Chapter 121: With Deep Meaning
This banquet was held because, when Wen Mingqian was ill some time ago, these families had all sent people to visit.
Now that she had recovered, it was only natural to express her gratitude.
Consequently, everyone began discussing Gong Changan’s incident, expressing how frightened they were.
“Nowadays, every family keeps their children close and doesn’t let them out easily,” Madam Feng said. “It’s not just about anything else; a false alarm alone is enough to be terrifying.”
“Who can disagree! These scoundrels truly have the audacity,” everyone chimed in. “For money, they disregard heaven’s will and the law.”
“Fortunately, there was no real harm, but it did cause everyone to worry,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile. “I’ve invited everyone here today so we can all have some fun and help dispel any bad luck.”
“There’s no bad luck to speak of. Changan is clearly a fortunate child. As the saying goes, ‘a young phoenix’s cry is clearer than an old phoenix’s,’ his future is boundless,” the Marchioness Changrong stated. “However, gathering together for some merriment is indeed a joyous occasion, and none of us would refuse.”
“Besides this reason, there is another matter,” Wen Mingqian paused and said. “Changan’s safe return this time is largely thanks to the Second Miss Cui. I wish to publicly express my sincere gratitude to her.”
Apart from Wu Shi, few people knew about this matter. Wen Mingqian briefly explained it and then asked Gong Changan to come forward and thank Cui Baozhu.
Upon hearing this, everyone praised Cui Baozhu profusely.
Although they knew she had intentionally embarrassed Wen Mingqian in public before, it paled in comparison to her assistance now.
Cui Baozhu blushed and said, “I merely offered a small bit of help; I don’t deserve such praise.”
“How can that be considered a small favor? Second Miss Cui is kind-hearted and righteous; you are truly too modest,” Wen Mingqian said, giving Sang Er a meaningful glance.
Sang Er then carried a box and walked up to Cui Baozhu.
“This is a small token of my appreciation. Please, accept it,” Wen Mingqian said. “Don’t think it’s too little.”
Sang Er opened the box, revealing a gold bracelet inlaid with pearls, both exquisite and valuable.
Cui Baozhu quickly stood up to decline, “This won’t do. This gift is too precious, and besides, Madam has already sent many thank-you gifts to my home through the butler.”
“It was already quite discourteous of me not to have visited in person to express my thanks,” Wen Mingqian said. “This bracelet is not worth much; please don’t refuse it, Miss.”
“Indeed, Second Miss Cui, you truly went through hardship. I have a pair of earrings here, I’ll give them to you as well,” Old Madam Gong said with a smile, having a young maid bring them over. Everyone saw they were pure gold inlaid with pearls, indicating the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had planned this together.
“I must also say, Second Miss Cui is naturally excellent, and this is also due to Madam Cui’s proper upbringing,” Wen Mingqian’s reason for giving Cui Baozhu a gift in public was because she guessed that the items Zhang Ma sent that day would likely not reach Cui Baozhu, and would instead be taken by her stepmother.
However, the jewelry given publicly today was different; everyone had seen it. If it were later seen on her stepmother or younger sister, it would naturally invite ridicule.
Yet, she still praised Leng Shi in public, intending to save face for her and prevent her from making things difficult for Cui Baozhu in private.
Old Madam Gong greatly approved of Wen Mingqian’s actions. Although the clues provided by Cui Baozhu did not directly lead to Gong Changan’s rescue, she had indeed helped.
Their Gong Family valued reputation the most. It is said that a drop of kindness should be repaid with a gushing spring. Acting in this manner would also let outsiders know that their Gong Family was a grateful household.
Leng Shi was adept at saying the right things, smiling as she replied, “Second Madam, you flatter me. However, my daughter is indeed filial. I tell everyone that although she is not my biological child, she is better than one. Whenever I have a headache or feel unwell, she attends to me without rest, better than a biological child.”
Her words carried a hidden intention: to praise Cui Baozhu’s filial piety to outsiders. Filial and obedient, she naturally would not defy her parents’ orders.
Although the set of jewelry gifted by Wen Mingqian and Old Madam Gong might not end up in her hands, as long as Cui Baozhu herself was tightly controlled by her, that was enough.
However, Cui Baozhu felt undeserving of this, and increasingly felt that her previous harmful intentions were truly wrong.
But since the Gong family had spoken so highly, if she refused to accept it now, it would seem ungrateful. Therefore, she said shyly and with a sense of guilt, “In that case, thank you, Old Madam and Second Madam.”
At that moment, dishes were being served. Liu Cuiyi was seated next to Wen Mingqian. As each dish was brought out, she couldn’t help but frown.
Dishes that she usually found delicious now made her feel nauseous just by smelling them.
She had tried her best to endure it, but when the last dish, fish soup, was placed before her, she couldn’t help but let out a dry heave.
“Sister, what’s wrong?” Wen Mingqian asked quickly.
Liu Cuiyi covered her mouth, embarrassed, and said, “I’ve been so impolite.”
“Are you feeling unwell somewhere?” Wen Mingqian asked again.
“No, I don’t know why I suddenly feel this way,” Liu Cuiyi said, puzzled.
Madam Fang, the First Madam of the Changrong Marquis Mansion, who was nearby, looked and smiled, “Could it be that Grand Madam Zhou isn’t ill, but rather pregnant?”
Upon her saying this, everyone suddenly realized, “That’s right! We should ask a doctor to examine her later.”
Liu Cuiyi couldn’t help but blush, but deep down, she also thought it was possible.
Her period was a few days late, and she had indeed been intimate with her husband last month.
Her husband, Zhou Jing San, was a complete playboy. Previously, he was either frequenting brothels or fooling around with his concubines at home.
He had always disregarded Liu Cuiyi, finding her dull and gaunt, lacking charm.
However, since Wen Mingqian’s return, she had helped her improve her skin, arranged medicinal cuisine for her, and even helped her find a way to delegate the butler’s duties.
Liu Cuiyi had fewer worries, stopped taking those miscellaneous folk remedies, and with careful attention, her entire demeanor and well-being had undergone a great transformation.
Coupled with her deliberate avoidance of her husband, this further piqued Zhou Jing San’s interest.
He would pester Liu Cuiyi every few days. Although Liu Cuiyi resisted, he was, after all, her husband, and she couldn’t be too harsh.
Therefore, they still had to be intimate once every ten days to half a month.
Wen Mingqian, while ordering the fish soup to be removed, said, “If you are indeed pregnant, that would be wonderful. Be sure to ask a doctor to examine you later; don’t be careless.”
“Thank you for your concern, Sister. I will ask a doctor to examine me when I return and will definitely send someone to inform you, so you don’t have to worry,” Liu Cuiyi said softly.
Although she had both her maternal and paternal families, there weren’t many people who truly cared about her. Wen Mingqian, however, genuinely considered her well-being. Her current life, better than before, was all thanks to Wen Mingqian’s guidance and help.
She was genuinely grateful from the bottom of her heart.
Wen Mingqian gently squeezed her hand under the table, said no more, and then rose to greet the distinguished guests.
