Chapter 76: The Marquis's Flower Appreciation Banquet
The 70th birthday celebration of the Dowager Lady of the Marquis of Anyuan's mansion was the first major event in the capital after autumn. Invitations had been sent to various mansions half a month in advance. Because the Marquis of Anyuan's mansion and the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion had a long-standing friendship, Su Wanrou had put extra care into preparing this birthday gift.
The day before her birthday, Su Wanrou made a special trip to pay her respects to the Dowager Lady and report on the birthday gifts. The Dowager Lady, twirling her prayer beads, listened to Su Wanrou's detailed explanation of the gift list and nodded with satisfaction: "You've considered everything very thoroughly. The jade Guanyin has a good meaning, and the pearl necklace suits my elder sister's taste; she always likes these warm and gentle things. With Yan-ge'er not here, you'll be going alone, and some shallow-minded people might gossip, but don't be shy. Just show the poise of the mistress of our Duke's mansion."
"I understand, and I will certainly not disgrace the Duke's Mansion," Su Wanrou replied respectfully.
Back in her room, she began selecting her attire for the banquet the next day. This was her first time representing the Duke of Zhenguo's household on such an important occasion, and her clothing had to be appropriate for her status without being too flamboyant or losing her composure. Ultimately, she chose a lotus-root-colored brocade dress embroidered with gold butterflies and flowers, over which she wore a moon-white silver fox fur vest embroidered with magnolia branches—a look that was both noble and elegant. For jewelry, she wore a set of red gold and ruby headdresses, with a ruby and gold phoenix hairpin in the center. Three strings of pearl tassels, held in the phoenix's beak, reached down to her shoulders, shimmering and sparkling with every step, exuding unparalleled luxury.
The next morning, Su Wanrou rose early and was dressed and made up by Yunbin and several skillful maids. Her makeup was not overly heavy, but rather highlighted her clear eyes and delicate skin. A light touch of rouge on her lips made her face appear even more radiant. After she was dressed, the person in the mirror was dignified and beautiful, with a calm demeanor. Although she was still young, her overall bearing already hinted at the majesty of a first-rank duke's wife.
"Madam looks so beautiful!" the maids couldn't help but exclaim.
Su Wanrou smiled slightly at herself in the mirror, took a deep breath, and suppressed the nervousness she felt from being in charge for the first time. She told herself that she represented not only herself, but also Gu Yangui's reputation and the dignity of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion, and there could be no mistakes whatsoever.
At 7:45 AM, the carriage from the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion arrived precisely at the side gate of the Marquis of Anyuan's mansion. Today, the Marquis of Anyuan's mansion was filled with carriages and guests. Upon seeing that it was the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion's carriage, the gatekeeper dared not be negligent. Immediately, a well-dressed stewardess with a beaming smile came forward to greet them and led Su Wanrou through the hanging flower gate.
The Marquis of Anyuan's residence was even more spacious than the Duke of Zhenguo's residence, with pavilions and towers offering ever-changing views. Although it was late autumn, the late-blooming chrysanthemums and hibiscus trees specially cultivated in the Marquis's garden were in full bloom, and various rare and exotic flowers brought out from the greenhouse were also adorning the garden, making it a veritable "flower viewing feast".
The head maid led Su Wanrou through the covered corridors towards the main hall, "Jinxi Hall," where the banquet was being held that day. Along the way, they encountered many women from various households. Upon seeing Su Wanrou, their gazes held varying degrees of scrutiny, curiosity, and even a hint of barely perceptible contempt. This was understandable; a fifteen-year-old second wife, with her husband far away at the border, was inevitably perceived by these shrewd noblewomen as weak and easily manipulated.
Su Wanrou pretended not to see them, wearing a polite smile, walking with composure, and keeping her eyes straight ahead. The maidservant and another head maidservant beside her were also well-trained, with their heads bowed and eyes lowered, showing perfect manners, which further highlighted the extraordinary demeanor of their mistress.
As they approached Jinxi Hall, they encountered Lady Yongchang, Su Wanrou's maternal mother, accompanied by Su Wanrou's sister-in-law and several cousins. Upon seeing her daughter, Lady Yongchang's eyes flashed with a mixture of excitement and worry, and she quickly stepped forward.
"Greetings to the Duchess." The Lady of Yongchang was about to perform the proper greetings when Su Wanrou stopped her in time.
"Mother, please don't be so polite." Su Wanrou's voice was slightly choked, but she quickly composed herself and smiled as she nodded to her sister-in-law and sisters, "Sister-in-law, the sisters are here too."
Lady Yongchang held her daughter's hand, looked her up and down, and seeing that she looked well and was composed, she felt relieved and said in a low voice, "Are you sure you can handle it yourself? If anyone makes things difficult for you, don't force yourself. Your mother is here."
Su Wanrou felt a warmth in her heart, gently squeezed her mother's hand in return, and whispered, "Mother, don't worry, I understand."
At this moment, the wife of the Marquis of Anyuan—the eldest daughter-in-law of the birthday celebrant—personally came out from inside the hall to greet her. She was about forty years old, with a kind face. Upon seeing Su Wanrou, she smiled warmly and said, "Oh my, the Duchess has finally arrived! The old lady was just saying that she was wondering why Yan's wife hadn't arrived yet." Her words were full of affection, clearly intended to give Su Wanrou face.
Su Wanrou quickly stepped forward, curtsied, and said in a clear and gentle voice, "Greetings to the Lady of the Marquis. I am sorry for your concern, Madam. I should have come earlier to serve you, but I was afraid that if I came too early, I would disturb your peace." Her manners were impeccable and her words were appropriate.
Seeing that she was well-mannered and poised, Lady Anyuan's doubts about her young age lessened somewhat. She warmly took her hand and said, "Don't be so polite, we're all family. The matriarch is inside, let me lead you in."
Inside Jinxi Hall, the air was filled with a warm fragrance, and the hall was already packed with people. Almost all the prominent ladies of the capital, including noblewomen and daughters of various families, were present, adorned with jewels and jade ornaments, their laughter and chatter filling the air. In the center sat the birthday celebrant on a rosewood daybed inlaid with mother-of-pearl, the Dowager Lady of the Marquis of Anyuan's residence. She wore a reddish-brown silk robe with a five-blessing and longevity motif, her hair was meticulously combed, and she wore a heavy set of red gold headdresses, accepting the congratulations of everyone with a beaming smile.
As soon as Su Wanrou entered, the previously noisy hall fell silent for a moment, all eyes seemingly focused on her. She appeared oblivious, following the Lady of Anyuan Marquis into the hall, kneeling respectfully and performing the grand salute, her voice clear and melodious: "Granddaughter-in-law Su wishes the Old Madam boundless happiness and longevity. May the Old Madam enjoy eternal youth and remain forever young."
"Good, good child, get up, get up." The old lady of Anyuan Marquis clearly doted on Gu Yangui, this junior, and was also very kind to Su Wanrou. She beckoned her closer, took her hand and looked her over carefully, and said with a smile, "I've long heard that Yan'er married a wife who is as beautiful as a fairy. Seeing her today, she is indeed a fine young man. How is Yan'er doing at the border? Are you getting used to being alone in the manor?"
Su Wanrou responded with a smile, her tone respectful yet affectionate: "Thank you for your concern, Madam. My husband is doing well at the border; he just sent a letter a few days ago. Your granddaughter-in-law is doing well at home. Grandmother is in good health, and Mingxuan is a well-behaved and sensible child."
As she spoke, she took the gift list from Yunbin's hands and presented it to her personally: "This is a small token of the Duke's mansion's appreciation to congratulate the old lady on her birthday. We hope the old lady will not find it too meager."
A maidservant took the gift list and read it aloud. When she read out items such as "a white jade Guanyin statue from the previous dynasty" and "a string of South Sea pearl necklaces," many ladies in the hall nodded slightly. This birthday gift was valuable, dignified, and suited the old lady's wishes, showing that the person who prepared it had put thought into it and it was not just a perfunctory gesture.
The Dowager Lady of Anyuan nodded repeatedly, patting Su Wanrou's hand and saying, "Good child, it's kind of you to think of this. I really like this gift. It's Yan'er's good fortune to marry you."
At this moment, a slightly shrill voice rang out with a hint of laughter: "I've long heard that the Duchess of Zhenguo, though young, is quite clever. Seeing her today, I can see that her reputation is well-deserved. The birthday gift is prepared so meticulously; I suppose the household affairs are also managed very well. Truly capable."
Su Wanrou looked in the direction of the voice and saw a lady dressed in a crimson palace gown with a slightly mean face. She was the wife of Zhao, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, a notorious gossip in the capital who loved to stir up trouble. Her words sounded like praise, but they were actually laced with sarcasm. First, they pointed out Su Wanrou's young age and lack of experience, and second, they implied that Su Wanrou, as a second wife, was eager to seize power.
Su Wanrou understood, but her face still wore a gentle and dignified smile. Her voice was neither too loud nor too soft, but loud enough for everyone around to hear: "Madam Zhao is too kind. The Old Madam is an elder and someone my husband respects, so naturally we must do our best with this birthday gift. As for the trivial matters in the mansion, we are simply following the old custom, relying on the help of the old servants in the house, and trying our best to avoid any mistakes. We will just report back to my husband when he returns. There is no question of managing them."
Her answer was impeccable, expressing respect for the Marquis of Anyuan's residence while pointing out that she was merely "following precedent" and "trying her best not to make any mistakes," subtly deflecting any hint of "seizing power." She even brought up Gu Yangui to show that she was only acting temporarily, adopting an extremely humble yet dignified stance.
Mrs. Zhao was rebuffed, gave a dry laugh, and said nothing more.
The old lady of Anyuan Marquis was shrewd and experienced, and she could easily see through the subtle meaning. She was quite satisfied with Su Wanrou's response and smiled as she smoothed things over: "Yan's daughter-in-law is a sensible girl. Alright, you young people don't all crowd around this old woman. The chrysanthemums and hibiscus in the garden are in full bloom. Go take a stroll and have a chat."
Everyone then got up and went to the garden in twos and threes. Su Wanrou chatted with the old lady for a while longer before taking her leave.
Upon arriving at the garden, the flowers were in full bloom, and the people were even more beautiful than the blossoms. Many ladies who were on good terms with the Yongchang Marquis's family or had a past relationship with the Zhenguo Duke's family took the initiative to speak with Su Wanrou, their attitudes warm and friendly. Su Wanrou maintained a gentle and polite demeanor throughout, neither overly enthusiastic nor aloof. Her conversation was filled with classical allusions, revealing her considerable insight, which secretly surprised some of the ladies who had initially looked down on her because of her young age.
Several young ladies, perhaps having heard some rumors or perhaps wanting to see Su Wanrou make a fool of herself, gathered together, whispering and laughing, their eyes frequently glancing at Su Wanrou. One of them, a beautiful young lady in a pale yellow dress, was the daughter of Princess Pingyang. Spoiled by nature, she felt a pang of resentment seeing Su Wanrou receiving so much attention and deliberately raised her voice, saying, "Speaking of which, Duke Gu is indeed a remarkable hero, but his constant campaigns abroad leave his new wife alone in the capital. It must be hard for her. I've heard that there's quite a difference in age between you and the Duke; you must have little in common, right?"
These words were extremely rude, almost provocative. The surroundings fell silent instantly, everyone looking at Su Wanrou, wanting to see how she would respond.
Su Wanrou paused, holding her teacup. She raised her eyes, her gaze calm as she looked at the young lady who had spoken so recklessly. A faint smile remained on her face, though it didn't reach her eyes. "This young lady is joking. It is a duty for a subject to serve his country and defend its borders. It is also my duty as a wife and mother to serve my grandmother, raise my children, and manage the household affairs in the capital. How can there be any talk of hardship? As for shared conversations," she paused slightly, her tone composed, "husband and wife are one, their hearts are in sync. What does it matter if we are together day and night or how many years have passed? You are still young and have not yet married, so it is understandable that you have such questions. You will naturally understand when you find a good husband in the future."
Her words were neither humble nor arrogant. She upheld her husband's dignity, stated her position, and subtly deflected the other party's rudeness by attributing it to "youthfulness" and "unmarried status," thus cleverly shutting him down and making herself appear magnanimous and unconcerned.
The young lady in yellow was speechless, her face flushed red, but she couldn't refute him. Frustrated, she stomped her foot and turned to leave. Several older ladies around her exchanged glances, their eyes filled with approval. This young Duchess, though seemingly delicate, was a woman of great character and eloquence, not to be underestimated.
After this incident, no one dared to easily test or provoke her again. Su Wanrou calmly enjoyed the flowers, tea, and conversation with the other ladies and young women, her words and actions impeccable. She even took the time to look after a few young wives who were attending such a banquet for the first time and were somewhat reserved, gently guiding them into conversation, making everyone feel as if they were bathed in a spring breeze.
The flower-viewing banquet lasted until late afternoon. Su Wanrou then bid farewell to the Dowager Lady and Madam of Anyuan Marquis. The Dowager Lady held her hand and spoke many intimate words before letting her leave.
On the carriage back to the manor, Su Wanrou gently leaned back on the soft cushions and let out a sigh of relief. Yunbin gently massaged her temples while smiling and saying, "Madam was truly remarkable today. Look at the way those people looked at you afterwards; they were all full of admiration!"
Su Wanrou closed her eyes and smiled slightly: "It's just a matter of being careful with my words and actions, and not making any mistakes." She knew that today was just the beginning. But after this battle, she had truly established herself in the circle of noblewomen in the capital, proving to everyone that she, Su Wanrou, was worthy of the title of the Duchess of Zhenguo.
The carriage traveled along the bustling streets, the outside world filled with the lively sounds of daily life, while inside, a sense of peace gradually settled in. Su Wanrou thought to herself that she would have much more to share with her husband when she wrote to him tonight.
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