Chapter 134

Chapter 134

After finishing their meal, Meng Die inquired, "Why has the Duke Cheng'en's heir suddenly decided to host such a grand flower-viewing banquet?"

Wen: "I knew you'd ask about this. Didn't Count Yongping get into trouble last winter? At that time, seven households in the capital were seized, and if we count those outside the city, it must have been at least twenty. Not all were whole families; some individuals were implicated as well. When the sentences were announced after the New Year for beheading, I heard they had to clean the blood from the market entrance for several days."

Meng Die: "They deserved it."

Wen smiled. "Indeed, they got what was coming to them. But the dead are gone, and what of the living? Ever since then—no, since the Yongping incident—the entire capital has been on edge. Everyone is extra cautious with their words and actions, their nerves stretched taut."

Meng Die gained some insight. "It's not good to remain tense all the time. It's a wise move for Duke Cheng'en's Concubine to host this banquet at this moment. It'll lift everyone's spirits."

Wen Shi nodded in agreement. "Exactly. I've heard that many of the flowers for this event have been cultivated in the palace."

Meng Die fully understood now. This floral appreciation banquet organized by Duke Cheng'en's heir's wife was likely held on the Empress's orders. The Empress was using it to signal that the Emperor's anger had subsided, and people could return to their normal lives without fear.

As for Madam Ning's specific invitation for her, it was merely to lend more weight to the three young ladies who were about to enter into marriage discussions.

Originally, it would have been suitable for Madam Ning to accompany them. However, she had been preoccupied lately with preparing Li Lang and Li Yue's dowries, leaving her unable to join. Thus, Meng Die, who held an equally high status, was chosen as a substitute.

Exiting the residence of the Wen family, Meng Die happened to bump into Li Ai, who had been absent from home for several days.

Before even entering the house, Li Ai began speaking, "I conveyed your words to the Commander, and he said you have a comprehensive perspective. My brothers all mentioned that you're the one who truly understands people. Oh, these are the gifts they asked me to bring back for you."

"Gifts?" Meng Die was intrigued, wondering what kind of presents these people would give her.

Li Ai placed the small box he brought with him on the table and opened it. Upon seeing its contents, Meng Die found herself in a mixture of amusement and exasperation. Inside were a variety of colorful glass trinkets. "Why would they send me these?"

Li Ai scratched his nose. "I told them that Manager Hai brought back a few large pieces of glass, and how delighted you seemed when you saw them. Perhaps they misunderstood."

Meng Die picked up a phoenix hairpin made of glass, remarking, "It's indeed quite lovely."

Li Ai's expression instantly turned inexplicable, as if he was trying to suppress a smile but found it difficult.

"Hmm?"

Li Ai explained the situation with a grin. In short, the man who sent the hairpin had purchased it from an unknown jeweler. Upon returning home, he inquired about the style with his wife's maid, leading his wife to believe that he had finally understood the importance of giving her jewelry... Only to find out that he had indeed bought the accessory, but not for her. She suspected he might be supporting another woman outside their marriage.

Li Ai gestured at his chin, saying, "When he returned, there were three extra lines here."

"Haha..." Meng Die burst into an unsympathetic laughter, it seemed that the military camp had gained another humorous anecdote.

Time flew by swiftly, and before they knew it, the day of the flower viewing banquet arrived. The sky was a brilliant blue, cloudless, presenting a crisp and pleasant autumn atmosphere.

The capital city was unusually bustling today. Early in the morning, beautiful carriages rolled out from various mansions, all heading towards the same destination - Duke Cheng'en's residence.

After years of silence, Duke Cheng'en's residence stood out exceptionally today. Along the street, one could see servants and maidservants constantly shuttling back and forth. A long line of carriages extended from the second gate of the mansion, with more still arriving continuously. Each time a carriage reached the entrance, a servant would guide them to park at a designated spot while leading the coachman to rest. A maidervoid then escorted the female guests through the second gate.

Meng Die and her five companions alighted from the carriage, assisted by their maidservants. They followed the guiding maidervoid into the second gate. Before reaching the garden, they encountered several groups of ladies. Meng Die didn't recognize any of them, but Wen Shi recognized two and greeted them warmly. Meng Die and Yao Shi acted as mascots, smiling pleasantly at the ladies they met.

None of these people recognized Meng Die; they assumed she was a relative or acquaintance brought by the Wens to broaden their horizons. As such, they didn't pay her much attention. Instead, their eyes lingered on the three young maidens following behind, their gazes filled with warmth and interest.

Yao Hongyan looked at Meng Die in confusion. Meng Die whispered, "I rarely attend such gatherings. When there have been celebrations at the residence, I've been occupied with tasks in the background." However, Meng Die couldn't help but feel a tiny tinge of disappointment. It wasn't because others didn't know her, but rather, that their ignorance indicated these noblewomen had missed the previous debate assembly, thus missing out on the excitement.

Yao Hongyan nodded and continued to trail beside Lady Wen, occasionally casting glances at the three young maidens. Both she and Meng Die continued to serve as mascots for the event.

The garden was bustling with activity. Ladies gathered in small groups, chatting and admiring the flowers. A few children, only a few years old, added to the merriment with their innocent remarks, eliciting laughter from everyone. Joy and relaxation were evident on each face. On the surface, this banquet was indeed a success. The tension among the attendees had dissipated, and the Empress's objective seemed to have been achieved.

Meng Die covered her mouth with her lacy fan, yawning widely. What a beautiful day it was, perfect for reading a book in the study while dozing off! Ah, well!

Feeling rather idle, four ladies approached from the side. Wên Shi stepped forward with a smile. "Madam An."

Madam An chuckled. "Wên Lady, why didn't your mother-in-law come today?"

Wên Shi replied, "My younger sister is getting married after the New Year, so Mother has been busy preparing dowry items at home. I initially wanted to help, but Mother said that the weather is just perfect now, with a pleasant temperature. It would be a waste not to take advantage of such a fine day by bringing the sisters out for a stroll. So, I brought them along." Wên Shi gestured towards the three young misses in her company. "This is Madam An."

"Madam An," the three girls bowed in unison.

"Very well, very well." Almost instinctively, Madam An's gaze fell upon Li Zhan and became transfixed.

One could hardly blame Lady An; it was truly that Li Zan was exceptionally beautiful. As the eldest daughter of the Wu family, she had inherited all the finest facial features of her mother's line. Wu, having been raised in humble circumstances and often in the shadow of those of higher station, couldn't help but exhibit a timid demeanor, her temperament leaning more towards gentle subservience. This did not quite align with her striking, rose-like beauty. Conversely, Li Zan, bred in the luxury of a marquis's household as its cherished daughter, possessed a more sophisticated and generous bearing that perfectly complemented her radiant looks.

According to Meng Die's assessment, there were no less than eighty young ladies in the courtyard. If Li Zan claimed to be the second most handsome, none would dare to take the first place.

It took Lady An a moment to regain her composure. "They're all refined young ladies. When the weather improves, do pay a visit to my home as well." Upon hearing this, her daughter-in-law, Guan Shi, chimed in, "Coincidentally, I have a few younger sisters who would make delightful companions for social gatherings."

The two young maidens by her side quickly befriended Li Luo and the others.

Meng Die whispered to Madam Wen, "Which noble family does this lady belong to?"

Wen also whispered, "Imperial Guards Commander."

Meng Die realized in a flash that Gu Shuzhi, the Captain of the Imperial Palanquin Guards, held a military rank of Second Rank and was in charge of the palace's security. Not only did he wield real power, but he was also a confidant of the emperor—a connection that her former marquis manor could never have aspired to reach. Now, however, Meng Die’s eyes twinkled as she observed Madam An scrutinizing the Li family's three young ladies. The other party's desire for a marital alliance seemed genuinely high.

Wen continued to introduce the group to more acquaintances, with Meng Die and Yao occasionally chiming in with greetings. Gradually, the young ladies started mingling with their friends to admire the flowers. Wen engaged in conversations about household management with the other matriarchs from prominent families, while Meng Die and Yao found a quiet corner in a pavilion to rest. Meng Die leaned against the pillar, sipping tea and enjoying some snacks as she appreciated the chrysanthemums beside the pavilion. It was a moment of leisure amidst the hustle and bustle.

A small group approached from afar, led by a woman who seemed to be around the same age as Madam Ning. She was accompanied by two young women and a few younger girls. Their presence in the garden was unremarkable and did not attract any attention. Meng Die subtly assessed Madam Yao. Just moments ago, Madam Yao had suddenly tensed up, her anxiety visible to the naked eye.

Meng Die squinted her eyes, sensing a familiarity in one of the young wives. Unfortunately, the woman was facing sideways toward Meng Die, allowing her to see only a fraction of her face, rendering identification impossible.

The crowd swiftly divided into two groups. Meng Die observed the young matron she found familiar leading several young girls towards the area of the monthly blooms. In the twirl of one of the young girls, Meng Die recognized her, instantly illuminating the identity of the familiar figure—the eldest daughter-in-law of the Valiant and Respectful Marquis's Manor.

By virtue of family ties, Meng Die should address the lady as her cousin-in-law. She also recognized the two young misses; they were both nieces of Lady Ning.

Meng Die withdrew her gaze, only to notice an elderly woman and a younger matron making a beeline for her—or, more precisely, toward Yao Hongyan. At this moment, Yao Hongyan's face was as cold as frost, her entire being brimming with wariness and hostility.

Meng Die pondered for a moment and gave the young woman another glance. She detected a resemblance to Yao Hongyan on her face. Assuming her conjecture was correct, this should be Madam Chu, Yao Hongyan's aunt, and her cousin Yao Lu.

Yao Hongyan rose to her feet and bowed respectfully, "Auntie, Cousin."

Chu sat down, and Yao Hongyan immediately followed suit. Yao Lu glanced around, noticing there were no more seats available; she could only stand by the side, her gaze towards Yao Hongyan filled with hostility.

Seated, Chu couldn't wait to inquire, "Have you thought about what I discussed with you?"

Yao Hongyan's expression was cold and firm. "Think about what?"

Anxious, Chu responded, "What else could it be? Didn't we clarify everything the last time?"

Yao Hongyan scoffed. "The last time? What last time? All that happened was you talking to yourselves. What did I say? What did I agree to? If you're unclear, let me make it crystal clear today: it's impossible unless I'm no longer around. Otherwise, this matter will never come to pass."

Madam Chu pointed at Yao Hongyan with an angry finger, "How can your heart be so ruthless? Are you content only when you see your elder sister suffering, with no one to lean on?"

Yao Hongyan replied, "No one to lean on? Is it that something has happened to Uncle or does he have no brothers?"

Madam Chu's face darkened, "What are you saying? How dare you speak ill of your uncle! Do you still have any respect for us elders?"

Yao Hongyan scoffed, "A child is filial when the parent is kind, and unfilial when the parent is cruel. Aunt, before asking if I respect my elders, perhaps you should first examine if you hold me, your niece, in your heart."

Yao Lu intervened, "Yao Hongyan, don't push it too far."

Either due to excitement or forgetfulness about their surroundings, Yao Lu's voice wasn't hushed enough, promptly drawing several inquisitive glances.

Yao Hongyan abandoned any attempt at discretion: "How was I being excessive?"

Yao Lu was left speechless.

Madam Chu endured the curious gazes around her: "I heard you sold a servant girl? It's just a maid; you could have scolded her and been done with it. If she really grated on your nerves, you could have sent her to work on the estate. Why sell her? Our kind of family doesn't engage in such practices. People might say you're petty."

Right then, Madam Xie, the first wife of the Heroic and Solemn Marquis's household, entered the pavilion with a few young misses. "Madam Chu has a point. It's just a servant; there's no need to get upset."

If not for the sight of the two walking closely together, Meng Die might have thought that Madam Xie was merely offering a casual piece of advice. But since she had seen them, as soon as Meng Die opened her mouth, a voice preceded hers: "Sister-in-law probably doesn't know, but that maid is cunning and has very dirty hands."

Madam Wen had seemingly appeared from the other side of the pavilion at some point: "In the past, encountering such a case would indeed result in sending them to the country estate. There have been so many disputes before and after the New Year. It's better to sell them off far away. Even so, I still think that Sister-in-law is too kind-hearted and lenient. If it were me, I would surely hand the person over to the authorities."

Meng Die watched Madam Xie's awkward expression, a small smile curving at the corners of her lips. Serves her right!

At the mention of the disputes before and after the New Year, many people paused their ongoing conversations to chime in.

"Madam Wen speaks the truth. In the past, it was tolerable, but now, we can't be too forgiving towards these servants."

"Indeed, especially those who are allowed to serve within the chambers. If their characters are flawed, how could it be good for our young masters and misses to be influenced by them?"

"That reminds me. When I return, I'll reevaluate our servants, particularly those in close attendance."

...

Observing that the situation was unfolding differently than anticipated, Lady Chu and Lady Xie exchanged a subtle glance. If this plan wouldn't work, they would have to devise another.

In a voice suppressed yet not entirely hushed, Lady Chu asked, "Hongyan, how is your health? What did the physician say?"

Glancing at the crowd whose ears perked up instantly, Yao Hongyan replied with a chilly tone, "There's no need for Aunt to worry, the physician said there's nothing serious."

Lady Chu sighed. "Don't be too hesitant to ask. I know your mother has sent you remedies before, and I have a recipe of my own here."

Madam Xie was full of curiosity. "What's going on?"

Yao Hongyan responded stiffly, "There's no need for Aunt to concern herself." She emphasized the words "concern" with particular vehemence.

A hint of displeasure and helplessness crossed Chu's face. "Hongyan, you can't avoid discussing your illnesses like this. How will you ever have a child if you continue like this?"

Madam Xie's eyes widened. "Cousin-in-law has been married for almost two years, hasn't she?"

Just as she had attracted attention earlier, Madam Xie's normal tone now drew the gazes of everyone inside and outside the pavilion.

A hint of annoyance flashed across Madam Xie's face, and she offered Yao Hongyan an apologetic smile.

Meng Die observed everything, feeling that if these people were to enter the world of dreams, they would undoubtedly win acting awards. However, there was one thing Meng Die couldn't understand—while Chu was doing this for her daughter, what was Madam Xie's motive?

Beneath the constant scrutiny of their gazes on her belly, Yao Hongyan's complexion turned pale.

With a gentle smile on her face, Madam Wen said, "Madam Chu, there's no need to worry too much. The doctor said it was nothing serious. Besides, Mother dotes on her and has given her plenty of nourishing supplements. She'll be fine after eating them."

Madam Chu's face lit up in response. "Thank goodness she's alright. Thank goodness. Oh, I was just being overly anxious."

The topic of children brought a shared interest, and everyone chimed in.

A slightly older lady seated in the center of the pavilion looked at Yao Hongyan and said, "Don't always concern yourself with being thin or fat. A healthy appetite is a blessing. Being able to eat is a sign of good fortune."

Feeling the warmth emanating from the woman, Yao Hongyan's expression improved. "Yes, I understand."

The elderly woman nodded in satisfaction. "People should have some flesh on their bones; otherwise, they'd be blown over by a mere breeze, and that wouldn't do at all."

Wen Shi chuckled and leaned closer to the elder. "Are you implying that you're displeased with me?"

The elderly woman laughed heartily, refusing to admit it. "I didn't say anything of the sort! That's what you're saying."

"Ha ha..." Everyone was amused by her steadfast denial.

Meng Die observed the elderly woman, who clearly had a good relationship with Wen Shi, and fell into deep thought. After a while, she dug through her memory and identified this person as Madam Wang, Li Yan's great-grandmother. It seemed that Duke Cheng'en's residence had indeed invited many guests today.

An elderly woman added, "Speaking of this child, there are couples who are both in good health with no issues, but their child just comes a bit later. It's not a concern."

"Exactly, exactly. Some say it's because they're destined to have an exceptional child, like a Qilin, which is why the birth is delayed."

"I've heard this belief too. They say that a Qilin child is hard to come by, but one can use the method of Adopting a Child as a Guide to hasten its arrival."

"Adopting a Child as a Guide?"

"I'm familiar with that. It means adopting a godson or goddaughter first, as if to pave the way for the real child to come. This practice is quite widespread, and many fortune-tellers suggest it when matching couples for marriage and considering their prospects of having children. They call it Filling the Star of Offspring."

"That's a clever idea. Acknowledging a daughter as one's own adds another connection, which is not a bad thing."

This statement met with many agreements. Unlike sons, who would eventually divide the family's assets, daughters would only bring dowries and additional kinship ties – it was a win-win situation.

"I say, adopting a child as a son still can't beat the traditional approach."

"What's the traditional way?"

When it came to the topic of having children, the women present displayed an extraordinary enthusiasm.

"Concubines, back in the days of alliances between two families, they would often send their female relatives along. If one's own side were to bear a son late, or encounter any other circumstances, wouldn't it be advantageous if these sisters gave birth to a child or two first? After all, they share blood ties."

There was a moment of brief silence in the pavilion. Meng Die observed the woman who spoke, acknowledging that she didn't recognize her.

After the short lull, the women resumed their discussion.

"That's actually a viable idea."

"Why wouldn't it be? They're sisters, their hearts would naturally align for the same purpose."

"Aren't you all overthinking this?" A voice, slightly sharp, forcefully interrupted the ongoing discussion.

A woman of similar age to Madam Chu stepped into the pavilion, her hostility towards Madam Chu undisguised. The young lady accompanying her shot Yao Lu dagger-like glares.

Silence fell upon the pavilion. Her voice had been loud enough to draw the attention of those admiring flowers outside the pavilion, who now peered curiously in their direction. Both Madam Chu and Yao Lu's expressions turned highly uncomfortable.

The woman entered the pavilion with a mocking laugh, "To those in the know, it may seem like your goodwill, but to the ignorant, it could appear as though you're willingly being used as pawns."

Someone asked, puzzled, "Mrs. Lu, what do you mean by that?"

Madam Lu huffed. "Where do I even begin?" She pointed at Madam Chu. "Start with how her family hastily took their daughter away, and then persisted in marrying her off to the Marquis Yongyi's residence."

Madam Chu shot up from her seat. "Don't you dare slander me with baseless accusations. Yes, I was anxious, but it was because my niece hadn't given birth to a single child for her husband after almost two years of marriage. What nonsense are you spouting now?"

Madam Lu retorted, "Nonsense? Do you dare say you didn't want your daughter to marry into the Marquis Yongyi's household? Do you dare claim that you're solely worried about your niece? You merely see that they haven't produced any children yet, and you're scheming to marry your daughter in, hoping she'll bear a firstborn son. Wouldn't that make you, as a later wife, no different from the legitimate spouse?"

Madam Chu's face flushed red, and it took her a long while to muster a response. "If that's how you choose to think of me, there's nothing I can do about it."

Meng Die barely managed to suppress her laughter. This was indeed a classic line.

Madam Chu, perhaps overwhelmed by the provocation, threw caution to the wind. "Now you're criticizing me for this and that. Why don't you mention who's responsible for our current situation? Which decent family arranges a beautiful concubine for their son before the legitimate wife enters the household? Who's the real junior when the wife arrives?"

Madam Lu paused. "A concubine is nothing but an annoyance, easily dismissed."

Madam Chu scoffed. "Easy for you to say. Even a cat or dog becomes dear after being cared for. How can someone who has shared a bed with you for years be casually discarded when the official wife arrives? You truly fear that the couple will thrive too much."

Madam Lu's eyes flickered. "I understand, at first, all the mistakes were ours, and we can comprehend why you want to take your daughter back. It's only natural, but... but the child is innocent. She's so young, just learning to crawl. You..." Her voice broke as tears streamed down her face. "At least, wait until she's a little older, recognizes her mother before leaving..."

Yao Lu's eyes instantly welled up with tears.

The momentum in Chu's demeanor dissipated, leaving her significantly weakened. "You still have the nerve to mention the child. Back then, we agreed to bring them both back, but you insisted on keeping hold of her. Our initial plan was to have the child's mother remarry while the child was still young, so she could take our daughter with her. This way, she would be unaware and could grow up carefree," she said, tears streaming down her face as she spoke.

The issue surrounding the two Vice-Ministerial households' ill-fated alliance was no secret. It was likely that even those who were not well-informed had heard some whispers about it. With so many people in the garden now, those acquainted with both families kindly enlightened the unfamiliar with a brief overview of the situation.

Towards the Count Yongping, whose household was involved in gambling and smuggling arms, universal resentment ran deep, even among those whose own kin had been beheaded; most felt they deserved their fate.

As for Cheng Sanlang, who had been ensnared by a spy, many people found their feelings rather complicated, especially the women in the inner quarters. They lacked understanding of the necessity to keep military affairs confidential, and they harbored a secret worry in their hearts. While they could assure themselves that they would not become involved in gambling, how could they guard against spies? It was unpredictable – might they one day be chosen, and unknowingly divulge something crucial, only to end up with their own heads on the chopping block?

Many shared such thoughts, and thus, they unintentionally developed a subtle sympathy towards the two Vice Minister's residences. Now, seeing Chu and Lu weeping so bitterly, many felt a surge of compassion. The unfortunate one had departed, leaving behind his aging mother, wife, and children to endure their suffering. Ah!

Many emotionally susceptible women present were also touched to the point of tears.

Lady Lu wept for a while before saying, "I was mistaken from the start. It's good that you're taking the child with you. With her mother by her side, and if she can find a loving family, she'll have everything she needs."

"That's one way to look at it. Even though she has her uncle and aunt, they're still not her own parents."

"It's true that they're not her biological parents, but staying in the Lu family will at least give her some understanding of her situation. Rather than knowing nothing if she goes to another family, Mrs. Chu is right—this is indeed the best for the child."

"Indeed, but finding a suitable family for marriage isn't easy, especially with a child in tow."

"In our esteemed families, which household couldn't afford an extra pair of chopsticks? If anything, it would merely entail providing a larger dowry and forging another marital connection."

"I'm not referring to that. I mean, who would take in a woman with a child as their legitimate wife? It's always more challenging for her to become a concubine."