The banquet for appreciating chrysanthemums at the Qingyuan uncle's mansion was scheduled for the next day. After receiving Jiang Xuening's approval, Tang'er drafted a response and sent it to the Qingyuan uncle's mansion. While an invitation was extended to many, not everyone who received it would attend. Responding in advance allowed the hosts to make preparations for the day of the banquet.
However, Yan Lin got wind of the incident.
At the conclusion of the day's lecture, he and Shen Jie exited the palace and convened in Shen Jie's mansion to share tea. His usually bright and handsome face now bore an expression of frustration. "I asked her if she would like to see the Lantern Festival on September 9th, but she declined. Yet, she's eager to attend the Chrysanthemum appreciation on the Double Ninth Festival. Is she deliberately provoking me by favoring the Qingyuan uncle's mansion?"
Shen Jie, knowing the complexities involved in matters concerning their hearts, simply observed him.
Yan Lin couldn't fathom it, but a bitter taste lingered in his heart.
As he lifted the teacup, he couldn't bring himself to drink and set it down again.
Frowning, he called out, "Qing Feng! Go back to the mansion and check if we have any invitation cards from the Qingyuan uncle's mansion. If we do, reply to the invitation, and I'll attend when the time comes. If not, there mustn't be any! Just take my name card and present it. Who would dare stop me outside the door?"
Qing Feng hesitated momentarily, carefully reminding, "But my lord, Cheng Guogong's mansion also sent an invitation. If you go to the Qingyuan uncle's mansion…"
The Xiao clan in Chengguo Duke's Mansion is the only prominent family in Beijing that can rival the Yan clan. Over 20 years ago, the two families were connected through marriage.
However, in the present…
Yan Lin sneered, "Duke Cheng's mansion is hosting a gathering for the elders, with the younger generation merely in attendance. Our Yongyi Hou's mansion and Cheng Guo's mansion are long past their prime. It's no surprise if I don't attend. What are you still talking about? Go quickly."
Qing Feng didn't dare to say much and simply inquired, "Would you like me to inform the second miss?"
Yan Lin replied with a scowl, "I won't inform her. I want to see how she reacts when she sees me. Perhaps she'll come up with some perfunctory excuses!"
Shen Jie chuckled, "You certainly have quite the temper."
But after giving it some thought, he added, "In that case, I'll accompany you to the Qingyuan uncle's mansion for the event."
Yan Lin raised an eyebrow, looking at him curiously.
However, Shen Jie sipped his tea slowly and explained, "You're aware of the recent rumors in the palace that the emperor intends to designate me as the emperor's younger brother. When I left Wenhua Palace today, Mr. Xie nodded and advised that the court's rumors are quite malicious. Even with a clear conscience, it's advisable to keep some distance from Mrs. Xiao for the time being."
Chengguo Duke's Mansion is also the Xiao family, the maternal family of the current Empress Dowager, and the family of the reigning Holy Majesty.
Shen Jie and Shen Lang are brothers from the same mother, making the Holy Majesty's maternal family naturally his own.
However, the timing is particularly sensitive now.
Despite rumors that the emperor intends to designate him as the emperor's younger brother, getting too close to the Xiao family could arouse suspicion and mistrust from the emperor, given the Xiao family's considerable influence.
Yan Lin lowered his eyes, contemplating for a moment, and remarked, "Mr. Xie is willing to offer guidance."
Shen Jie dismissed it, saying, "Sir, you possess the demeanor of a gentleman and the wisdom of a sage. You treat everyone well."
The news that both Chengguo Mansion and Qingyuan Uncle Mansion had extended invitations for the Chongyang Chrysanthemum Appreciation Banquet had quietly circulated among the elite families in Beijing.
The Xiao family, being highly prominent, faced a dilemma. Those lower in status sought to ascend, while those already elevated couldn't deign to visit the Qingyuanbo Mansion's dilapidated estate.
Many chose to reject the invitation, some without bothering to find an excuse, which, in itself, cast a slight upon Qingyuan Bo's reputation.
While it was anticipated that few would attend the Bofu this time, no one expected news in the afternoon that the Young Master of Yongyihou Mansion and His Royal Highness the Prince of Linzi had accepted the invitation. They would attend the banquet at the Qingyuan uncle's mansion together the next day!
For a moment, jaws dropped, and there was a collective daze in Lianbo's mansion. People exchanged perplexed glances: Did we have any connections with Yongyihou's mansion? Who knows Xiao Hou? How did they approach His Royal Highness Linzi? What was said? Why would they suddenly show up here?
Yet, the bewilderment soon gave way to ecstasy.
Initially, the atmosphere in Youfu was filled with trepidation and embarrassment on the day Chengguo Mansion hosted a banquet. The responses they received in recent days were scarce, with most being polite refusals.
In Youfu, a sense of desolation permeated, foretelling the grim prospect of the impending banquet.
However, the sudden news of the impending arrival of His Royal Highness Prince Linzi and Lord Xiao Hou was akin to a miraculous turn of events. The significance of these two masters' identities was unparalleled in the entire capital!
The entire household was immediately invigorated.
In the evening, as news spread of Yan Lin and Shen Jie's attendance, a flurry of replies and invitations flew toward Qingyuan Uncle's Mansion like snowflakes.
Initially prepared to handle a small gathering, they found the preparations insufficient and spent the entire night making elaborate arrangements, fearing any lapse in readiness for their distinguished guests the next day.
Youfu's two daughters, the eldest named You Shuang and the second named You Yue, were both above-average in appearance.
When the servants conveyed the news of the impending visit by the Prince of Linzi and the Young Master, both sisters were stunned, covering their mouths in shock.
The servant, beaming with joy, conveyed the uncle's instructions: "Uncle said this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The eldest and second ladies should prepare and adorn themselves beautifully for this important banquet."
The suggestion was subtle, yet both You Shuang and You Yue understood. Blushing slightly, they responded, "Father is truly considerate. For such a significant occasion, we sisters will naturally uphold the honor of the uncle's house."
The servants nodded in agreement.
However, You Shuang found it unusual. Her expression grew colder as she thought, "It's truly perplexing. When did our uncle's mansion establish ties with Yongyihou's mansion? I've never heard of any friendship between the brothers and the young master and His Royal Highness Linzi. How did this come about today?"
Moreover, the responses were untimely, seemingly a spur-of-the-moment decision.
You Yue, on the other hand, was elated. Looking more affluent and youthful, she wore a delicate goose-yellow dress. Unperturbed by her sister's concerns, she remarked, "Sister is overly skeptical. Why not consider that it might have been a spontaneous decision? Rumor has it that the Xiao family and the Yan family are at odds, and the son of Yan may be attempting to save face for Duke Cheng. That's why he decided to attend."
"It's not an impossibility," conceded You Shuang.
But…
"Just to save face for Duke Cheng's mansion? It's fine if he doesn't attend. How does it concern our uncle's mansion?" You Shuang, being the older sister, had learned a lot from her mother, making her more thoughtful. She inquired of the servant, "Let me ask you, before the replies from Prince Yan and His Highness Linzi arrived, who else confirmed their attendance?"
The servant counted on his fingers, saying, "Before the young master and His Highness, the responses indicated that not many people were coming. There were Shangshanbo Mansion, Yushitai Zhou Mansion, oh, and in the morning, there was Jiang Shilang's mansion. The second miss!"
You Shuang couldn't help but frown. "Miss Jiang Er…"
God knows, the invitation from the Bo's house to Jiang Shilang's house was merely a courtesy, and they weren't acquainted with Jiang Xuening. It made sense for Jiang Xuehui to attend.
But Jiang Xuening's presence was just as peculiar as Prince Yan and Prince Linzi, and she was even scheduled before these two masters…
However, You Yue, uninterested in overthinking, immediately sneered upon hearing "Second Miss Jiang," displaying her disdain. "It's great that Prince Yan is coming, but I didn't expect this country girl to show up too. It just adds to the bad luck!"
You Shuang sensed something was amiss and chose not to respond.
When You Yue mentioned Jiang Xuening, she thought of another person she disliked. Lifting her chin, she instructed the servants, "By the way, since we have a distinguished guest tomorrow, please hide that slave of yours and lock it in the firewood room. We don't want it causing trouble in front of nobility."
Jiang Xuening, unaware of the cascade of reactions her impromptu decision to attend the banquet at Qingyuan Uncle's Mansion had triggered, and oblivious to Yan Lin and Shen Jie's impending attendance, grappled with a headache over You Fangyin.
Having slept poorly the night before and feeling groggy all day, she lacked energy.
When Mrs. Meng learned of her decision to attend Qingyuan Uncle's Mansion instead of Cheng Guogong's Mansion, she refrained from probing too deeply. Jiang Xuening thought this might bring her some relief. After all, attending the banquet at Duke Cheng's Mansion with Jiang Xuehui, who was dignified and virtuous, alongside the playful and stubborn Jiang Xuening, might lead to unpredictable consequences.
Early the next morning, Jiang Xuening rose, had a light meal, adorned herself, and then entered the carriage provided by the mansion. Navigating through half of the imperial city, she made her way to Qingyuan Uncle's Mansion.
Qingyuan Bofu is situated in the eastern part of the city.
This area is synonymous with prestige.
While the entrance of Qingyuan Bo's mansion, adorned with only two stone lions, lacks the imposing grandeur of Duke Cheng's mansion with its towering lintel, the courtyard within the gates exhibits a subtle air of decline.
Fortunately, the banquet today attracted a substantial number of attendees.
What was once a chilly doorway now bustles with activity, as people exchange greetings and smiles, creating an illusion that the uncle's mansion is on the brink of a resurgence.
Having heard You Fangyin's accounts of the mansion's situation in her previous life, Jiang Xuening is well aware of the current circumstances surrounding Qingyuan uncle's mansion. As she steps out of the carriage and observes the lively scene, she momentarily questions if she has arrived at the wrong place. Repeatedly checking the plaque, she reassures herself that it is indeed Bofu.
Although surprised, she refrains from probing further.
As they submit the invitation, the servants guide them into the mansion.
The group strolls through the Chaoshou verandah, surrounded by the enchanting fragrance of osmanthus blossoms.
As they approach the round gate leading to the rear garden, a slender figure darts towards them diagonally.
Clad in a slightly soiled green dress, the disheveled girl with a hairpin bun appears panicked, her eyes red.
Jiang Xuening experiences a moment of recognition but is taken aback. Before she can discern or avoid the oncoming figure, the girl rushes towards her, colliding shoulders with her.
The embroidered sachet fastened around her waist tumbles to the ground.
Jiang Xuening remains rooted in place, simply observing.
You Fangyin, who just escaped from the woodshed, was desperate to visit her seriously ill aunt, fearing she might not see her for the last time. In her haste, she accidentally bumped into someone, leading to tears streaming down her face.
She hurriedly bends down to retrieve the sachet.
However, tears have already fallen, staining the intricately stitched white peony on the sachet.
Attempting to wipe it with her hands only results in further smudging.
In this moment, You Fangyin curses her own clumsiness. Hesitant to use her stained hands, she offers the sachet back to Jiang Xuening with both hands, apologizing, "Fangyin is foolish to have collided with the girl and even damaged your sachet. I'll embroider a new one for you as compensation. I implore the girl's forgiveness!"
As she extended her hand, the sleeves slid down slightly.
Exposed on her wrist was a patch of unhealthy skin, blackened and bruised, with a few visible welts.
The servants were visibly shocked by this sight.
Jiang Xuening's gaze shifted from the girl's face to her wrist, and her expression grew increasingly bewildered.
Quick to react, Tang'er sensed that something was amiss and promptly approached, taking the sachet from the girl. "Give it to me."
From the distant corridor, the sounds of hurried footsteps and the stern voices of several women echoed. "Something's wrong! Lock her up to prevent her from escaping! On such an important day, if anything happens, there will be consequences! Hurry, find her!"
Upon hearing this, You Fangyin dared not linger. She quickly bowed to Jiang Xuening, lifting her skirt's hem, and darted towards the other end. The branches of flowers lining the path scratched her sleeves and hands, but she dared not stop.
The pursuing women made a commotion, creating a ruckus.
Aware that the mansion had been unsettled recently due to her aunt's affairs, the servant didn't want to reveal this to the guests. He hastily apologized to Jiang Xuening, "I apologize for the disturbance, the maid we recently hired is lacking in discipline, and the matrons are teaching her a lesson. Are you not startled, miss?"
Jiang Xuening accepted the sachet from Tang'er's hand. The elegantly embroidered peony, crafted with white thread, exuded a sense of grace and sophistication. However, it was now tainted by tears, a visible stain marking the fabric.
She blinked and looked down.
Beneath her thick, long eyelashes, a shadow of darkness lingered.
In her heart, a cold voice echoed: Ignore it, ignore it. Every day, countless people perish in the world. What difference does one more make? Don't concern yourself; in a few hours, you will witness the true "You Fangyin."