Chapter 25: Summoned to the Palace
Gu Yangui's words, "I'll take care of everything," acted like a reassuring pill, lessening Su Wanrou's anxiety about the upcoming palace banquet and filling her with a calm anticipation. She knew that this was not just a simple invitation from the Empress to admire the flowers, but also her first formal appearance as the wife of the Duke of Zhenguo in the capital's most elite circle of noblewomen.
She slept surprisingly soundly that night.
The next morning, Su Wanrou got up to dress. The maids presented her with a sandalwood-colored brocade dress with gold cloud and phoenix patterns, custom-made according to her rank, the pearls on her jade and flower crown shimmering. She looked at herself in the mirror, wrapped in gorgeous clothes and jewelry, looking somewhat unfamiliar, took a deep breath, and straightened her back.
When Gu Yangui stepped into the inner room, he saw that she was already dressed neatly and was slightly frowning as she adjusted a pair of heavy, red-gold, jewel-encrusted bracelets on her wrist. Sunlight streamed through the window lattice, falling on her lowered eyes and the floral crown that symbolized her status and responsibility, giving her a beauty that transcended her age.
He paused, stepped forward, and very naturally reached out to straighten the slightly crooked tassel on one side of her floral crown. His cool fingertips brushed against her earlobe, and both of them were slightly startled.
"Is it heavy?" He looked at the bracelets on her slender wrists.
Su Wanrou nodded honestly: "It's a bit heavy."
"Bear with it, such are the rules of a palace banquet." His voice was not loud, but it was a little gentler than usual. "It's almost time, let's go."
The carriage headed towards the capital, and the interior was completely silent. Su Wanrou sat upright, her gaze fixed on her clasped hands. She could feel Gu Yangui's incredibly strong presence beside her. He seemed to be resting with his eyes closed, but the calm and composed aura around him dispelled the last trace of tension in her heart.
The palace gates opened one by one, and passengers were transferred to sedan chairs to reach the Kunning Palace, where the Empress resided.
The hall was already filled with the fragrance of fine clothes and the aroma of perfume. When the eunuch announced, "The Duke and Duchess of Zhenguo have arrived," the quiet chatter and laughter instantly fell silent, and countless eyes turned to them. Some were curious, some scrutinizing, some subtly observing, and perhaps even harboring the source of the "gossip" that Mother had mentioned the day before.
Su Wanrou could feel those gazes like fine needles, trying to probe the truth beneath her gorgeous clothes. She took a slight breath, following the etiquette instructor's instructions, and followed Gu Yangui by half a step, lowering her eyes and gathering her robes, her steps composed, her skirt remaining perfectly still.
Gu Yangui stood tall and straight, his face cold and stern. He seemed oblivious to the stares around him, and led her forward steadily to perform the traditional courtly salute to the Empress, who sat on the phoenix throne.
"Your subject (your wife) pays respects to Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty live a thousand years."
The Empress, who was about forty years old, was dignified and graceful, with a gentle smile on her face: "Duke and Lady, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise. Please have a seat."
Palace servants immediately led them to their seats, which were only below those of several princes and princesses, demonstrating the great favor bestowed upon the Duke's mansion by the emperor.
After they were seated, the Empress smiled and said to Su Wanrou, "I have long heard that although the Duchess is young, she is quiet and well-mannered. Seeing her today, I can see that her reputation is well-deserved. Her demeanor is a perfect match for the Duke."
Su Wanrou rose, slightly curtsied, and said in a soft yet clear voice, "Your Majesty flatters me; I am unworthy of such praise."
"Sit down and talk," the Empress said, raising her hand in a gesture of support. Her gaze shifted between her and Gu Yangui, and her smile deepened. "It seems the Duke cherishes his wife very much, which puts my mind at ease. I heard some unfounded rumors the other day; they really deserve a beating."
These words, seemingly caring, were actually a warning, bringing those "gossips" to the forefront. The hall immediately fell even quieter, everyone perking up their ears.
Su Wanrou's heart tightened, but her expression remained gentle. Just as she was about to reply, Gu Yangui spoke first, his voice calm and even, yet carrying an undeniable weight:
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. My wife is young and quiet, not used to socializing, and usually stays at home taking care of her husband and children. Outsiders rarely see her, so it's inevitable that some people will make unfounded speculations. It's my family's affairs that have troubled Your Majesty."
With one sentence, he clarified that Su Wanrou was "unaccustomed to socializing" rather than "not valued," and characterized the rumors as "unfounded speculation." His final sentence, "This is a matter of my family," directly blocked any possible "concern" from the Empress.
A hint of surprise flashed in the Empress's eyes, then she smiled and said, "The Duke is right. Harmony between husband and wife and peace in the home are of utmost importance." She then smoothly steered the conversation to the main subject of the day—those few pots of rare and precious chrysanthemums.
The atmosphere inside the hall livelyened again, with the ladies of the court joining in to admire the flowers and compose poems, creating a harmonious scene. However, the gazes directed at Su Wanrou subtly shifted. Previously, they were investigating whether she was "unworthy of her title," but now they held a more measured view—this young Duchess seemed not as easily manipulated as they had imagined, and the Duke of Zhenguo's obvious protection made everyone reconsider their approach.
After admiring the flowers for half the time, the Empress ordered that chrysanthemum cakes, chrysanthemum wine, and other refreshments be served. Palace servants filed in to serve the ladies-in-waiting the food and wine.
Just then, a young woman dressed in a peach-colored palace gown, with a touch of spoiled arrogance in her eyes, walked up to Su Wanrou's table with a wine cup, surrounded by several noblewomen. Su Wanrou recognized her; she was Princess An's niece, surnamed Liu. Because her aunt was favored, she frequently visited the palace and was quite well-known among the noble ladies of the capital.
"I've long wanted to get to know the Duchess," Miss Liu said with a sweet smile, but a hint of provocation was hidden in her eyes. "You're so young, yet you manage the Duke's mansion so well. Even the young master Xuan, left behind by the previous wife, is so well-behaved. It's truly admirable. I'd like to offer you a toast."
These words sound like flattery, but they are actually full of barbs. Not only does the speaker deliberately mention "the first wife," implying that Su Wanrou is a second wife, but she also attributes Mingxuan's well-behaved nature to her "upbringing." If Su Wanrou does not handle the situation properly, she could easily be accused of "deliberately trying to win over her stepson" or "erasing the achievements of the first wife."
The surroundings instantly quieted down, and even the Empress picked up her teacup, seemingly casually, but actually paying close attention to the commotion.
Gu Yangui frowned slightly, about to speak, when a cool little hand gently pressed down on the back of his hand under the table. He glanced sideways and saw Su Wanrou shake her head almost imperceptibly, then calmly stand up and pick up her wine glass.
Her face held just the right amount of shyness and humility befitting a new bride, and her voice remained gentle: "Miss Liu, you flatter me. I am young and inexperienced, and the affairs of the household are mostly handled by the steward and old servants. I dare not take credit for anything. As for Xuan'er," she mentioned Mingxuan, her tone natural and sincere, "that child is kind-hearted, sensible, and well-mannered, all thanks to the Duke's excellent upbringing, and also... my late sister's great fortune. I have only done my duty, taking care of his daily life and meals. I am unworthy of the title of 'well-mannered'."
Her words were neither humble nor arrogant. She attributed the credit to the steward, the Duke, and her "former sister," which was both proper and showed that she was open-minded and had no grudge against the late Madam. She also positioned herself as a "dutiful" stepmother, leaving no room for criticism.
Miss Liu's smile froze, seemingly not expecting Su Wanrou to handle the situation so flawlessly.
Su Wanrou smiled and raised her wine glass slightly: "This glass of wine is for Miss Liu. Thank you for your kind words." After saying that, she covered her face with her sleeve and elegantly drank the fruit wine in the glass.
Miss Liu had no choice but to awkwardly drink it as well.
A disturbance vanished without a trace.
Gu Yangui looked at his wife beside him. Her slightly reddened earlobes revealed that she was not as calm as she appeared, but her straight back and proper demeanor stirred an indescribable feeling in him. He reached under the table and grasped the hand that had pressed him earlier, giving it a gentle squeeze.
Su Wanrou's heart skipped a beat. She quickly glanced at him and saw that he was looking straight ahead with a normal expression, as if it was just an unintentional act. However, the warmth and strength from his palm made her cheeks burn even hotter, and a warm current surged in her heart.
After this incident, no one dared to easily step forward to test the waters. The second half of the palace banquet went smoothly, and after chatting for a while, the Empress said she was tired and ordered everyone to disperse.
On the carriage leaving the palace, Su Wanrou's tense nerves finally relaxed completely, and she felt a wave of exhaustion.
"Well done." Gu Yangui's deep voice came from beside him.
Su Wanrou looked up at him, somewhat uncertain: "Husband, did I... bring shame to the Duke's mansion today?"
"Disgraceful?" Gu Yangui looked at her cautious appearance, and the corners of his lips seemed to curl up very slightly. "You have made your husband proud today."
Su Wanrou was stunned, and then a huge wave of joy and relief welled up in her heart, making her eyes slightly sore. She lowered her head to hide her emotions and whispered, "It's all thanks to my husband's good teaching."
If it weren't for his words last night that enlightened her and gave her confidence, she might not have been able to remain so calm today.
Gu Yangui did not respond, and the carriage fell silent again, but it was a soothing and reassuring silence.
As soon as the carriage returned to the Duke's mansion, a small figure rushed over like a cannonball and hugged Su Wanrou's leg tightly.
"Mother! You're back!" Mingxuan looked up at her with his little face, his eyes full of longing. "Are there any delicious snacks in the palace? Is the Empress fierce?"
The child's dependence and concern instantly dispelled all of Su Wanrou's fatigue. She bent down and picked up Mingxuan (though it was a bit difficult), smiling as she rubbed his little nose: "Yes, Her Majesty also asked Mother to bring it back for Xuan'er. Her Majesty isn't fierce, she's very kind."
Gu Yangui stood aside, watching Su Wanrou carry Mingxuan, answering the child's innocent questions in a gentle voice as they walked into the mansion. The setting sun cast their shadows on the ground, long and intertwined.
He followed slowly behind, instructing the approaching butler, "Madam is tired. Have dinner delivered directly to the main courtyard. Also, have the kitchen prepare a calming soup."
"Yes, Your Excellency."
Back in the main courtyard, Su Wanrou took off her heavy floral crown and formal dress, changing into light, casual clothes, and only then did she feel truly alive again. Mingxuan followed her around like a little tail, chattering about the interesting things that had happened to him that day.
As expected, Gu Yangui stayed in the main courtyard for dinner. At the table, Mingxuan curiously pressed for details about the palace banquet, and Su Wanrou picked out the interesting parts to recount, omitting the more contentious ones. Gu Yangui occasionally added a comment or two, and the atmosphere became more harmonious and warm than ever before.
In the stillness of the night, Su Wanrou, after bathing, sat in front of her dressing table to style her hair. In the mirror, she saw Gu Yangui enter, not going directly to the study as usual, but instead walking behind her.
He picked up the simple jasmine jade hairpin that she usually wore from the dressing table, rubbed it in his hand, and then, with some awkward movements, gently pinned it into her newly styled hair bun.
In the mirror, the man is tall and has a stern face, while the woman is petite and delicate, with a touch of white jade in her black hair. The scene has a strange harmony.
"The pearls bestowed upon you by the palace today are of good quality," he suddenly said. "Have a craftsman make a new headdress for you tomorrow. It will look good on you."
Looking at him in the mirror, and the jade hairpin he had personally placed in his hair, Su Wanrou felt a sharp pang in her heart. She remembered her mother's worries from yesterday, the gossip in the capital, and then looked at the genuine care and... clumsy tenderness before her.
All the anxiety and grievances vanished at that moment.
She turned around, looked up at him, her eyes shining brightly in the lamplight, and her lips curved into a radiant, slightly shy smile.
"Okay, I'll do whatever my husband says."
End of Chapter 25
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