Despite the Old Madam’s disparagement of Jiang Yunqing, the Fen Princess Consort grew intrigued. Lady Chen curiously asked, “Since she’s staying here, why not invite her to join the banquet? What’s a young girl doing cooped up in her room?”
The Old Madam laughed, “My Yunqing is rather reserved and shy. Danniang earlier suggested informing the Princess Consort to have her come out and broaden her horizons, but she’s too embarrassed and prefers to hide away reading.”
Based on the Old Madam’s swift mental portrayal, a unique Jiang Yunqing emerged: introverted and shy, disliking crowds, preferring to read in solitude, with horseback riding and archery as her only hobbies. She was healthy and could endure loneliness. For an inconsiderate husband, her plain looks would be an advantage. Being strong and fit, she could not only accompany her husband in activities but also handle children’s education effortlessly. In terms of background and other conditions, she seemed more suitable than the laughing girls running about the courtyard. She was indeed worth meeting.
The Fen Princess Consort and Lady Chen exchanged glances before turning back with a smile, “It won’t do to keep her isolated like that. Bring her out, bring her out!”
The Old Madam shot a triumphant look at Mudan. See? Who could stand in the way now? Just like Wang Ayou, always doing things people dislike rather than what they enjoy.
Mudan calmly instructed Kuan’er, “Go invite the young miss out. Say the Princess Consort requests her presence.” This outcome was within her expectations. Though she couldn’t interfere with Jiang Yunqing’s affairs, she refused to be the one pushing it along.
Mama Wu saw it differently, viewing this as Mudan’s failed scheme. She suppressed a smirk and bounced along with Kuan’er to notify Jiang Yunqing. At the door, seeing Kuan’er talking to Shu’er, she arrogantly lifted her chin and said, “You two wait here. I’ll go in to invite the young miss.”
Inside, Jiang Yunqing paced anxiously, torn between conflicting desires. On one hand, she wanted to honor her agreement with Mudan, staying put and saying nothing. On the other, she distrusted Mudan, especially given the Old Madam’s instructions and Shu’er’s constant surveillance. She began to panic. Staring blankly at her reflection, she noted her carefully adorned appearance was indeed more presentable than before, but wondered what good it would do. Hearing Mama Wu’s voice outside, she quickly composed herself, turned, and gazed impassively at the door.
Mama Wu entered with a grin, bowing, “Young miss, congratulations! The Fen Princess Consort has personally invited you to attend the banquet.” Then, glancing slyly out the window, she loudly added, “This is true fortune. No evil forces can obstruct it!”
Outside, Shu’er called out, “Mama, don’t speak nonsense. If there were truly evil forces here, would the Princess Consort visit?”
Jiang Yunqing glared at Mama Wu before happily rising to prepare for her first grand feast. From afar, she could hear laughter and merriment. As she approached, she saw many young women in vibrant attire frolicking among flowers, by the water, and near rockeries. Music and singing filled the air. The festive atmosphere grew more intense as she neared the banquet area.
Jiang Yunqing took a deep breath of fresh air, gazing at the blue sky and white clouds above, her mood lightening considerably. Emulating Lady Du’s demeanor, she wore a gentle expression and walked steadily towards the liveliest area.
Upon seeing the group of nobility in their splendid attire seated on high, her heart skipped a beat, and her steps faltered. Anxiously scanning the crowd, she finally spotted her grandmother and Mudan, neither too close nor too far from the Fen Princess Consort. Finding familiar faces in this strange environment made her feel more secure. She smiled at the Old Madam and Mudan. The Old Madam’s expression was hard to read, seeming both regretful and excited, while Mudan’s was one of sympathy.
Confused by Mudan’s look, Jiang Yunqing noticed many eyes scrutinizing her critically. She felt unsure of herself. Mama Wu steadied her, whispering, “Look ahead and smile, but not too widely. A subtle smile will do. See there? The one in the dark purple robe is the Fen Princess Consort, and the one in the duck-egg blue robe is her second daughter-in-law, Lady Chen of the Chen Commandery.”
Jiang Yunqing wondered why Mama Wu didn’t introduce the other princesses and consorts she’d heard about. After a moment’s thought, she reasoned it must be because these two were the hostesses and required special attention. She approached them with a smile.
The Fen Princess Consort and Lady Chen carefully assessed this rarely-seen daughter of the Jiang family. Her demeanor seemed proper, and though not beautiful, she was fair and healthy-looking. Her smile was shy, but overall, she made a good impression.
“Come, child, sit by me,” the Fen Princess Consort beckoned, asking about her daily activities while examining her hands. Noticing a thin layer of calluses, she smiled, “Indeed, a tigress from a military family. Very good.” She then asked, “What fragrance are you wearing? It’s lovely.”
Jiang Yunqing, somewhat stiff, softly replied, “Five-spice pills given by Grandmother.”
The Fen Princess Consort released her hand and turned to Lady Chen with a smile, “She’s an honest child. Loves reading, you two might get along well.”
Lady Chen sat aside with Jiang Yunqing, speaking softly. Jiang Yunqing’s shy smile, slightly delayed responses, and cautious attitude didn’t displease Lady Chen; instead, they made her more gentle. She was particularly pleased to discover Jiang Yunqing’s love for reading.
The Old Madam observed this, her slight guilt dissipating. Thinking this must be fate, she became even more pleased. She said to Mudan with a hint of challenge, “See? Our Yunqing is quite charming.”
Mudan, unsure how Jiang Yunqing had gained Lady Chen’s favor, silently speculated that people tend to like those who appear clean and shy, posing no threat. Especially someone like Lady Chen would surely prefer a daughter-in-law who wasn’t too assertive or shrewd. But did Jiang Yunqing understand her fate?
The Old Madam’s joy was short-lived as others joined in. An unfamiliar woman approached with a daughter about Jiang Yunqing’s age, smilingly greeting Lady Chen. She presented her daughter, who was more lively than Jiang Yunqing, adept at pleasing Lady Chen. In comparison, Jiang Yunqing seemed wooden and slightly neglected.
Noticing the woman’s ordinary attire contrasted with her daughter’s striking beauty and elaborate dress, the Old Madam immediately surmised they were a minor official’s wife and daughter. She now viewed them as rivals, her expression darkening. After a moment’s thought, she calmly called to Mudan, “Go fetch your sister. We have matters to attend to and must take our leave.” After all, as a daughter of a noble house, how could she compete with the daughters of minor officials? Even if they were to compete, it should be done with class.
Relieved to hear they were leaving, Mudan hurried to call Jiang Yunqing: “Grandmother says she’s tired and wants you to accompany her home. They’re already packing your things.”
Leaving so soon? Without having accomplished anything or even becoming familiar with the guests? Jiang Yunqing was greatly surprised but dared not question it. She bid farewell to Lady Chen with a smile, appearing courteous and poised. Lady Chen, looking at the overly vivacious girl before her, found Jiang Yunqing even more appealing in comparison.
As the Old Madam led Jiang Yunqing away, resisting all attempts to make them stay, the Fen Princess Consort was somewhat surprised yet not entirely unexpected. She exchanged a few polite words and asked Mudan to see them off: “You’re the hostess of Fang Garden, my little friend, and their family elder. It’s most fitting for you to see this guest off on my behalf.”
“How could I refuse?” Mudan smiled gracefully, flanking the Old Madam with Jiang Yunqing as they departed.
Watching the lively banquet recede into the distance, Jiang Yunqing felt utterly dejected, nearly on the verge of tears. The Old Madam spoke calmly, “Why are you in such a hurry? What can be achieved in one go? Today was enough.”
Jiang Yunqing was startled. The Old Madam’s tone suggested a deliberate plan as if something had already been accomplished. Who could it be? She suddenly thought of Lady Chen and the girl who had approached her. It dawned on her that the match her family had in mind was related to the Fen Prince’s household. In this situation, if she had clung to Lady Chen like that immodest girl, she would have indeed lost her dignity. Realizing this, her disappointment vanished, replaced by joy, and her steps became lighter.
Certain that Jiang Yunqing was unaware of these external matters, Mudan pretended to ask the Old Madam, “Grandmother, it seems Lady Chen doesn’t go out often. During the Lantern Festival, when the Fen Princess Consort took the women of the household out, she wasn’t there. If she hadn’t come with the Princess Consort today, I wouldn’t have known there was such an amiable lady in the Fen Prince’s household.”
The Old Madam replied nonchalantly, “She’s never been one for outings. Even I have only seen her a few times.”
“There were so many young women today. Earlier, someone complained about the presence of daughters from minor, insignificant officials,” Mudan said, giving Jiang Yunqing a meaningful look.
How could there be daughters of insignificant officials at an event for selecting brides for princes? Jiang Yunqing’s keen senses were alerted. She looked at Mudan suspiciously, trying to glean more information from her expression, but Mudan had already turned away. Jiang Yunqing immediately concluded that Mudan knew something but was unwilling to tell her directly due to the Old Madam’s presence.
Jiang Yunqing blinked, then stumbled sideways, nearly pulling the Old Madam down with her. Frightened and sweating, the Old Madam pointed at Jiang Yunqing, who was now sprawled in the grass clutching her ankle, and angrily said, “It’s fortunate this happened here. If you had embarrassed yourself in front of others, what would you have done?”
The first concern wasn’t about her ankle, but about saving face… Jiang Yunqing apologized tearfully, then looked pitifully at Mudan, “Sister-in-law, it hurts so much.” Even if she was to be sold off, shouldn’t she at least know who the buyer was?