The atmosphere calmed down after that incident. Everyone present was worldly and naturally knew how to behave. Yang Ruxin didn’t hold a grudge, since saving face for Fang Tianze was still important.
Soon, all the guests for the birthday celebration had arrived one after another, and the birthday star himself came out dressed in festive attire to accept everyone’s congratulations.
During this time, Master Fang Jing specially called over Yang Ruxin and a few others to praise them. He also gave Zhou Xiao and Xiaofeng a jade pendant each, while the old lady from the Ma Family rewarded them with several embroidered pouches to be passed on to her sisters.
"If they’re so remarkable, wouldn’t it be rather stingy to just give embroidery?" Dai Xiyan couldn’t hide her discomfort and muttered, but her voice was a bit loud, and so everyone around heard her.
All the people frowned.
"On the old master’s sixtieth birthday, those embroidery pieces were carefully crafted by my mother and sisters stitch by stitch—they represent our heartfelt wishes. Besides, I’ve also given him a healthy grandson. Isn’t Fang Tianze an invaluable treasure?" Yang Ruxin didn’t pretend not to hear and instead looked at Dai Xiyan with feigned surprise, "Miss Dai, what’s more important, life or those material riches?" Without waiting for Dai Xiyan to respond, she smiled again, "So then, Miss Dai, what precious thing did you bring? Everyone knows what a County Magistrate’s salary should be, so if..." She didn’t finish her sentence, implying that if Dai Xiyan’s gift exceeded her family’s income, it would clearly suggest her father was corrupt.
Even if Dai Xiyan wasn’t the sharpest, she knew she had made a mistake.
Dai Zhigao was so angry he was about to explode. After taking several deep breaths to calm himself, he decided that he couldn’t afford to bring along such a fool in the future.
"And how do you know that I only gave embroidery?" Yang Ruxin suddenly said with a sly smile, "Isn’t there a butler? The list of gifts shouldn’t have been stored away yet. I’m not afraid to let everyone take a look at the Yang Family’s gifts..."
The two elderly people in the higher seats didn’t say anything, but neither did they stop her, instead showing expressions that suggested they were watching a play unfold.
The butler quickly brought the list and gifts, which included the celebratory robe and belt for the elder, and another package that looked quite casual.
"A packet of medicinal herbs," the butler said as he glanced at the list with some confusion. Who would send medicinal herbs? It had been overlooked due to the busy preparations.
"Open it up and take a look," Fang Jing said with a curious glance.
The butler hurriedly opened the package, and when the contents were revealed, everyone around couldn’t help but gasp in astonishment.
"Such high-quality ginseng isn’t easy to come by." Someone knowledgeable among them immediately exclaimed, "This must be over a hundred years old, right?"
"A 120-year-old Wild Ginseng," Yang Ruxin added, "Just a little snack for the old master. Let Zeze inform me when it runs out, and I’ll send more... But my master said not to consume too much of it. Just a couple of slices in soup, or it may cause nosebleeds..."
Once more, the expressions of everyone present changed. Ginseng over a hundred years old was exceedingly precious; how could she talk about it as if it were as common as a radish?
"Girl, this gift is too valuable. This old man can’t accept it..." Fang Jing finally shook his head, "I cannot but feel unworthy..."
"If Zeze calls me sister, then you are my grandfather as well. A granddaughter honoring her grandfather is only right," Yang Ruxin had a good impression of the old man, "Moreover, we may not have much gold or silver in my house, but we have plenty of ginseng and Lingzhi. My master always says these things aren’t even as tasty as radishes..."