Chapter 147: Guessing Game
The fifteenth of June was the capping ceremony for the Duke of Zheng’s legitimate granddaughter, a day of sweltering heat.
Noble ladies from the capital gathered, and those who received an invitation treated it with utmost seriousness.
Inside the Grand Tutor’s mansion, Lu Xi looked into the bronze mirror, her eyes filled with impatience as she surveyed the dazzling jewelry in her cosmetic box.
“On such a hot day, why must Grandmother insist I go to the Duke of Zheng’s mansion? It’s truly vexing.”
She casually pulled off her earrings and tossed them onto her dressing table with displeasure,
“That Third Miss Guo is merely a little girl who can’t even touch Princess Ping Le’s hem. So she’s having her capping ceremony, why make such a grand fuss…”
Third Miss Guo was a bit younger and used to follow behind her elder brother, Guo Zhaohuai. Due to her age, she had little closeness with Princess Ping Le. In Lu Xi’s eyes, Third Miss Guo was just one of their little followers and didn’t deserve such a grand celebration…
The maidservant Xiang Yu attended to her makeup, softly advising, “This servant heard the nannies in Madam’s chambers say that the Duke of Zheng’s mansion is expecting many guests today, and Old Madam herself will be attending the ceremony. Young Lady, you should go, lest you anger Old Madam…”
Lu Xi looked up, “Then I’ll wear the set of gemstone jewelry Princess Ping Le gave me…”
Xiang Yu hesitated, “Young Lady, I fear it might not be appropriate.”
Lu Xi frowned in displeasure, “What’s inappropriate about it? That jewelry suits me best.”
Xiang Yu sighed.
Their young lady had followed Princess Ping Le since childhood, striving to imitate her every move and treating the Princess’s words as divine decree, while completely disregarding her elders’ advice.
“Princess Ping Le is currently confined to her mansion copying scriptures. She’s sent several memorials to the palace pleading for release, but they’ve all been rejected… There are many rumors circulating outside. Young Lady, it would be best to listen more to Old Master and distance yourself from her…”
Lu Xi was dismissive, “It’s not the first time Princess Ping Le has been confined, it’s no big deal. Who doesn’t know His Majesty dotes on Princess Ping Le the most? She’ll be out in a few days. Anyone who offends her won’t have a good outcome. If not for my close relationship with the Princess all these years, how could Grandfather have had such a smooth career in the Imperial Court?”
Xiang Yu looked at the young lady with her exquisitely done makeup in the mirror, unsure how to persuade her.
After a moment of hesitation, she said, “Princess Ping Le’s confinement is not new, but His Majesty appointing the Crown Prince to assist in the Ministry of Revenue is quite unusual. Young Lady, haven’t you realized which way the wind is blowing?”
Lu Xi was startled, her expression turning serious.
That day, Grandfather returned from court and mentioned that the Crown Prince, leading the Eastern Palace guards, had rescued Consort Wan and Princess Wen Jia. He had also publicly reprimanded the Xiao clan in Xuanzheng Hall. Although the Son of Heaven’s expression was displeased, he still rewarded the Crown Prince, even ordering Xiao Zheng Yuan’s execution and Xiao Jing’s exile.
How could Lu Xi not understand the deeper meaning in her Grandfather’s words…
Princess Ping Le didn’t want her to marry the Crown Prince, but the man she had chosen instead was not to her liking.
Lu Xi thought of Li Zhao’s exceptionally handsome face and bit her lip.
“If that’s the case, His Majesty’s heart leans towards the Crown Prince?”
Xiang Yu said, “Regardless of whether His Majesty favors him or not, the Crown Prince is still the Crown Prince. Old Madam is worried that with this incident, more people will be eyeing the position of Crown Princess. This Third Miss Guo from the Duke of Zheng’s family has a good family background and is also outstanding in appearance…”
Lu Xi looked at the mirror and sneered, “She’s worthy of it?”
Xiang Yu hesitated to speak, “Old Madam said that Third Miss Guo was summoned by the Empress. When she went, the Crown Prince happened to be in Jiaofang Palace paying his respects… They met, and perhaps His Highness is also satisfied with Third Miss… Otherwise, Old Madam wouldn’t be so anxious.”
Lu Xi’s face changed drastically.
Ever since her capping ceremony, she had considered herself the undisputed choice for Crown Princess.
Even if she didn’t want to marry Li Zhao, it shouldn’t be that little brat Guo Yunrong’s turn, right?
Seeing her gloomy expression, Xiang Yu smiled and picked up the hairpin again, coaxing her, “Young Lady, dress yourself up and outshine that Third Miss Guo. Let all the Madams present see who should be the Crown Princess…”
Lu Xi frowned, looking at her own formal attire in the mirror.
“You’re right, the jewelry Princess Ping Le gave me does look a bit old-fashioned.”
–
After a night of light rain, as the morning sun shone, the Taihu stones in the Duke of Zheng’s mansion’s rear garden were stained with deep brown moss from the rain. The clusters of peonies, however, had absorbed the moisture and bloomed with exceptional vibrancy.
Xue Yuechen, supporting Xue Sui, walked along the bluestone path, the pearls and jade ornaments in her hair bun swaying gracefully, dazzling.
“Sixth Sister, do you see? That girl with the double hair buns, wearing a plain wooden hairpin and a goose-yellow jacket and skirt, is the Duke of Zheng’s legitimate granddaughter, Third Miss Guo…”
Xue Sui followed her gaze and stopped to look.
In the waterside pavilion, the young lady was surrounded by several girls, laughing and heading towards the east wing.
She wore a jade ruyi at her waist, accentuating her slender waist like a willow. She still looked young, but already possessed the demeanor of a noble lady from a prominent family.
She chuckled, “She’s quite a beauty in the making.”
Xue Yuechen said, “The capping ceremony is quite elaborate, involving the three-addition rites, three bows, a bestowed courtesy name by an elder, and feasting and entertainment. It will be lively for most of the day…”
As she said this, she seemed to recall something, quickly covering her mouth with a handkerchief and looking at Xue Sui with a hint of embarrassment.
“Elder Sister misspoke. Sixth Sister, when you had your capping ceremony, you were far away and had no one to preside over the ritual. Now, there’s no chance to make it up…”
Xue Sui smiled faintly, her lips curving into a clear, sharp arc.
“Princess Consort, please don’t mind. I don’t care.”
“Greetings to Princess Consort Duan…”
With a low laugh, Lu Xi approached from the path, bowing gracefully to Xue Yuechen.
Her eyes held a smile, but she did not look directly at Xue Sui.
Xue Yuechen smiled and raised her hand, signaling her to rise. She then introduced Xue Sui, “Sixth Sister, this is the granddaughter of Grand Tutor Lu, Second Young Lady Lu.”
Xue Sui looked at Lu Xi, and suddenly felt a dull ache from the old scar on her wrist—
That year, these noble ladies from prominent families had pushed her into an abandoned water vat, and even ordered servants to throw dead rats to scare her…
Lu Xi was among them.
She smiled and bowed slightly, “Second Young Lady Lu, greetings.”
Lu Xi looked at Xue Sui up close, her composure making Lu Xi feel disdainful.
Ten years ago, she had used charcoal to draw a turtle on Xue Liu’s face, humiliating and mocking her mercilessly, yet she hadn’t dared to utter a sound…
Who would have thought this lowly concubine’s daughter would become a favored concubine in Prince Duan’s mansion.
Heh…
A hint of mockery flashed in Lu Xi’s eyes. She suddenly threw the begonia flower in her hand to the ground and stepped on it,
“This flower is too gaudy, an eyesore.”
“Don’t be so rude.” A voice, old and authoritative, came from the corridor.
Following the sound, they saw a plainly dressed old woman walking slowly. The prayer beads on her wrist jingled softly with her steps, her face kind.
She was the wife of the Old Grand Tutor.
The Old Madam noticed her granddaughter’s disrespect towards Xue Sui and frowned slightly, then put on a smile.
“I am late, I hope Princess Consort can forgive me.”
After speaking, her gaze fell on Xue Sui’s face, “This must be Madam Ping’an? I’ve long heard that Minister Xue’s family is upright and that he raises his daughters well, with all his daughters possessing outstanding beauty. Seeing you today, you are truly a national beauty.”
Xue Yuechen said, “Second Young Lady Lu from the Grand Tutor’s mansion, with her bright eyes and pearly teeth, so lively and mischievous, is also quite unique.”
Her lips curved into a smile.
She was subtly pointing out Lu Xi’s recent rude behavior and lack of decorum.
After all, Xue Liu was now part of Prince Duan’s household, and disrespecting her meant disrespecting Princess Consort Duan and Prince Duan.
The Grand Tutor’s wife glared at Lu Xi, “Why aren’t you quickly apologizing to Princess Consort and Madam Ping’an!”
Lu Xi’s body stiffened. Though unwilling, she dared not disobey her grandmother’s command and grudgingly bowed.
Xue Sui felt the goodwill emanating from the Grand Tutor’s wife and gracefully bowed in return, her smile gentle, “Old Madam is too kind. Second Young Lady Lu is merely spirited and not seriously harmed.”
The Grand Tutor’s wife saw her poised demeanor and a hint of approval appeared in her eyes.
“This girl is spoiled and has no manners. When I return home, I will have her mother discipline her strictly.”
This was said with genuine sincerity. This Second Young Lady had followed Princess Ping Le since childhood and was very willful, but the Grand Tutor’s mansion needed to form a marriage alliance with the Eastern Palace, and there was truly no more suitable young lady.
Xue Yuechen exchanged a few polite words, and the matter was dropped.
“Let’s go inside. It’s scorching hot outside, let’s not catch the summer heat.”
The Grand Tutor’s wife smiled in agreement and chatted with them as they walked inside. The First Madam of the Duke of Zheng’s mansion, Luo Shi, Guo Yunrong’s mother, smiled and came to greet the guests.
“My daughter’s capping ceremony is today. Thank you all for gracing us with your presence. Please, come inside and be seated.”
The banquet was held in the spacious main hall, with the carved lattice doors fully open.
Apart from the father and elder brother who could observe the ceremony from the east steps, the seating was entirely for the female guests.
A gentle breeze blew, carrying waves of fragrance. The pearls and jade ornaments on the temples of the noble ladies and young ladies clinked against each other.
The banquet was extremely lavish, with delicacies and fine food filling table after table.
Xue Sui sat with Princess Consort Duan on the west side of the viewing seats, quietly observing the scene.
She noticed Lu Xi on the east side, holding a round fan, partially concealing her face, whispering with her close friends beside her, her gaze occasionally sweeping towards the main guest seats.
A moment later, the First Madam of the Duke of Zheng’s mansion, Luo Shi, appeared with Third Miss Guo, and they bowed to the guests.
After three chimes of the bell, the capping ceremony began.
The Nanny of the Imperial Household Department held a tray, on which lay a green jade hairpin, her voice clear and pleasant.
“First addition: hair bun, announcing to Heaven and Earth!”
Guo Yunrong knelt on the cushion, her earlobes slightly reddening at the sound of the officiant’s chant.
The Duchess of Zheng, with slightly trembling hands, solemnly pinned the hairpin into her granddaughter’s hair bun.
“…On this auspicious day, the first rites of adulthood are performed. Cast aside your youthful desires, embrace your virtues…”
Amidst the solemn chanting, some ladies in the hall began to whisper.
“The other day, I heard Madam Zhang say that the Empress summoned Third Miss Guo… and she also met the Crown Prince…”
“After her capping ceremony, she’ll likely be betrothed…”
“Could she be the future Crown Princess?”
Upon hearing these sensitive words, Lu Xi couldn’t help but scoff.
“After all, she’s the daughter of a military general, her vision is limited. Using such a hairpin for her capping ceremony shows no imperial bearing… Moreover, it highlights Third Miss’s commoner origins…”
The Grand Tutor’s wife, hard of hearing, did not catch the words clearly and said with a smile, “Yes, yes… she’s a well-behaved and clever girl…”
Xue Sui, sitting nearby, had a faint smile playing on her lips.
“Second addition: hairpin and crown, embodying virtue and grace.”
The Old Madam held a peach wood comb and gently styled Guo Yunrong’s hair into a high bun, placing a gold filigree flower crown on her head…
“Third addition: ceremonial robes, to establish oneself in the world…”
A brocade-embroidered peony robe with wide sleeves was put on, making Guo Yunrong’s delicate face appear even more radiant.
“Be filial to your parents, be benevolent to others… Cultivate yourself, manage your household, and excel in virtue, speech, appearance, and deeds…”
The guests presented their congratulatory gifts. After the three bows, the Duke of Zheng’s eldest son solemnly and seriously bestowed a courtesy name upon Third Miss Guo, marking the end of the capping ceremony.
The Nanny of the Imperial Household Department struck a silver chime, “Let the banquet and music begin!”
Everyone began to feast and enjoy music and dance. As people clinked cups and glasses, the atmosphere became even more lively.
After three rounds of wine, amidst the laughter and joy, Lu Xi proposed.
“Pitch-pot gambling is so boring, why don’t we play Guess the Hidden Object?”
Several noble ladies responded enthusiastically.
Guo Yunrong, with her youthful spirit and on her capping ceremony day, naturally wanted her guests to have a good time. Thus, she asked her grandmother to add prizes and, for fairness, had the Nanny of the Imperial Household Department preside over the game.
The young ladies all headed towards the courtyard.
In the courtyard, a red lacquered table had already been set up, polished to a brilliant shine.
As Xue Sui walked over from the living room, Lu Xi called out to her.
“I’ve heard Madam Ping’an is exceptionally intelligent. Why don’t you come and join us?”
Xue Sui glanced at them and said, “You can’t beat me.”
Upon hearing this, not a single one of the young ladies was convinced.
“Come on, Madam Ping’an, come and compete with us.”
Xue Sui shook her head, “I’d rather not.”
Lu Xi said mockingly, “I’ve heard Madam Ping’an’s birth mother was skilled in the Hu Xuan dance. Since you don’t want to play Guess the Hidden Object, perhaps you wish to perform for Third Miss Guo to liven things up?”
Xue Sui narrowed her eyes slightly and curved her lips, “Alright. But Second Young Lady Lu, don’t regret it.”
Guess the Hidden Object is a game where one guesses an object hidden by another. An object or a note is placed under an overturned container, and a riddle is recited for others to guess. The one who guesses correctly wins a prize, and the one who guesses incorrectly is punished.
The maidservants of the Duke of Zheng’s mansion brought out three red lacquered boxes, covered with a layer of soft smoke gauze.
“Ladies, please guess the first riddle!”
The Nanny of the Imperial Household Department smiled and pointed at the red lacquered box.
“The prize is inside the box. The guesser will write the riddle poem on a green jade slip. The first to guess correctly wins the prize, and those who don’t—”
She deliberately drew out the last syllable.
“—will be fined three cups of iced wormwood wine.”
The noble ladies around them whispered upon hearing this.
They wondered what the prize could be, and if three cups of wine would make them drunk.
The Nanny of the Imperial Household Department cleared her throat and smiled as she recited the riddle:
【The ice spirit holds its light in the brocade palace】
Xue Sui: Leave it to me~~
Li Zhao: What about me?
