Quick Transmigration: Drama Queen's Daily Life Chapter 1452 - 1441: The Lady Who Doesn’t Want to Rise

"Father, are we still going to attend the autumn banquet at the Jiang Residence?" Zhang Yanwei asked cautiously, kneeling on the ground.

Second Old Master Zhang Yiyun glared at his youngest son: "You’ve already made promises; if we don’t attend, wouldn’t that tarnish your cousin’s reputation?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yanwei couldn’t help but let a smile slip. Regardless, as long as cousin goes, it will blind them with envy. Let them look down on us.

"After kneeling for two hours in the ancestral hall, go apologize to your cousin. If she doesn’t forgive you, then you’ll have to watch out."

Zhang Yanwei chuckled, "Cousin is such a nice person, how could she not forgive me?"

It must be said that Ye Qiu has gained quite a favorable impression in the estate over the past two months; even the Head of Family, who was most wary of her, has warmed up a bit. Perhaps the only one who still looks down on her is Second Madam Duan.

Although Ye Qiu clearly stated her disinterest in two cousins from the second branch, Duan still felt uneasy. Especially since her son, Zhang Yanwei, didn’t listen to her advice to stay away. Instead, after interacting twice, he grew enthusiastic about Ye Qiu and brought small gifts back every time from the academy, making Duan grind her teeth in frustration.

Thus, Duan concluded that Ye Qiu was pretending before, that her earlier remarks were meant to lower her guard, and she saw Ye Qiu’s actions as retreating to advance, feeling even more eager for Ye Qiu to disappear from sight now that both father and son were defending her.

"Lady, why get so angry? It’s only harmful to your health. She’s just an orphan, and Fifth Young Master is merely caught up in novelty, thinking he gained a sister. In two years, when Fifth Young Master enters officialdom, he’ll naturally know what’s best for him." The matron reassured nearby.

Duan twisted her silk handkerchief nervously, turning the high-quality tribute silk into a twisted mess, her brows were tightly furrowed: "I’m just afraid that little troublemaker will enchant my son these two years. As long as my son shows a hint of joy, with the Old Lady calling the shots, what say do I have as a daughter-in-law?"

"Why not arrange a marriage for Fifth Young Master early?"

"That’s the only option." Duan pondered, "Just as well, my niece is turning fourteen this year, delicate and lovely, far better compared to Ye Qiu. Tomorrow I’ll visit my sister-in-law about it and bring Yinyin over; once compared, Xiao Wu will surely see who is superior."

The matron laughed along, "Madam, you’re right. Once Lady Yinyin arrives, Lady Ye Qiu won’t stand a chance."

Duan displayed a smug look, "Ye Qiu can only write decently, but Yinyin is proficient in all four arts: music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. She will surely outshine Ye Qiu at the autumn banquet."

"Without a doubt, Lady Yinyin has been educated by experts since childhood, incomparable to a cousin raised halfway."

Meanwhile, Zhang Yanwei was unaware of his mother’s decision. After serving his punishment, he went apologetically and flatteringly to find Ye Qiu, coincidentally meeting Zhang Yanjing as well, which embarrassed him even more.

Without a family split at the Marquis Mansion, members from two branches rank together; Zhang Yanjing is the legitimate eldest daughter of the main branch, seventeen this year, two years older than Zhang Yanwei, ranked fourth.

Having been trained as the Head of Family from an early age, and betrothed to the Third Prince two years ago, she always carried herself with authority, causing Zhang Yanwei frequent trepidation upon meeting her, especially after causing trouble today.

"Stop darting your eyes around. Speak properly." Zhang Yanjing reprimanded.

"Fourth Sister," Zhang Yanwei stood up straight and bowed deeply to Ye Qiu, "I’m here to apologize to cousin today."

"Is it about the autumn banquet?"

Zhang Yanwei sheepishly smiled, "You’ve all found out already, huh?"

"The invitation reached us; how could we not? You’ve been reading for long enough, yet why act so impetuously?" Zhang Yanjing scolded, "If you tarnish cousin’s reputation, can you afford the consequences?"

"Fourth Sister, I know I was wrong. Father has punished me, and I promise never to make such mistakes again." Zhang Yanwei, only fifteen this year and raised in family affection, now looked pitiable.

"Well, cousin, it’s actually not a big deal. At the autumn banquet, just prove that those words were mine, and it’ll be fine." Ye Qiu laughed as she mitigated, "It’s actually not that severe."

Zhang Yanjing frowned, "But those words haven’t been reclaimed yet!"

Ye Qiu continued to smile, "I heard that the one who has those words is a friend of Fifth Cousin’s teacher. If one is a friend of the teacher, they should not be a bad person."

"That’s Mr. Lv Zhu; he won’t affect cousin’s reputation negatively. Being praised by him, cousin will become famous in the capital—this is a good thing."

Zhang Yanjing glared, "Are you feeling proud?"

Zhang Yanwei touched his head, quietly defending, "That’s not what I intended."

Zhang Yanjing snorted, "Now we can only attend this autumn banquet, cousin, you should prepare well; I’ll accompany you."

Ye Qiu gratefully smiled, "With cousin accompanying, I’m not afraid."

Since the autumn banquet was five days away, there wasn’t enough time to tailor new clothes. However, Ye Qiu was in mourning, so she couldn’t wear anything too bright. Loved by the Old Lady, she had previously prepared plenty of outfits for her; she chose a moon-white one, which wasn’t inappropriate. As for hair accessories, she wouldn’t need anything fancy, opting to wear two plain Beaded Flowers and a Jade hairpin that day.

By contrast, the next day Duan brought Duan Yinyin back, who prepared with extravagance. Her outfit was a Shu brocade embroidered with large red peonies, with a complete set of Ruby headpieces on her head, even her shoes were stitched with pearls, she truly epitomized luxury.

Yet, her petite and charming features were not overwhelmed; instead, it accentuated her vibrant beauty.

On the day of departure, besides Duan and her satisfaction, even the dignified Zhang Yanjing slightly furrowed her brows. It’s because in the Marquis Mansion, Zhang Yanjing held the chief position, and Duan Yinyin was a guest. Today, Duan Yinyin rode with the Marquis Mansion’s car to the Jiang Residence, and her imposing presence overshadowed Zhang Yanjing; it seemed a bit like usurping host’s status.

However, Duan Yinyin was her second aunt Duan’s niece, and now the Duan Family’s favor was not inferior to the Marquis Mansion. The two families were in-laws, and she was the Third Prince’s fiancée, so until things were settled, she couldn’t oppose Duan Yinyin.

Only today’s ostentation by Duan Yinyin was noted, perhaps someday in the future, it’ll start to matter.

Although the Jiang Family was not titled nobility, Elder Jiang was an esteemed steward during two dynasties. When Elder Jiang retired to the hills, it was the late Emperor himself who invited him multiple times to return and stabilize the new dynasty’s landscape.

Now, even though Elder Jiang has passed, four out of his five sons serve as officials, and thus have ample favor, making today’s autumn banquet exceedingly grand. It was an honor for ladies and madams in the capital to receive an invitation from the Jiang Family.