The Ye family, old and young, all entered the living room together, drawing the gazes of those who recognized them and those who did not!
People who didn’t know them wondered who they were? They seemed rather plain, but those few little girls looked so exquisitely adorable—what kind of family could produce such lovely little girls!
For those who knew them, they nodded knowingly. The rumors were true—the Ye family indeed had some clout. Even for a birthday banquet with few invitations like the young Master’s celebration, they were in attendance.
Out of so many people, everyone’s attention was captured by a jewelry box in the hands of a bright-eyed girl little over two years old!
The box seemed no more than ordinary pear wood at first glance, the kind of wood that wealthy families typically use for tables and chairs.
The workers or the furniture in the guest rooms would usually be crafted from mahogany.
And an object carried in the hands of another man seemed likely to be a birthday gift from the Ye family’s elders for the Tang Family’s young Master!
Meng Zhaojun looked down at the family with some disdain, the old dressed so coarsely, the young wearing clothes of fine fabric, yet somewhat outdated in style.
She did not believe these women looked better than she did. Meng Zhaojun thought herself unique; how could these farmer girls compare?
She was paying attention to Tang Shunyan’s attitude, perceiving a hint of hostility towards the Ye family!
Despite the arrival of so many guests, Tang Shunyan had not bothered to get up, but at the wet nurse’s family’s entrance, her little grandson stood to greet them!
Tang Shunyan’s actions showed he cared for and liked the Ye Family, which fueled Meng Zhaojun’s jealousy even more.
When they had entered just now, Tang Shunyan hadn’t bothered to stand up!
Meng Zhaojun’s eyes narrowed in annoyance as she glared intensely at the Ye family, wondering if they were her nemeses. Every time they came, they took away Tang Shunyan’s attention, stealing her own spotlight too!
When all the members of the Ye family entered the living room, albeit with Tang Shunyan—the young Master—showing a very welcoming attitude, they were somewhat anxious amid so many noble guests, not knowing where to place their hands, palms sweating!
Ye Shiqi, with her little hands clutching the small jewelry box—which was not heavy—presented it to Tang Shunyan with both hands.
"Big brother, this is a gift for you!"
Since the family’s arrival, Tang Shunyan’s face had been adorned with a joyful smile, and now, looking down at Ye Shiqi, his grin grew even wider. He took the gift with both hands, not passing it to Qiu Xia, but instead holding it close in his arms.
He said, "Thank you, Ru Mei, for the gift you have given me."
"Mmm, and thank you, big brother, for the gift you gave me!"
Their soft exchange could be heard by those listening in the living room.
Meng Zhaojun, biting her lip in anger—almost drawing blood—couldn’t help but let out a sarcastic remark:
"Little Miss Ye, I heard Tang Shunyan gave you a very valuable gift. I’m curious what you have given him in return. Is it of equal worth or just virtue borrowed from others?"
The sound of Meng Zhaojun’s voice made everyone turn their gaze to her face and the little over-two-year-old girl.
The adults of the Ye family did not expect to be judged or looked down upon by other guests or the Tang Family without a word of disdain.
The County Magistrate’s daughter, why was she always targeting their little girl?
The adults of the Ye family wore different expressions, none of them being offered a seat or led to one!
Mrs. Lai, who had been sitting in the ox cart for so long and whose legs were somewhat numb, was now standing without a seat to rest. Her former lazy habits made it difficult for her to remain standing. Furthermore, her grandchild was being troubled by others.
Instead of blaming others, she gave her own granddaughter a scornful glance, blaming her for inviting trouble and inadvertently offending the daughter of the most powerful official in the county.
Hongji’s father furrowed his brow, thinking that his son was too meddlesome. As men, they should be outside. With so many women here, them being troubled upon arrival annoyed him, yet he could do nothing but let others watch as if it were a spectacle.
Hongji and his wife, one carrying the jewelry box, the other their child, were forced to keep a vigilant eye on their child among so many guests from wealthy families, fearful that their child might be bullied.
Their child being distressed, as adults, they did not intervene in the children’s quarrel, yet did not blame their own child out of fear. It wasn’t their child’s fault that others caused trouble without reason.
Without responding to Meng Zhaojun’s words, Ye Shiqi gaze at her with innocent eyes, as if to say, I don’t understand what you’re saying, I consider it nothing more than noise!
Ye Shiqi simply looked at Meng Zhaojun, choosing not to engage in conversation. While her sisters were somewhat intimidated by the crowd, they stood protectively around their younger sibling.
For a moment, the living room was silent, everyone watching to see how the situation would unfold. Today’s protagonist, unable to restrain himself, glared at Meng Zhaojun and said:
"Meng Zhaojun, what are you doing? I’m happy with anything my Ru Mei sends me; it’s my gift, not yours."
With these words, Tang Shunyan defended the farmer girl before him, provoking even greater ire in Meng Zhaojun!