Chapter 263: Birthday Gift (2) (1/2)

Madam Zou wanted to draw everyone’s attention back, but she didn’t dare to make any moves in front of Matriarch He. She could only grit her teeth and bear with it. However, the gaze she cast towards Chu Lian was full of envy and disgust.

This state of affairs didn’t carry on for too long. When Matriarch He saw that it was about time, she led the group of guests over to Countess Jing’an’s courtyard.

Once they entered the courtyard, they met Heir Jing’an, He Changqi, and the second son, He Changjue.

All of the guests here knew very well what the actual purpose of this gathering was. As soon as they entered the parlour, the focus of the noble madams and ladies shifted towards the two men.

Royal Princess Duanjia was walking by Chu Lian’s side. She turned her head slightly to look at He Erlang, only to see him standing there with his head lowered like a block of wood or a statue, not even daring to look up.

It was only then that a hint of satisfaction showed in Royal Princess Duanjia’s eyes.

Countess Jing’an had already changed into an auspicious dark red gown and an outer coat lined with red fox fur. There was a turquoise headband resting on her forehead, and she had taken the care to powder up her face a little, concealing most of her usual sickly air. The thickness of her winter clothing also covered up how skinny she was. At a glance, she didn’t look much different from a normal, healthy noble madam.

The noble guests came up one by one to wish Countess Jing’an a happy birthday and to offer up their gifts.

The guests today were all from houses familiar with House Jing’an. Knowing that the sickly Countess Jing’an wouldn’t be able to withstand a prolonged banquet, they didn’t drag out the ceremony and moved at a quick pace.

Finally, it was time for the two daughters-in-law to congratulate their mother-in-law on her birthday.

Madam Zou’s gift was indeed a hundred-year-old ginseng, causing the people gathered to react with amazement.

Countess Jing’an held Madam Zou’s hands in hers and patted the back of her hand. “Dalang’s wife, you didn’t have to go to such big expense!”

“Mother, I would be willing to go vegetarian and pray in our family’s Buddhist shrine for three months as long as it can help you recover, let alone give you just one ginseng.”

Countess Jing’an smiled and rebuked her gently for not caring more for her own health instead.

The noble madams seated around Matriarch He and Countess Jing’an all praised Madam Zou for being filial.

Madam Zou cast her gaze downwards as if embarrassed by the praise. In actual fact, she was brimming with glee.

She had spent a few hundred taels on that hundred-year-old ginseng and had even been feeling a little sorry about the expense. However, now that this ginseng had earned her some good reputation amongst these ladies, she felt that the money had been well spent.

Filled with satisfaction, Madam Zou’s gaze couldn’t help turning to Chu Lian. A glint of provocation and smugness from her victory shone in her eyes.

Now that she had given such a precious gift right before Chu Lian, if Chu Lian’s gift looked too shabby in comparison, she would completely lose face. She wanted to see how this ‘smart’ Third Sister-in-Law of hers was going to deal with this situation.