Under Qi Zhenzhen's deliberate management, the atmosphere was very harmonious until the banquet began.
"I truly admire you," Yan Qi whispered. "With so many people, my head was buzzing. You could still chat and laugh with them. If it were genuine friendship, dealing with them would be fine, but they clearly all had their own agendas."
"It's true they had agendas, but I have no prior grievances with them, nor can I guarantee we won't interact in the future. So, if this makes you happy and me happy, isn't that perfect?" Qi Zhenzhen smiled. "Look, Ru Yi and Qing Rou are doing even better than me."
"Don't be modest. Qing Rou and I have met most of them before and spoken with them. Most of these people are new to you today," Li Ru Yi said. "So, in terms of social skills, you're more talented than us."
"Alright, alright, stop being humble. Except for Yan Qi and me, you are all doing very well," Rui Ning interrupted their mutual praise.
Qi Zhenzhen, Li Ru Yi, and Xu Qing Rou exchanged smiles. "Okay, we won't say anymore."
With Rui Wangfei presiding over the banquet, the ladies were all in a harmonious mood, and no incidents occurred.
Lin Fangruo watched Qi Zhenzhen sitting and chatting happily with Rui Ning and the others. She, however, could only serve Qin Tingxue, and her heart grew increasingly unbalanced. They were both daughters-in-law, so why could Qi Zhenzhen chat and laugh with her friends, while she could only mingle with a group of older women? She was clearly young and should belong to that group.
"If I may say, the State Duke's wife present today is truly blessed. Both her sons are young and promising, and her daughters-in-law are also one in a million," a long-faced lady said with a smile. Her high cheekbones and thin lips gave her a sharp appearance, even when smiling.
Qin Tingxue smiled. "My sons are indeed young and promising, and my daughters-in-law are also one in a million."
There was no hint of modesty.
Furthermore, those who knew the internal affairs of the State Duke's mansion would understand that Qin Tingxue was acknowledging Gu Sinian and Qi Zhenzhen as her son and daughter-in-law.
However, judging solely by her words, no fault could be found.
Yet, Lin Fangruo still felt embarrassed.
She had always known Qin Tingxue's attitude.
Therefore, she blamed Madam Lu, who had initiated the conversation. Couldn't she have just sat, eaten, and chatted with her acquaintances? Why did she have to chime in? As a result, not only was she rebuffed, but she also implicated Lin Fangruo.
"Before I was married, I heard my mother say that Madam Lu was most exemplary in raising her daughters. How is it that I don't see your daughter here today?" Lin Fangruo forced a faint smile and spoke unhurriedly.
Although she hadn't been present during Madam Lu Xiangxiang's earlier incident, it didn't prevent her from knowing the details.
"Xiangxiang is feeling unwell," Madam Lu forced out awkwardly.
"Madam Lu is truly carefree. Your daughter is feeling unwell, yet you are still here chatting and laughing," Lin Fangruo's words were quite impolite.
"You..."
Lin Fangruo took a step back, standing quietly behind Qin Tingxue, as if she hadn't been the one speaking.
"Madam Lu, do you have anything else to say?" Qin Tingxue asked calmly.
What else could she say? Did she want to be even more embarrassed? These mother and daughter-in-law spoke, each more cutting than the last. One was suppressed by a concubine, while the legitimate daughter married a son born of a concubine and was still smug. When her Xiangxiang found a good match, she would surely reclaim the humiliation she suffered today.
Setting aside these minor incidents that barely caused a ripple, the lotus appreciation banquet was, overall, quite successful.
Rui Wangfei breathed a sigh of relief. When hosting such banquets, the greatest fear was that something improper would occur. Fortunately, no major issues arose this time.
"I'll send you invitations another day, and we can gather again. There were too many people today, and we couldn't talk properly," Rui Ning said hastily to Qi Zhenzhen and the others as she helped Rui Wangfei see off the guests.