"Most noble ladies attend these events for social standing as much as anything else."
Lin Meiyun sighed.
"That was my concern as well."
Old Madam Xi leaned back slightly.
"And it isn’t only about the banquet."
Her gaze slowly moved toward Xi Lanyin.
"Your daughter is also of marriageable age."
Immediately, everyone followed her gaze.
Xi Lanyin froze.
Her fingers tightened slightly around her teacup.
Old Madam Xi continued calmly.
"The Prime Minister’s eldest son is one of the most sought-after young men in the capital."
"If relations between our families remain good, there may be opportunities in the future."
Xi Ronghua nodded.
"The Prime Minister’s family has influence, status, and a clean reputation."
"Many noble families are trying to form connections with them."
Gu Zhen finally joined the conversation.
"And the young master himself is said to be talented."
"He passed the imperial examinations at a young age and is highly regarded by the Emperor."
Xi Qianqian immediately looked toward her elder sister.
"Sister, what do you think?"
Xi Lanyin lowered her eyes.
A faint blush appeared on her face.
"Why are you all looking at me?"
Xi Ronghua immediately laughed.
"Because we’re discussing your future husband."
"Who else should we look at?"
"Fourth Aunt!"
Xi Lanyin’s face turned even redder.
The older women immediately began smiling.
Even Lin Meiyun’s disappointment eased slightly.
Across the table, Gu Yue leaned closer to Xi Anran.
"I heard the Prime Minister’s son is very handsome."
Xi Anran nodded seriously.
"I heard that too."
Gu Yue whispered dramatically.
"Maybe Sister Lanyin already likes him."
Xi Lanyin almost dropped her teacup.
"You two stop talking!"
The laughter surrounding Xi Lanyin gradually faded, though the young woman’s face remained slightly red from being teased so openly in front of everyone.
Old Madam Xi took another sip of tea while Lin Meiyun continued staring at the letter in her hand.
The absence of the Prime Minister’s wife was still a problem that needed to be solved.
No matter how one looked at it, today’s banquet would lose much of its prestige if a woman of royal blood was not present.
For a few moments, nobody spoke.
Then Xi Ronghua suddenly snapped her fingers.
"I have an idea."
Immediately, several people turned toward her.
Xi Ronghua leaned forward slightly.
"If the Prime Minister’s wife cannot attend, why don’t we invite someone else instead?"
Lin Meiyun raised an eyebrow.