Not long before Chen Shi, the gates of the Ji family were flung open.
Gu Peilan, accompanied by Ji Renran, had already left the main courtyard early.
Having returned to the Ji family, the mother and daughter's attire had naturally changed.
Ji Renran was young and beautiful, and with her elaborate silks and finery, bathed in sunlight, she moved with a slender waist and delicate steps, her wrists revealed through sheer sleeves. Her eyes held the clarity of spring water, flowing with liquid grace.
Such exquisite beauty was enough to make any man linger and forget to return.
Even the gatekeepers, upon seeing her, would greet her with a fawning cry, "Miss Renran."
"Please, do not address me as such. What would Eldest Sister think when she returns?" Ji Renran, though beautiful and sweet-natured, spoke thus. Yet, she generously rewarded the servants' flattery with silver.
With the rewards in hand, the servants' words became even sweeter, diligently calling her "Miss Renran."
Only when they reached the mansion's entrance did Ji Renran's smile falter slightly. "Are not the Ji family known for their integrity and fortitude? Yet, the servants they raise are no different."
Gu Peilan affectionately held her daughter's hand but whispered, "The esteemed guests visiting today are all important figures. You must behave well. Only then can you overshadow Ji Zizhao and secure your position."
Although the old madam had allowed them entry, her daughter's status remained undecided.
The seniority of the Ji family's young ladies was determined from childhood. Even though her daughter was younger than Ji Zizhao, the second, third, and fourth young ladies of the household were accustomed to their titles. How could she insert herself now?
Precisely for this reason, Gu Peilan had been exerting herself to please everyone in the household, all for the sake of securing the title of Eldest Young Lady for her daughter.
After all, she would soon be the legitimate First Madam of the Ji family. What harm was there in having one more Eldest Young Lady? If Ji Zizhao could be the most important person in the Ji family, so could her daughter.
As the sun climbed higher, the time for the banquet approached.
However, before the empty mansion gates, apart from Gu Peilan and her daughter, no one else could be seen.
Gu Peilan was about to send someone to summon the madams from each branch when a maid approached.
"Second Madam is indisposed and will not be attending the banquet today."
Soon, several more maids followed.
"Third Madam is unwell and unable to attend."
"Fourth Madam states she is returning to her maternal home to visit and fears she will not be back in time."
Gu Peilan, speechless.
Even their lives seemed to be in unison. The Ji family truly had united people!
Although Gu Peilan knew clearly that these madams were making excuses, she could not outwardly break ties. "Perhaps the dust in early spring is too much. Please convey my regards to them and ask if they require a physician. I can send for one now."
The maids nodded and departed.
Ji Renran's hand, gripping her mother's arm, tightened slightly. "The former First Madam of the Ji family is gone, yet they still dare to slight us. The road ahead is long; we will make them pay in the future."
Gu Peilan gave a cold smile. "What they fear is the living."
Ji Renran faltered, "Mother means Ji Zizhao?"
Gu Peilan nodded. Who else could it be but that detestable person?
With the men of the Ji family deceased, Ji Zizhao had indeed become more assertive. The outcome of the household was uncertain, and how could those shrewd madams easily side with them?
Ji Renran's expression turned somber, her heart filled with a sour resentment.
Both were legitimate daughters of the Ji family, yet why was Ji Zizhao superior to her?
Gu Peilan, however, was not afraid. "No matter how capable Ji Zizhao is, Lin Wanyun is truly dead. Even if she returns, she will have to bow to us. Better days lie ahead. Why be upset? Oh, and why hasn't your brother arrived yet?"
Ji Renran sighed helplessly. "I heard from those in the main courtyard that he didn't return yesterday."
Gu Peilan, knowing her son's character, did not probe further, considering it a good day.
Soon, carriages filled the entrance of the Ji family.
The madams disembarking from these carriages were all resplendent, adorned with gold and silver.
Gu Peilan, with Ji Renran in tow, stepped forward, greeting them with a smile. "Thank you, esteemed ladies, for taking the time to come. Please enter for tea."
These madams present were once individuals Gu Peilan could only dream of currying favor with.
Of course, these madams genuinely looked down on Gu Peilan.
Even now, it was so.
But fortunes turned. Gu Peilan was now the First Madam of the Ji family. No matter how much these madams inwardly disdained Gu Peilan, who had attained her position midway, they still had to show some respect.
The wealthy ladies of the imperial city were all skilled in conversation.
Before long, the Ji family's courtyard buzzed with activity.
Everyone was chattering and laughing, presenting a picture of harmony and joy from afar.
Gu Peilan, with Ji Renran, moved through the courtyard, actively greeting each madam present.
Ji Renran, already beautiful, and having been tutored in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting with the full support of the old madam since childhood, naturally thrived in her interactions with these ladies.
However, as the atmosphere in the courtyard grew lively, a servant from an unknown household entered.
The servant whispered something to his madam, whose smile towards Ji Renran abruptly became subtle.
Soon, several more servants entered.
Similarly, they whispered to their respective madams.
And likewise, the madams' attitude towards Ji Renran grew noticeably colder.
Gu Peilan and Ji Renran panicked inwardly.
Everything had been fine just moments ago, how could it change so quickly…
Before Gu Peilan and her daughter could comprehend, a Ji family guard rushed in.
Unlike the other servants, the guard shouted at the top of his lungs, "Reporting to First Madam, news has just arrived from the city that Eldest Young Lady has returned!"
Gu Peilan's heart leaped, but she forced a smile. "It is good that she has returned. I too wish to see Sister Zhao."
The guard's expression remained unchanged. He paused and then added, "However, I fear First Madam may not see Eldest Young Lady for some time. More news from the city states that upon entering the city, Eldest Young Lady led her party directly to the Ji family ancestral graves, even vowing to open the coffin of the late First Madam for ancestral worship!"
The madams in the courtyard, though not overtly mocking, showed understanding.
The Eldest Young Lady had returned to the imperial city, and her first visit would naturally be to her birth mother. What use was it for the newcomer to be so resplendent?
In the Ji family's Eldest Young Lady's heart, her deceased mother was clearly more important than the living.
The messenger guard, observing the sudden plummet in the courtyard's atmosphere, remained unfazed.
The Ji family guards had all been trained by Zhang Ji. Zhang Ji was on good terms with the Eldest Young Lady, so naturally, they sided with her.
Ji Renran's complexion was pale. Even her forced smile appeared extremely awkward.
Gu Peilan, speechless.
Even the strongest composure had collapsed.