From Hoarding to Time-Travel: My Supplies Saved Him

Chapter 670: Chapter 672: Welcome Banquet

Governor Liang had always enjoyed a good reputation in Yi Province. Reportedly, he had already held his post here for six years and had just been reappointed. After this next three-year term, he would reach the age of retirement.

Lady Liang, the one hosting this welcome banquet, was already Governor Liang’s third wife.

His first wife, due to her weak constitution, had died in childbirth, and even the unborn child couldn’t be saved.

His second wife bore him two sons and a daughter before passing away from an illness a few years ago.

This third wife was not old and had borne him his third and youngest son in her second year after joining the family.

This youngest son was the only one with him at his post; the children from the previous wife were all being raised in Governor Liang’s ancestral home. Everyone whispered behind her back that this Lady Liang was a woman of formidable means.

Jin Qianqian hadn’t expected to see Lady Liang waiting there for her just as she passed through the second gate.

"Lady Liang," Jin Qianqian hurried to curtsy. This place was different from Lu City. Here, there were several ladies of higher rank than her, and she certainly wouldn’t give anyone an excuse for gossip.

"Oh, don’t be so formal," said Mrs. Liang He, who looked radiant despite her matronly attire. She stepped forward and took Jin Qianqian’s wrist. "This is just a private dinner for a few families; there’s no need to stand on ceremony.

I was unable to attend any banquets recently due to some matters, so this is the first time I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Mrs. Gu. You are truly as poised and elegant as the rumors say."

Jin Qianqian gave a bashful smile. "You flatter me, Lady Liang. I’m unworthy of such praise."

Privately, however, she was a bit puzzled. ’This Lady Liang is being a little too enthusiastic.’

Given Governor Liang’s status in Yi Province, she could have simply waited in the inner courtyard to receive her guests.

’Could it be that someone even more important is arriving today?’

"Madam, Lady Cen has arrived."

Mrs. Liang He said to the head maid beside her, "Go and greet her."

Once the maid had left, she turned back to Jin Qianqian with a smile. "It’s a bit cold today. Let me show you inside, Mrs. Gu."

In truth, she was curious today. Moreover, her husband had repeatedly instructed her to build a good relationship with Ancient Wen Heng and his wife. That was why she had personally come to the second gate to welcome them, while all the other guests were simply led in by her head maid.

Jin Qianqian naturally deferred to her host. As she followed Lady Liang inside, she couldn’t help but remain secretly on her guard.

She had once thought the Inspector General’s private residence was magnificent enough, but it seemed to pale in comparison to the governor’s mansion.

Although the buildings here were all wooden structures, every step revealed a new vista. Even the flowers and plants in the corners were tended to with such care that they seemed to brim with life.

"This was all left behind by the previous governor. My husband dislikes any construction on the estate," Lady Liang explained as they walked. She had looked at this scenery for many years, but she liked to offer this explanation every time a guest visited.

Every time she saw the ever-changing scenery in other people’s courtyards, she felt a bit self-conscious that hers was so unchanging.

The only thing she could do was have her servants tend to the courtyard with the utmost care; otherwise, any embarrassing shortcomings would be a reflection on her.

"You manage the courtyard wonderfully, Madam. This greenery is a delight to the eyes."

"Alas, what else do we women in the rear courtyards have to busy ourselves with, if not these things?

Why didn’t you bring your two young sons from your estate today? My mischievous little one was just chattering on about wanting to meet them, so he’d have someone to talk to in the future.

It’s so rare for someone his age to come along. Mrs. Gu, you must let your son and our little rascal spend some time together."

Lady Liang said with a smile, "The sons of the various families in Yongchang County are all much older now, so our little rascal really doesn’t have many to play with.

When he heard that the two young masters from your esteemed residence were close to his age, he started clamoring for me to invite them over.

I thought you would bring them today, Mrs. Gu, so he’s been waiting in the rear courtyard for a while now. If he happens to offend you in his excitement later, I do hope you’ll forgive him."

Mrs. Liang He’s tone was filled with helplessness. Her son, Liang Feiling, had been terribly bored at the mansion these days. She looked down on the sons of minor families and didn’t want her own son wasting time on them.

But the sons Ancient Wen Heng brought with him were different. They were legitimate sons, their status was sufficient, and they were perfectly suitable as playmates for her own boy.

Jin Qianqian said with a smile, "It’s a child’s nature to be mischievous. My two little rascals are absolute terrors. I just fell for one of their tricks yesterday. I’d be afraid he might be a bad influence on your esteemed son."

Jin Qianqian was unwilling to inconvenience her own children. She knew things wouldn’t be entirely smooth for their family here, but she hadn’t expected that Luo Luo would be the first one to be targeted.

"Oh?" Mrs. Liang He seemed intrigued. "Do tell. I’d love to hear about it and see just whose child is the more mischievous one."

Jin Qianqian recounted Gu Benluo’s little scheme from the previous day, then covered her mouth and chuckled. "But the little rascal got his lesson. My husband has given him a lot of extra schoolwork these days, so it will be difficult for him to go out for a while."

Hearing that a child so young was already capable of scheming against people, Mrs. Liang He smiled on the surface, but her mind was already turning.

’My own naive boy has no guile. If he got mixed up with a little mastermind like that, who knows how many times he’d be taken advantage of.’

’Best to forget it. If worse comes to worst, I can just find some children from the lower-ranking families. I can’t let my own Feiling be corrupted.’

As they spoke, the two arrived at the rear courtyard, where several ladies who had arrived earlier were gathered in small groups, chatting and laughing.

Seeing them arrive, everyone stopped to look over with smiles, curtsying in greeting.

Mrs. Liang He led Jin Qianqian to the main table and seated her in the place of honor at her side.

"Mother!" They had just sat down when a little boy dressed in a magnificent, multicolored robe suddenly rushed over.

Jin Qianqian blinked, trying her best not to laugh out loud.

The child was only seven, but his attire was a bit over-the-top. It was hard not to chuckle at the sight of so many bright colors draped on him.

"What are you doing running over here, child? Aren’t you playing with your friends?" Mrs. Liang He’s smile was exceptionally gentle. "Be good, now. You’re the little host today, so you must entertain our guests. Off you go!"

"Mother, didn’t you say a new friend was coming today? Where is he?"

Mrs. Liang He’s face stiffened for a moment. She gave a dry laugh and said, "The young Mr. Gu had something to attend to today, so he couldn’t make it. When he’s free some other day, he’ll come over and play with you."

At this moment, Jin Qianqian also spoke up with a smile. "This must be your young son. He looks so bright and spirited.

Since this is my first visit, I’ve prepared a small gift for him. Here, you can take this to play with."

Jin Qianqian took a wooden box from the maid behind her. Inside was a set of the twelve zodiac animals carved from jade.

She had personally drawn the designs for these zodiac animals and commissioned skilled artisans to carve them.

In addition to the ones sold in her shop, she had also commissioned a few sets to be carved from high-grade jade, keeping them as perfect gifts for special occasions.

Seeing Mrs. Liang He nod in approval, Liang Feiling reached out and accepted the box. "Thank you, Madam."

Curiosity drove him to immediately lift the lid of the box. Seeing the charmingly crafted little animals inside, Liang Feiling felt a surge of delight.