The Old Madam arrived neither early nor late. Madam Du did not appear. Remembering Jiang Yunqing’s mention of her injured neck, it was understandable that she would avoid showing up to save face, as the marks would take time to fade.
This unfortunately meant Mudan had to attend to the Old Madam. In front of everyone, the Old Madam didn’t make things difficult for her and even praised her a few times in front of the Fen Wang Fei. However, when greeting others, she deliberately ignored Wang Furen standing nearby, pretending not to recognize her and holding her chin high.
But Lady Cai, who had been at odds with her since their youth, deliberately introduced Wang Furen to her, emphasizing Fang Bohui’s official title and name. She smiled, stroking her hand, and said, “A talented man and a beautiful woman, truly a perfect match.”
“Ah You have always been good…” The Old Madam’s voice was barely audible, and her smile was strained. She dared not embarrass Wang Furen in such a setting, fearing she might accidentally offend Fen Wang Fei and ruin her plans. Only Mudan, standing close by, could hear the suppressed, wheezing breaths in her throat.
Wang Furen smiled and gave a slight bow. “You’re too kind with your praise.” She then sat aside to chat and laugh with others, completely disregarding the Old Madam.
Too kind with her praise? Look at her arrogant demeanor! At her age, still dresses up so frivolously. No wonder she could remarry so well; she put all her efforts into this. And these men, why are they all so lustful? The Old Madam trembled with anger, finding everything about Wang Furen disagreeable. Yet, she had to grudgingly admit that Wang Furen had indeed married very well, extremely well. Especially now, compared to her son, it was infuriating.
And then there was Lady Cai, who had always loved to compete with her since their youth – comparing family backgrounds, looks, clothing, husbands, and children. They were truly evenly matched, but she had always maintained a slight upper hand. Now, how the tables had turned. It was truly a case of a tiger fallen to the plains being bullied by dogs, and Lady Cai had caught her at her most vulnerable moment. How vexing! Just wait, once Jiang Chong regained the Emperor’s favor, she would have her revenge.
With no outlet for her pent-up anger, the Old Madam turned to Mudan: “Didn’t Yunqing tell you? Where is she? Why don’t I see her?” In her mind, Mudan should have already hinted to the Fen Wang Fei about another young lady staying here, and the Fen Wang Fei would naturally have invited Jiang Yunqing. But she was nowhere to be seen!
“Tell me what?” Mudan smiled slightly. “Yunqing is in her room. The Wang Fei didn’t invite her, so I didn’t dare let her come out.”
The Old Madam glared fiercely at Mudan. Why was she playing dumb? She must be in cahoots with Wang Furen to get back at the Jiang family.
Mudan met her gaze calmly but raised her voice slightly: “Grandmother, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”
The people around them turned to look. Mudan’s face showed gentle concern, while the Old Madam’s expression was one of oppression. Lady Cai chuckled, “My old friend if the new daughter-in-law doesn’t know better, you should teach her properly. Don’t upset yourself. Look at how obedient your granddaughter-in-law is. I like her so much, I wouldn’t have the heart to scold her.”
The Old Madam withdrew her gaze and looked directly at Lady Cai, saying coolly, “Who said she doesn’t know better? She knows very well. I just noticed a small insect in her hair.” She then called Mudan over and adjusted her hair, whispering in her ear, “You should remember whose daughter-in-law you are. Causing trouble at this crucial moment won’t do the family any good, and how will it benefit you and Changyang? Figure it out early to avoid regrets later.”
Mudan stood up with a smile, saying, “Thank you, Grandmother. You’re so loving. Don’t worry, I will mind my place and won’t bring shame to the family.” Even though Jiang Yunqing was a concubine’s daughter, she was still a daughter of the Duke’s manor. How dignified would it be to scheme for her to marry a dim-witted prince? If she helped the Old Madam with this plan, whether it succeeded or not, it wouldn’t end well for her in the future.
Undeniably, Fen Wang Fei had other motives for hosting this banquet, but she and Wang Furen had indeed benefited. If she joined in the scheming, how would the Fen Wang Fei view her? She didn’t even know if Jiang Yunqing was aware of this plan or if she would agree. Even if she agreed now, what about when she regretted it later? She would certainly be among those Jiang Yunqing would resent. Mudan was determined not to get involved and wouldn’t say a word more. Unless the Fen Wang Fei personally asked to see Jiang Yunqing, she wouldn’t be leaving her room!
The Old Madam, shielded by Hong’er and her maid, glared fiercely at Mudan. Although the Xiao family and Du family, regardless of their small calculations, wouldn’t allow Jiang Chong to be marginalized and the Duke’s manor to become an empty shell at present, if they could gain the support of the Fen Wang Manor, one part of strength could become five. If the family prospered, they could also protect Jiang Changyang. But this ignorant country girl Mudan, to please Jiang Changyang and Wang Furen, was ruining her plans. How could she not hate her? She gritted her teeth and whispered, “You need to think long-term. Don’t forget who your father-in-law offended for, and who ensured Changyang’s safety!”
Mudan blinked, feigning innocence as she whispered back, “Wasn’t it said that Changyang was falsely accused by Madam who asked Yun Xiao to use your illness as an excuse? Isn’t that right?”
“You!” The Old Madam gasped, clutching her chest to steady herself. “How dare you defy me in public! It was all for you! If he had behaved properly, how could others have found an opportunity?”
Mudan replied calmly, “How could I dare to defy you, Grandmother? You misunderstand. I simply don’t understand some things and am asking for your guidance.”
Today’s Mudan was quite different from usual as if she had many grievances she wanted to vent. Her words were soft yet firm, showing no regard for the Old Madam’s authority. What had provoked her? Or had someone incited her? The Old Madam fell silent for a moment, eyeing Mudan suspiciously.
Mudan kept her eyes lowered, appearing obedient, revealing nothing.
It must be Wang Ah You! The Old Madam glared hatefully at Wang Furen, who was chatting and laughing naturally not far away while closely monitoring the situation. Who else could have instigated Mudan like this? Well, it seemed the little girl had made up her mind today, like a tortoise swallowing a weight. There was no hope of getting her to speak up now. The Old Madam, being who she was, switched from hard to soft tactics. She said coolly, “Where is Yunqing staying? I have a few words for her. Send someone to guide Hong’er there, and let Hong’er relay my message.” Couldn’t she just have Jiang Yunqing come out and try her luck?
Mudan smiled slightly and beckoned Kuan’er over. “Take Hong’er to Mother’s room and tell Shu’er to entertain her well.”
Kuan’er understood immediately. She smiled, curtsied, and invited Hong’er to follow her.
The Old Madam sat quietly for a while, finally waiting for the Fen Wang Fei to initiate a conversation with her. After exchanging pleasantries, she looked caringly at Madam Chen and said, “It’s been a long time. I’ve been thinking of you. I didn’t expect to see you today. I met your aunt at the temple recently when I went to burn incense. She’s in such good health…”
“She’s always been healthy,” Madam Chen’s attitude noticeably softened at the mention of her aunt. She asked with equal concern, “It’s been a long time. How have you been, elder?”
“Good, good,” the Old Madam smiled. “I remember you like Calamus the most. Danniang’s garden has beautifully trimmed calamus. Shall we go take a look?”
Madam Chen was tempted. She glanced at the Fen Wang Fei, who said amiably, “Since we’re out to relax, go ahead if you like.”
The Old Madam was delighted and immediately asked Mudan, “Danniang, before the banquet starts, why don’t you lead us there?”
It was part of another plan. Mudan was very reluctant and was trying to think of a way to decline when she heard that Madam Xiao, the wife of Minister Xiao, and Xiao Xuexi had arrived, along with two people Mudan had met before, Qiu Manniang and Qin Alan.
The Fen Wang Fei immediately smiled and said, “Since everyone has arrived, let’s start the banquet.” She then said gently to Madam Chen, “After the banquet begins, Danniang can accompany us for a leisurely look around.”
Madam Chen gave an apologetic smile to the Old Madam, who returned an equally gentle and loving smile. Inwardly, the Old Madam was furious. Why did the Xiao mother and daughter have to arrive at this moment, neither early nor late? It was truly disappointing. Was it easy for her to lower herself like this? If it weren’t for that troublemaker at home, and if Mudan wasn’t so ignorant and hindering her plans, why would she, at her age, have to work so hard?
Mudan knew the Old Madam was resenting her but couldn’t be bothered to care. She just looked straight ahead. She saw Xiao Xuexi, dressed in a lake blue jacket and skirt, her hair done in a double-ring bun, looking like an otherworldly fairy with her simple and elegant attire. She was gently supporting a tall, thin middle-aged woman wearing a silver-red wide-sleeved gauze robe over a ginger-yellow small floral gauze skirt, adorned with golden step-shakes, her face stern and her appearance majestic and noble, as they slowly approached the group.
Beside them were Qiu Manniang in a fiery red Hu-style dress and Qin Alan in a jade-colored Hu-style dress. Both had their hair in fallen horse buns, looking like a pair of sister flowers. Qiu Manniang was still as innocent and unaffected as she had been at Fuyun Temple in Chongye Fang last year, while Qin Alan remained graceful and gentle, though her eyes now held a touch more charm than before.
Mudan overheard someone whispering nearby, “Do you see that woman in the jade-colored Hu dress? She’s the younger sister of the late Princess Ning. Since Princess Ning passed away last year, she’s been staying in the capital. Whenever the Empress misses Princess Ning, she likes to call her for company. Now good news is approaching. After the Qixi Festival, she’ll be married. To Prince Ning again.”
Someone envied, “That’s truly a beautiful story, both sisters becoming princesses.”
Another soured, “I don’t think she’s all that talented. She’s just riding on the coattails of the original Qin family.”
Mudan smiled slightly, thinking that Madam Meng must be very disappointed.
As everyone came forward to pay their respects, the Fen Wang Fei smiled and said, “Now that everyone has arrived, let’s begin.”