CHAPTER 23: CHAPTER 23: VIGILANCE

Tong Xiyang furrowed his brows, recalling what the concubine said last night: "She has just been well-behaved these past two years, currying favor with Lady everywhere to gain some benefits. To thoroughly eliminate her is easy, just hit her weak point, and she’ll never rise again!"

As the thought crossed his mind, the group had already passed through the bamboo grove and arrived at the Zhiqu Courtyard.

The banquet was set up in the Zhiqu Courtyard, with intricately carved round tables, orderly placed with dozens of dishes, a mix of meat and vegetables, hot and cold, even the colors were eye-catching.

It was meticulously planned, Tong Xiyan marveled inwardly, even Nanny Duan, who had been involved, couldn’t help but glance at Xiqiu. She had seen the menu and sensed nothing different, but only now did she realize, the reds, greens, whites, and yellows blossomed together, set against the ivory-white jade screens, the crisp sound of the distant bamboo groves swaying—just looking at it was a delight to the eyes, filling the heart with comfort.

Ordinary dishes arranged in such a spectacle, even the Imperial Palace would be no more than this!

Tong Xiyu was full of surprise, blinking at Xiqiu: "How did you think of all this?" With a tone full of admiration: "Sixth Sister, teach me!"

Xiqiu glanced at Nanny Qian standing to the side and teased Tong Xiyu with a smile: "How could I have such skills? The menu was drawn up by Nanny Qian. If you have any ideas..." She deliberately lowered her voice, yet everyone could hear: "You must find the right person."

Her words made everyone laugh, and the focus of attention quickly shifted to Nanny Qian.

Nanny Qian was full of astonishment. When drawing up the menu, it openly seemed like her doing, but in reality, it was all Sixth Miss’s suggestions that finalized things. Even if not, there were changes in materials; she hadn’t noticed at the time, only now upon reflection did she understand.

Sixth Miss’s mind is truly ingenious, and very clever!

She was a long-time member of the household, and with a turn of thought, she understood Xiqiu’s intentions. It was Lady’s assignment; Sixth Miss wanted the task done beautifully to impress Lady, but couldn’t outshine the legitimate daughter today, thus the consideration to raise her up.

She also understood, among so many maids and old women, choosing her was Sixth Miss giving her face and lifting her up; how could she be ungrateful!

Nanny Qian smiled and bowed slightly: "This is the master lifting me up, I dare not truly take such credit." She effectively acknowledged it.

Xiqiu nodded quietly.

"But a servant, where do so many words come from!" Tong Xiyang eyed Nanny Qian, then sneered: "This is not a flower garden, don’t make it so vulgar."

Nanny Qian’s face suddenly turned unsightly.

Xiqiu smiled carelessly, not bothered, but Nanny Duan was filled with silent anger. Third Miss was too indiscreet, not giving Sixth Miss face was clearly slapping Fourth Miss’s face.

She looked at Xiqiu again; she used to think Fourth Miss being close to her lowered her status, but now she realized she had wrongly blamed Sixth Miss.

"The dishes on this table are truly delightful!" Suddenly, there was a male voice from the courtyard entrance. Everyone looked and saw Xu Tianqing smiling as he walked in side by side with Tong Shen Zhi.

Behind them were Tong Minzhi and Third Young Master of the second house, Tong Quanzi.

The group greeted each other according to seniority.

"Remove the screen!" Third Young Master Tong Quanzi, looking at the two tables separated by the screen, was very displeased: "We’re all siblings, no need to be so distant."

Everyone looked at Tong Shen Zhi, the eldest, who frowned but finally nodded: "Very well!"

Tong Quanzi happily directed the maids and old women to remove the screen and tables.

Once the tables were joined, there was no distinction of main seats. Tong Shen Zhi sat down first, then Tong Xiyan sat to his left, while Xu Tianqing to his right, followed by Third Young Master Tong Quanzi and then Tong Minzhi, with Xiqiu sitting across from Tong Xiyang, and to her left was Eighth Miss Tong Xiyu.

"The dishes are really beautiful!" The lively Tong Quanzi, as soon as he sat down, impatiently picked up chopsticks but was subdued by a faint look from Tong Shen Zhi. Reluctantly, he sat up straight, and not wanting to be outdone, the very rule-abiding Tong Shen Zhi stood up, with a stern face, took out a hardcover "Women’s Training" book, and pronounced each word clearly: "It is said that a woman without talent is virtuous, yet our Tong Family, known for its scholarly dignity, even daughters are educated. This is good, but as women, the home, parents, brothers, sisters-in-law, and husbands are the rules, not to be forgotten!"

His words brought the lively atmosphere to its lowest point.

Yet, he seemed unaware, speaking about women’s training, rattling off for half a cup of tea’s time, seeming intent on reciting the entire "Women’s Training."

Others were fine, but Tong Minzhi was restless, squirming on the bench, one moment touching the wine cup, the next craning his neck to look at the dishes on the table.

Tong Xiyan kept his head down the entire time, appearing attentive and listening.

With her being like this, Xiqiu naturally dared not speak, besides, everyone in the household knew Tong Shen Zhi’s character. If he spoke so much today, it was for his deep affection for this sister; otherwise, he could sit there a whole day without uttering a word.

Xu Tianqing maintained a smile, sipping tea, in an indigo gown, handsome and stand-out, making Tong Xiyang blush a little more with every sneaky glance!

The lengthy lecture continued...

Even the maids and old women couldn’t stand still, sneaking away under the pretext of tasks.

The eight-year-old Tong Quanzi furrowed his eyebrows; he was the legitimate son of the second house and the only son, always favored, naturally lively, he frowned deeply and tapped the table with frustration: "Brother, you surely aren’t going to recite the entire ’Women’s Training’, are you? By the time you finish, the sun will have set!"

Xiqiu raised an eyebrow, unable to resist the curiosity to see Tong Shen Zhi’s reaction.

Unexpectedly, when interrupted, he wasn’t embarrassed but rather graciously said: "Very well, eating also requires attention to time, so the rest of the Fourth Sister can look into herself!"

With that, he sat down neatly, completely ignoring the varied expressions of astonishment around him.

Everyone presented their gifts, waiting for the eldest young master to finally start using chopsticks, then elegantly began their meal.

"Fourth Sister!" Tong Minzhi, the youngest, raised his small, chubby hand holding a wine cup: "Wishing Fourth Sister happiness and health, may joy fill your life!"

"Thank you, Seventh Brother!" Tong Xiyan smiled, taking a slight sip.

Once the lead was taken, the rest were no longer restrained. Except for Tong Shen Zhi, everyone toasted each other enthusiastically, and the atmosphere finally warmed up.

Tong Xiyang also stood, holding her wine cup, her cheeks slightly flushed: "Cousin!" her voice melodious like a clear oriole, her gaze, due to the wine, seductive and direct: "Cousin’s literary talent is brilliant, you will surely excel in the exams and achieve great success. I wish you a bright future and smooth sailing first."

Xu Tianqing also held his wine cup, his gaze briefly swept over Xiqiu who was talking with Eighth Miss, seemingly unaware, relieved he took a sip: "Thank you!" Then turned, only to be pulled by Tong Quanzi to drink together.