09, Chrysanthemum withers (Part 1)
The return date of the four families to the residence was postponed repeatedly, and it was not until the beginning of the twelfth lunar month that they returned to the Chu residence. Chu Lianyi had to muster her spirits and went to the Yilan Courtyard early in the morning to pay her respects.
The Chrysanthemum Banquet ultimately did not take place; it was merely a gathering of Chu Lianyi and a few sisters. The three wives, in an effort to please the matriarch, feared that she might think the third family was intentionally neglecting the fourth family, so they withheld the funds. The sixth young lady was unable to provide the money, and thus the Chrysanthemum Banquet had to be canceled
Isn't this our family's bowl, girl? You've grown so handsome now, but you seem a bit too slender, having inherited a frail and melancholic constitution. Don't follow in your mother's footsteps..." At this point, the Fourth Lady quickly spat on herself, saying, "Look at my mouth, the granddaughter of the Matriarch is naturally blessed with longevity." The words may sound kind, but what she intended to say and curse had already slipped out.
Upon entering the residence of the matriarch, the first figure that catches the eye is the Fourth Madam, Qu, who is adorned in a grand red brocade robe embroidered with patterns of wealth and prosperity, complemented by a long skirt of dark purple adorned with colorful peonies.
Chu Lianyi was not angry; she wore a faint smile. The Fourth Lady was known for her sharp tongue, and it would be futile to argue with her, as one could die of anger three times in a single day. Moreover, she was aware of the Fourth Lady's concerns.
While the sisters were enjoying chrysanthemum tea in the courtyard, the sixth sister, Chu Lianqing, wore a face of shame, saying, "I really don't understand why mother behaves this way. We sisters are hosting a chrysanthemum banquet; how could that possibly neglect the fourth branch? How could the matriarch blame us? When fifth sister and the others return, it will be winter by then. We can simply hold a plum blossom banquet then."
Liu Qianxue nodded and said, "As I mentioned, it should not just be us sisters; we should also invite Grandma Xing, Grandma Xuan, and Grandma Fang."
Chu Lianyi is indeed capable of managing finances, but she is neither willing nor able to take the lead in this matter, as it would be tantamount to slapping the future "Grand Scholar" lady's face.
In prominent families, social interactions are governed by rules; it is not the case that the more one engages, the better it is. The recent display of ostentation by the Fourth Lady upon her return does indeed resemble the behavior of a newly wealthy individual
After receiving the gift, Chu Lianyi couldn't help but be astonished, as she had never anticipated receiving such a valuable present. The gifts she had prepared for Miss Eleven and Miss Fourteen were merely small trinkets, such as embroidered pouches from Shu and silver lip balm boxes, among others
Unfamiliar with financial matters, or perhaps the pure and noble Sixth Miss naturally did not understand her mother's intentions, but Chu Lianyi was well aware. During the division of the family assets, the matriarch's private funds were all managed by her personally. She had locked several large cabinets in her room, with the keys kept securely by her side, and no one knew how substantial the matriarch's private savings were, as the daughters-in-law were all watching. Otherwise, how could the Pang family afford to invite a revered Buddha statue back home?
Chu Lianyi nodded and remained, standing with her head bowed at the foot of the matriarch's bed
"What nonsense are you talking about, you girl? What do you mean by marrying or not marrying?" Chu Lianqing said in a fluster, lightly twisting Chu Lianyi's arm.
The late Lady Chu is a thorn in the heart of the matriarch. Lady Chu is a meticulous and efficient person, and when overseeing the household, she cannot tolerate any imperfections. She has never enriched herself at the expense of others, yet she has obstructed the financial paths of many, nearly offending all the masters of the Chu residence.
This is your fifth elder sister. It has been quite some time since we last met. Do you still recognize me? In February next year, your fifth elder sister will be getting married. Speaking of the marriage of Miss Chu Lianjie, the matriarch's face was filled with joy. The legitimate granddaughter-in-law of the Jingwen Marquis, what an honor it is. Although the Chu family is a prominent family, they do not hold a hereditary title. Although titles are merely nominal now, having one still carries a certain dignity
"Chrysanthemum Banquet?" Chu Lianqing paused for a moment, "I hadn't thought about it, I was just thinking that the sisters could gather together."
"Sister Qianxue, come along, let us have some fun together." Chu Lianyi pulled Liu Qianxue again. Although this girl is somewhat arrogant, her mother has a say in front of the matriarch, making her someone who cannot be offended
After the meal, Chu Lianyi and the Sixth Young Lady finally found a corner to chat for a while. Everyone curiously compared the gifts sent by the Fourth House and discovered that Chu Lianyi received the most valuable one, while the others received ordinary items. It was not that the Fourth House was trying to show off their wealth.
"Yes." Chu Lianqing replied somewhat aggrieved.
Although Pang Si often makes things difficult for Chu Lianyi, she is never afraid; rather, she is most wary of her fourth aunt, who is not often at home
Chu Lianyi stepped forward obediently to pay her respects to the matriarch, saying, "Grandmother, may you have long-lasting blessings." She then turned to the Fourth Madam, who was seated on the rosewood embroidered cushion at the matriarch's side, and offered her greetings, saying, "Fourth Aunt, may you have long-lasting blessings." Aside from this, she said nothing more and stood quietly to the side with her hands down.
Only Aunt Liu, leveraging the influence of the Chu family, acted generously, leading Liu Qianxue through the circles of high society in the capital, gradually enhancing her reputation
The maid Baocuan and the others have arranged the chopsticks, please invite the young ladies to the table for breakfast
It is unclear what the Fourth Lady was thinking, but she instead blamed all her misfortunes on the Su family, believing that if she had married the eldest master instead of the Su family, it would have been her and the Second Lady living a harmonious and happy life now. From then on, the Fourth Lady openly and covertly targeted the Su family.
When my father was the top student in high school, the fourth lady met Chu Qingquan, and her heart was instantly devoted to him. Unfortunately, the feelings were unreciprocated, as Chu Qingquan was already betrothed to Su, a lady from a prominent family in Shu.
Chu Lianyi was greatly astonished upon hearing this
As for the sixth young lady, since her wedding date is set for April next year, she is busy learning the customs of being a daughter-in-law during this period, and also studying household management under her mother, leaving her with no time to wander around.
Indeed, indeed. The thirteenth young lady from the Wu family also came over.
Although it is merely a playful gathering held at home, without money, one cannot make any progress. The women in the kitchen, including the mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, do not receive any tips, and as a result, they dawdle in their work and do not offer a pleasant demeanor.
Chu Lianyi harbored suspicions in her heart, yet she did not show it outwardly
Did I say something wrong?" Chu Lianyi said with a smile. In fact, she did not say anything wrong; Chu Lianqing thought exactly that way, which is why she became so angry.
After Chu Qingquan and his partner got married, they lived in harmony, while the Fourth Lady married the Fourth Master, who was a man of lecherous nature. Before she entered the household, he already had three concubines, and shortly after her arrival, he took another concubine. How could the proud Fourth Lady endure such a situation
This arrangement, of course, would naturally alarm the matriarch. Upon hearing it, she simply said, "Gathering is fine, but do not forget the other sisters. Your fourth aunt must also bring your fifth sister back in winter. Your fifth sister is getting married, and the arrangement is set for early spring in February. You sisters should gather more often, and do not let her return only to find that you have neglected her."
Indeed, I know. Chu Lianyi leaned closer to Chu Lianqing and smiled slyly, saying: "Sister Liu must be worried that after she gets married, the days we spend together as sisters will be fewer."
During the meal, the Fifteenth Young Lady attempted to speak several times, but was silenced by the gaze of the Fifth Young Lady. The entire meal was consumed in utter silence, with hardly a sound made even when setting down cups and chopsticks.
Chu Lianyi was also perceptive to the expressions of others. As soon as she entered the room, she felt the sharp gaze of the fourth lady scanning her from head to toe, as if wishing to pierce a hole through her.
Moreover, the distant fragrance is preferable to the nearby stench; no matter how good the Third Madam is, she cannot compete with the First Madam's fondness for the Fourth Madam, which is akin to seeing flowers in the mist while yearning for her son
After returning from the Chrysanthemum Banquet, Chu Lianyi continued to live her comfortable life, even inviting several renowned teachers to engage in trivial matters to pass the time. In this world, it is a man's domain, and women only contend within the small space of their homes. Now that Chu Lianyi's marriage has fallen through, her prospects for marriage appear bleak, and time has become somewhat of a luxury for her.
Miss Chu Lianjie is indeed a very quiet person. It has been over three years since Chu Lianyi last saw her. Her appearance has not changed much; she remains dignified and beautiful, but she is more composed than before
It is often said that when the water is too clear, there are no fish. Those who have lost their benefits naturally cannot rest easy. Moreover, the matriarch is someone who enjoys hearing flattering words, while Lady Chu is particularly inept at speaking cleverly to win others' favor. Coupled with the instigation of certain individuals, the matriarch has become a tool in the hands of some. Several factions have come together to pressure the main family, clamoring for a division of the household
The lady glanced at Chu Lianyi without leaving a trace, and was quite satisfied with her attitude
The hairpin is truly beautiful, thank you, Aunt Si. It must be said that the most affluent in this household is definitely the Fourth Branch. Although the officials in the capital hold significant power, their income consists only of their salaries and the allowance for maintaining integrity. During the festive seasons, there are also gifts of respect from subordinates, such as charcoal and ice, but compared to local officials who are far removed from the emperor, their income still shows a considerable gap.
Chu Lianyi stepped forward to greet Chu Lianjie, as well as the two young ladies standing beside her, Miss Eleven and Miss Fourteen. Chu Lianjie presented Chu Lianyi with a string of large pearls, each one lustrous and uniform, made from high-quality natural pearls, not those cultivated in freshwater lakes, thus making it quite valuable
As everyone began to exit in an orderly fashion, Chu Lianyi was about to take her leave when the matriarch stopped her, saying, "Stay a moment, my girl; your fourth aunt has some private matters to discuss with you."
Miss Chu Lianqing felt guilty towards Chu Lianyi upon hearing her mother speak in that manner. She had just become engaged and was in a state of contentment, but now, seeing Chu Lianyi and thinking of her plight, she felt even more sympathy. Thus, she couldn't help but feel pity for her and somewhat blame her mother. She then spoke up: "Twelfth sister, are you feeling any better? The weather has been fine these past few days, and the chrysanthemums in the residence have bloomed early. I was just thinking of inviting you over so we sisters could enjoy the flowers together and have some lively fun."
Moreover, the engagement of the eldest daughter of the fourth branch, Miss Chu Lianjie, has been arranged exceptionally well; she is to marry the legitimate grandson of the Jingwen Marquis family, who holds an inherited title. In the future, she will undoubtedly become a marquis's wife, and naturally, the matriarch will regard the fourth branch with even greater favor.
When the Eleventh Girl and the Fourteenth Girl received the gifts from Shuying, they exchanged a glance, both displaying a hint of pride, while Chu Lianyi chose not to engage with them on the same level
Our chrysanthemum banquet does not necessarily have to imitate the poetry and prose of the county lord, as that might intimidate people. Instead, we can gather together, sisters sharing laughter and conversation, playing chess, appreciating paintings, discussing music, and admiring flowers—anything is possible. This banquet, however, should be special; we will use chrysanthemums as our theme, enjoying chrysanthemum wine and chrysanthemum cakes, and every dish must incorporate chrysanthemums in its name. Chu Lianyi has long been interested in such gatherings, but she has not had much interaction with her sisters, which is why it has been set aside. Yet, after all, she is a young lady; who does not love a lively occasion?
The division of the Chu family saw Chu Lianyi feeling that the one stirring up trouble in the middle, contributing the most, was none other than the Fourth Madam.
"Sister Liu, are you planning to host a chrysanthemum banquet?" After rinsing her mouth with tea, Chu Lianyi finally spoke to Chu Lianqing.
After Chu Lianyi greeted the sisters from the Fourth House, she hurried over to Miss Jiu's side. With the presence of Fifth Miss as a formidable figure, the younger sisters below did not dare to laugh and play as they usually did, and quietly went to the west room for breakfast.
Chu Lianyi glanced at Liu Qinxue, and it seemed that she was also a person of intention
This time, Aunt Si did not bring any gifts, so here is a pair of exquisite jade hairpins for you to play with. The maid Xiurong of Lady Si brought up a box lined with black lacquer and red velvet, inside of which lay a pair of high-quality jade hairpins, finely crafted and with a novel design, clearly a new style from Hunan. It seems that this Uncle Si's business is indeed thriving.
Yes. Chu Lianyi stood up to pay her respects, took the hand of the sixth girl, and together with the ninth girl and the others, walked to the west room to sit together with the younger sisters.
Chu Qingquan was particularly protective of this lady, allowing no one to criticize her. In the end, a deadlock ensued, which led to the separation of the Chu family. The matriarch attributed the blame for this separation entirely to Lady Chu, subsequently targeting and suppressing her at every turn. Otherwise, Chu Lianyi's mother would not have been so exhausted and frail, leading to her early demise
"Chrysanthemum Banquet, it sounds quite nice, sister," said Miss Jiu as she joined in. "Did not Princess Huiting organize a poetry society and invite the noble ladies of the capital to participate in events like the Begonia Banquet and the Plum Blossom Banquet? With so many sisters in our household, we could also organize a Chrysanthemum Banquet." Miss Jiu Chulianxin is also one who enjoys lively gatherings.
Although the third wife has always won the favor of the matriarch due to her cleverness, it is the fourth wife, Madam Xiang, who truly captures her affection. This is because the fourth son has secured a position as a third-rank official in Hunan, which is quite prestigious. The fourth wife also comes from a distinguished background, being the second daughter of the loyal and diligent marquis. Although the fourth wife does not enjoy the favor of the fourth master, this fact, when contrasted with Madam Chu, becomes a virtue. Therefore, the matriarch has always favored this fourth daughter-in-law.
After everyone had left, the matriarch was the first to speak, "Your fourth aunt wishes to discuss a marriage proposal with you"
Before Chu Lianyi could speak, the matriarch said: "This is good, you sisters should be close. Wan girl, your health is not well, but you cannot always rest indoors. You should come out more and move around. Go and play with your sisters; I have your aunts here to take care of things."