tallest building

Chapter 4 Meeting Guests

Upon reaching the second gate, Madam Song respectfully inquired, "Would you like to change your clothes before meeting the guests? If you don't mind, I have two newly made garments that haven't been worn yet. Please bring them over for you to choose from. I'll also have them take your measurements and make several more sets later."

“I know you mean well, but it’s not necessary,” Wen Mingqian said. “I’ve gotten used to this simple attire over the years, and I’d feel uncomfortable if I changed it all at once. Why don’t you take me to the banquet to meet the guests? That would be a proper way to show respect.”

In addition, the journey these past few days has been arduous, so I cannot stay at the banquet for long. I will only say a few words and then come down. There is no need for me to go through the trouble of combing my hair and changing clothes, which would only keep the guests waiting.”

“I will do whatever you say, Madam,” Madam Song replied obediently. “However, Lingyue Pavilion has been empty for a long time, and it is really impossible to finish cleaning it in half a day. I would like to ask Madam to condescend to stay elsewhere for a couple of days. Once it is cleaned up there, we will choose an auspicious day to move there.”

“These are minor matters,” Wen Mingqian said casually. “You can arrange it as you see fit.”

The flower-viewing banquet naturally focused on appreciating the flowers. A pergola was set up in the back garden, and chairs and brocade rugs were arranged. Although it was not formal, it was fun.

In the octagonal flower bed made of glazed tiles, a cluster of two-colored peonies stands gracefully, waving as if welcoming an old friend.

Everyone had already taken their seats and were chatting and laughing, but when Wen Mingqian and Madam Song walked in hand in hand, the laughter subsided and eventually disappeared.

“Today is indeed a good day,” Lady Changrong said with a smile. “We originally came just to admire the flowers, but we didn’t expect that your lady would also be back today. It’s truly a double celebration.”

It's no wonder she was the first to speak; when they arrived at the door, they witnessed Zhang Ma and the housekeeper arguing, which was somewhat embarrassing.

Therefore, a few kind words can easily smooth over the awkward situation.

“Madam is right,” Madam Song said with a smile. “It is good that our Madam has returned today. Although I did not know beforehand, it is all arranged by God. This is what they call 'the best day to come'.”

With all of you distinguished guests here, welcoming my wife and making the occasion even more special, my negligence is greatly mitigated, and the festive atmosphere is further enhanced.

Actually, none of the people here are fools.

When Wen Mingqian suddenly left the capital, it sparked a lot of speculation.

Even though the palace family kept their mouths shut, it couldn't stop those with ulterior motives from speculating and guessing, and they could always find out a bit about it.

But ultimately it's none of my business, everyone lives their own life, who would bother to stir up trouble?
Now that Wen Mingqian has suddenly returned, and in this manner, everyone can't help but speculate.

Furthermore, given Song's words, it was clear that Wen Mingqian had returned without saying goodbye.

This family doesn't welcome her, so what good will come of her coming back shamelessly?
Wen Mingqian saw the expressions on everyone's faces and knew exactly what they were thinking.

She simply smiled slightly, exuding an air of dignity and gentleness, and bowed to everyone, saying, "It is truly impolite of me to come and see you so abruptly. However, I have been away from the capital for many years, and upon hearing that you were all here today, I was eager to come and see you. I believe you will all understand my intentions and will not hold it against me."

Everyone nodded in agreement, and among them, Madam Liu, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Yongqing Marquis's mansion, looked at Wen Mingqian, her eyes welling up with tears.

Wen Mingqian glanced at her and nodded slightly, but did not speak to her alone.

He then pulled Gong Chang'an in front of him and whispered, "Chang'an, greet all the guests."

Gong Chang'an was not intimidated. He bowed repeatedly and said, "This humble one greets all the ladies and young misses. Today's banquet is a magnificent affair, with flowers in full bloom. May all of you honored guests enjoy happiness as beautiful as flowers in bloom, and may your wealth and prosperity last forever."

Seeing that he was such a small child, yet so articulate and polite, everyone couldn't help but laugh and praise him for being adorable.

"Please excuse the child's rough manner; he's always been mischievous," Wen Mingqian said politely.

Madam Song offered her seat to Wen Mingqian, while she stood respectfully to the side. Wen Mingqian, of course, did not stand on ceremony with her; over the years, Madam Song had won over many people with her shrewdness.

Most of the people at the table were her friends.

Compared to her, Wen Mingqian had been away from Beijing for seven years, cutting off all contact with his relatives and friends. True friendship requires mutual interaction, and once broken off, estrangement is inevitable.

"Second Madam, you must have had a long journey?" Lady Jiangxiahou asked. "You are still so young and beautiful, but you seem to have lost some weight."

“I see that Madam’s demeanor is still the same as it was back then, and she even looks younger,” Wen Mingqian replied. “On our way back to the capital, we heard that the Marquis was appointed as the Salt Commissioner, which is an immense honor. Although my congratulations are a bit late, they are sincere.”

"Good, good, you're so kind. But to be honest, while it looks glamorous and glorious to outsiders, we ourselves are living in constant fear! This job carries a lot of risks and is not as easy as it seems," Lady Jiangxiahou sighed.

“Madam is worried and confused, but in my humble opinion, there is no need for that,” Wen Mingqian said with a smile. “Firstly, the Marquis is a capable minister, loyal to the emperor and loving the people, and has real talent and learning. Secondly, Madam is a blessed person, managing the family well and bringing prosperity to her husband, with everything going smoothly and without any mistakes.”

One sentence made Lady Jiangxia smile so broadly that everyone flattered her, and the atmosphere immediately became lively.

"I heard that the Second Madam went back to her hometown to cultivate herself and meditate. Now that I see her, she is indeed extraordinary." At this moment, a young woman dressed in pomegranate red said with a smile, "I suppose even if she were to return to the capital now, she would not like the hustle and bustle of worldly affairs. However, you are a blessed person. The young mistress will take care of all the affairs in this household. You can continue to live a quiet and peaceful life."

These words were veiled in barbs; they seemed to be flattering Wen Mingqian, but in reality, they were protecting Aunt Song.

Wen Mingqian knew that this woman must have a close relationship with the Song family for saying such a thing.

She replied lightly, "Aunt Song has indeed worked hard over the years, but now that I'm back, I can't let her continue to work so hard, otherwise I'll feel really uneasy."

"My wife loves me so much, so it's all worth it even if I have to work a little harder," Madam Song said with a smile. "It's getting late, tell them to bring out the food and wine!"

She didn't want the conversation to continue. Wen Mingqian had become shrewd and eloquent, as if he had been reborn.

Could it be that she truly attained enlightenment through meditation and Zen practice?

Wen Mingqian smiled and glanced at her, then stood up and said to everyone, "Although I am reluctant to part with you all, I am currently in a period of fasting and must decline the invitation. Please do not let me spoil the fun. In a few days, after I have finished my fast, I will definitely host another banquet to make up for my rudeness today. I hope you will all come and support me."

The crowd naturally did not object, and they all agreed that they would definitely come.

Wen Mingqian left the table, and Madam Song escorted her to the garden gate.

"Go back and entertain the guests! Don't let them find fault with your manners," Wen Mingqian said, stopping in his tracks.

“It’s not a big deal to leave it here. I’ll take Madam to her residence and see if there’s anything else that’s not ready.” Madam Song was all gentle and submissive.

“Look at you, you’re being too cautious. Although I’ve only just returned, I’m still the mistress of this house. If anything goes wrong, I’ll have someone take care of it myself.” Wen Mingqian said with a smile, “I don’t believe any servant in this house would dare disobey me.”

He paused, then patted Song's hand and said, "Oh, by the way, if you've been wronged, just tell me, and I'll definitely stand up for you."

With that, she helped Zhang Ma with one hand and took Gong Chang'an's hand with the other as they slowly walked away.

As Song watched her retreating figure, she almost bit her teeth to pieces.

Wen Mingqian's actions and words throughout the journey clearly conveyed one thing to her: I am the mistress of this house, and as long as I am here, you will always be a concubine!
(End of this chapter)