “Mother, do you think this set would be appropriate?”

The embroiderers, seeing the Second Miss speak, picked it up and compared it to her. All nodded enthusiastically. “Miss Xu is truly refined—this set suits her best.”

“It’s elegant and tasteful, indeed a fine choice.”

Their chorus of praise made Lady Yang grit her teeth in frustration.

Not only was it her favorite set of hairpins, but they were also costly.

Yet with the master sitting outside drinking tea and the embroiderers watching, she had no choice but to agree, whether she wished to or not.

“Very well, let’s use this set. Please help select something for my third son as well.”

With her instruction, the embroiderers busied themselves.

Xu Ruojin inwardly stuck out her tongue, pleased to have chosen something she liked. Lady Yang glared at her with a cold snort. “Come outside, I have something to say to you.”

Following Lady Yang outdoors, she spoke in front of Xu Yaohui about the wine, “Go back and choose carefully—you must pick the very best. If anything goes wrong, not only will you disgrace yourself, your father and I will want to sink into the ground from shame. Do you hear me?”

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Seeing her father present, Xu Ruojin gathered her courage. “But I’ve only just begun learning. If I bring my own wine to the banquet, won’t people laugh at me?”

She glanced at her father from the corner of her eye, but he showed no reaction—only an air of helplessness.

Lady Yang scoffed at her words, “Do you think I’m not afraid of embarrassment? The county magistrate’s wife specifically requested it. Otherwise, would I let you risk ridicule?”

Even Lady Yang felt uneasy, looking to her husband. “Perhaps… we could buy some wine and claim it was made by her?”

Xu Yaohui shook his head. “No need! Since she asked for the girl’s wine, whatever you brew will suffice. Everyone knows you’ve only just started. If anyone nitpicks, it’s deliberate.”

Lady Yang looked frustrated, clearly unable to vent her feelings.

Xu Ruojin was so startled she could hardly speak.

She had thought Lady Yang wanted to show off by making her bring wine, but never imagined it was at the county magistrate’s wife’s request.

Why would she suddenly mention her wine-making?

If it was only because of the commotion Li Zhonglin caused in the street, the magistrate’s wife would hardly ask for her wine at such a festive event.

A face flashed through her mind—Zhang Zhongheng!

If there was trouble, it must be his doing. She was certain.

Seeing his daughter’s bewildered innocence, Xu Yaohui offered reassurance, “Don’t feel too pressured. I haven’t tasted what you’ve brewed, but Doctor Cen told me the recipes are sound. Besides, you may take it and no one may drink it. That day, there will likely be many guests. A few cups of celebratory wine and everyone will go home.”

Xu Ruojin seized the chance to ask, “Since both Brother Lian and Third Brother are going, which families will be attending?”

“The Zhang family.”

Lady Yang uttered these words, causing Xu Ruojin’s heart to sink.

“Madam Zhang will attend personally. I heard she invited the Liang family as well, though it’s uncertain whether they’ll accept. But that day, you’ll meet your future mother-in-law. Remember—under no circumstances must you embarrass yourself, do you understand?”

Lady Yang’s repeated warnings chilled Xu Ruojin to the bone.

Embarrassment?

It seemed Lady Yang herself was more likely to make a spectacle.

Clearly, Zhang Zhongheng was meddling again—she would need to be especially cautious.

She must not let that odious man tamper with anything.

Xu Ruojin asked seriously, “When is the banquet scheduled? I need to prepare properly.”

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“The day after tomorrow.”

Xu Ruojin’s mouth fell open. “Ah? So soon?”

“That’s why you must hurry with the clothes. Those invited are all distinguished guests.”

Even Lady Yang spoke hurriedly, anxious to check on the embroiderers’ progress, and began shooing Xu Ruojin away. “Don’t dawdle. Go prepare.”

“Yes.”

Xu Ruojin wandered out in a daze, her mind fixed on the wine.

Returning to her own courtyard, she found Chuncao and Hongxing were not back yet.

Since both would accompany her to the banquet, they had gone to the rear storage to collect new fabric, intending to cut and sew it themselves.

Entering her room, Xu Ruojin meant to sit and have some tea.

Turning around, she suddenly spotted a figure in the corner and jumped in fright!

“What are you doing here?”

Seeing it was Xiao Ke, Xu Ruojin asked with caution.

Xiao Ke, recognizing the Second Miss had returned, hurried forward. “I came to check your wine jars, miss…”

“Is that your concern?” Xu Ruojin narrowed her eyes, assessing her. “Your duties are the small kitchen and cleaning outside.”

“Chuncao said you need to bring wine to the banquet, so I thought I’d help by cleaning the jars.”

Xiao Ke explained confidently, full of curiosity. “Miss, which jar are you planning to take? I can tidy it up for you.”

“No need. You may go.”

Xu Ruojin dismissed her. Xiao Ke’s face fell, as if her good intentions had gone unrewarded, and she left the room disappointed.

Walking to the corner, Xu Ruojin looked at the row of wine jars, all sealed with wax and intact.

But if someone wanted to meddle…

It would not be difficult.

Once again, Zhang Zhongheng came to mind, and a sudden suspicion sprang up: could he have already sent someone to sabotage her right in her own home?