Chapter 516: Chapter 477, Quelling the Storm (Two-in-One Mega Chapter)_1
November 29th was the birthday of the Yan family’s Old Madam. Due to the recent conferment of hereditary titles, although the Yan Family hadn’t prepared a grand celebration this time, there were still many who came to offer birthday wishes. From early morning, the Yan Family was bustling with activity.
In the front yard, Yan Zhigao, together with Yan Zhiyuan, Yan Zhiqiang, and Yan Wenxiu and other younger members of the family, took charge of entertaining the male guests who had arrived; in the backyard, Madam Li was responsible for welcoming the female guests from various families, with the Sun family and the Wu Family, one handling the tea service, the other managing the kitchen.
Even Yan Siyu, who had just returned home, had duties; she led Yang Xiujun, Yan Yihuan, and a few other young ladies to sit beside Old Madam Yan, making pleasant small talk and laughing with the visiting madams and young ladies.
By 11:00 AM, the main room of the Songhe Courtyard was filled with female guests from various families.
The madams and young ladies chatted and laughed; the atmosphere was indeed lively.
“Old Madam truly has good fortune; her granddaughters and granddaughters-in-law are all so beautiful. I believe it won’t be long before the Yan Family’s door is worn out by suitors!”
Some smooth-talking madams, while pulling Yan Yihuan, Yang Xiujun, and a few others close, lavished them with praise.
Old Madam Yan replied with a smile, “You flatter them too much, my dear madams. These young ones of mine can hardly compare to the fair maidens you have brought, just look – each one as beautiful as a goddess, making an old woman’s eyesight insufficient to appreciate them all.”
There are people in this world who cannot bear to see others do well; they also lack insight. Even when everyone was enjoying themselves, there was always someone who would step out to disrupt the joyous atmosphere.
“Old Madam Yan, why haven’t I seen Yan’s eldest Daughter? Today is your venerable birthday; as a granddaughter, how could she not be here?”
“Oh, right, a few days ago at the party at the Chen family’s residence, I heard someone say they saw Yan’s eldest Daughter hurriedly leaving in a carriage – I wonder if there’s any truth to it?”
“Leaving a party early surely breaches etiquette. However, we all know the Yan family’s household rules have always been exceptionally strict. Could it be that Yan’s eldest Daughter left in such a hurry because something happened?”
Upon these words, the room that was filled with laughter and chatter suddenly grew quiet.
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Old Madam Yan’s smile struggled to remain as she witnessed the various madams either whispering to each other, murmuring softly, or smiling with unspoken meaning. She glanced coldly at Madam Xu, who had spoken.
At the Chen family’s banquet that day, Madam Chen left her seat in a fluster, which led to a swirl of speculations among the families. Later, no one knew who sparked the rumor that a young lady had been kidnapped.
That day, the Eldest Daughter-in-law, along with Madam Dong and Madam Jiang, had also left the banquet one after the other. Gradually, whispers began to spread that the abducted girl was from one of their families.
Today, Madam Xu was audacious enough to bring up such a topic, implying something about his Daohua; her intentions could only be described as malicious and sinister.
Seeing Old Madam Yan shaking with anger, looking ready to argue, Yan Siyu quickly grasped her hand and shook her head. The more they clarified, the dirtier the matter would become. If they really started arguing, it would be Yiyi who suffered the consequences.
“Oh, who is it that’s been talking about me?”
Just then, a joyous, clear, and melodious voice with a hearty laugh entered the room from outside.
Everyone turned to look and saw the curtain lifted. A young lady clad in red embroidered sheepskin boots and a large red cape lined with white fox fur, entered with a beaming smile.
With eyes sparkling like the stars, a bright sweet smile, a vibrant and lovely face, and an otherworldly charm, if it wasn’t Yan Yiyi, then who could it be?
Upon seeing the newcomer, the room fell silent.
Daohua glanced around at everyone; waiting until Dong Yuanyao had entered too, she then led her straight to Old Madam Yan.
Upon sighting Daohua, Old Madam Yan’s face was immediately filled with smiles again, “You two girls, how come you’re so late, quickly go and greet the madams!”
Daohua and Dong Yuanyao first bowed to the Old Madam, then proceeded to pay their respects to the madams from the various families.
Once Dong Yuanyao joined Madam Dong’s side, Daohua looked at everyone in the room with a smile, “Yiyi has arrived late; I ask that the madams do not take offense. I am here to offer my apologies.”
After saying so, she bent her knees deeply in a curtsy.
“What are you talking about, child? Everyone knows you’ve been busy at home today; we all understand,” Madam Dong said as she stood up to help her, then continued speaking to the madams in the room.
“This child is so filial. Today being Old Madam’s birthday, she insisted on making a birthday cake personally for the celebration. She’s been up since dawn working on it. Who knows if we’ll get a taste of that cake?”