The guests gradually arrived, and women from a few humble households were led by servants to Shen Qingyin's table.
Seeing Shen Qingyin sitting there all alone, the women hesitated for a moment before ultimately seating themselves beside the principal wife.
Word had it that Shen was, after all, the principal wife of the Pei family—so why would her seat be arranged at the same table as women of such ordinary status?
Could it be that the rumors outside were true, that Shen was so disfavored by the Pei family that it had come to this…?
The women exchanged glances, then quickly and tacitly looked away.
Seeing that they seemed somewhat reserved, Shen Qingyin took the initiative to nod in greeting. Wearing polite smiles, the women exchanged a few quiet pleasantries with her.
Once the small talk was exhausted, they had nothing more to say. Each cradled her teacup in silence, and the table grew awkwardly quiet.
Fortunately, before long, they saw Madam Wei, having changed her clothes, walk out from the inner chambers hand in hand with her husband Pei Zhan, and begin conversing with the guests at the table of honor.
Pei Zhan was the eldest son of the second branch and was quite popular in the capital, and Madam Wei was ever skilled at flattery. Soon the whole courtyard was filled with laughter and cheerful talk.
A wet nurse followed behind the couple, carrying Jun-ge'er, and the little baby waved his arms, giggling.
Pei Zhan and Madam Wei went from table to table offering toasts, and soon reached Shen Qingyin's table.
"Sister-in-law."
Pei Zhan was impeccably courteous, his face bearing just the right measure of a smile as he gave Shen Qingyin a slight nod, though his gaze lingered on her face, whether deliberately or not.
"Second Brother." Shen Qingyin rose with her teacup in hand.
Pei Zhan immediately clinked his cup against hers.
"It's been a long time, Sister-in-law. You've grown ever more radiant. This cup—I drink to you."
As the strong liquor went down his throat, Pei Zhan's smile deepened, yet his confusion only grew. He wondered to himself how his eldest brother, having married such a beauty, could bear to stay away from home.
If it were him—
"Sister-in-law." Madam Wei suddenly called out to Shen Qingyin.
She had seen how her husband's gaze was glued to Shen Qingyin's face, refusing to move away, as if trying to discern some secret from her features—even their toast took on the clinging intimacy of a nuptial cup exchange.
An inexplicable fire rose from the bottom of her heart, and the smile she wore for Shen Qingyin cooled by several degrees.
She was nothing but a vixen with a pair of fox-like eyes! That expressionless face all day long—what was there worth looking at anyway!
"There are many guests today, so hospitality may fall short in places. Sister-in-law, eat and drink well. Tomorrow is Jun-ge'er's first-birthday grabbing ceremony—it will be just our family present, so you simply must come!"
"Mm." Shen Qingyin nodded.
Having agreed to Madam Wei, she finally raised her teacup to her lips and took a small sip, the fragrance of tea instantly filling her mouth.
Seeing this, Madam Wei paid her no more attention. With a smile, she quickly exchanged a few words with the women of humble households at the table, not daring to linger a moment longer, then tugged at Pei Zhan's sleeve and urged him toward the next table.
As his wife pulled him along, Pei Zhan's gaze still lingered on Shen Qingyin, and only when Madam Wei's anger could barely be contained did he reluctantly move on.
Once Pei Zhan and Madam Wei were gone, Shen Qingyin set down her cup without the slightest regret.
For no other reason than that before her marriage, Shen Qingyin, as the eldest daughter of a general, had been one who delighted in strong drink.
Now that she was determined to be a good wife to Pei Yu, and for the sake of Tang-jie'er who was still nursing, she had given up drinking—one of her few remaining pleasures.
Before Shen Qingyin could even swallow her sip of tea, the master of ceremonies approached the center of the courtyard with the gift registry in hand, clearing his throat twice.
Once the guests all turned to look, he began loudly announcing the first-birthday gifts the guests had brought today.
"From the residence of the Minister of Rites: a pair of coral trees and a pair of glazed vases, wishing Jun-ge'er longevity and good fortune!"
"From the residence of the Marquis of Jingyuan: a Huzhou writing brush, a Duan inkstone, and a hundred bolts of brocade, wishing Jun-ge'er a brilliant future!"
Rare treasures were presented one after another in an endless stream, each of considerable value, drawing repeated praise from the ladies nearby.
When it came time to announce the gifts from the eldest branch of the Pei family, the master of ceremonies called out at the top of his voice: "From the Family Head and his lady: a mutton-fat jade ruyi scepter, wishing Jun-ge'er peace and smooth fortune!"
The jade ruyi was brought forward for display, and as it passed before Shen Qingyin, she gave it a quick glance.
That single glance told her it was warm and smooth in texture, with an even, pure color—a genuinely rare and fine piece.
Her father-in-law Pei Duan, as Family Head, also held office at court as Minister of Justice of the third rank, commanding four bureaus and burdened with official duties. No doubt this jade ruyi must have been prepared by her mother-in-law, Liang Wanyou.
Her mother-in-law was quite thoughtful.
Shen Qingyin sat composedly, watching with an indifferent expression as the jade ruyi was carried to the next person.
Today neither her father-in-law nor her mother-in-law had attended. If the gift from her mother-in-law was so generous, then Pei Yu's—
"The Eldest Young Master Pei has personally forged a pair of pure-gold longevity locks, presented to Jun-ge'er, the legitimate grandson of the second branch, wishing Jun-ge'er health, safety, and freedom from harm year after year!"
The master of ceremonies announced in a tone full of respect, his voice ringing out.
The moment the words fell, the entire hall fell instantly silent.
A servant promptly brought forward the gilded longevity locks, exquisitely patterned and finely polished—anyone could see the immense care that had gone into them.
The Eldest Young Master Pei handled a myriad of affairs daily. For the birthdays of ordinary junior clansmen, at most he would instruct his servants to prepare a lavish gift. When had he ever personally forged a longevity lock for someone?
Not to mention that he had lately been busy in Jiangnan investigating the "Skin-Painting Soul-Claiming" case—yet he had still found time to do something so heartfelt. Truly…
The guests all drew sharp breaths, their eyes full of amazement.
The Pei family was wealthy beyond measure, possessing every rare treasure imaginable—how could they possibly lack a longevity lock?
With this gesture, Pei Yu had plainly put his affection and cherishing of Jun-ge'er on open display.
As everyone marveled at Pei Yu's thoughtfulness, they couldn't help whispering among themselves, their eyes furtively stealing glances at Shen Qingyin, seated quietly in the corner.
"If you ask me, this isn't Young Master Pei doting on Jun-ge'er at all—it's plainly that seeing the second branch get a son first while he himself married a hen that lays no eggs, he's burning with envy deep down…"
The murmured whispers drifted softly to Shen Qingyin's ears.
"…Tsk tsk, Shen Qingyin's belly really is a disappointment. She went to such lengths to marry into the Pei family, to marry Young Master Pei, and in a whole three years she's only produced one Tang-jie'er…"
"And look at the two daughters-in-law of the second branch—Madam Wei and Madam Zhang. Not even a year after marrying into the Pei family, they each bore a little young master in succession, carrying on the Pei family line. What an honor."
"Exactly so! Compare the two and the difference is obvious. Blessings gained through scheming—some people probably don't have the life to enjoy them, oh my~"
For a married woman, bearing children was her greatest source of standing. If she could not produce a son, then no matter how beautiful her face or how virtuous her character, she would always fall short.
Their disdainful gazes fell upon Shen Qingyin, laced with even a hint of pity.
Shen Qingyin's fingertips lightly traced the rim of her cup as she took in all the gossip and stares, yet she merely lowered her eyes and said nothing.
Zhuling stood nearby. Though she had endured a great deal alongside her mistress over these three years, on such a grand occasion as today, to see her mistress, the eldest daughter-in-law of the household, subjected to such scrutiny stirred a sour ache of grievance in her heart. Yet given the setting, she could not lash out, and could only press her lips tightly together.
Nanny Qing also frowned slightly, but could only sigh inwardly, hoping the banquet would end soon so her mistress would not have to endure any more of this idle spite.
Once the master of ceremonies had finished announcing the gifts, the banquet officially began.
Exquisite dishes were served one after another, and before long the table was laden with delicacies from mountain and sea, their rich aromas whetting the appetite.
The ladies at the neighboring tables chatted and laughed in twos and threes, occasionally rising to exchange courtesies, toasting and offering congratulations amid the lively warmth.
Only Shen Qingyin's table, occupied by a few unacquainted ladies scattered here and there, stood conspicuously cold and quiet.
Since no one approached her, she quietly picked up her bowl and chopsticks, doing her best to minimize her presence as she ate slowly, in small bites.
Just then, two official's wives at the next table leaned together and began chatting in lowered voices, their conversation drifting right into Shen Qingyin's ears.
One of the women said with a light laugh: "Such a grand banquet today—what a pity Young Master Pei isn't here. Back in the day, the eldest young master Pei was the toast of the capital. So many young ladies said that 'one glance at Young Master Pei could ruin a lifetime.' I truly would have liked to see that famous face for myself."
The other immediately chimed in: "Ha, so that's what you came to this banquet hoping for? What a shame, then."
"I heard from my husband that Minister Pei and Young Master Pei have been investigating a case in Jiangnan for many days, and they've finally made some headway. They're returning to the capital tonight—only they'll miss Jun-ge'er's first birthday feast. You won't get to see him. What a pity…"
"Oh, do go on teasing me!"
The two exchanged a few more words of banter before turning to other topics.
But these words made Shen Qingyin's heart tremble.
Pei Yu… he was returning to the capital tonight?
No wonder her father-in-law and mother-in-law had not come to Jun-ge'er's first birthday banquet today.
Yet Madam Wei had not sent anyone to inform her of Pei Yu's return, nor had the household stewards reported it.
She, Pei Yu's properly wedded wife, had learned of it only from the mouths of strangers—as if she were not even worthy of knowing her own husband's whereabouts and date of return.
A trace of melancholy flashed through Shen Qingyin's calm eyes. It was not that she missed Pei Yu so dearly—she was merely worried that someone might seize upon the occasion to stir up trouble.
The laughter and clamor around her continued, guests raising their cups in exchange. Shen Qingyin quickly suppressed the turmoil in her heart.
When the banquet was halfway through, she judged the timing appropriate—leaving now would not be considered rude—and rose with ease to take her leave of Madam Wei.
Madam Wei, busy trading pleasantries with the wife of the Vice Minister of Rites, did not even grant Shen Qingyin a proper look, merely nodding with her body turned sideways. Only upon receiving this acknowledgment did Shen Qingyin lead Zhuling and Nanny Qing slowly out of Bishan Courtyard.
By the time she returned to her own Yuebai Courtyard, the sky had darkened, and a hint of chill in the wind set the red lanterns beneath the corridor swaying gently.
Shen Qingyin, still thinking of Tang-jie'er, quickened her pace without realizing it, wanting only to return soon and see her daughter.
But the moment she stepped into Yuebai Courtyard, she saw from a distance Physician Chen hurrying out of Tang-jie'er's courtyard with his medicine box—
…Without her instruction, who would have called a physician for Tang-jie'er?
Shen Qingyin's heart sank sharply, a wave of unease climbing up her spine, her expression uncharacteristically shaken.
At this moment she could no longer be bothered to maintain the composure of a mistress of the house. Lifting her skirts with one hand, she ran toward her daughter's room.
Seeing this, Zhuling and Nanny Qing immediately ran after her, their hearts in their throats.
By the time Shen Qingyin burst into the room, Physician Chen had already left.
She whipped her head around—Tang-jie'er lay quietly asleep on the bed, her little face flushed bright red, her brows tightly furrowed, her breathing rapid.
Her legs nearly gave out as she threw herself to the bedside, seizing her daughter's small hand, then pressing her palm to Tang-jie'er's forehead. The scorching heat made Shen Qingyin shudder.
She whirled around to look at the wet nurse, whose face had gone pale, her voice laced with barely contained urgency.
"What happened? What's wrong with Tang-jie'er?"
Startled by Shen Qingyin's gaze, the wet nurse panicked. In three years of caring for Tang-jie'er, the madam she knew had always been the calmest of women—she had never seen her so fierce.
Clutching her sleeve corner instinctively, the wet nurse stammered, "R-returning to Madam, Tang-jie'er had finished painting a kite and insisted on going out to fly it, so I carried her to the courtyard."
"Who could have known—the moment I got the kite up in the air, in the time it took to turn my head, Tang-jie'er she—she accidentally fell into the lotus pond…"
"I fished her out in a hurry and changed her into dry clothes. Perhaps she caught a chill, for before long Tang-jie'er said her head hurt, and then she came down with a fever."
"Physician Chen came to see her just now. He said Tang-jie'er only caught a chill from falling into the water, wrote out a prescription, and had his assistant fetch the medicine. He said she'd be fine once she took it…"
Fine once she took the medicine?
Following the wet nurse's gaze, Shen Qingyin looked toward the table, where several packets of medicine were neatly stacked. She picked one up and opened it—a single glance was enough for her heart to sink.
—Inside were nothing but ordinary tonics like ginseng and astragalus. Not a single ingredient for treating a chill.
Forcibly suppressing the anger in her heart, Shen Qingyin raised her eyes to the wet nurse, her voice turning colder. "When you came to serve in Yuebai Courtyard, didn't I tell you that whenever Tang-jie'er felt the slightest discomfort, Physician Li was to be called? Why, then, did I just now see Physician Chen?"
She had not only instructed the wet nurse—she had repeated the order to every servant in Yuebai Courtyard.
Physician Chen's medical skills were mediocre and he was a slippery character. No matter who fell ill, he would only prescribe safe, foolproof tonics, never medicine suited to the actual illness.
Take the prescription he had just written for Tang-jie'er—taking it would not only fail to cure her, it would delay the child's recovery.
Cowed by her questioning, the wet nurse lowered her head, her voice growing more timid. "Madam, today is young master Jun-ge'er's first birthday feast. Madam Wei summoned all the other physicians in the household to attend, and Physician Chen was the only one left at the medical hall. I… I truly had no choice but to call him."
Shen Qingyin fell silent at these words.
True—she should have realized.
With the feast in Bishan Courtyard being held on such a grand scale today, Madam Wei, who always cared so much about appearances, would naturally have summoned all the household's good doctors over there to lend the occasion face. Who would spare a thought for her Yuebai Courtyard?
"Madam, Madam Wei has gone too far this time. Shall I go report this to the Old Madam?!" Zhuling clenched her fists.
"There's no need." Shen Qingyin stopped her maid.
Reporting it… what good would reporting it do?
Even her husband, Tang-jie'er's own father Pei Yu—
Even he had openly sided with the second branch. Could she really hope that her mother-in-law would stand up for her Tang-jie'er?