Chapter 208: Clear Sky Day Chapter 185: Marquis Mansion Family Banquet

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Protagonist:

Shaowei

Liu Qi

"Shaowei—" Yan Mian asked, "Is that the name you go by?"

This was naturally a question asked despite knowing the answer, merely serving as an opening remark, carrying a stiffness and an unaccustomed gentle benevolence, yet also revealing a certain awkwardness.

Shaowei looked up, nodding: "Replying to the Prime Minister, it is."

The Prime Minister, who had grown accustomed over these years to not speaking or smiling lightly, paused for a moment, then said: "You look very much like your Mother, the same bravery and resolve, the same spirited elegance... Previously, this Uncle was dull-witted and blind, interacting with you for so long yet failing to recognize you sooner."

With this address of 'Uncle', Shaowei carefully discerned, and saw the lines and contours of that side face immersed in the flickering lamplight gentle to the point of seeming like a different person, all the imposing rigidity gone, the whole person appearing as if ten years younger, quite full of human warmth.

Besides the change in tone and address, there were admonitions that no longer stemmed solely from the Court's perspective as before, but rather: "You are still young, newly entered into officialdom, yet hold a special high position, unlike ordinary officials. Should there be anything you do not understand or are uncertain about, come ask this Uncle at any time. If you perceive anyone harboring ill intent, you must also inform this Uncle promptly."

These words were spoken with genuine concern and sincerity. Shaowei, upon hearing them, nodded seriously in return: "I understand. Many thanks, Yan... Uncle."

In the dimness, Yan Mian smiled faintly, almost imperceptibly, his spine straight, hands clasped behind his back, saying: "Let's go, don't keep your Mother and the others waiting."

Yan Chu and Xiangzhi, trailing two steps behind, whispered: "Never mind others, even I rarely hear Father speak this many words at once."

He added a sentence: "Of course, except when discussing state affairs in the Court..."

Yan Chu spoke very quietly; Shaowei listened intently all the way to his whispered words with Qing Wu, practically wearing her ears out eavesdropping.

Besides the Yan father and son, there were no other outsiders at the banquet. From the conversation between the Prime Minister and her Grandfather, Shaowei learned that the Prime Minister had come of his own accord, not by invitation.

The banquet seating remained separate tables; two people per table or one person per table were both acceptable. The central seat of honor was naturally occupied by Lady Shentu and the Marquis of Lu, but the lower seat on the left was not occupied by the high-status Prime Minister, but by Jiang Fu, the proper invited honored guest.

Jiang Fu smiled and beckoned Shaowei to share a table, but Shaowei had already stepped ahead and sat down right next to Qing Wu.

Feng Zhu then smiled and came to Jiang Fu's side, saluted, and shared a table with her.

The Yan father and son respectively took their seats at the two tables on the right side of the banquet.

However, this arrangement meant that whenever Yan Chu looked up, he faced Qing Wu's position directly across; he would occasionally reveal a smile, or raise a cup.

With the Marquis of Lu laughing heartily from time to time, Jiang Fu who could carry any conversation, and the equally witty and talkative Yan Chu present, this family banquet was exceptionally harmonious and lively; even the faces of the maidservants kneeling to pour wine were tinged with smiles.

After three rounds of wine, Yan Chu even took the jade flute from his waist and played music to heighten the mood. The Marquis of Lu's interest was greatly aroused, and he unceremoniously had servants bring his treasured sword.

He ignored dissuasion, dancing with the sword publicly, utterly lacking the reserved composure of an elder, only the self-absorbed immersion of showing off grandly before his granddaughter.

Mere display was not enough; he further invited Shaowei to spar a few moves with him, borrowing the wine's courage.

Shaowei saw her Grandfather's moves were profound and weighty; though lacking a swordsman's ethereal grace, they possessed a solemn battlefield aura she had never witnessed before, faintly revealing the mighty bearing of the sword-wielder on the battlefields of old—

Already watching with rapt fascination, even stirring the competitive spirit in her bones, upon hearing this invitation Shaowei immediately wanted to accept the sword and rise.

But mindful that the Yan father and son and numerous servants were all present, and that since entering the Capital she had not yet truly revealed her extraordinary martial prowess before others, she thought for a moment, then forcibly suppressed the body that wanted to spring up, saying: "Grandfather has drunk too much today; when he is sober another day, I will again seek Grandfather's instruction."

Lady Shentu said in a joking tone: "Indeed, even if the child won against you, this drunken old man, it would be an unworthy victory."

The Marquis of Lu, upon coming back to his senses, wore a face of satisfaction as if hearing celestial music, smiling broadly like a chrysanthemum, repeatedly agreeing: "Good, good, good!"

This was still the first time this taciturn child had called him Grandfather, and one call amounted to a shocking two times!

He had originally intended to hold a grand recognition banquet, but Shaowei did not value this ceremony, only saying that nowadays no one didn't know she was her Mother's daughter, so there was no need for this superfluous act.

The Marquis of Lu greatly respected the child's wish, converting the money originally planned for the banquet into grain and sending it outside the City for disaster relief.

The overjoyed Marquis of Lu returned to his seat, ordering wine to continue being poured: "Drunk once more this time, next time I won't drink!"

Below, Jiang Fu, relying on Feng Zhu's backing and presence to keep Shaowei in check, also got to taste the long-missed flavor of wine as he wished. But because he still had business at hand this time, and feared the little ghost's vengeful authority come autumn, he also didn't dare act too recklessly, only drinking a little then stopping.

Qing Wu also tasted a cup of fruit wine, whispering to Shaowei: "Sweet and fragrant, slightly numbing, different from Taoxi Township's, Sister try a taste too..."

Shaowei, half-believing half-doubting, tasted a cup; however, sweet as it was, it still felt like a hundred or eighty little soldiers wielding knives and swords, fighting all the way from her throat down to her stomach. This feeling of being bullied by a cup of strange wine made Shaowei find it truly hard to accept; she resolved not to taste even once more.

But Shaowei didn't want to dampen A Jie's spirits, forcibly enduring the ferocious expression, instead whispering a proposal: "Didn't A Jie used to sing poems? That one 'Why Not Hold a Candle and Roam'—"

Qing Wu hurriedly shook her head, face slightly red: "No, next time."

At that time Yan Family Brother was there striking the cup to play music, but now...

For some reason, Qing Wu was inexplicably certain that if she once opened her mouth to sing, that sentimental and meddlesome person opposite would surely accompany her with flute music, and this thought made her feel awkward... Moreover, things she and Yan Family Brother could do together, how could they be easily done with an outsider?

Thinking of this, Qing Wu felt inexplicably flustered, lowered her head, and drank another cup of fruit wine to calm her shock.

Meanwhile, the Marquis of Lu above was already quite drunk, yet sighed, saying to Lady Shentu with melancholy: "... Bestowing another seat on the Marquis Mansion, the family grows ever larger, making it even harder to implement that whole relocation strategy... Madam, do you think this scheme can still..."

Feng Zhu, sitting closer, suddenly called out with a smile: "Father!"

She propped herself on the table and rose, came to her Father's side and knelt: "Father, this wine, it seems you've drunk about enough..."

As she spoke, she poured another full cup, held it up with both hands: "Just drink this last cup then."

Seeing his daughter's face full of filial piety, the Marquis of Lu laughed heartily and nodded, accepted it and drained it in one gulp, then his eyelids grew heavy, speech slurred, and he collapsed completely drunk, leaning against the armrest.

"Escort Father back to rest." Feng Zhu smoothly instructed the servants, exhaling a breath of quiet relief in her heart.

With the Marquis of Lu leaving the table, the banquet also neared its end.

After the banquet dispersed, Feng Zhu moved to the warm pavilion beside the hall, and Jiang Fu diagnosed her.

Jiang Fu examined very meticulously, from pulse to the disabled areas, diagnosing and inquiring one by one in detail.

"The bone injuries on the Lady's body have all been too long since the time of injury, and after being injured she never received any medical treatment or recuperation, and has always been in places of freezing cold and damp..."

Jiang Fu spoke gently, with some apology: "Old bone injuries, if one wishes to heal them, are already impossible. What this humble one can offer in the way of recuperation lies only in pacifying pain, nurturing Qi and blood, strengthening the physique, solidifying the will, and calming the spirit."

Standing by the screen, Shaowei heard this and looked at her Mother's legs.

Shaowei had learned much medical art from Jiang Fu, and had also specially read many related medical texts; in her heart she likewise roughly understood that old bone injury residuals and disabilities were fundamentally different from stubborn poison ailments... yet hearing Jiang Fu declare it definitively at this moment, she still couldn't conceal her disappointment.

"Many thanks, Female Monarch."

Feng Zhu first thanked Jiang Fu, then looked at her daughter, smiling: "Qingniang, don't be sad. Being able to stop the pain and calm the spirit is already the best possible thing. Mother isn't unable to walk, just tires more easily than ordinary people... I observe the Female Monarch Jiang's wheeled conveyance is extremely exquisite and practical; if I could also have one, I could sit and travel when fatigued, would that not mean no inconvenience at all?"

Shaowei nodded immediately: "I'll have Mo Li make one when we get back!"

She suggested again: "By then, carve a large cluster of peonies on the back of the carriage."

Feng Zhu first laughed, then realized it belatedly, staring blankly as a glimmer of tears appeared in her eyes.

Qingniang knew she loved peonies; she must have secretly visited her Ju Yuan before.

Shen Tu Furen sighed, then smilingly suggested again: "Since it's being carved, carve another fierce tiger as well, to ward off evil and guard the carriage."

Jiang Fu nodded: "Then it can be carved as a painting of fierce beasts presenting peonies."

Shaowei suddenly felt doubled pressure; she was not skilled at painting, how complex and headache-inducing fierce beasts presenting peonies were, she had no idea how to paint it at all.

But seeing everyone laughing and talking, although pressure was added to Shaowei's heart, her disappointment faded somewhat along with it.

Pei carefully helped Feng Zhu tidy her clothes; Feng Zhu poked her head out to look outside and called out: "Has Quan Shan gone back?"

This question was asked to the maid guarding outside the curtain, but the answer came from Yan Mian's steady, slightly hoarse voice: "Zhu'er, I am still here."

Feng Zhu was helped up by Pei and slowly walked out of the warm pavilion.

"Quan Shan, let's take a walk in the garden... you keep me company and talk for a while."

"Alright, I'll bring the lamp."

A bamboo lamp painted with ink orchid leaves passed through the night; Shaowei followed the maid carrying the lamp and arrived at Shaoxian Ju.

Qingwu, having drunk only two cups of fruit wine, felt somewhat dizzy; after the feast dispersed, she was taken to the guest courtyard to rest. Mo Li, though she had not drunk wine, had eaten a large bowl of mutton soup noodles and various cakes and fried foods at the feast, and was also sleepy and dazed, yawning incessantly.

Jiang Fu even directly complained of physical weakness and fatigue, unable to travel further; he could only impose on the mansion for the night.

Shaowei naturally stayed as well, was taken to Mother's Ju Yuan, looked around east and west, sat on a swing, and counted the potted plants.

After bathing, she stayed overnight in the bedroom right next to Mother's; after the maids withdrew, Shaowei flopped onto the bed, rolled over once, as if wanting to dye the entire bedding with her own scent.

Zhan Zhan saw this, shrank its claws, becoming like a round ball, and also rolled around, though its movements appeared clumsy.

Clearly having drunk only one cup of wine, as Shaowei was about to burrow into the quilt, she actually felt somewhat dizzy.

Shaowei, exposing only a head, was half-asleep, but still held on until she heard Mother's voice returning in the courtyard, then contentedly closed her heavy eyelids and slept soundly through the night.

At dawn the next day, Shaowei, who had rarely slept so soundly, was awakened by knocking at the door.

Pei's smiling voice came in: "Lord Hou, if you do not rise again, you fear missing your shift; the young lady is already waiting."

Shaowei sat up with a start; in her daze she thought of the rule in the Hou Mansion about paying respects; she disliked paying respects to people, except for Mother.

However, Mother was not waiting for her to pay respects; when Shaowei, with her hair loose, walked into Mother's room, she saw Mother sitting on the straw mat before the dressing table, smiling and waving the sandalwood comb in her hand at her.

As the hair bun was about to be finished, Shaowei, through the bronze mirror, still could not help but speak to inquire: "Mother... what exactly did you and Uncle Yan Shi say last night?"

Feng Zhu pursed her lips and smiled, lightly knocking the comb against her daughter's head: "Adult matters, children should not ask too much."

After receiving this knock, Shaowei's rebellious streak flared up, and she became even more curious.

"Mother is an adult and can handle anything, and you also have your great-grandfather and great-grandmother." Feng Zhu put down the comb, while selecting jewelry for her daughter, she softly said: "Don't always worry about Mother's affairs; tell Mother more about your own affairs, both good and bad must be told..."

This early morning, Shaowei, like an early-rising bird, said many words and ate much breakfast.

When leaving Lu Hou Fu and preparing to go to Shen Ci, outside the Hou Mansion there was a carriage waiting in advance; the coachman was no one else, but Zhao Qie'an.

Zhao Qie'an was not used to attending banquets, so he had not come last night; when he opened his eyes before dawn, he felt the house was empty and desolate, so he came to pick up the child for duty; after seeing off the child, he planned to return again to pick up Jiang Fu.

The carriage wheels rolled, the renowned Ling Shu Hou and her equally renowned wanted criminal coachman, one after another, made a showy passage through the market, heading toward Shen Ci.

Inside the carriage was a three-foot-tall large wooden chest; Shaowei asked what it was, and the coachman driving answered it was sent by that Liu Qi kid yesterday to Jiang Zhai.

Shaowei opened it and saw a pair of jade tiger ornaments carved from yellow and white jade; one lay leisurely with a long tail curled into a circle; the other lowered its body shape, craned its neck and roared.

Also seen was a scroll of letter silk; no one knew where that filial person wrote it in the Imperial streamer, nor through whose hands it was delivered; the handwriting on it was still that lively and unrestrained chapter cursive script, inscribed with:

【Respectfully congratulating Lord Ling Shu on his great promotion and joy, sincerely wishing Lord Shan to forever maintain a brave and martial posture, roaring to shake a thousand mountains; uniquely shining with the brilliance of the stars and the Milky Way, its light spreading across the four seas.】

Shaowei slightly curled the corner of her mouth, stared closely to examine carefully, only then seeing that the roaring jade tiger held a jade bead of the same color in its mouth; she extended her finger to poke and scratch it; this bead could actually move, rolling around in the tiger's mouth as she poked it, emitting a clear and pleasant light sound.

Shaowei played for a good while; when she withdrew her hand, she only heard the sound of the jade bead rolling gradually slow and stop; finally it seemed to carry a touch of desolate coldness.

Staring at the jade bead until it no longer moved, Shaowei slowly blinked her eyes; in her heart she was thinking that her relatives gathered around her in joy, while he was performing a filial duty with ulterior motives in the Imperial streamer, guarding an enemy whom he pretended was a relative.

His injury had not yet healed; he laughed and said this way he could pretend to be pitiful, but turning truly pitiful into pretending to be pitiful—wasn't that even more pitiful?

In a daze, the jade tiger before Shaowei's eyes seemed to become a jade fox; that sinister and cunning fox smiled with narrowed eyes, but beneath its skin was bloody flesh.

But such a fox still wanted to send things to amuse her; she was clearly already overly happy, wasn't she?

Shaowei thoughtfully could not help but raise her hand, gently touching the head of the jade beast.

In her heart there was a voice saying she should also go see him; even if she could not say anything, when he saw her, he would surely feel some slight joy and relaxation—Shaowei, who was usually confident, now inexplicably believed this firmly.

But on that day, affairs at Shen Ci were busy; she did not have time to go see people, and also heard the news that the Crown Prince had been ordered by imperial decree to supervise the state.

The next day, Shaowei had just arrived at Shen Ci and was planning to enter the Imperial streamer later, when someone came to invite from the Imperial streamer first, saying the Empress summoned Tai Puzhe into the palace.

?? Everyone good night^

? Recommending friend Tan Zi's new book: "Red Chamber Mistress of the Household" Red Chamber fanfiction^ Friends interested in Red Chamber themes can take a look!

? Attached synopsis: Transmigrated into Red Chamber's Lady You; a useless, lecherous husband Jia Zhen who climbs into bed with his daughter-in-law, a weak stepson Da Er who is trampled and spat on by servants... what a disastrous start!