The Shen family banquet was held two days later.
The banquet was suggested by Old Shen Fūrén herself, the previous annual family banquets were always single-handedly arranged by Ren Wan Yun, but this year it was handled by Chen Rou Qiu. Now that the management power of the Shen family landed onto Chen Rou Qiu's hands, Old Shen Fūrén naturally felt that this was giving Chen Rou Qiu a big face but did not know that behind the glorious appearance, it made one miserable.
In Qiu Shui Yuan, Chen Rou Qiu was sitting in front of a table holding an accounting book in one hand and the other hand was awkwardly calculating on the abacus. The two maids standing behind spoke out, "Fūrén, you have been calculating for an entire afternoon, it is better to take a break."
"The money just cannot seem to tally." Chen Rou Qiu shook her head in distress, "Tomorrow's entire account has to come out from my own pocket." As she spoke, a trace of anger appeared on her face.
Chen Rou Qiu had flaunted herself as a noble female from a scholarly family, and thus was proud and aloof and could not bear the smell of money. In the beginning, when Old Shen Fūrén handed the household power to Ren Wan Yun, it was not that she was not jealous inside but she could not bring her face down to fight, thus at the end, there was a knot of it in her heart. After so many years of troubles, she became the matriarch of the Shen family but it was only now she found out that this management power was not easy to grasp.
Ren Wan Yun was from a wealthy merchant family and normally when Old Shen Fūrén wanted to spend more money, Ren Wan Yun could subtract it from her own dowry since she did not lack money. But the Chen family were only civil officials, if one were to speak positively, it was that breeze flowed into their sleeves (aka unsoiled by corrupt practices) but if one were to speak negatively, it was that they were poor, thus how could they be able to fork out more money to make up for it. Chen Rou Qiu thought that by taking over the management power, she would be able to divert money to subsidize her family expenses. But now looking at the situation, Ren Wan Yun had been fishing a lot for so many years that the money in the accounting books did not tally at all. Now that the family banquet was approaching, there was not enough silver.
It was still alright previously as Shen Xin would receive a generous reward from the Palace every year. But now that Shen Xin and the Shen family relationship was in a deadlock, there was no opportunity for the public funds to subsidise, thus Chen Rou Qiu felt some headache.
"Obviously knowing that there was not enough money in the public fund, Old Fūrén still wanted to hold the family banquet at this time. This is bullying Fūrén." Chen Rou Qiu's maid felt indignant for her.
"Dà Lǎoyé also intends to do nothing to save one from ruin. Since Fūrén's money is not enough, why not ask Lǎoyé for some?" Hua Yi also said.
"What nonsense are you saying?" Chen Rou Qiu said, "Lǎoyé's salary is not enough to bribe in the official circles, how can one ask him to fork out money?" She continued, "Let me think of what to do." Shen Wan set his heart to climb up in his official career but Shen Gui was different. Shen Gui bit off more than one could chew and he did not have any ability thus could only fawn and curry favour to keep up appearances. Shen Wan was climbing up a step at a time and even though his steps were slower, he was much more practical than Shen Gui.
Chen Rou Qiu always knew that because she was unable to give birth to a son, the only thing she could rely on in the Second household was Shen Wan's love for her. Thus, in order to control Shen Wan, she was gentle and soft but if she was unable to resolve the small amount of money in the household then would it not be troublesome for Shen Wan? With Shen Wan's qualification, there were lots of females who were willing to enter the Second household so why would she put herself at a disadvantage.
"Moreover, this little money will not be spent in vain." Chen Rou Qiu's eyes flashed, "If there are profits to be harvested then it is worth to spend."
"Fūrén's intention is…"
Chen Rou Qiu smiled, "It is strange that Old Fūrén did not hold the family banquet at this time. Moreover, I heard that in previous days that Suzhou Biǎo xiǎojiě likes to head to Western Courtyard…" Chen Rou Qiu's eyes showed a trace of disgust as she spoke, "Old Fūrén's actions are really low level but… It is suitable. I also do not like Shen Qiu."
Chen Rou Qiu did not like Shen Yuan and similarly did not like Shen Qiu. If one were to say that she was a bit fearful of Shen Yuan but about Shen Qiu, she really looked down upon him. She herself could not give birth to a son so she could not see other people's son being outstanding. Towards Shen Qiu, Chen Rou Qiu only felt that he was a coarse person who only knew about swords and knives, for what reason he could gain so much praise from so many people. People would want to destroy things that they were unable to gain, and she dare not take action on Shen Yuan as he had deep thoughts but Shen Qiu was straightforward and honest. Moreover, he had not grown up in the Inner Courtyard so he was much easier to deal with. The most important thing was that she did not even need to do it herself, as this time the person who took action was Old Shen Fūrén and she only needed to sit back and watch the show.
"I will go back and write a few more invitations." Chen Rou Qiu said, "Go and find people to send the invitations to the various Fūréns' residences." It would be even better when more people come to watch.
*****
Two days later at the Shen Residence's family banquet.
Ever since Ren Wan Yun went crazy, those noble Fūréns had broken the exchanges with her. After all, it was not a glorious thing for one to have a young lady who got pregnant before marriage. Even though one did not know what happened to Ren Wan Yun when the tree topples the monkeys scatters so no one asks about Ren Wan Yun.
And those Fūréns that originally had a good relationship with Ren Wan Yun gradually got closer with Chen Rou Qiu. Even though one could not keep dealing with Ren Wan Yun but the relationship with the Shen residence still had to be maintained. There was not only one Fūrén in the Shen residence, but as compared to the rough and always not in the Ding capital Luo Xue Yan, Chen Rou Qiu who was from a scholarly family and was much better to fawn over.
Yi Fūrén and Jiang Fūrén had long come over and Jiang Xiao Xuan and Yi Pei Lan pulled Shen Yue to speak, "One can only go back to Guang Wen Tang after the end of the year. It is really boring to be locked in the residence."
They had totally forgotten about the death of Shen Qing as they chatted, and also forgotten that just not long ago, they were good friends of Shen Qing. The friendship between the Ding capital noble females was that thin, as friendship could not be compared against benefits. Getting along with another was not just because of a person but the forces present behind the person.
Shen Yue also smiled at their response, as if the few of them had an understanding with the rest to invariably forget about Shen Qing's matter. It was Bai Wei who looked at a distant figure and said, "Oh? Who is that? Is that the Biǎo xiǎojiě that you all were talking about?"
She pointed with her chin to the young female standing not far away, who was wearing a simple apricot coloured dress talking to a servant by her side.
"That is Sān mèimèi, Shen Dong Ling." Shen Yue said with a smile, "She was born from a Yīniáng and previously was sick so she did not come out. It is natural for you all not to see her before." She deliberately focused on the word 'Yīniáng'.
Hearing this, Jiang Xiao Xuan and the rest's eyes suddenly filled with disdain. Yi Pei Lan said, "What sickness? she still… She still came out. Those who are raised by a Yīniáng all have hidden intentions. You must not be swindled by her."
Shen Yue smiled, "Sān mèimèi does not really come out of the courtyard. Look at that, that is my Biǎojiě."
As Shen Yue was speaking, she saw Jing Chu Chu walking over. Most likely she did not see Shen Yue and the three of them so she did not come to greet. It was Bai Wei's sharp eyes that asked in puzzlement, "Did not you mention that your that Biǎojiě is from Suzhou? Why do I just see that her clothes and jewellery seemed to be very expensive? Look at the bracelet she is wearing, it is better than the one you are wearing."
Bai Wen said it unintentionally but Shen Yue's face paled and she barely forced a smile, "I also do not know. Most probably it was gifted by Zǔmǔ."
"What is there to see?" Jiang Xiao Xuan said, "Could it be that someone from Suzhou can be better compared to us, young ladies in the capital? Jewellery and clothes are just pretences but exposure and temperament are not. You see that delicate and timid look, how can this be shown in public?"
Shen Yue shook her head, "You should not say that of Biǎojiě."
"You are just too kind." Yi Pei Lan felt resentful of iron not becoming steel, "You get close with everyone. Even that idiot from your residence that you also defended previously. Now people have grown up and do not place any importance to you. Speaking of which, why have one not seen that idiot?"
The 'idiot' she was speaking about was naturally Shen Miao. After she had the dispute with Shen Miao in Guang Wen Tang, Yi Pei Lan has viewed Shen Miao as her number one enemy and could not wait to step on her.
And the Shen Miao she was speaking about was at the moment in a room in the Western Courtyard, drinking tea with Shen Qiu.
"What is with Zǔmǔ?" Shen Qiu frowned as he spoke, "Why invite so many female guests over? No matter where one walk, there is so much twittering. So noisy."
"Most likely one had invited all of Sānshěn's friends over.��� Shen Miao poured some tea for Shen Qiu, "Perhaps they are here to admire your Deputy General's elegant bearing."
"Mèimèi, spare me." Shen Qiu waved his hands, "One is already tough to deal with, much less so many females. Even the battlefield is not this terrible."
Shen Miao felt somewhat amused. The appearance of Shen Qiu seeing females like a fierce beast and severe floods was really funny but thinking about it, it was expected. Most females around Shen Qiu had ulterior motives and the Shen Residence's females were all not easy to deal with, thus, with his straightforward attitude, it was like a nest of demons.
"How could it be that difficult?" Shen Miao tried to appease him, "In the future, once you meet a young lady of your liking, you will not think that anymore."
Shen Qiu did not speak and stared at her like he had seen a ghost. After a moment he then shook his head and said, "Mèimèi, the words you just said and that expression really look like Mǔqīn."
Shen Miao, "…" Thinking about that, she felt that she really treated Shen Qiu like he was Fu Ming.
Just as she was about to speak, suddenly there was some noise outside. She and Shen Qiu exchanged a look and both of them walked out and saw someone shouting at the courtyard door, "What is with you all? I am here to see Shen Miao, let me in!"
Shen Miao was startled, "Feng An Ning?"
When that person heard Shen Miao's voice, she waved her hands even though she was blocked by the guards, "It is me, Shen Miao, quickly ask them to let go of me!"
"Let her go." Shen Miao said, "She is the Xiǎojiě of the Feng family."
After Feng An Ning was released by the two guards, she then patted the dust on her clothes snarly and said angrily, "What is the matter with you? Why are there so many guards in your own courtyard? I thought that you were in trouble and when coming in I was stopped by the people outside. Shen Miao, are you crazy?"
It was probably the first time Feng An Ning was stopped by someone and her bossy young lady attitude came out and she lashed out at Shen Miao. But coincidentally she stepped onto Shen Qiu's foot. Shen Qiu stood forward and said in a cold voice, "Who are you? To shout that loud in someone else's house, do you know what is etiquette?!"
Shen Miao, "…" For Shen Qiu to say one did not know any etiquette, it was really thought-provoking.
After being lectured, Feng An Ning wanted to refute when she looked up, but after seeing Shen Qiu, she could not help but be slightly surprised for a moment. Shen Qiu had a handsome appearance and was different from the weak and delicate gentlemen of the capital. Normally, he had a smile on which made him look innocent but when his face was cold, he became the reputed Deputy General of the battlefield and had some predatory air.
Feng An Ning immediately curbed her arrogance and softly asked, "Who are you?"
"This is my Dàgē." Shen Miao said.
Shen Qiu has a little reputation in the Ding capital. Southern Xie, Northern Shen. One would often compare the Little Marquis of the Xie family and the Deputy General of the Shen family, but it was a pity that Xie Jing Xing was not willing to enter officialdom else both of them would be the most outstanding Generals of this generation.
"What are you here for?" Seeing that Feng An Ning was somewhat embarrassed, Shen Miao asked.
Once Feng An Ning heard this she complained, "I came to look for you to chat. You also know after those people from Guang Wen Tang knew that my relationship with you is not bad, they also excluded me. Who cares about that. So I came over to look for you."
After Shen Qiu heard this, his facial expression became a little at ease. She knew that Shen Miao was somewhat snubbed but unfortunately because he was not around most of the year, he could not always protect Shen Miao. Seeing that Shen Miao had a friend, even though she had an arrogant temperament and did not know about etiquette but… One made do with it.
Of course, he and Feng An Ning also did not know that the 'not bad relationship' was something that Feng An Ning felt herself, as Shen Miao really did not have the heart to make friends with others.
"Since your friend came over, then you all should chat." Shen Qiu softly coughed, "I will go out and speak to Fùqīn about some things."
Shen Miao complied and after Shen Qiu walked away Feng An Ning then softly said, "Why is your Dàgē so fierce and vicious? I was scared to death just now."
Fierce and vicious… Shen Miao was too lazy to explain so she said, "Yes, he kills people like cutting beancurd."
Feng An Ning quickly patted her chest and said, "Fortunately, I admitted my fault early and next time I would not dare to just rush in anymore."
Without realizing, it was time for the Shen family banquet to start.
Male and female guests were seated separately. The females were all sitting at the hall of Rong Jing Tang while the male guests were under the care of Shen Gui and Shen Wan. Since Shen Xin did not have much interest in the family banquet, he did not care to go around fawning in the official circles, so he just sat down to drink.
There were not many guests that came over and most of them were civil officials who had good relationships with Shen Gui and Shen Wan, and thus did not have anything to talk with Shen Xin. Thus, when one looked over at the bustling table, it seemed like Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were deliberately neglected. Shen Qiu was not in the slightest unhappy as he was happy eating the food by himself. But it was Shen Yuan who portrayed a shadow of Shen Gui, with his smooth and slick appearance that made Shen Qiu somewhat lose his appetite.
On the other side of the female guests, the ones who were naturally neglected were Lou Xue Yan and Shen Miao. Since they were Chen Rou Qiu's friends, naturally they would give her face. Even though they could not ridicule Shen Miao in front of Luo Xue Yan, they could treat her coldly. Those young ladies and Fūréns kept talking to Chen Rou Qiu and Shen Yue and even pretended to care about Jing Chu Chu and Shen Dong Ling and talked a few words with them. Only Shen Miao was purposely ignored.
Lou Xue Yan was somewhat angry and if it was the past Shen Miao, she would be acting rashly. But now it was different and even if those Fūrén and young ladies were talking with excitement, Shen Miao would reservedly take her meal. Each move of hers had a type of majesty and grandeur, that made others have an illusion that it was not that others were deliberately neglecting her, but that Shen Miao herself disdained from talking to those people.
As if a punch had landed on soft cotton and after many times, everyone's interest started to die down.
Yi Fūrén smiled and said, "It is always said that Suzhou is a place endowed with talents and previously I did not believe it but after seeing this Biǎo xiǎojiě from Old Fūrén's family, one believes that those words were not false. Our capital would not be able to raise such a full of life young lady."
During the banquet, Old Shen Fūrén had shown high importance towards Jing Chu Chu and even though the Fūréns present did not know the reason why they were not fools. Since Old Fūrén wanted to enliven Jing Chu Chu up then there was no harm in saying that she was beautiful.
Jing Chu Chu was so shy that her face flushed and she lowered her head and dared not say anything. Old Shen Fūrén laughed, "Yi Fūrén words, this old person cannot agree. Yi Xiǎojiě is also full of life that when I see I also like."
Yi Pei Lan smiled and thanked Old Shen Fūrén's praise. She became more curious about Jing Chu Chu and softly asked Shen Yue, "Old Fūrén look like she really likes your Biǎojiě."
Shen Yue vaguely agreed and her heart was somewhat doubtful.
Even though Shen Dong Ling sat at the corner of the banquet, Wan Yīniáng did not have the opportunity to be present in this kind of situation. Since she did not have her birth mother to help or Old Shen Fūrén to lift up, she was a nobody. Even if it was such, Shen Dong Ling did not reveal a hint of unwillingness and just ate from her bowl, and behaved properly like what an unfavoured Shu-daughter should be.
Old Shen Fūrén at one end instructed Jing Chu Chu to eat more, and at the other hand talked to others about Jing Chu Chu's good points. She practically made a pretty daughter from a humble family into one that was from heavens.
Until a servant came over to pour tea and accidentally spilt tea over Jing Chu Chu then she stopped. Old Shen Fūrén scolded the careless servant, "How do you do things? What if Biǎo xiǎojiě is scalded?"
"It is alright." Jing Chu Chu smiled, "The tea is not hot so I am fine."
"Are the clothes wet?" Old Shen Fūrén saw that the front of Jing Chu Chu's clothes had a large patch of water and caringly said, "It is a cold day and one cannot wear such wet clothes. Xi-er, go and bring Biǎo xiǎojiě down to change into a set of clean clothes." She then also said to Jing Chu Chu, "One must not catch a cold."
Jing Chu Chu lowered her head and looked at her old clothes. No matter how thin winter clothes were they would still be heavy, thus when tea was soaked into the cotton, it would not be comfortable if one were to continue wearing them. Thus, at the moment she did not decline and agreed with Old Shen Fūrén as her face reddened, and said her greetings to the female guests before following the maids to leave.
Jiang Fūrén said, "Jing family's Gūniáng is really fortunate to have Old Fūrén to value this much."
"How is it her fortune?" The smile on Old Shen Fūrén's face wrinkled together, "It is this old person's fortune. This girl is well-behaved and sensible, thus this one like."
Hearing this, everyone started up flattering. Chen Rou Qiu glanced at Old Shen Fūrén and her gaze unconsciously went towards Shen Miao. Most likely she had felt her eyes, so Shen Miao also looked towards Chen Rou Qiu with some slightly puzzling intention.
Chen Rou Qiu smiled and lowered her head and a trace of pleasure filled her heart. But she did not see that when she was lowering her head, the doubts on Shen Miao's eyes disappeared and was replaced with a light smile. If one were to seriously look, that smile contained some kind of inexplicable excitement.
It was Shen Dong Ling who looked at Shen Miao without a trace before quickly lowering her head to eat the things from her bowl.
At the male side of the banquet, it was not as meticulous as the female side, but it was like in the official circles and was filled with wine. Even though Shen Xin and Shen Qiu were left out, there were several colleagues who came over to toast and after a few cups, Shen Qiu's head was a little dizzy and heavy.
"Brat. Only drink a few cups and you get drunk. Did you not eat?" Shen Xin said angrily.
Shen Qiu rubbed his brows and shook his head, "One does not know." As a man who grew up in the barracks, this little bit of wine was nothing. One needs to know that normally in the army, one would drink by the jars and thus would look down on the wine in the capital as it was not strong enough. Who knew that today one would be hit on the face.
"Really taught you for nothing after so many years." Shen Xin said exasperated that he did not live up to expectations.
"Dàjiù must not be angry." It was Jing Guan Sheng who smiled as he explained, "It is not that Dà biǎogē does not have the volume for alcohol, but it is that he had drunk Fu Tou Wine and Yin Guang Wine together." He pointed to the wine cups in front of Shen Qiu. Indeed the wine in the cup was not as red as Fu Tou Wine and was not as silver as Yin Guang Wine but was like a kind of mixed version. Jing Guan Sheng continued explaining, "There are people here who are drinking Yin Guang Wine and some who are drinking Fu Tou Wine. Dà biǎogē most likely did not pay attention and poured it together. Others would have collapsed after drinking half a cup of Yin Guang Wine and Fu Tou Wine but Dà biǎogē is still awake. It is already not an easy feat."
"Hahaha." A Dàrén heard this and laughed, "The heir's alcohol volume is already not bad, General Shen must not blame him."
Shen Yuan swept a look at Shen Qiu and said, "Dàgē cannot continue to drink like this. It is better to go to a room and rest."
Shen Qiu waved his head and mumbled something with his mouth. It seemed that he was quite drunk.
"Let me send Dà biǎogē back." Jing Guan Sheng said with a smile.
Even though because of the Shen Miao matter, Shen Xin was quite critical of Jing Guan Sheng but one would not raise one's eyes to beat up a smiling person, and ever since more guards were placed at the courtyard doors, Jing Guan Sheng behaved better. Shen Xin looked at him, "That being the case then one would trouble you and Ah Chi to help him back."
Just as Jing Guan Sheng was about to get up, one saw Shen Qiu grab onto Shen Yuan, shaking his head, "Ah Chi, you bring me."
Shen Yuan was startled as Shen Xin frowned, "This kid has treated you as Ah Chi." He then spoke to Shen Qiu, "You brat, quickly release your Èrdì."
Shen Qiu did not move. Shen Yuan's gaze slightly moved and said, "Biǎodì and I are the same since it is as such, I will send Dàgē back to a room." He supported Shen Yuan and headed out without waiting for Shen Xin to refuse.
Just as Shen Xin was about to speak, Shen Wan came over with wine, "Dàgē, I offer you a cup!"
*****
After the little waves in the banquet, no one put it in mind as there were many people who entered and exited. But when the banquet ended, the Fūréns were talking leisurely about the courtyard, Bai Fūrén suddenly seemed to remember, "Why has Jing Xiǎojiě not returned yet?"
After Jing Chu Chu's clothes were dirtied by the maid, she went back to change her clothes. But after that, she did not make another appearance. Old She Fūrén was surprised for a moment and asked Xi-er who was standing beside, "Go and find someone to ask why is Biǎo xiǎojiě not back yet."
"Perhaps one is a little drunk." Shen Yue smiled, "Just then she had drunk a lot of honey wine and even though it is sweet, the alcohol content is rather high. Biǎojiě loves sweet things and one forgot to hold her back. Most likely she was a little drunk and is resting in the room."
Xi-er complied and went out.
Feng An Ning pursed her lips and slightly pushed Shen Miao, "Initially, one though that since there are more daughters in your residence, it would be very lively during the family banquet so I insisted on following my mother. Now it seems that it is very boring." Feng An Ning was the bright pearl in Feng's residence's palm and did not have that many sisters, but Shen Miao had so many sisters but was not close to them. She was even deliberately neglected thus in Feng An Ning's eyes, it was very boring.
"So it is the case." Shen Miao answered.
Feng An Ning looked around, "I want to go to the toilet and will come over later. Wait for me."
Feng An Ning followed the servant and walked away when Xi-er also returned back to Old Shen Fūrén's side before shaking her head, "Old Fūrén, Biǎo xiǎojiě is not in the resting room."
"Not in the resting room?" Old Shen Fūrén's voice was rather high and the Fūréns' gazes turned over to look. Old Shen Fūrén quickly tapered her voice down, "Then where is she?"
Xi-er shook her head, "The servants also do not know."
"This girl." Old Shen Fūrén was somewhat anxious, "Could it be that something happened?"
When her appearance landed into the sharp eyes of the noble Fūréns, naturally it was cause for reckon.
"Old Fūrén?" Just at the right time Chen Rou Qiu walked over and asked about what had happened before smiling, "Old Fūrén need not be worried. I just came over from Lǎoyé and think that Chu Chu is drunk. Speaking of which it is also coincidental that Qiu-er that child is also drunk, and was sent back to a room to rest. The alcohol in our family banquet is quite strong so perhaps Chu Chu is resting in another room."
She had deliberately pointed out that 'Shen Qiu was also drunk' and Shen Miao's eyes suddenly sharpened.
Old Shen Fūrén shook her head and said, "Go and get a few people to search for Chu Chu since it is just in the residence. It would not be good if one were to catch a cold." She looked towards the other, "Speaking of which, this old one lately acquired from Zhang Qiao Xian, a piece of a golden Buddha drawing that has embroidery on both sides. It is currently hung in the main hall of this one if anyone wants to see, this old one is willing to take all of you to take a look."
Zhang Qiao Xian was Ming Qi's Master Embroidery, and one piece of embroidery could fetch a high value in the marketplace. Hearing that Old Shen Fūrén had a piece, everyone wanted to take a look to widen their horizons. Shen Miao's lips hooked up. That double-sided embroidery was bestowed from the Palace and was given to Old Shen Fūrén by Shen Xin a few years ago, but this stingy person did not let others see. Now with this appearance, to be willing to bleed this much, there must be for another thing.
Could it be… Really as Old Shen Fūrén wished?
Fūréns and Gūniángs were indeed very willing to follow Old Shen Fūrén to look at that embroidered picture. The main hall of Rong Jing Tang was like a tea room for guests to relax at, but usually, there were few people who would go there as Old Shen Fūrén had few guests, thus the tea room was empty most of the time.
However when one reached the doors, one saw that the doors were somewhat strange.
Some noise sounded from the closed room and one could not hear what it was for the time being as if something in the room was knocked over.
Everyone abruptly stopped.
"Who is inside? Where are the guards?" Old Shen Fūrén questioned.
"Replying to Old Fūrén, just now they were still here. Most likely there is no one in the tea room." Xi-er said unconvincingly.
"Really raised a group of idlers! Cannot even guard a door properly." Old Shen Fūrén was somewhat angry, "Open up the doors!"