Xiang Fu was filled with guests at this moment.
Su Shi sat in the main seat in the rear hall, looking out at over a dozen wives of other officials who were all gazing at her with envy.
For a moment, her vanity was greatly satisfied.
The slightly plump woman sitting to her right flattered, “It’s all because Madam Xiang is blessed, able to raise Eldest Miss Xiang to be so obedient, and Second Miss Xiang is such an outstanding person. All the blessings truly gather in your Xiang family.”
The tall, slender woman next to the plump woman chimed in, “Exactly. I heard the Regent Prince holds Eldest Miss Xiang in high regard. I wonder if when Eldest Miss Xiang returns to the bride’s parental home later, Madam could put in a good word for us before the Regent Prince in your capacity as mother-in-law?”
Su Shi smiled gracefully, a glint of shrewdness flashing in her eyes, and spoke with feigned difficulty, “These are matters between men. As a woman, how could I interfere…”
The tall, slender woman immediately stepped forward, discreetly slipping a jade bracelet of translucent clarity and vibrant green hue into Su Shi’s hand under cover of her embroidered handkerchief, whispering, “If Madam is willing to help, everything can be arranged.”
Su Shi smoothly slipped the bracelet onto her wrist and pulled down her sleeve as if nothing had happened.
Her smile toward the tall, slender woman grew more sincere. “What are you saying, Madam Liang? It’s merely a matter of speaking up, nothing too difficult.”
The tall, slender woman beamed with joy, repeatedly saying “Of course, of course” before returning to her seat.
The plump woman watched her with a hidden curl of her lip, then turned to Su Shi with a sincere smile. “Madam Xiang, I’ve come today hoping you could help with a matter as well.”
Noticing the plump woman made no offering, Su Shi lightly coughed, took a sip of tea, and said leisurely, “So it seems you all accepted the invitation today not for the Returning to the bride’s parental home banquet, but to climb the high branch that is the Regent Prince.”
The officials’ wives, their intentions exposed, blushed slightly.
“Actually, there’s no need for any of you to worry,” Su Shi pretended to comfort them. “Since you’re all here, you’ll surely get to see my daughter Zhile. She is deeply favored by the Regent Prince, and he grants her every wish.”
Seeing the delighted expressions on the women’s faces, Su Shi continued slowly, “However, while you can see my daughter, whether she agrees to your requests is another matter…”
Hearing this, those who hadn’t privately sent gifts understood perfectly.
Most of the women immediately instructed their maids to return home and fetch generous gifts from their storerooms.
A small minority clung to hope, waiting to see how Su Shi would act.
Su Shi was aware of that minority but paid them no mind.
They were merely the wives of minor officials—what trouble could they cause? They’d regret it later.
She had to admit, she absolutely loved this feeling of being able to speak freely and having everyone respond to her call.
Anyway, that fool Xiang Zhile is so obedient. Later, with a few words and some feigned tears, that idiot would surely be moved to tears, eager to present all her treasures.
If anyone was to be cheated, it would be the Regent Prince. It would be even better if he were ruined—then her daughter Ge’er could marry Qing Wang and stand above all but one.
Thinking this, she couldn’t suppress the smug smile curling at her lips.
While the women in the back hall were drinking tea and chatting about daily matters, a pretty-looking maid returned to Su Shi’s side and whispered, “Madam, we still haven’t seen the Eldest Young Miss.”
One of the women who had sent maids back to prepare generous gifts tentatively remarked, “For such an honorable occasion as the Wangfei’s Returning to the bride’s parental home, wouldn’t it be improper for you, Madam, not to personally greet her at the entrance?”
Several other women who had similarly instructed their maids to prepare gifts chimed in, “Indeed, even if it weren’t a marriage into the royal household, when an ordinary daughter returns home, parents and brothers should wait outside the gate to show respect for their daughter. For you, Madam, to act this way…”
Su Shi gave a light cough, and the matron standing behind her spoke up with a smile.
“Ladies, you may not be aware, but our Eldest Young Miss has always held Madam in the highest esteem and couldn’t bear to see her endure the slightest fatigue. Not waiting outside the gate was specifically instructed by the Eldest Young Miss before her marriage. Moreover, knowing Madam’s hospitable nature, on this day of Returning to the bride’s parental home, she will personally cook for the guests to express gratitude for everyone honoring Xiang Fu with their presence.”
As soon as these words fell, Su Shi once again received the wave of envious glances she had hoped for.
The female relatives who had sent maids back to prepare gifts sighed in admiration at her skill in raising such a daughter.
Among the small group who had initially only intended to watch the spectacle, several found their resolve wavering.