The Banquet at Hongmen

At noon, as expected, the old lady sent word for lunch. She declared that since it was the first day, the whole family should gather for a reunion meal. Upon receiving the maid’s message, Yu Ziqi led Ning Qian to the dining hall in the front. When they arrived, most people were already there. After paying their respects, the two took their seats. Master Yu glanced at them, snorted coldly, and turned away.

Ning Qian was startled. She could understand her mother-in-law’s coldness towards her, but why did even her father-in-law seem to dislike her so intensely? Judging by his expression, it appeared even Yu Ziqi did not meet with his favor. Perhaps, if it wasn’t because of her, there might be some inexplicable discord between them.

Soon, everyone had arrived. The old lady raised her voice, instructing the servants to bring out the dishes. Once the food was served, she turned to Master Yu and said, “Master, the dishes are all here. We can begin.”

“Fine, eat,” Master Yu responded icily.

Everyone at the table began to eat in silence. Ning Qian secretly glanced at the others and noticed their cautious demeanor; all seemed to fear Master Yu. Only Yu Ziqi beside her appeared calm and relaxed, standing out among the rest. Ning Qian realized there must be subtleties here she was yet unaware of.

The stifling atmosphere unsettled Ning Qian. Back in the Ning family, the dining table was always lively with cheerful conversation. Here, there was not a sound.

As they ate, the old lady suddenly spoke. “Qian Qian, now that you are married, you are part of the Yu family. The Yu family has its rules. I will have a copy sent to you shortly. When you have free time in the coming days, copy them out several times, and then commit them to memory. As a mistress of the house, you must not violate the family rules, or else there will be strict punishment.”

Ning Qian lowered her head and replied, “Mother, I will do as you say.” Inwardly, she lamented. She had adapted to many things since coming here, but writing was still not something she enjoyed. It was already a feat for her to write legibly; who knew how lengthy the family rules would be?

She recalled an old television drama where a family’s rules occupied several hundred sheets of paper. If the Ning family’s rules were anything like that, she really would be at her wit’s end.

“Good. Continue eating,” the old lady said, surprisingly without finding fault with Ning Qian.

Not long after, Master Yu set down his chopsticks. “I’m full. You all continue.” He rose and left, leaning on the armrest.

Seeing this, the old lady also put down her chopsticks, her brows furrowing as she rose and followed Master Yu with her maid. As soon as the two departed, the atmosphere at the table immediately loosened.

The eldest son, Yu Zixin, smiled and said, “Ziqi, you really have married an extraordinary wife. All of Yangzhou knows Miss Ning is a beauty. Now that I’ve seen her, it’s true indeed.” His eyes glinted mischievously as he looked at Ning Qian, showing no reserve befitting a brother-in-law.

Yu Ziqi’s expression instantly turned cold, and he cast a fierce glare at Yu Zixin, but soon resumed his usual gentle smile. “Brother, you jest. When it comes to beauty, how could my wife compare to Sister-in-law?”

The second son, Yu Zihao, also put down his chopsticks. “Brother, Ziqi, you’re both bullying me. Alas, I have not the good fortune to marry a beautiful wife.”

While their words seemed harmless, the women at the table felt quite uncomfortable. Discussing who was more beautiful right in front of them was deliberate slight against their dignity. Worse, there was nothing they could do to resist. The husband was the wife’s ruler, an age-old tradition none dared defy.

Yu Zixin’s remark placed Ning Qian in the spotlight, and she immediately sensed several dissatisfied, sharp gazes directed her way. Women are prone to jealousy, and among them were concubines as well. The first and second ladies, feeling their pride stung, would surely bear no fondness for Ning Qian in the future.

Ning Qian sighed inwardly. It seemed her principle of “do not offend unless offended” might not work here. Sometimes, trouble found you even if you tried to avoid it.

Yu Zihao lifted his wine cup. “Sister-in-law, since you are newly arrived at the Yu residence, I must toast you.”

Ning Qian turned to Yu Ziqi, and only after his approval did she lift her own cup. “I am not strong with wine and can only take a small sip. Second Brother, please feel free.”

“Sister-in-law, you may do as you wish,” Yu Zihao replied, not pressing her.

Then Yu Zixin also raised his cup. “Sister-in-law, as your elder brother, I ought to drink with you as well.”

Reluctantly, Ning Qian took another sip in front of everyone. Truth be told, she disliked the wine here, its sharpness making it hard to swallow. If she could refuse, she would not have touched a drop.

She thought drinking with the brothers would be the end of it, but it was only the beginning. Next, their wives and several concubines each found an excuse to toast her, forcing Ning Qian to drink five or six cups. Whether by design or not, they seemed intent on testing her.

Ning Qian’s tolerance was only two or three cups, and now it had doubled. She soon felt dizzy, the world around her beginning to spin.

Her body wobbled, nearly collapsing, when a hand reached out from behind—Yu Ziqi wrapped an arm around her waist, steadying her. His voice whispered in her ear, “Bear with it a little longer. I’ll take you back soon.”

Ning Qian nodded vaguely. At that moment, all she wanted was the large bed in her room. She felt as though she were walking on the moon, her whole body floating.

Much later, as the gathering dispersed, Nianyu supported the unsteady Ning Qian as they made their way back. The courtyard was too vast, and they could not return quickly. The more she walked, the more tumultuous her stomach became. She struggled to endure, unwilling to lose face before Yu Ziqi.

But the feeling became unbearable. Abruptly, she let go of Nianyu’s hand and stumbled to the roadside, where she began to vomit.

Suddenly, a large hand rested gently on her back, patting softly and slowly. Ning Qian’s body stiffened, the turmoil in her stomach seeming to subside instantly.

“Don’t hold it in—let it out, you’ll feel better,” Yu Ziqi’s calm voice reached her.

Ning Qian finally relaxed, and the sourness in her stomach surged again. She continued to vomit, emptying everything until she felt somewhat better.

Yu Ziqi helped her to stand and handed her a handkerchief. “Wipe your face.”

After vomiting, Ning Qian felt much soberer. She took the handkerchief, embarrassed, and thanked him softly. “Thank you.”

“All right, let’s talk when we’re back. Nianyu, support her.”

“Yes, young master.” Nianyu and Shuni hurried forward, each taking an arm to help Ning Qian walk slowly back to the courtyard.