Chapter 77: Undercurrents and Maintenance

The flower-viewing banquet at the Marquis of Anyuan's residence did not end with the luncheon; instead, it moved to a more spacious lakeside pavilion. The warm autumn sun streamed through the carved wooden windows, casting dappled shadows on the polished gold-brick floor. The maids quietly served fresh tea and seasonal fruit platters, while the ladies naturally formed small groups according to their relationship to the women, chatting casually, though subtle hints of wit and scheming were brewing beneath the surface.

Su Wanrou was chatting with the Lady of Anyuan Marquis and two generals' wives who were on good terms with the Duke's mansion. Their conversation revolved around anecdotes from the capital and the upbringing of their children. The Lady of Anyuan Marquis clearly had a good impression of her, offering many words of advice and protection.

Just then, a slightly smooth voice chimed in: "Oh, the ladies are having such a lively conversation, may I join in?"

Everyone looked up and saw a lady in her forties, wearing a royal blue satin jacket with lotus patterns. She had a round face and smiled before speaking. She was Zhou Wangshi, the wife of Zhou Xian, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. Beside her was a young woman with a beautiful face but a hint of aloofness in her eyes. She was Wang Jingshu, her niece from her maternal family, who was said to be quite talented.

The Zhou family had no close relationship with the Yongchang Marquis's Mansion, and their relationship with the Zhenguo Duke's Mansion was even more distant. Madam Zhou's initiative to approach them now inevitably aroused suspicion. Madam Anyuan Marquis, however, remained outwardly calm, smiling as she greeted her, "Madam Zhou, you've come at the perfect time. Please have a seat. We were just talking about the mischievous antics of the young men at the academy."

Madam Zhou readily sat down, but her gaze seemed to fall on Su Wanrou rather than her, and she smiled and said, "That's right, none of the children are easy to deal with. But if we're talking about the most enviable one, it has to be you, the Duchess."

Su Wanrou felt a slight chill in her heart, but still maintained a faint and polite smile on her face: "What do you mean by that, Madam Zhou? Wanrou is young and just starting to manage household affairs. She is still very cautious and apprehensive. I really don't know what is so enviable about her."

"Madam is too modest." Madam Zhou picked up her round fan and gently waved it. "You are so young, yet you are already a first-rank noblewoman, managing the household affairs of such a large Duke's mansion. More importantly, how much the Duke values ​​and cherishes you! I heard that before he went to war, the Duke entrusted all the affairs of the mansion to you, and even left a few of his most capable guards to protect you. Such thoughtfulness is truly enviable."

These words sound like flattery, but upon closer examination, they carry a deeper meaning. Emphasizing Su Wanrou's youth and "newcomer to managing household affairs" implies her lack of experience; highlighting Gu Yangui's "high regard" subtly suggests that this regard may not stem from her own abilities, but rather from her husband's exceptional protection, even carrying a hint of "surveillance."

Before Su Wanrou could speak, a general's wife surnamed Li, whose husband was a former subordinate of Gu Yangui, and who was straightforward, took the lead: "Madam Zhou's words make sense! Our Duke is a man of integrity, and naturally he cherishes his wife the most. Although she is young, she is steady in her actions and kind to others. We old folks who often visit the mansion have all seen this. The Duke can entrust her with such a role with confidence; he has a discerning eye!"

Madam Li's words were forceful and clear, directly pointing out that Su Wanrou had earned trust through her own abilities, thus silencing Madam Zhou's sinister intentions.

Madam Zhou's smile remained unchanged, but a barely perceptible hint of gloom flashed in her eyes. She changed the subject and sighed, "Madam Li is right. The Duke is certainly excellent, with both literary and military talents, a pillar of the nation. However... alas, he spends most of his time in the harsh and cold borderlands. I've heard that the Northern Di are quite fierce in their raids this time. Swords have no eyes, it's truly worrying."

Her sigh successfully steered the conversation toward the border war, stirring the thoughts of many of the women present—whose husbands, children, and nephews were also in the army, and their faces showed worry upon hearing this.

Wang Jingshu spoke softly, her voice like a nightingale's song, yet carrying a hint of inappropriate "concern": "Aunt is right. I've heard that the Northern Di are fierce and barbaric, and the border battles are brutal. Although Duke Gu is brave, he is, after all, getting older, and not as vigorous as he was in his youth. Prolonged warfare may take a toll on his health. Madam, you must be worried day and night, unable to eat or sleep, staying alone in the capital."

These words were even more malicious than Madam Zhou's earlier probing! On the surface, they were concerned about Gu Yangui's health and Su Wanrou's feelings, but in reality, they implied that Gu Yangui was "old and frail" and might not be as brave as he used to be, and even suggested that the border war was not going well. Su Wanrou's "worries" could be interpreted as a lack of trust in her husband's abilities.

The atmosphere inside the waterside pavilion instantly froze. Several ladies closely associated with Gu Yangui showed anger on their faces. Lady Anyuan frowned slightly, about to speak.

Su Wanrou suddenly smiled. The smile wasn't forced; it radiated a gentle yet unwavering light from the heart. Her clear gaze fell upon Wang Jingshu, her voice steady and clear, reaching everyone's ears: "Miss Wang is kind. However, you are mistaken."

She paused, surveyed the crowd, and spoke calmly yet with an undeniable authority: "My husband often tells me that a general's victory is not solely based on momentary bravado, but on strategic wisdom, unwavering resolve, and a heart that loves his soldiers like his own children. My husband is in his prime, his experience and expertise at their peak, and his troops are seasoned veterans, united in purpose. The northern barbarians' incursions are but a minor ailment. My husband's journey is to share His Majesty's burdens, to protect the borders and ensure the people's safety. We, his family, remain in the capital; the only right thing to do is to offer our support and await good news. If we are filled with anxiety, wouldn't that only disrupt public order and betray my husband's patriotic heart?"

Her words were powerful and resounding, refuting the fallacy of "old age and declining health," emphasizing Gu Yangui's wisdom and prestige, expressing absolute trust in his abilities, and elevating her personal concerns to the level of "supporting national affairs." For a moment, the pavilion fell silent, and everyone's gaze towards Su Wanrou changed. This young Duchess was not only eloquent but also insightful, broad-minded, and her trust in her husband was unwavering.

Wang Jingshu was speechless, her cheeks flushed, and she stammered, unable to utter a word. Madam Zhou's usual smile almost vanished as she coughed and forced a smile, saying, "The Duchess's insight is extraordinary; it is merely the view of us women."

Madam Li clapped her hands and laughed, "Well said! Madam's words are worthy of our Duke! Those who only know how to gossip and talk down the war should really listen to this!" These words were almost a direct accusation against Madam Zhou and her niece.

Lady Anyuan nodded with a smile: "Yan's wife is indeed a sensible person. Alright, today is a flower appreciation banquet, let's not talk about these fighting and killing matters. Someone, bring a few pots of the newly acquired 'Green Peony' chrysanthemum for the ladies to appreciate."

The topic was cleverly diverted, and the atmosphere became lively again. After this incident, no one dared to underestimate Su Wanrou anymore, and no one dared to say a word against Gu Yangui in front of her.

After sitting for a while, Su Wanrou felt a bit stuffy, so she quietly left her seat with her hair in a bun and went to the lakeside veranda outside the waterside pavilion to get some fresh air. The lake surface shimmered in the autumn light, with a few withered lotus leaves dotting the surface, creating a unique and serene beauty.

She stood by the railing, a gentle breeze ruffling the stray hairs on her forehead, but her heart was not as calm as it appeared. Although she had deflected the words of Madam Zhou and Wang Jingshu, their malicious speculations, like tiny needles, still pricked her. It wasn't that she wasn't worried about Gu Yangui, but she buried that worry deep within herself, arming herself with absolute trust and a strong facade. Because she was the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo, she could not show the slightest weakness.

“Madam.” A deep, respectful voice sounded from behind.

Su Wanrou turned around and saw a middle-aged man dressed in the uniform of a servant of the Marquis of Anyuan's residence, but with a tall and sharp figure. She recognized him as a steward of the Marquis of Anyuan's residence, surnamed Han, but upon closer inspection, she could tell that he carried an air of military bearing and was no ordinary servant.

"Is there something you need, Manager Han?" Su Wanrou asked calmly.

Steward Han stepped forward, maintaining a perfectly respectful distance, and lowered his voice, saying, "This humble servant is Han Qing. I used to serve in the Northern Frontier Army, and was once the captain of the Duke's personal guard. I retired due to injury and was taken in by the Marquis of Anyuan, who gave me a job in his household." He stated his identity and then continued, "I vaguely heard about what happened in the waterside pavilion just now. The lady handled the situation with great composure, and we former subordinates deeply admire her."

Su Wanrou's heart skipped a beat; so that's how it is. She nodded slightly: "Captain Han is too kind; it's just my duty."

Han Qing's tone became even more solemn: "Madam, rest assured, the Duke is a brilliant strategist with extremely high prestige in the Northern Frontier. This is merely a matter of eliminating a few clowns; victory is assured. If there are any ignorant villains in the capital who attempt to slander the Duke or cause you any trouble with their words," a glint of sternness flashed in his eyes, "although we are no longer in their positions, our camaraderie remains, and we will not stand idly by. If you encounter any difficulties in the capital in the future, or hear any inappropriate remarks, you may send someone to the Marquis's residence to find Han Qing, or to the 'Gui Lin Ju' tavern in the West Market to find the manager. That is where we brothers gather, and we will do our best to share your burdens."

These words were sincere and powerful. Su Wanrou understood that this was Gu Yangui's former subordinates' recognition and protection of her. Their protection of her was not only protecting Gu Yangui's reputation, but also a continuation of their loyalty to their commander. This weighty sentiment warmed her heart, and the slight grievance and chill she felt from the malicious slander earlier instantly dissipated.

"Thank you very much, Captain Han, and thank you all, brothers." Su Wanrou said sincerely. "My husband is fortunate to have such comrades-in-arms. On behalf of my husband, I would also like to thank you all. I will be careful in matters in the capital. If there is anything I can do to trouble you, I will not hide it from you."

Seeing that Su Wanrou was so reasonable and magnanimous, without any of the arrogance of an ordinary noblewoman, Han Qing's admiration deepened. He clasped his hands in a salute and said, "Madam, you flatter me. I shall take my leave." After saying this, he quietly retreated behind the artificial hill, just as he had come.

Su Wanrou turned around again, gazing at the vast lake, her mood now completely different. Sunlight bathed her, warm and comforting. She was no longer alone in facing these turbulent undercurrents; behind her lay the invisible strength left by her husband, and the silent support of the loyal soldiers forged in blood and fire. This strengthened her resolve to walk the path she was on.

"Yunbin, let's go back." Su Wanrou took a deep breath, and a calm and serene smile returned to her face. "We've been out for too long, lest our hosts worry about us."

When she stepped back into the waterside pavilion, her demeanor was even more elegant and composed. The serenity and confidence between her brows seemed to have been cleansed, making her even more dazzling. When Lady Anyuan saw her, she smiled and waved, personally handing her a cup of warm jujube tea, everything understood without a word.

The flower-viewing banquet lasted until late afternoon. When Su Wanrou took her leave, the Dowager Lady of Anyuan Marquis kept her company for a few more words, urging her to visit often, her attitude even more cordial than before. Many other ladies also took the initiative to say goodbye to her, their words filled with genuine respect.

The carriage wheels rolled over the cobblestone path on its way back to the mansion. Su Wanrou leaned against the carriage wall, her eyes slightly closed. Today's banquet, seemingly calm on the surface, was actually rife with undercurrents, but she had ultimately weathered it all, gaining even more respect and potential allies.

"Madam, are you tired?" Yunbin asked softly.

"I am a little tired, but I feel at ease." Su Wanrou opened her eyes, her eyes shining brightly. "Yunbin, when we get back, find that piece of fine black satin with dark patterns in my storeroom, and prepare some good wound medicine and nourishing herbs."

Yunbin asked, puzzled, "What does Madam mean by this...?"

Su Wanrou looked at the setting sun outside the window and said softly, "Send it to Captain Han. Just say it's a small token of appreciation from an old friend to thank him for today... and for his past support. There's no need to make a fuss. Just send it quietly to 'Gui Lin Ju'."

She understood the importance of reciprocation, and even more so, she knew how to carefully maintain these scattered acts of loyalty. This was not only for herself, but also for her husband far away on the border, and for their shared home. As the carriage approached the majestic gates of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, Su Wanrou knew that after today, her position in this mansion, in this capital city, was already different.