After seeing Gu Youyou off, Yu Mingyue appeared preoccupied. She couldn't recall Xie Jiayan's father holding a position at the Imperial Academy in any of the storybooks she had read.
However, she hadn't finished reading the storybook's ending, so it was possible it was mentioned later.
The various banquets in the capital were gradually winding down, but the busyness did not decrease. This was because a new wave of social engagements would begin after the New Year.
The Yu family's Old Madam had been recuperating at a separate villa for over a month and finally returned to the mansion on the twenty-first day of the twelfth lunar month.
On the twenty-third day of the twelfth lunar month, the Stove God Festival, the Yu family held a small family banquet.
Yu Mingyue's leg injury had long since healed, and Yu Miaoyan's confinement was also lifted. Everyone tacitly understood the situation, presenting a harmonious facade, as if the Old Madam had truly just been recuperating.
Su Wanqing poured tea and offered it to Yu Mingyue, saying, "Sister Mingyue, I was in the wrong before. I've thought things through over this past month. Can Sister Mingyue give me a chance to make amends?"
Yu Mingyue also rose from her seat and smiled, "Sister, you worry too much. It is never too late to mend. Mingyue has never blamed you."
Whether she was given a chance or not, she had already returned. Moreover, judging by the Old Madam's demeanor, she was even more doted upon than before.
At today's family banquet, Su Wanqing was seated beside her, enjoying more prestige than a direct granddaughter.
Indeed, the Old Madam immediately smoothed things over, saying, "It's good that the two young sisters have reconciled. I am old and I simply enjoy seeing the family together in harmony."
Yu Mingyue obediently agreed, showing great deference to the Old Madam.
Although the Old Madam harbored resentment, she smiled with feigned benevolence.
Yu Mingyue observed the matching fake smiles on their faces, realizing their acting skills had improved significantly over the past month.
She would have to be more diligent, lest she be outdone by them.
Yu Mingyue glanced at Cui Shi, who was conversing with her third aunt. It seemed the Old Madam's return had no bearing on her.
Yu Mingyue knew in her heart that her mother was not truly happy.
However, the Old Madam could not stay at the separate villa indefinitely. The concept of filial piety was an insurmountable mountain.
The Great Wei dynasty upheld filial piety. A single memorial from a Censorate official could bring disaster upon the entire Yu family.
The Old Madam, likely seeking to regain her former status in the mansion, was exceptionally elaborately dressed for the family banquet today.
She wore a heavy phoenix robe, draped with a black sable fur cloak, her hair styled in an "e' tou" bun, adorned with golden hairpins. Her eyebrows were painted extremely dark, arching upwards, almost reaching her temples, exuding an imposing aura.
However, the Old Madam's cheeks were not full enough, and her imposing presence seemed forced. With Cui Shi's elegance as a precedent, this makeup style was akin to a clumsy imitation.
Yu Zeyan also showed great respect to the Old Madam today. After all, they were mother and son. He likely felt some guilt for sending the Old Madam away last time.
The Old Madam, of course, did not blame her son, only resenting Cui Shi and Yu Mingyue for defying their elders.
At this moment, in front of the entire family, especially Cui Shi, she had to put on a show of filial piety and maternal love.
Cui Shi, of course, saw through the Old Madam's intentions but chose to ignore them.
Yu Mingyue watched her mother sigh softly. In moments that tested acting skills, she had to rely on herself.
With a glance from Yu Mingyue, Chihua understood. She bent down as if to pour tea for Yu Mingyue, then slowly withdrew, leaving unnoticed.
She returned shortly thereafter, carrying a food box.
"Grandmother, this is your favorite Longjing bamboo shoots. Yue'er specially asked the kitchen to prepare them. I offer them to you as a gift for Grandmother to taste." Yu Mingyue opened the food box and presented it to the Old Madam.
This kind of subtly manipulative delicacy was most suited for her.
The Old Madam, despite her dislike, forced a look of pleasure, "Yue'er is so thoughtful."
"As long as Grandmother likes it," Yu Mingyue replied obediently.