Chapter 341 — Conflict
Purple Streets of Chang'an · Page 1 of 4
With something weighing on her mind, she spoke.
As the auspicious hour for the birthday greetings approached, the Duchess of Jingguo's grandsons, granddaughters, and the children of her daughters appeared in the flower hall, each attended by a cluster of maids and serving women. One knelt to bow to his grandmother, another to her aunt by marriage; after a burst of laughter and chatter, Wei Wan appeared in the flower hall, invited the assembled ladies to move to the waterside pavilion ahead, and said, "A stage has been set up beside the pavilion. The ladies may drink and enjoy the opera at their leisure."
Everyone rose with smiles and made their way toward the waterside pavilion.
The Marchioness of Changxing, with great presence of mind, took Princess Ninghuai by the arm and led the way at the front, then turned her head to speak with Old Madam Lu: "That lilac-colored zhuanghua jacket with the gourd-and-reed pattern is truly lovely—I have never seen its like before. It must be a new pattern sent as tribute from the Jiangnan weaving workshops this year?"
Old Madam Lu chuckled. "You child, your mouth is fairly dripping with honey. I am not your mother-in-law—I have nothing to reward you with!"
The Marchioness of Changxing laughed. "Listen to you! Your good spirits are worth more to me than any reward."
Old Madam Lu turned to Princess Ninghuai with a laugh. "You see? And she still claims she is not flattering me."
Princess Ninghuai could not suppress a smile and teased the Marchioness of Changxing in turn: "Rest assured, the next time I meet your mother-in-law, I shall sing your praises most thoroughly."
Everyone burst out laughing.
Dou Yan, her hand held by Old Madam Lu as though she were a child, laughed along with them.
The Marchioness of Changxing then said to Dou Yan: "This is the first time the Heir's Consort of the Duke of Yingguo has come visiting. I am given to foolishness, so pray do not take offense. Later, sit with us—it will give you a chance to look after the Grand Princess and Old Madam Lu, and save the two elders from thinking I am merely being polite to them."
She was exceedingly warm toward her.
Because the Changxing Marquis household had married into the imperial family, it had always regarded itself as foremost among the noble houses. In her former life, the Marchioness had not deigned to glance at her. In this life, she had become the Heir's Consort of the Duke of Yingzhenguo, and with Princess Ninghuai's favor besides, the Marchioness of Changxing now looked upon her with new eyes. At their very first meeting, she had placed her in the category of those with whom she might speak freely and share a table.
Dou Yan merely smiled and nodded, the picture of modesty and restraint.
But she was the Heir's Consort of the Duke of Yingzhenguo; however modest and restrained she might be, her station was plain for all to see, and people came forward of their own accord to strike up conversation.
"Is the Duke of Zhenguo fully recovered?" It was the Heir's Consort of the Earl of Donglin who approached to speak with her. "At the last family theatrical gathering, you were tending to the sick and could not attend. I regretted it for quite some time."
Dou Yan glanced at the Countess of Donglin, who followed behind the Heir's Consort with her two daughters in proper order, and smiled. "The Duke of Zhenguo is quite recovered. I heard that several masters of the capital's opera troupes attended that gathering and sang most wonderfully. When your esteemed household next holds a theatrical gathering, I shall certainly be there."
The Countess of Donglin was a second wife; matters of social obligation were all handled by the Heir's Consort of Donglin, and she seldom went abroad.
In Dou Zhiwei's memory... this must be why the Duchess of Jingguo, on this birthday occasion, had also brought her two daughters to offer congratulations!
Dou Yan smiled and mingled with the company, gracious and proper.