CHAPTER 1254: CHAPTER 1253: WHEN A PIE FALLS FROM THE SKY, IT’S EITHER POISONED OR HAUNTED

Song Chongqi was even more preoccupied; though as the eldest daughter, she was supposed to lead in entertaining guests today, her mind was elsewhere. Instead, her sisters, Song Chongjuan and Song Chongxiu, worked together harmoniously, successfully attending to everyone, showing no signs of impropriety.

On such occasions in the past, it was always Song Chongqi who drew the most attention. Song Chongjuan and Song Chongxiu consistently remained low-key, and most guests who came were friends with Song Chongqi, maintaining only a polite relationship with her sisters.

However, many of the young ladies who previously thought the second and third daughters of the Duke Weiguo Residence were timid and reticent saw today that they actually carried themselves with grace and poise.

This spurred an interest in making acquaintances, and after some conversation, they found the second and third daughters of the Duke Weiguo Residence to be easier to get along with.

Those with quick minds, thinking of the current situation of Duke Weiguo, grasped part of the matter and observed something different in Song Chongqi’s expression.

The more straightforward ones directly asked the sisters why they always followed behind Song Chongqi in the past, questioning why, despite coming from the same family background, they allowed themselves to be overshadowed.

The sisters, being clear-headed, simply replied that they had been young and naive, but with the teachings of their stepmother and elder sister-in-law, they had learned some hospitality skills.

Some young ladies, initially interested in Wang Yongzhu, inferred from this conversation a certain distance between the sisters and the Wife of the Heir-Apparent.

This led to inquiries about Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang’s backgrounds.

Song Chongjuan and her sister naturally spoke highly of Wang Yongzhu, their elder sister-in-law, occasionally revealing insights into her conduct, drawing many young ladies around to listen.

Only the Ruan Family Young Lady and Song Chongqi sat aside, feeling increasingly isolated.

Fortunately, the banquet commenced shortly after. With the warm weather, Lady Gao had set up tables in the largest pavilion in the rear garden.

Guests found their respective seats, and with Lady Gao’s instructions, Wang Yongzhu happily relaxed, sitting with Lady of the Gu Family and Old Granny Zhang.

Lady of the Gu Family, puzzled, seized the opportunity to inquire a bit.

Wang Yongzhu did not conceal, explaining her decision to decline the steward’s offer.

Lady of the Gu Family was initially surprised. Although it was customary for a mother-in-law to gradually relinquish control upon having a daughter-in-law, for someone like Duke Weiguo, Song Hong, to act this way was uncommon.

Such arrangements typically occurred only if the mistress of the house committed a serious error; ordinarily, it wasn’t managed this way!

Otherwise, even blood-related mother-in-law and daughter-in-law might harbor grievances, let alone those not originally family?

Furrowing her brows, she exclaimed, "It’s wise to refuse! Running the affairs of the Duke’s Mansion isn’t easy! When your stepmother married in, she was rightly the rightful Wife of the Heir-Apparent, but what of it? The past Old Duchess was adept and shrewd, preserving the Song Family by marrying Lady Gao under the influence of County Monarch Rongyi. Yet, even after Lady Gao entered the Song Family, she took years to even get a handle on the management rights."

"She followed the Old Duchess constantly, supposedly learning from her, but everyone knew she was only a runner. Who among the old stewards of the residence was willing to heed her? Later on, somehow, the Old Duchess decided to retire, relinquishing control, otherwise, do you think your proper stepmother could have managed the household?"

"Even then, those years were hard for Lady Gao. She faced difficulties from various quarters, narrowly avoiding blunders multiple times. Fortunately, she was determined and resilient, holding it all together. Over these years, she’s firmly grasped control over the inner court. Heaven knows how many of her spies or people are in the mansion."

"If you take it up without knowing the ins and outs, you might find yourself troubled in the future!"

Lady of the Gu Family smiled, patting Wang Yongzhu’s hand, "Our Yongzhu is wise, knowing that when fortune appears suddenly, it likely harbors ill or deception! Don’t be lured by superficial benefits. The inner workings of the back residence are intricate, and without a sharp mind, one can be easily deceived!"

"Growing up in the countryside with your mother, you lack exposure to such intricacies. Your aunt will teach you gradually to prevent future pitfalls!"

Wang Yongzhu nodded, embracing the Lady of the Gu Family warmly, "I’ll listen to Aunt in everything!"

The Lady of the Gu Family appreciated Wang Yongzhu’s open nature, enjoying a sweet moment with her, before adding a few more words of caution: "Unclear of Duke Weiguo’s intentions, perhaps he doesn’t understand such complexities, or does he have hidden motives. Regardless, for now, don’t meddle with the management rights!"

"Lady Gao was initially an intolerant woman, and though her temper has mellowed due to illness and inability to bear children, be careful not to corner her. Her mother, County Monarch Rongyi, still holds some regard before the Empress Dowager. If truly aggravated, and her mother were to plead before the Empress Dowager, you might suffer blame and it will be hard to establish yourself in the Capital City again! Remember this!"

By the end, the Lady of the Gu Family’s tone was thoroughly serious.

Wang Yongzhu quickly nodded in agreement.

The Lady of the Gu Family recognized Wang Yongzhu’s intelligence and said no more, instead discussing the upcoming grand banquet at the Gu Family to acknowledge Old Granny Zhang.

She reminded Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin to arrive early on the day to assist with entertaining guests.

Understanding that the Lady of the Gu Family viewed her as family, worried about her lack of guidance and with little trust in Lady Gao, she intended to personally mentor Wang Yongzhu.

And so, Wang Yongzhu readily agreed to all her requests.

By the afternoon, as the feast concluded, Wang Yongzhu personally accompanied the Lady of the Gu Family and Old Granny Zhang to the door. Old Granny Zhang clutched her hand warmly, "Come visit your mother early; I’ve saved good things for you!"

Taking advantage of the moment when the Lady of the Gu Family boarded the carriage, she whispered to Wang Yongzhu, "Your grandmother has also prepared a dowry for you, which will all be yours!"

With that, she got in the carriage.

With a mixture of gratitude and reluctance, Wang Yongzhu watched until the Gu Family’s carriage was out of sight before returning to her courtyard.

Song Hong followed through and indeed hosted a grand banquet for three days: the first day for old family friends, the second for the clan, and the third for the household.

The mansion was lively for three full days.

Further, Song Hong had specially instructed for two small courtyards between the front and back courtyards, near his own, to be connected, renovated, and prepared as new residences for Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu.

Song Chongjin intended to decline, but Song Hong insisted that, as Duke Weiguo’s future heir, it wasn’t suitable for him to reside in a less prominent courtyard.

With all prime locations in the mansion occupied, relocating someone else wasn’t reasonable. Therefore, merging the two courtyards made them more than enough.

This significant gesture, of great regard and expense, stirred envy within the Duke Weiguo Residence, leaving many sleepless with jealousy, though restricted to mere observation.

Such matters didn’t concern Wang Yongzhu.

Just days after the Song Family’s banquet, the invitation from the Gu Family came. Two days later, a most auspicious date, they invited all to witness the formal acknowledgment at the Gu Family.

Early in the morning, Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu arrived first at the Gu Family.

Song Chongjin was immediately called away by Gu Changqing to assist with guest reception, while Wang Yongzhu entered the inner courtyard.

Old Lady Gu’s courtyard was already bustling with excitement.

The Lady of the Gu Family had specially invited someone said to be the most skilled dresser in the Capital City to do Old Granny Zhang’s hair.

An array of maids and matrons surrounded them, the room packed with all sorts of clothing and jewelry.

Old Granny Zhang sat at the dressing table, feeling utterly uncomfortable.

The maidservants and granny busily selected clothes and jewelry for her, determined to reflect the status of an authentic eldest daughter of the Gu Family.

Early in the morning, Old Granny Zhang’s hair had been wet down with a comb soaked in floral water by the invited dresser, who skillfully styled it into a fashionable bun popular among the Capital City women.

Her scalp was tightly drawn, not a hair out of place, with several golden hairpins decorated with gemstones thrust in, and a Phoenix Hairpin at the center, its beak dangling a large, round pearl tassel, sparkling with each movement and dazzling the eyes.

Seeing Wang Yongzhu arrive, Old Granny Zhang, as if receiving amnesty, quickly said, "Yongzhu can help me with the clothes; all of you may leave now!"

The maidservants and others exchanged glances before hastily bowing out.

As soon as the room was left to mother and daughter, Old Granny Zhang relaxed completely, sighing, "Ah, Heaven help me! This dressing up is more exhausting than working the fields! Sitting all morning, even your mother’s bottom is sore! And that dresser they invited! Her hands are stronger than mine; this wasn’t hair-styling—it was yanking weeds! My scalp still throbs from it!"

"Such a toll! Quick, give your mother a shoulder massage; this old body is about to fall apart from their fussing—"