Chapter 33

That day, Madam Shen made a trip to Lan Garden.

"Ningning, the Xie residence is holding a banquet today; they sent the invitation three days ago. Change your clothes and come with me shortly."

Shen Shuangning was not surprised.

She had long known that the Yongning Marquis's residence would be holding a banquet.

That day on Zhuangyuan Bridge, Xie Lin brought it up, saying that the last time Shen Shuangning visited the Xie residence, he had received her poorly and felt guilty, so he had been looking for a chance to make amends.

He also worried that the previous incident had made Madam Shen resent him, which is why he wanted to do something.

He, with a flushed face, asked her: "On that day, could you leave a little later? I want to show you something."

Thus Shen Shuangning rose early and dressed herself.

Madam Shen still did not know that the young marquis Xie favored Shen Shuangning, and when she received this invitation she felt somewhat puzzled.

The matriarch of the Xie family is Princess Changyu, the paternal half-sister of Emperor Xuwen; she is aloof and proud, unlike other clan wives who enjoy socializing, and she has no need to curry favor with anyone.

In past banquets at other mansions, one rarely saw this marquis's wife, and even banquets held at the marquis's residence were infrequent.

Over these years in the capital, Madam Shen's visits to the marquis's residence could be counted on one hand; she had even forgotten what the marquis's wife looked like.

Had it not been for the previous visit to the marquis's residence to thank them for Shen Shuangning's matter, she estimated she would hardly have had a chance to set foot inside.

The two families' acquaintance was as thin as it could be, yet this time the marquis's wife personally sent out the invitation. Moreover, as she knew, the Shen household had actually been among the first to receive it.

Precisely for this reason, Madam Shen felt things were abnormal, especially since the invitation clearly requested her presence as the duchess of the state, which did not resemble an ordinary banquet.

Madam Shen sat in a chair in the outer room waiting for Shen Shuangning, sipping tea while pondering the intentions of the Yongning Marquis's residence.

"Mother, I'm ready."

A soft voice sounded, and Madam Shen lifted her eyes.

Shen Shuangning wore a light blue ruqun today; her skin was fair, and she looked fresh and lovely, like a water hibiscus just beginning to bloom in spring.

Madam Shen watched her daughter growing ever more graceful, and an incredulous thought arose in her mind.

Could it be that the Xie family intends to form a marriage alliance with the state duke's household?

Otherwise, why would they invite only the main branch of the state duke's household?

Thinking this way, it is not impossible.

However, given how aloof and proud the marquis's wife is—perhaps even more so than the Prince of Yan's consort—Madam Shen quelled that notion.

After all, if the marquis's wife had any designs on Ningning, she ought to have acted long ago rather than waiting until now.

Still, we must go and see to find out.

Not long after, they arrived at the Yongning Marquis's residence, where Xie Lin personally came out to greet them and usher them inside.

Shen Xiuci also came along.

He gazed at Xie Lin with a sullen expression.

Xie Lin, however, acted as if he hadn't noticed, clasping his hands in a friendly salute toward him, behaving like an old friend reunited after many years.

Shen Xiuci slowly clenched his fists, giving no response for a long time, until Madam Shen tugged at his sleeve, whereupon he reluctantly returned a salute.

In the past, whenever they were at odds, Shen Xiuci would calmly watch Xie Lin jump about in anger; this time the roles were reversed.

Even now, Shen Xiuci still believed that Xie Lin harbored designs on his sister as revenge against him.

The wound on Xie Lin's face had healed; today he dressed extremely formally, in a brocade robe and jade cap, proper and dignified, the very image of a talented gentleman.

The youth's face bore a semblance of pretended composure and mature steadiness; he was meticulous and attentive in all things, very proper, causing not the slightest discomfort to Shen Shuangning's mother.

The youth's tongue was sweet, adept at winning elders' favor, and he soon had Madam Shen beaming with delight.

Along the way, Madam Shen's opinion of Xie Lin improved considerably.

She had previously heard that Xie Lin was a spoiled child, indulged to the point of being difficult to get along with; since she hadn't seen him the last time she came, she believed it half-heartedly, but having saved Ningning, Madam Shen was not overly concerned.

Now it is clear that he is a humble, well-mannered, well-educated good child.

She thought to herself, "How could such a stern and proper person as Princess Changyu raise a thoroughly wayward young master? Perhaps the young marquis was merely mischievous in his youth and grew up to be sensible."

After all, which young man does not have a mischievous streak? Shen Xiuci gave her plenty of headaches when he was young as well.

Madam Shen held a favorable impression of Xie Lin; turning her head, she saw Shen Xiuci's indifferent attitude toward him and said a few words to him.

Shen Xiuci glared at Xie Lin, his eyes seeming to say, "Well done, you—deceiving Ningning is bad enough, yet you put on an act in front of my mother!"

Xie Lin still wore a smile, his cheek astonishingly thick.

Shen Shuangning walked behind, watching, and could not help but laugh.

The banquet was held in the marquis's main hall flower pavilion; the marquis's wife usually tended to flowers and plants, and now, in early spring, blossoms clustered everywhere, filling the air with fragrance.

There were not many guests in the flower pavilion—only a few—and Madam Shen found it somewhat surprising.

The Yongning Marquis's residence is also a prominent noble house; why would they entertain only so few people? She had expected it to be lively.

Moreover, Madam Shen keenly noticed that there was not a single young lady of Shen Shuangning's age present.

This seemed...... as if they only wanted to see Ningning.

Upon seeing the party approach, the marquis's wife rose from her seat at once, personally came to greet them, and honored Madam Shen as the guest of honor.

Madam Shen felt somewhat overwhelmed by the favor; she swore she had never seen the marquis's wife so warm before.

She almost wondered whether this was a different person—could this still be the aloof, coldly proud Princess Changyu who usually gave curt replies?

"This must be the fourth young lady, I've long heard of her but seeing her now surpasses expectation—what a clever and lovable child." Lady Wang gazed at Shen Shuangning, smiling.

The Wang clan of Jingcheng is the empress's natal family, truly imperial kin; this Lady Wang is the matriarch of the Wang household, and Madam Shen ordinarily finds it difficult to meet her.

Besides Lady Wang, the other five ladies present all held considerable standing in the noblewomen's circle.

Coincidentally, the Princess of Yan was also among them.

Although Shen Shuangning had, in her previous life, been a crown princess who had seen the world, she was naturally unflustered; she was neither humble nor arrogant, proper and composed as she offered her greetings one by one.

Even when facing the Princess of Yan, Shen Shuangning could already maintain a tranquil mindset.

The ladies all praised Shen Shuangning without cease.

The Yan princess consort's mood was very complicated.

The fourth Miss Shen, whom she had previously looked down on, was now regarded as a treasure by everyone.

And the Song residence she had painstakingly chosen had, not long ago, caused the Yan prince's mansion to attract criticism.

The Yan princess consort now carefully examined Shen Shuangning, and suddenly felt that the other party was not as bad as she had imagined; it was merely that she had previously held too great a prejudice against the fourth Miss Shen, always thinking she wanted to ingratiate herself with the Yan prince's mansion.

She sighed in her heart, feeling a hint of regret.

The princess consort then glanced at the marchioness, who looked at Shen Shuangning with full admiration.

She and the marchioness were close confidantes; knowing that the other intended to betroth Shen Shuangning to Xie Lin, she naturally could not compete with her friend for the person.

Furthermore, she had already refused the Duke of Rong's mansion; even without the Xie family's involvement, she simply could not bring herself to lose face.

Shen Shuangning did not know the myriad feelings in the princess consort's heart.

The ladies chatted happily.

Xie Lin also had a young cousin sister, who took Shen Shuangning's hand and led her to a place.

Xie Lin was waiting for her here.

Shen Shuangning gazed at the blooming magnolia tree in the courtyard, feeling somewhat surprised.

Seeing her surprise, he said, 'I know you like magnolia blossoms, and I know what they symbolize. I searched far and wide, found the most beautiful magnolia tree, and transplanted it to my courtyard; thus, whenever I see it, I will think of you.'

The youth gazed at her deeply and attentively, his ear tips red enough to drip blood.

Xie Lin gently embraced Shen Shuangning, and solemnly said, 'I know I am still not good enough now—just a hollow-title young marquis with a showy exterior, not yet mature—but if you give me some time, I will show my utmost sincerity and marry you, bringing you home.'

The young marquis was born a heaven‑favored prodigy, unrestrained and confident, never thinking his indulgence was anything wrong, never considering change—until he met Shen Shuangning.

He began to worry, fearing that the Shen family would resent him because of past matters.

He even felt somewhat inferior; his Ningning was intelligent, perceptive, opinionated, beautiful outside and wise within—excellent in every way.

With such a Ningning, he felt somewhat unworthy of her.

But he was not discouraged; as long as Ningning gave him a smile, he would do anything for her!

The Yan princess consort did not linger long at the marquis's mansion and returned to the prince's residence in the afternoon.

As she stepped down from the carriage, she saw Song Xizhi standing before the gate of the prince's residence.

Song Xizhi, hesitant and not daring to approach, softly called, 'Princess consort.'

The Yan princess consort knew why she had come, sighed in her heart, and finally softened: 'Come in.'

Song Xizhi, as before, was attentive to the princess consort, even earnest, but the princess consort was somewhat aloof, not as warm as before.

Song Xizhi grew flustered, tears welling in her eyes.

She had no idea her grandfather would completely disregard her and do something that harmed the interests of the Yan prince's mansion.

She felt wronged deep down, yet could do nothing—after all, she too bore the surname Song.

Knowing the princess consort did not wish to see her, Song Xizhi did not shamelessly stay longer; she found an excuse and left.

Su Chen met Song Xizhi, who was secretly wiping her tears, on the covered walkway.

"Miss Song?"

Song Xizhi lifted her head in panic, saw Su Chen, and forced a shy smile as she greeted him.

Knowing Su Chen was an attendant of Xiao Jingyuan, she cautiously probed his attitude toward Xiao Jingyuan.

"Please, Sir, tell the heir that I only asked my grandfather to speak a few words for him in court; I never imagined he would do this......" Song Xizhi spoke, her eyes all red, utterly pitiful.

Su Chen thought Song Xizhi's having such a grandfather was also unfortunate, and he said gently, 'Miss Song, rest assured—this matter is separate; the heir will not blame you.'

Song Xizhi's eyes lit up again: 'Does the heir really not blame me?'

Su Chen affirmed: 'No. That day, although the heir could not accompany you to view the lanterns, he specially bought you a flower lantern.'

As if recalling something, Su Chen again took from his bosom an exquisitely crafted brocade box and handed it to her, saying, 'This too was bought for you by the heir.'

Song Xizhi's face lit up with surprise; opening the box, she saw the beautiful earrings inside, her heart filled with joy and sweetness.

As long as the heir still held her in his heart, she feared nothing.

Su Chen, recalling Xiao Jingyuan's instructions, added, 'The heir has been swamped with official duties lately and hasn't had time for you; once he finishes his work, he will keep you company properly.'

Song Xizhi's mood had much improved; she said understandingly, 'The heir's official business is important; I'm fine. Please, Sir Su, tell the heir that I will return to ask my grandfather to desist.'

Su Chen nodded: 'I will relay this to the heir; I still have business, farewell.'

After Su Chen left, Song Xizhi slowly lowered her gaze, gripped the brocade box tightly until her fingertips turned white.

"I must never let my grandfather ruin the Song family......"