Time flew by, and it was soon the tenth day of May. The General's Mansion was bustling with activity.
Xuanyuan Xi, titled Princess Xuanhe, was the only princess of the Tianqi Royal Family for three generations and was highly respected.
In recent days, Xuanyuan Xi had been in poor health, either paying respects to Buddha in temples or recuperating in the mountains.
Her birthdays had been simple affairs, just eating longevity noodles with those close to her.
After treatment by the imperial physician, her condition had now fully recovered, and the household wanted to hold a grand birthday banquet to celebrate.
By 7-9 AM, the mansion was already crowded with visitors.
Among them were many who came for Qin Yuchuan. The butler, having served in the General's Mansion for half his life, was well-versed in dealing with such matters and warmly received the guests.
"This way, please, madam and young miss!"
"Imperial Censor, please come this way!"
"..."
In the main hall, Xuanyuan Xi was wearing red clothing, which was rare for her.
She had always felt that red was too bright and didn't suit her. She only put on this outfit after much persuasion from Bai Wei.
"Princess, you look so beautiful in this outfit. It reminds me of when you first married into the General's Mansion."
Xuanyuan Xi: "I married into the General's Mansion before you were even born. How would you know what I looked like back then?"
Bai Wei scratched her head, a bit embarrassed. "Well, I heard it from Nanny Wang."
"Speaking of Nanny Wang, I wonder how she's doing now?" Xuanyuan Xi seemed to recall something.
Bai Wei quickly replied, "Nanny Wang sent a letter recently saying she's enjoying her time at home, playing with her grandchildren."
"Today is a joyous occasion, Princess. You shouldn't look so worried."
Xuanyuan Xi: "You said Qingyi would come. Did she mention when she'd arrive?"U//ppTodated fr/o/m nô/v/e/lb(i)n.c(o)\/m
Bai Wei: "Miss Qingyi said she would come, so she will. It's still early. When she arrives, I'll have someone notify you."
Xuanyuan Xi nodded, "Very well, then."
At the entrance of the General's Mansion, numerous carriages were parked. Amidst the congratulatory voices of the crowd, Ming Qi led a group of people to the gate.
The butler hurried to welcome them. This Ming Qi was a favorite of the Emperor, so he must be treated with utmost courtesy.
As Bai Wei supported Xuanyuan Xi, she angrily muttered, "This Madam Chen just wants to climb the social ladder, but she makes it sound so righteous."
"And that Miss Li, looking so unwilling. Anyone who didn't know better would think our General's Mansion was forcing her to marry!"
Just then, Ming Qi led his group into the main hall.
"Princess Xuanhe, please wait. I have come on the Emperor's orders to present birthday gifts. We wish the Princess blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity like the Southern Mountains."
The palace servants following Ming Qi began carrying boxes of rare treasures into the main hall.
Among them were precious medicinal herbs like thousand-year-old lingzhi mushrooms and ginseng, as well as unique tributes such as crystal cups and night pearls.
The onlookers were shocked. These gifts symbolized great favor; surely the General's Mansion would prosper even more in the future.
Madam Chen, seeing these valuable gifts, became even more determined to marry Chen Huan'er into the General's Mansion.
The Emperor clearly valued the General's Mansion highly. If Huan'er were to marry into it, her own life in the Li Family would improve as well.
"Thank the Emperor for me."
Ming Qi said, "The Emperor also instructed that if Princess Xuanhe needs any assistance, she may directly enter the palace to see him."
Xuanyuan Xi: "The Emperor is too kind."
Ming Qi: "Princess Xuanhe need not be so formal. With General Qin far away at the border, and given the brotherly relationship between the Emperor and the General, it's only right for the Emperor to look after you."
Ming Qi looked around and finally turned to Bai Wei. "It's Princess Xuanhe's birthday today. How come we don't see Miss Qingyi?"
Bai Wei: "She should be on her way."
"I see. Well, now that we've delivered the gifts, we'll take our leave."
Xuanyuan Xi whispered, "Why did Ming Qi suddenly ask about Qingyi?"
"Miss Qingyi has known the Emperor for a long time. Ming Qi, being close to the Emperor, naturally knows Miss Qingyi as well. He was probably just asking casually," Bai Wei replied.
Xuanyuan Xi: "Known for a long time?"
Bai Wei: "According to Miss Qingyi, she met the Emperor while dining out with the General before. The three of them had a pleasant conversation, and that's how they became acquainted."
"I see. What time is it now?" Xuanyuan Xi asked.
Bai Wei: "It's already 9-11 AM."
"9-11 AM, it's still early. Let's go to the side hall to rest for a moment."