Thirteenth Lady's Comback: Her Everyday Life as a Bystander-Chapter 73 - 3: Banquet (Part 2)

The guests had breakfast at Sui’an Hall, and around nine in the morning, visitors began to arrive.

The first to arrive was the Madam of the Sun Family, whose status matched that of the patriarch of our family and whose husband is the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Revenue. She appeared to be just over forty and was heard to be a couple that endured poverty together, remaining deeply in love even after her husband became an official; there were no concubines in their household.

Mrs. Sun had two sons and a daughter, and today she brought along two girls. Both were around thirteen or fourteen years old, similarly dressed; one looked bright and generous, while the other seemed somewhat delicate and self-effacing.

Upon exchanging pleasantries, Mrs. Sun was straightforward and remarked, "I’ve long wanted to come pay my respects to the Old Madam but feared being presumptuous. Receiving her invitation made me so happy I couldn’t sleep half the night!"

After meeting several girls from the Song Family, she presented them with a gift—a gold inlaid jade ring for each. Observing that the girls graciously accepted without any disdain, she felt relieved.

She praised in front of the Old Madam, "I had met the Second Miss before; what a remarkable presence she has! Today I’ve realized the Old Madam has surrounded herself with fairies; truly, such fortunate blessings!"

Mrs. Sun then called her two girls forward to greet the Old Madam. The bright and generous girl was her own daughter, while the delicate one was the daughter of Mr. Sun’s sister; this girl’s mother had passed early, leading her maternal grandmother to raise and educate her as a proper young lady.

The Old Madam and the Second Madam, in return, gave welcome gifts. The Second Madam presented a golden hairpin to each girl, while the Old Madam awarded them both with a pair of jade bracelets. The girls hesitated to accept, finding the gifts too extravagant, and Mrs. Sun also remarked on their value.

The Old Madam graciously replied, "Don’t worry about the value, dear. I immediately adored you and wish for frequent visits to strengthen our families’ bonds!"

The jade bracelets were merely water-type with emerald flecks; even Susu possessed several of such quality. The Old Madam was known for her generosity; what was precious to the Sun Family was not much to the Song Family!

The Old Madam originally intended to give a pair of gold filigree inlaid with gems as flower hairpins, but noticing Mrs. Sun’s gifts, she switched to bracelets to avoid potential embarrassment.

Just after the gifts were given, more guests arrived—the families of the Minister of Revenue, Zhou, and Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Xue. Together, they brought five girls.

The Zhou Family needs little mention, but the Xue Family had longstanding ties with the Song Family. Mr. Xue was the official from the Ministry of Rites who traveled to Yangzhou with the decree when the Song Family was granted an earldom; originally Junior Third Rank, he recently advanced to Second Rank in five years, proving his competence.

Mrs. Xue was over fifty and was already in the ranks of Old Madam. Today she brought three granddaughters—one fourteen years old, one eight, and one ten.

Madam Xue was of noble birth herself, related to a branch of the Duke Family, and naturally, the education of the three girls was exemplary.

Following them was the Old Madam of the Marquis of Wenchang, accompanied by the Marchioness, escorting six unmarried girls from their household—clear evidence of their regard for the Song Family—as the Old Madam met them at the main entrance.

The last to arrive was the Madam of the Changle Earl, alone. As the Old Madam intended to host several families, she had, of course, gathered detailed information about them. Though the Changle Earl had many concubines, he had no illegitimate offspring.

Apart from having two sons, the Changle Earl’s wife also had a twelve-year-old legitimate daughter. Their uncle’s family hadn’t split, also containing a few unmarried girls; none attended today—indicating something unclear!

Though Sui’an Hall wasn’t small, it was bustling today.

After exchanging courtesies, the Old Madam addressed the Second Miss, "You might feel uncomfortable around us. Why not take your sisters to play in the garden?" She then told the girls, "Feel at home here; no need for formality."

The young ladies offered their respects to their elders before proceeding to the garden.

The Old Madam then told the ladies, "I’ve arranged for a few theatrical performances, some quite good; I invite you to enjoy and critique them." Turning, she patted Susu’s hand, "Go see if everything is ready."

Having followed the Old Madam, Susu now stepped forward upon hearing her instructions. Her appearance was striking, prompting silent compliments from some guests: such a beautiful person!

Today, Susu’s attire was rather plain—a lotus-colored top, a water-green skirt, a belt of lotus-blue fabric, styled in childlike double-bun with just a single pearl flower ornamented with gem and pearl on one side, and pearl earrings. Only the rings and bracelets were of value, styled with dragons playing with pearls, woven with shrimp whisker gold threads. Her good looks and graceful demeanor made up for the simple attire.

Seeing Susu, the Marchioness of Wenchang inwardly felt a tug at her heart but outwardly only smiled, "I didn’t expect the Old Madam to harbor such a delightful person, instantly likable."

The Old Madam laughed, "Stop flattering her; she’s just a mischievous monkey!" Then she instructed Susu, "Hurry up; if the ladies aren’t satisfied, they’ll punish you!"

Susu’s lively eyes twinkled as she chirped, "What delicious or fun things haven’t the ladies seen? Even if I fail my tasks, with the Old Madam’s heartfelt intent, they wouldn’t have the heart to punish me."

Her cheerful demeanor amused the ladies. The Old Madam jokingly scolded, "Such a cheeky face! Mess up and I’ll take the blame!" 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

After Susu withdrew with a grin, the Old Madam Mother of the Marquis of Wenchang commented, "She’s truly a spirited one!"

Madam Xue added, "What is this girl’s back story? I see the Old Madam’s maids are all exceptional, yet she stands out as the most special."

The Old Madam, keen to enhance Susu’s reputation, lamented, "Susu grew up at my side. Not to be laughed at, but though she’s a maid, I regard her as half a granddaughter."

She continued, recounting Susu’s history almost as if narrating a tale. Were it a play, it might be titled ’Devotion Moving Heaven and Earth, Filial Daughter Sells Herself to Bury Father,’ or ’Loyal Servant Rescues Master, Battle with Wild Boar,’ captivating the idle ladies fond of romantic and exemplary tales of loyalty and filial piety.

Concluding, the Old Madam noticed the Marchioness’s expression slightly shifting. Insightfully, she knew what the Marchioness contemplated. She sighed gently before saying, "Originally, I wanted to free Susu from servitude, but as she’s still young and because I rely on her, I’ll keep her a few more years and then find her a good husband with considerable dowry—a gesture to manifest our master-servant bond."

Her statement drew compliments from the ladies, praising the tale of the loyal servant and kind master.

Breathing a sigh of relief, the Marchioness of Wenchang was assured; such a maidservant wasn’t meant for her son-in-law!

The Old Madam of the Marquis of Wenchang had seen her daughter-in-law’s brief change of expression earlier, silently admonishing her. Matters concerning children can trouble even the brightest women.

One wouldn’t imagine this girl serving as a concubine or maid to the grandson-in-law! Firstly, the Old Madam Song wasn’t foolish to incur the Marquis of Wenchang’s ire. Secondly, having little interest even in her son’s affairs, she’d be hard-pressed to involve herself in her grandson’s realm. Her character revealed her as one disinclined toward meddlesome acts. If her granddaughter had such a family matriarch, it would indeed be fortuitous!