Chapter 232

Chapter 232: A Visit Song Yu went to the Zhuang residence with her maids and servants. When she arrived, Zhuang Qi was in the middle of a dilemma with Concubine Lu. "Since the Master arrived in Bianjing, quite a few people have sent invitation cards," Concubine Lu said softly. "Although the Master says he doesn't care much for socializing, some of these people are his former classmates. I truly don't know their circumstances—I wouldn't know how to prepare gifts, or what taboos to avoid." Zhuang Qi knew even less. Her father had told her to learn from Concubine Lu, but Concubine Lu herself was completely at a loss. "Yes, Sister Yu, I told Auntie to go ask Auntie-in-law, but she said it wouldn't be right to keep troubling her." "The cards don't all arrive at once—sometimes none come today, sometimes more come in a couple of days," Concubine Lu explained. "The Master also said that Marchioness Song has her own difficulties, and we shouldn't trouble her with everything." Song Yu said, "My mother isn't the type to mind being troubled. Since I'm here today, let me help you take a look." She picked up one of the visiting cards. "This is from Hanlin Scholar Yu's household. Though I've never met his family, I've heard of them—he's an incorruptible official. His wife is a Successor Wife, married from the original wife's younger sister." "And this one is Lord Guan from the Ministry of Justice. I've met his family's Second Miss a few times. His wife is from Bashu and loves spicy food. However, she's somewhat snobbish—you should keep things cordial but distant with her." "And this one..." ... For the thick stack of cards, Song Yu could speak to most of them, even though she didn't know many of the people personally. Concubine Lu exclaimed in admiration, "Yu-jie is truly impressive—how do you know so much?" "It's all things my mother told me," Song Yu said. "From the time I was old enough to understand, my mother has been teaching me to manage the household. She also tells me about the goings-on in Bianjing. My mother is the type who must be thorough in everything, so she made me remember these things too, so I wouldn't say the wrong thing in social settings." She looked over at Qi-jie'er. Compared to herself, Qi-jie'er was indeed much more innocent. Especially now—Concubine Lu was, after all, only a concubine. The Zhuang household had no proper mistress, so Concubine Lu couldn't go out to social engagements. And Qi-jie'er was still inexperienced—there was no way she could go on her own. It seemed that when her aunt-in-law had been alive, she had only doted on Qi-jie'er without much in the way of proper upbringing. Otherwise, by now Qi-jie'er would have reached the age where she could manage a household. Concubine Lu watched Song Yu speak about Bianjing affairs and felt genuine admiration for the Song family's upbringing. Song Yu, at such a young age, could articulate household management so clearly—whoever she married in the future would have an excellent mistress of the house. That night, when Zhuang Huaiming returned, Concubine Lu praised Song Yu at length. "Yu-jie is truly wonderful. She's only two years older than Qi-jie'er, yet she understands everything. Thanks to her help today, I was able to sort out all those connections. She also recommended some shops—when I calculated it, we'll be able to save a good amount of money." Everything in Bianjing was expensive. The Zhuang family did have some properties, but Zhuang Huaiming had no head for business—each year they only received some rental income. And Zhuang Huaiming was a man of honor with open hands, fond of supporting poor scholars. As a result, the Zhuang family never had much silver to spare. Even Zhuang Huaiming's own official robes—if not for the new ones made upon his recent promotion, the ones he'd worn in Suzhou had been patched again and again. He didn't care whether things were old or new. "Yu-jie is the daughter raised by Cousin—of course she's excellent." Zhuang Huaiming changed into his casual clothes and asked Concubine Lu to brew tea. He still had official business to review. "It's late, Master—you should take care of your health too." While brewing the tea, Concubine Lu tentatively said, "Yu-jie will soon reach Ji-pin. Today Qi-jie'er asked—the Jiangyuan Marquis Mansion still hasn't arranged her engagement." "You're thinking of her and Xiuzhu, aren't you?" Zhuang Huaiming looked over. Concubine Lu immediately blushed. "The household has no proper mistress, and many things are inconvenient. For food, clothing, and daily matters, I can barely manage. But for receiving guests and social obligations—how could I possibly have that ability?" She had been allowed to stay in the Zhuang household thanks to the late mistress's kindness. The late mistress had been a wonderful person, but unfortunately her health had been poor. Concubine Lu had always remembered the late mistress's benevolence. When the late mistress passed, her greatest worry had been her two children. Now Zhu-ge'er and Qi-jie'er were growing up, and the most critical matter was their marriages. Concubine Lu felt that Yu-jie was a very good match—from a family of equal standing, and it would bring the families even closer together. "Does the Master not agree?" Concubine Lu asked. "How could I not be satisfied with Yu-jie matched with Xiuzhu?" Zhuang Huaiming was more than willing in his heart. "But Xiuzhu is still in mourning. How could I raise this matter with the Song family? Besides, Song Shulan is a very calculating man. Xiuzhu only holds the rank of xiucai—he would never agree." He sighed. "Let's wait a while longer—until the Spring Imperial Examination next year. Cousin has spoken with me privately; she won't let Yu-jie marry too early." "The matter of the lady's mourning period is one thing, but if we have intentions, we could first reach an agreement with the Song family, and once the mourning period is over, then proceed with the engagement. This concubine fears that with someone as wonderful as Yu-jie, by then, suitors will be beating down the doors of the Jiangyuan Marquis Mansion." Concubine Lu had seen many beauties in Suzhou, but none quite like Yu-jie and her mother. Zhuang Huaiming said it depended on fate, sipping his hot tea, and told Concubine Lu to go rest first. The next day, though it was Zhuang Huaiming's day off, he still went to the government office. Seeing how dedicated her maternal cousin was, Song Yu took Qi-jie'er by the hand and went out. Zhuang Qi rarely went out and found everything interesting. She was full of enthusiasm, while Zhuang Xiuzhu remained vigilant. "Don't mind my brother. He's just like my father—when he's told to go out and have fun, he feels uneasy inside." Zhuang Qi pulled Song Yu into a jewelry shop. In Suzhou, Zhuang Qi had plenty of jewelry, though her tastes differed somewhat from those of Bianjing. The two young ladies were quite lovely to look at. Princess Consort Wu, who happened to be looking down from upstairs, asked whose daughters they were. Lou Wanxian recognized Song Yu. "One is a young lady of the Jiangyuan Marquis Mansion; the other, I don't know." "The two young ladies are as beautiful as flowers. Such beauties are truly rare." Princess Consort Wu's gaze settled on Song Yu's face, and she asked Lou Wanxian what her relationship was with the Jiangyuan Marquis Mansion. "County Princess Rongjia is my aunt's daughter, but I'm more familiar with Marchioness Song." One sentence revealed two connections. Seeing that Princess Consort Wu was interested in Song Yu, she wondered if the princess might be considering a marriage alliance, given that her youngest son was not yet wed. But on second thought, that seemed unlikely. After all, Prince Rong and Prince Wu were at odds, and everyone hoped the Emperor would adopt a child. Princess Consort Wu would not seek to align with the Jiangyuan Marquis Mansion. "This Song family young lady is truly beautiful," Princess Consort Wu remarked, then continued browsing jewelry with Lou Wanxian. Downstairs, Song Yu and the others didn't notice what was happening above. They picked out their jewelry, and Zhuang Qi wanted to go to Fan Lou for some pastries, so the group headed there. Song Yu stayed at the Zhuang residence for five days, and when it was time to leave, Zhuang Qi was especially reluctant to see her go. When she returned to the Marquis Mansion, a matron from the courtyard came over and whispered, "The Old Madame is ill. The eldest young mistress said that once you return, you should go to Shouan Tang first." "Hasn't the Old Madame been in good health? How did she fall ill?" Song Yu asked. "I don't know. You'll find out when you see the eldest young mistress." Song Yu had no choice but to bring Qiutang to Shouan Tang. As soon as she entered the room, a wave of medicinal aroma hit her, and then Nanny Qiu came over, took her aside, and whispered a few words.