On the second day of the Lunar New Year, Wang Youfu’s family went to Wang Youtian’s house; they were hosting a banquet that day.

When Wang Youfu’s family arrived, the residents of the Old Residence had already been there for a while, and Wang Qingshan and Madam He had come along too. The Old Madam and Madam Tian were already seated, chatting and laughing with the early arrivals. Madam Yang went over to greet them, then headed to the kitchen to assist Madam Zhang.

Entering the kitchen, Madam Yang saw Cai Xia helping Madam Zhang prepare the feast and couldn't help but praise her, “Cai Xia is truly capable, already helping the household prepare a banquet. Third Aunt, you are truly blessed to have such a good daughter.”

Madam Zhang and Cai Xia saw that it was Madam Yang who had arrived. Cai Xia quickly called out, “Second Aunt,” while Madam Zhang laughed, “Ah, of course, I’m pleased with how good my daughter is, but even the best daughter will eventually belong to her husband’s family! She won't be staying home for much longer.”

Hearing her mother’s words, Cai Xia’s face immediately flushed bright red. “Mother…”

Madam Yang chimed in playfully, “Oh, Third Aunt, you mustn't speak of Cai Xia that way. Even after Cai Xia joins her in-laws' home, she will still be filial to you, won't she, Cai Xia?”

Seeing both her mother and Second Aunt teasing her, Cai Xia quickly picked up a basin of vegetables. “Mother, Second Aunt, I’m going out to wash these vegetables.” With that, Cai Xia fled as if escaping.

Inside the room, Cai Die was playing with Cai Yun and a few other young girls. The girls chattered away about topics that interested them while munching on candies.

As they talked, one child spoke with great envy about the earrings Cai Yun was wearing, even reaching out to touch them. Immediately, all the other children began envying Cai Yun, remarking how lovely her earrings were and how kind her family was to her.

Where there is envy, there is naturally resentment. Cai Die felt quite unhappy because she was also wearing a pair of earrings today, yet no one had mentioned them. Thus, she let out a little huff.

Cai Yun was becoming embarrassed by the compliments, so she pointed at Cai Die and said, “Older Sister Cai Die is also wearing earrings! Hers are even prettier than mine.”

Upon hearing this, Cai Die’s displeasure vanished instantly, and she became rather smug, thinking, Since you all envy these, I’ll let you be envious to your heart’s content!

With this thought, Cai Die pulled out her jewelry box. Opening it, she pointed to one item and addressed the crowd, “My maternal uncle gave me this hairpin. Isn’t it beautiful?”

When the others saw the jewelry box filled with so many dazzling and beautiful ornaments, they were utterly consumed by envy.

Cai Die greatly enjoyed the admiration, so she pulled out the most exquisite piece and showed it to them, “This hairpin belongs to my older sister, and it’s pure vermilion gold! It also has these three beads on it. Isn't it lovely?”

The crowd erupted in another round of envy, chattering amongst themselves about how gorgeous the hairpin was and how expensive it must be. However, their chatter was soon interrupted by Cai Xia, who entered the room.

As soon as Cai Xia entered, she saw her younger sister flaunting her hairpin to others. Her heart leaped. She knew this hairpin wasn't bought by their parents or any relative; it was a gift from Zhao Jing. She always kept it carefully tucked away, never daring to wear it for fear of gossip. To think that her sister would pull it out to show off in front of so many people today! She immediately exclaimed anxiously, “You all sit down properly; I’ll get some candy for you to eat. Cai Die, hurry up and put those things away!”

Cai Die saw her older sister arrive and realized she was caught showing off her jewelry. Suddenly feeling guilty, she didn't dare refuse when Cai Xia told her to put the items away. In just a few quick movements, she tidied everything up.

Cai Xia let out a sigh of relief once she saw her sister had put everything away.

Since Wang Youtian’s house was holding a banquet today, the Zhao family, who were related to them by marriage, certainly wouldn't miss it. Before long, the Zhao family arrived at Wang Youtian’s house, including Zhao Jing, who was betrothed to Cai Xia.

Wang Qingchen hadn't spoken much with Zhao Jing usually, but to his surprise, Zhao Jing and Wang Qingyi seemed quite familiar with each other. Wang Qingchen was heading to the privy and saw the two of them whispering behind the house. Then, Zhao Jing took something out of his and handed it to Wang Qingyi, who carefully tucked it away. This piqued Wang Qingchen’s interest. After the two separated, Wang Qingchen walked over and stopped Wang Qingyi, who was about to leave, asking, “What are you two plotting?”

Wang Qingyi was startled by Wang Qingchen’s sudden appearance. “Brother Qingchen, you gave me quite a fright.” To make his reaction seem genuine, Wang Qingyi patted his chest.

“Enough, don’t change the subject; I saw everything!” Wang Qingchen put on an air of knowing everything.

Wang Qingyi could only resort to feigning innocence, “Really, Brother Qingchen, there’s nothing!”

“Oh dear, then I’ll have to call Third Aunt over to have a look!” Wang Qingchen made a move to call for Madam Zhang.

“Oh, Brother Qingchen, you absolutely cannot call my mother over! Brother Zhao Jing strictly told me not to let anyone know about this,” Wang Qingyi pleaded pitifully at Wang Qingchen.

“Then tell me what you two were plotting, and I won’t tell your mother,” Wang Qingchen countered.

“Fine, I’ll tell you, but you absolutely cannot repeat it!” Wang Qingyi cautioned.

“Mm!” Wang Qingchen nodded, secretly thinking that whether he told or not would depend on what the secret was.

“It’s something Brother Zhao Jing gave my eldest sister. He didn’t want to give it to her directly, so he asked me to deliver it.”

Saying this, Wang Qingyi took the item from his embrace—it was a hairpin.

Wang Qingchen chuckled inwardly after looking at it. Zhao Jing was much better at winning over women than his own elder brother. He realized Zhao Jing was already trying to bring his future brother-in-law to his side. Still, this was good; it showed Zhao Jing was quite satisfied with his cousin, otherwise, he wouldn't go to such trouble.

At lunchtime, Wang Qingchen kept glancing at Zhao Jing at the neighboring table, making Zhao Jing wonder if he had perhaps worn the wrong clothes that day before finally giving up on thinking about it.

The banquet at Wang Youtian’s house today was extremely well-prepared, drawing much praise from the guests. Madam Yang took the opportunity to mention that Cai Xia had made most of the dishes, leading everyone to praise her further. Some remarked that such a capable daughter would certainly be sought after as a bride if she weren't already betrothed; others envied the Zhao family for gaining such a good daughter-in-law, making the Zhao family beam with delight. Cai Xia also earned a reputation for being virtuous and capable, which further pleased the Zhaos.

Madam Zhang was overjoyed by the compliments, but Madam Tian found it hard to see Madam Zhang so happy and intended to make a pointed remark. However, before she could speak, she heard Madam Yang quietly recount how Madam Zhang had smoothly handled things during Qingyun’s engagement banquet. Hearing this, Madam Tian swallowed the words she was about to say.

The reason Madam Tian held back wasn't because she felt indebted to Madam Zhang for past help; she remembered how the Second Wife of Old Man Luo had almost ruined the engagement feast, leading to her being ridiculed by so many people, nearly jeopardizing her daughter's marriage. Furthermore, she had heard that Old Man Luo had severely disciplined her afterward. Madam Tian figured if she caused trouble today in front of so many people, the Old Master might discipline her just as harshly later, so she kept silent.

Afterward, Madam Zhang thanked Madam Yang, “Second Sister-in-law, thank you so much today. Otherwise, my Cai Xia wouldn't have earned such a good reputation.”

In truth, Madam Zhang had asked Cai Xia to help with the banquet today precisely so others would know how virtuous and capable her daughter was, but she couldn't openly claim the banquet was Cai Xia's work, so she was grateful Madam Yang had mentioned it.

“Ah, what are you saying? I was only stating the facts today. It’s your Cai Xia who is genuinely good,” Madam Yang replied with a smile.

“No matter, I must thank you today regardless,” Madam Zhang said, smiling.

The next day, the third day of the Lunar New Year, the Old Residence was hosting the banquet, so Wang Youfu’s family traveled there again.

Madam Yang did not go to the kitchen to help, unlike at Wang Youtian’s house, which greatly annoyed Madam Tian. However, Madam Yang not coming to help left her with no recourse.

Although Wang Qingshan and Madam He lived separately now, they had promised the Old Master not to let outsiders know about the division of the family. With so many guests present today, they naturally had to attend together to avoid suspicion. Moreover, to make things look more natural, Madam He went to the kitchen to assist.

Madam Tian naturally didn't give Madam He a pleasant look upon seeing her, but since it was the Old Residence hosting the banquet today, it wouldn't do to cause a scene. Thus, the two managed to coexist peacefully in the kitchen, much to Wang Qingshan’s prolonged worry.

Luo Yin was not yet three months pregnant, and her pregnancy was still unstable. The household dared not let her do any chores. Not only that, but they insisted she stay inside her room, fearing that with so many people and children running about, she might be accidentally bumped. This showed how much importance the Old Residence placed on the child in Luo Yin’s womb.

Old Man Luo’s eldest daughter-in-law was very pleased with the Wang family’s attention to her daughter’s unborn child. After exchanging a few words with people outside, she immediately went to her daughter’s room to talk with her.

Luo Yin was seated on the kang, sewing small dudous (belly wraps) using very soft fabric. The material had been paid for by the Old Madam, who had previously made that promise and hadn't gone back on her word, quickly giving the money to Madam Tian so she could purchase the cloth.

Looking at the tiny wrap her daughter was sewing, Old Man Luo’s eldest daughter-in-law praised, “Mmm, this fabric is so soft, perfect for baby clothes. Your in-laws are quite thoughtful.”

Although the last time Old Man Luo’s eldest daughter-in-law visited the Old Residence, she had ended up upsetting Luo Yin, she was, after all, her own mother; how could she hold a grudge? Thus, mother and daughter were once again on good terms.

“Mmm, this material was bought with the money the Old Madam provided!” Luo Yin said happily.

“Your Old Madam is truly good to you. However, it would be best if this pregnancy results in a boy. If you give birth to a daughter, who knows how the Old Madam’s expression will change!” Old Man Luo’s eldest daughter-in-law cautioned her.