Flowery Hair: A Maidservant

Chapter 79 Preparing for the Birthday Banquet

The second young lady's birthday is at the end of September, less than half a month away from the old lady's birthday. This time of year is always the liveliest time at the Tang family mansion. On the second young lady's birthday, Yongbaolou will specially create a set of exquisite and gorgeous headdresses to present, and Yongxiu Cloth Shop will also prepare three sets of ready-made clothes that have never been shown before. The ladies of Lin'an can even consider it an honor to receive an invitation from the Tang family mansion.

Following the old lady's words, the young lady flattered her, saying, "Cousin Wan's birthday always causes a sensation in Lin'an. So many noble ladies from various families eagerly await it."

The second aunt, unwilling to see her daughter acting so obsequiously in front of her family, spoke up for her, saying, "Hong'er's sisters-in-law also want to come and see the excitement. My sister-in-law instructed the general affairs office to send a few invitations to the Wang family as well."

The Wang family in Lin'an was an insignificant, humble household. This marriage was arranged by Song Xiucai himself. Song Hong's husband was a student who had passed the imperial examinations. Song Xiucai valued his scholarship, but he didn't know that although the Wang family was poor, their family situation was extremely complicated, with three unmarried sisters-in-law alone. Song Hong was repeating her mother's mistakes, and her life was not very happy.

Madam Yun looked at her mother-in-law. If she went against her aunt's wishes at this moment, the old lady would lose face. So she smiled and replied, "It's nothing. If Wen'er has any friends, bring them over to join in the fun."

Pei Wen is the daughter of the eldest aunt. The eldest aunt's son, born years ago, failed to make a name for himself, and both mother and daughter are timid and have always been invisible in the Pei family. They are even bullied by the concubines and mistresses. If it weren't for Tang Xian and the old lady frequently sending people to warn the eldest son-in-law, their situation would be even more difficult.

Pei Wen was both surprised and delighted upon hearing this. She quickly stood up to thank Madam Yun, and the eldest aunt also said gratefully, "My sister-in-law is always so considerate and thorough in her handling of matters."

Second Aunt turned her head away, unable to bear seeing her eldest sister's humble and obsequious manner, and said coldly, "This is all as it should be. Has eldest sister forgotten that if we hadn't looked after Xian'er in the capital, how would he have had the opportunity to build such a family business?"

Madam Yun didn't reply this time. The old lady's face darkened: "What nonsense are you spouting in front of the young ladies? Come with me, I have something to ask you."

With Suwen's help, the old lady got up and went to the Buddhist hall at the back. The second aunt's forehead was covered with fine beads of sweat. She hesitated and dared not go forward. It was Song Hong who pulled her up before she reluctantly followed Huaying.

Madam Yun was somewhat at a loss for words regarding her mother-in-law's upbringing. Before she married into the family from the capital, everyone said that the old lady was extremely shrewd and cautious, navigating the Marquis's mansion with ease despite being the daughter-in-law of a concubine's son. However, looking at how she raised her two daughters, one was raised to be meek and timid, while the other was arrogant, domineering, and foolishly oblivious to her own shortcomings, completely lacking in the ability to conceal her talents.

The old lady stormed off the table, clearly quite angry. Madam Yun had no choice but to talk to the eldest aunt. Meanwhile, Miss Song Hong, the cousin, chatted warmly with the second young lady, asking about trivial matters such as when she would visit Yongxiu Cloth Shop. The second young lady patiently responded.

"If Cousin Hong is lacking in clothes, the old lady sent Second Aunt a lot of good fabrics before the Double Ninth Festival. If you don't like any of them, would you like me to go to the fabric shop and pick out a couple for you myself?"

Song Hong felt embarrassed. It wasn't that she looked down on it; the few bolts of fabric she had gotten from her mother had just been divided up by her mother-in-law and several sisters-in-law as soon as she brought them home. Her husband was also oblivious to everything else. Today, she was just taking advantage of her cousin's thin skin and generous nature to try and get some more benefits.

The three young ladies, the fifth, third, and sixth, got together to discuss the birthday gift for the second young lady. The fourth young lady would also be released from confinement soon and would attend the birthday banquet. The third young lady would inevitably have to think of a gift for her younger sister as well.

At noon, everyone had lunch with the old lady, and then the ladies left the Tang residence, as did the young ladies.

Meng Shu and the others followed the Second Miss to Yun Gui Courtyard.

After sitting down, Madam Yun's first words were: "The Yunyi Courtyard is responsible for preparing Wan'er's birthday banquet this time. I will transfer the Fang family's servants over there for a few days so you can do whatever you want with them. What do you think?"

The second young lady hadn't expected such a huge trouble to fall from the sky, but she braced herself and said, "I'm willing to do my best to handle it."

Madam Yun was quite dissatisfied with this. The way to raise children is to combine leniency with strictness. Her daughter had grown up too thin over the years, having been raised in a sweet environment without experiencing any hardship.

"It's not about doing your best, it's about making sure you do it well."

You've accompanied me to many family dinners before; it's always just a matter of personnel scheduling and welcoming and seeing off guests.

All matters concerning the setup of tents, kitchen, tea and wine, tableware, and even oil, candles, incense, and other necessities, are handled by the maids and servants below. Those who are incompetent should be replaced as soon as possible. Remember, you are the master; simply issue orders, and your subordinates will carry them out.

Meng Shu felt a chill run down her spine. The madam was teaching her young lady how to truly manage a household, and also telling the maids that they needed to be capable to stay and serve the young lady.

Madam Yun paused for a moment before continuing, "I don't have much time to teach you. From now on, you will have to rely on yourself and the people you trust to walk this path step by step."

The second young lady blushed, but her fighting spirit was also ignited. "Thank you for your guidance, Mother. I will definitely be able to handle this matter well."

Madam Yun's expression softened slightly. Wei Mama personally led the Fang family to the main hall. Madam Yun quickly gave a few instructions and then let the second young lady lead the group away from Yun Gui Courtyard.

After everyone left, Wei Mama spoke with a look of relief to her mistress about Meng Shu's earlier suggestion, which made Madam Yun feel much more at ease.

"It's admirable that this little girl has such a delicate mind. She is devoted to her master, so our Tang family will certainly not mistreat her."

There was already some news about Zhou Bai, and the people outside were stepping up their efforts to investigate the area. They believed that definite news would come soon. Madam Yun thought to herself, and then suddenly remembered the matter of Aunt Lu.

"Meng Shu's suggestion must have come to mind because she thought of something. It was a lucky coincidence for Aunt Wen, but we still need to have Doctor Zhen and his apprentice find out what's going on as soon as possible."

Madam Wei nodded. She had been worried all along. If they didn't find out the truth in time, and Aunt Wen tried the same trick again, wouldn't the Madam and Miss be in danger?

Yunyi Academy.

As soon as the second young lady entered the embroidery building, she instructed Mengzhu to quickly tidy up a room and settle the family members in.

The oldest person in Yunyi Courtyard is Qin Mama, and she is actually quite unsure of herself about how to handle such a large banquet.

The head of the Fang family had watched the second young lady grow up since she was a child, and comforted her, saying, "Second young lady, although it is not easy to hold a qualified banquet, we can make overall plans in advance, check for omissions and make up for deficiencies in the middle, prepare how to deal with emergencies during the banquet, and reward or punish the servants according to their performance after the banquet."

What you need to do is prepare a guest list and focus on social interactions. This will allow us to adjust the itinerary according to each guest's preferences. As for venue regulations, we have established procedures to follow.

Fang Daren's words outlined the basic ideas for hosting a banquet. Meng Shu quickly pricked up her ears to listen carefully. As expected of Madam Yun's most capable steward, Fang Daren's few words were all to the point.