Chapter 471

She had originally aimed this remark at Madame Niu, but she never expected that a single sentence would also make Jia Mu and Bei Jing Wangfei's expressions turn ugly.

Fortunately, with Feng Jie, this little hand at livening up the atmosphere, present, it was only natural not to let today's joyous occasion be spoiled; she immediately chuckled and said:

"What old demon?! Clearly she is an old Buddha! Just seeing the old lady sitting here so peacefully, my heart feels at ease—if this isn't a Buddha, what is?"

"Old Buddha" originated from the Manchu ancestors' reverence for the Buddhist title "Manzhu" of Manjusri; after the founding of the Qing dynasty, "Manzhu" was translated into Chinese as "Fuye", becoming a special title for the emperor.

In the early Qing dynasty, emperors such as Huang Taiji, Kangxi, Yongzheng, and Qianlong were all called "Old Buddha", not exclusively belonging to Cixi.

Qianlong's mother, Empress Dowager Chongqing, was also referred to as "Old Buddha" relatively early, and the tale "Heroes and Heroines" records "Taihan Old Buddha" and "Kangxi Old Buddha", etc.

Thus, at this time the Da Han Empire had not reserved "Old Buddha" as an exclusive title for the imperial family, so Feng Jie's remark was not overstepping.

Feng Jie raised her arched eyebrows slightly, her bright eyes sparkling, and continued to smile and say:

"You old Buddha are just too harsh in your favoritism! With so much blessings, you only give them to sons and grandsons, granddaughters, and not even a couple of jars to us daughters-in-law!"

"That way I wouldn't have to manage the household so hard every day; I just need to come daily to keep the old ancestors company and enjoy happiness!"

It must be said, Feng Jie still knows how to speak; just a few words brought a smile back to Jia Mu's face.

Perhaps this is also why Feng Jie repeatedly defies Jia Jing, yet Jia Mu doesn't truly blame her—without her colorful garments entertaining her parents, Jia Mu would likely live a few years less!

Jia Mu spat and scolded with a laugh:

"It's you, this ruined household, who is the most shameless—being this rude in front of the princess and so many honored guests! If someone as young as you is already lazy, whose blessings are we old women supposed to enjoy!"

Everyone laughed, and for a moment the hall's atmosphere returned to lighthearted cheer; no one paid attention to the obviously dim-witted Xie Shi.

After chatting about family trivialities and various households' miscellaneous affairs, Bei Jing Wangfei smiled and, as if offhand, asked:

"Why haven't I seen Lord Jingguo today? Perhaps he went to the office and hasn't returned yet?"

Upon hearing this, Li Shi, Niu Shi, and others all had their expressions shift; they were flattering Jia Mu, after all, simply to get closer to Jia Jing and leave a good impression!

Jia Mu smiled and, of course understanding their thoughts, said in a hoarse voice:

"Young Master Jing left early this morning for the Office of the General in Charge of Military Affairs; he's busy with affairs and won't return until the banquet opens at noon, I reckon there's still a while!"

As soon as the words "Office of the General in Charge of Military Affairs" were spoken, everyone in the hall's expressions tightened.

The office that controls all military affairs, merging the authority of the Ministry of War and the Five Military Governor's Office, with power even surpassing the Six Ministries and the Cabinet, held by a single person—this astonishing piece of news had already spread throughout Shenjing yesterday; how could they not know!

Bei Jing Wangfei Zhen Shi set down her teacup, let out a soft sigh, her tone carrying a hint of sincere emotion, and spoke gently:

"Lord Jingguo truly devotes himself wholeheartedly to the state, not even allowing himself a moment's rest. Today is the old lady's birthday in the household, yet he is still busy with military affairs, having gone early to the office to attend to duties—no wonder the emperor entrusted him with the heavy responsibility of the Office of the General in Charge of Military Affairs."

"Such diligence and loyalty—among all the civil and military officials of the court, I doubt one could find a second."

"Speaking of which, the last time I was at Lugou Bridge welcoming the victorious troops, I caught a distant glimpse of Lord Jingguo, but it was too far away to see clearly. Today I intend to use the old lady's birthday banquet as an opportunity to get a good look at him!"

Li Shi smiled and also said:

"Your words, Princess, hit right where my heart lies. Every time I've come to the mansion and moved about, I've always caught Lord Jingguo busy at the office or in the camp, yet I've never once seen his face."

"I've long heard that Lord Jingguo not only has outstanding military achievements, but also possesses a remarkable appearance and dignified looks; the last time at Lugou Bridge, from afar I only saw a stalwart, upright back."

"This time I intend to stay a while longer; no matter what, I must see the real person, old lady—please don't blame me for disturbing your tranquility!"

These words sound rather strange—a married woman so eagerly anticipating seeing an outside man, and speaking of her remarkable appearance and dignified looks, etc., which invite daydreams—but nobody felt it was inappropriate.

Because everyone practically knows that Li Shi's remark stems from her desire for her own sister-in-law, Nian Shilan; the two have frequently run to the Jia mansion, and the Nian family's intention to seek a marriage alliance is already self-evident, understood without words.

However, Li Shi said it lightly, while Nian Shilan standing beside her could not remain indifferent.

As an unmarried young lady of the Yunying family, she is rushing about like this; if it ultimately fails, she fears becoming a laughingstock!

Nian Shilan was then sitting between Tan Chun and Xiang Yun; today she wore a water-blue Hangzhou silk vest with subtle patterns, appearing plain at first glance, but as the light shifted, a faint silver gleam shone through the fabric, like moonlight sprinkled on a rippling lake surface.

At the collar were embroidered a few sprays of white plum blossoms, the stitching fine and dense, with pearls the size of grains of rice adorning the flower centers; elegant yet not lacking in delicacy.

On her head was an exquisite Japanese-style bun, with a slanted silver phoenix hairpin of twisted silk; the phoenix's beak held a chain as fine as a hair strand of gold, at its end hung a southern pearl, swaying gently by her temples, making that section of her neck appear even more slender.

She wore a pair of red-gold pearl-inlaid earrings; the pearls were not large, yet lustrous and shining, appearing and disappearing among her hair as she slightly tilted her head.

Just looking at this outfit, it is clearly carefully put together—add a bit and it becomes gorgeous, subtract a bit and it becomes plain; it is just the right bearing of a distinguished young lady from a noble family.

With light makeup, her natural good complexion, and her skin possessing the moist, translucent quality characteristic of Jiangnan girls.

Seated among the other young ladies, she was of heavenly fragrance and national beauty, bright and lovely, with an elegant demeanor that made it hard not to notice her.

For example, Lady Wang at this moment, listening to Li Shi's words, lightly fingering her prayer beads, directed more than half of her gaze toward Nian Shilan!

Seeing such a girl of outstanding lineage, gentle and virtuous, her thought of seeking a daughter-in-law again began to stir!

Although her Baoyu had spoken a few nonsense words yesterday, that was only because he was still young and unaware; she naturally wouldn't take it to heart!

Now what worries her is… her older brother has gotten into such a big mess, and her father is unreliable—how is she to forge this marriage connection with the Nian family?

After thinking it over, she can only hope that the eldest branch's illegitimate son is blind and oblivious, failing to notice the Nian young lady, so that her own Baoyu can snatch the opportunity!

Jia Mu forced a smile and said:

"Good! In a moment have someone call him over, so everyone can take a look!"

The only thing today that leaves her somewhat regretful is that her Baoyu is bedridden and cannot show his face before these relatives and friends!

Just as everyone was chatting and laughing, suddenly a maid lifted the curtain and entered, walked up to Jia Mu, made a bow, and reported:

"Old lady, Third Miss, Second Madame, the Princess of Nan'an and the Consort of the Dongping Heir Apparent have arrived, saying they have come to wish the old lady longevity; their sedan chairs are already at the mansion gate!"