After hearing Gu Xi’s words, Yin Shi frowned, quite displeased. “What is there about her to look down on? Isn’t marriage alliance precisely for mutual support? If the Pei family didn’t help the Yu family, that would be something to look down on! You do well, I do well—isn’t everyone doing well together? The Yu family would be fools not to seize this opportunity.”

Seeing that her young sister-in-law didn’t agree with her viewpoint, Gu Xi very much wanted to discuss it thoroughly with her. But on second thought, their family’s marriage alliance with the Yin family somewhat took advantage of the Yin family. Perhaps her young sister-in-law had taken her words to heart and was applying them to the Gu-Yin marriage alliance. She quickly buried those petty thoughts in her heart and smiled, “I just feel it’s using a sledgehammer to crack a nut—having the Pei family help with this is overqualified for the task.” Then she quickly changed the subject, smiling, “Who is Sister-in-law with? Mrs. Yin? She’s been visiting the Pei household every day lately—she’s become quite close with our family.”

Speaking of this sister-in-law who became pregnant right after entering the family, Yin Shi was extremely satisfied and consequently felt some respect for her. Hearing this, her expression immediately brightened, and she smiled, “No. I just arrived and first went to greet Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Li. I was just preparing to go see my sister-in-law! You came earlier than me—did you see my sister-in-law? I haven’t seen her in some time. Her belly should be even bigger now, right? I’m also planning to go keep vigil with Mrs. Zhang, Mrs. Li, and the others when she gives birth! I wonder if this child will be a boy or girl. If it’s a girl, she’ll be third in rank among our generation. If it’s a boy, he’ll be first in rank. Whether boy or girl, it will be quite precious.”

She chattered on, clearly very happy about Xu Xuan’s pregnancy.

Gu Xi didn’t want to discuss Yu Tang with her, so naturally she went along with what Yin Shi was saying.

The two talked and laughed as Yin Shi went with her to the flower hall for entertaining distinguished guests.

Gu Xi immediately spotted Yu Tang and Second Madam sitting together with several women adorned in pearls, jade, and fine silks.

Compared to them, she—who had seemed somewhat too elaborately dressed when viewed alone—was actually the relatively fresh and understated one.

This was very fitting for her age and status.

Unexpectedly, Yu Tang didn’t show any timidity even in such a setting.

Was this still that girl from the marketplace of Lin’an?

Gu Xi felt somewhat dazed.

It seemed she had never seen Yu Tang lose her composure.

Back in Lin’an, although her dress wasn’t outstanding, it had never been improper. Now in the capital, it was the same… It was as if she matched strength with strength and weakness with weakness, never making a mistake.

Gu Xi’s gaze was complex, but she heard Yin Shi’s voice introducing her, “This is my sister-in-law. Sister-in-law, this is Mrs. Zhang, and this is Mrs. Li—they’re both your elders.”

This greatly elevated Gu Xi’s status.

One of Gu Xi’s purposes in coming was precisely to leave a deep impression on women like Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Li. How could she have the mind to think about Yu Tang’s affairs? She immediately collected herself and focused entirely on greeting the two ladies.

Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Li had always been protective of their own. Gu Xi was not only the eldest daughter-in-law of the Pei family but also Yin Shi’s sister-in-law. Both were very kind to Gu Xi. Mrs. Li even smiled and teased Yin Shi, “Are you afraid we’ll bully your sister-in-law? She already came over with the Pei family’s Second Madam and Third Madam earlier to greet us. We recognize her.”

Hearing this, Yin Shi laughed coquettishly, “I was just afraid you might forget!”

They were both ladies of the second rank. Especially Mrs. Zhang, who besides her imperial title was also quite advanced in years. She was highly respected in the capital’s circles of prominent families. Every time she attended social engagements, countless daughters-in-law and young ladies from various families came to greet her. She really couldn’t remember everyone.

But Gu Xi was from the Pei family, and Pei Yan was currently helping the Zhang family with matters—how could she not remember? Since Yin Shi had specially brought her over again, she had to give Gu Xi some face no matter what. She laughed heartily and picked up Yin Shi’s thread of conversation, “Don’t worry, don’t worry, I won’t forget. I know she’s your sister-in-law, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Pei family, a gentle and good child.”

Yin Shi giggled.

Gu Xi took the opportunity to take the teapot from the maid’s hands and refilled the tea for the two ladies.

Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Li smiled and nodded, their gazes upon her very loving.

Then someone came over to greet Gu Xi, “Niece-in-law!”

Gu Xi turned around to find that Pei Tong’s eldest maternal aunt, Mrs. Yang the Elder, and second maternal aunt, Mrs. Yang the Second, were standing behind her with beaming smiles, looking at her.

She had forgotten about the two maternal aunts from the Yang family.

Gu Xi barely managed to keep her expression unchanged and smiled as she stepped forward to greet the two Mrs. Yangs.

Mrs. Yang the Elder took the opportunity to grasp Gu Xi’s hand and greeted Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Li with a smile.

Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Li also smiled and exchanged pleasantries with the two Mrs. Yangs in a harmonious manner, but Gu Xi still keenly noticed that Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Li’s attitude had become noticeably more distant compared to before.

Wasn’t it said that the Yang family had considerable prestige among official families in the capital?

Gu Xi sneered inwardly and tried to pull her hand away from Mrs. Yang the Elder’s grasp, but after several attempts, she couldn’t succeed.

Mrs. Yang the Elder seemed not to notice at all. She pulled her over to Yu Tang and Second Madam and enthusiastically greeted them, “Second Madam, Third Madam, it’s been so long!”

Yu Tang was earnestly listening to Second Madam and Minister Qin’s wife talking when she heard someone greet them. All three looked up.

“Oh my, Mrs. Qin is also here!” Mrs. Yang the Elder was somewhat surprised, yet felt it was within reason.

Qin Wei had previously served as Provincial Administration Commissioner of Zhejiang and was later transferred to Vice Minister of Rites. Even if the Pei family’s Second Madam had no previous relationship with them, after Pei Xuan became Vice Minister of Revenue, they would surely renew this connection.

Mrs. Qin smiled and exchanged a few polite words with Mrs. Yang the Elder. Mrs. Yang the Elder then turned her attention to Yu Tang and said, “Third Madam, our A’Tong and his wife have received such care from you—we’re so grateful. Previously, the family had one thing after another and couldn’t find the time to visit. Now that we finally have some leisure, I wonder if Third Madam has time to come to our home with Second Madam for tea and a simple meal?”

The little person in Yu Tang’s heart sneered disdainfully.

If they truly took the Pei family to heart, how could they not find time?

How did the Zhang family people find time to host a welcoming banquet for them?

Yu Tang also smiled gently and said with gentle grace, “We just arrived in the capital and know nothing at all. Not having taken the initiative to visit the in-law grandfather and in-law grandmother already makes us very uneasy—how could we presume to have you come visit us! Just the other day I was discussing with Second Sister-in-law about finding a day when we’re free to visit the in-law grandmother. Since Elder Madam has brought it up, why not choose today rather than wait—let’s see which day this month everyone is available. What do you think?”

Mrs. Yang the Elder enthusiastically agreed and arranged to host the Pei family’s female relatives at home five days later before finally leaving with Gu Xi.

Gu Xi didn’t want to follow Mrs. Yang the Elder, but she was even less willing to stay here serving Yu Tang and Second Madam with lowered brows and submissive eyes. After thinking about it, she still followed Mrs. Yang the Elder.

Second Madam of the Pei family quietly said to Yu Tang, “Are you really going to visit their home?”

The two sisters-in-law had been getting along very well during this time, mainly because Yu Tang’s personality meshed well with Second Madam’s. Both were not the type who liked to make a fuss. For people they didn’t get along with, they didn’t like to force friendships, so the household was relatively peaceful.

Yu Tang quietly replied to Second Madam, “There are people everywhere here. If we say we won’t go, there will definitely be much gossip spreading around. It’s better to agree to it and dismiss her early. As for actually going, tomorrow we’ll send someone to say that we have matters that day and probably can’t make it, and we’ll reschedule for another time. As for when we reschedule to, that depends on whether both families have the leisure time.”

This was truly quite shameless.

But for dealing with the Yang family, such shamelessness made Second Madam of the Pei family very pleased.

She covered her mouth and laughed, saying to Yu Tang, “Your method is still the best. Why didn’t I think of this before?”

When Mrs. Yang the Elder visited Lin’an as a guest, she liked to force her this way. Unable to refuse, she could only yield and retreat time after time, including with First Madam of the Pei family—when the two sisters-in-law were together before, it was the same. Back then she had just married in, and First Madam of the Pei family had Pei You backing her up. She had shed many tears in private because of this.

Now she finally felt vindicated.

Yu Tang also smiled with pursed lips.

Mrs. Qin, seeing the sisters-in-law whisper a few words to each other, didn’t feel comfortable asking what they’d said. Just then someone came to greet her, and she started discussing family matters with others.

Second Madam of the Pei family gave Yu Tang a meaningful look, and the two found an opportunity to run to a corner of the courtyard to talk.

“What do you think of the Qin family?” Second Madam asked Yu Tang quietly. “Mrs. Qin is interested in arranging a match for her eldest son.”

Yu Tang was greatly surprised.

She had been wondering where Fifth Miss’s marriage prospects might lie—she hadn’t expected it to come so quickly.

“I don’t know much about the Qin family either,” Yu Tang said seriously. “However, Minister Qin previously served as an official in Zhejiang, which is quite good. We can ask reliable people to inquire about the character and temperament of this eldest young master of the Qin family. As for Minister Qin, Second Brother should be consulted. As for Mrs. Qin, we also need to find someone to make inquiries.”

Second Madam of the Pei family nodded and instructed her, “This matter is just a preliminary feeler—don’t mention it to anyone yet. Later you must help me look after A’Dan. Even if the marriage doesn’t work out, we can’t let anyone look down on her.”

“I understand.” Yu Tang was very grateful for Second Madam’s trust in her. After returning, she kept a close watch on Pei Dan. Fortunately, Pei Dan was originally a somewhat shy young lady—quiet and gentle. Taking care of her was not only not difficult, but she could also occasionally enjoy Pei Dan’s filial attentions—refilling tea, getting fruit, fetching pastries, and such.

The more Mrs. Qin looked, the more pleased she became.

Their family wasn’t a particularly prestigious clan, so they didn’t want a daughter-in-law who was too domineering. Moreover, the Pei family was famous for their scholarly abilities—they would surely produce intelligent grandchildren.

She wanted to talk with the Pei family’s Second Madam and Third Madam to deepen their relationship, but she herself was detained by people from the Wu family, and the two Pei madams were also detained by people from the Yang family. This resulted in her several attempts to speak with the two Pei madams being unsuccessful.

Mrs. Qin felt somewhat vexed.

Second Madam of the Pei family and Yu Tang were even more impatient.

They had already agreed to visit the Yang household—why was Mrs. Yang the Elder still holding onto them and not letting go?