Chapter 13: The Day of Returning Home
The chrysanthemum-viewing banquet at Prince An's residence, like a meticulously rehearsed drama, finally came to a close amidst a cacophony of gazes. Su Wanrou, adhering to the principle of "remaining composed and speaking little, listening with a smile," passed the banquet unscathed, without making any mistakes. Although Princess An was extravagant, she was not a harsh person; she showed some curiosity towards this young Duchess, exchanging a few casual words before moving on. However, several ladies who were close to the late Lady Liu made probing remarks, all of which Su Wanrou deftly deflected with composure.
After returning from the banquet, Su Wanrou had no time to savor the autumn scenery and undercurrents in the garden. All her attention was focused on the upcoming day of her return to her parents' home and the mysterious general ledger of the Duke's mansion that she had just taken over.
The third-day homecoming was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances and was scheduled for the ninth day after she entered the manor. Early that morning, Jinse Courtyard was bustling with activity. Su Wanrou was dressed in the formal attire of a second-rank duke's wife, a scarlet brocade robe embroidered with intricate peonies, and a pearl and jade crown. Although she was dressed according to her rank and exuded an air of authority, her still somewhat childish face still revealed a solemnity that seemed incongruous with her age.
Gu Yangui took a day off to accompany her on her homecoming visit. He had changed into a dark blue casual robe, with a jade belt cinching his waist, which made him appear even more upright. Seeing Su Wanrou emerge in her finest attire, his gaze lingered on her for a moment before he said calmly, "Let's go."
The carriage was already prepared, and the entourage was complete. Little Mingxuan was dressed by his wet nurse like a lucky baby from a New Year's painting, wearing a festive red brocade robe, and curiously peered out of the carriage window. Although he did not understand the meaning of returning to his parents' home, he was very excited to be able to go out with his parents, especially to a place he had never been before.
"Mother, do Grandpa's house have any delicious snacks?" Mingxuan asked Su Wanrou, looking up at her. Over the past few days, he had gotten used to the title "Mother" and felt a strong sense of dependence on her.
Su Wanrou felt a pang of tenderness in her heart. She straightened his collar and said softly, "Yes, Grandmother must have prepared many of Xuan'er's favorite foods."
Gu Yangui watched the interaction between the mother and son with a deep gaze, without uttering a word.
The carriage rumbled as it left the imposing Duke Zhenguo Mansion, passed through the bustling streets, and headed towards the Yongchang Earl's Mansion in the west of the city. Su Wanrou sat upright, her palms slightly sweaty. This was not only a married daughter returning home, but also a meeting of vastly different social standing between a fallen earl's family and a powerful duke's family. How would her family react? Would her brother and sister-in-law feel awkward? Would her parents be overly reserved due to the disparity in their social status? All of this filled her with apprehension.
Seemingly sensing her nervousness, a warm, dry hand reached out and gently covered the back of her hands, which were folded on her knees. Su Wanrou trembled and looked up at Gu Yangui in surprise. He, however, remained looking straight ahead, his profile cold and hard, as if the hand wasn't his own. He simply said, "No need to be nervous."
Those three simple words, along with the warmth of his palm, strangely soothed Su Wanrou's anxious heart. She responded softly, "Thank you, my husband."
The carriage stopped in front of the Yongchang Earl's mansion. Although the Earl's mansion was also a noble family, its gates were clearly not comparable to those of the Duke's mansion, and even appeared somewhat old. At this moment, the central gate was wide open, and the Yongchang Earl, Su Wenqian, along with his wife, Madam Li, and his son, Su Yunfan, and his wife, were already dressed in auspicious attire and waiting respectfully at the gate.
The carriage curtain was lifted, and Gu Yangui stepped out first. Then he turned around and reached out to help Su Wanrou. This seemingly ordinary gesture caused a slight change in the expressions of everyone in the Yongchang Marquis's mansion—the Duke himself was helping her, a gesture that showed how much he valued his newlywed wife.
"Your subject (your wife) pays respects to the Duke and to the Lady." Su Wenqian led his family in bowing according to etiquette. Even though they were the wife's family, the proper etiquette between ruler and subject took precedence.
Gu Yangui stepped forward and offered a gesture of support: "Father-in-law and mother-in-law, there's no need for such formalities. Today is a family dinner."
Su Wenqian repeatedly said he dared not, and welcomed Gu Yangui and Su Wanrou into the mansion. Mingxuan, held by his wet nurse, curiously looked around at the unfamiliar surroundings.
Upon entering the main hall, they took their seats in order. Su Wanrou looked at her parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law, who were noticeably more reserved than before, and felt a pang of bitterness in her heart. She knew that from the moment she married into the Duke's mansion, her relationship with her family could never return to its former casualness, especially in front of the powerful and influential Gu Yangui.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, Gu Yangui said to Su Wenqian, "I've heard that my father-in-law has several ancient paintings from previous dynasties in his study. I wonder if I would have the honor of seeing them?" This was clearly to leave room for the women to speak.
Su Wenqian was flattered and quickly led Gu Yangui to the study. Prince Su Yunfan naturally accompanied them.
As soon as the men left, the atmosphere in the hall relaxed considerably. Madam Su, Li, immediately took her daughter's hand, her eyes reddening: "My child, are you doing well at the Duke's mansion? How does the Duke treat you? Are the servants respectful?" A series of questions filled with a mother's worry.
Sister-in-law Wang also looked over with concern.
Suppressing the bitterness in her heart, Su Wanrou smiled reassuringly: "Mother, don't worry, I'm doing well. The Duke... treats me very well. The servants in the manor are all well-behaved." She omitted the subtle difficulties and undercurrents, only mentioning the good things.
"That's good, that's good." Madam Li wiped the corner of her eyes with a handkerchief. "You're so young, and suddenly you've married into such a family. I've been worried about you for a whole day. Now that I see you look well, I'm relieved."
"Now that you are the Duchess, your demeanor is becoming increasingly extraordinary," said Wang, the sister-in-law, with a smile, before cautiously asking, "I heard that the Duke has entrusted you with managing the household affairs?"
Su Wanrou understood; this was the issue her family members cared about most. Managing the household affairs signified her status in the Duke's mansion. She smiled slightly, her tone calm: "My husband trusts me; he just handed over the keys and account books to me a couple of days ago. It's my first time taking over, and there are so many things to manage; I'm still getting used to it."
Li and Wang exchanged a glance, both seeing surprise in each other's eyes. Su Wanrou's ability to manage the household affairs of the Duke's mansion was undoubtedly a great help to the increasingly declining Yongchang Earl's mansion.
"This is wonderful! It's wonderful!" Madam Li was overjoyed. "My son, you must be careful and ask the nannies in the mansion about everything. If you're unsure about anything, you can send someone back to ask your mother." Although she came from a humble background, she had managed the household affairs of the Marquis's mansion for many years and had some experience.
"I understand, daughter." Su Wanrou nodded, then changed the subject and called Mingxuan to her side, "Xuan'er, come, greet your maternal grandmother and aunt."
Mingxuan was very obedient. He stepped forward and bowed respectfully, saying, "Mingxuan greets his maternal grandmother and his aunt."
The child's innocent actions instantly melted away the slightly calculating atmosphere. Looking at the adorable Mingxuan, Madam Li was overjoyed and quickly hugged him, calling him her darling. She then had her maid bring out the gold locket, writing implements, and other gifts that had been prepared beforehand.
Wang also chimed in, praising Mingxuan for being clever and sensible.
Amidst laughter and conversation, the banquet was prepared. Men and women sat at separate tables, separated by screens. The banquet was a lavish affair, prepared with great care by the Yongchang Marquis's family. During the banquet, Gu Yangui, though not talkative, was impeccably polite, treating his father-in-law and brother-in-law with great courtesy, giving the Marquis's family ample respect.
Seeing the Duke's attitude, Su Wenqian and Li Shi gradually relaxed, and the atmosphere became more harmonious.
After the meal, Gu Yangui was invited by Su Wenqian and his son to the study to continue appreciating calligraphy and paintings. Su Wanrou, on the other hand, was pulled into an inner room of the back courtyard by her mother and sister-in-law for a private conversation.
After dismissing the servants, Madam Li held her daughter's hand, her expression finally relaxing. She whispered, "Jiaojiao, now that you are in charge of the household affairs, there are some things I need to remind you of."
"Please speak, Mother."
“In prominent families, the relationships within the inner quarters are incredibly complex. Especially… the old retainers left behind by the late Madam.” Madam Li lowered her voice. “I’ve heard that the late Madam Liu came from the Cheng’en Duke’s Mansion. Although it’s a collateral branch, it’s still a noble family. Her personal attendants and confidants have been cultivating their influence in the Duke’s Mansion for many years and have deep roots. You’re young, and if you suddenly take power, they will definitely be resentful. You must be careful in everything you do. You need to establish your authority, but you can’t be too hasty, lest they join forces to hinder you.”
Su Wanrou was deeply moved. Although her mother lived in seclusion, she was well-informed, and her words struck a chord with her. "I understand. I have already sensed something and will act cautiously."
Madam Wang chimed in, "Now that you are the mistress of the house, you must be firm when necessary. Those servants are the most likely to bully the weak and fear the strong. However, you must also know how to use both kindness and severity to win over those who can be of use to you. I heard that Gu An, the head steward of the Duke's mansion's outer courtyard, is an old friend of the old master and is extremely loyal. Perhaps you could leverage his power."
Su Wanrou kept these words in mind. Her family's advice might not be entirely applicable to the complex situation of the Duke's mansion, but their good intentions and reminders were invaluable.
After chatting for a while, guessing that the conversation was almost over, Madam Li suddenly remembered something. She took out a small brocade pouch from the bottom of her makeup box and stuffed it into Su Wanrou's hand, her expression a little embarrassed but also concerned: "This... you keep it safe. The way of husband and wife... should always have more romance. You are still young, so you may not understand, but the Duke... Anyway, keep it, it may be useful when necessary."
Su Wanrou held the brocade pouch tightly. It was thin and seemed to contain some kind of spice or... Although she had not experienced much in such matters, she had been taught by her nanny before and after her marriage. She instantly understood her mother's meaning, and her cheeks flushed red, burning hot. She responded softly and hurriedly stuffed the brocade pouch into her sleeve.
At this moment, a maid came to report that the study in the front room had been cleared up and the Duke was preparing to return to his residence.
The homecoming ceremony was complete. Su Wanrou bid farewell to her mother and sister-in-law, inevitably feeling a pang of sadness. Madam Li, fighting back tears, urged her to take good care of herself.
Upon arriving at the front courtyard, Gu Yangui was already waiting. His gaze swept over Su Wanrou's slightly flushed cheeks, but he didn't ask any further questions. The entire Yongchang Marquis's family once again escorted the Duke and Duchess to the gate.
The carriage started and slowly drove away from the Yongchang Marquis's residence. Su Wanrou watched through the carriage window as the figures of her parents, brothers, and sisters-in-law grew smaller and smaller until they disappeared, feeling a sense of emptiness in her heart. Although she had married in a grand manner and her husband had given her ample respect, a woman's marriage ultimately meant leaving the home that had given her birth and nurtured her.
A small hand gently tugged at her sleeve. Su Wanrou lowered her head and met Mingxuan's clear, worried eyes: "Mother, are you unhappy?"
Su Wanrou felt a warmth in her heart, hugged the little one into her arms, and said softly, "No, Mother is just... a little reluctant to part with Grandmother and the others."
Mingxuan seemed to understand but not quite, and stretched out his little arms to hug her: "Mother, don't be afraid, Xuan'er and Father are with you."
The child's innocent words dispelled the sorrow of parting. Su Wanrou looked up and met Gu Yangui's gaze. He remained expressionless, but his eyes seemed less cold than usual.
The return journey seemed much faster than the outward trip. They arrived back at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion in the afternoon. Gu Yangui directly escorted Su Wanrou back to Jinse Courtyard.
“You must be tired today, take a good rest.” He stood at the courtyard gate, showing no intention of going in. “Starting tomorrow, you will officially take over the affairs of the manor. If you encounter any difficulties, you can come to me.”
"Yes, thank you, my husband." Su Wanrou curtsied.
Gu Yangui nodded, then turned and led Mingxuan to the front yard.
Back in the main room, after removing the heavy imperial hat and robes and changing into a soft, everyday skirt, Su Wanrou finally felt a sense of relief. Her homecoming day had passed smoothly. Her family was safe and sound, and her husband had treated her with great respect, which put her at ease.
She remembered the brocade pouch her mother had given her, and her face flushed again. After hesitating for a moment, she took it out and opened it. Inside was not the spices or pictures she had imagined, but a thin piece of silk paper with a few lines of words written in neat small regular script, which seemed to be some kind of... recipe? Next to it was a small packet of dried flower buds of unknown material.
Su Wanrou looked closely and saw the words "Warm Affection Fragrance" written at the top of the silk paper, followed by the preparation method and usage instructions. She quickly glanced through it, her cheeks burning even more. This wasn't some kind of potent medicine; according to the instructions, it was made from several mild herbs and flowers, with calming and aphrodisiac effects, harmless to the body, but capable of enhancing the ambiance of the bedroom. Her mother must have been worried that she was too young and lacked understanding of romance, and also concerned about her pride, so she was using this method to subtly guide her.
She stuffed the silk paper and flower buds back into the brocade pouch and placed it at the bottom of her vanity case. Right now, there were too many things to worry about; it wasn't the time to consider that. The real challenge of managing the household affairs would begin tomorrow.
However, she did not expect that the first challenge would come so quickly.
As evening approached, she was preparing for dinner when Yun Que came in with a grim expression and reported, "Madam, Granny Liu from the kitchen has arrived and says she has something important to report."
Su Wanrou's gaze sharpened. Granny Liu, a relative of the late Madam Liu, was in charge of kitchen purchasing and had a close relationship with Granny Li from the sewing room. What brings her here at this time?
"Let her in."
Granny Liu entered with her head bowed, performing a respectful greeting, but her face showed distress. "Madam," she said, "this old servant has no other choice but to trouble you. Tomorrow, the manor needs to purchase a batch of top-quality delicacies from the mountains and seas, just in case. But... but the accounting department says they've implemented a new rule: withdrawals exceeding fifty taels require your personal approval before funds can be released. What do you think of this..."
Su Wanrou sneered inwardly. Here it comes. New rules for the accounting department? She, the new mistress, hadn't even officially taken charge yet, and the accounting department already had "new" rules? This was clearly a scheme orchestrated by Granny Liu and Granny Li, the first difficult task set for her. If she approved them, it would make her, the new mistress, seem easy to talk to, and she'd probably dare to ask for money for any expense in the future; if she didn't approve them or scrutinized them, it would make her seem mean and petty, even making things difficult for the kitchen's normal expenses, and word would spread that the new mistress was harsh, affecting the Duke's and the mansion's reputation.
Moreover, the reason they chose to report this was on the evening of the day she returned to her parents' home, carrying a sense of coercion that prevented her from questioning them carefully.
Su Wanrou put down her chopsticks, picked up a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, and calmly looked at Granny Liu. She spoke slowly, her voice not loud, but clearly reaching the ears of Granny Liu and every maid in the room:
"Oh? The accountant has set new rules? How come I didn't know?"
End of Chapter 13
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