Chapter 28: Birthday Banquet

Madam Xu made careful calculations, but Madam Leng was not one to be easily bullied.

Madam Leng leisurely took a sip of tea, calmly speaking, “This matter is not for me to decide, nor is it for my sister-in-law to decide. My three children just returned from Qingzhou, and the old master is very pleased. If they are not allowed to go to the front to congratulate the old lady on her birthday, both elderly people will be displeased. Not only that, they might also say that Rong’er and the others are unfilial.”

These words were not false. Anyone with discerning eyes could see that the old master favored the second branch, especially the grandchildren from that branch. Because of this, the old lady became even more disdainful of the second branch. Today’s meeting was still reluctantly maintaining a polite facade.

Madam Xu’s visit clearly came with the old lady’s instructions, without the old master’s consent. Unfortunately, Madam Leng was still the same as years ago—hard to manipulate. With just a casual remark, she easily blocked Madam Xu’s attempt.

Madam Xu chuckled. It was precisely because of Madam Leng’s temperament that she spoke so straightforwardly. When Madam Leng first entered the Duke’s mansion, Madam Xu was still polite to her, at least maintaining surface-level peace. However, she gradually discovered that Madam Leng was unyielding and had a heart of steel. If you tried to sweet-talk her, she wouldn’t pay any attention to you. Provoked by Madam Leng’s indifference, Madam Xu gradually became less polite herself.

Despite all that, Madam Leng remained unbeatable.

Xie Zhen, much like her, gave birth to excellent daughters, possessing the skill of infuriating people. After returning to her room, Xie Ying threw a big tantrum, and the servants in the courtyard suffered, trembling in fear.

Seeing that she remained unmoved, Madam Xu conceded, “The old lady is afraid that you might be tired from the journey and wants you to rest for a few more days. Since you and your siblings don’t wish to rest, I won’t insist. The day after tomorrow, the birthday banquet will begin early, and many distinguished guests will be visiting. Make sure your children act cautiously to avoid offending the guests. After all, being accustomed to Qingzhou, you may not be familiar with the rules in the capital, and there are many things to learn slowly.”

Madam Leng glanced at her and said, “Father praised Zhen’er and Rong’er for their thoughtful manners in public today. It seems that sister-in-law is worrying unnecessarily.”

Referring to the old master as “Father” instead made Madam Xu speechless.

Unfortunately, everything she said was the truth, making it impossible to refute.

Madam Leng knew her children well. Although Xie Zhen and Xie Xian were usually unconventional— laid-back and soft, respectively— they could bring her glory when it mattered. Especially Xie Zhen, she understood the proprieties in significant matters, knew when to advance and retreat, and was a very intelligent child. Madam Leng was relieved that they had lived in Qingzhou for nearly ten years, maintaining their natural innocence, liveliness, and cuteness, unaffected by the murky environment of the Duke’s mansion.

Madam Xu finished saying what she had to say, gained no benefits, but instead met some resistance, leaving her with a somewhat displeased expression. She stood up and walked out of the room, telling Madam Leng, “No need to see me off.”

Glancing back, Madam Leng sat upright in the rosewood chair, showing no intention of getting up to see her off. Madam Xu choked for a moment, turned around, and followed the maid.

Passing by Xie Zhen’s room, she met the curious gazes of the two girls with round, wide eyes. She initially wanted to pull out a friendly smile, but she couldn’t manage it. Her mouth sagged, and she walked out of the Jade Hall with an unpleasant expression.

Xie Xian stood up, stomping her foot, looking at Xie Zhen with confusion, “Sister, why does Aunt look so scary?”

Xie Zhen, leaning against the incense burner, inhaled the scent of aloeswood, lulling her into drowsiness. She half-closed her eyes and yawned, “She came out from Mother’s room; she must have said something to Mother. Unfortunately, she couldn’t win against Mother, so now she’s sulking with herself.”

It had to be admitted; her analysis was quite insightful.

Xie Xian nodded thoughtfully, “What did Aunt say to Mother?”

The room was warm, and it steamed away the inherent laziness in people’s bones. Xie Zhen gradually tilted her head and leaned on Xie Xian’s shoulder, “There haven’t been any major events recently; it should be related to Grandmother’s birthday banquet…”

Before finishing her sentence, she had already fallen into a deep sleep.

Xie Xian nudged her a couple of times, but she was sleeping soundly. Xie Xian had to join Shuangyu in gently placing her on the bed in the inner room. Under the soft and graceful canopy, she breathed steadily, peacefully asleep.

Two days after returning to the Duke’s mansion, Xie Zhen quickly explored every corner of the residence, becoming familiar with every nook and cranny. As the mansion hadn’t changed much from her childhood, remembering it wasn’t too difficult, with only minor details having changed.

On this day, she took Xie Xian for a walk by the lake, passing by a flower bed. In the middle of the flower bed were several artificial hills, and behind the hills was a long corridor. Walking side by side on the corridor were the third Miss Xie Ying and the fourth Miss Xie Yin.

Xie Yin, born to the third branch’s Madam Wu, had an apricot-shaped face and peach-like cheeks, making her a pretty girl. Her personality somewhat resembled Xie Zhen’s—lively, but a bit opportunistic. For example, since the old lady favored the third Miss and the first branch carried weight in the Duke’s mansion, Xie Yin had cultivated a close relationship with the third Miss, being intimate with her and looking down on the second branch.

As the two sisters conversed on the corridor, Xie Zhen and Xie Xian rested at this spot, hidden by a large stone. Xie Ying and Xie Yin didn’t notice them.

Xie Ying seemed to be worrying about what to wear for the banquet, and Xie Yin suggested several options, all of which were rejected, “Those clothes are from last year.”

Xie Yin casually said, “Sister, just go and get some fabric to make a new outfit.”

Xie Ying frowned, seemingly finding Xie Yin too obtuse, “Tomorrow is Grandmother’s birthday banquet; it’s too late to make a new outfit.”

She had recently ordered new clothes to be made, but she found the colors too plain for the visit of the Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince tomorrow. Hoping for something more vibrant, she couldn’t find the right one despite various attempts.

Oh… Xie Zhen and Xie Xian exchanged a silent glance. Wasn’t it just a piece of clothing? Was it really worth all this trouble?

On the other side, Xie Yin chimed in warmly, “Sister, if you don’t mind, I have a few newly made outfits in my room that haven’t been worn yet. Why don’t you try them on?”

Taking a glance at her figures, Xie Ying, being taller and slimmer than Xie Yin, thought they might not fit well.

Xie Yin also noticed this and suggested, turning her eyes, “I think Fifth Sister has a similar body shape to yours. How about…”

Before finishing her sentence, she vetoed her own idea, shaking her head with a smile, “Fifth Sister has been living in Qingzhou for so long; she probably doesn’t know the most popular colors in the capital. Let’s forget it to avoid teasing from the Prince.”

Discussing men, especially a future heir, was quite bold for an unmarried girl. Fortunately, there were not many people around. Xie Ying blushed, as if the Crown Prince was right in front of her, “Don’t talk nonsense.”

Xie Yin smiled knowingly, nodded, and the two of them left hand in hand.

Behind the small area, Xie Zhen and Xie Xian walked out as if nothing happened, heading towards the Jade Hall.

Unable to hold back her curiosity, Xie Xian asked, “Sister, will the Crown Prince come tomorrow?”

Xie Zhen made a sound, “Haven’t you heard what Third Sister and Fourth Sister said? Most likely, he will.”

She didn’t know about this herself. If she hadn’t overheard the conversation between Xie Ying and Xie Yin, she would have been completely in the dark. It seemed she could guess why Madam Xu had come to the Jade Hall. With Xie Ying reaching marriageable age, seizing the opportunity to secure a good marriage for her would be excellent.

The Duke’s mansion’s old Grand Madam had a close relationship with the current Empress Dowager, and Xie Ying’s grandfather held a position under the Crown Prince. Coupled with the Grand Madam’s affection for Xie Ying, if there was a chance to talk to the Empress Dowager, perhaps Xie Ying could become a concubine to the Crown Prince, or at least be considered for a good marriage. By then, she would be like a phoenix perching on a branch.

Of course, all of this was contingent on whether the Crown Prince would take a liking to Xie Ying.

*

On the day of the Grand Madam’s birthday, Xie Zhen unexpectedly fell ill.

It wasn’t a severe illness; perhaps she caught a chill due to an open window during the night. In the morning, she felt dizzy and spoke with a muffled voice. Madam Leng hurriedly had a physician summoned, who prescribed two sets of medicine to treat the cold. After having them brewed, Xie Zhen felt a bit better after taking them.

Madam Leng suggested, “Why don’t you rest in the room? Ah Xian and I can handle things in the front courtyard.”

Xie Zhen nodded weakly.

Madam Leng was concerned and instructed Shuangyu and Shuangyan to take good care of her. If anything happened, they were to report to the front courtyard immediately. The twins nodded vigilantly.

This bout of illness from Xie Zhen brought joy to the first branch mother and daughter. Lady Xu naturally didn’t show it on her face; she even had a maid express concern. Once she confirmed that Xie Zhen was indeed unwell, she no longer paid attention to her.

After taking the medicine, Xie Zhen slept for a while. When she woke up, it was already broad daylight, likely not yet noon. Feeling more clear-headed, she thought of going to the front to congratulate the Grand Madam. She didn’t want anyone to seize the opportunity to accuse her of being unfilial. Initially, Shuangyu and Shuangyan disagreed, but unable to resist her, they reluctantly added a couple more layers of clothing and let her go.

Before leaving, she combed her hair again. Without using any makeup, she knew best how she looked. Her face had no flaws, and applying rouge and powder would only hide its natural color, making her prefer the fresh-faced look, adding a touch of delicacy. Without wearing heavy clothing, she only draped a large red embroidered cloak with peony patterns. In her hand, she carried a small hand-warmer and leisurely walked towards the main courtyard.

The front courtyard was crowded, and the Grand Madam had only shown up briefly before returning to rest in her room. Currently, she was waiting inside for the arrival of the Crown Prince and the Sixth Prince. These two had distinguished status and wouldn’t sit in the front courtyard like the others. They were only there to present the gifts prepared for the Empress Dowager and the Empress before leaving.

Unexpectedly, after half an hour of waiting, Xie Zhen arrived.

The Grand Madam’s complexion wasn’t very good. “If you’re not feeling well, why didn’t you rest properly?”

Xie Zhen presented a well-prepared sandalwood relief wooden box and smiled, “Grandmother’s birthday is a significant occasion. Even if I’m not feeling well, I had to come.”

The Duke Dingguo liked her eloquence, but in front of the old lady, it turned into smooth talk.

The old lady wasn’t very pleased, she just said a few words and sent her away. Xie Zhen didn’t stay for long either. She thought everything was fine, but walking this path was still a bit difficult. As she exited the room, she exhaled a few times  and walked back.

At the main entrance, she saw two people coming from the opposite side. They were tall and elegant, obviously not ordinary individuals.

One of them should be the Crown Prince mentioned by Xie Yin.

Since they were too far away, Xie Zhen didn’t want to run into them directly. If someone saw her, it wouldn’t be good for her reputation. So, she thought for a moment and turned to take another path.

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