Chapter 267 — The Visit
Purple Streets of Chang'an · Page 1 of 4
In Princess Ninghuai's reception room stood flowering trees planted in great porcelain vats; though it was already late autumn, they still grew lush and green.
Stepping inside, Dou Yan could not help but feel her spirits lift; she went forward respectfully and made a grand curtsy to Princess Ninghuai, who sat upon a luohan bed.
Princess Ninghuai was startled. "Get up, get up at once! There's no need for such ceremony."
Lady Lu the Second, wife of Lu Shi, who had come in her company, hurried forward to help her up.
Dou Yan refused to rise. "Had I not had your guidance, I would not even have known what sort of dress was proper to wear into the palace today, let alone have received gifts from Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and Her Majesty the Empress, or been granted the title of 'Lady' by His Majesty ahead of time." She insisted on completing the full curtsy.
Doing a good turn does not necessarily require repayment, but to be thanked from the heart for it brings a joy that runs deep.
Princess Ninghuai chuckled. She pointed to the empty seat beside her. "Sit down and talk with me."
Naturally, Dou Yan would not presume so far.
Smiling, she gave her thanks and seated herself on an embroidered stool just below the princess.
Princess Ninghuai gave a quiet nod of approval. When the maids had served tea and refreshments, she asked about the visit to the palace: "Where did Her Majesty the Empress Dowager receive you? Who led you in? And is Her Majesty well?"
Dou Yan answered carefully, then said, "...When Her Majesty the Empress Dowager heard from you that I know how to play leaf cards, she told the heir to bring me into the palace when he had a free moment, to play a few rounds with her." Her eyes went wide. "But how did you know I can play leaf cards?"
That look of astonishment delighted Princess Ninghuai.
"You'll understand when you reach my age," the princess said with a laugh. "Your words come out slurred, crumbs fall when you eat a cake, and everywhere you go people find you a nuisance. There's nothing left but to hole up at home and while away the hours at leaf cards. The Dowager of the Dou family is about our age, so she must be the same. You grew up at her side in Zhending and were always there attending her in her old age—you must play very well indeed!"
Dou Yan felt her cheeks burn with shame.
Because of the memories she carried from her former life, she had disliked the Second Dowager in this one. Though they lived under the same roof in Zhending, she had seldom kept the old lady company. Her skill at leaf cards came, in fact, from the many hours she had spent pleasing Lady Tian in her previous life.
Be that as it may, Princess Ninghuai's having chosen to mention her before the Empress Dowager was a rare opportunity, and she thanked the princess once more.
"One family does not speak two languages," said Princess Ninghuai with a smile. "When your second aunt came into the palace, I offered her some pointers as well. But she never had your good fortune. It only goes to show that such things depend on who the person is."
Lady Lu the Second could not help flushing.
Dou Yan said, "Man proposes, Heaven disposes. But your kindness, Princess, we will hold in our hearts, and be ever grateful for it."
Lady Lu the Second nodded again and again.