Chapter 4: The Many Faces of the Hou Family Before the Banquet

As soon as Aunt Yang finished speaking, Jiang Shiyuan understood clearly.

Living in the Jiang family’s inner quarters was no easy matter.

The grandmother was harsh and unkind, and the second aunt was selfish and disloyal. When their mother was alive, she could somewhat restrain them, but now they held all the power. No favor could be expected, and it was doubtful even basic expenses would be fully provided.

Judging by Aunt Yang and the third sister Jiang Shishu’s outdated attire, Jiang Shiyuan already knew their purpose in coming. She smiled faintly and said,

“It was my negligence. I have not been feeling well since returning home and feared troubling everyone with my illness. I did not contact you earlier. Today, I must go out to my maternal family’s home for a family banquet. Younger sister, you may come along if you wish.”

Her sincere tone moved Aunt Yang to tears.

“Thank you, eldest miss, for your kindness.”

Even if they were refused today, Aunt Yang could find no fault with the eldest miss.

Jiang Shiyuan’s humble demeanor reminded Aunt Yang of the time when the matriarch was alive. Back then, they never had to endure shortage in clothing or food, nor were they troubled by the prospect of going out.

Aunt Yang was not one for flattery, so she found no words to praise, but Jiang Shiyuan kindly smiled at the slightly uneasy Jiang Shishu and had Lüluo bring over a plate of Yudu cake for them to try.

“My health is poor, so I usually avoid sweets, but this Yudu cake is different—soft and glutinous, quite palatable. Younger sister, try some. I remember you like sweet things; this should suit your taste.”

“Eldest sister, you still remember I like sweets?”

“I left home at six, old enough to remember things. When mother was alive, you often came to her room to play with me. Sisterly bonds are rare; now that I’m back, we should no longer be strangers. Whenever you have time, come visit me.”

Jiang Shishu was surprised. She had thought herself an unnoticed concubine daughter unworthy to appear before others, and so she quietly passed time in her room with embroidery. She never expected her elder sister, like a fairy beneath the moonlight, to remember those past moments.

Her heart was in turmoil.

Finally, tears in her eyes, she took a small bite of the Yudu cake. It was indeed soft and subtly sweet—just the flavor she loved. Then she looked up and smiled at Jiang Shiyuan, her small face shedding much tension and gaining warmth.

While they were eating, Jiang Huaishan entered.

After changing his clothes, he looked even more refined and elegant. Upon entering, everyone rose to greet him.

“Greetings, Father.”

“Greetings, Master.”

“Are you all ready? Once prepared, we shall depart to avoid keeping Mother-in-law waiting.”

Jiang Shiyuan glanced at younger sister Jiang Shishu, who wiped a crumb from her mouth and nodded, prompting a soft chuckle.

“The girls are ready; we can leave immediately.”

After a few words, Jiang Huaishan led the two sisters out of the courtyard.

Aunt Yang watched them leave, her gaze reluctant. Only when they disappeared from sight did she wipe tears from her eyes and turn away.

The coachman cracked his whip, and the carriage rolled away from Falling Leaves Lane where the Jiang family resided.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a soft golden light over the capital. After the family’s departure, a young servant quietly slipped into the courtyard of the second madam, Lady Zhang.

“Are you sure you saw correctly?”

“Absolutely. The Master took two young ladies with him, saying they were going to the Marquis Wen Yuan’s residence for a family feast. The servant at the gate said the third young lady was specially dressed up—surely there’s another purpose behind it.”

The speaker was a stout woman surnamed Qi, with sharp eyebrows and eyes that gave the impression she was not easily trifled with. Seated at the table, enjoying a bowl of bird’s nest stew, was the proud Second Madam, Lady Zhang.

She wore a bright red cloud-patterned long gown with a matching thin jacket. Thin and sharp-featured, she looked somewhat difficult, especially her restless eyes, plainly showing her displeasure over the third young lady’s visit to the Marquis Wen Yuan’s home.

“Jin’er has been married less than a month. Is Aunt Yang next door jealous and wants to get her daughter into the Marquis’s household too?”

“Not at all. Our Second Miss marrying the heir was a match made by the gods, a blessed union. How can this third young lady compare? Besides, with her looks and talents, wanting to enter the Marquis’s house is just wishful thinking. Madam, mark my words, even if she gets in, she’ll only be a concubine like her mother.”

Qi Mama’s words pleased Lady Zhang greatly. Taking a large spoonful of bird’s nest, she said with a scheming look,

“It’s been days since I served the old madam. Let’s prepare and bring the deer antler balm Jin’er had sent last time to visit her.”

Qi Mama quickly responded with a smile.

---

Full of ill intent, the mistress and servant awaited their chance to act.

Inside the carriage speeding along the imperial street, Jiang Shishu, who had rarely gone out, peered eagerly outside.

The Marquis Wen Yuan’s residence lay to the northeast of West Capital, requiring passing through three main streets, including the Danyang Road, the imperial street running straight south to north.

When the royal procession paraded, the street closed, and all subjects knelt in reverence, but today was an ordinary day, so the street was bustling with people, many strolling along the sides, enjoying the capital’s prosperity.

Vendors loudly hawked their wares. Near mealtime, fragrant scents filled the air, with some stalls inside shops and others set up simply by the riverside selling sweet wonton soup.

Jiang Shishu had never seen such liveliness and was naturally curious.

“Though I’ve been in the capital for ten years, there are many places I’ve never visited. When Father has a day off, could you take us around the city?”

Jiang Huaishan, resting with eyes closed in the carriage, heard this familiar voice. Opening his eyes, he saw it was his daughter Jiang Shiyuan.

Though the words came from her, he knew the intention was for the younger sister. Stroking his goatee thoughtfully, he replied,

“May is an unlucky month, not a good time for outings. Wait until early July. I heard the Lan Yue Tower will hold a Qiqiao festival then. Your father will take you sisters out to enjoy the festivities.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Shishu’s eyes brightened with anticipation.

She had rarely gone out in Xuzhou and even less in the capital. She had never heard of Lan Yue Tower or the Qiqiao festival. If not for her eldest sister mentioning it, even her father might not have thought of it.

Grateful, she glanced at Jiang Shiyuan and respectfully said to Jiang Huaishan,

“Daughter will obey Father and Eldest Sister.”

Always obedient and never troubling her father, Jiang Shishu’s humble demeanor made him gently stroke her forehead and reply,

“The back courtyard is ruled by the old madam. I know you and your aunt have suffered. Tomorrow I’ll have someone bring you some fine clothes from the tailor. Summer is here, and there are many banquets; a young lady must have proper attire.”

“If Father sends clothes, then I shall send a box of jewelry. I’m too lazy to wear such things, so it’s a waste to keep them in my room. It’s better if younger sister doesn’t mind them.”

Hearing this, Jiang Shishu quickly shook her head, her eyes shy and uneasy, responding,

“How can I refuse your kindness, Father and Eldest Sister? But I rarely go out; wearing such things would be ostentatious. The clothes and jewelry I have now suffice.”

Jiang Shishu was content with little, much like Aunt Yang.

But Jiang Shiyuan did not want her to remain so plain in her prime years. Having seen her mother-in-law and cousin-in-law’s care, she believed a woman should be cherished and carefully tended, whether at her natal or marital home.

Feeling a pang of sorrow, her gaze offered comfort.

“A family should not speak such empty words. Younger sister, just accept them. At your age, a young lady ought to dress beautifully.”

Jiang Shishu felt an indescribable warmth.

Although she had met her eldest sister few times, the care shown was rare indeed.

She had heard from grandmother and second aunt that the eldest sister was a frail, distant noblewoman, but now she was humble and kind, sparking much affection.

Seeing the anxiety ease from her face, Jiang Shiyuan was genuinely glad.

The three chatted as they traveled and soon arrived.

Upon alighting from the carriage, they saw steward Qingbo waiting at the gate. Seeing the Jiang family, he smiled and promptly greeted,

“Greetings, Lord Zongzheng. Greetings, Eldest Miss.”

His eyes lingered briefly on Jiang Shishu before respectfully asking,

“And this is...?”

“Qingbo, this is our third sister. She comes with us today to visit our maternal grandmother.”

“I see. Greetings, Miss Jiang.”

“Greetings, Qingbo.”

Jiang Shishu, somewhat nervous, gave a half bow, fearing any slight might offend the household.

Compared to her restraint, Jiang Shiyuan felt like a fish entering water, joyous and radiant. Born beautiful, her smile was bewitching.

“How has Grandmother been these days?”

“All is well, though the old madam misses you and has less appetite than before. But since the return of Young Master Pei and Third Young Master, she eats a full bowl every meal.”

Jiang Shiyuan chuckled softly.

“Grandmother still has the same childish ways as before.”

“Eldest Miss is right. Please come inside. The marquis, madam, and young masters have been waiting.”

“Very well.”

Led by Qingbo, the trio entered the Marquis Wen Yuan residence.

Unlike the Jiang household’s simple elegance, the Marquis Wen Yuan home exuded opulence. Intricate pavilions and halls appeared at every turn, with winding streams and elaborate carvings displaying immense wealth.

The family’s ancestors once managed the salt transportation bureau, a lucrative post.

Forty years ago, the late marquis took the position, journeying alone to the south to inspect. Despite many dangers, his loyalty to the throne recovered nearly eighty percent of profits for the treasury, earning great merit.

The emperor recognized his integrity and rewarded him handsomely, adding to the family fortune, which was now vast.

Passing through the ornate double doors, they saw covered corridors on both sides. A zitan wood and marble folding screen stood in the middle. Beyond it lay the main hall.

Though Jiang Huaishan was the son-in-law, he stayed in the front hall to await the marquis and nephews, while Jiang Shiyuan led Jiang Shishu onward.

Behind the front hall were side rooms connected by corridors stretching over five spacious chambers. Many maids and elder women stood at the doors, greeting the arrivals with strict formality.

Among them, a familiar maid hurried forward, smiling warmly and greeting them with composed grace.

“The old madam was just asking why Eldest Miss had not come yet. Speak of the devil, here you are.”

“Your flattering tongue is sweet. I bet the old madam’s herbal honey is your reward.”

Jiang Shiyuan teased, and the maid Huamei laughed without offense, quickly pulling back the curtain and inviting them in.

“Eldest Miss has arrived.”

Upon entering, the sisters saw the silver-haired old madam seated in the center, listening as her daughter-in-law and granddaughter-in-law spoke.

Seeing Jiang Shiyuan, she came forward quickly before any formal greeting, embracing her heartily.

“You ungrateful child! You said you’d come visit Grandmother after a few days at home, but it’s been over ten days without even a message. Aren’t you afraid of making Grandmother miss you so painfully?”

Madam Wang was robust and round-faced, possessing the dignified aura of a matriarch from a prosperous family. Her eyes brimmed with tears as she looked lovingly at Jiang Shiyuan, who immediately took a handkerchief to wipe them.

“Grandmother, please be at ease. Your granddaughter is here now.”

Behind them, Aunt Pei and cousin Xiang also came forward, comforting Madam Wang.

“Today is a day of reunion; please don’t be sad. If you cry until your eyes turn red, those boys outside will only cause more mischief trying to cheer you up.”

Hearing this, Jiang Shiyuan laughed softly and said with a smile,

“Grandmother, I heard from Qingbo that after Third Cousin and Cousin Pei returned, you could eat a large bowl every day. It seems your missing me was just a passing fancy.”

At her words, Madam Wang scolded playfully,

“Those two little monkeys act up before me every day. I can’t help but laugh until I’m exhausted, so naturally I eat more. Why don’t you look and see what tricks they’ll pull this time?”

Her words sparked laughter among those present, making the room lively. Jiang Shishu, standing quietly nearby, appeared somewhat uneasy and shy.