Mrs. Han smiled faintly, "Eldest sister-in-law, there is no need for you to make arrangements. I have already reserved a banquet at Huiquan Tower. On the day Jinnian’s coming-of-age ceremony is completed, we shall go there for a meal!"
There is a large hall in the backyard of Huiquan Tower. On days when there are many guests to entertain and the private rooms are not sufficient, it can be reserved.
However, the expense for just one meal is considerable.
Mrs. He never dreamed that Mrs. Han would go to such lengths.
"Why not hold it at home? We can even invite the head chef from the large hall at Huiquan Tower. It would save money, and everyone could enjoy themselves!" Mrs. He suggested sourly.
"What you say is true, sister-in-law. I wouldn’t mind doing that, but you know very well how things are for Jinnian and me in this family. I no longer ask for much, I only hope that after Jinnian’s coming-of-age ceremony, she can be married off smoothly!" As Mrs. Han spoke, she glanced at Mrs. He, "Sister-in-law, do you think my thoughts are right or wrong?"
Mrs. Han’s eyes were calm, yet they made Mrs. He feel a chill down her spine.
She had some guilty secrets and feared that Mrs. Han might know some unsavory details. Avoiding Mrs. Han’s gaze, she said nervously, "Look at what you’re saying, we are family. Family shouldn’t speak as if we are strangers to each other. If you trust me, let’s hold Jinnian’s coming-of-age ceremony at home, and I’ll make sure the head chef from Huiquan Tower comes over to cook. How about that?"
"Would that be appropriate?" Mrs. Han asked.
In her heart, she didn’t trust Mrs. He at all.
"Second sister-in-law, I know you hold a grudge against me, but in this family, whatever the old lady says is the final word. If the old lady wants to mistreat Jinnian, how dare I say anything against it!" Mrs. He said, fearing that Mrs. Han would not believe her and added, "Second sister-in-law, let’s leave the past behind. Look at Jinnian now, she’s been conferred the title of Commandery Princess and even has her own Princess Residence. It’s said she’s the wealthiest girl in the Capital City. After her coming-of-age ceremony, suitors will line up at our door!"
"Leave the past behind?" Mrs. Han murmured softly.
After a long pause, she laughed, "Sister-in-law, you make it sound so easy!"
Hearing this, Mrs. He stood up angrily, "What do you mean by that? I’ve kindly offered to arrange Jinnian’s coming-of-age ceremony, and yet you dismiss my goodwill. Do you think I have nothing better to do?"
As Mrs. He trembled with anger, Mrs. Han remained composed and asked, "Sister-in-law, are you feeling guilty?"
"I’m feeling guilty? Guilty about what?" Mrs. He retorted sharply.
"If you’re not guilty, then sit down, and let’s discuss the arrangements for Jinnian’s coming-of-age ceremony together!"
Mrs. He, bewildered, looked at Mrs. Han.
She had always been envious of how Yun Qi adored and cherished this sister-in-law.
Later, the old lady personally intervened, and the two concubines destroyed Mrs. Han and Yun Qi’s relationship.
Then there was that staged scandal, but no one expected that the adulterer would turn out to be the third lord.
That night, the bed was in disarray and filthy; Mrs. Han and the third lord indeed had a relationship.
She never understood why, after all that happened, Mrs. Han could still hold her head high, and Yun Qi still treasured her like a gem.
But now it was clear that the two had grown apart and would never reconcile. Mrs. Han had returned to the Yun Family because Yun Jinnian was about to come of age and soon to be married off.
She was sure that once Yun Jinnian got married, Mrs. Han would definitely divorce Yun Qi.
"Hmph!" Mrs. He snorted coldly but eventually sat down as suggested.
Mrs. Han then said, "Sister-in-law, there’s no need to be angry with me. If anyone’s daughter were to suffer such grievances, one would naturally harbor resentment. If I were to say that I have no resentment at all, would you believe me?"