Time flew by, and it was soon the tenth day of May. The General's Mansion was bustling with activity.
Xuanyuan Xi, titled Princess Xuanhe, was the only princess of the Tianqi Royal Family for three generations and was highly respected.
In recent days, Xuanyuan Xi had been in poor health, either paying respects to Buddha in temples or recuperating in the mountains.
Her birthdays had been simple affairs, just eating longevity noodles with those close to her.
After treatment by the imperial physician, her condition had now fully recovered, and the household wanted to hold a grand birthday banquet to celebrate.
By 7-9 AM, the mansion was already crowded with visitors.
Among them were many who came for Qin Yuchuan. The butler, having served in the General's Mansion for half his life, was well-versed in dealing with such matters and warmly received the guests.
"This way, please, madam and young miss!"
"Imperial Censor, please come this way!"
"..."
In the main hall, Xuanyuan Xi was wearing red clothing, which was rare for her.
She had always felt that red was too bright and didn't suit her. She only put on this outfit after much persuasion from Bai Wei.
"Princess, you look so beautiful in this outfit. It reminds me of when you first married into the General's Mansion."
Xuanyuan Xi: "I married into the General's Mansion before you were even born. How would you know what I looked like back then?"
Bai Wei scratched her head, a bit embarrassed. "Well, I heard it from Nanny Wang."
"Speaking of Nanny Wang, I wonder how she's doing now?" Xuanyuan Xi seemed to recall something.
Bai Wei quickly replied, "Nanny Wang sent a letter recently saying she's enjoying her time at home, playing with her grandchildren."
"Today is a joyous occasion, Princess. You shouldn't look so worried."
Xuanyuan Xi: "You said Qingyi would come. Did she mention when she'd arrive?"
Bai Wei: "Miss Qingyi said she would come, so she will. It's still early. When she arrives, I'll have someone notify you."
Xuanyuan Xi nodded, "Very well, then."
At the entrance of the General's Mansion, numerous carriages were parked. Amidst the congratulatory voices of the crowd, Ming Qi led a group of people to the gate.
The butler hurried to welcome them. This Ming Qi was a favorite of the Emperor, so he must be treated with utmost courtesy.
"Welcome, Lord Ming Qi!"
Ming Qi: "I've come on behalf of the Emperor to deliver birthday gifts to Princess Xuanhe."
"Please come in, Lord Ming Qi. The Princess is currently in the main hall."
Ming Qi's group was escorted in by the butler. In the main hall, Xuanyuan Xi was chatting with several ladies.
"Now that Princess Xuanhe has recovered from her illness, we should all visit more often."
"General Qin is not getting any younger. Has he been betrothed yet? My youngest daughter has just come of age and is here today. If the Princess approves, perhaps we could arrange the matter."
"Huan'er, come and pay your respects to the Princess."
Chen Huan'er reluctantly walked over and bowed to Xuanyuan Xi. "This humble daughter greets Princess Xuanhe. May the Princess have peace and prosperity."
Xuanyuan Xi looked at the young woman in pink before her. She was still young and hadn't learned to hide her emotions; the displeasure in her eyes was evident.
Her dear Yuchuan was the finest man in the world. How could she allow someone who showed such disdain to even consider marriage?
Let alone the fact that there was now Qingyi; even if there wasn't, she would never allow such a person to enter the General's Mansion.
"We should wait for Yuchuan to return before discussing this matter. The battlefield is unpredictable. If something were to happen, it would be unfair to Miss Chen."
Madam Chen: "That won't happen. General Qin is the Tianqi War God, undefeated in battle. He will surely return victorious. It would be my daughter's good fortune to marry General Qin."
"Madam Chen might not know, but the General already has someone he favors. When the General returns, you're welcome to attend his wedding," Bai Wei interjected from the side.
Madam Chen glanced sideways at Bai Wei. She was just a maid; how dare she interrupt their conversation?
However, considering that this person was close to Xuanyuan Xi, she swallowed her anger and began to probe for information.
"May I ask which family's daughter has caught General Qin's eye?"
Bai Wei replied, "Mu Qingyi, daughter of the former Deputy General Mu Yuanshan."
Madam Chen frowned. This Mu Yuanshan had been dead for who knows how many years. How could his daughter compare to her Huan'er?
"General Qin comes from a military family. Traditionally, the lady of the house has always been from a prestigious background. I'm afraid the daughter of General Mu might not be suitable for this position. Perhaps she could be a concubine instead."
Xuanyuan Xi frowned. This woman's calculations were quite impressive, but unfortunately, the General's Mansion was not something she could scheme about.
"The men of the Qin family have always taken only one wife and no concubines. If Madam Chen wishes to seek a good marriage for your daughter, it's best to look elsewhere. The daughter of the Li Family is too good for our General's Mansion."
"Bai Wei, I'm feeling a bit tired. Help me to the side hall to rest for a while."
Seeing Xuanyuan Xi about to leave, Madam Chen quickly said, "I hope Princess Xuanhe will consider it carefully."
As Bai Wei supported Xuanyuan Xi, she angrily muttered, "This Madam Chen just wants to climb the social ladder, but she makes it sound so righteous."
"And that Miss Li, looking so unwilling. Anyone who didn't know better would think our General's Mansion was forcing her to marry!"
Just then, Ming Qi led his group into the main hall.
"Princess Xuanhe, please wait. I have come on the Emperor's orders to present birthday gifts. We wish the Princess blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity like the Southern Mountains."
The palace servants following Ming Qi began carrying boxes of rare treasures into the main hall.
Among them were precious medicinal herbs like thousand-year-old lingzhi mushrooms and ginseng, as well as unique tributes such as crystal cups and night pearls.
The onlookers were shocked. These gifts symbolized great favor; surely the General's Mansion would prosper even more in the future.
Madam Chen, seeing these valuable gifts, became even more determined to marry Chen Huan'er into the General's Mansion.
The Emperor clearly valued the General's Mansion highly. If Huan'er were to marry into it, her own life in the Li Family would improve as well.
"Thank the Emperor for me."
Ming Qi said, "The Emperor also instructed that if Princess Xuanhe needs any assistance, she may directly enter the palace to see him."
Xuanyuan Xi: "The Emperor is too kind."
Ming Qi: "Princess Xuanhe need not be so formal. With General Qin far away at the border, and given the brotherly relationship between the Emperor and the General, it's only right for the Emperor to look after you."
Ming Qi looked around and finally turned to Bai Wei. "It's Princess Xuanhe's birthday today. How come we don't see Miss Qingyi?"
Bai Wei: "She should be on her way."
"I see. Well, now that we've delivered the gifts, we'll take our leave."
Xuanyuan Xi whispered, "Why did Ming Qi suddenly ask about Qingyi?"
"Miss Qingyi has known the Emperor for a long time. Ming Qi, being close to the Emperor, naturally knows Miss Qingyi as well. He was probably just asking casually," Bai Wei replied.
Xuanyuan Xi: "Known for a long time?"
Bai Wei: "According to Miss Qingyi, she met the Emperor while dining out with the General before. The three of them had a pleasant conversation, and that's how they became acquainted."
"I see. What time is it now?" Xuanyuan Xi asked.
Bai Wei: "It's already 9-11 AM."
"9-11 AM, it's still early. Let's go to the side hall to rest for a moment."
