Shortly after, the second mistress, Lady Gu, received word and hurried over.
Lady Gu was still wearing her signature radiant smile, looking even more festive than before. Now in charge of the household accounts, she managed everything with such efficiency that the estate ran like clockwork. The State Duke and the Old Madame were both reasonable people and were very satisfied with her. The Second Master deferred to her in all things, and the couple was deeply devoted to each other. With a promising son and daughter and an adorable, well-behaved baby girl in her arms, her life was as smooth as could be. Naturally, she was in high spirits.
After exchanging greetings with everyone in the room, Lady Gu brought up the plans for the Old Madame's fiftieth birthday banquet. "Mother, I’ve been thinking that for your fiftieth, we must celebrate in grand style. I’ll hire the chefs from Fan Pavilion to handle the kitchen and invite a troupe from the Southern Quarters to perform several plays. I’ve also specially ordered fireworks; we should make the estate as lively as possible."
Chapter 190