Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress
Chapter 403 - 400: Intentional_1

Chapter 403: Chapter 400: Intentional_1

Mrs. Dong didn’t even see her. She was the wife of the clan leader!

"The maid certainly knows that Madam is doing this for the good of the clan leader and wants to help the Bai Mansion prepare for the banquet, so that those waiting to see the clan leader’s joke can see... the Bai Clan relies on the clan leader and Madam!" Puliu held the shattered porcelain pieces, looking up at the still-angry Mrs. Fang, and said, "But Madam has to understand that great clans like the Bai family in Dadu City have their own rules. It’s not like we can meet them just because we want to, right?"

Puliu didn’t accompany Madam to the Bai Mansion today due to some matters. When she heard the maid’s return, she knew why Mrs. Fang was angry.

"The maid says this knowing Madam may not like it. But only the maid dares to say this!" Puliu stood up and saluted before speaking, "The clan leader was able to take the position of clan leader mainly because of a word from Princess of Zhen. Madam should not think of being on equal footing with the Bai family in Dadu City like before. Instead, the Bai family in Dadu City should be held in esteem!"

Puliu’s words hit the nail on the head of Mrs. Fang’s thoughts.

She just wanted to be like before when the dignified Duke of Zhen Bai Weiting was on equal footing with her husband. Why now, when her man is the clan leader, can’t she be on equal footing with the Bai family in Dadu City? Bai Qingyan was still her junior.

"To be blunt, if the Bai family in Dadu respects you, then the clan leader can indeed be on equal footing with the Bai family in Dadu. If they don’t acknowledge you, you are nothing! You see this time... the granddaughter of the King of Zhen, the Princess of Zhen, replaced the clan leader as soon as she returned!" Puliu lowered her voice as she approached Mrs. Fang. "And the governor and Magistrate Zhou completely follow the Princess of Zhen’s lead! In the face of power... the clan leader of the Bai Clan is really nothing."

Although Mrs. Fang’s face turned green and white after hearing Puliu’s words, Puliu was her most trusted maid, following her from her maiden home to the Bai family. She knew Puliu’s words were all for her good.

Mrs. Fang felt a grievance in her heart, and her eyes reddened: "Why is it that when others are the clan leader, they are so glorious, but when it comes to us, we have to be humble?"

Puliu sighed in her heart at how clueless Mrs. Fang was, but this was the girl who had been kind to her and whom she had grown up with. She could only bend down and persuade her again: "You don’t need to be excessively humble. Just be sincere in making friends with Mrs. Dong and follow her instructions. Don’t act over her, and let Mrs. Dong take the lead. This isn’t humiliation; it’s enduring temporary grievances for the sake of long-term plans."

Mrs. Fang’s tears immediately fell, and she quickly wiped them with a handkerchief, saying: "Puliu, I understand everything you’re saying. I’m just upset, feeling wronged. Especially my sister-in-law... she’s been expelled from the clan but still talks behind my back, mocking that Qihe is just a temporary clan leader. I just want them to see..."

"I understand, Madam! I do!" Puliu comforted Mrs. Fang, "Right now, Madam doesn’t need to rush. Tomorrow, during the banquet, just lower your posture in front of Mrs. Dong."

Mrs. Fang wiped her tears and nodded: "I know."

On May 6th, the Bai Mansion held a dinner banquet.

At the time of the setting sun, when the western sky was filled with sunset, both the governor and Master Zhou arrived with their families.

The lanterns at the entrance of the Bai Mansion had already been lit, and the entire mansion was ablaze with lights.

Stepping through the six open red-lacquered doors and around the screen wall, one could see a bronze crane lamp every ten steps in the courtyard, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

As soon as Master Zhou entered, he was amazed by the carved beams and painted pillars of the Bai family. He knew the Bai family had a deep foundation, but he didn’t expect it to be this profound. With just a glance, he could tell that all the utensils in the Bai ancestral home likely dated back to the previous dynasty.

This was the true grandeur and pomp that a family of such standing should have.

Other than the clan leader’s family and the family of the fifth master, who had been expelled from the clan, almost no one in the clan had been to the Bai ancestral home.

Everyone arrived early. Just as it was getting dark, the banquet at the Bai Mansion began.

Mrs. Dong and a few of Bai Qingyan’s aunts didn’t come, which disappointed Mrs. Fang, who was eager to curry favor with Mrs. Dong.

"The Bai family is still in mourning and should not hold a banquet. So today, there will be no music or dance to entertain. It will just be a simple family meal..." Bai Qingyan raised the teacup in front of her, "If the reception is inadequate, please forgive us, Governor and Magistrate Zhou."

Bai Qingyan’s words didn’t exclude the Bai clan members, which somewhat relieved them.

As soon as Bai Qingyan finished speaking, the servants entered in a line, carrying dishes and pots. They moved with light and swift steps, efficiently placing various delicacies in front of the guests.

Magistrate Zhou looked at the six or seven plates of exquisite seasonal cakes in front of him, their delicacy astonishing him. Even the plates holding the cakes seemed to belong to the previous dynasty.

Most impressive was that the Bai family had so many complete sets, showcasing their deep foundation.

The Bai family was still in mourning. Regardless of whether the elders allowed them meat, outwardly, they still could not have meat. So today’s meal consisted entirely of vegetarian dishes.

The banquet was entirely not what Mrs. Fang had imagined.

Without elegant music and dance, it was already somber. Bai Qingyan sat quietly at the head table, eating with composure, adhering to the rule of not speaking while eating or sleeping, making everyone else hesitant to breathe loudly.

Mrs. Fang finally understood, this wasn’t some banquet planned by Bai Qingyan, it was a demonstration of authority.

After finishing her meal, Bai Qingyan rinsed her mouth according to custom. When the bowls and dishes were cleared, tea and fresh fruits were served. The casual meal comment was indeed not just modesty.

But even so, in the eyes of the people of Shuoyang, the grandeur of the Bai family was already quite formal.

"How is the preparation for recruiting and training soldiers going?" Bai Qingyan put down her teacup and asked solemnly.

Bai Qihe quickly stood up and bowed deeply to Bai Qingyan, saying, "Currently, many Bai clan members, tenants on Bai Clan land, and commoners enthusiastic about monthly payments have signed up. We are still discussing the training grounds within the clan."

"The Official Government’s martial arts field should suffice!" Magistrate Zhou was the first to speak, bowing toward Bai Qingyan. "Before the Commandery Princess returned, the governor had already ordered me to expand the martial arts field. It should be ready in three days."

The governor didn’t expect Master Zhou to take the initiative to curry favor with Bai Qingyan in front of him. The order wasn’t from him, and he was embarrassed to take credit. He quickly stood up and said, "I only mentioned to Master Zhou that the martial arts field might not be enough. It hardly counts as an order. Master Zhou deserves the credit."