C13 At the Birthday Banquet

"Thank you, Your Grace! Thank you!" Chu Qingqiu repeatedly bowed in gratitude as Duke Yanting gestured for Gui San to escort her out.

"Mother, what do you think?" Duke Yanting asked Mrs. Jin, who sat silently beside him. After a moment, she replied, "You've made your decision, and it’s not my place to question it."

Rising from his seat, Duke Yanting cast a disappointed glance at Feng Chang'an. "I always held you in high regard, yet you were oblivious to what just happened? Foolish." With that, he left the hall, giving Feng Changge a meaningful look before departing.

Feng Changge understood the implication. For the first time, Duke Yanting's gaze held something other than disregard—perhaps apprehension? Even if it was, Feng Changge welcomed it. At least it meant he was no longer invisible to the Duke.

Watching him leave, Feng Changge bowed to Mrs. Jin and exited the main hall.

In the courtyard, Dr. Zhao had been hiding in the shadows. Seeing Feng Changge approach, he cautiously emerged. Feng Changge signaled to Biying, who understood and handed Dr. Zhao a piece of silver.

"Thank you, thank you, Miss, for your generosity," Dr. Zhao said, bowing repeatedly. Feng Changge cleared her throat and asked, "Is it true that Chu Qingqiu is expecting?"

Dr. Zhao tucked the silver into his sleeve and replied, "I wouldn't dare deceive you, Miss. She is indeed pregnant, but... it's not a boy."

"No matter," Feng Changge smiled. "You needn't worry about the consequences from the Phoenix Duke Mansion. You may go."

"Yes, Miss." Dr. Zhao discreetly exited through the back door, while Feng Changge took a different path to avoid attention.

"Miss is truly clever, coming up with such a plan to ensure Chu Qingqiu's smooth entry into the mansion," Biying remarked, more delighted than Feng Changge herself.

Dr. Zhao had been a strategic move by Feng Changge for a long time. Today, whether or not Chu Qingqiu was truly expecting, it was certain she was. Regardless of the child's gender, it was considered a boy. Fortunately, Chu Qingqiu had some skill; being genuinely pregnant was better than deceit. Now, she had achieved the marriage she desired, hoping she wouldn't regret her gamble in the future.

"What a pity," Feng Changge remarked with a hint of sorrow.

"Pity about what? Are you worried that if Chu Qingqiu doesn't have a son, it might affect you?" someone asked.

Feng Changge swirled an empty cup and smiled, "Who cares if it's a boy or girl? If she can live peacefully in the mansion, that's the real skill. Whether she can have a child depends on her fate. Besides, with the scene she caused today, Xiao Yan will certainly not tolerate her."

"Then what are you pitying?"

Thinking of Su Xiuxiu, Feng Changge said calmly, "It's a pity that the Phoenix Duke Mansion isn't destined for a good match."

Outside, a soft thud sounded as snow fell from the branches. Feng Changge watched the beautiful snowy night, feeling a deep sense of longing in the chilly wind.

The snow, discontent with the late arrival of spring, adorned the courtyard trees like flying blossoms.

It was the end of the year, the last month of winter. This February, the Phoenix Duke Mansion was preparing for a major event: Mrs. Jin's sixtieth birthday. In previous years, she hadn't paid much attention to her birthday, but this year, everyone in the mansion encouraged her to celebrate. After all, such milestones are rare in life.

"Have you thought about how to organize it?" Xiao Yan asked during lunch.

Mrs. Jin pondered for a while before shaking her head, "I'm old now, I don't know how to plan these things. You all decide; a little festivity would be nice."

"I've already made a list of the guests to invite. Now we just need to handle the arrangements, but..." Xiao Yan seemed a bit troubled.

"Mom, what's wrong?"

"It's just that times have changed, and with the end of the year approaching, there's so much to prepare. I'm afraid I can't manage it all," Xiao Yan said with a hint of melancholy, setting down her spoon.

It was just a game of passing the buck, and Xiao Yan was quite skilled at this performance.

Feng Changge sat quietly to the side, picking at her food. Whenever she was out, the kitchen would send only the finest dishes to her room.

"How about... letting Big Sis handle it?" Suddenly, Feng Chang'an's suggestion landed squarely in front of Feng Changge.

Feng Changge looked up, puzzled. "Me? Handle what?"

"Mom says she's too busy. Why not have you organize Grandmother's birthday this year? You've always been exceptionally smart," Feng Chang'an said with a smile that seemed perfectly natural, though Feng Changge knew well the depth of her sister's acting skills.

"Grandmother, I've just started learning how to manage the household accounts. Taking on the responsibility of organizing the birthday celebration is too much for me. I'm afraid I can't handle it," Feng Changge tried to politely decline, but it was turned into an obstacle.

"It's not like you'll be doing it alone. Isn't Nanny Du there to help you? The old lady trusts you, and having you arrange the celebration would be perfect," Xiao Yan said with a smile that seemed friendly to others but was a challenge in Feng Changge's eyes.

​