Chapter 37: Distinguished Guests from Hanzhou Grace the Birthday Banquet

Jiang Shishu reached out to the fruit platter, picked up a slice of honey peach, and handed it over using the plum-blossom carved silver fork in front of her. She then added, "My eldest sister is naturally just complimenting the young mistress on her healthy complexion."

She dared not say anything more, simply following Jiang Shiyuan’s lead. Seeing her cousin-in-law eat the peach, Jiang Shiyuan smiled and offered a gentle reminder: "You really shouldn't eat too much of this. These peaches are incredibly sweet. I’ve consulted with a physician before, and they said those who are pregnant must be careful about their diet."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shishu grew anxious. The child in the eldest mistress’s womb was the first for the Wenyuan Marquis Estate; if something went wrong because of the peach she had handed her, how could she ever answer for it? "I... I didn't know. Eldest Mistress, I didn't mean to."

Seeing the girl’s face flush with sudden nervousness, her cousin-in-law, Madam Xiang, patted her hand to comfort her. "Don't listen to her nonsense. I’ve been eating these peaches for several days now without any issues. She’s just trying to scare you. Besides, I haven't eaten much, so it’s fine."

"Sister-in-law, you wrong me! I am not spouting nonsense. Why don’t we call the physician later to ask? But Third Sister, don't be afraid—I’m trying to scare your sister-in-law, not you!"

Madam Xiang knew her temperament well and understood immediately. After dabbing the corners of her mouth with a handkerchief, she gave a resigned instruction to her maid, Danxing: "In the future, just bring the fruit platter once every fortnight. Look at how sharp this girl’s tongue is! If I eat any more, she’ll probably have my mother-in-law come over to discipline me."

Having achieved her goal, Jiang Shiyuan was pleased. With a smile dancing in her eyes, she said, "I am only doing this for your own good, sister-in-law. Eating too many sugary fruits will lead to excess weight gain. It is better for the baby to be of moderate size; it will make the delivery easier and save you much suffering in the future."

Hearing this, Madam Xiang looked at her with surprise and curiosity. "A-Nian, how does a young girl like you know all of this?"

"I heard it from the physician. Since this is the eldest grandchild that Grandmother has been longing for, I naturally have to be extra concerned."

Madam Xiang tapped Jiang Shiyuan on the forehead. Though reluctant, she set down the silver fork, and soon after, Danxing cleared away the fruit platter. Jiang Shiyuan continued to wave her round silk fan, but her eyes, now composed, hid deeper thoughts.

In her previous life, her cousin-in-law had indulged in too much fruit during her pregnancy, causing the baby to grow too large. She had labored for three days and three nights to bring the child into the world. While the baby was robust, she had exhausted her vitality to such an extent that she suffered from chronic bleeding thereafter.

By the time Jiang Shiyuan passed away, although Madam Xiang was still alive, she had spent her days tethered to medicine. Living through it all again, she certainly could not bear to watch her cousin-in-law walk that same path, which was why she had warned her.

"By the way, since you’ve had peaches today, you should replace your usual shrimp stew with a dish of stir-fried seasonal vegetables. Don't consume the two together; it’s likely to cause a stomachache."

Madam Xiang listened to Jiang Shiyuan and nodded silently. She had heard this before; when her mother first learned of her pregnancy, she had sent a list detailing items that should not be consumed together, and that particular combination was listed. "Don't worry, Danxing keeps a very close watch on my diet."

"That is good."

Jiang Shishu, not understanding these matters, quietly continued embroidering the handkerchief in her hands. The pattern of a young boy picking lotus flowers in the water was already taking shape. Jiang Shiyuan, not being skilled in such arts, could only watch from the sidelines, occasionally helping to sort the silk threads. The three of them sat together, laughing and chatting, which helped pass the time pleasantly.

When the Marchioness, Madam Pei, walked over, she happened to hear them laughing. Being blessed with much good news lately, she was in high spirits. "What are you all talking about that’s so funny?"

"Mother," the three replied in turn, with Jiang Shishu adding, "Jiang Shishu greets the Marchioness."

Only Jiang Shishu stood up to offer a formal greeting. Madam Pei didn't make much of it, simply raising her hand to gesture for her to rise before taking a seat nearby. With her presence, Jiang Shishu naturally had to shift her position. Madam Pei was accustomed to the girl’s timid nature; after sitting down, she did not dwell on her, but instead asked her daughter-in-law, "How are you? Are you feeling well today?"

"Rest assured, Mother, I am feeling perfectly fine."

"That’s good. I was worried you might be overexerting yourself because of the birthday banquet."

Madam Xiang smiled, knowing her mother-in-law meant well, and gestured toward Jiang Shiyuan. "A-Nian has been here to help. In fact, she provided the ideas for most of the arrangements, so everything is well-managed. I’ve been able to slack off a bit. Just wait and see, Mother—it will surely be a grand affair."

The Marchioness beamed, her eyes crinkling. She had always doted on Jiang Shiyuan, and now she looked at her as if she were her own daughter, feeling both a reluctance to see her grow up and a sense of pride. Suddenly recalling the news she had just received, she looked at Jiang Shiyuan with a mysterious glint in her eyes.

"A-Nian, someone is coming from Hanzhou."

As the Marchioness spoke, her expression was playful, though filled with excitement and agitation. News from Hanzhou could mean only one thing: someone was coming to propose marriage.

Jiang Shiyuan was momentarily stunned. She had not expected it to happen so soon, thinking they would have to wait for Cousin Pei to return to Hanzhou and report the situation before taking the next step. Who would have thought people from Hanzhou would arrive so quickly!

"Does Aunt know who is coming? And when will they arrive?"

"Your uncle has to guard the military, so he naturally cannot come. The letter says that your eldest aunt is bringing Ziyao and Zimao. They are Zisu’s younger siblings—the twins. You haven't met them yet, though I haven't seen those two children in many years myself."

Pei Ziyao and Pei Zimao. Their names were quite renowned within the Pei family army in Hanzhou, though little was known of them to the women of the inner chambers. Thus, none of the three showed much surprise, though the Marchioness was even more excited.

"Are Aunt and my cousins going to stay at the estate? If so, I shall have someone prepare the Ningrong Garden."

"No need. Zisu has already scouted a residence and had people tidy it up. By the time your aunt and the others arrive, they can move straight in. We needn't go to any trouble."

"A residence? Cousin Pei has already bought a house?"

It wasn't just Jiang Shiyuan; even Madam Xiang was surprised. Her cousin’s speed was truly astonishing. How had he managed to prepare a residence in just a few days without any of them knowing? She looked at Jiang Shiyuan with a teasing expression.

"A-Nian is truly something. Isn't Cousin Pei going to such great lengths all for your sake? Mother, where is this residence? Can we go and take a look?"

"You are heavy with child; it’s better not to go and join the crowd. Once your aunt and the others arrive, they will naturally handle things. Why worry that there won't be a time for you to visit?"

Madam Xiang thought about it and agreed. She reached out to touch her slightly protruding belly, a wave of maternal love washing over her. Jiang Shiyuan was still lost in thought when she heard the Marchioness continue.

"My sister-in-law usually wears a stern face, as if she wants to hang a 'stranger stay away' sign on her, but don't think she is truly that cold-hearted. In reality, she is the softest person of all, so don't be afraid, do you hear?"