Bai Suihe enjoyed two peaceful days, while the main courtyard wasn't exactly silent, she managed to feign illness to muddle through it all.
Dong Mei and the others weren't idle either, they kept their ears to the ground regarding happenings in the mansion.
I heard yesterday An Tong attended the princess's flower appreciation banquet, dressed all in white, stealing the spotlight, but also attracting some gossip.
The word among the noble ladies is that An Tong dressed this way to stand out, ignoring taboos, while everyone else decked out in grand attire, she stood out in mourning colors.
When Bai Suihe heard this rumor, she almost burst out laughing; even as a time traveler, she knows that understated colors were not favored in ancient times, even considered unlucky.
However, it's said that a few vegetarian elderly ladies took a liking to her, which might work in her favor.
Bai Suihe didn't doubt this; An Tong's beauty is quite evident, otherwise, she wouldn't have earned the title of the most beautiful woman in the capital.
Moreover, she and her mother excel in managing their image, maintaining a good reputation outside, which Bai Suihe had heard of even before marrying into the mansion.
If it weren't for the subsequent events, she too would have thought of her as a pure and reserved noble lady.
"I've heard that several Princes attended this flower banquet; I wonder if our eldest lady would catch their eye." Dong Mei sighed, sharing a common curiosity.
"Who can say for sure? It's said this flower banquet was organized for them; if our eldest lady rises to glory, it might not be good for us." Chun Xiang looked at Bai Suihe with some concern.
With how difficult it already is for the miss in the mansion, if the main branch gains more favor, they might face more difficulties in the future.
"Don't worry, even if she catches an eye, it'll take time." Bai Suihe murmured, in novels the love between the main characters is tested by many hardships, built upon countless supporting roles, "Let's not worry about their affairs, have you heard any news from outside today?"
"Yes, Nanny Wu has started taking actions, and tomorrow our lady will come to the mansion, should we prepare?" Chun Xiang reminded her.
The day before, Mrs. Bai had already sent a visiting card, planning to come yesterday, but the young madam delayed her visit by two days on the grounds of house affairs.
They claimed affairs, but it was because her daughter was attending the flower banquet, which had nothing to do with their third branch.
"Tomorrow, arrive early at the front courtyard and instruct the kitchen to prepare more pastries." Bai Suihe, unsure of how to host, could only do this much initially.
"I recall Big Kitchen's Chef Huang makes a good variety of pastries; bring some reward silver over later and have more prepared, send some to each room." Bai Suihe knew the mansion's rules were strict, but if you want special treatment, you must make efforts.
Entertaining a relative in-law should have been the responsibility of the Gu Mansion, but according to Bai Suihe's memory, that seemed not to be the case.
The Xu Family received the highest reception when visiting the mansion. The main branch, being daughters of the Marquis's household, had no in-laws visiting them, leaving only her branch to be targeted.
Because of these reasons, Bai Suihe couldn't understand where Gu Mansion's good reputation comes from.
Dong Mei and Chun Xiang swiftly carried out her orders and were about to close the courtyard door when Nanny Zhou, unseen for days, appeared outside the courtyard.
She said Vice Minister Gu had returned, calling everyone from each courtyard to dinner.
Bai Suihe internally resisted, feeling that there is no such thing as a free meal.
With her belly protruding, she arrived at the main courtyard under the service of two maidservants. This time, it was easy, as a maid led her in without even a notification.
Upon entering, she noticed that everyone had already arrived except her.
"I greet father and mother; apologies for being late, and I ask for forgiveness," Bai Suihe, irrespective of fault, admitted first, hoping to prevent recrimination.
"Ms. Bai is here," Gu Baijiang examined his third daughter-in-law, their meetings had been scarce, and he hadn't expected her to have a protruding belly, as he glanced at his wife, he'd heard no mention of it before, "Being pregnant, you should sit."
"Thank you, father!" Bai Suihe greeted the first and second branches before smoothly finding her seat.
This was also her first time seeing the two young masters of the Gu Mansion.
First young master Gu Kaiping passed the imperial examinations as a scholar two years ago, and with Gu Baijiang's maneuvering, due to his lower ranks, he entered the Hanlin Academy as a scholar, promoted this year to a compilation officer, a seventh rank, responsible for compiling the national history.
In theory, the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War had some say in court, and Gu Kaiping, being the eldest son of the Assistant Minister, hadn't achieved anything substantial for two years, hinting at his mediocre aptitude.
Nonetheless, even so, he was the old madam's beloved, with the mansion favoring him in everything.
The second young master, Gu Kaichen, still learning, has yet to acquire a status beyond child student, remaining unremarkable in the mansion, but having married Xu Yulan, the second branch naturally received special care from the old madam.
Her yet-to-be-seen husband, Gu Kaiyuan, seemed the least valued in the mansion.
Rumored to be mischievous in his youth, having clashed with his schoolteacher, the old madam determined this child wasn't scholarly material, making him manage family affairs for several years now.
Also, for marrying a merchant's daughter like herself, his position became more marginal at home.
Yet, Gu Kaiyuan seems content with this, spending most of his time traveling outside, handling Gu Mansion's affairs.
"I've been away from the mansion for a while, and the Liu family did well, managing the household so neatly." Seeing everyone seated, except for the absent third son, Gu Baijiang paused and spoke, "Lately, there've been some disturbances in court; ensure everyone in each courtyard restrains themselves and minimizes outings.
Cancel any unnecessary banquets as well."
With these words, Gu Baijiang deliberately glanced at the eldest granddaughter, the implication unmistakable.
"How do national affairs relate to the womenfolk of our internal quarters?" The old madam seemed dismissive, "Moreover, you're the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War; even if there's unrest, who would dare to oppose our mansion?"
Her arrogant remarks were echoed only by Xu Yulan, while others kept their heads down, silent.
Only Gu Baijiang, casting a glance at this old wife, seemed disdainful; this Xu, indeed, grew increasingly shortsighted. If it weren't for having birthed three good sons, she wouldn't be allowed to remain the head mistress of the Xu Family.
This is why he's kept Xu Huizhen confined to the rear court over the years, continually used her poor health as an excuse to keep her from attending banquets.
With such a disposition, not only would she fail to aid Gu Mansion, but potentially bring disaster.
The good reputation he's fostered over the years mustn't collapse due to this foolish woman.
"You're unfamiliar with court matters, just stay safely within the mansion.
Discuss whatever issues arise with the three daughters-in-law, and if unsure, consult Kaiping."
Upon hearing his name, Gu Kaiping finally raised his head; he wouldn't comment on his mother's faults, and was quite helpless regarding her nature.