The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 1073 - 244: I Like to Slap Faces_2

Chapter 1073: Chapter 244: I Like to Slap Faces_2

"Raising children takes discipline—didn’t the Grand Empress Dowager say she wanted to meet my two kids? But how can I let undisciplined children be seen in public, and not lose face, right!?" Pei Qin chuckled.

Lady Mo taunted her as someone just making soy sauce, and Pei Qin cursed her for not raising her children well, which would cause embarrassment if they were seen in public.

The ladies watching the two verbally spar didn’t dare to chime in. Strictly speaking, Madam Marquis Yongchang is Pei Qin’s older cousin by marriage, but since Mo Heng fell out with the Mo family, he is essentially an enemy.

Wei Shu saw the argument heating up and hurriedly advised Pei Qin in a low voice, "Madam Yuanyang, please, don’t be angry; Sister Han didn’t mean that."

"What do you mean?" Pei Qin asked her, puzzled.

It made her look innocent as if Wei Shu was the one stirring up trouble. Wei Shu’s expression stiffened for a moment, then she forced a bright smile and said, "Madam Yuanyang, please, let’s not get angry."

"Grandmother An is mistaken. I generally don’t get angry—I just take action," Pei Qin sneered. Damn it! I’m just short of cursing her directly to her face, and I can’t even reply with one word? To act so virtuous, tolerant, and magnanimous, what the hell is that about?

Madam Dou changed the subject, saying, "How do you and Lady Mo know each other, Grandmother An? You seem to have known Lady Mo for quite some time!" She deliberately changed her way of addressing Pei Qin and reminded everyone, even if they didn’t know that Pei Qin was now the general of Tiance, she was still Mo Heng’s wife, Madam General Zhaoyong.

As soon as Lady Mo was mentioned, Wei Shu turned a shade paler. They all referred to Pei Qin as Madam Yuanyang, purposefully ignoring that she was Mo Heng’s wife.

"Grandmother An has been to Runing Prefecture," Pei Qin said simply.

"Was it after the Wa Ci invasion?" Madam Dou asked, interested.

"No, it was at Songyang Academy where we met," Pei Qin said casually.

Madam Dou gave her an opening, mentioning the Wa Ci invasion when the aristocratic families of Capital Jingcheng had made a disgraceful flight to the south. Many stayed at Runing Prefecture, yet Pei Qin didn’t use this to hit back as retaliation.

Those invited were not fools; they too had once moved their families southward. When Madam Dou brought up the Wa Ci invasion, it was their shame as well, but Pei Qin had deflected without batting an eye, certainly showing more tolerance and benevolence than Madam Marquis Yongchang and Wei Shu.

Great-grandmother Shen came over with a smile, "Songyang Academy is a place for producing talents, something we women can’t compete with. Let’s focus on proper matters. Let’s eat!"

The ladies hurriedly changed the subject as well.

After fasting for so long, a variety of exquisite dishes were served, and the women all showed delighted smiles.

Great-grandmother Shen had arranged for Lady Mo and Wei Shu to be seated at different tables.

Yet Wei Shu mentioned she knew Pei Qin and sat with her, saying it was more convenient for chatting.

Seeing this, Madam Dou also took the initiative to sit over.

Wei Shu volunteered to serve soup, making a gesture of apology, "These dishes are all from Jiangnan, Madam Yuanyang must be accustomed to them."

She ladled a bowl of West Lake beef soup for Pei Qin, who looked at it, thanked her but did not drink it, choosing a few vegetarian dishes instead.

"The Imperial Chef’s vegetarian dishes are quite exceptional, I have become accustomed to them these days." The weather is still hot, best to eat more veggies—detoxify and cool down!

"To actually invite the Imperial Chef back home, the General Mansion is indeed capable," Lady Mo commented, glancing sideways at Pei Qin.

"The Emperor granted it," Pei Qin shot back, focusing on her meal.

Her response left Lady Mo looking displeased, unable to speak for a while.

Pei Qin concentrated on enjoying her food, the tender lotus seed rice with its fragrant aroma blending well with the vegetarian dishes.

Observing Pei Qin’s dining manners, Lady Mo noted how unrefined they were; she didn’t eat slowly and savor her food, just pressed her lips together.

Pei Qin just cared about satisfying her own hunger. Mo Heng wanted her to show her face here, so everyone would know she’s his wife. Well, she’s done just that—ensured everyone knows exactly what kind of wife he has married!

After the meal, Madam Shen felt worn out and left her daughter-in-law to manage the gathering while she went to check on Old Lady Shen.

A servant came over with the Turtle Painting Pei Qin had gifted Shen Bi and asked, "Madam! What should we do with this painting?"

Madam Shen reached out to take a look. The seal was inscribed with the words ’Jin Tang’. She handed it to her senior maid, "Dispose of it!" After stirring up this trouble, was she really supposed to send this painting to the master?

The maid obeyed and burned the painting.

Pei Qin still had no idea her Turtle Painting gift for Shen Bi was gone. These days, she had developed the habit of a midday nap and soon felt drowsy after the meal.

Great-grandmother Shen ordered iced bowls and iced treats to be served.

Each time Princess Xiyun sent iced treats, they were swiftly devoured by Xiao Yong and her personal soldiers. Pei Qin eyed the iced treats and reached out to have some.