My Husband Never Oversteps The Bounds Of Propriety - Chapter 26

Chapter 26: The Spring Banquet

The Jiangning Silk Commissioner’s estate was situated in the southeast of Jinling, adjacent to the Qinhuai River. Although it did not cover as vast an area or possess the same imposing aura as the Su Manor, it exuded an exquisite and lavish governmental elegance.

The vermilion gates stood wide open, with a cluster of horses and carriages out front. Brightly dressed servants guided the sedan chairs and carriages of various noble houses, entering through the side gates in an orderly fashion.

Shen Jiuyuan followed Lady Lin as she alighted from the Su family’s blue silk-curtained carriage. Immediately, matrons and maids stepped forward to welcome them. These servants were neatly and respectably dressed, leading them into the estate with broad smiles. Matron Yan followed closely by Shen Jiuyuan’s side, eyes straight ahead and expression solemn, appearing not as if she were attending a banquet, but as if she were overseeing an examination.

As the group passed through several ceremonial gates and rounded a spirit screen, the view suddenly opened up. They saw deep courtyards and pavilion buildings arranged with rhythmic precision. Although it was early spring and the flora had not fully revived, various transplanted famous breeds of camellias, winter jasmines, and magnolias were already in full bloom.

Red, pink, yellow, and white blossoms dotted the space between strange rocks and winding streams, reflecting the painted glass lanterns hanging under the eaves a scene of vibrant spring spirit and opulent wealth.

The banquet was held in the Xuanji Hall, overlooking the water in the back garden. Before the hall was an expansive white marble terrace. Leaning against the railing, one could see a pool of emerald water and a winding corridor connecting to an opera stage in the center of the pond. At this moment, Kunqu opera was being sung on stage, the drifting water-borne notes adding to the refined atmosphere.

Inside the hall, guests were already gathered in a sea of jewels and fine silks. Almost all the socialites and female relatives of high-ranking officials and wealthy merchants in Jinling were present, gathered in small groups. They were either admiring the antiques and jade displayed in the hall, gazing out at the garden scenery, or engaging in low laughter and social small talk. The air was permeated with the rich fragrance of expensive powders, perfumes, tea, and fruit.

Shen Jiuyuan’s appearance did not cause a massive stir, yet it quietly attracted many gazes. Today, following Su Jin’s advice, she wore the honey-colored brocade jacket and skirt, a clear and elegant color that was neither transgressive nor plain. Her hair was combed perfectly, adorned with the red-gold kingfisher-feather phoenix hairpin with a dangling pearl gifted by the Old Madam, along with two exquisite palace-made gauze flowers. On her ears hung small pearl drops.

Though she lacked excessive ornamentation, her absolutely clear beauty and the dignified aura naturally cultivated under Matron Yan’s strict tutelage made her stand out as exceptionally transcendent amidst the room full of sparkling jewels.

Lady Lin familiarly greeted several acquainted ladies and took the opportunity to introduce Shen Jiuyuan to the crowd. “This is our Jin-er’s wife, of the Shen clan,” Lady Lin said flatly, yet with a trace of subtle protection.

“Oh my, so this is the Eldest Young Grandmother of the Su family? Truly, to see her once is better than hearing of her a hundred times. What a beautiful soul!” A round-faced lady in a crimson-purple robe, the wife of the Water Transport Governor, Madam Wu, smiled as she took Shen Jiuyuan’s hand and looked her up and down.

“Greetings to the Su Eldest Young Grandmother,” another young woman in a lake-blue silk skirt nodded slightly; she was the daughter of the Jinling Prefect, married to a local Imperial Scholar.

Following the etiquette taught by Matron Yan, Shen Jiuyuan returned the bows with a clear, gentle voice and an elegant, appropriate posture. Her responses were neither humble nor arrogant, neither overly enthusiastic nor at all stage-frightened, capturing the “proper measure” perfectly.

Her memory was exceptional; for everyone Lady Lin introduced, she could remember their surname, their husband’s or male relatives’ official ranks, and their general household situation. When she occasionally joined the conversation, her remarks hit the mark, showing her to be well-informed and interesting.

The ladies watched Shen Jiuyuan with eyes full of surprise and admiration. They had thought a woman from a Northern military household would inevitably carry a sense of coarseness or show fear in such an setting, yet they found her to be as exquisite as a carved gem, steady and atmospheric.

Just as Lady Lin was introducing Shen Jiuyuan to several heavyweight commissioned ladies, a flurry of commotion was heard outside, accompanied by the maids’ loud announcements:

“Madam Qin has arrived Miss Qin has arrived “

The hall fell silent for an instant as everyone’s gaze turned toward the door. A woman in her early forties, wearing a true-red robe embroidered with gold peonies and a full set of red-gemstone gold jewelry, entered with a majestic air, surrounded by maids and matrons. She was brilliantly beautiful, with an indelible trace of shrewdness and sharpness in the corners of her eyes; this was the managing mistress of the Western Qin family, Madam Qin-Zhou.

Following closely was a young girl about sixteen or seventeen years old, wearing a primrose-yellow silk skirt. Her features were sixty to seventy percent similar to Madam Qin-Zhou’s, equally vibrant and bright, though her eyes held the arrogance of someone long pampered. She looked about with high spirits; this was the legitimate eldest daughter of the Qin family, Qin Zhaoyan.

The appearance of the Qin mother and daughter was like a strong light hitting the water, instantly capturing the attention of the entire room. The Qin family had been rising rapidly in recent years, wealthy enough to rival a nation, with complex ties to the Palace and the Court. Although they held no prominent official titles, their influence was not to be underestimated.

Madam Qin-Zhou greeted her acquaintances with a beaming smile and practiced social grace. Her gaze seemingly inadvertently swept across the room, pausing for a fraction of a second when she met the eyes of Lady Lin and Shen Jiuyuan. Her smile remained flawless, but a flash of extremely fast and cold sharp light flickered deep in her eyes.

“Madam Su, it has been a long time. Your complexion is looking better than ever.” Madam Qin-Zhou smiled as she walked toward Lady Lin, her gaze then landing on Shen Jiuyuan with undisguised scrutiny. “This must be the new wife of the Su Eldest Young Master? Truly a ‘beauty that would cause a nation to fall,’ a sight that inspires pity.

I had long heard that Miss Shen was born of a famous Northern house and was full of heroic spirit; seeing you today, I realize rumors are far from the truth. This aura of yours is even more gentle and refined than the daughters of our Southern water towns.”

Madam Qin-Zhou’s words were praise on the surface, but they contained hidden barbs. She pointedly mentioned her Northern origin to imply she was a mismatch for the South, and compared “heroic spirit” with “refined gentleness” to subtly question the authenticity of her persona or mock her for being inconsistent.

Lady Lin’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and just as she was about to speak, Shen Jiuyuan stepped forward half a pace. She gave a graceful bow to Madam Qin-Zhou, her voice crisp and pleasant like pearls dropping on a jade plate:

“Madam Qin overpraises me; I am young and ignorant, and do not deserve such a grand title. The Northern scenery is vast and magnificent, while the Southern landscape is refined and elegant each has its own beauty. I am fortunate to have married into the South, and should learn the gentleness and virtue of Southern daughters well, so as not to fail the daily teachings of my Grandmother and Mother.”

Shen Jiuyuan’s response was humble yet addressed the jab about her origin by pivoting to her current education, subtly invoking the authority of the Su Old Madam and Lady Lin.

Madam Qin-Zhou’s eyes flashed with surprise, and her smile deepened. “The Su Eldest Young Grandmother truly has a silver tongue. Yan-er, come greet her.” She stepped aside to introduce Qin Zhaoyan.

Qin Zhaoyan curled her lip, appearing reluctant, but she stepped forward and gave a casual bow, her voice a bit imperious. “Greetings to the Su Eldest Young Grandmother.” Her gaze roamed over Shen Jiuyuan, lingering on the phoenix hairpin. A trace of envy flashed in her eyes before she lifted her chin and said with a provocative tone:

“I had long heard that the Su Eldest Young Grandmother has extraordinary methods not only is she a fine hand at managing a household, but she is even proficient in the way of business. Yunjin Pavilion has been quite prominent lately. I wonder which high-level master you studied under? Perhaps we could learn a thing or two.”

Miss Qin’s words were even more aggressive, pointing at Shen Jiuyuan’s interference in external business as a violation of womanly virtue, and mocking her for using “unseemly methods” or having a secret advisor.

The eyes of everyone in the hall focused on Shen Jiuyuan again. Lady Lin’s face darkened, and Matron Yan’s brow furrowed slightly. Shen Jiuyuan, however, remained calm, even keeping a faint smile as if she couldn’t hear the hidden barbs.

“Miss Qin must be joking. I merely follow the instructions of my Grandmother and Mother to learn how to manage household affairs, and occasionally consult my Mother and Husband when I have doubts. As for Yunjin Pavilion, it is the result of Second Brother Su Yu’s clever management and the hard work of the staff; how would I dare take credit? As for a master, Matron Yan is currently teaching me etiquette and rules. If Miss Qin is interested, perhaps you should also invite a matron to provide a bit of guidance.”

Shen Jiuyuan used the “four ounces to move a thousand pounds” technique, pushing the credit to Su Yu and the servants, stating she was acting under her elders’ orders, and then countered by suggesting Qin Zhaoyan might need etiquette lessons herself. Her words were gentle, yet she did not yield an inch.

Qin Zhaoyan was choked by the retort, her face turning ugly. She wanted to say more but was stopped by a look from Madam Qin-Zhou. Madam Qin-Zhou laughed loudly to smooth things over: “Just a joke between young people. Do not take it to heart, Eldest Young Grandmother. Yan-er is spoiled by me and is blunt; she meant no harm.”

Madam Qin-Zhou then took Shen Jiuyuan’s hand affectionately, as if the verbal sparring had never happened. “The pastries and dishes for today’s spring banquet were meticulously prepared by the Commissioner’s wife, and the opera troupe is the best in Jiangnan. You must enjoy yourself.” After a few more social pleasantries, she led the still-fuming Zhaoyan elsewhere.

The confrontation without blades came to a temporary halt. Shen Jiuyuan lowered her eyes to hide a sliver of coldness. The Qin mother and daughter had indeed come with ill intent; today’s banquet would not be peaceful. She looked at the guests laughing and talking in the hall, then at the shimmering lake scenery outside, and finally at the opera performer moving gracefully on stage.

This Xuanji Hall appeared beautiful and picturesque, yet every step was full of peril.

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