Reborn as the Regent's Beloved

A few pieces of goldware can't be grown much, and if you take them out to sell, no one will be willing to buy them, just like always.

Although there were a few valuable items, how could they compare to what Xiao Fengyi received!

Although she harbored deep resentment, Xiao Qingyin still had to maintain a facade of politeness.

She feigned magnanimity and said, "Grandmother is right. Fengyi has just returned, and these gifts are what she deserves. How can they be given away? It's against the rules."

Xiao Qingyin swallowed her anger and outwardly appeared gentle and virtuous, but inwardly she was cursing Xiao Fengyi and Madam Shen to the bone.

Hearing this, the others all looked over curiously.

Madam Shen has always been kind to people and has always been quite fond of Madam Yang. Why is she being so disrespectful now?

Logically speaking, if Xiao Fengyi really intended to give a gift, no one would object, and no one else would say anything.

However, as a highly respected elder, Madam Shen's public statement clearly showed that she was on Xiao Fengyi's side.

Shen Yu's family received no friendly treatment from Xiao Qingyin, whose face had turned pale.

You should know that in the past, Madam Shen valued this branch of the family quite a bit, but she never openly showed any disrespect to them.

Surprised, everyone reacted accordingly.

Yang coughed lightly twice, pretending that her throat was uncomfortable, took a couple of sips of tea, and then winked at her daughter.

Shen Huixue was watching the commotion and feeling quite happy when she suddenly heard her mother cough and immediately understood.

When Yang looked at Shen Huixue towards Old Madam Shen, Shen Huixue immediately put on a well-behaved and obedient expression and ran over to Old Madam Shen's side.

"Grandmother, I heard you weren't feeling well, so I specially sought out a century-old ginseng to nourish you!"

As she spoke, a maidservant next to Shen Huixue brought over an exquisitely crafted box.

Although century-old ginseng is precious, it is still occasionally available on the market, but it is relatively difficult to find.

Madam Shen's expression softened considerably, and she nodded with satisfaction.

"You have a heart."

Madam Shen instructed her attendants to accept the gift, and as she turned her head, she heard Shen Huixue tentatively inquire.

"Grandmother, I heard you vomited blood at the last birthday banquet. Are you feeling any better now?"

Shen Huixue looked worried, but in reality, she was trying to find out about Old Madam Shen's health.

Upon hearing this, Madam Shen's expression changed instantly. Seeing Shen Huixue's bewildered look, she suppressed her emotions.

She looked up with a subtle expression, glanced at the person involved, and snorted coldly with a hint of resentment, "At the birthday banquet, I ate something inappropriate. Due to the food incompatibility, I vomited blood twice. I'm getting old, and my body can't take it. In the future, I can't eat those overly nourishing things!"

As soon as she finished speaking, several people at the table changed their expressions. Old Madam Shen didn't want to look at those troublesome people, and having finally calmed down, she turned to look at Shen Huixue kindly.

"Huixue has become even more beautiful since I last saw her over half a year ago. I look at all the young ladies in the city and few can compare to my Huixue."

Shen Huixue is pretty and has a lively and lovely smile; she is quite a beautiful woman.

Upon hearing this, knowing that Old Madam Shen was being polite on purpose, Shen Huixue still smiled happily in order to change the subject, "Grandmother, you just know how to say nice things to coax me. It's only been half a year since I last saw you, how could you have grown up so much?"

As she spoke, Shen Huixue straightened up and, somewhat vainly, touched her face a couple of times.

Madam Shen was delighted to see Shen Huixue like this, and even made a few joking remarks.

"Huixue, if you grow up in two more years and become a young woman, matchmakers will probably be knocking down your door!"

Being just a teenage girl, Shen Huixue shyly hid in her mother's arms upon hearing this, repeatedly saying that her grandmother had gone too far.

Shen Huixue blushed crimson and naturally lost all interest in finding out more information.

Although Madam Shen changed the subject quickly, Shen Zhong's family and Shen Ke all sensed something unusual in that excuse.

Madam Shen is not usually careless, so how could she possibly have eaten the wrong thing at such an important occasion as a birthday banquet?

There's probably something fishy going on here.

However, since Old Madam Shen was unwilling to bring it up and even intended to hide it, they, as the younger generation, couldn't very well ask her directly.

The few who were suspicious exchanged a glance without saying a word, then pretended nothing had happened and continued eating and drinking.

If we continue to press the matter, Old Madam Shen will likely get angry, and the banquet will end unhappily.

Yang, who had sent her daughter to gather information, looked puzzled.

It's so strange. Old Madam Shen's reaction doesn't seem like nothing's wrong.

If the vomiting of blood was truly an accident, how could it have caused such a commotion?

Moreover, Madam Shen deliberately concealed the truth, unwilling to mention the inside story at all.

At the banquet, anyone with a brain wouldn't believe Old Madam Shen's words.

What could you eat that would make you vomit blood on the spot? Did you drink a bowl of thousand-year-old ginseng soup right there? Did you overdo it?

Everyone secretly harbored various thoughts, and they recalled the obvious anger on Old Madam Shen's face when she mentioned it.

Everyone knew this was no simple matter.

However, since we are still at the banquet, it's not appropriate to say anything now. I'll definitely ask around among the people in the mansion after the birthday banquet ends.

The birthday banquet was neither too big nor too small, but the arrangement of the front and back courses was rather complicated.

First, several appetizers and the freshest tea were served to everyone.

Next came the tangy and spicy appetizers, followed by desserts and dishes to suit individual tastes.

The kitchen staff at the birthday banquet had considered everyone's tastes, and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the meal.

Although there were no particularly expensive dishes at the banquet, it was precisely this simple yet thoughtful arrangement that made everyone praise it highly.

After the simple family gathering ended, Madam Shen coughed solemnly a few times, and then said to Madam Yang, "You are always meticulous. I had already entrusted the banquet arrangements to that girl Fengyi, but she is still young. If you have nothing to do, go and help out. Make sure everything is handled properly."

Madam Shen clearly valued Xiao Fengyi highly, and entrusted her with such an important matter as the banquet.

Madam Yang stared at Old Madam Shen in surprise, and it took her a while to come to her senses.

Xiao Fengyi is just a granddaughter who has just returned home, yet Old Madam Shen has already assigned her such an important task. What if something goes wrong...?

Yang's mind raced, and the thought of being sent to help made her feel complicated and unable to express her feelings.

I'm quite skilled at managing a household, and to go and become an assistant to some lowly maid is really...

Despite having many thoughts in her mind, Madam Yang decided to respect Old Madam Shen's wishes.

After all, everyone listened to Madam Shen's arrangements.

Yang smiled dignifiedly and stood up. Before she could even agree, she heard Song's somewhat sarcastic objection.