Part 2
If she wanted to go to Chang’an, then let her go. Whatever she liked, he would give to her.
Gu Zhen closed his eyes and leaned against the carriage wall, his expression slowly calming down.
There were still such long years ahead. There was still time between them. He still had plenty of time to be with Yiyi, countless opportunities to coax her, countless possibilities to stay together with her.
Ultimately, there was still time.
Before leaving, Zhao Yiyi held a banquet at Jiao Fang Palace, inviting some titled ladies from the capital.
She rarely held banquets. This one was entirely to introduce Duanduan. Once she went to Chang’an, it would take some time before she returned. Duanduan being alone in the manor without elders to look after her would make things difficult, whether for marriage or other matters.
If a marriage could be settled today, that would be best. If not, it would at least let everyone know of her existence.
Because the Empress rarely held banquets—starting from when she was Crown Princess, aside from the necessary audiences like the Winter Solstice and New Year, the number of banquets she had hosted could be counted on one hand—those who received the invitation were somewhat surprised. But thinking it was the Empress’s invitation, they felt some anticipation and admiration.
Many titled ladies attended today. Some were acquaintances of Zhao Yiyi, so they came up one by one to greet her.
“This is Lady Wen, wife of the Duke of Yongjia. Duanduan, why don’t you come over and pay your respects quickly?” Zhao Yiyi waved to Zhao Duanduan, having her stand by her side to curtsy to Lady Wen, the Duke’s wife. Half-embracing Zhao Duanduan, she said, “She has been shy since childhood. Madame must not blame her for not knowing etiquette.”
Lady Wen covered her lips and smiled. “What is Niangniang saying? This subject-wife sees that the Second Lady has a well-behaved nature, is quiet, and is born so beautiful. How does that touch even a bit on ‘not knowing etiquette’ as Niangniang said?”
Zhao Yiyi smiled. “It is good as long as Madame does not find her clumsy.”
Lady Wen was the candidate Gu Zhen had chosen to preside over Zhao Duanduan’s coming-of-age ceremony.
As the Emperor’s aunt and a Duchess, and with He Mingshou having been added to the Secretariat-Chancellery as a Tong Zhongshu Menxia Pingzhangshi, her status was noble enough. Moreover, she had always been steady and proper, making her the most suitable candidate.
Zhao Yiyi was also very satisfied with this choice.
She remembered the Emperor’s love for that plate of honey-preserved cherries that day. To express her gratitude, she specially ordered a full jar to be made and sent over.
Ideally, he would eat until his teeth hurt.
“This one in this subject-wife’s home is the real headache. If she had half of the Second Lady’s cleverness, she wouldn’t cause this subject-wife and her father sleepless nights.” Lady Wen called He Xunfang over as well and said warmly, “The Second Lady is about the same age as this subject-wife’s Fang’er. This subject-wife only has this one child, and usually, there is no one to play with her at home. Today is quite a coincidence.”
Zhao Yiyi rubbed the plum-green cup in her hand and said warmly, “You two go out and play for a while. There are two cherry trees by the Taiye Pool with some fruit on them. Be careful not to play in the water.”
After the two left, the inner hall seemed less crowded. Lady Wen then asked, “Does Niangniang have any plans for the Second Lady’s coming-of-age ceremony? This subject-wife does not have much experience in this matter and wanted to ask Niangniang before making decisions.” A few days ago, Bixia had already mentioned this matter to her through her husband.
Wait, her health was poor; otherwise, she wouldn’t have lost one child after another back then. Over the years, she hadn’t managed much in the manor either. But she only had one child, so naturally, she had to plan for her child.
They couldn’t accompany the child forever, and the close relatives of the He clan were unreliable. The only one they could rely on was the Emperor, their nephew.
Making the Emperor and Empress happy would be the greatest support for the future.
Anyway, hosting a coming-of-age ceremony wouldn’t cost much, so she actively took it on and agreed fully.
It was the turn of spring and summer, and with many people present today, a little ice was placed in the hall.
Combined with the breeze blowing in from outside, Zhao Yiyi couldn’t help but pull her silk sash closer.
“Just handle it however others handle it, Madame,” Zhao Yiyi smiled, recalling her own coming-of-age ceremony.
At that time, she had just been engaged to enter the Eastern Palace as the Crown Princess. Her father had paid some attention to her ceremony because of this, instructing Lady Xu to organize it well. It was also for this reason that Lady Xu hurriedly prepared and hosted one.
As for the specifics, she actually knew nothing about them.
Thinking of this, she leaned forward slightly and said warmly, “As her elder sister, I am not managing it for her, but instead troubling Madame. I feel truly apologetic.”
“What is there to apologize for!” Lady Wen replied. “Taihou originally wanted this subject-wife to organize Eldest Princess Linchuan’s ceremony as well, but this subject-wife did not know how to arrange a princess’s ceremony, so I declined. The Second Lady is convenient; this subject-wife just organized one for my own family at the end of last year. Since Niangniang has no other requests, shall this subject-wife follow my family’s example?”
Zhao Yiyi smiled slowly. “In that case, many thanks to Madame.”
She looked back, and Yunzhu brought out a small brocade box on a lacquered wooden tray.
Zhao Yiyi took the box and personally placed it in Lady Wen’s hands. “I heard Madame is already looking for a match for Miss He. I couldn’t think of what to give as a dowry addition, but seeing that Miss He has fair skin, I thought this pair of mutton-fat jade bracelets would certainly suit her. There are also a few scrolls of ancient books; I imagine Miss He would like them too.”
At Lady Wen’s age and status, giving her precious treasures would be of little use. Since Lady Wen treasured He Xunfang, she would cater to her preferences and direct the gift to He Xunfang.
Sure enough, Lady Wen smiled instantly. This time, the joy in her eyes was even more genuine as she said respectfully, “This subject-wife thanks Niangniang for the reward on behalf of Xunfang. That child has no other hobbies, only loves reading books. She has almost finished reading all the books at home. With these scrolls from Niangniang, she will likely be happy for many days.”
The two finalized some procedures regarding Zhao Duanduan’s ceremony and exchanged a few pleasantries before Lady Wen went to Wanchun Hall to pay respects to Taihou.
Zhao Yiyi leaned on the couch and drank tea for a while. She had intended to go back and rest for a moment when an attendant entered to report: “Niangniang, the wife of the Heir of the Duke of Zheng requests an audience.”
The eldest daughter of the Qin family, Qin Yanyin, was a close friend of Zhao Yiyi in her boudoir days. She was one of the few handkerchief sisters Zhao Yiyi had played best with since coming to Luoyang. Two years ago, she married the Heir of the Duke of Zheng, to whom she had been betrothed since childhood.
The two had frequent interactions after marriage, and their relationship was close.
Furthermore, Qin Yanyin’s younger sister, Qin Wenyin, was Zhao Yuan’s fiancée.
Zhao Yiyi slowly opened her eyes and sat up, supporting herself on the armrest.
Turning the jade bracelet in her hand and pondering for a moment, she whispered, “Announce her.”
Not long after, a beauty in full attire wearing a cloud-bat patterned pleated skirt entered with the palace servant. She clasped her hands in greeting before Zhao Yiyi, then sat aside without a word, her expression somewhat unpleasant.
“What is wrong?” Zhao Yiyi turned her head to ask her.
It was fine before she asked, but upon asking, Qin Yanyin’s face changed instantly. She took a deep breath and said, “I requested an audience with Niangniang today to ask: does the marriage between my younger sister and Niangniang’s brother still count?”
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