Chapter 29: Attending the Feast Together
Several days had passed since the Ci'en Nunnery incident, and the Duke's mansion was calm and peaceful, as if the tense atmosphere of that day had never happened. But Su Wanrou knew that some things had changed.
Gu Yangui's relentless defense that day was like a clear cut in the intricate web of interpersonal relationships in the capital, explicitly declaring the importance of the newly promoted Duchess in his heart and the Duke's Mansion's stance of not allowing outsiders to interfere. Princess An, on the other hand, also fell silent, with no further action seen, presumably because Gu Yangui's warning had taken effect, or perhaps she chose to temporarily endure after weighing the pros and cons.
The servants in the manor treated Su Wanrou with a newfound respect beyond their usual deference, now imbued with a deeper sense of awe. Even the steward, Gu Zhong, bowed lower than before when answering her questions. Su Wanrou knew that this awe stemmed largely from her composed and respectful attitude towards Princess An that day, and from the Duke's undisguised support afterwards.
That afternoon, Su Wanrou was teaching Mingxuan to read in the small study. The child held the small brush and wrote carefully, stroke by stroke. Occasionally, when he wrote something crooked, he would frown and steal a glance at Su Wanrou.
"Here, keep your wrist steady and slowly lift the brush tip." Su Wanrou leaned down, gently took Mingxuan's little hand, and guided him to write a neat "安" (peace/safety) character. The faint scent of milk mingled with the fragrance of ink on the child softened her heart.
Mingxuan looked up, his big eyes sparkling: "Mother, you are amazing, you can do everything."
Su Wanrou smiled and wiped away the ink stain that had accidentally gotten on the tip of his nose with a handkerchief: "Even your mother learned slowly. Xuan'er, study hard and you will be even better than your mother in the future."
Just then, footsteps sounded outside the door; it was Gu Yangui returning. He seemed to have come back exceptionally early today, wearing a dark blue brocade robe with subtle patterns, which made him appear even more upright.
“Father!” Mingxuan put down his pen and ran over happily.
Gu Yangui bent down to pick up his son, but his gaze passed over Mingxuan's head and landed on Su Wanrou. She was dressed in a light purple casual dress, without makeup, her black hair loosely tied up with a jade hairpin. She stood by the desk, smiling at the father and son, radiating a tranquil and gentle aura. Gu Yangui's heart stirred slightly. He had been busy with military affairs these past few days, leaving early and returning late, and it seemed he hadn't properly looked at her in a long time.
"My husband has returned early today." Su Wanrou stepped forward, took the cloak he had taken off, and handed it to Yunbo behind her.
"Well, the matter with the Ministry of War is temporarily settled." Gu Yangui put Mingxuan down, walked to the desk, looked at his son's handwriting, and nodded, "You've made progress." Although it was only three words, they made Mingxuan's little face light up with joy.
Su Wanrou gestured for the wet nurse to take Mingxuan downstairs for some snacks, leaving only the couple in the study. She personally poured a cup of warm tea and handed it to him, saying, "My husband, you've worked hard."
Gu Yangui took the teacup, his fingertips inadvertently touching hers, and both of them paused. Su Wanrou lowered her eyes slightly, her ears turning slightly red. Gu Yangui took a sip of tea and said casually, "Three days later, a Dragon Boat Festival banquet will be held in the palace. Officials of the fifth rank and above, as well as noble ladies, must all enter the palace to attend the banquet."
Su Wanrou's heart skipped a beat. This was the Dragon Boat Festival banquet, her first time attending such an important court event in her formal capacity since becoming the Duchess. Royal relatives, high-ranking officials, and dignitaries would be gathered there; countless eyes would be fixed on her, this "second wife." The Princess Consort of An would certainly be present, and remembering the unpleasantness of that day, she couldn't help but feel uneasy.
Gu Yangui noticed her subtle nervousness, put down his teacup, and said calmly, "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything." He paused, then added, "Have the embroidery workshop and the Treasure Pavilion expedite the preparation of your formal attire and headdress, according to the highest rank of a Duchess. Tomorrow, have Gu Zhong go to the palace to invite two matrons from the Bureau of Ceremonies to explain the etiquette and rules of the palace banquet to you."
His thoughtful arrangements warmed Su Wanrou's heart, and her tension dissipated considerably. She raised her head, met his steady gaze, and smiled brightly: "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand. I will certainly not let you down."
Her smile was gentle yet resolute, carrying a "I will go even if there are thousands of people against me" courage. Gu Yangui looked at her deeply, his protective instincts stemming from her youth now mixed with a touch of admiration. His little wife was growing up at an astonishing pace, striving to stand shoulder to shoulder with him.
two
Over the next two days, the Duke's mansion was busy preparing for the palace banquet.
The embroidery workshop delivered the newly made court dress and matching everyday clothes for the Duchess, embroidered with gold and pheasant patterns on scarlet silk, magnificent and dignified, allowing no room for error. The Treasure Pavilion also presented several sets of gold and gemstone-encrusted headdresses for Su Wanrou to choose from. Su Wanrou ultimately selected a set with rubies, their rich and luxurious color complementing the scarlet of the court dress without being overly ostentatious.
The two elderly matrons from the palace were indeed meticulous, teaching Su Wanrou the entire process of the palace banquet, the proper posture for bowing, the appropriate responses to questions, and even the etiquette for dining. Su Wanrou studied diligently. She was naturally intelligent, and having received basic etiquette training at the Yongchang Marquis's residence, she quickly grasped the essentials. Her demeanor became increasingly dignified and graceful, even earning the secret nods of approval from the two experienced matrons.
Gu Yangui would occasionally come to watch her practice after returning from court. He wouldn't offer any guidance, but would simply sit quietly to the side drinking tea. However, Su Wanrou could feel his gaze always on her, and this silent companionship gave her immense strength.
Mingxuan also noticed the busyness in the mansion and his mother's tension. The little guy became exceptionally well-behaved, no longer pestering Su Wanrou to play. He even stuffed his favorite osmanthus candy into Su Wanrou's mouth and said in a childish voice, "Mother, if you eat the candy, you won't be afraid anymore."
The child's innocent actions softened Su Wanrou's heart, and all her anxiety turned into a determination to do her best. She not only wanted to bring honor to Gu Yangui, but also to support Mingxuan and let everyone know that the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion had a new mistress, and that this home was peaceful and warm.
On the eve of the palace banquet, everything was ready. After bathing and changing, Su Wanrou sat before her dressing table, where Yunbin and Yuebai styled her long hair. The girl in the mirror had exquisite features and snow-white skin. Although she still retained some of her youthful innocence, her eyes had already developed a calm and composed demeanor.
After finishing his official duties, Gu Yan entered the inner room and was greeted by this scene. In the candlelight, his young wife wore a plain white nightgown, her dark hair cascading down her back, her profile soft and beautiful. He waved away the maids and walked up behind her.
Su Wanrou saw him in the mirror and turned slightly to the side: "Husband."
Gu Yangui remained silent, only picking up a jade comb from the dressing table and somewhat awkwardly combing her long, silky hair. Su Wanrou froze, her heart pounding. He… was actually combing her hair?
“Tomorrow, just stick close to me.” His deep voice was particularly clear in the quiet night. “Don’t worry about what others think, just be yourself.”
His movements were gentle, carrying a rare tenderness. Su Wanrou closed her eyes, feeling the cool touch of the jade comb against her hair, and the firm strength conveyed in his words. All her unease vanished in that moment.
"Mmm," she responded softly, her voice filled with dependence and trust.
three
On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, the palace and its surroundings were decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, creating a festive atmosphere. In the square in front of the Taiji Hall, a banquet had already been set out. Civil and military officials, along with their wives, took their seats in order of rank, their elegant attire and tinkling ornaments creating a grand and solemn scene.
The arrival of Duke Gu Yangui and his wife Su Wanrou attracted much attention. Gu Yangui was as cold and dignified as ever, dressed in his duke's court robes, which made him even more imposing. Su Wanrou, walking beside him, became the focus of everyone's attention.
She was dressed in a scarlet imperial robe embroidered with gold and pheasant patterns, adorned with a red gold and ruby headdress. Her makeup was impeccable, and her demeanor was graceful and elegant. Although she was still young and had a delicate face, she walked with a steady gait, her eyes never wandering, and a perfectly placed faint smile on her lips. This smile subtly toned down the overly formal imperial robe, creating a strange harmony rather than a jarring effect. She was like a peony in its early bloom, not yet in full bloom, but already revealing her unparalleled beauty.
Many who had initially been waiting to see her make a fool of herself or harbored contempt for her changed their expressions upon seeing this. This young Duchess seemed to be more than just a lowly person they had imagined.
Feeling the gazes from all around, Gu Yangui slightly turned his body, raising his arm in a protective stance. Su Wanrou understood and gently placed her hand on the crook of his arm. The couple walked side by side, one as aloof as a mountain, the other as gentle as water, yet they inexplicably appeared perfectly matched.
According to custom, men and women were seated separately. After paying their respects to His Majesty and the Empress, Gu Yangui was to proceed to the men's section for nobles, while Su Wanrou was to go to the women's section with the other ladies of the court.
Before parting, Gu Yangui gently squeezed Su Wanrou's hand from an angle that was not easily noticed by others, and whispered, "Go."
Su Wanrou looked up and gave him a reassuring look, then calmly followed the female official leading the way to her seat. Her seat was quite close to the front, next to several princes' principal wives and noble ladies of the highest rank, including the Princess Consort of An.
Princess An was dressed in a dignified and luxurious manner today. When she saw Su Wanrou, she still had that condescending smile on her face, but her eyes were much more restrained than when she was at Ci'en Nunnery: "Madam Gu's attire today is quite solemn."
Su Wanrou rose, gave a proper bow, and smiled, "Your Highness is too kind. The palace banquet is solemn, and I dare not be disrespectful." Her attitude was respectful yet neither servile nor arrogant, leaving no room for criticism.
Princess An twitched the corner of her mouth, said nothing more, and turned to talk to the Princess Consort of the County beside her.
Su Wanrou sat down calmly, keeping her eyes down and not saying much. She could feel the scrutinizing gazes from Princess An and several other ladies who were on good terms with the Qin family, but she pretended not to notice. Occasionally, she would exchange a few polite words with the friendly ladies next to her, behaving appropriately and handling the situation with great tact.
The banquet began with pleasant music and singing and dancing. The emperor and empress arrived, received the congratulations from the officials, and after delivering some appropriate blessings, the banquet officially commenced.
Palace maids, flitting like butterflies, served exquisite delicacies. Su Wanrou remembered her nanny's instructions, eating with elegant and refined movements, making almost no sound. She discovered that in such situations, speaking less and observing more was the wisest choice.
After several rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually became more lively. The Empress was in a good mood and smiled at the ladies below her, saying, "On this festive day, ladies, please don't be too reserved. I see that the pomegranate blossoms in the garden are in particularly good bloom this year. Why don't we follow the example of the ancients and play a drinking game, using 'Dragon Boat Festival' or 'Pomegranate Blossom' as the theme? Poems, lyrics, and songs are all welcome. How about that to liven things up?"
When the Empress spoke, no one dared to disobey. The noblewomen all praised her, but each harbored their own thoughts. This was both an opportunity to showcase their talents and a chance to inadvertently embarrass themselves.
The drinking game began with the Empress and proceeded in turn. When it was Princess An's turn, she calmly recited a proper seven-character quatrain about pomegranate flowers, demonstrating both her talent and her status as a princess.
Soon, it was Su Wanrou's turn. Instantly, almost everyone's attention was focused on this youngest Duchess. There was curiosity, anticipation, and even more scrutiny as they waited to see if she could keep up, or if she would show any nervousness.
Su Wanrou took a deep breath, put down her silver chopsticks, and calmly rose. She first gave a slight curtsy towards the Empress, then raised her eyes, her gaze clear and bright, her voice crisp and melodious, like pearls falling onto a jade plate.
"This humble woman is unworthy, but I would like to respond with a short poem, titled 'Joyful Reunion'."
She paused briefly, as if pondering, then recited aloud:
"Pomegranate blossoms dazzle the eye, and the fragrance of mugwort and calamus fills the sleeves. Five-colored new silk threads bind the zongzi, a legacy of Qu Yuan is revived."
Dragon boats race busily, drums thunder and roar. May health and well-being prevail year after year, and may this prosperous age last forever.
This poem may not be considered exceptionally exquisite, but it closely adheres to the theme of the Dragon Boat Festival, with vivid imagery and easy-to-understand language. What is most remarkable is the last line, "May we all be healthy and strong year after year, and may this prosperous age last forever." It is both timely and cleverly praises the current peaceful and prosperous era, fitting the atmosphere of the palace banquet and showcasing the demeanor of the Duchess.
After reciting the poem, she curtsied again: "It's just a trivial skill; I hope Your Majesty and the ladies will forgive my poor performance."
There was a moment of silence, then the Empress laughed first, clapping her hands and saying, "What a wonderful 'May the prosperous age last forever'! Although Madam Gu is young, she is very clever. This poem is both appropriate and auspicious. Excellent! I reward her!"
With the Empress setting the tone, other noblewomen also chimed in with their praise, and even Princess An had to force a smile and chime in with a few words.
Su Wanrou felt a weight lifted from her heart and thanked the Empress before calmly taking her seat. She knew she had passed this test gracefully. Not only had she not lost face, but she had also won the Empress's favor with this seemingly simple yet auspicious poem, and had begun to establish herself as a well-mannered and dignified woman among the noblewomen.
Four
The palace banquet lasted for two hours before it ended. By the time we left the palace, the lanterns were already lit.
Gu Yangui waited outside the hall. When he saw Su Wanrou emerge with the crowd, though she looked tired, her eyes were bright and her steps were composed. He knew she had handled things well that day. He stepped forward and naturally let her take his arm again.
"Are you tired?" he asked in a low voice.
"It's alright." Su Wanrou looked up at him, a relaxed smile in her eyes. "Have you been waiting long, my husband?"
"It's alright." Gu Yangui looked at the slight smugness that she couldn't hide in her eyes and brows, like a cat that had successfully stolen a dried fish, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up slightly.
The couple walked hand in hand toward the carriage outside the palace gate. The moonlight and the glow of the palace lanterns mingled, casting long shadows on them as they nestled together.
The carriage drove away from the capital, the noise fading into the distance. Inside the carriage, Su Wanrou finally let go of her forced composure, leaned back gently on the cushions, and sighed: "The rules in the palace are so numerous, I dare not relax for a moment."
Looking at her slightly tired face, Gu Yangui handed her a cup of warm ginseng tea: "You did very well." He paused and added, "The lady-in-waiting by the Empress's side later came to tell me that the Empress praised you for your proper manners and quick wit."
Su Wanrou's eyes lit up as she took the ginseng tea: "Really?" To gain the Empress's approval was of extraordinary significance.
"Hmm." Gu Yangui nodded. "After this incident, most of the gossip about you in the capital can be put to rest."
Holding the warm teacup, Su Wanrou felt a warm glow in her heart. Her efforts today had not been in vain. She looked at Gu Yangui, and in the flickering headlights, his cold, hard features seemed to have softened considerably.
"Husband," she called softly, with a hint of barely perceptible dependence, "I will try my best to do better in future occasions like this, and I will never bring shame to you and the Duke's Mansion."
Looking at her earnest expression, Gu Yangui's heart stirred. He suddenly felt that proposing to her because of that love at first sight might have been one of the best decisions he had ever made. She was like a piece of unpolished jade, gradually blossoming with a warm yet dazzling brilliance in his mansion.
He didn't speak, but simply reached out and placed his hand on the back of her hand, which was resting on her knee. His palm was warm, with the thin calluses typical of someone who practices martial arts, yet it made Su Wanrou feel incredibly at ease.
The carriage traveled along the quiet streets, its interior serene and warm. No further words were needed; a bond of "shared hearts" had quietly grown stronger before and after today's palace banquet.
They are not only husband and wife, but also allies who will face the storms of the future together, and each other's strongest support.
End of Chapter 29
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