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Chapter 136 : The Golden Chrysanthemum Banquet

By the end of the day, Empress Dowager Yi De had still not spoken a single word. A very perceptive Jiang Ruan felt that Empress Dowager Yi De was harbouring a secret, much like that baffling painting of South Xinjiang’s scenery. However it appeared that Empress Dowager Yi De had no intention of being forthcoming with her. In her previous lifetime, she had resided within the palace for many years but had never heard of Empress Dowager Yi De having any secrets, so that would also mean that Xuan Li would not know.

If there was any news, it would be concerning the war between Tian Jin kingdom and Great Jin. Initially, Great Jin had been advancing with great valour and was on the brink of defeating Tian Jin. However, it was not known what had gone awry for Tian Jin kingdom to suddenly recover and turn the corner. Not only that, but it was unknown where they had obtained the ability to be able to counter and push back Great Jin’s latest advancement. Hence the war situation had once again reached an impasse.

Naturally Jiang Su Su had taken delight in this matter and took each and every opportunity to bring this up whenever she encountered Jiang Ruan. However, Jiang Ruan merely took her for a mad dog barking. Hence after a few taunts that had merely resulted in a blase reaction, Jiang Su Su finally lost interest and ceased her prattle, turning instead to focus on the preparations for the upcoming Golden Chrysanthemum Banquet.

The Golden Chrysanthemum Banquet was a social custom of Great Jin, held during the seventh month of the Lunar calendar when the chrysanthemum flowers were in bloom. It was hosted by the Senior Provincial Officer’s Furen, who invited the capital’s coming-of-age young ladies for a gathering, while young gentlemen gathered on the other side to mingle, chat and establish connections. Although on the surface it looked like a mere social gathering, in actual fact it was more of a platform for various furens from the noble families to take a good look at potential daughter-in-laws or son-in-laws. While Great Jin’s customs weren’t that open minded, there had still been a few couples who had met at the Banquet and were later blissfully wedded. This in turn became a story that captured the fancy and imagination of many and had spread far and wide.

Jiang Quan had probably finally realised that he still had two di daughters that were of marriageable age within his fu. Casting aside Jiang Ruan for the moment, Jiang Su Su was still the pearl in Jiang Quan’s palm and he had every intention to seek out a good husband for her. For this occasion, he had invited the Marquis Xia fu’s Eldest Mistress, Shen Rou, to take Jiang Su Su to the event.

Xia Jiao Jiao’s portrait had also been sent to the palace and so was no longer expected to participate in such gatherings. In the wake of Jiang Chao gaining recognition by Xuan Li’s side, Xia Cheng had come to a realisation. Because the matter with Xia Yan was actually the fault of the Maquis Xia fu, gradually the relationship with the Jiang fu began to improve. As if that incident had not happened at all.

If Jiang Su Su were to attend the Golden Chrysanthemum Banquet, but Jiang Ruan did not, there would surely be many tongues wagging. Moreover, the invite from the Senior Provincial Officer’s Furen also had Jiang Ruan’s name, so she would also attend with Shen Rou.

Though it was perceived that this Golden Chrysanthemum Banquet was of some importance, surprisingly Jiang Su Su seemed to have cloistered herself in her room without stepping out at all. Occasionally the sound of the qin could be heard coming out from Su Xin Yuan, and it can be said to be quite graceful and moving. The servants from Ruan Ju however didn’t think much of it, especially when one considered the plight of Xia Yan who was suffering in the secluded Buddhist Hall while her beloved daughter still had the heart to go to these banquets. To think that in the past Xia Yan had looked out for Jiang Su Su in all matters only to end up with such an ungrateful and thankless wretch of a daughter.

Jiang Ruan did not spare a thought towards the Banquet and continued her daily routine as usual. Seeing this, Tian Zhu was rather relieved, knowing that her Master’s painstaking efforts were not in vain. Should this big white cabbage that he had carefully nurtured be snatched away by some pig, when Master returned to capital, he would definitely have a fit. Cough, of course Jiang Ruan was not a cabbage, and Master was definitely not….. What in the world.

The blistering heat of summer gradually tapered off like a tail, and in a blink of an eye, autumn began. After the debilitating scorching of the noonday’s heat of the past few days, the weather had now changed to be somewhat mild and pleasant. Occasionally there would also be a refreshing cool breeze, and those small earthen pots that were outside Ruan Ju were bursting with nameless small white daisies in bloom. Indeed the Golden Chrysanthemum Banquet was fast approaching.

If it was anything like the Banquets of the past, the Jiang fu would definitely be a buzzing hive of activity. Everything from top to bottom would be managed by Xia Yan; Old Jiang Madame would instruct on the proper etiquette; Second Yiniang would be rushing about procuring jewelry and accessories; and Hong Ying would be dressed in splendid fairy-like clothes. Jiang Li would be domineering and busy throwing her weight about, while Jiang Su Su would be smiling with her ethereal otherworldly-like fairy look, a being far above the common folks[1]. Jiang Dan would be timidly and cautiously seeking to curry favour. There was certainly no lack of womenfolk within the Jiang fu with the whole household brimming with rouge, powder and lipsticks, and it depicted the endless flurry of gentle charming romanticism.

[1] 不食人间烟火 (bu shi ren jian yan huo) – lit. not eating the food of common mortals / fig. placing oneself above the common populace.

Alas, the past was as fleeting and transient as flowing water, almost as if those alluring and beautiful images of ladies were but merely a whimsical dream of grandeur. Presently, the Jiang fu only had a Yiniang with a huge belly but it seemed that she too had a change in personality. No longer did she spend time in idle chatter or petty discourse, but only concerned herself with the inconsequential matters. As for the rest, those that died were dead, those that had gone insane were insane. At present, the sprawling Jiang fu was like an empty vacuum, derelict, quiet and abandoned, leaving a sense of bleak desolation.

The servants within the fu were most perceptive about the changes, as it had only been a matter of a few short years before the Jiang fu had seemed to change over. Those that had grown up within the fu had a vague idea in their hearts; Jiang fu had been full of splendour over the past ten years, but maybe it wouldn’t be long before it ended up like the Jiang fu’s womenfolk- scattered like dust.

* * *

Early in the morning, Jiang Ruan was served and groomed by Bai Zhi and Lian Qiao. Today, even the gods were being benevolent. The warm sun was slightly peeking out, sending a light sprinkle of warmth over one’s body, yet it was nothing like the scouring summer heat. The air was filled with a light refreshing breeze, just perfect for admiring flowers.

Because the mourning period was still not over, Bai Zhi could only dress Jiang Ruan in a lotus green dress as Lian Qiao commented, “Such a pity about the colour of Miss’ clothes. If Miss could wear your usual vibrant red colour, then no one would be able to outshine our Miss.”

“Miss isn’t going to a beauty contest,” Bai Zhi replied, “moreover, this lotus green still looks good and dignified.”

She was completely dressed when a maidservant came to notify them that Marquis Xia’s carriage had arrived and was waiting outside the fu’s main door. Shen Rou was deemed to have arrived early to fetch them. Jiang Ruan had just stepped out when she chanced upon an unadorned and conservatively attired Jiang Su Su.

Recently, Jiang Su Su had stayed cloistered in the fu, and while she had been fretful and impatient on most days, she lacked her previous forbidding harshness. Today, she must have taken extra care with her appearance. She was dressed in a uniquely designed soft silvery green gauze lily-like dress that accentuated her slender figure. Her long hair was coiled into a phoenix-like topknot with a crystalline ruyi hair pin inserted in a slanting angle. While it can be said that she was conservatively attired, she seemed to portray a distinguished ethereal refinement that was further enhanced by the significant improvement to her features by her previous beauty regime. Her every movement was like shedding off a layer of frivolousness and revealed a unique and incomparable charm. It was just like when she had always attracted others’ gaze and they would feel that she was truly like a fairy that had descended to the world from the highest of heavens.

Seeing Jiang Ruan appear, Jiang Su Su took a measure of her too. Since Jiang Ruan had not adorned herself in red for a long while, today she had picked a lotus green jacket with plain patterns of embroidered flowers. The lotus green colour naturally was hard to pull off but set against her skin she seemed even fairer. With her gorgeously splendid facial features, the dignified colour added on another layer of royal nobility that no one else had. It seemed as if she had been ordained to be respected by the Heavens, as if she was born to be an aloof and remote princess.

As Jiang Su Su looked on, a deeper layer of hatred gradually gathered in her eyes.

Really, this could not be blamed on Jiang Ruan. When Empress Dowager Yi De had the Imperial Household Department make clothes for her, she would often have some made for Jiang Ruan as well. Naturally, one need not mention the quality of the clothes made in the palace for a Junzhu. Although Jiang Quan had quite a number of good things on hand, it still would not compare to a tribute from the palace. In addition to that, Jiang Ruan had stayed in the palace for many years in her last life, and her every comportment would instinctively be affected by the habits she had gained there. One would not be able to learn these habits in such a short time frame and since others would not know of this past of hers they could only say that she was naturally graceful.

As the corner of the curtains on the horse carriage was lifted open, Shen Rou smiled, “These two young ladies, will you not enter the carriage?”

Jiang Ruan did a sweep of it and noticed that there was another person inside. She was faintly startled and once she boarded the carriage, she then realised that the person was not anyone else but Second Mistress of the Xia family, Yu Ya.

Back then, the reason why Marquis Xia fu and Jiang fu had become mutually hostile was because of Xia Jun. When the incident happened, Yu Ya hated Jiang Su Su to death. But the people of the Xia family were not fools either. They had only needed to think a little before they knew who had arranged it. Although Xia Jun had been unable to enter officialdom because of her, for Yu Ya to not have her killed was already very telling of her forbearance.

Shen Rou looked at Jiang Ruan, then at Jiang Su Su and covered her lips in muffled laughter, “Minister Jiang is truly blessed, these two young ladies are truly like jade flowers.”

“That’s right.” Yu Ya said unexpectedly, “Now that I see Junzhu, she looks even more elegant than three years ago.”

Jiang Ruan lightly smiled and did not reply as she looked differently at Yu Ya. These two mistresses of the Marquis: Xia fu, Eldest Mistress, Shen Rou, was a tiger with a smiling face and portrayed a gentle and amiable appearance to one and all. She had good looks too, however, one just needed to have one look at Xia Jiao Jiao to know what kind of appearance this Eldest Mistress had privately. On the other hand, Second Mistress, Yu Ya, was harsh and scathing and the Second Master Xia had a dissolute reputation outside. If this Second Mistress had not borne him a son, then one would fear that the Second Master Xia would have long since given her a divorce document to dispose of her.

If one had said that these complimentary words had come from Shen Rou’s mouth, then it naturally would not be a problem. However, these had been spit out of Yu Ya’s sharp and unkind mouth; moreover, Yu Ya and her were getting along like oil on water. In the end, it really was too strange.

Once Yu Ya noticed Jiang Ruan’s eyes on her, she then shifted her gaze to Jiang Su Su, “Today, Second Miss Jiang will definitely astound everyone present with her splendidness.”

Jiang Su Su laughtly softly, “Second Aunt[2] has praised me too much.”

[2] 舅母 (jiùmǔ) – wife of mother’s brother / aunt / maternal uncle’s wife.

* * *

The whole journey to the Senior Provincial Officer’s fu was uneventful and once they stepped down from the carriage, they were welcomed by the servants waiting at the entrance to usher them in. The servants led them in and in the main hall, there was a congregation of furens and mistresses seated, while all the young ladies were in the garden admiring the chrysanthemums. This Senior Provincial Officer’s Furen had a love for flowers, and within the residence a large piece of land was set aside just for a floral garden. It was sufficiently spacious for the young people to mingle and chat with one another.

It was just that the young men were in the west garden and the young ladies were in the east garden. If they intended to secretly rendezvous, no one would bat an eye. As long as they did not do anything that overstepped the proper etiquette, bystanders would just feign ignorance, especially in this era of young people who were much more lenient and indulgent.

Senior Provincial Officer’s Furen rose from her seat to welcome them and when her gaze fell on Jiang Ruan, her eyes couldn’t help lighting up, “Hong’an Junzhu your comportment is truly blessed by heaven. It really makes one envious of Jiang Daren.”

And just like that Jiang Su Su was casually ignored, and immediately anger welled up in her heart. She had also noticed that the majority of the people within the main hall had their eyes affixed on Jiang Ruan and found it somewhat suspicious. She was beginning to doubt her charm, otherwise why weren’t people even looking at her but transfixed on Jiang Ruan instead?

What she didn’t realize was that while her charm was effective on men, those seated here were officials’ furens, who only cared about who was more beautiful or good looking. Jiang Ruan was currently Hong’an Junzhu, and backing her was the General fu. On top of that she has an outstanding brother who was a God of War. Thus those seated furens with sons were mentally calculating if there was an opportunity to take Jiang Ruan home as their daughter-in-law. Jiang Ruan was naturally gifted with dignified disposition, and even though she was born with such exceptional beauty, her noble air was more than capable of suppressing her beauty. This in turn gave Jiang Ruan an impressively imposing demeanour. When these officials’ furens were selecting a daughter-in-law, beauty was a secondary matter, and even if Jiang Ruan were to be lacking in looks, to these furens, she was still in high demand. Like fragrant hot cakes.

It would seem that the Senior Provincial Officer’s Furen was aiming for this outcome as she had two sons. Her sons were about to reach their prime and it was almost time for each of them to find a wife. The more she looked at Jiang Ruan, the more she found her very pleasing and was about to warmingly engage in further conversation when a voice spoke up from behind her, “Ruan Meimei, I’ve been waiting for you for a long while already.”

Jiang Ruan lifted her eyes and noticed Zhao Jin approaching her and giving her a wink. Jiang Ruan nodded her head in acknowledgement as Zhao Jin took her hand and turned to address the Senior Provincial Officer’s Furen, “Furen, Jiang Ruan and I will head to the garden to admire the chrysanthemum flowers. Ruan Meimei has not even seen the beautiful chrysanthemums yet.”

Whatever the Senior Offcier’s Furen was about to say was stuck in her mouth so Shen Rou chuckled and acted as a mediator saying, “I was just about to have a word with Furen, so let these young ladies head to the garden to have some fun. Su’er, you might as well go along with them too.”

Yu Ya knitted her brows and glanced at Jiang Ruan, then decided that it was best to stay by Shen Rou’s side.

Jiang Su Su smiled too, “Okay”.

The three of them headed out of the main hall together before Jiang Su Su spoke to Jiang Ruan, “I’m sure Da Jiejie and Miss Zhao have much to talk about, so Su niang will go on ahead by herself.” She really did not want to hang around Jiang Ruan any further otherwise Jiang Ruan would outshine all her brilliance- how could she tolerate that. Moreover, she was thinking of heading to the west garden to check out those young men. She was not convinced that with her beauty and charm she would not be able to have those men fall at her feet.

Watching Jiang Su Su’s retreating back, Zhao Jin was rather perplexed, “Isn’t that the direction towards the west garden; what is your second sister thinking of doing?”

“You don’t have to bother with her.” Jiang Ruan replied.

“Ai, aren’t you afraid that something might happen and have people turn around and criticise the Jiang fu?” Zhao Jin was unable to comprehend. If she had gone out with her brothers, her parents would exhort the brothers in earnest, saying that when they are out and about, they are representing the fu and its prestige. So they should at all times be vigilant and not do anything that would besmirch the family’s name and cause ridicule towards their fu.

Jiang Ruan merely smiled, Zhao Jin’s life was sincerely upright. If the Jiang fu were to lose its prestige because of Jiang Su Su’s actions, it would actually be a good thing; she would be crazy to volunteer to help pick up her carnage and help the Jiang fu protect its prestige.

Seeing Jiang Ruan’s indifferent response, Zhao Jin also decided to drop the topic at hand, but looked at her, “You are rather relaxed, and speaking of which, we have not seen each other in quite some time. I really wanted to speak with you.” She turned to look around, “Do you really want to see the chrysanthemums?”

Speaking of chrysanthemums, a fleeting look of resignation flashed across Zhao Jin’s face. She was a daughter from a General’s family, so naturally she had no interest and love for flowers and plants, and she also didn’t hang out with those coming-of-age young ladies, gossiping and commensurating. As for the flock of young ladies that were vying for favour and beauty in the name of admiring flowers, they were truly giving her a headache. If it weren’t for her mother’s insistence that she come to the event, Zhao Jin would never in a million years have done so.

Jiang Ruan took in her facial expression and immediately knew what she had been thinking. She couldn’t resist smiling as she replied, “Don’t want to.”

“That’s great, because I don’t want to either.” Upon hearing her reply, Zhao Jin was overjoyed. “I just know that Ruan Meimei is of the same mind as myself. Let’s go, let’s find a quieter spot to have our conversation.” In saying so, she held Jiang Ruan’s hand and led her away from those admiring chrysanthemums.

Zhao Jin said to Jiang Ruan while walking, “It’s been ages since I last saw Yinger, and a few days ago I bumped into Dong Furen, and she said that Yinger was ill and wasn’t able to go out in case she catches a cold. Don’t even know if she is better now.”

Jiang Ruan lowered her eyes, Dong Furen had indeed hidden the truth about Dong Yinger, even the fact that Dong Yinger’s portrait that had been sent into the palace for selection was also kept a secret. Zhao Jin was still a little puzzled when she talked about this matter, “How did she fall sick so unexpectedly. I heard that Third Young Master Chang’s engagement to Yinger has also been dissolved and I had initially thought that it was because the Chang family despised the fact that Yinger was frail. I was even thinking of going personally to find Chang An to hear what he had to say about the matter, but then I heard…” Zhao Jin usually had a flamboyant and direct personality but when she had spoken to this point, she suddenly held her peace, as if she had said something rather inconceivable. Lifting her eyes to look directly at Jiang Ruan, she then noticed her doting smile, so she subtly probed askanced, “You already know?”

“I know. Dong Furen sought me out for a chat, hoping that I could dissuade Yinger Jiejie to not put her heart on something that was unrealistic and impossible.”

Zhao Jin sighed, “Yinger and I, along with the others, grew up together. Her heart is simple and she doesn’t understand much, but Ruan Meimei, do you know the person in Yinger’s heart?”

Jiang Ruan smiled, “I don’t know.”

Zhao Jin lamented, “I only hope that she will snap out of it soon. Then there is Fei Fei. Her family has also chosen and decided on the marriage engagement, so they are to wait till after the new year before she can be married off. It can be considered a well matched arrangement, as he is a General from the capital.

Wen Fei Fei was also from a military family, and at present was of marriageable age. Jiang Ruan asked, “How’s Lin Jiejie?”

“Zi Xiang ah,’ Zhao Jin grinned widely, “She still has her brusque character. Actually, she was supposed to come today, but she had a huge argument with Lin Daren. She was adamant that she could not blindly follow those pedantic constricting rules, so regarding finding a suitable partner, it has to be someone that she has set her heart on.”

Hearing this, it actually conformed to Lin Zi Xiang’s personality and worldview, that she would offend and oppose the world if it weren’t on her terms. So it looked like Lin Daren would have to suffer many headaches on her behalf. Both of them soon arrived at a quiet place when Jiang Ruan asked, “Zhao Jiejie, have you ever thought about looking for that someone?”

“Me?” Zhao Jin shook her head, “I am nothing like those cloistered young ladies, wanting a husband and settling down, staying within the home all day fluffing over the trivials and trifles. My wish is to be like my father and brothers, entering the battlefield, protecting the people of the Great Jin dynasty.”

This was not something that most young ladies would speak about, except for Zhao Jin whose character and temperament had been cultivated by her father and brothers who had raised her just like another boy. Hence she bore a haughty chivalrous air. Zhao Jin seemed to have suddenly thought of something, and her demeanour turned dark. With a shake of her head, she asked, “Only ….”

Jiang Ruan lifted her eyes to engage her.

Zhao Jin thought for a moment before leaning in close to her, “Ruan Meimei, you and I are kindred spirits, so I want to share a secret with you and you are not to tell another soul.”

Jiang Ruan nodded.

“Tian Jin kingdom collaborated with South Xinjiang, and South Xinjiang sent reinforcements, therefore recently the war has turned for the worse. The Emperor issued a mandate and has indicated that he will send reinforcements.” Zhao Jin edged closer to her ears and whispered, “My father received the Emperor’s secret edict and will head out to battle in the next few days. Tian Jin is remote and spread out, I am really afraid that something will happen.”

Jiang Ruan’s heart froze, Zhao Jin had already released her and she looked afar in a gloomy expression, “All I have is my martial art skills. I can also participate in the battlefield, but I can’t help share this burden with my father. I’m rather ashamed of myself.”

Just as Jiang Ruan was about to offer words of comfort, suddenly they heard a peculiar sound coming from the depths of the quiet peach forest in front of them. The sound was feeble and if it wasn’t for the fact that at just that moment Zhao Jin had also lowered her voice to a whisper, it was most likely that the sound would have been inaudible.