Chapter 264: Taking a Concubine (1) (2/2)

After hearing Chu Lian’s explanation, Countess Jing’an’s heart melted. Her eyes were full of affection and helplessness, “You silly child. You’re just too honest.”

The noble madams here weren’t empty-headed. They knew that it was precisely because of the novel design that Jinshi Pavilion would have specially made these accessories just for Honoured Lady Jinyi at such a low price.

They really wanted a set of those accessories for themselves. However, it would probably cost at least a thousand taels at Jinshi Pavilion.

The crowd became even more envious.

One of the madams in the crowd even smiled and said, “Even so, it’s even more rare that Honoured Lady Jinyi could personally draw some new designs for the Countess. Furthermore, pearls aren’t like those precious stones or gold or silver. As we know, pearls are nurturing. I even heard that when worn over a long period of time, they might even have calming and beautifying effects!”

Countess Jing’an felt even more happier and touched after listening to this noble madam’s words. The gaze she sent towards Chu Lian turned even warmer.

The now completely ignored Madam Zou gritted her teeth as the dissatisfaction in her heart grew even more.

Perhaps due to the grudge in her heart, later on, she even made mistakes while making seating arrangements for the banquet later, causing a few jokes at her expense.

In the end, Matriarch He couldn’t continue watching and sent Senior Servant Liu to help her. It was only then that the birthday banquet was completed successfully.

When the guests had left and it was only their family left, the main branch was ordered to stay behind by Matriarch He and Countess Jing’an, right in front of the rest of the family.

Chu Lian returned to Songtao Court with her servants.

On the way back, Fuyan couldn’t resist complaining next to Chu Lian’s side.

“Third Young Madam, Eldest Young Madam went overboard today! Do you think the matriarch kept Eldest Young Madam behind to give her a scolding?”

Chu Lian turned back to look at Fuyan. “What Grandmother wants to say to Eldest Sister-in-Law has nothing to do with our third branch. We just have to keep our own consciences clear in our actions.”

Her expression was indifferent; it was clear that she wasn’t happy with Fuyan for gossiping. Fuyan also knew that Third Young Madam was angry, so she immediately lowered her head and kept silent.

It didn’t matter if Fuyan gossiped about these matters within the confines of Songtao Court. However, if this were to spread out of their courtyard, then others would be able to reprimand her for not managing her servants properly.

Furthermore, careless talk invites disaster. Being talkative wasn’t necessarily a good thing, especially when it was one of her personal handmaids.

Actually, she had already guessed at why Matriarch He and Countess Jing’an had kept the main branch behind just now.

This was something that was supposed to have happened earlier. It was only because she had interfered with Madam Zou’s fate and saved her from that kitchen fire that this matter had been delayed. She had thought that this event wouldn’t happen now that Madam Zou was hale and hearty. However, who could have known that some things would still run their course?

Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, the trouble broiling in the main branch hadn’t suddenly come into existence.

Chu Lian sighed. Now that things had progressed to this stage, it was already out of her hands.