He was hacked to death! Reborn and married to the Grand Secretary, his family wept with regret.

Princess Ronghua's words made Li Huai-ren feel inexplicably guilty. He stopped arguing with Princess Ronghua and just touched his nose to cover up his embarrassment.

Just then, a lively sound came from the front yard, which eased the tense atmosphere. The old lady called out, "I'm afraid the mistress of the Ningyuan Marquis's mansion has arrived. Let's not stand here and come with me to see!"

Although Princess Ronghua was dissatisfied, she did not refuse. Just as the group left the old lady's courtyard, they saw Wang Shi also coming with several people.

Upon seeing Princess Ronghua, Madam Wang's smile widened, and she gave Luo Qingfan an admiring look.

He naturally thought Luo Qingfan was capable, having even invited Princess Ronghua to be his companion. For a moment, he was radiant, his eyes brimming with pride.

At this moment, a woman dressed in coarse cloth stood next to Wang.

She appeared to be about the same age as Wang, but her face already bore the marks of time. She wore a simple silver hairpin, now dull and lifeless, which seemed even more lackluster compared to Wang's radiant jewels.

This person was Madam Zhang, the matriarch of the Ningyuan Marquis's household. She was also related to Madam Wang by marriage, being Madam Wang's cousin. Madam Zhang was originally a prominent figure in the capital, known for her strict management of the household.

It is said that back in the capital, Wang Shi always compared herself to her cousin, Zhang Shi, who was also the mistress of a noble family, but she was always outshone by Zhang Shi.

Until both families ended up in Ning County by a twist of fate, Wang Shi, thanks to An Wuyang's support, still lived a life of comfort and occasionally managed to show off her power as the mistress of a noble family.

On the other hand, Zhang has been working hard to provide for her family, and over the years she has lost her temper and become no different from an ordinary peasant woman.

Now, because of Princess Ronghua's arrival, Madam Wang felt that Luo Qingfan had brought her honor, and her demeanor became even more proud.

"I never expected Princess Ronghua to grace this humble abode with her presence! It truly makes my humble dwelling so honored!"

"Qingfan, Princess Ronghua will have to sit at the head table later!"

Princess Ronghua snorted coldly, only looking at An Wuyang with interest, but did not refute Wang Shi.

Wang didn't notice anything amiss and continued to greet them warmly, as if afraid that Zhang wouldn't see how prosperous their family was now. She pulled Zhang aside and continued, "Cousin, look, this is the Qingfan I told you about!"

"This young lady Qingfan has an extraordinary background and an excellent temperament. She is capable of managing a household."

"I also heard this afternoon that Qingfan has caught the eye of ***, and *** will even send someone to deliver a piece of calligraphy to him later!"

Wang was now in high spirits, afraid that people wouldn't know how capable Luo Qingfan was, and wished she could praise Luo Qingfan to the skies.

"By the way, the food for today's banquet was specially delivered by the best restaurant in Ning County, which I guarantee will be delicious and visually appealing."

Wang's boasting only served to highlight how well the Marquis of Zhongyong's family was doing now, and how prosperous they would be in the future.

Zhang, on the other hand, looked extremely poor and embarrassed. She could only force a smile, her lips trembling slightly, but she dared not say anything more.

Madam Wang glanced at An Wuyang again: "The daughters-in-law of wealthy families are chosen based on their character and ability. If all they do is wash clothes, cook, and manage household chores, any maid will suffice!"

“Only someone as talented and beautiful as Qingfan, who excels in everything, is worthy of the Marquis’s mansion.”

Upon hearing Wang's words, Li Huai-ren not only did not refute them, but also agreed, saying, "Mother is right!"

The group had complicated expressions, but fortunately they arrived at the front yard in just a few steps.

Luo Qingfan stepped forward and made a "please" gesture.

Then everyone saw several tables set up in front of them, open to the elements, with huge red paper umbrellas on top of the tables, which swayed in the night breeze.

Luo Qingfan was still feeling elated because of Wang's praise.

Before the banquet began, Luo Qingfan stood in front of everyone and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, I am in charge of tonight's banquet. The theme is a rural courtyard with a pastoral feel. The dishes we are having today are also top-quality dishes specially ordered by Zuixianglou. Please take your seats!"

As soon as Luo Qingfan spoke, everyone's expression changed.

Princess Ronghua spoke first: "Is this how you, the Marquis of Zhongyong, treat your guests? We are a respectable family, and even if we are not, we have not fallen to the point of eating in the open air."

According to the custom in Beijing, when a host invites guests to dinner, the meal must be held in a private room with incense burning and musicians playing soothing music, as a sign of respect for the guests.

The houses arranged like this in the courtyard are for laborers, entertainers, and other people who make a living.

Luo Qingfan's arrangement was taboo from the very beginning.

For a moment, the old lady and Madam Wang had different expressions on their faces.

Zhang, who had been holding back, chuckled and said, "I just heard that today's meal is from Zuixianglou?"

At this moment, a hint of sarcasm appeared in Zhang's eyes.