Chapter 561: 561: Lantern Festival Feast at King Rui Residence_1

“He didn’t say it outright, it was just something this old lady perceived herself,” said Lady Wei, “Anyway, I just asked out of curiosity, if you didn’t know about this matter, then forget it, it’s not appropriate for us to intervene too much. Fortunately, the Xu Family is a proper family and this isn’t too disgraceful.”

Madam Yun stood still, not knowing how to respond.

“By the way, there’s one more thing,” Lady Wei signaled to the maid by her side, who handed an invitation to Madam Yun.

Madam Yun received the invitation in a daze.

“This is an invitation to the Lantern Festival banquet at King Rui’s Residence. I know you didn’t receive one, and this old lady had the nerve to procure one for you. I did this not for any other reason, but for the dignity of the Wei Family. This banquet is hosted by Queen Rui, and most of the noble ladies and misses in the Capital City are due to attend. The Wei Family is Queen Rui’s maternal home. If no one goes, it might give rise to idle gossip,” said Lady Wei.

Despite everything, Lady Wei still cared about appearances and did not want the Wei Family to become a laughingstock.

Madam Yun looked at the invitation to King Rui’s Lantern Festival banquet, which was handed to her, and her heart was in turmoil.

Madam Wei reminded, “On the day of the Lantern Festival, you don’t need to force any closeness with Ruoruo. If she doesn’t interact with you much, don’t take it to heart. You need to be rational and avoid any conflict with Queen Rui. We cannot lose face in front of all the high-ranking ladies in the Capital City.”

Madam Wei gave her the warning ahead of time, reminding Madam Yun to behave appropriately.

“I…I understand…” Madam Yun’s voice was very low, and she seemed entirely drained of energy.

Lady Wei looked at Madam Yun, who was pale and lifeless, and said, “You may go.”

Madam Yun whispered, “I will take my leave,” and then left Shou’an Hall in a daze.

Back in Anxin Pavilion, Madam Yun stared at the Lantern Festival invitation from the King Rui Residence in her hand, plunged into deep thought. She recalled what Lady Wei had said earlier and the idea that her husband might indeed be disappointed in her. Gradually, a sense of unfairness welled up in her heart, and she couldn’t help but start to cry.

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The fifteenth day of the lunar new year, the Lantern Festival.

While everyone in the Capital City dared not celebrate too grandly, King Rui’s Residence did the opposite and held a grand Lantern Festival banquet.

The reason why they didn’t worry about the Emperor’s disapproval was that Wei Ruo invited all the members of the Qunfang Association to the banquet under the name of the chairwoman of the association.

The Qunfang Association have been engaged in relief efforts during this period.

Wei Ruo set up the Qunfang Association, bringing together the ladies and misses from different families. Those with money donated money, those with surplus grain contributed grain, and those with manpower, contributed manpower. They combined their resources for charitable activities.

The families that Wei Ruo brought into the fold were all happy to participate and took pride in it.

Wei Ruo would publicize their names along with hers, so no matter what charitable deeds they did, all the participants would be announced, making everyone aware of their contributions. No matter if they donated money or grain, they could gain a good reputation.

Having a good reputation doesn’t only benefit themselves, but also their husbands and families.

The process is much more convenient than doing it themselves and doesn’t seem as deliberate.

Someone else makes the arrangements and does the publicity for them, why shouldn’t they be happy with it?

Even the Emperor praised this deed, mentioning it during the morning court session, and called it kind-hearted, responsible, and insightful.

Therefore, most of the famous and noble ladies in the capital partook in it and joined the Qunfang Association.

The irony was that Madam Yun, who was Wei Ruo’s mother, and Wei Qingwan, Wei Ruo’s younger sister, were not among them.

It remains unknown whether the two will appear at Queen Rui’s banquet today, and there were some private speculations about this matter.

The banquet hall was set up in the backyard of King Rui’s Residence. The time of the banquet was during the day. Other than hanging some lanterns as decoration, there were no other ornaments. Compared to banquets in other places, this one seemed relatively simple and austere.

Early in the morning, Wei Ruo was already in the hall ready to greet the arriving guests.

Wei Ruo dressed casually today without any intention to compete with the other ladies and misses in terms of glamour. She also didn’t plan on personally doing any sales promotion today.

Because she had other plans for today.

Soon, guests started to arrive one after another.

The guests all wore smiles on their faces, and as soon as they entered, they warmly greeted Wei Ruo.

Wei Ruo responded with a smile.

About an hour later, Xie Ying arrived.

She was wearing a pink jacket and light-heartedly walked up to Wei Ruo, whispering, “Only because you’re hosting this banquet I bothered to come. If it were someone else, I wouldn’t have. Look at all these people, what a hassle.”

“If you want something, you have to give something!” Wei Ruo answered Xie Ying softly.

“True,” Xie Ying laughed, and then said, “I’ll find a place to hide for a bit until the show starts.”

“No problem,” Wei Ruo completely understood Xie Ying’s feelings. She would feel the same in her situation.

A while later, Wei Qingwan arrived, accompanied by Qi Shijing.

Wei Ruo was not surprised at all.

Qi Shijing was a member of her Qunfang Association, so she was supposed to come. Besides, King Yu’s Residence had been trying to find a presence recently. For a situation like today, King Yu’s Residence would never miss an opportunity to meddle.

As for Qi Shijing, bringing Wei Qingwan with her was completely understandable since they were sisters in the eyes of society.

Wei Ruo looked over at the two. Qi Shijing was dressed in a deep red robe with a silver flower embroidery, covered with a cloak of the same color, radiating dignity and grace.

Wei Qingwan behind her was dressed in light yellow, which was quite plain, and a thick cloak that completely covered her.

With her head bowed, she followed behind Qi Shijing, almost like a docile wife.

What surprised Wei Ruo slightly was that the maid beside Wei Qingwan was not the familiar Cuihe.

Qi Shijing walked up to Wei Ruo with a smile and greeted her, “My sister, you must’ve had a hard time today.”

“No trouble at all. As you can see, everything was done casually, hardly any trouble. The food prepared today is also quite ordinary. We hope you wouldn’t mind,” said Ruo.

“Of course not, people are suffering right now, and even being able to have a full meal is a blessing. We can hardly be choosy,” replied Qi Shijing.

Wei Ruo had heard this kind of talk plenty of times. No matter how extravagant they were in their homes, they always displayed sympathy for the people in public to avoid suspicion.

“It’s a blessing for the people that Queen Yu can think this way,” replied Wei Ruo.

Qi Shijing then pulled Wei Qingwan forward and said to Wei Ruo, “The doctor from our residence took Qingwan’s pulse yesterday. She is pregnant.”

“Congratulations,” Wei Ruo replied. Her tone was polite, she seemed happy, but her heart was calm.

“Yes, this is the first child for the Prince, and it’s a joyous occasion for our residence,” Qi Shijing said.

“Considering she’s not far into her pregnancy, why didn’t she stay at home on such a cold day?” Wei Ruo asked.

Upon hearing this, Wei Qingwan shivered.