Chapter 165

Chapter 165: What Is She Here For?

On an occasion like this, Xin An naturally cooperated with Tang Mo. She not only allowed herself to be frankly appraised and exchanged a few polite words, but also advanced and retreated with poise, neither sycophantic nor aloof. Very soon each household had introduced its young madam to her, whether old acquaintance or first meeting, and Xin An greeted them all with a smile. In short order a group of ladies drew her aside to chat.

The young madam of Grand Secretary Ouyang’s household bore the surname Lin and belonged to the same clan as Lin Yao, though her features were nothing like Lin Yao’s—there was a hint of foreign blood about her, with softly curled hair, deep-set eyes, and a bright, commanding beauty. At that moment her gaze stayed fixed on Xin An’s dress.

“At a family banquet last time,” she said with a glimmer of admiration, “I heard my cousin speak of the Tang Family’s Second Young Madam in very appreciative terms. Seeing you today, you are indeed as lovely as a flowering crabapple.” She tilted her head, intrigued. “Your looks aside, I have never seen this cut of dress. Is it a style from Huaijiang?”

The ladies present had already noticed Xin An’s attire. With their wealth and leisure, they cared most about clothes and jewelry. Xin An smiled and said: “It is just something I tinkered with in idle hours. If you like it, Young Madam Ou Yang, I will have the pattern sent to your residence.”

“That would be wonderful,” the young madam replied without affectation. After all, who did not have two or three skilled embroiderers at home? With a pattern in hand, they would adapt it to their mistress’s figure and features. The odds of two identical dresses appearing were slim.

The young madam from the Ministry of War’s household stepped forward with a laugh and said: “Since we have met the Tang Family’s Second Young Madam today, you must share several fashionable patterns with us. You cannot imagine how many young gentlemen still think about Second Young Master Tang’s outfit at the Water Blossom Banquet, and we still do not know how to replicate it.”

Tang Mo had promised to set up a gathering for Xin An to meet those who wished to make connections under the pretext of clothing designs, but one thing after another had delayed it, and even a simple meal had yet to happen. Seeing her chance, Xin An smiled and said she had several more patterns on hand: “If the ladies do not mind, I will send them to each household.”

“The more the better,” someone said with delight.

Thus the conversation box sprang open. Very soon Xin An and the young madams had seated themselves elsewhere to talk, while Tang Mo turned to the social obligations he needed to tend. Husband and wife truly progressed hand in hand, the smiles in their eyes rising and never fading.

The early curiosity about Xin An quickly died down. When women gather, talk turns to new jewelry, which cloth shops have fresh bolts of fabric, and friendly teasing. The atmosphere was warm and merry.

When Madam Liao arrived, she saw Xin An ensconced among a circle of young madams, handkerchief in hand as she laughed brightly. A touch of envy pricked her. [Since entering the Liao Family she had been entangled in endless trifles; when had she laughed so freely?]

“Sister Xu, come quickly,” Xin An said, rising with a smile and beckoning to her. “We have been waiting for you for quite a while.”

Lin Yao laughed softly to herself, thinking that Xin An moved swiftly indeed. At the Water Blossom Banquet she had needed someone to introduce this Madam Liao; how long had it been? Now they were already calling each other Sister Xu.

Liao Zhi not only commanded the Northern Garrison Army but also held three thousand private Liao Family troops and enjoyed the emperor’s trust. In the capital, few at his age had achieved as much. Especially after the Liao Family’s second branch was exiled to the frontier, the Liao Family now spoke with a single voice.

Someone tried a compliment that landed poorly and said: “It has been many days; Madam Liao looks ever more radiant.” Yet even with powder, weariness still shadowed Madam Liao’s face.

“You flatter me,” Madam Liao replied with a smile as she sat. “Just do not mock my tired look.”

The ladies only asked a little about the Liao Family, then let curiosity rest and said: “Commander Liao is young and accomplished, so near the summit at such a young age. Madam Liao is richly blessed; the days ahead will be good.”

“Indeed. If Commander Liao is not second, who dares claim first?”

“Commander Liao possesses not only skill but also exceptional looks. No wonder Madam Liao inspires envy.”

They traded banter, and laughter rippled again.

As night slowly fell, the decorative lanterns in the garden were lit one by one: Trotting Horse Lanterns that turned as if on their own, Beauty Lanterns that spun in the breeze, gently swaying Green Crab Lanterns, and Rabbit Lanterns in varied forms. Most eye-catching of all was a Beauty Leaping to the Moon Lantern as tall as a person; not only was the painting exquisite, the craftsmanship itself was superb.

“Truly magnificent,” Prince Cheng’s Heir Apparent Consort, Li Yu Yan, said in open admiration. “I heard the craftsmen began work in the residence half a month ago. They are the most renowned in the capital; their skill is extraordinary.”

Lin Yao nodded and said: “Look at that Green Crab Lantern; from a distance it looks real, and the large pincers even move.”

Standing beside her, Xin An made no effort to hide her delight and said: “I have seen many lanterns, but never ones so exquisite. This Moon Inviting Banquet was indeed worth attending.”

Madam Liao nodded in agreement; they were entirely unlike anything sold in the markets.

Just then the Second Prince arrived with the Second Prince’s Consort, and everyone turned to pay respects. The Second Prince was not especially handsome, but he carried the unique presence of imperial blood and a remarkable bearing that made one forget his ordinary features. He said pleasantly: “No need for formalities. The Moon Inviting Banquet is for gathering together. Do not be constrained.”

The Second Prince’s Consort smiled and said: “Please be seated.”

A voice sounded suddenly, catching many off guard: “Have I come late?” The Crown Prince had arrived, and many guests hastily stood.

“We welcome His Highness the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess,” they intoned.

Xin An took a step back to stand beside Madam Liao. Neither of them liked to be in the forefront; they only wished to watch the Illusion Arts performance.

Madam Liao lowered her voice and tipped her chin upward as a hint, indicating Xin An should look: “Your elder sister-in-law has arrived.”

Xin An looked up and immediately knit her brows. Walking behind the Crown Princess was Tao Yi Ran, styled today once more as a frail willow in the wind, a trace of aloofness between her brows. Xin An’s question slipped out before she could stop herself, quiet but audible: “What is she here for?”

She quickly glanced toward Tang Mo. Their eyes met, and he gave a slight shake of his head.

The Second Prince and the Second Prince’s Consort acted as though they had not seen Tao Yi Ran at all. They stepped down from the dais and went forward to exchange courtesies. The Second Prince smiled and said: “Elder brother, you have truly made me wait. Any longer and my craving for wine would have crawled out of my belly.”

“Hahahaha, government affairs detained me and kept you waiting,” the Crown Prince replied.

The two brothers appeared the picture of harmony. The Crown Princess, after a brief glance at Tao Yi Ran, turned to the Second Prince’s Consort and said: “I hear this year’s Moon Inviting Banquet has canceled the usual performances. By chance I met the Heir Apparent’s wife of Marquis Wei Yuan’s household. Her qin playing is exceptional. If she could play a piece for the banquet, it would add a touch of color. Sister-in-law, you do not mind, do you?”

To the Crown Princess, Tao Yi Ran had come to her of her own accord, claiming to deliver thanks to the Crown Prince on Tang Rong’s behalf, her mention of the Moon Inviting Banquet making her aim obvious. The Second Prince’s power had been growing, and the Crown Prince had long been on his guard. Husband and wife moved in concert, and the Crown Princess disliked this younger sister-in-law whose family background exceeded her own. Therefore she did not expose Tao Yi Ran’s intention and deliberately brought her along to vex the Second Prince’s Consort.