The Fallen Medicine Woman: The Daily Life of Chun Nuan-Chapter 430 - 252: The Birthday Banquet

Zhao Minghua received an invitation from the General Mansion for Mrs. Xia’s birthday.

He naturally wanted to bring his second brother, Zhao Minglang, along.

"To the General Mansion?" Zhao Minglang was surprised: "I still need to review my lessons."

"If you want to pursue a career, you’d better socialize more."

This bookish second brother, what’s the use of focusing solely on studies? It’s still important to build connections.

Can one enter a residence like the General Mansion without some connections?

He’s paving the way for him, yet he doesn’t appreciate it.

"The urgent task isn’t to socialize but to study diligently, not to dishonor Master Tian nor to fail the exams."

Zhao Minghua... his brother’s reasoning, though skewed, does have some merit.

However, a day’s time won’t affect anything.

"The General Mansion sent you an invitation as well, won’t you go?"

"A separate invitation just for me?"

Zhao Minglang was quite surprised; if so, he must go; not going would be quite impolite.

Though merely a scholar with limited abilities, receiving the invitation was a recognition, refusing it would narrow his path.

This bit of social etiquette he understood.

Zhao Minghua... thankfully, he’s not too stubborn, there’s hope!

For Mrs. Xia’s birthday banquet, only a few households attended.

Mrs. Xia’s maiden family, the Xia family’s relatives, Qiu Mansion, and Zhao Minghua and his brother were present.

"The old lady prefers quietude; we thought it should be a simple gathering, thus invited you." Xiao Chunyu said to Mrs. Qiu: "Also Nuannuan’s husband and his second brother, the old lady’s maiden family."

Mrs. Qiu understood instantly, realizing it was an opportunity for Yan’er; she was truly grateful.

Upon seeing Zhao Minglang, Mrs. Qiu found him quite a handsome and refined young man.

What attracted her most was Chunyu’s comment about the Zhao family’s upright tradition, where men don’t take concubines, and women aren’t concubines—a rarity even in the Capital.

Most importantly, this young man was under Master Tian’s tutelage, with a promising future.

Meanwhile, Xia Guangcheng entertained the male guests, introducing Zhao Minghua and Zhao Minglang to several of them.

"I heard that Hanwen Academy recently accepted a new student named Zhao from Changzhou, is he among the two of you?"

Xia’s second uncle, Guangcheng’s cousin, scrutinized them with narrowed eyes and asked.

"That’s me, the student."

Zhao Minglang was surprised by how quickly the news spread; it yet hadn’t been long and everyone knows.

He could foresee the pressure ahead, with so many eyes watching him; failing would tarnish even the Mountain Master’s reputation.

"Impressive, a young hero indeed; I wonder about Mr. Zhao’s age and whether he’s married?"

In his mind, Xia’s second uncle pondered which of his two concubine daughters might be suitable.

Lord Qiu, beside him, was momentarily taken aback. Goodness, Xia’s second uncle was interested; he too had a difficult daughter and promptly focused on Zhao Minglang.

"The student hasn’t married yet, but has a girl in mind whom he intends to propose after the spring exams."

Oh dear, no hope!

Xia’s second uncle and Lord Qiu both quashed their inklings.

Beside them, Xia Minghua was surprised: Good heavens, this bookworm might finally bloom!

Silently, he had a girl he fancied—who could she be? Later, his mother’s household letter would certainly contain this tidbit; he must "sell out" his brother!

Xia Guangcheng, being a military general, naturally discussed topics of arms and combat with the Xia family’s relatives and Mrs. Xia’s maiden family.

Employed at the Hanlin Academy, Lord Qiu seemed out of place amid such discussions, and idle on a rainy day, he turned to Zhao Minglang for discussions on poetry, calligraphy, and painting.

By chance, Xia Minglang happened to be knowledgeable in these areas.

The two talked excitedly, gradually realizing the other’s remarkable erudition, quickly finding themselves wishing they were "brothers."

However, Zhao Minglang realized keenly: He was a newcomer to the Capital, regardless of his talents, humility was paramount.

Zhao Minglang’s humility appeared as a precious trait in Lord Qiu’s eyes, who increasingly admired the young man.

Feeling somewhat envious: It’s not that good ones are absent, just unfortunate that upon finding a good family, they were already committed. Alas, his own daughter still lacked some luck.

Elsewhere, the gathering among the women was quite lively too.

"Mrs. Qiu, I wonder whom Miss Qiu might marry?"

Xia’s second old lady bore no tact and directly prodded Mrs. Qiu’s sore spot.

In the Capital, Qiu Yan’s marriage prospects were known; some having sought another chance with the Qiu family after being rejected chose to spread rumors, causing Miss Qiu’s reputation to suffer.

Thinking herself concerned, Xia’s second old lady unknowingly provoked some discomfort for Mrs. Qiu.

"We’re in discussions; once engaged, you’ll be informed."

What could Mrs. Qiu say?

She could only use this phrase to defer.

Having spent half a lifetime on finding a suitable match for her daughter without success, today she saw Second Young Master Zhao, inwardly rejoicing.

Though displeased by Xia’s second old lady’s query, Mrs. Qiu couldn’t lash out; she had to feign calm.

Mrs. Xia glanced at Xia’s second old lady; this one was brainless, always hitting the sore spots.

How could she be so foolish?

Just as she considered speaking up, the nurse arrived with Panpan.

"Grandmother, your granddaughter wishes you happiness as boundless as the Eastern Sea and longevity as enduring as the Southern Mountains."

The little one, having paid respects and bowed, chirping her blessings, delighted Mrs. Xia causing her face to light up.

"Come, come, quick, come to Grandmother’s side."

"Is this not the girl brought from the Wu family to the Xia family?"

Xia’s second old lady once again spoke with no restraint.

Her words ushered in silence.

Indeed, one has seen foolishness but not to such a degree!

"Since the day Yu’er entered the Xia family, she has been the General Mansion’s legitimate eldest daughter." Mrs. Xia would not tolerate her: "Long time no see, sister-in-law’s memory seems increasingly poor, better see a doctor and take medication, lest you forget even your own surname one day!"

The entire Xia family’s standing relied on the General Mansion’s glory to earn a place in the Capital; she was truly beyond restraint to dare marginalize her dearest granddaughter!

Even those with some sense wouldn’t utter such words, regretting hence inviting her.

The more she’s valued, the more she loses her sense of importance!

"Elder sister-in-law, it’s not like that, I..."

Xia’s second old lady realized she had misspoken after being rebuked: "I didn’t know, I just slipped."

"Your inner thoughts needn’t be shared with me; I’ve spoken clearly before: she is the legitimate granddaughter of the General Mansion and the Xia family’s eldest daughter; she represents the General Mansion’s face."

Stepping on her means stepping on the General Mansion’s face, do you bear such consequences?