Chapter 130: Birthday Celebration

Chapter 130

Birthday Celebration

The construction of the new tea house was progressing quickly, and excitement buzzed among the people even before its grand opening. Xiangyun’s tea was renowned throughout the region but was notoriously difficult to obtain. The serene and elegant tea ceremony had been spoken of so highly that some even believed it to be a sacred ritual, elevating them to a transcendent state. Now, Xiangyun Tea House was about to open in the capital! People were overjoyed as they no longer need to travel to Huangjing, the tea-growing city, to taste this exquisite tea that had even been sent to the royal palace.

The general public had no idea who owned Xiangyun Tea House, aside from its connections to local officials in Huangjing. The General himself kept a low profile when he visited, often staying home to care for his children, while Nie Shuang only appeared on important occasions. Most of the time, she entrusted A’Yi to handle public engagements. As a result, many in the capital assumed Xiangyun Tea House was owned by an influential tea merchant from the south.

This year, the Hou sent out birthday invitations to the elite of the capital, which was quite different from previous years when celebrations were kept within the family and only a few close friends were invited. People were curious about this change. Had the Hou finally come to terms with things? Or perhaps his leg injury had healed, prompting him to rejoin society. The Hou Manor, which hadn’t hosted such grand festivities in a long time, was once again filled with life and energy.

On the day of the event, no one who received an invitation did not show up. Everyone was eager to discover why Yong An Hou had suddenly ended his reclusive lifestyle. Carriage after carriage lined up outside the manor as guests arrived, bearing gifts and best wishes. Chen Yuelan, the soon-to-be second daughter-in-law, naturally attended as well. Many of her friends from youth had now married and had children, arriving with their hair elegantly styled, accompanied by their husbands. They gathered in small groups, boasting about their husbands’ careers and talking about their children. When Yuelan joined these conversations, she felt out of place and inferior. However, she told herself that once she married into the Hou Manor, their husband wouldn’t be comparable to the son of the Song family. Meanwhile, she found no connection with the younger debutantes who had recently come of age. In the end, she clung to her mother’s side.

The Hou made his entrance as the host of the birthday celebration, still as tall and imposing as ever. Though some gray hairs had appeared, he remained strong and healthy. His face even seemed fuller, radiating contentment—quite the opposite of the rumors that had painted him as a brooding and irritable man. Upon entering the gathering, it became clear why. The Elder Furen was busy welcoming the female guests, standing beside her daughter-in-law, with the three adorable, chubby children dressed in red in the wet nurses’ arms. Who else could these children be but the Hou’s grandchildren? When asked about the children, his face lit up with joy, his voice booming with pride.

"My daughter-in-law’s first pregnancy gave us triplets. They’re such lively little ones that even an old man like me gets tired just trying to keep up with them."

It was clear from the conversation that the Hou was boasting, but everyone indulged him with compliments. Even though he had retired from official duties, the prestige of the Hou Manor had not diminished. General Song still controlled the majority of the military power, and with the Song family being related to the imperial family, no one could take them lightly. Some remarked how fortunate the Hou was to have three grandchildren all at once—how many families in the capital were that lucky? Others praised General Song’s abilities, attributing the birth of triplets to his prowess. Yet, no one mentioned the daughter-in-law.

Chen Yuelan had only just learned that Nie Shuang had given birth to triplets. She curled her lips in envy. She had assumed, like everyone else, Nie Shuang had followed Song Qilin to the northern border and had only recently returned with the children to curry favor with the Hou. This merchant’s daughter was truly cunning—she had ensnared Song Qilin, turning him upside down, and now she had managed to win over the prideful Hou as well. She was no ordinary woman. If Chen Yuelan were to marry into the family as a co-daughter-in-law, she was certain the future would be challenging.

Chen Yuelan grabbed a familiar maid from the Hou Manor and asked,

“When did that woman return?”

The maid looked confused for a moment before understanding. Since it was widely known in the household that Chen Yuelan was to marry the second young master in two months, the servants treated her with great respect.

"She returned a month ago, but she’s not staying at the manor."

Chen Yuelan’s face showed confusion.

"She’s not staying at the manor?"

This implied that while the Hou had accepted the children, he had not accepted their mother. Upon hearing this, she felt even more satisfied. She dismissed the maid with a wave, feeling elated. If she married into the family, she wouldn’t have to share a home with someone as low-born as that merchant’s daughter. However, when she glanced over at Nie Shuang, who stood gracefully beside Xu Shi, jealousy flared up within her. Despite not being accepted by the main household, here she was, standing proudly. As her mother conversed with familiar noblewomen, Chen Yuelan confidently made her way over to Xu Shi once again.

Xu Shi was already familiar with Chen Yuelan, having known her since she was a child. In front of her, Chen Yuelan always appeared calm, proper, and polite—embodying the demeanor expected of a young miss from the prominent family. Earlier, they had exchanged greetings, and Chen Yuelan hadn’t shown any outward signs of displeasure toward Nie Shuang, which reassured Xu Shi. However, when Chen Yuelan approached her again, Xu Shi couldn’t help but feel a bit puzzled.

"Mother, if you are short on help, let Yuelan assist with welcoming the guests. That way, people won’t mistakenly think that an outsider is a part of our family."

Nie Shuang remained unfazed, as if she hadn’t heard the remark. Xu Shi frowned. Chen Yuelan had yet to marry into the family, yet she was already calling her Mother, and volunteering for duties that were beyond her current status. Her behavior lacked restraint, and it was clear she intended to provoke her eldest daughter-in-law.

"That won’t be necessary. We already have enough help here,"

Elder Furen responded calmly, hoping Chen Yuelan would realize her mistake. However, it seemed the latter was oblivious to the gravity of the situation, thinking Xu Shi was too embarrassed to speak up, so she would take matters into her own hands, helping to deal with this shameless woman.

“What right do you have to stand here so brazenly?”

She directed her words at Nie Shuang, but the latter acted as though she was air, which only fueled Chen Yuelan’s anger further.

“Are you deaf? Why aren’t you answering me?”

Nie Shuang finally turned to look at her, smiling as she said,

“I thought you were asking yourself.”

Her voice was soft and pleasant, her face beaming with a smile that no one would know that she was attacking her enemy.

“What do you mean, asking myself?”

Chen Yuelan shot back.

“Well, you’re asking yourself what right you have to stand here so brazenly, aren’t you? Are you already a daughter-in-law of the Hou Manor? If you haven’t married in yet, you’re still an outsider. So how can you stand here acting like the matriarch of the household?”

It had been so long since they’d last met that Chen Yuelan had nearly forgotten how sharp Nie Shuang’s tongue could be. Stunned by the retort, she was left speechless for a moment.

“Why don’t you go keep your mother company? The event will start soon.”Xu Shi quickly stepped in to smooth things over, silently reprimanding Chen Yuelan for her lack of tact. Starting a quarrel at a celebratory event like this was highly inappropriate. Just then, a voice announced the arrival of Princess An Le. Everyone in the event immediately knelt as the princess entered and permitted them to rise. The Hou, Xu Shi, and Nie Shuang all went forward to greet her, leaving Chen Yuelan standing there, forgotten.