Untying the shackles would prevent Madam Wei’s family from stirring trouble again.
Madam Xing glanced at her eldest sister-in-law, Liu, sensing both her timidity and her unspoken grievances. Once, Liu had been adept at socializing and taking the lead in matters of etiquette, but now she hesitated at every step. No wonder Xueniang, raised under her guidance, was so composed and tolerant.
For a moment, the atmosphere grew chilly. It was clear that Liu SHI’s earlier suggestion had not met Madam Xing’s approval.
Just as Liu shi began to wonder if Madam Xing might become displeased, Du Jingyi spoke at the right moment.
“If you are unwell, let my eighth sister escort you back to rest. I will speak with my aunt here. After all, today is a grand day for Duke’s Mansion; if all of us leaves, it might give Madam Wei a reason to stir trouble for the East Garden.”
Du Jingyi was fearless, even in the presence of a princess.Partially becaus of her own strenght and partially as she knew she was not entirely without support,as thoughts of her husband crossed her mind. With his official position and the respect he commanded before His Majesty, surely he could protect her. So a small smile curved her lips at the thought.
Madam Xing, startled, asked,
“What are you laughing at?”
“I was wondering,” Du Jingyi replied lightly, “if I accidentally offended Princess Yuehua or Consort Fu, I wonder if the General could come to my aid?”
Hearing this, Madam Xing laughed heartily.
“Interesting, indeed! You are a truly remarkable young woman. Shao Yu is fortunate to have married you, and so too is our Gu family!”
It mattered little that she had been born to merchants. Now, as the wife of the General of the Cavalry, Du Jingyi’s status was elevated. Even if Prince Fu himself had been present, she would have been treated with respect. In the Daxing Dynasty, military command held greater prestige than civil office, and the Gu family had sacrificed much for their country. Were Marshal Gu still alive, even the Crown Prince would pay homage to him; a mere princess, then, would be of secondary concern.
Perhaps it was Du Jingyi’s courage in confronting such a “delicate situation” that bolstered the confidence of eldest sister-in-law Liu and Xueniang.
Indeed, no member of the Gu family would retreat before a challenge. Where the men had faced danger head-on, the women could not be cowed by mere palace gossip. With that in mind, their apprehension dissipated.
“Then we shall stay and speak with Auntie. Nothing has occurred yet, and hiding will not spare us from trouble,” Liu shi declared.
Du Jingyi and Madam Xing exchanged relieved glances. This was a promising beginning for a change .
Meanwhile, Princess Yuehua had arrived at the flower hall. Naturally, Madam Wei yielded her seat to the princess, now the most distinguished presence in the room. At her side stood Consort Fu and Madam Wei herself.
“I heard from Ah-Lu that today is the Duke’s birthday banquet, so I thought I’d join the celebration. Everyone, relax—there’s no need to be so formal just because I am here.”
“Ah-Lu” referred to Princess Fu. The two princesses shared a friendly rapport, so no one found the comment unusual.
Madam Wei and her household were delighted, bowing with respect:
“The princess’s presence brings honor to us all. It brightens our celebration—it is truly a blessing.”
Princess Yuehua, around forty years old—slightly younger than Madam Wei—carried herself with an elegance that surpassed even that of Princess Fu. In the entire capital few could have matched her refined appearance and commanding presence.
Wei Jialian, eager to mingle with influential figures, approached with feigned innocence:
“Jia Lian greets the princess.”
Princess Yuehua examined her briefly and remarked,
“This must be the cousin Alu mentioned. She is truly beautiful.”
Princess Fu glanced at Wei Jialian and replied politely, maintaining decorum despite any private sentiments:
“Princess, your memory is sharp. Indeed, this is cousin Lian.”
Princess Yuehua inquired further,
“How old is she?”
“My princess, I am fourteen. My coming-of-age ceremony will be in a few days,” Wei Jialian responded.
Upon hearing this, Princess Fu teased gently,
“Time flies. You were once a baby in swaddling clothes, and now you are nearly an adult. I wonder what path you will take in the future.”
Wei Jialian blushed, shy under the princess’s gaze. Princess Yuehua found her demeanor charming and jested further:
“Why don’t you consider my nephews? I believe they are suitable matches.”
The women of the Wei family gasped with delight. To marry a prince or a grandson of the royal family would elevate Wei Jialian’s status tremendously. The eldest lady of the Wei family immediately began calculating possibilities for her daughter also .
The crown prince was already over thirty, with a crown princess and many concubines. If her daughter entered the Eastern Palace, she would start at the lowest rank, with no guarantee of advancement. A favored princeon the other hand would provide both influence and security—an ideal match for there family .
Princess Yuehua’s remark was brief, intended lightly, and she said no more. Observing the eldest lady’s keen calculations, the princess left her words as a gentle jest.
The eldest lady, slightly puzzled, glanced at Princess Fu, anxious that her daughter’s future might be compromised by inappropriate interpretation.
Princess Fu remained quiet, while Madam Wei interjected kindly:
“We have some sweet melons today, Princess. They are delicious. I recall from my aunt that you enjoy them. Please, have some.”
Princess Yuehua smiled graciously.
“Melons are rare delicacies. Thank you, Madam, for your thoughtfulness.”
These were melons from the Western Regions, often considered tribute fruits. Even a single melon indicated Madam Wei’s careful attention and status, reflecting both generosity and an understanding of courtly expectations.