Qi Yu and Song Yuerou arrived at the Liu Family residence at the same time. After dismounting from their carriages, they greeted each other and, following the lead of the maid, slowly made their way inside.
Since it was Madam Liu's birthday banquet and only ladies were invited, the venue was in a garden in the Liu Family's backyard, where spring was radiant and the scenery delightful.
Qi Yu glanced around and recognized many familiar faces, whom she had often seen in the harem, including those invited to the Empress's birthday feast last time—all were ladies from prominent families.
And there were the wives of high-ranking officials, clustering warmly around Madam Liu, engaging her in conversation.
After listening for a while, Qi Yu found their words to be mostly meaningless compliments, in a word, nonsense.
She simply joined Song Yuerou to one side; the two sipped tea, ate pastries, and engaged in idle chatter.
