The cousin's family is extremely wealthy; she deserves to be a concubine.

Hua Sirong and her two servants were already waiting in the side hall that had been specially arranged for her, where there was plenty of fruit, snacks, and tea.

Not far away, the ladies were playing in the garden. The young ladies of the mansion had their main task today to keep these darlings company.

After the wedding ceremony was completed and the guests had finished watching the festivities, they gradually took their seats.

Looking out the half-open window at the lively scene, Madam Wang wondered, "Today is the young master's wedding. I wonder if the main kitchen has prepared any vegetarian dishes for the young lady."

"Or, may I go to the main kitchen and pick out a few dishes that the young lady can eat, to be served with the meal?"

"I appreciate your kindness, Mom, but there are too many people around today. Although we could take advantage of the chaos, it would be better if you didn't go out."

If something goes wrong and it comes back to you, it could cause you unnecessary trouble.

I just had two pastries, and I'm not hungry at all. The feast that's being served today will surely be lavish, but since I'm observing mourning, you two don't need to be so reserved.

"In a little while, you can pick out what you like to eat and eat it over there, so as not to waste any."

“What are you saying, young lady? How can a young lady go hungry while we servants eat and drink fine wine and meat?” Wang Mama said disapprovingly, much to Chunyan’s dismay at her earlier ambition to make a big splash.

"Besides, Chunyan and I were originally servants of the Hua family. Now that the master has passed away, only the young lady is allowed to fulfill the master's filial duties."

"It is our duty and responsibility, as slaves and servants, to observe mourning for our master." It was only because the master was kind that the girl didn't sell them off carelessly.

Hua Sirong said nonchalantly, "It was fine that you all stayed with me before. But Father has already left his will, so it's fine if I continue on my own."

"You two, one old and one young, why bother eating that bland vegetarian food with me? Mom, look how much Chunyan has been craving it these past few days, so please, Mom will allow it."

Madam Wang shook her head, "No. Chunyan, it's not that I'm being harsh on you, it's just that our daughter is the most considerate in our family."

If we were to drink and eat meat so loudly today, with our mouths greasy, and someone saw us and spread the word, the girl's reputation would be ruined.

This kind of thing can't be done; we can't start this.

Chunyan lowered her head, admitting her mistake for what she had just done.

Mrs. Wang knew the trick of giving a slap and then expecting a treat in return. "Chunyan, in a couple of days, when I go out to run some errands, I'll bring you back some delicious food. I'll buy more than I usually do."

"Okay, thank you, Mom, thank you, Miss." As long as there is food, Chunyan is happy.

Hua Sirong felt helpless. In fact, she could only maintain her principles within the Marquis's residence. If she were to go out with her aunt, other families wouldn't care whether she was a vegetarian or a Buddhist.

That's enough. If she can stay by her father's side for one more day, she'll stay by his side for one more day. Consider it the last bit of her persistence as a daughter.

In the brief moment between the master and servant's conversation, there was a knock on the door of the side hall.

Hey, hey, hey.

Hua Sirong thought it was a maid serving dishes, but when Chunyan opened the door, she found it was Zhang Mama, the head of the main kitchen.

"Please be well, Miss Biao."

The household is very busy today. Many guests have arrived, and we are short-handed. I, your humble servant, would like to ask if I could borrow Chunyan and Wang Mama for a while.

"Once the banquet is over, I will return the person to you."

After speaking, she lowered her voice and whispered to Hua Sirong, "I heard from the steward at the front that a distinguished guest has arrived at the manor today." She pointed in the direction of the palace.

Hua Sirong's eyes flickered slightly. The only thing that could cause such a celebration in the Marquis's mansion to involve the nobles in the palace was probably related to Consort Zhaoyi.

Mother Zhang offered to explain, "I heard that Consort Zhao sent palace servants to the mansion to deliver gifts. The Eleventh Princess knows that her eldest cousin is getting married today, and she's been clamoring to come and watch the excitement."

As luck would have it, Consort Bing and His Highness the Fourth Prince were also there. The Fourth Prince, being protective of his sister, offered to accompany them. After consulting with His Majesty, the brother and sister decided to leave the palace.

His Majesty was in a good mood upon seeing the deep bond between the prince and princess. He not only granted their request to leave the palace but also bestowed further favors upon our young master on his wedding day.

"It's incredibly lively up front right now. It's just that the young lady's side hall is a bit far back; otherwise, she might even get to see some important people."

Hua Sirong thought to herself, "No wonder it was quiet outside for a while, but then it seemed to get even more lively."

"It is a great joy for the Marquis's mansion that His Highnesses can attend my eldest cousin's wedding banquet."

Mrs. Zhang laughed so hard her eyes disappeared. "That's right. All the people in my kitchen who are even remotely presentable have been transferred away."

I just saw from outside that the little maid who was supposed to serve in your side hall has been borrowed to the flower hall to receive guests.

Alas, I know that there are too many people around today, and I shouldn't have come to ask Miss Biao for help.

But for the time being, I really can't find any help. The masters above just told us to figure it out ourselves.

Fatty immediately thought of Chunyan. Chunyan was strong, and Wang Mama was experienced; they were both talented individuals.

Zhang's mother had a valid reason for asking for help, and since it was her eldest cousin's wedding today, Hua Sirong couldn't refuse.

He only reminded Wang Mama and Chunyan not to be alone when doing things, because there are many things that can happen in the Da Zhai Men (a large family compound), and it is impossible to guard against them all.

If it's just a simple shortage of manpower, asking for help is fine, but if something unexpected happens, it'll be disgusting.

The head maid, having managed to borrow someone, smiled broadly. "The young lady is short of servants right now, and there are many people around in the mansion today."

Although the side hall is right next to the flower hall, the girl can easily summon someone if she needs anything.

But there's no guarantee that some fool might cause trouble. Until Granny Wang and Chunyan return, would it be alright if you had to stay in this room for a while, young lady?

Hua Sirong didn't want to cause trouble, so she naturally agreed to go into the crowd alone.

“I’ve remembered everything Zhang’s mother said. But neither my mother nor Chunyan are the kind of people who are good at flattery.”

"Please trouble Zhang Mama to arrange for them to work in the kitchen, tending the fire and chopping wood, so as not to offend our distinguished guests."

Zhang's mother smiled and agreed. When she left, she thoughtfully closed the door for Hua Sirong.

I was initially worried that this manager had ulterior motives, but after seeing her behavior, it seems that she was being petty.

After a while, dishes began to be served outside, including those in Hua Sirong's side room.

Although she was the only mistress in the room, the feast was quite lavish, showing no sign of being perfunctory.

She only picked a few vegetarian dishes to try.

Not eating any of it is definitely not acceptable; we can't give others something to talk about.

She sat alone at the table, without many rules, ate quickly, and put down her chopsticks just as quickly.

But on the other side of the flower hall, the meal was in full swing.

Hua Sirong couldn't take this opportunity to sneak back to Qingwu Courtyard, so she could only sit by the window, bored, listening to the celebratory performances being performed at the pavilion in the lake, to pass the time.

Feeling drowsy and sleepy, she still got up and locked the door before leaning against the small couch by the window to doze off.