Chapter 578

Chapter 584: Soaring (Part 2)

"You've made your father proud!" The elder madam took Xu Siyu’s hands, examining him from head to toe, her joy shining all the way to her eyes.

Xu Siyu respectfully replied, "Yes," his own happiness evident.

Nearby, the fifth madam piped up to Eleven Miss, "We’ve got to throw a party for such good news!"

Eleven Miss smiled faintly, her gaze resting on Xu Siyu.

She had no objections, but Lord Xu had made it clear that passing the county exam was merely a small achievement—not like winning the top scholar title. Bragging would come off as immature and make people laugh at them.

She understood Lord Xu’s concerns.

Xu Siyu still had a long road ahead. A little celebration was fine, but overdoing it might turn against him. If he failed the provincial or metropolitan exams later, it might become a source of mockery.

Xu Siyu himself was clear-headed about his future. This was only the first step; the real challenges lay ahead. Life was always like this—only those who persevered to the end had the right to celebrate. He wasn’t at that point yet.

Noticing Eleven Miss’s gaze, he nodded slightly to her before smiling at the elder madam. "Grandmother, it’s still too early for such celebrations. Let’s hold off until I pass the palace exams and attend the Qionglin Banquet? Then we can celebrate properly!"

The second madam, seated beside the elder madam, nodded approvingly. Before the elder madam could respond, she said, "Staying steady through highs and lows—that is the mark of a true gentleman. Still, passing the county exam proves your years of effort weren’t in vain. We’re just thrilled for you as your elders. We’d feel remiss not marking the occasion." She then smiled at the elder madam. "How about we invite close relatives for a meal? That way, we can enjoy the occasion without going overboard."

The elder madam chuckled.

"You all decide," the old lady said, turning to the fifth madam. "After all, I feasted heartily at Shen Geer’s first birthday." Then she looked at Eleven Miss. "Now that Yuge has passed the exam, I won’t miss out on this either." Finally, she addressed the second madam. "At my age, being able to enjoy such moments is a blessing. I’ll just kick back and enjoy!" With that, she affectionately patted Jin Geer, who was playing happily with Shen Geer, and asked, "Jin Geer, don’t you think Grandmother is right?"

Jin Geer hadn’t been listening at all. He looked up at the elder madam in confusion.

The elder madam laughed even more heartily.

She scooped Jin Geer into her arms and planted a big kiss on his cheek.

Seeing this, Shen Geer waddled over and latched onto the elder madam, refusing to let go.

"Oh my!" the elder madam faux-scolded. "Grandmother is too old for such rough treatment!"

The fifth madam quickly stepped forward to take Shen Geer, but the little one sulked. The elder madam then coaxed him with sweets, filling the room with lively chatter and laughter.

Eleven Miss said, "In that case, let’s have Mother pick an auspicious date. We’ll have the family and friends over for a feast." Noticing that the second madam had earlier dismissed the fifth madam’s suggestion, she tactfully added, "Fifth Sister-in-law, how about adding an opera to the festivities?"

The fifth madam glanced at the elder madam.

"Excellent!" the elder madam said cheerfully. "Let’s invite Zhou Huide from the Deyin Troupe to perform *The Golden Summons*."

Everyone cheered in agreement. Madam Du brought out the almanac to choose a date while Eleven Miss and the fifth madam discussed the guest list, banquet menu, and performance arrangements. The second madam inquired about Xu Siyu’s recent visits to the prefect and fellow scholars. Meanwhile, Xu Sizhun and Xu Sijie whispered among themselves, with Xianjie chiming in occasionally, while Jin Geer and Shen Geer played together—making the room buzz like New Year’s.

Just then, the Third Young Master and his wife arrived with their son and daughter-in-law.

"We heard Yuge passed the county exam," the Third Young Master said warmly, though his wife looked a bit uncomfortable. "I commissioned a fine scholar’s set from Duobao Pavilion as a gift." With that, Xu Siqin stepped forward, presenting a blue silk-wrapped box with a smile.

"Congratulations, Second Brother!" His eyes held a hint of envy.

Xu Siyu accepted the gift with thanks.

Xu Sijian immediately clamored for Xu Siyu to treat them.

"Don’t worry, you won’t be left out!" the elder madam laughed. "Come on the tenth day of the eighth month. We’ll have wine and opera to celebrate your second brother!"

"That doesn’t count!" Xu Sijian protested. "That’s Grandmother’s treat. Second Brother owes us his own treat!"

"Alright then!" Xu Siyu replied generously. "Just tell me how you'd like me to make it up to you, and I'll do it!"

Xu Sijian's eyes shifted slyly at this.

Jin Shi, standing nearby, got nervous and secretly tugged at Xu Sijian’s sleeve.

Everyone was waiting in silence, ready to hear what Xu Sijian would say, so her action was noticed by all.

Third Madam’s face turned red and she scolded Jin Shi in a low voice, "What are you doing?"

Xu Sijian also looked uncomfortable, yanking his sleeve away and muttering, "Go stand aside!"

Jin Shi, mortified, lowered her head with tears in her eyes.

Fang Shi quickly stepped forward and put an arm around her.

Jin Shi glanced up at Fang Shi, a grateful look in her eyes.

The elder madam noticed this and smiled faintly, waving Jin Shi over, "Come here, child, to your grandmother!"

Jin Shi hesitated, but Fang Shi gave her a gentle push.

She then walked over hesitantly to the elder madam, who took her hand and said to Xu Sijian, "What, your wife can’t discipline you? Have you been out drinking with those Imperial Guards again, staying out till all hours?"

"No, no!" Xu Sijian waved his hands frantically. "A colleague just had a son, so I only had a few extra drinks..." He glanced at Jin Shi. "And she kept harping on it!"

Jin Shi lowered her head, looking hurt but remaining silent.

The elder madam chuckled and said to Jin Shi, "Now that’s your fault. It’s common for men to drink a bit more when socializing. You should take care of him properly instead of nagging endlessly. Don’t do this again, or I’ll be displeased!"

Jin Shi hurriedly assured her, "I’ll remember. I won’t dare do it again!"

The elder madam hummed in approval and turned to speak with Third Madam. "On the fifteenth of August, we’ll watch the moon at Lingqiong Mountain Villa. The weather hasn’t been good this year, so the osmanthus isn’t as fragrant as before. Yizhen didn’t make osmanthus wine but made plum wine instead. You must try it."

Third Madam responded without enthusiasm, "Yes."

Ever since Xu Sijian got married, apart from Spring Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival, the elder madam never asked her to the estate. Even when she did visit for some reason, she was occasionally asked to stay for lunch but never dinner, leaving her no chance to spend a night at Yongping Marquis’s residence.

Thinking of this, she began to mull it over.

It seemed the elder madam was dead set on cutting her out. If so, since she was soon to be a mother-in-law herself, perhaps she should just come by to greet her on the first and fifteenth of each month. That way, she wouldn’t have to rush across several streets to Lotus Lane every morning, with household duties piling up, and the servants still reporting to Fang Shi...

Having made up her mind, she discussed it with Third Master on their way back.

Before she could finish, his face darkened. "Is this how a proper daughter-in-law should speak? Do you want Qin-ge'er’s wife and Jian-ge'er’s wife to follow your example?"

His words were harsh.

Third Madam paled and said guiltily, "I was just thinking that Qin-ge'er’s wife is about to give birth..."

Third Master’s expression softened slightly, but he still snapped, "Never speak of this again!"

Third Madam muttered agreement. As she stepped out of the carriage, she happened to glance back and saw her younger son standing by the carriage steps with an eager-to-please look, talking to someone inside.

She was furious.

Her eldest son only pretended to obey, her youngest was a pushover—nothing ever went right for her in this house.

She couldn’t help but burst out, "Jian-ge'er!"

Xu Sijian was startled and quickly left Jin Shi behind, rushing to his mother's side in a few hurried steps.

"What are you doing?" Lady Xu's face was livid. "Where is your wife? Why hasn't she gotten off the carriage yet? Did she twist her ankle? Should I send one of the maidservants to carry her down?"

As she spoke, Jin Shi swiftly descended from the carriage, quaking with apprehension upon hearing the words.

Lady Xu snorted coldly and turned to enter the moon gate.

Xu Sijian cast a dejected glance at Jin Shi and muttered under his breath, "Look at you, making Mother angry again!"

Jin Shi was mortified.

If she hadn’t been so petty earlier, she wouldn’t have provoked her mother-in-law’s anger or put her husband in such a difficult position!

At this thought, her eyes reddened. "It's all my fault!"

"Enough!" Xu Sijian relented. "I shouldn’t have scolded you like that in front of the aunts." He sighed and turned to enter the gate.

Jin Shi stood there, stamped her foot petulantly.

Someone chuckled.

She turned in surprise.

Fang Shi’s smiling face greeted her.

"Now I finally understand what it means to say one thing and mean another!" Fang Shi ribbed. "I was worried sick and ready to play peacemaker. Who knew you were already thick as thieves?" She sighed, "Turns out I was just overthinking things for nothing!"

"Big Sister!" Jin Shi pouted and linked arms with Fang Shi’s. "How can you tease me like this!"

Fang Shi laughed, then her expression turned serious as she whispered, "Sister-in-law, that's just how Mother is. Don’t take it to heart." Her tone was comforting.

"I know!" Jin Shi nodded. "Since Father-in-law lost his post, Mother-in-law has been unhappy. I won’t dwell on it." She then tugged at Fang Shi cheerfully. "Let’s hurry to the main house! Otherwise, Mother-in-law will fly into another rage!"

Fang Shi smiled and nodded in agreement, allowing Jin Shi to accompany her into the inner courtyard.

Lord Xu carefully reviewed the list of names written on the vermilion-gilt paper before looking up. "You removed Jiang Yunfei’s invitation?"

Lady Eleven laid aside her embroidery. "This is a family banquet. I thought it inappropriate to invite Jiang Yunfei."

Lord Xu nodded approvingly and handed the vermilion-gilt paper back to her. "Make it so."

Lady Eleven smiled and agreed.

Lord Xu patted the cushion beside him. "Come, sit here and talk with me."

Lady Eleven moved closer. "How may I serve, my lord?"