Chapter 27: Chapter Old Madam Xi had only just recovered from her coughing fit when the breakfast gathering slowly returned to normal.
The servants finally relaxed after seeing that nothing serious had happened, and the women resumed eating, though the atmosphere remained somewhat strange.
At least for the people who could hear Su Yueqing’s thoughts.
Every now and then, someone would glance in her direction only to immediately look away again.
Meanwhile, Su Yueqing continued eating peacefully, completely unaware that she had nearly caused another family disaster.
Just as the conversation began flowing normally again, a maid hurried into the courtyard carrying a folded letter in both hands.
She stopped beside Lin Meiyun and bowed respectfully.
"Duchess, a message has arrived."
Lin Meiyun accepted the letter and opened it.
At first, her expression remained calm.
Then her brows slowly furrowed.
The smile on her face gradually disappeared.
Seeing the change in her expression, Xi Ronghua immediately became curious.
"Sister-in-law, what happened?"
Old Madam Xi also looked over.
"Is there a problem?"
Even Xi Lanyin raised her head slightly.
Lin Meiyun lowered the letter and sighed.
"It is from the Prime Minister’s residence."
The moment those words were spoken, everyone’s attention shifted toward her.
"The Prime Minister’s residence?"
Xi Ronghua blinked.
"What do they want?"
Lin Meiyun gently folded the letter.
"The Prime Minister’s wife has sent her apologies. She says a matter has arisen at home and she will not be able to attend the ladies’ banquet this afternoon."
The courtyard became quiet.
Old Madam Xi’s expression immediately changed.
"Not attending?"
Lin Meiyun nodded.
"She wished the banquet well and promised to send a gift instead."
Unfortunately, that was not what anyone wanted to hear.
Old Madam Xi slowly placed her teacup down.
Her face became thoughtful.
"That is troublesome."
Xi Qianqian looked confused.
"Why is it such a problem, Grandmother? It’s only one guest."
Old Madam Xi shook her head.
"You are still young and do not understand these matters."
She turned toward the others.
"For a ladies’ banquet to gain influence and prestige, there must be important guests present."
"The Prime Minister’s wife is not merely the wife of the Prime Minister."
"She is also the younger sister of His Majesty."
The younger generation immediately understood.
Royal blood.
That alone changed everything.
Old Madam Xi continued.
"Her presence would have elevated today’s gathering significantly."
"Once word spread that a royal princess attended the banquet, every noble family in the capital would pay attention."
Xi Ronghua nodded in agreement.
"That’s true."