HomeA Cup of LoveYi Ou Chun - Chapter 7

Yi Ou Chun – Chapter 7

“What exactly is this Spring Banquet?” Qingyuan asked as she walked back with Baoxian. The March weather was bright and warm, with even the breeze feeling soft against her skin. She narrowed her eyes slightly, feeling the gentle current of air carrying the fragrance of apricot blossoms slip past her temples. Her folding fan was unnecessary for cooling now, occasionally just swatting at butterflies that fluttered past, finding great amusement in it.

She had heard of this banquet before, held after the Cold Food Festival each year, quite a grand affair in Hengtang. But the threshold for attendance was extremely high – ordinary families could rarely participate, only able to hear the melodious songs and dances drifting from the open-air venue, echoing ethereally throughout the entire city.

“Young Miss doesn’t know about the Spring Banquet?” Baoxian said, “It’s hosted by Duke Ji’s wife in memory of her two children who died young. The Duchess gave birth to twins who lived until they were eight years old, then both drowned in a pond on Qingming Day. The Duke and Duchess were devastated and started this Spring Banquet to ease their grief over losing their children. It’s been ten years now, and they invite all the noble families of Hengtang each year. Over time, it’s become a prime opportunity for matchmaking among families. After all, all the noble ladies attend – it’s like the ancient Emperor’s Golden Cup Feast①. They say there’s a small stream flowing through the venue where young lords and ladies wash their handkerchiefs, making the water downstream fragrant – that’s how grand the affair is.”

Qingyuan let out an “Oh,” then said, “Given such circumstances, wouldn’t it be awkward to attend!”

But Baoxian replied, “What’s there to be awkward about? Meeting beforehand is better than a blind marriage. So when Third Miss said to pay attention, she wasn’t wrong – once the First Young Master of the Founding Marquis’s family arrives, whether he’s suitable or not will be clear at a glance.”

Qingyuan smiled, “This matter still requires Grandmother’s approval – it will only work if she sees him and approves.”

Baoxian blinked, thinking Fourth Miss was still too young, “No matter what, this marriage will happen. Even if the Founding Marquis’s eldest son truly isn’t bright, as long as he can recognize people, it can be overlooked.” Then she asked, “Will Young Miss attend?”

Qingyuan slowly shook her head – going or not wasn’t her decision to make. Such occasions held no benefit for her; she’d likely just be a target for gossip.

Upon returning to Danyue Pavilion and just stepping through the door, they saw Matron Tao pacing in front of the house. Chuntai called out “Young Miss has returned,” and Matron Tao curtsied from the bottom of the steps.

It was nearly noon, and the kitchen had prepared meals. Chuntai welcomed her in and asked if she wanted the food served now. Qingyuan waved her hand, “I’m not hungry yet, let’s wait a while.”

The serving girls withdrew, and the bamboo blinds hanging under the carved eaves swayed gently, tapping against the tung oil-lacquered pillars with a steady clicking sound.

“Matron, are you comfortable here with me?” Qingyuan asked warmly, “The courtyard has many trivial matters that need your help managing.”

Matron Tao said naturally, “I was here many years ago, so it’s just returning to old duties. I’m quite used to everything. If Young Miss finds anything unsatisfactory, just instruct this servant.” These words were like a preamble – without them, it wouldn’t be proper. The core of her message came later, as she lowered her voice and said, “That maid Young Miss asked about is said to be dead. I asked several matrons I’m friendly with, and they all said that after the Danyue Pavilion was sealed, those who served the Concubine were sent to various places. That little maid was sent to manage the old residence in Shengzhou but soon died of malaria. However, her parents seemed to have come into some unexpected wealth, acquiring farmland in the countryside. Now her brother runs an oil lamp shop and lives quite well.”

Qingyuan listened with puzzlement, “They acquired farmland?”

“Indeed, they used to live hand to mouth – what family would willingly sell their daughter if not desperate? Then overnight they acquired land. Even though countryside farmland isn’t worth much, you still need some wealth to make such arrangements.” Matron Tao looked at Qingyuan and said, “Fourth Young Miss, think about it carefully…”

Qingyuan remained silent. These traces of evidence were enough to prove her mother had been wrongfully accused. But now the witness was dead, and those who had benefited would certainly keep their mouths sealed. The maid’s family wouldn’t reveal the truth unprompted and bring trouble upon themselves.

“Where is her brother’s shop?” Qingyuan asked, “How far is it from Hengtang?”

Matron Tao said, “I heard it’s in Huozhou City. Huozhou is about three hundred li from Hengtang.”

Three hundred li, so far… She pondered, “For someone like me living in the inner quarters, I probably couldn’t travel there in a lifetime. Who can say for certain if someone is truly dead or alive?”

Baoxian had been listening for a while and finally understood the situation, “Young Miss speaks truly. If the person died, the money wouldn’t have reached her family’s hands. What does Young Miss plan to do now? Perhaps have Matron’s son make a trip to Huozhou to investigate thoroughly?”

But Qingyuan shook her head, “Fourteen years have passed. That little maid must have married far away by now – how could she still be in Huozhou? Even if we went and found people, what then? Could we make them reveal who was behind it all?”

“So we just let this matter go?” Baoxian was initially indignant, but after thinking further, said dejectedly, “Times have changed, perhaps it’s best not to investigate. Young Miss should focus on how to establish yourself in this grand household.”

Qingyuan pressed her lips together in silence. Though young, she had one serious flaw – she held grudges fiercely. In this world, many misunderstandings and oversights could be forgiven, but this matter involved her mother’s life – how could it be so easily overlooked? She gripped her fan handle tightly, its carved bamboo pattern pressing into her palm like a seal. In just a moment, she had made her decision – when the time was right, she would take a risk, and the truth would come to light.

But for now, she needed to be patient. She sighed and said, “The Master will return soon. The journey will take ten to twenty days. This matter isn’t urgent – when the time is right, I’ll know what to do.”

Matron Tao seemed hesitant but didn’t probe further, only asking, “Does Young Miss need this servant to do anything else?”

Qingyuan smiled childishly, “The magnolia in the courtyard has half withered – we might as well remove it. Matron, have someone dig it up and plant a weeping crabapple instead.”

March wasn’t the best time for transplanting flowers and plants, but crabapples were hardy, with few flowers and abundant foliage – it could work. Matron Tao accepted the order and left. Qingyuan called for her meal as usual, with Baoxian attending to her and observing her expressions. Apart from being more quiet than usual, she showed no other changes.

Days passed peacefully for now, though what storm might brew beneath that peace, she tried not to think about. The only surprise was that Old Madam Xie sent word for the Fourth Miss to prepare to attend the Spring Banquet together.

“The Old Madam truly accepts Young Miss,” Chuntai said while helping her mistress change clothes, selecting a bright blue brocade garment and holding it up before the bronze mirror. “Young Miss, how about this one? The color is bright – you’ll be noticed at once in the crowd.”

Qingyuan disliked being conspicuous, and with three older sisters ahead of her, she should be even more modest. Finally, she chose a jade-colored dress with subtle floral patterns, arranged her hair simply, and went to see the Old Madam at Huifang Garden.

The Spring Banquet was considered a major event among Hengtang’s noble families. Even the Old Madam, who rarely went out, prepared to attend today. Everyone alive has a few old friends. Childhood confidantes became sisters in old age. After years of managing their families and seeing grandchildren multiply, these old sisters became excellent marriage connections. Meeting once a year in grand fashion, discussing everything from daily health to children’s marriages, was indeed a joyous occasion.

The Old Madam was in a good mood today. After days of taking medicine, her illness had improved, so she wasn’t stern-faced. Seeing Qingyuan’s modest carriage when leaving, she ordered her to ride together.

This granddaughter was quite acceptable, Old Madam Xie thought as she observed her in the light through the window. She dressed simply and knew her place – that was commendable. However, logically, going out for spring outings should be a happy occasion, yet she showed no trace of girlish excitement. This made the Old Madam wonder if she was conscious of her birth mother’s actions and reluctant to see people.

“On such a fine day, why not wear something brighter?” the Old Madam deliberately asked.

Qingyuan looked up, smiling, “I don’t usually like wearing bright colors, and besides, with flowers blooming so beautifully outside, dressing simply complements their beauty.”

The Old Madam nodded, then asked again, “Are you willing to appear at the Spring Banquet? You’ll inevitably meet outsiders and face some gossip.”

She maintained her composed manner, pondering before responding, “No one can hide forever. Though I’m born of a concubine, I’m still Father’s daughter. Being a Father’s daughter, I’m not afraid to meet people. Grandmother is kindly nurturing me this time – if I were to shrink back, I’d be failing Grandmother’s good intentions.”

A sensible person, Old Madam Xie thought privately, though outwardly she remained unyielding, turning away to say, “How am I nurturing you? It’s just that everyone knows the Xie family has taken you back – keeping you hidden would only invite more ridicule.”

Qingyuan continued smiling – having grown used to harsh words, such comments hardly bothered her. She turned to look outside as the carriage proceeded steadily toward the outskirts. She was only surprised by the lush greenery everywhere – spring had grown so rich outside.

The Spring Banquet, the aspiration of all young ladies in Hengtang, meant nothing more to Qingyuan than a chance to broaden her horizons. As hosts, Duke Ji’s family naturally arranged everything with proper ceremony and grandeur. She saw clusters of gorgeous flowers everywhere, just as Baoxian had described – “Noble ladies with cloud-like coiffures, refined gentlemen in snow-white robes.”

The Regional Commander’s daughters arrived, all honored guests receiving much attention. People crowded toward the main tent, and Duchess Ji rose to personally welcome them, smiling, “Old Madam, it’s been so long! How have you been?”

Old Madam Xie was very cordial in public, linking arms with her, “Very well, thank you for your concern, Duchess. You’ve labored for many years to arrange this banquet so perfectly – we simply come to enjoy what’s prepared, which makes me quite ashamed.”

Duchess Ji demurred, “Not at all. I was merely lonely and arranged this gathering for everyone to enjoy together. I should thank all the ladies for attending.”

Thus followed a round of excessive compliments, each speaking more beautifully than if they were singing.

The Prefect’s wife spotted the Xie family’s arrival from afar and brought over the Founding Marquis’s wife. After warm greetings, her gaze fell on the young ladies behind Old Madam Xie.

The Old Madam handled matters very systematically. Despite the Prefect’s wife having given advance notice, she didn’t push Qinghe forward. She introduced her granddaughters as usual, one by one: “This is my eldest granddaughter Qinghe, second granddaughter Qingru, third granddaughter Qingrong, and youngest Qingyuan. Come, pay your respects to the Marchioness.”

Though the Xie family had been military officials for generations, they were also a scholarly household, raising well-mannered daughters. The four sisters paid their respects, and the Founding Marquis’s wife bid them rise, exclaiming, “Ah, I often heard the Regional Commander’s daughters were beauties – seeing them today proves the reputation true.” Since she came for the eldest daughter, she repeatedly examined Qinghe, gently taking her hand to stroke it, studying everything from fingertips to palm lines thoroughly but discretely.

“Is the eldest Miss seventeen this year?” the Founding Marquis’s wife asked, turning to smile at Old Madam Xie, “Old Madam, look – we’ve come spring touring for years but never grown close. It seems the timing wasn’t right before.”

Old Madam Xie played along, “The past two years my health wasn’t good, so I came late and left early, thus missing opportunities. This year all ailments have cleared, and with such fine weather, thanks to Duchess Ji’s blessing, I’ve brought my granddaughters out for an outing – and here we meet!”  While speaking, she looked around, “Where are your son and daughters? We haven’t had the pleasure.”

The Founding Marquis’s wife exclaimed, “Oh! My children can never sit still. The young ones have gathered to play cuju outside.” She then instructed her maid, “Quickly send word to the First Young Master to come at once and greet Old Madam Xie and the young ladies.”

  • Shengren: A title for the Emperor during the Tang Dynasty.

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