C14

Feng Changge finally understood that she had no choice but to accept her fate today. The trap they set for her was one she had to fall into, and she had to do it convincingly. Seeing the matriarch remain silent, it was clear she shared the same sentiment. Feng Changge dared not defy her; refusing would be seen as ungrateful, so she reluctantly agreed.

Xiao Yan claimed to have arranged help for Feng Changge, but all she received was a piece of paper with a few notes. The paper was old, with yellowed corners, and most of the shops listed had long since moved. In the end, Feng Changge realized she was being played.

What they wanted was to see Feng Changge flustered and anxious, running out of time without having made any arrangements, watching helplessly as the birthday banquet fell apart, and then being criticized for it.

The old Feng Changge might have been scared to tears, but now, having once been a queen in the palace, she had organized countless grand events. Preparing a birthday banquet was a walk in the park for her.

"Everything on this list must be in storage by tonight, along with the new deliveries from yesterday," Feng Changge instructed clearly, showing no sign of panic or defeat.

"Miss, this is the menu list sent over," Biying said, handing the list to Feng Changge, who reviewed it carefully and pointed out any unsuitable dishes.

"Daily accounts should be summarized and sent to me."

"If anyone dares to play tricks under my watch, don't blame me for being ruthless."

Xiao Yan thought she could constrain Feng Changge with her schemes, but she underestimated the reborn Feng Changge.

Although organizing a banquet was easy for Feng Changge, in the palace, no one dared to defy her orders. However, at the Phoenix Duke Mansion, those under Xiao Yan's command openly and secretly made things difficult for Feng Changge, making the banquet preparation a challenging task.

"Miss, there seems to be a discrepancy in the accounts you initially prepared. Look at this!" Biying hurried over, holding a couple of sheets of paper.

Feng Changge paused her writing, took the papers, and examined them closely before speaking. "Why is it that only half the funds were allocated, and yet the treasury provided just this amount?"

"Yes, I inquired, and... it was the Duchess's orders. She said the household expenses need to be reduced this year, so..."

So, she decided to start with me, beginning with the old lady's birthday banquet. Xiao Yan wants to make things difficult for me at Mrs. Jin's celebration. Feng Changge chuckled softly, wondering if Xiao Yan was feeling cornered and taking a risky move. To have pushed Xiao Yan to such a point was satisfying in its own way.

"These need to be redone, but for now, I need you to arrange something..." Feng Changge whispered softly in Biying's ear.

Knowing Xiao Yan's past behavior, if she doesn't see what she wants, she'll find another way. This beast won't let go easily. Feng Changge had already thought of a backup plan, preparing for the worst.

The shops that had been previously arranged were all canceled by Feng Changge, leaving only the funds that could be moved. To save on expenses, every penny counted. She couldn't afford to lose her composure now; panic was exactly what Xiao Yan hoped for, and she wouldn't give her that satisfaction.

Warehouse

"Everyone, stay sharp and alert. The items coming into the warehouse today are for the old lady's birthday banquet. Any mistakes, and you'll lose your heads!" Feng Changge watched over the warehouse, while Biying managed the arrangements.

"You seem busy, sister!" Feng Chang'an strolled over, holding a hand warmer, his footsteps crunching in the snow. "But sister, grandmother's birthday is the pride of the Phoenix Duke Mansion. Don't let the reputation of the Phoenix Duke fall in your hands." Just when things seemed peaceful, someone always wanted to disrupt Feng Changge's tranquility.

Feng Changge turned around with a slight smile and said, "No matter how busy I am, I can't be busier than you, sister. So, no young gentlemen inviting you out today? Or have they all gone to the Red Pavilion, looking for a new companion?"

"Feng Changge, I'm warning you, don't push your luck."

Seeing Feng Chang'an's anger, Feng Changge's beautiful face held a mocking smile. She leaned in closer and whispered, "Push my luck? That phrase suits you perfectly. You've set plenty of traps for me, but none have worked. Don't lose heart."

With a challenging look, Feng Changge tapped Feng Chang'an's shoulder with her finger, then turned and left with Biying, carrying her ledger. Behind her, Feng Chang'an's furious shouts echoed. Feng Changge had once thought that by staying out of conflicts, she could live peacefully. But who could have guessed that things wouldn't end well?

Xiao Yan, if you can't destroy me now, don't blame me for making your life difficult.

On the day of the birthday banquet

At the grand birthday banquet for the matriarch of the Phoenix Duke Mansion, every influential and powerful official attended to offer their congratulations. The place was packed, and even those not invited sent lavish gifts: South Sea coral bracelets, thousand-year-old ginseng from the Eastern Mountains, and intricately designed vases...