Chapter 164

Chapter 164: No One Came?

Princess Ning’s estate stood on Yongkang Street, somewhat remote, yet impressive with its four courtyards, five layers deep, an ornate shadow wall in front, and a flower garden behind.

Though Sheng Zhi Wan had not lived here before, the place had always been cared for. Thus, the palace servants sent by the Empress Dowager didn’t have much to tidy.

After settling in, Nanny Xiu handed Sheng Zhi Wan the deeds of several palace maids she had brought along.

Sheng Zhi Wan did not refuse. Although she had brought quite a number of servants from Duke Qi’s mansion, the sprawling princess’s estate still lacked adequate hands. The newly purchased maidservants needed proper training, and those sent by Grandmother were surely trustworthy.

[It seems tomorrow we must not only move furniture from Duke Qi’s mansion but also hire more servants.]

She gave detailed instructions, one by one.

Ting Lan had already ordered hot water to ease her tired muscles. A special medicinal pouch was tossed into the bath, and in no time, warmth seeped through her bones, easing all exhaustion.

Stepping from the tub, An Zhi carefully rubbed freshly prepared ointment onto Sheng Zhi Wan’s skin, from her delicate neck down to her ankles. Only when fully moisturized did she dress and lie down on the couch.

Her hair cascaded like dark silk, framing her fair, flawless face—skin white as snow, her dainty nose charming even without makeup.

An Zhi gazed at her, momentarily lost. Noticing Sheng Zhi Wan’s curious glance, An Zhi snapped back to attention, embarrassed.

Yet, thinking of her beautiful Princess possibly spending the rest of her life in solitude at the Princess Estate, An Zhi felt a pang of sorrow.

Seeing her lingering, Sheng Zhi Wan gently asked, “Is something on your mind?”

“Yes.” An Zhi lowered her eyes. “Princess, when will you hold the opening celebration?”

It was tradition for princes and princesses of Sheng Kingdom to host a banquet upon opening their estates. The day was chosen carefully: one, to ensure a fortunate beginning; two, to invite noblewomen and close relations, who would bring gifts and stay for the feast, bringing good fortune to the estate.

Though Sheng Zhi Wan’s circumstances were unusual and required no specific auspicious timing, the banquet was still necessary.

After pondering briefly, Sheng Zhi Wan replied, “Let’s do it the day after tomorrow. Tomorrow, send out invitations according to our previous guest lists. Those who wish to come may come; don’t pressure those who don’t.”

After all, she had just divorced. Some families would naturally avoid her.

The next day at Duke Qi’s mansion:

Duke Qi and Qi Shu Xian also learned of Sheng Zhi Wan’s upcoming banquet.

Duke Qi scoffed coldly, “Let’s see who will visit her—a divorced woman!”

For two years, Sheng Zhi Wan had lived quietly, mostly brewing medicinal decoctions for Madam Cui and performing the pressure techniques. Rarely had she attended social events with the Capital City’s noblewomen. Her social circle was limited to guests closely tied to Duke Qi’s mansion, managed solely for Duke Qi’s benefit. Why would those people abandon the Duke’s mansion and befriend a divorced princess?

Yet, to be safe, Duke Qi summoned Madam Tao—now Concubine Tao—and instructed her to send invitations to noble ladies for a tea and snow-viewing party the next day.

“Moreover, spread the word that during tomorrow’s snow-viewing party, Duke Mansion will start searching for a new wife for Shu Xian!” Duke Qi proclaimed, confident this news would attract many visitors.

Qi Shu Xian immediately protested, his expression stiffening, “I have no intention of remarrying yet!”

Duke Qi comforted him, “Of course you won’t remarry right away. We merely announce our intentions early. Once your status rises further, we can select from better families.”

These were friendships formed when the Duke’s family was declining, hardly suitable now. Duke Qi’s true intent was simply to show Sheng Zhi Wan her folly. Without Duke Qi’s mansion, what good was her title as princess? The husband she abandoned was still highly desirable, and while her banquet would be empty and cold, Duke Qi’s mansion would be bustling.

…

Snow gently fell for three continuous days, showing no signs of stopping.

Early that morning, Princess Ning’s mansion gates stood wide open. Zhang Da, now promoted to guard manager, repeatedly swept the snow outside, but not one guest arrived.

An Zhi’s heart was heavy. Yesterday, when delivering invitations, the noble ladies had seemed friendly enough, but human hearts could easily turn cold.

These were mostly Duke Qi’s connections. With Princess now divorced, would these noble ladies truly remain her friends?

More time passed, still no visitors.

Zhang Da anxiously ran into the alley for the third time, preparing for a fourth, when An Zhi stopped him gently: “Forget it… no one will come now.”

It was already past the appointed hour by fifteen minutes. Those who meant to come would have arrived by now; those absent clearly weren’t interested.

An Zhi felt bitter, contemplating how to report back to Princess. Just as her words faded, she heard the soft crunch of carriage wheels rolling over the snowy road.

Nearby, Qi Shu Xian had also arrived early. He had expected a sparse turnout, but finding no one at all surprised even him.

[What must Sheng Zhi Wan be feeling now?]

In Sheng Kingdom, men held the highest status. A woman without a husband, regardless of noble birth, was a rootless flower drifting in water.

Had she considered this outcome when leaving him?

Thinking this, Qi Shu Xian took a hesitant step forward.

Yet just then, a familiar carriage rounded the corner, surprising him.

An Zhi recognized the emblem embroidered on the carriage curtain immediately. “Welcome, Marchioness Shun Yang!” she called joyfully, quickly stepping forward with Zhang Da to guide the carriage and its servants into the prepared courtyard.

Qi Shu Xian stared, stunned.

Marchioness Shun Yang had been close to his mother, Madam Cui, though slightly distant lately. Yet between Duke Qi’s mansion and the princess’s residence, how could she choose the latter?

But here she was.

Before Qi Shu Xian could digest this surprise, more carriages arrived—carriages belonging to other noble families, longtime friends of Duke Qi’s household.

There came Madam Wang, wife of Minister Cui Ji Wen from the Ministry of Works;

Madam You, wife of Feng Mao, the Chancellor, along with her two daughters;

And others…

Qi Shu Xian clenched his jaw. If these ladies chose Princess Ning’s banquet, they must have declined Duke Qi’s invitation!

He clearly remembered his mother mentioning Madam You’s intention of marrying her second legitimate daughter to him, delayed only because he had married Sheng Zhi Wan. Now was the perfect opportunity, yet Madam You and her daughters appeared here instead.

He couldn’t understand it.

Of course, he didn’t know that during the past two years, Sheng Zhi Wan had meticulously cultivated these relationships while managing Duke Qi’s household. She had done everything to pave a smoother career path for Qi Shu Xian. Noblemen tended to disregard the inner court, failing to recognize that often, it was through women’s relationships that the strongest bonds were formed.

Take Marchioness Shun Yang, for example. Her only daughter had married the second son of Prince Yi. The couple was loving, yet had remained childless for years.