Chapter 29

Chapter 29

When the late Duke Su was alive, despite his decades of deep devotion to Tang Shi, he had been compelled by Princess Consort Rong's threats to take Old Concubine Meng into the household. Yet the fact that Old Concubine Meng managed to bear him a son and a daughter right under Tang Shi's nose, and survive peacefully under her watch, was ample proof that the old duke not only bore no resentment toward the forcibly installed concubine but even showed her a measure of favor.

For Tang Shi, however, this little vixen who had come between her and her husband kept bearing child after child—and was moreover the sister of Meng Dafuren—made her want to faint with rage at the very sight of them. Given her temperament, she inevitably made life difficult for them at every turn. The old duke for the most part either played peacemaker or turned a blind eye. He was deeply devoted to Tang Shi, and Old Concubine Meng was endlessly forbearing. And so a lifetime passed in this manner.

Qin Mei had naturally suffered countless humiliations at Tang Shi's hands since childhood, and Tang had even tried to interfere with her marriage prospects. She harbored a bitter hatred for Tang Shi, and had never shown her half-sister Qin Pan any kindness growing up. Now that she had married well and was riding high, she was even more inclined to act that way.

At this moment, Qin Shun resented Princess Consort Rong even more for seating their mother and daughter here. The sisters had grown up together, and she knew Qin Mei's temperament better than anyone—sharp-tongued, vindictive, with a heart as narrow as a needle's eye yet as full of holes as a lotus root. From childhood, she had set countless traps for Qin Pan, and now that she had soared to prominence, she would certainly not let Qin Pan or her mother off easily.

Alas, she couldn't witness this scene herself—what a pity to miss.

"Speaking of which, Qin Mei really is lucky—a concubine's daughter managing to marry into the An'guo Duke's household as the heir's wife." Qin Shun curled her lip. Whenever the subject of the eldest branch's daughters came up, she always spoke with envy. "Even if the An'guo Duke's estate isn't as influential as it once was, it's still a ducal household."

Sun Dafuren also glanced toward the front. She caught sight of Qin Mei's straight-backed figure radiating wealth and status, like a peacock strutting with its head held high. She smiled and instructed her daughter: "Shun'er, while it's often said that marriage is a woman's second birth, if you want to establish yourself in your husband's family, it depends first on your own skills, and second on your natal family's backing."

"Even though the succession isn't settled yet, the eldest branch has your Fourth Brother—there's no way they'll fall from grace."

Sun Dafuren spoke frankly to her daughter, laying things out plainly. She said with emphasis: "For Mei Jie'er, if she ever runs into trouble, who can she rely on? Her brother? Or her concubine mother in the marquis's household?"

In the end, she'd have to rely on the eldest branch's influence—or to put it bluntly, on Qin Chu's power.

So in Sun Dafuren's view, Qin Mei's decision to alienate all her natal relatives after her so-called prestigious marriage was the dumbest thing she could do.

Whether in marriage arrangements or daily allowances, Tang Shi had been in the wrong, shortchanging the mother and her three children from the start. If Qin Mei had played the pitiable role and gotten closer to her elder brother Qin Chu and his wife Princess Zhaoyang, then in times of trouble, they would naturally have felt obliged to help her.

Now she had vented her grievances, but she had also burned her bridges.

Qin Shun was still dismissive after hearing her mother's words. She craned her neck to watch the drama and said carelessly: "Mother, you've forgotten—Qin Mei's marriage was arranged by Princess Consort Rong herself. With the princess consort backing her, she doesn't need to curry favor with Fourth Brother and his wife."

"Family is family—even broken bones stay connected by sinews." Sun Dafuren looked at her daughter, exasperated and helpless. "Remember this too: no one else can be relied upon."

It was just that Qin Mei's mother had the pull to bring in Princess Consort Rong. Princess Consort Rong wasn't related to them—could she really protect them forever?

Qin Shun saw from a distance that Qin Mei seemed to have taken her seat. There was no confrontation to witness, and she let out a disappointed "oh." She withdrew her gaze and said no more.

The head table was also full of undercurrents.

Qin Pan and Qin Mei were half-sisters by the same father, but the gulf between a legitimate daughter and a concubine's daughter was like a moat that had kept them apart since childhood.

It wasn't that Qin Pan looked down on her elder half-sister—quite the opposite. It was Qin Mei who had harbored intense hostility toward Qin Pan from a young age. So when Qin Mei gave her a hard time in front of so many people, Qin Pan just felt embarrassed, not surprised.

"Ninth Sister."

Qin Pan inclined her head in greeting and said with great forbearance: "It's no matter. We sisters haven't seen each other in so long—I'm really happy to see you."

The two sisters exchanged a look, and Qin Mei smiled. "Little sister still has such a way with words. We'll have a good chat later."

With that, she paid Qin Pan no further attention. A bright smile spread across her face as she walked straight toward Princess Consort Rong and Princess Qinghe, then gave a deep curtsy: "Greetings to the Princess Consort, and to the Princess."

"Do sit down—today is for everyone to have fun together; no need for such formalities."

Princess Consort Rong was quite warm to Qin Mei, and a seat had been specially reserved beside Pei Yun.

Princess Qinghe couldn't care less about the Qin family and said nothing, while Princess Consort Rong, who looked down on Tang Shi and by extension held no fondness for Qin Pan, was on the same page as Qin Mei in this regard. So when she saw Qin Mei humiliate Qin Pan, she merely smiled and pretended not to notice.

Pei Yun, meanwhile, thought about how Qin Pan was such a nice girl, held back by her foolish mother.

Qin Mei took her seat and greeted Pei Yun as well.

"Fourth Sister-in-law is glowing today—even more beautiful than on your wedding day."

Qin Mei always spoke with a pretentious air that made it hard to tell if she was complimenting or mocking. Pei Yun found it rather unpleasant, and with a cool expression, she waved her round silk fan and said: "The heir's wife is just as impressive as ever—no different from when you were at home."

Qin Mei's smile stiffened for a moment. Realizing that Pei Yun was standing up for Qin Pan, her tone cooled considerably. She raised an eyebrow at Pei Yun and asked: "I was already married by the time Fourth Sister-in-law entered the family. May I ask where you heard about what I was like at home?"

"Was it Little Sister who told you?"

As she spoke, she glanced sidelong at Qin Pan.

Pei Yun smiled lazily: "Why would Pan Jie'er need to say anything? The heir's wife's reputation at home was well known—clearly everyone remembers you fondly."

Qin Mei found herself momentarily speechless, inwardly noting that this Princess Zhaoyang had a sharp tongue indeed—skilled at twisting words and turning black into white.

The ladies nearby discreetly hid their faces behind their fans and whispered: "This princess consort never spares anyone's feelings. Why is Qin Dafuren picking a fight with her?"

"Ah, the grudges between the Duke Su's household and Qin Dafuren are known to all in the capital. In the end, the Duke Su's household did wrong by her first. And what a lively household the Duke Su's estate is, to be sure."

Princess Qinghe chimed in coolly: "Indeed. Who knows what other excitement lies ahead."

Duchess Consort Feng, Li Dafuren, raised an eyebrow at this: "Oh? Does the Princess have some fresh tidings?"

The Duke Su's household had no shortage of drama these days—who would inherit the title, the second branch's marriage alliance with the Crown Prince's eldest son, and the fact that Princess Zhaoyang and the Marquis of Huai'an were no pushovers either. There was no end of entertainment to be had.

"How would I know anything? I was merely speaking idly." Princess Qinghe smiled and brushed the question aside.

Li Dafuren didn't press further and offered a companionable laugh.

Qin Pan, watching from the side, took the initiative to speak up: "Ninth Sister, it's Grandmother who often speaks of you—how filial you were at home, and tells us sisters to learn from you."

Qin Mei's expression softened somewhat at this.

"Come to think of it, I haven't been back to visit Grandmother in some time. I really should return one of these days to keep her company and have a good chat."

The ladies watching from the sidelines mostly nodded inwardly and murmured among themselves: "This Miss Pan handles herself with proper measure—restrained yet gracious. She seems a well-bred and generous young lady."

"She's also quite pretty. We rarely saw her out before, but today's impression is certainly favorable."

Qin Mei, hearing these praises of Qin Pan, nearly ground her pearl-white teeth to powder, her handkerchief twisted tightly in her hands.

At the mention of Old Madam Ming, Princess Consort Rong picked up the thread: "I haven't seen your Grand Lady in some time either. I trust her health is well."

"Grandmother is in good health, though with spring arriving she's been sensitive to the dust in the air. Otherwise she would have come to keep the Princess Consort company herself." Pei Yun said with a smile: "She couldn't make it today, so she specifically asked me to convey her apologies to you."

Although Princess Consort Rong hadn't sent invitations to the rest of the Duke Su household, she had in fact extended one to Old Madam Ming—after all, she was a highly respected elder lady of the capital, and since a visit was being made, courtesy demanded the gesture. But Old Madam Ming had clearly been unwilling to come.

Princess Consort Rong wasn't surprised that Old Madam Ming hadn't attended. Pei Yun's words were gracefully delivered, so she responded with a few conventional pleasantries to smooth things over, then turned to Qin Mei and asked: "Have you come alone today?"

"I recall that in the old days, when the various households in the capital held their Polo Club events, Shu Wen never missed a single one."

Ye Shuwen—the heir of the An'guo Duke's estate, and Qin Mei's husband.

Pei Yun had only a patchy knowledge of these noble families of the capital. Though she had crammed up on the subject, she sometimes couldn't match names to faces, let alone claim any deep understanding. So at such banquets, she paid extra attention, treating it both as gossip and as education.

This heir of the An'guo Duke's estate did have some reputation in the capital. His birth was naturally respectable, and the An'guo Duke's household had purchased him an official post—nothing particularly distinguished, neither high nor low. He had no notable vices in daily life, but he was passionately fond of leisure pursuits like polo and fishing, spending his days idling about with a crowd of young men from prominent families, touring mountains and waters.

Pei Yun listened while nibbling on pastries, thinking to herself that having such a husband wasn't so bad—far less worrisome than those who frequented brothels and pleasure houses. After all, the An'guo Duke's estate was wealthy enough to sustain his indulgences.

"The Princess Consort knows him best—he did intend to come." Qin Mei said with a smile: "But official duties at the yamen kept him away. So today I brought along my younger brother and sister to enjoy the festivities."

"That official business must come first."

The words had barely left Princess Consort of Rong's mouth when the sound of heavy footsteps approached. Everyone followed the sound and saw over a dozen eunuchs approaching, carrying two black and two red phoenix banners, along with two red satin umbrellas embroidered with treasure flowers, and golden axes and staffs. Behind them, palace maids carried an assortment of colored lanterns and incense burners. Then a crimson-and-gold palanquin bearing five phoenixes came into view, an elegant, noble figure faintly visible through the layers of beaded curtains.

At the sight of this procession, everyone knew what was coming.

It was Noble Consort Sun.

In the palace, Noble Consort Sun outranked everyone but the Empress, and she was the mother of the eldest prince. Although the Emperor had yet to name a Crown Prince, the Empress had no son of her own, and Prince Zhao had fought beside Emperor Qing'an all the way from the southwest back to the capital, earning remarkable military achievements. By all accounts, he was a strong contender for the position. Thus, Noble Consort Sun's status rose along with her son's.

Today she had brought half the Empress's ceremonial procession, a grand display that immediately drew everyone's attention.

Even Princess Consort of Rong immediately rose to greet her, and the other ladies followed suit. By rank, Pei Yun should have been at the front, but she had no desire to get close to Noble Consort Sun, so she lingered at the back.

Qin Pan rose with Pei Yun and whispered, "Sister-in-law, the Noble Consort's procession is truly impressive."

Qin Pan had been born into a duke's household and had visited the palace many times since childhood, seeing many consorts, but she had never seen such a complete and imposing procession.

"Just wait—you'll see the person herself is even more impressive." Pei Yun raised an eyebrow and smiled.

Compared to Noble Consort Sun, Qin Mei, who had been strutting around moments ago, was like a pheasant before a phoenix.

Pei Yun's words were clearly not empty boasts. Moments later, when Qin Pan saw Noble Consort Sun step down from the palanquin, she understood what her sister-in-law had meant.

Noble Consort Sun was not exceptionally beautiful—at best, she could be called pretty in a delicate way. Now in her thirties, she had faint fine lines, especially around her eyes and across her forehead. But she had an excellent figure—tall and slender—and with her current air of triumph, she carried herself with great poise. Her formal crimson palace robe, embroidered with dragons and phoenixes and adorned with round pearls, radiated royal dignity and grandeur.

As soon as the Noble Consort arrived, even the young ladies and gentlemen who had been playing polo dismounted to pay their respects. Madam Sun hurried forward, bringing Qin Shun with her. Noble Consort Sun swept her gaze around, saw everyone bowing in reverence, and a smile curled her lips. She raised a hand and said, "Rise, no need for such formality."

Then she spotted her elder sister and niece, her eyes crinkling in a smile as she beckoned, "Sister and Shun'er have come as well."

Qin Shun had been waiting for this very moment. She immediately lifted her chin and went to the Noble Consort's side, affectionately taking her arm and saying, "Auntie, Shun'er has missed you so much these days."

"Is that so? Then why didn't you have your mother bring you to the palace to see me?" the Noble Consort asked with a kindly smile.

In front of all these ladies, Madam Sun remained very proper, merely smiling as she said, "The palace is a solemn place, the Emperor's residence. I wouldn't dare disturb Your Grace without cause."

"We are sisters. Saying such things only puts distance between us. In the future, whenever you have time, just present your token and come to the palace to keep me company."

Noble Consort Sun raised an eyebrow. After finishing her pleasantries with her sister and niece, she seemed to remember the others still gathered around. She looked at Princess Consort of Rong, the hostess of the day, and gave a slight nod. "It's been a while since I've seen you, Princess Consort. Are you in good health?"

Though Princess Consort of Rong was her elder, she might put on airs before Princess Qinghe and Pei Yun, but she wouldn't dare act the elder before Noble Consort Sun. She smiled and said all was well, then personally escorted Noble Consort Sun to the seat of honor.

Madam Sun and Qin Shun naturally followed.

Pei Yun had no interest in conversing with Noble Consort Sun, so she said nothing and went back with the others.

"The weather today is truly fine—a clear blue sky without a single cloud. Princess Consort, you certainly picked a good day." Noble Consort Sun took her seat, pulling Qin Shun to sit beside her and holding her hand as she smiled. "I can take this opportunity to get out of the palace for a stroll."

"Let the children go play on the polo field. Why has everyone become so stiff just because I've arrived?"

At Noble Consort Sun's words, those who hadn't finished their polo game responded and remounted their horses to return to the field.

Princess Consort of Rong sat nearby, instructing the maids to serve tea and fruit. She smiled and said, "It rained quite a bit some days ago. As they say, after rain comes clear skies. Indeed, the weather has been improving day by day."

"The weather is so fine, it truly is a good time to get out more." Princess Qinghe also chimed in with a smile.

Noble Consort Sun seemed to have a good relationship with Princess Qinghe, asking warmly, "Why didn't you bring County Lady Changning along today, Princess? I haven't seen that little girl in quite some time."

When Pei Yun heard Noble Consort Sun mention County Lady Changning, her brow twitched—she knew the conversation was about to turn toward her.

Sure enough, after Princess Qinghe explained that County Lady Changning had fallen into water some time ago and was still recuperating at home, Noble Consort Sun nodded and said, "I did hear something about that. It seems..."

"She fell in together with Zhao Yang's daughter, didn't she?"

Qin Yu and Qin Yue had already returned to sit beside Pei Yun. When they heard Noble Consort Sun bring up the matter again, Qin Yue's small body tensed involuntarily.

Pei Yun put an arm around her and said with a smile, "Your Grace heard correctly. It was indeed the County Lady and Yue'er who accidentally slipped into the water together."

"Is that so?"

Noble Consort Sun raised an eyebrow, glanced at Princess Qinghe, then looked at Qin Yue beside Pei Yun. "This little girl?"

Pei Yun nodded. Noble Consort Sun beckoned, "Come here, let me have a look."

Qin Yue felt an inexplicable resistance to Noble Consort Sun and was quite afraid of her. She hesitated and looked up at Pei Yun. Noble Consort Sun withdrew her hand and said with a half-smile, "What, afraid I'll eat you?"

"Your mother was quite bold at your age."

The mother Noble Consort Sun referred to was naturally not Madam Fan, but Pei Yun.

Princess Consort of Rong was quite protective of Qin Yu and his sister. She smoothed things over, saying, "Yue'er is young and this is her first time meeting Your Grace. It's natural she'd be a bit shy. Please don't take offense, Your Grace."

As she spoke, Pei Yun gave Qin Yue a slight nod, and Qin Yue walked forward hesitantly, performed a proper bow, and greeted, "Noble Consort."

"Her manners are passable." Noble Consort Sun looked her up and down, chin slightly raised. "But she seems rather timid. Zhao Yang, as her legal mother now, you should teach her properly."

Noble Consort Sun's obvious deliberate criticism made the expressions of the ladies nearby turn subtle. Pei Yun, however, remained composed and said with a smile, "Yue'er has a reserved nature. The Grand Empress Dowager once praised her, saying it's good for young ladies to be refined and gentle."

Pei Yun invoking the Grand Empress Dowager made Noble Consort Sun's expression stiffen for a moment. "Is that so? I hadn't heard of you bringing the child to the palace."

"Your Grace is busy with countless affairs; you can't possibly oversee everything. Next time Zhao Yang goes to pay respects to Grandmother, why don't you come along and chat, and hear what Grandmother has to say?" Pei Yun smiled, raising an eyebrow.

Noble Consort Sun gritted her teeth. This Zhao Yang was as sharp-tongued as ever, and now that she'd married a capable husband, she was even more audacious.

The Noble Consort and Princess Zhaoyang traded barbs, while everyone else could only play dumb and stay silent.

"Speaking of which, County Lady Changning fell into the lake together with this girl. Changning is still ill, yet this girl seems lively and well." Noble Consort Sun shifted the topic and asked Princess Qinghe, "I recall Changning has always been robust. How is it so different this time?"

Princess Qinghe didn't know what to say and could only respond awkwardly, "Changning is still young and was quite frightened. That's why she hasn't recovered."

Noble Consort Sun had clearly come today to cause trouble for Pei Yun and the Duke Su's household—or more precisely, the eldest branch of the Duke Su's household. She raised an eyebrow and said, "Then it seems this Miss Qin has quite the nerve. Or perhaps it's because she was in her own home that she wasn't frightened?"

Then Noble Consort Sun looked at Pei Yun and said, "Zhao Yang, Princess Qinghe is a guest, and your household is the host. You can't neglect your guests, can you?"

Noble Consort Sun's words were almost blatantly accusing the Duke Su's household of bullying Princess Qinghe and County Lady Changning through their position.

Pei Yun had been enduring for some time. She thought to herself that she and Noble Consort Sun simply couldn't get along. When she'd learned Noble Consort Sun would be attending today, she'd felt uneasy, and now it was clear that enemies truly do meet on narrow roads.

She was about to speak when a familiar voice suddenly came from outside.

"It seems I've arrived late. What's all this commotion about?"

Following the voice came the tinkling sound of beaded curtains being parted. Pei Yun turned to look and saw her mother entering from outside.

Princess Consort of Ying had arrived. Everyone else, except Noble Consort Sun and Princess Consort of Rong, hurriedly rose to pay respects. Even Princess Qinghe had to stand and nod in greeting to her elder sister-in-law.

Pei Yun also stood and walked to Princess Consort of Ying's side, quietly calling out, "Mother." Princess Consort of Ying subtly patted the back of her hand and walked a few steps further in. Pei Yun then noticed her brother had come along today, raising an eyebrow and winking at her.

"Everyone, sit down, no need for such formality." Princess Consort of Ying said with a smile. "I could hear quite a lively discussion from outside. What were you all talking about?"

Noble Consort Sun waved her round fan, casting a subtle glance at the Princess Consort of Ying. "Elder Sister-in-law has arrived just in time."

"The Noble Consort came quite early—hasn't the event even started yet?"

With so many people present, the Princess Consort of Ying naturally would not breach propriety. She gave a slight bow to Noble Consort Sun in greeting, then took her seat with a smile.

"It's rare to have the chance to leave the palace, so I came a little early to chat." Noble Consort Sun said. "I was just enjoying a delightful chat with Zhao Yang when you arrived, sister-in-law."

The Princess Consort of Ying smiled and said, "I overheard a bit from outside—it seemed to be about Changning and Yue Jie'er."

"Zhao Yang mentioned it to me as well. Fortunately, Madam Ming of the Western Manor was quick to rescue the two girls in time—who knows what might have happened otherwise."

"Oh? Madam Ming didn't come today?" The Princess Consort of Ying said with a smile. "I was hoping to thank her properly."

Noble Consort Sun had been about to frame it as Pei Yun and Qin Chu, as a couple, throwing their weight around to oppress Princess Qinghe and County Lady Changning—the vulnerable and defenseless. But the moment the Princess Consort of Ying arrived and pointed out that it was the daughter-in-law of the Western Manor's second branch who had handled the matter, Noble Consort Sun was left completely speechless.

After all, the second branch of the Duke Su's manor consisted of Noble Consort Sun's own relatives.

Author's note: N/A