Chapter 17

Chapter Seventeen: Different from the Rest

“Do you have someone in your heart? How come your mother didn’t know?” Madam Yun’s attention was immediately diverted by Xie Huaiyu’s words, and with some curiosity, she asked, “Whose daughter is she?”

Her three children seemed rather slow when it came to matters of love, so as parents, they had to be more attentive. Yet, she never expected that her eldest son would already have someone in his heart.

Xie Shu and Xie Qingyan, the two young girls, also looked toward Xie Huaiyu, their clear, pure eyes full of curiosity. Suddenly, Xie Huaiyu felt his excuse was not very well thought out, as if he were deceiving them. He cleared his throat lightly. “Mother will know in due time. Isn’t this about the Lotus Banquet at the Duke of Chu’s residence?”

“If you don’t want to go, then don’t,” Madam Yun gave her eldest son a sidelong glance, suspecting he was making an excuse. But at this moment, the Lotus Banquet at the Duke of Chu’s residence was indeed more important. She nodded gently and said to Xie Shu and Xie Qingyan, “Before going to the Duke of Chu’s residence, I will have the embroiderers from the Treasure Pavilion make two new outfits for you both. When there, you must be sure to observe all proper manners.”

“Got it, got it.” Qingyan, with her innocent nature and lively spirit, nodded vigorously. “Third Sister is the most distinguished noble lady in the capital. Going to the Duke of Chu’s residence that day, she will surely outshine all others.”

Madam Yun couldn’t help but smile and lightly tapped Qingyan’s forehead. “You really have such a sweet mouth.”

But Madam Yun saw clearly just how outstanding her daughters were and could not hide the pride in her eyes.

The Marquis of Loyalty and Righteousness glanced at his beloved wife, his gaze full of tenderness.

Xie Huaiyu held a gilded teacup, his demeanor like a clear breeze after rain, and smiled gently to himself.

***

In the blink of an eye, the day of the Lotus Banquet at the Duke of Chu’s residence arrived, and guests came and went in an endless stream.

The Loyal and Righteous Marquis’s carriage arrived mid-morning. Madam Yun helped her two young daughters down. Since the Loyal and Righteous Marquisate was not connected by marriage to the Duke of Chu’s household, their relationship was not close, so Madam Yun did not expect that the old matriarch of the Duke of Chu’s residence would send someone to wait at the gate for her.

The Duke of Chu’s household was known for its smooth dealings, and their servants had perfectly mastered this artifice. A plump woman with a friendly countenance, Nurse Lin, approached Madam Yun with a smile. “Madam Xie, you have finally arrived. The old matriarch and the lady are waiting for you in the main hall.”

Though speaking to Madam Yun, her gaze fell directly on Xie Shu. “This must be Third Miss Xie, truly a peerless beauty, gentle and charming.”

Today, Xie Shu wore a floor-length dress of watery green, a jade pendant hanging at her waist. Her jet-black hair was secured with two tasselled step-shake pins and a ruyi gold hairpin, the rest cascading down to her waist. Her appearance was tender and graceful, naturally drawing admiration.

The eldest daughter of their household was already remarkably outstanding, a leader among the noble ladies in the capital, yet Third Miss Xie was no less impressive. No wonder the Empress Dowager was reluctant to let her attend the selection for concubines; with such beauty and noble lineage, it would be difficult for His Majesty not to choose her for the palace.

If she were the Empress Dowager, she would do the same. Yet this inevitably implicated their eldest daughter, and if His Majesty was not currently inclined to select a consort, when would their eldest daughter gain entry to the palace? Thinking this, Nurse Lin’s gaze grew somewhat ambiguous.

Xie Shu sensed Nurse Lin’s appraisal but remained composed, standing straight with a gentle, soft smile on her lips.

“Yes, this is my youngest daughter, Xie Shu. The other is the fourth young lady of the Loyal and Righteous Marquisate, Xie Qingyan,” Madam Yun introduced with a warm smile.

The other girl was clearly from another branch of the Marquis’s household and had not yet blossomed into womanhood, so Nurse Lin’s interest was minimal. She only said Madam Xie was fortunate and politely allowed them inside.

The old matriarch and others were in the main hall, where two imposing stone lions stood outside. Nurse Lin lifted the curtain, and Madam Yun led her two daughters inside. “Greetings to the old matriarch of the Duke of Chu’s residence.”

“I was just wondering why Madam Xie hadn’t arrived yet, and here you are,” the old matriarch said with a stern but polite expression toward Madam Yun. Then her gaze fell on the two young girls behind her, and though her heart sank, her face showed nothing. “The two daughters of the Duke of Xie are truly striking.”

***

No wonder You Ning was anxious. Third Miss Xie’s appearance was so outstanding, her aura otherworldly and ethereal—so different from others—that His Majesty might well be moved by her.

The other wives’ eyes also fell on Xie Shu and Xie Qingyan. Seeing the tall, elegant, and gentle Third Miss Xie, they were all momentarily stunned. If a woman had only beauty, she might be a femme fatale, but if endowed with both beauty and talent, she was truly extraordinary.

Those well-informed ladies already knew the Loyal and Righteous Marquisate was preparing to find a suitor for Third Miss Xie, and many hoped she would become their daughter-in-law. So when the old matriarch spoke, the ladies in the hall began to flatter Xie Shu, echoing, “Third Miss Xie’s beauty is pure and refined. At such a young age, she is already so gentle and graceful, truly a noble lady cultivated by a distinguished family.”

Another lady added, “Indeed, every movement of Third Miss Xie is the embodiment of a noble lady’s elegance. Even I find myself pitying her. No wonder she is hailed as the ‘Most Distinguished Noble Lady in the Capital.’”

The old matriarch had weathered many storms, so though she felt uneasy hearing such praise, she did not show it. But Madam Chu was different. In her eyes, her daughter You Ning was perfect; Third Miss Xie was not lacking, but still somewhat inferior to her daughter.

Before marrying into the Loyal and Righteous Marquisate, Madam Yun had been the daughter of the Minister of Rites, and now married to the Marquis himself. She was keenly perceptive. Seeing Madam Chu’s expression, Madam Yun’s heart skipped a beat, but she gently smoothed the situation and had the sisters greet the old matriarch.

The old matriarch smiled and nodded. They all took their seats.

Several ladies sitting near Madam Yun quickly struck up conversation, hoping to curry favor. Others chatted with the old matriarch and Madam Chu about recent happenings in the capital. On the surface, the atmosphere in the hall was lively.

Until a slightly plump nanny came in, stiffening the mood slightly—

“Old matriarch, the eldest young lady has arrived.”

At the mention of “eldest young lady,” the old matriarch’s smile grew genuinely warm, her face creased with joy. “You Ning is here. Let her come in quickly.”

Next, Chu You Ning entered with a radiant smile, dressed in a watery red ruqun with a pale white outer robe. The red added a hint of allure to her delicate features. Without looking sideways, she bent her knees slightly and said, “You Ning pays respects to Grandmother and Mother.”

“You Ning is here. Come, let grandmother see you,” the old matriarch beckoned, stroking her cheek affectionately. “How have you been at the palace recently? Have you caused your aunt any trouble?”

“Grandmother, what nonsense! How could You Ning ever offend Aunt? Since our imperial cousin ascended the throne, Aunt’s health has only improved,” Chu You Ning replied with a bright smile.

“That’s good. Your aunt adores you most of all. Spend more time with her at the palace; she will be happy.”

Throughout the capital, everyone knew the eldest daughter of the Duke of Chu’s residence was the Empress Dowager’s most beloved niece and the most likely to become Empress. The ladies exchanged glances and immediately began praising Chu You Ning, saying the Duke of Chu’s household was the best at raising young ladies. Madam Chu beamed with pride at the compliments.

In an instant, the ladies of the Loyal and Righteous Marquisate were neglected. Chu You Ning cast a glance toward Xie Shu, seeing she was unaffected. Clenching her fingers, she was absolutely certain that Xie Shu was the greatest obstacle to her future ascension as Empress.

Unbeknownst to them, Xie Shu’s calmness stemmed from her previous life as the emperor’s most favored noble consort, who had received countless praises. Moreover, she had never intended to enter the palace in this life, so she cared little for such matters.

“Grandmother, it seems all the young ladies have arrived. How about I take them to the Lotus Pavilion to enjoy the flowers first, and we can return when the banquet begins?” Chu You Ning withdrew her gaze and spoke with a voice as clear as a yellow warbler emerging from the valley.

The old matriarch had no reason to refuse. Having been raised under the Empress Dowager, Chu You Ning’s learned etiquette and manners were exceptional. Her mature conduct was beyond comparison, so the old matriarch willingly agreed.

The noble ladies prepared to go to the Lotus Pavilion. Madam Yun patted Qingyan’s head and reminded her, “Qingyan, don’t run off. Be sure to stay close to your Third Sister, understand?”

“I understand. I will follow Third Sister obediently,” Qingyan replied obediently, nodding.

Only then did Madam Yun relax. With so many guests at the Duke of Chu’s residence today, she guessed that they would not do anything to her daughters. Perhaps she had been overly sensitive.

***

The Lotus Pavilion stood within the Lotus Garden of the Duke of Chu’s estate. Winding paths led to secluded spots, with graceful lotus flowers filling the courtyard, their fragrance fresh and pure. The layers of corridors were exquisitely designed, and pomegranate trees surrounded the area.

The noble ladies gathered at the pavilion. Chu You Ning deliberately took a step back and asked, “Are you sure Princess Shenghua won’t come?”

At the last gathering in Cining Palace, it was precisely Princess Shenghua’s arrival that caused their aunt to send Xie Shu away without a word.

The little maid nodded and relayed what she had learned to Chu You Ning. “Miss, Princess Shenghua caught a cold a few days ago and has been confined at home. This morning, the palace physician Chen came to check her pulse, so she definitely won’t be coming. You may rest assured.”

Satisfied, Chu You Ning relaxed.

When noble ladies gathered to enjoy flowers, it was customary to compete in talents—tea tasting, poetry challenges, painting, or pitching arrows into a vase. But since the Lotus Banquet was hosted by the Duke of Chu’s residence, and Chu You Ning was known for her dancing, some suggested a dance competition.

Chu You Ning naturally agreed, then smiled sweetly at Xie Shu. “I’ve long heard that Third Miss Xie excels in both talent and beauty. I imagine her dancing must be extraordinary. Might Third Miss Xie grace us with a performance today?”

The assembled noble ladies exchanged glances, unable to grasp the situation. It seemed Chu You Ning was deliberately targeting the third young lady of the Loyal and Righteous Marquisate. But why? What offense had she committed?

The atmosphere instantly grew a bit tense.

Even Chu Ershu, perched somewhat disapprovingly in the Hanei Pavilion above the Lotus Pavilion—partly obscured by rocks—furrowed his brows. “You Ning has become rather arrogant.”

Young ladies might not notice, but elders like them could immediately see it. You Ning was clearly picking on the third young lady of the Loyal and Righteous Marquisate.

He sighed and whispered apologetically to the silent emperor beside him, “I’m making His Majesty witness a farce.”

The emperor merely replied, “No matter.”

Xie Shu did not expect Chu You Ning to single her out, as she seemed to have done nothing to offend her. She smiled gently and stood. “Miss Chu, your dancing is renowned throughout the capital. I am not particularly skilled in dancing and fear I cannot satisfy your expectations.”

“Third Sister, what nonsense! Who doesn’t know that you excel in poetry, music, and dance? We gathered here are friends, so you need not be so modest. Unless, of course, you do not wish to show us respect,” Chu You Ning said, emphasizing “not showing respect” as if accusing Xie Shu of intentional slight.

Of course, Xie Shu could dance; otherwise, she would never have won such renown in her former life, nor been granted in marriage to the Crown Prince by the late emperor. But she had not danced in a long time. She was not one to seek the spotlight but was not someone to be casually targeted.

She blinked her butterfly-like eyelashes lightly, a clear and charming smile on her lips. “Since Sister Chu says so, I shall not refuse. I hope after my dance, Sister Chu will kindly offer some guidance.”

Her soft, melodious voice carried clearly to the young emperor seated above. The emperor’s eyes narrowed slightly.