Chapter 4: Meeting Friends
Upon reaching the second gate, Madam Song respectfully inquired, “Does Madam wish to change and freshen up before meeting guests? If you don’t mind, I have two new sets of clothes that haven’t been worn. I can have them brought over for you to choose from. Afterward, I’ll have someone take your measurements to make several more sets.”
“I know you mean well, but it’s not necessary,” Wen Mingqian said. “I’ve grown accustomed to this simple attire over the years. If I were to suddenly change, I might feel uncomfortable. Why don’t you take me to the banquet now to meet the distinguished guests? That would suffice as fulfilling the proprieties.
Besides, the journey has been quite arduous. I won’t be able to sit for long at the banquet and will only speak a few words before leaving. There’s no need for the fuss of styling my hair and changing clothes, which would only make the guests wait.”
“Everything is as Madam wishes,” Madam Song replied softly. “However, Lingyue Pavilion has been empty for a long time, and it cannot be tidied up in half a day. I ask Madam to condescend to stay elsewhere for two days. Once it’s properly arranged, we can choose an auspicious day to move you.”
“These are minor matters,” Wen Mingqian said, unconcerned. “You can arrange it as you see fit.”
The Flower Appreciation Banquet was naturally centered around appreciating flowers. Shade tents were set up in the rear garden, with seating and cushions provided. While not formal, it was enjoyable.
Within the octagonal flower beds constructed with glazed tiles, a double-colored peony bloomed profusely, standing tall and swaying gracefully, as if welcoming an old friend.
Everyone was already seated, chatting and laughing. But when Wen Mingqian and Madam Song walked in hand in hand, the laughter subsided until it was no longer heard.
“Today is indeed a good day,” Marchioness Changrong said with a smile. “We merely came to admire the flowers, and we didn’t expect Madam to return today as well. It truly is like adding flowers to brocade, a double blessing.”
It wasn’t surprising that she spoke first. When they arrived at the gate, they had encountered Zhang Ma and the butler arguing, which was quite awkward.
Therefore, breaking the ice with a few kind words helped to move past that awkwardness.
“Madam speaks the truth,” Madam Song said with a beaming smile. “Our Madam’s return today is truly wonderful. Although I didn’t know beforehand, fate intervened, and it’s better to act now than to wait for a chosen day.
With all these distinguished guests present to welcome our Madam, it greatly lessens my fault of neglect and adds to the festivity and joy.”
In truth, none of the people present were fools.
Wen Mingqian’s sudden departure from the capital had led to widespread speculation.
Even though the Gong Family kept their mouths shut, it was impossible to stop those with intentions from guessing, and they could always glean some information.
But ultimately, it was none of their business. Each family lived their own lives; who would stir up trouble for no reason?
And now, Wen Mingqian’s sudden return, and in such a state, only made everyone speculate even more in their hearts.
Coupled with Madam Song’s words, it was clear that Wen Mingqian had left without a word.
This home didn’t welcome her, so what good could come of her shamelessly returning?
Wen Mingqian saw the expressions on everyone’s faces and understood what they were thinking.
She simply smiled slightly, appearing dignified and gentle, and bowed to everyone. “My visit today is rather abrupt and may seem impolite. However, I have been away from the capital for many years, and hearing that you were all here today, I couldn’t wait to see you. I trust you will understand my intentions and not hold it against me.”
Everyone nodded in agreement. Among them, Liu Shi, the First Madam of Yongqing Earl’s Mansion, looked at Wen Mingqian, her eyes moistening.
Wen Mingqian also glanced at her and nodded gently, but did not speak to her separately.
Then, she pulled Gong Changan to her side and softly instructed, “Changan, pay your respects to the distinguished guests.”
Gong Changan was not shy. He cupped his hands in a bow and said, “This humble servant pays respects to all the Madams, Ladies, and Young Ladies. Today’s grand banquet is as beautiful as blooming flowers. May all distinguished guests have wishes as fulfilled as blooming flowers and unending prosperity.”
Seeing such a young child speak so eloquently and politely, everyone couldn’t help but laugh and praise him for being adorable.
“Please excuse us, everyone. This child is accustomed to being rough and only knows how to be mischievous,” Wen Mingqian said politely.
Madam Song offered her seat to Wen Mingqian and then stood by her side with her hands clasped.
Wen Mingqian naturally did not refuse. Over the years, Madam Song had used her skills to win over many people.
Most of the people present were on friendly terms with her.
Compared to her, Wen Mingqian had been away from the capital for seven years, with no contact with friends or family. So-called “friendship” requires mutual interaction; once it’s broken, it’s bound to become distant.
“Second Madam must have had a difficult journey,” Marchioness Jiangxia said in greeting. “You are still so young and beautiful, though you seem a bit thinner.”
“I see Madam’s grace is as it was in the past, perhaps even more youthful,” Wen Mingqian replied. “On our way back to the capital, we heard that Marquis was appointed the Salt Inspector and Censor. This is a great honor. Although my congratulations are a bit late, my intentions are sincere.”
“Good, good, you are truly thoughtful. But speaking of which, while it looks glorious from the outside, we are constantly worried! This task carries such great risks; it’s not that easy,” Marchioness Jiangxia sighed.
“Madam worries because you care, but in my humble opinion, there’s no need to,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile. “Firstly, the Marquis is a capable minister, loyal to the emperor and loving to the people, with true talent and learning. Secondly, Madam is a fortunate person, capable of managing the family and bringing prosperity to her husband, ensuring all goes smoothly and without error.”
Her words made Marchioness Jiangxia’s eyes crinkle with a smile, and everyone else chimed in with their compliments, instantly warming the atmosphere.
“I heard Second Madam returned to her hometown for pure cultivation and meditation. Seeing you now, you truly seem transcendent and refined,” said a young woman in a pomegranate-red dress with a smile. “I imagine even upon returning to the capital, you would not enjoy bustling mundane affairs. However, you are a fortunate person; the Little Madam will handle all the household matters, allowing Madam to continue her quiet and self-disciplined life.”
These words were veiled barbs. While seemingly flattering Wen Mingqian, they were actually protecting Concubine Song.
Wen Mingqian knew this woman must be close to Madam Song to speak such words.
She responded lightly, “Concubine Song has indeed worked hard these past years. However, now that I have returned, it’s not right to let her continue to be so tired. Otherwise, I would feel truly uneasy.”
“Madam cherishes me, so even a little hardship is worth it,” Madam Song interjected with a smile. “It’s getting late; let them bring out the food and drink!”
She didn’t want the conversation to continue. The current Wen Mingqian had become deep, eloquent, and as if reborn.
Had her quiet cultivation and meditation truly led her to enlightenment?
Wen Mingqian smiled and looked at her, then stood up and said to everyone, “Although I am reluctant to part with you all, I am still in a period of fasting. I must excuse myself. Please do not let my departure dampen your spirits. After a few days, once my fasting is over, I will host another banquet to make up for my impoliteness today. I sincerely hope you will all grace me with your presence then.”
Naturally, everyone agreed, saying they would certainly attend.
Wen Mingqian left the table, and Madam Song escorted her to the garden entrance.
“You should go back and entertain the guests quickly! Don’t give anyone a reason to criticize,” Wen Mingqian said, stopping.
“It won’t take long; I’ll escort Madam to her residence! I’ll see if anything is missing,” Madam Song replied, appearing gentle and obsequious.
“Look at you, being too cautious. Although I’ve just returned, I am, after all, the Matriarch of this household. If anything is amiss, I will instruct the servants myself,” Wen Mingqian said with a relaxed smile. “I don’t believe any servant in this household would dare disobey me.”
She paused, then patted Madam Song’s hand and said, “Oh, right. If you ever suffer any grievance, just tell me, and I will surely preside over it for you.”
With that, she leaned on Zhang Ma with one hand and held Gong Changan’s hand with the other as she leisurely departed.
Madam Song watched her retreating back, almost grinding her teeth to dust.
Wen Mingqian’s actions and words throughout this journey clearly told her one thing: I am the Matriarch of this household, and as long as I am here, you will always be a concubine!
