Chapter 278: Chapter 164: Shocking! The Zhao Mansion in Taiping City Is Actually Going To...

The old wine Shopkeeper said with an apologetic smile, "You’re right, old brother. We didn’t know the Young Master was celebrating such a happy occasion."

The old wine Shopkeeper even gestured for an attendant to bring over a beautifully wrapped box. He tried to hand it to the old butler, its contents hidden from view.

"Old brother, this is a gift for the Young Master. Could you accept it on his behalf?"

The old butler finished signing the slip, glanced at the box in the old Shopkeeper’s hands, and grew impatient. "Take it away, take it away. Can’t you see I’m busy? Our Young Master won’t be accepting these things."

The old butler had refused such gifts many times already; he’d lost count of how many people had tried to pass things to Lu Yuan through him.

The news that Lu Yuan’s daughter was about to have her one-month celebration was common knowledge. The gossip mills in every street and alley were abuzz with the topic.

Having been flatly refused, the old wine Shopkeeper dejectedly led his oxcart away.

From the Shopkeepers of wine and butcher shops to the smallest merchants and street vendors, everyone wanted to seize this opportunity to curry favor with Lu Yuan. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

The Zhao Mansion had no need for such things, which was why the old butler refused them all.

Aunt Song had also remained at the mansion for the past few days, busying herself with various tasks. She even gave every member of the household a bonus so they could all share in the joyous occasion.

Everyone in the Zhao Mansion, from top to bottom, had a task to perform.

Some were hanging colorful lanterns and streamers, while others brought in numerous tables and chairs from outside, arranging them in advance along the sides of the front courtyard.

Given her pregnancy, Aunt Zhao didn’t participate in the manual labor. Instead, she summoned the old butler and instructed him to follow all of the Young Master’s arrangements.

Lu Yuan and his wife were in their room, deliberating over the guest list.

Su Liyan’s family would be coming, of course, and Lu Yuan also had some relatives and friends from his hometown to invite.

Aunt Zhao and Aunt Song each provided their own invitation lists, filled with their closest friends and relatives.

Su Changliang was responsible for delivering invitations to all the officials, high and low, in Taiping City.

Lu Yuan also had the old butler send invitations to the most prominent and respected gentry of Taiping City.

Gu Ziye weaved through the bustling figures, taking in the transformation of the Zhao Mansion.

"It’s so lively! This Princess loves a lively atmosphere more than anything."

Looking over the invitation lists, Lu Yuan added some of his neighbors in Taiping City. As far as he was concerned, anyone who wanted to come would be welcome.

Lu Yuan’s thoughts also turned to Gu Gaoxu, but he didn’t send him an invitation.

At that moment, Gu Gaoxu was far away in the Northern regions; even if he were told, he wouldn’t be able to make it.

On the day of Bengbeng’s one-month celebration, a decorative sash was hung to the right of the Zhao Mansion’s entrance.

Lu Yuan had also arranged for the mansion’s staff to distribute grain and money to the common people at several locations throughout the city.

This was both to invite good fortune and to provide some small assistance to the people of Taiping City.

Those who came to the Zhao Mansion to offer their congratulations would see the sash and know that Lu Yuan had been blessed with a daughter.

So many people came to offer their congratulations that they nearly wore down the mansion’s doorstep.

Not a single person who had been invited was absent; they all came to offer their congratulations.

Lu Yuan had given special instructions that when the household staff delivered the invitations, they were to tell everyone not to bring gifts, but to simply come and enjoy the festivities.

Despite his words, none of the guests would arrive empty-handed.

Upon entering the Mansion Gate, each guest would hand over their gift and the accompanying Gift Book to a servant of the Zhao Mansion.

The Gift Book detailed the presents for Bengbeng, which mostly consisted of items like clothing, hats, longevity locks, collars, and toys.

Everyone who came knew that the Zhao Mansion now wanted for nothing, especially not gold, silver, or other treasures.

Thus, the gifts they brought were primarily practical. The items weren’t necessarily expensive; it was the thought that counted.

Lu Yuan stood in the front courtyard, welcoming each of his guests.

"Brother-in-law, greetings to our two Aunts," Su Changliang said politely. The few Officials behind him also clasped their hands and bowed.

"My dear brother-in-law is looking more spirited than ever," Lu Yuan said, patting Su Changliang’s shoulder.

"It’s all thanks to the opportunities you’ve given me to prove myself, Brother-in-law," Su Changliang replied.

"By the way," Lu Yuan said, seizing the opportunity, "when you have a moment, sort through some of Taiping City’s official documents. In one month, you’ll accompany me to the Provincial City to report on matters."

"You got it, Brother-in-law! No problem, you can count on me." After these pleasantries, Su Changliang headed to the inner chambers to see his sister and his niece.

"Lord Lu..."

"Young Master Lu..."

"Ah, the Su Family’s fine son-in-law..."

Lu Yuan welcomed the guests one by one into the mansion and saw them to their seats.

The Zhao Mansion had set out sixty-six tables for the occasion, arranged throughout the front and middle courtyards.

In the center of each table was a platter of red-dyed "joy-announcing" eggs, surrounded by chicken, duck, fish, and various stir-fried dishes. Stacked neatly under the tables were jars of Nu’er Hong wine.

Once all the guests were seated, Lu Yuan followed tradition by taking out a prepared speech and beginning to read it aloud.

Not a single person spoke. The entire courtyard fell silent as everyone listened to Lu Yuan read the formal announcement.

After finishing the announcement, Lu Yuan lit incense to honor his ancestors and his parents, who had never returned from the south. He then performed a deep, formal bow.

Only then did Su Liyan emerge from the rear courtyard, carrying Bengbeng in her arms.

When the guests saw Su Liyan emerge with the baby, they all rose to their feet to welcome the mother and daughter.

Su Liyan was dressed with particular care today, looking exquisitely beautiful and full of charm.

Su Liyan was naturally beautiful and didn’t need any embellishment, but when she did dress up, her loveliness was truly breathtaking.

Her pointed ears, in particular, were a uniquely striking feature.

In marrying Su Liyan, Lu Yuan had truly found a treasure.

At just one month old, Bengbeng was so plump and healthy that anyone who didn’t know better might have thought she was over six months old.

Lu Yuan himself wasn’t sure if it was just baby fat from all the milk or if she was genuinely developing faster than other children.

As Su Liyan held Bengbeng, Lu Yuan took a Silver Pendant, a silver bracelet, and a Jade Pendant from an attendant, placing each one on his daughter.