"Someone else?"
Xi Ronghua nodded.
"What about the Chancellor’s wife?"
The suggestion immediately caught everyone’s attention.
"The Chancellor’s wife?" Old Madam Xi repeated thoughtfully.
Xi Ronghua nodded again.
"If I remember correctly, isn’t she the daughter of the late Crown Prince?"
"And through her mother, she is also related to the imperial family."
Gu Zhen thought for a moment before agreeing.
"That is true."
"Her status is certainly high enough."
"Perhaps even higher than most noblewomen in the capital."
Old Madam Xi slowly nodded.
"Her presence would indeed maintain the prestige of the banquet."
Lin Meiyun’s expression eased slightly.
The more she thought about it, the more reasonable the suggestion seemed.
The Chancellor’s wife was respected throughout the capital.
She possessed status, influence, and royal connections.
If she attended, very few people would dare look down on today’s gathering.
Xi Lanyin also seemed relieved.
"Mother, perhaps Fourth Aunt is right."
"It may be worth sending an invitation."
Lin Meiyun lowered her eyes thoughtfully.
"Perhaps..."
Before she could finish speaking—
Su Yueqing quietly picked up another dumpling.
She had not paid much attention to the conversation until now.
But upon hearing the name of the Chancellor’s wife, a thought suddenly surfaced in her mind.
[Well that’s a terrible idea.]
The entire table froze.
Every single person immediately became alert.
Even Old Madam Xi’s hand stopped midway to her teacup.
Lin Meiyun’s expression stiffened.
Xi Ronghua blinked.
Meanwhile, Su Yueqing remained completely unaware of the shock she had just caused.
She took another bite.
[Actually, terrible isn’t strong enough.]
[That might be the worst possible decision.]
[The Prime Minister’s wife isn’t refusing because she truly doesn’t want to come.]
[She only sends that letter because something unexpected happened this morning.]
[Later she’ll change her mind and decide to attend anyway.]
The expressions around the table changed instantly.
Lin Meiyun’s pupils contracted.
Old Madam Xi’s grip tightened around her teacup.
Even Xi Lanyin looked stunned.
Meanwhile, Su Yueqing continued eating.
[Unfortunately...]
[By the time she arrives...]
[She’ll see the Chancellor’s wife sitting there.]
[And then everything will explode.]