Chapter 19 Late Spring "Sister, you're here! I've been looking everywhere for you..."
Three days later, Fu Sui received another invitation from the Feng family, this time written by Feng Xiang'er.
Feng Xiang'er only began learning calligraphy after the Feng family was granted a noble title, in order to squeeze into the circle of noble ladies. Her handwriting was messy and disorganized. She never wrote her own calligraphy in daily life to avoid being ridiculed.
Fu Sui was quite surprised when he opened the invitation and saw the childish but neat handwriting on it. The content of the invitation was nothing special; it was still an invitation for Fu Sui to attend the Feng family's birthday banquet.
If Fu Sui didn't want to go, even if Consort Feng personally invited him, it wouldn't make a difference. However, this time Fu Sui didn't throw the invitation into the container; instead, he had Kouyun put it away.
Qiao Zhenzhen took the carved spoon from Fei Qing's hand, gently fiddled with the dried cinnabar, and praised it highly: "It's definitely homemade; it looks much better than the ones outside."
Qiao Zhenzhen thought everything about Fu Sui was good, and Fu Sui, having heard it so many times, didn't hold back and accepted all the praise without question.
"I'll share some with you once it's made into inkpad, but I'm lazy and I keep stopping and starting, so you'll have to wait a while."
Qiao Zhenzhen took Fu Sui's hand and said as they walked, "It is precisely because of this that slow and steady work produces fine results. I am not afraid of waiting."
Kouyun and Dailing busied themselves serving snacks and tea. Qiao Zhenzhen felt a little embarrassed: "I came without telling you, and I've caused you a lot of trouble."
The residences of the Grand Princess and the County Princess of Pingyang were close by, and Fu Sui often went there without prior notice, so why would she care if Qiao Zhenzhen came without her notice? It's just that Qiao Zhenzhen was virtuous and respectful, and wouldn't do such an abrupt thing.
The Qiao residence wasn't close to Jiuru Lane, so Fu Sui asked first, "Has something happened?"
“It’s a small matter, not worth mentioning. But I was originally going to visit my mother today, and since I was already here, I thought I’d drop by to see you too.” Qiao Zhenzhen said, taking out an opened invitation and placing it on the table: “Look at this.”
The invitation's color and style looked familiar. Fu Sui casually remarked, "Isn't this the Feng family's invitation?" She opened it, revealing handwriting that, while crooked, was neatly arranged, but the content was somewhat different. Compared to the formal invitation for Fu Sui, this one was much more sincere. It first thanked Qiao Zhenzhen for the previous banquet, then stated that she knew the Qiao family looked down on the Feng family, and she didn't expect the Qiao family or the Grand Princess of Pingyang to set foot in the Feng residence. However, she would be extremely grateful if Qiao Zhenzhen were willing to attend the banquet.
Fu Sui read the post inside and out, and sighed: "With Feng Xiang'er's handwriting, it's hard to believe she wrote such a long and carefully chosen piece of writing."
“It’s not just me,” Qiao Zhenzhen said, taking the invitation and refolding it. “Zheng Zizai and Liang Hui both received her invitation. A few days ago, Feng Jiaguang sent an invitation to Minister Zheng’s residence. Minister Zheng’s wife declined, citing illness. Yesterday, Zheng Zizai received an invitation from Feng Xiang’er, inquiring about the Minister’s wife’s health and inviting Zheng Zizai to the birthday banquet again.”
Fu Sui found it increasingly unsettling. Why were the invitations to others so heartfelt, while those to her were all just polite formalities? Were they assuming she wouldn't attend, and not even bothering to pretend? Besides, it was an elder's birthday celebration; Feng Xiang'er shouldn't have been the one to extend the invitations.
"Is Zheng Zizai going?" Liang Hui didn't need to ask. Her father held a dangerous official position. As soon as Liang Hui stepped into the Feng family's door, Liang Zhongcheng would have to go to the palace to report to the emperor.
Qiao Zhenzhen gently shook her head: "Zizai said he had to take care of the sick and had no heart for drinking and merrymaking. He only picked out a few needlework items to give to Feng Xiang'er as a token of his feelings, which can save Feng Xiang'er's face."
"And what about you?" Fu Sui asked Qiao Zhenzhen.
Qiao Zhenzhen shook her head again: "I didn't expect Feng Xiang'er to personally invite me. If it were just a casual game between young ladies, I couldn't refuse her because of her sincerity. But the Feng family is an in-law family, while the Qiao family is a respectable family. If I attend the Feng family's banquet under the Qiao family's name, wouldn't that give people something to talk about?"
"The Feng family isn't exactly a desirable family, so why should everyone fawn over them?" Fu Sui scoffed. "They were originally powerful relatives of the emperor, but now, thanks to Feng Xiang'er, they've become the ones being looked down upon by the young ladies of various families. They're really good at scheming."
Seeing the hint of guilt on Qiao Zhenzhen's face, Fu Sui comforted her: "Since you are surnamed Qiao, you should always put the Qiao family first. Feng Xiang'er has the Feng family behind her, it is already difficult for you to be on good terms with her, so don't worry too much." After thinking for a moment, he added: "At worst, I will go there myself, so that Feng Xiang'er's efforts will not have been in vain."
Qiao Zhenzhen looked at Fu Sui's magnanimous and awe-inspiring appearance and chuckled, "I understand everything in my heart, but I just feel a little reluctant. You don't need to wrong yourself for this."
Fu Sui was not reluctant: "After being invited three or four times, I don't believe the Feng family is just putting on a show. Of course I want to go and see what the Feng family is planning."
After seeing Qiao Zhenzhen off, Fu Sui sent someone to ask the county magistrate of Yanshan whether he wanted to go to the Feng family.
Princess Yanshan was troubled because she had missed Consort Feng's Qujiang Banquet last time and couldn't refuse again this time. Upon hearing that Fu Sui was also going to the Feng family, she suddenly felt relieved. With Fu Sui, a familiar person, by her side, Princess Yanshan was less afraid of attending the Feng family banquet. She immediately arranged a time to travel with Fu Sui, feeling a great weight lifted from her shoulders and much more at ease.
On the day of the birthday banquet, the area in front of the Feng family's house was bustling with carriages and horses.
The Feng family had been granted titles for many years, and this was Fu Sui's first visit. He saw that the Feng family's vermilion gates stood tall, and that they actually had their residences located in the neighborhood, with the gate facing the street.
There was already a maid in her early twenties waiting outside the door, leading two younger maids. When they saw Fu Sui's carriage, they hurriedly came forward and led Fu Sui and Yan Shan inside.
"Princess and County Princess, please follow me." The older maid led the way, while the other two followed behind Fu Sui and Yan Shan.
"The Lady is hosting a banquet at Rongqing Hall. We would be grateful if you, Princess and County Princess, would like to come along," the maid said softly with a smile, her feet never stopping.
"But has the banquet already started?" Fu Sui asked in a nonchalant tone.
"The banquet has not yet begun. The princess is the most honored guest today. How can we start the banquet before our distinguished guest arrives?"
It was impossible for the banquet to start at this hour, so Fu Sui said, "This is my first time here. Since the banquet is still early, why don't we take a stroll around?" As he spoke, he asked the maid, "Is there anything inconvenient?"
The maidservant showed a hint of surprise, which she quickly concealed with a smile. With a quick glance, she said, "Why don't I take the princess and the county princess to the garden? There are some beautiful peonies there, in full bloom."
Seeing Fu Sui nod, the maid led Fu Sui and the other person onto a small path paved with bluestone.
Yanshan quietly nudged Fu Sui's arm, signaling Fu Sui to look up.
A building, nestled among the trees, stands suspended in the air, with a two-story building at each end. The gilded bird-startling bells hanging from the eaves reflect a few points of golden light, making them particularly eye-catching.
A splash of crimson water swept across the windows of the connecting building, followed by a few giggles.
"Who's upstairs?" Fu Sui called out to the maid who was leading the way.
The maid frowned and pondered for a moment before choosing a plausible explanation: "The female musicians are probably practicing inside the building."
Fu Sui didn't ask any more questions and continued walking forward with the maid. As they walked, the maid introduced the lotus pond to Fu Sui: "This is a lotus pond, but the lotus flowers haven't bloomed yet, only lotus leaves remain. Behind that house over there is a clump of bamboo, lush and upright."
There was a moon gate ahead. The maidservant went through first, then turned around and said, "Princess, watch your step."
Along the way, the Feng family's houses were adorned with embroidered bricks and embroidered windows, but the layout was messy, with small trees and new walls, as if the house had been drastically renovated. Fu Sui pointed to a glimpse of a flying eaves peeking out and asked, "What's that?"
The maidservant followed Fu Sui's finger and stood on tiptoe to look, then replied, "It's a banquet hall."
Fu Sui lifted his foot and walked towards that place: "Let's go take a look over there."
The maid hurriedly tried to dissuade her, saying, "That place is crowded and chaotic, and there are bound to be some uncouth people there. The princess is of noble birth and cannot be offended by such people."
"Then clear the area." Feiyan wasn't too far away, yet not a sound could be heard. Perhaps this place was usually bustling with people, but today the male guest had gone somewhere else, so even if there were only one or two people here, clearing the area wouldn't take the Feng family much effort.
The maidservant had no choice but to follow Fu Sui there. A younger maidservant who was following behind lagged a few steps behind and turned away.
Even before reaching the banquet hall, one can see layers upon layers of flying eaves, with the eaves on both sides extending towards the sky like wings, and auspicious beasts crouching on the corners of the eaves. Getting closer, one can see the exquisitely carved auspicious clouds and flowers hanging under the eaves.
Fu Sui gave Dai Ling a wink, then pushed open the tightly closed door and led Yan Shan inside.
The maid who was leading the way was stopped by Dai Ling and Fei Qing as she tried to enter together, and the little maid following behind was also entangled by Kou Yun and Yi Hong.
Upon seeing this, one of Yanshan's two maids followed him into the hall, while the other stayed outside to guard the door.
Fu Sui glanced at the maids who followed him in. When Yan Shan entered the capital, he only brought two personal maids, four maids, and four matrons; the others who served him were all bestowed by the Emperor. The two maids Yan Shan brought today were both from the palace.
The hall was adorned with carved beams and painted rafters, and there were cricket jars and a few dice scattered on the floor, while the tables were cluttered with toys and other recreational items.
Fu Sui came in not to see these things. She looked up and saw a lotus flower hanging upside down in the center of her head. Around it were layers upon layers of intricate patterns, each layer depicting flying mythical beasts, auspicious clouds, flowers, and leaves, all colorful and lifelike.
"This..." Yanshan was surprised. "Those below the rank of prince are not allowed to use double-arched caissons. Isn't that against the rules?"
“Those who are not of the third rank or above, or those who are among the three most outstanding in the neighborhood, are not allowed to open their doors to the street. Which of these criteria does the Feng family meet? My mansion was built to the specifications of a prince’s mansion, covering almost half of Jiuru Lane, and it never opened its doors to the street. Yet the Feng family, whose rank is only fourth-rank, the Earl of Yuyang, can own a first-class mansion. Indeed, Consort Feng’s favor among the six palaces is truly enviable.”
Yanshan said in a low voice, "But that's a bit too ostentatious."
It was common for officials to secretly exceed the permitted limits in their residences, and as long as they weren't reported, the Prefect of the Capital wouldn't go door-to-door measuring them. But the Feng family had overstepped their bounds to this extent; how dare they still invite Liang to a gathering? Did they think the Censorate was just a figurehead?
Fu Sui casually flipped through the pages in the hall. There were some odds and ends on the table, and Fu Sui noticed that there seemed to be some books underneath, so he pulled them out and started looking at them.
"Thud!" Fu Sui glanced at the book and threw it away.
The pages of the book scraped against the ground and came to a stop at the feet of the maid who followed in. The scattered pages clearly depicted a naked female body.
"What's wrong?" Yanshan asked as he stepped forward.
Fu Sui quickly pulled Yan Shan to the other side and said angrily, "This is outrageous!"
Fu Sui had assumed that the maid who had sneaked away was there to tidy up, but it seemed she had only gone to deliver a message to someone.
Seeing that Fu Sui and Yan Shan had turned their backs, the maid who had been standing quietly to the side quickly kicked the picture book into an unseen corner, and then stood there with her hands at her sides as if nothing had happened.
Yanshan was curious about why Fu Sui suddenly got angry and wanted to turn around to look. Fu Sui quickly changed the subject to divert Yanshan's attention: "Look at the structure of this mansion. A lot of it was built later. Where did the Feng family get so much money? Did it all come from Consort Feng? The Earl of Yuyang really has a thoughtful daughter. Not only does she lavish money on the family, but she also brings the Feng family to the ancestral banquet."
Today's words might reach the ears of the Emperor, and Yanshan hesitated, unsure whether to say something: "It seems that Consort Feng has some unpleasantness with the Feng family. In the past, the Princess would always enter the palace on festivals, but this year she only did so at the Qujiang Banquet."
Yanshan's situation was unique; she was required to enter the palace to offer congratulations during festivals, and even if she didn't enter the palace, she had to submit a congratulatory memorial to show her loyalty. She spent more time in the inner palace than Fu Sui.
"Why is that?" The last time Fu Sui entered the palace was for the New Year's Eve banquet. He was surrounded by eunuchs and maids the whole time, and he didn't even get to see Consort Feng.
"The princess always brought Feng Xiang'er with her when she went to the palace. People in the palace said that the Feng family wanted to send Feng Xiang'er to serve the emperor. Before the New Year, when the princess and Feng Xiang'er went to the palace, they encountered the second princess, who slapped Feng Xiang'er. The princess complained to Consort Feng, but Consort Feng refused to stand up for Feng Xiang'er. After that, there was no news of the princess going to the palace."
Fu Sui disliked interacting with the concubines in the harem, and the palace servants dared not gossip in front of her; this was the first time she had heard of such things.
The Feng family is daring and resourceful in their pursuit of wealth and status, but judging from Consort Feng's attitude, they seem to have differing opinions.
"Feng Xiang'er is willing?"
Yan Shan frowned slightly: "She must be unwilling. I've seen Feng Xiang'er cry secretly."
Even the princess had heard rumors about the Feng family's affairs. Even if the emperor was unaware of the Feng family's intentions initially, he should have learned about them after Feng Xiang'er was beaten. The fact that he has not yet made any statement suggests that the emperor has no intention of taking Feng Xiang'er as a concubine. Perhaps Consort Feng and the Feng family have reached an agreement on certain matters, which is why Consort Feng has begun to spare no effort in helping the Feng family again.
"Princess, the Prince is waiting for you at Zhelan Hall. Please come to the hall!"
A commotion arose outside, as if someone was trying to enter the hall but was being prevented from doing so, and then started shouting loudly.
Fu Sui wrinkled his nose and complained to Yan Shan, "Listen to this, what kind of high rank does she think she is? Do we have to go and pay homage to her?"
Princess Yanshan gently advised, "After all, she is Consort Feng's mother and the host of today's banquet. It's not appropriate for her to abandon the other guests and leave."
"It's her birthday, I won't hold it against her." Fu Sui took the arm of the Princess of Yanshan County. "Let's go to the banquet."
The maidservant standing quietly to the side opened the door for Fu Sui and the Princess of Yanshan. Sure enough, there was an old woman and two maidservants whom they had never seen before outside.
The old woman dressed in brocade was being stopped by Fei Qing and Dai Ling. She was shouting at the top of her lungs to go inside when she suddenly saw the door open. She quickly put on a smiling face and said, "You two esteemed guests have finally arrived!" as she rushed forward.
Dai Ling and Fei Qing held on tightly, and the old woman struggled a few times but couldn't break free. She could only stand there and say, "The Princess has been waiting at Zhelan Hall for a long time, hoping to see you two esteemed ladies." She then pointed to Dai Ling's hand clutching her clothes, "Esteemed ladies, look at this, this..."
"Let go."
Upon hearing the instructions, Dai Ling and Fei Qing let go and returned to Fu Sui's side. Kou Yun, Yi Hong, and another maid from Yan Shan also retreated.
The old woman smoothed out her rumpled clothes and bowed slightly, saying, "Please follow me, esteemed gentlemen."
An old woman and five maids surrounded Fu Sui and Yan Shan tightly, heading straight for Zhe Lan Hall without stopping. Originally, the maid refused to take Fu Sui around, and Fu Sui thought there was some secret in the mansion that could not be known to outsiders. Now that he thought about it, she was probably afraid that Fu Sui would witness some lewd behavior.
When Fu Sui arrived at Ze Lan Hall, Consort Feng's mother was not there. The room was filled with young women, most of whom Fu Sui did not recognize. When Feng Xiang'er saw Fu Sui and Yan Shan arrive, she abandoned the two young women she was talking to and hurried forward to greet them, bowing loudly.
The other young ladies also quickly stood up to greet Fu Sui and Yan Shan.
Feng Xiang'er's face revealed joy, and she said in a kind and warm manner, "I am sorry for not welcoming you sooner, please forgive me, Princess and County Princess." Then she turned around and led the way for Fu Sui and the other person, "The seats of honor are reserved for the Princess and County Princess, please take your seats."
Regardless of Feng Xiang'er's reasons for inviting young ladies from various households on behalf of the Feng family, the fact that members of the imperial family could set foot there shows that Feng Xiang'er has some influence among the clan, not to mention that Princess Yong'an, who is always independent and does things her own way, was also there.
The room was filled with the scent of styrax, and the incense worn by several young women was also very strong. The combination of these scents made Fu Sui feel somewhat uncomfortable.
“The princess and the county princess are so beautiful. I thought Xiang’er was the prettiest, but today I realize that the princess and the county princess are truly stunning beauties,” said a woman dressed in a long floral dress with heavy makeup.
Upon hearing this, Feng Xiang'er glared at the woman as if issuing a warning.
Consort Feng was beautiful, and Feng Xiang'er was equally stunning, with a full figure and captivating charm. Even the noble ladies from high-ranking families who might have looked down on Feng Xiang'er couldn't deny her exceptional beauty. Whether the compliment was genuine or not, most people would secretly rejoice to be praised for surpassing Feng Xiang'er in appearance. However, Feng Xiang'er knew Fu Sui's temperament and feared that he might say something that would offend her and embarrass her.
In front of Feng's relatives, Feng Xiang'er still wanted to maintain the last bit of her dignity.
Fu Sui looked at Feng Xiang'er and asked, "And who is this...?"
"This is my aunt's older sister, she's a year older than me, and her surname is An."
Fu Sui smiled and said to the woman, "So it's Madam An. Madam An looks stunning today."
When Lady An saw that the princess was speaking to her so kindly, she smiled and unfolded the pattern on her skirt to show Fu Sui: "Your Highness has a good eye. This dress of mine is the most fashionable in the capital right now. I specially ordered it from the Embroidery Pavilion."
Madam An talked incessantly about the latest fabrics and patterns. Feng Xiang'er kept glancing towards Fu Sui and Yan Shan. These two were noble ladies with fiefs; they had seen all sorts of fine things. Madam An's boasting about her new clothes was utterly laughable in the eyes of these noble ladies.
Fu Sui noticed Feng Xiang'er's unease and roughly guessed what she was thinking. She gave a timely, gentle yet elegant smile, expressing her agreement with Madam An.
It wasn't that Fu Sui deliberately wanted to project an air of superiority; it was simply that she genuinely didn't understand the preferred fabrics and embroidery patterns in the marketplace. The princess's mansion was piled high with fabrics and furs, filling two storerooms. The gifts from the palace, the various grand princesses and princesses, and the tributes from lower ranks were enough to cover Fu Sui's expenses for a year. Every year-end, she had to distribute the old, unrefined fabrics of questionable patterns and colors to her servants to facilitate clearing out the storerooms. Fu Sui had never had clothes made at the market.
"This dark blue outfit suits Madam An very well, and the pine-flower shawl is also very well styled." Yanshan praised Madam An a few times, so that it wouldn't seem like Madam An was talking to herself.
When Lady An saw that the county princess agreed with her, she became even more excited and asked what kind of perfumes and hair oils Fu Sui and Yan Shan usually used. Fu Sui rarely used perfumes and didn't know how to answer her. If Yan Shan hadn't been somewhat knowledgeable about the perfumes and rouges on the market, the situation would have been quite awkward.
Two maids came over with trays and served drinks to Fu Sui and Yan Shan.
“This drink is a recipe my father and mother love to use. Princess and County Princess, please try it and see if it suits your taste.” Feng Xiang’er saw that Fu Sui only picked up the cup and smelled it but did not drink it, so she assumed that Fu Sui did not know what was in the cup and explained.
Fu Sui disliked the smell immediately. She took a small sip, and the strong aroma of sandalwood and flowers hit her head, making her dizzy. Fu Sui put down the cup and said to the maidservant from the Feng family who was standing beside her, "Bring me some water to drink."
"This drink is made by processing fresh flowers, adding sandalwood and agarwood. Do you two like it?" A woman whom Fu Sui did not recognize spoke up. Fu Sui guessed that she might be a relative of the Feng family.
Feng Xiang'er retorted, "They should be addressed as Princess of the County and Princess of the Prefecture." Then she clarified the woman's identity: "She is my elder sister from the same clan."
The scolded Lady Feng glared at Feng Xiang'er.
Fu Sui's presence today has already given the Feng family enough face. She only stayed here to chat and laugh with the young ladies present so as not to make things difficult for Feng Xiang'er. She will pretend not to see the disputes among the Feng family's young ladies.
She picked up a piece of dried orange to suppress the discomfort caused by the spices, found a comfortable position to lean back in the chair, and asked Feng Xiang'er, "Where is the Princess?"
Given Fu Sui's high rank, it would be impolite to only have Feng Xiang'er entertain him. Feng Xiang'er thought that since she and Fu Sui were of the same generation, it would be like an elder receiving an elder and a junior receiving a junior: "Several old ladies have arrived, and Mother is keeping them company in the Shoufu Hall."
That old woman's claim that the princess was waiting at Zelan Hall was clearly a lie.
Fu Sui looked around at the young women in the room, most of whom were relatives of the Feng family. Apart from Fu Sui and Yan Shan, there were only four or five women who had no relation to the Feng family.
Fu Sui wondered to herself, "Could it be that I didn't get to drink the wine at the Qujiang Banquet, so today I have to be ranked with the young lady from the Feng family and call each other sisters?"
"Little sister, I've been looking for you all this time."
A man's voice came through.
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