Chapter 10: The Tea-Serving Incident
Gu Wanru came and went like the wind, leaving behind only a faint hint of sarcasm and provocation, like a pebble thrown into a lake, creating ripples in Su Wanrou's heart before slowly settling down. She knew all too well that in this deep and powerful family compound, words could be like knives, but losing one's composure was even more dangerous. Right now, the most important thing was to establish a firm foothold, and that foundation lay in her husband's approval, her grandmother's support, and the warmth she had built with Mingxuan.
She refocused her attention on the brocade fabric in her hands, feeling its delicate, cool touch with her fingertips, and had already made up her mind. She decided to stay in the Jinse Courtyard that afternoon, tailoring clothes for Mingxuan.
"Yun Que, go and fetch my sandalwood sewing basket. Qiu Yue, you have good eyesight, help me take a look at this fabric. Should I cut it into a short jacket with a cross-collar and right-fastening front, or would it be more stylish to make a small shirt with a stand-up collar?" Su Wanrou instructed as she gestured over the fabric.
Seeing that their mistress was focused and not distracted by the Second Miss's visit, the two head maids calmed down and stepped forward with smiles to offer their advice. The small flower hall of Jinse Courtyard was filled with the soft sounds of the mistress and servants discussing and searching for patterns.
Sunlight streamed through the half-open sliding window, casting bright dappled patterns on the polished gold-brick floor. A faint scent of sandalwood and the delicate fragrance of newly planted jasmine wafted through the air. Su Wanrou sat by the window, her neck bowed, revealing a graceful, white curve. Holding silver scissors, she carefully cut along the drawn pink lines. Her movements were slow, yet remarkably steady and focused. Her long eyelashes cast a small shadow beneath her eyes, her expression serene and beautiful.
The afternoon slipped away quietly amidst the flying needles and threads. By late afternoon (around 5 pm), a small and exquisite brocade cross-collar short jacket was taking shape, lacking only the frog buttons and the final piping. Su Wanrou rubbed her slightly sore neck, looked up at the setting sun outside the window, and asked, "What time is it? Has the Duke returned yet?"
Qiu Yue hurriedly replied, "Reporting to Madam, it's almost 5 PM. Just now, Granny Zhao sent a maid to say that the Duke has returned to the manor and went straight to his study. He instructed that dinner be served in the main room of Guiyan Residence, and invited Madam to come and dine with him at 5:45 PM."
Su Wanrou's heart tightened slightly. Guiyan Residence was Gu Yangui's main courtyard, right next to her Jinse Courtyard. Yesterday's grand wedding was held in the bridal chamber of Jinse Courtyard, and tonight's dinner was being held at Guiyan Residence, which naturally carried a different meaning. This was the second day of their marriage, and the first time the couple would formally dine together at the same table.
"Help me wash and change," Su Wanrou said, putting down her work and getting up.
After cleansing and smoothing her face, combing her hair into a bun, and changing into a slightly formal yet elegant lotus-colored ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress) with lotus scroll patterns, and putting on a pair of pearl earrings, Su Wanrou looked at the woman in the mirror who was less childish and more composed than yesterday. She took a deep breath, took Yun Que's hand, and left Jinse Courtyard, heading towards Guiyan Residence next door.
Guiyan Residence was even more spacious and grand than Jinse Courtyard. Several ancient pine trees stood in the courtyard, and the maids and servants standing under the eaves were dressed impeccably, moving silently and strictly according to the rules. Upon seeing Su Wanrou, everyone bowed in unison. A middle-aged woman in a blue vest, who appeared to be the head maid, stepped forward and greeted her with a polite smile: "Greetings, Madam. The Duke is waiting in the hall. Please follow this old servant."
This old woman's surname was Qian. She was the head maid of Guiyan Residence and an old servant in the mansion. It was said that she was once the maid who accompanied the late Duchess of the State, Gu Yangui's birth mother, and was quite respectable in the mansion.
Su Wanrou nodded slightly and followed Granny Qian through the courtyard into the main room. The room was decorated in a calm and solemn manner. Ancient books and jade artifacts were displayed on the curio cabinet, and swords and maps hung on the walls. The air was filled with a faint scent of pine and ink, all of which reflected the tastes and status of the male owner.
Gu Yangui had changed out of his court robes and was now dressed in a dark blue casual straight-cut suit. He was standing by the window, looking outside. Hearing footsteps, he turned around. The afterglow of the setting sun gilded him, softening his hard features, but his deep eyes still carried an undeniable air of authority when they looked over.
"Husband." Su Wanrou stepped forward and gave a proper bow.
"Hmm." Gu Yangui responded, his gaze lingering on her for a moment, seemingly somewhat satisfied with her outfit, and pointed to the dining table beside him, "Sit down."
The food was served quickly. Although not as varied as lunch, each dish was exquisite and mostly catered to Gu Yangui's preferences, showing that the kitchen had put in a lot of effort. Eating and sleeping were done in silence, with only the soft clinking of bowls and chopsticks.
The dining table was cleared away and replaced with tea. Gu Yangui picked up his teacup, and before he could speak, his voice sounded particularly deep in the quiet hall: "Did you see your aunt today?"
"Yes." Su Wanrou held the warm teacup in both hands and answered softly, "My mother is very kind and gave me many instructions."
"Yes, remember Mother's words." Gu Yangui took a sip of tea, his tone calm. "As for Mingxuan..."
“After leaving my aunt’s this morning, I went to the small garden to see Mingxuan,” Su Wanrou reported naturally, with a touch of lightness. “He was playing with Xueqiu, he was very lively and cute. My daughter-in-law played with him for a while and gave him a little rattan trinket, which he liked very much. This afternoon… I made him a little jacket in his room, it’s not finished yet.”
She briefly recounted her interactions with Mingxuan, omitting the unpleasantness of Gu Wanru's visit, and finally mentioned making clothes, with a subtle hint of anticipation for approval.
Gu Yangui listened, his gaze falling on her slender, fair fingers, as if he could imagine her diligently sewing that afternoon. He was silent for a moment before saying, "You're very thoughtful. But these trivial matters can be left to the embroiderer; there's no need to do them yourself, lest you hurt your eyes."
His tone remained calm, even carrying a hint of his usual command, but the subtle concern within it warmed Su Wanrou's heart.
"Thank you for your concern, my husband. It's nothing, I understand," she replied obediently.
After taking a couple more sips of tea, Gu Yangui put down his teacup and, as if suddenly remembering something, said, "Tomorrow at 6:45 AM, you will come with me to the ancestral hall to offer incense to our ancestors and... also to offer them a cup of tea."
Su Wanrou's heart skipped a beat, and her fingers tightened unconsciously around the teacup. She naturally understood who "she" referred to—Gu Yangui's first wife, the late Duchess of the First State, Mingxuan's nominal birth mother, Lady Liu.
What's meant to happen will happen eventually. A second wife must not only pay respects to her ancestors but also offer tea to the memorial tablet of her first wife. This is both a matter of etiquette and a confirmation of her status, and... a kind of "submission." This cup of tea is offered to the deceased, but it is also for the living to see, especially for those who still cherish the memory of their late wife.
"Yes, daughter-in-law understands." Su Wanrou lowered her eyelashes, concealing the complex emotions that flashed across her eyes, her voice still steady and gentle.
Looking at her meek and submissive appearance, Gu Yangui wanted to say something, but in the end he only said, "Well, go back and rest early. Don't be late tomorrow."
"Yes, my husband, you should also rest early." Su Wanrou stood up, bowed, and took her leave.
Stepping out of Guiyan Residence, the evening breeze carried a chill, dispelling the warmth and aroma of tea that had lingered inside. Su Wanrou looked up at the now inky blue sky and the rising stars, letting out a soft sigh. Tomorrow's tea ceremony at the ancestral hall would likely not be as simple as Gu Yangui had described. That cup of tea, she feared, would be difficult to offer.
--------------------------------------
The next day, at the beginning of the Mao hour (5 a.m.), before dawn.
Su Wanrou had already gotten up. Yun Que and Qiu Yue helped her wash and dress. Today's clothes were more solemn than yesterday's. She wore a formal noblewoman's dress in begonia red embroidered with gold peony branches. Her hair was styled into an elegant peony bun. She wore a set of red gold and ruby headdresses. Her makeup was also made a bit heavier to enhance her complexion and cover up the slight pallor caused by getting up early and being restless.
At 2:45 AM, she appeared precisely at the entrance of Guiyan Residence. Gu Yangui was also ready, still dressed in his usual black casual clothes, but exuding an imposing aura. He glanced at Su Wanrou, offering no comment on her proper attire, and simply said, "Let's go."
The ancestral hall of the Duke's Mansion is located in the northeast corner of the mansion, a solitary and solemn courtyard. With its blue bricks and gray tiles, and ancient cypress trees, one can feel a solemn and heavy atmosphere even before approaching it.
Several people were already waiting at the entrance of the ancestral hall. Besides the old servant who held the key to the hall, Su Wanrou also saw the old lady's capable old nanny, as well as... several seemingly prominent stewardesses and older female servants. They stood with their hands at their sides, their expressions respectful, but the gazes they cast upon Su Wanrou carried an indescribable scrutiny, curiosity, and even a hint of... hostility or pity.
Su Wanrou understood immediately. Most of these people were former servants of the late Madam Liu, or elderly members of the household who valued rules and remained loyal to their former mistress. Today, they were there not only to observe the ceremony, but also to "witness" it.
Gu Yangui seemed used to this, not even glancing at those people, and strode straight into the ancestral hall. Su Wanrou composed herself, straightened her back, and followed him inside.
The ancestral hall was dimly lit, its tall beams and pillars appearing profound, and the air was filled with the unique aroma of incense offerings made over the years. Directly in front were rows of black lacquered and gilded ancestral tablets, layered upon each other, solemn and dignified. On the lowest layer, a relatively new and polished tablet stood alone, prominently inscribed with "The Tablet of the Late Mother, Madam Liu, Mother of Gu".
That is the memorial tablet of my late wife, Madam Liu.
The attendants at the ancestral hall had already prepared incense, candles, and offerings. Gu Yangui stepped forward first, washed his hands, lit incense, and knelt in prayer. His movements were fluid and steady. He silently prayed for a moment before the ancestral tablets and Liu's tablet, then stood up and stepped aside.
All eyes were now focused on Su Wanrou.
Su Wanrou felt those gazes, as if they were tangible, pressing down on her shoulders. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her heartbeat, and stepped forward to wash her hands as before. Then, she took three lit incense sticks from the tray held by the old servant beside her.
Holding incense sticks in both hands, she raised them to her brows and slowly knelt before the ancestral tablets of the Gu family. After three bows, she inserted the incense into the incense burner. Wisps of smoke rose, blurring the gilded characters on the tablets.
Then, she turned to the individual memorial tablet—"The tablet of the late Madam Liu, mother of the late Gu family."
The old servant handed her a cup of hot tea. The teacup was made of fine white porcelain, and the warmth emanated from the cup, causing her fingertips to tremble slightly.
Holding the cup of tea, she slowly knelt down before Madam Liu's memorial tablet. The floor, covered with prayer cushions, was cold and hard.
The ancestral hall was deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop. The only sounds were the faint crackling of burning incense and candles, and Su Wanrou's own slightly rapid heartbeat. She could feel the gazes behind her, especially a few that held a cold, scrutinizing gaze, as if waiting to see her make the slightest mistake.
She looked up at the cold memorial tablet. Behind it lay a woman she had never met, yet was destined to live in her shadow. She was Gu Yangui's lawfully wedded wife, the former mistress of this mansion, and Mingxuan's nominal birth mother. And she, Su Wanrou, was the second wife, the newcomer.
This cup of tea is offered to the deceased, but even more so to everyone in the manor who still remembers Lady Liu. She must bow her head to show respect, but she cannot lose her dignity as the current Duchess.
She raised the teacup above her head with both hands, her voice clear, steady, and full of respect, and said, "Elder sister, I, Su Wanrou, offer this tea here today, hoping that your spirit in heaven may rest in peace. Now that I have entered the Gu family, I will certainly uphold the virtues of a wife, be filial to my elders, take good care of my husband and Mingxuan, maintain the family's reputation, and live up to your past hard work. Please, elder sister... have some tea."
After speaking, she bent down, respectfully raised the teacup to the offering table in front of the memorial tablet, and then kowtowed three times properly.
Every movement was performed with meticulous care; every word was carefully considered; every bow was performed with utmost sincerity.
After kowtowing, she did not get up immediately, but remained in a bowed position for a moment to show her final sorrow and respect.
Throughout the entire process, the ancestral hall remained silent. However, Su Wanrou could sense that some of the scrutinizing gazes behind her seemed to have softened slightly. At least, in terms of etiquette, she could find no fault with her, and her attitude was respectful enough.
However, just as she was about to get up, a slightly choked old woman's voice suddenly rang out: "Madam... if you are watching from heaven, look... the Duke has married a new wife... she... she has come to serve you tea..."
Su Wanrou paused, slowly straightened up, and looked in the direction of the sound. In the crowd, she saw an old woman with gray hair, wearing a dark blue jacket, wiping away tears with her sleeve. Her expression was sorrowful, and her gaze towards Su Wanrou was complex and indescribable, containing sadness, longing, and perhaps a hint of... resentment.
Su Wanrou recognized her; she was an old nanny she had seen in the old lady's courtyard yesterday. Her surname was Chang, and she was said to be the wet nurse of the late Madam Liu. After Madam Liu passed away, she lived a life of luxury in the old lady's courtyard, but she was still a very respectable old woman in the mansion.
Her crying immediately added to the already somber atmosphere in the ancestral hall, making it even more awkward and sorrowful. Several of the stewardesses, who had originally been maids who had accompanied Liu in her dowry, also had tears in their eyes.
Gu Yangui frowned almost imperceptibly, but did not reprimand him. In such situations, remembering the deceased is only natural.
Su Wanrou sighed inwardly. What was bound to happen had indeed arrived. This was not merely a tea ceremony, but a silent contest. If she handled it poorly, she would either appear disrespectful to the late Madam, or appear weak and easily bullied.
She stood up, ignoring the fine dust clinging to her skirt, and turned to face Granny Chang and the sorrowful-looking servants. Her face held a measured blend of grief and respect, and she spoke in a gentle yet clear voice:
"Granny Chang, all the nannies and mothers, please accept my condolences. My sister's passing is not only a pain for the Duke and Mingxuan, but also for the entire household. Although Wanrou was not fortunate enough to see my sister's kind face, she heard that my sister was virtuous and kind, and managed the household well, earning the deep respect and love of everyone in the household. Wanrou also has great respect for my sister."
She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone, her tone becoming even more sincere: "Wanrou is young and new here, and there are many things she doesn't understand. She will need the guidance and help of all the nannies and mothers in the future. Wanrou has no other talents, but she wishes to carry on her sister's legacy, to serve her husband wholeheartedly, to raise Mingxuan, and to work with everyone to manage the Duke's Mansion better, so as to comfort her sister's spirit in heaven. I believe... this is what her sister would have wanted to see."
Her words expressed both respect for the late Madam Liu and her commitment to "carrying on her legacy," while clearly defining her role and responsibilities as the current mistress of the house. They were neither servile nor overbearing, but rather reasonable and persuasive. The final sentence, "I'm sure this is what my sister would have wanted to see," elevated her position, leaving no room for argument.
Upon hearing this, Granny Chang and the others were speechless for a moment. If they continued to grieve, it would seem that they disregarded the overall situation and were unwilling to maintain harmony in the household. Granny Chang wiped away her tears and could only bow and say, "Madam, you are too kind. This old servant... this old servant was just missing her former master and lost her composure for a moment. Please forgive her, Madam."
“Granny’s kindness and loyalty are beyond reproach.” Su Wanrou stepped forward, offered a slight hand to help her up, and said gently, “Don’t be so polite. If you knew how much Granny cares for you, you would surely be grateful as well.”
She then looked at the other servants who looked distressed and offered a few words of gentle comfort. Her attitude was dignified and appropriate, fulfilling both proper etiquette and stabilizing the situation.
Gu Yangui stood aside, taking in everything, a barely perceptible hint of admiration flashing in his deep eyes. His young wife, though young, was composed and quick-witted, handling these situations better than he had expected.
"Alright." He spoke at the right moment, his voice breaking the delicate atmosphere in the ancestral hall. "The tea has been served, everyone may leave now."
"Yes," everyone replied in unison, bowing and withdrawing.
Su Wanrou secretly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling a thin layer of sweat on her back. Offering this cup of tea was truly no easy feat.
Stepping out of the ancestral hall, the morning sun had already dispelled the thin mist, shining warmly upon them. Gu Yangui slowed his pace, walking alongside her. After a moment of silence, he suddenly said, "You handled it well just now."
Su Wanrou was slightly taken aback, turning her head to look at his cold and hard profile. She hadn't expected to receive such a direct compliment from him. A sweet feeling welled up in her heart. She lowered her eyelashes and said softly, "It's because of my husband's excellent guidance, and it's also... Wanrou's duty."
Gu Yangui hummed in agreement and didn't say anything more. But the atmosphere between the two seemed to have quietly warmed up a little because of the small incident they had gone through together and his rare words of approval.
Back at Jinse Courtyard, Su Wanrou finally relaxed. Removing her heavy headdress and jewelry and changing into casual clothes, she sat by the window, gazing at the bright morning light, recalling the scene at the ancestral hall, her heart filled with emotion.
The path in this Duke's mansion is destined to be bumpy. But in any case, she has smoothly passed the tea ceremony. Next, she needs to do her "duties" better, one by one.
End of Chapter 10
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com