Chapter 5, The Marvelous Uses of Mint
Luo Mingxiu, however, could not smile. On the occasion of Madam Su's birthday, she painstakingly made a dress to present to her, but Madam Su not only refused to wear it, she even casually gave it to Lin Mei. This indicates the extent to which Madam Su disliked her.
"When she went out, her clothes got dirty, so she turned back to change into another set, which made her late." It is unclear whether it was more comfortable for her to change back into her usual attire or if her mindset had changed now that she had some money, but in any case, Lin Mei appeared very poised and graceful. After briefly greeting everyone, she also paid her respects to Madam Mo.
Mo Shuangqi, with a heart full of youthful innocence, believed wholeheartedly that Liu Yong would not marry, or that he would do so for her sake. This time, accompanied by her mother to the capital, she intended to seek clarity from Liu Yong.
Lin Mei was delayed like this, and by the time she arrived in the hall, she was the last to arrive. Everyone was waiting for her, and Madam Su reproached her, saying: "Why did you come so late?"
Having lost her biological mother at a young age and with her father neglecting his responsibilities, Lin Mei learned to read people's expressions from an early age. Upon seeing Luo Mingxiu's demeanor, she instinctively knew that there was something wrong with the clothes she was wearing. With a quick turn, she led Gu Nainai back and whispered, "Regardless of what issues this outfit may have, I will not wear it any longer; I will just wear my own clothes instead"
I almost forgot, the wife of the Marquis of Yongping is quite fond of Mingxiu, very much so! Mingxiu should accompany me there. Shuangqi has just arrived in the capital and should also get to know some people. Madam Su wants to make it clear in front of Old Madam Su and Madam Mo that Lin Mei is her future daughter-in-law, and she should be the one properly brought along to attend the birthday banquet of the wife of the Marquis of Yongping. As for Luo Mingxiu and Mo Shuangqi, they are merely benefiting from Lin Mei's presence, which is why they can go along.
Mo Shuangbai saw Su Zhongxing, who was handsome and graceful, and spoke with courtesy. He also had the intention of forming a connection, so he began to recount some interesting anecdotes from the journey to the capital. As he spoke, he pointed ahead and said: "Look, that night at the inn, I saw a young lady who was as beautiful as the maids in your household; I almost suspected she was a fox spirit!"
Oh, why didn't my body go weak when Su Zhongxing was so close just now? Lin Mei walked along, feeling puzzled.
Nurse Gu just heard that Madam Su will take Lin Mei to the Yongping Marquis's residence in five days. She is worried that Lin Mei does not have suitable attire and good clothing. On her way, she took a detour to the other side, intending to discuss with the embroiderers at the Su residence about the latest embroidery techniques and patterns that are currently in vogue in the capital, so that she can make two sets of clothing for Lin Mei in time.
"If you dislike someone, whatever they do is wrong, isn't it?" Lin Mei took a sniff of the mint leaves by her nose and smiled lightly, "It's best not to see them at all, isn't it?" As she spoke, she gracefully walked past Su Zhongxing, circled around the lotus pond, and left on her own.
Among the three young ladies present today, Luo Mingxiu wore a light yellow blouse, looking delicate and charming. Madam Mo's daughter, Mo Shuangqi, donned a water-red long dress, strikingly beautiful. Lin Mei's dress, however, was a light blue, somewhat worn but not old, complementing her skin that resembled white jade, making her equally radiant and captivating. Upon hearing Madam Mo's compliment, Madam Su laughed and said, "You have not seen her mother; that is what true beauty looks like. In terms of appearance, she is at most fifty to sixty percent of her mother's. Among our close friends back then, her mother was the most outstanding in looks, but unfortunately..."
Liu Yong is an ambitious individual who, upon introspection, believes that in addition to his talent, he possesses good looks. With these good looks, he intends to seek a favorable marriage to pave the way for his future. Consequently, he patiently awaits the right opportunity, delaying his marriage for a long time
Luo Mingxiu observed that Mrs. Mo appeared to smile at everyone, yet in reality, she spoke the most with Lin Mei, which made her feel extremely angry inside. In the past, at such banquets, everyone regarded her as the future mistress of the Su residence, but with Lin Mei's appearance, the spotlight shifted away from her.
Two years ago, Liu Yong went to the capital to take the imperial examination and became the top scholar. Mo Shuangqi, feeling disheartened, speculated that Liu Yong would surely marry a noblewoman from the capital and would no longer return home to marry. There was no longer any possibility for her and Liu Yong. Unexpectedly, over the course of two years, she had not heard any news of Liu Yong getting married.
Indeed, Liu Yong is related to the Mo family and had previously borrowed books from them. He also had a friendship with Mo Shuangbai. Through their interactions, he had met Mo Shuangqi. At that time, Liu Yong's family was in decline, and he had only achieved the status of a Xiucai, so naturally, no one approached the Mo family to propose marriage. However, Mo Shuangqi had been quietly waiting all along.
After passing through the cobblestone path, entering the moon gate, and circling around the lotus pond, the two individuals arrived at the pavilion, where they each took a seat on the stone benches.
After the meal, Lin Mei and others naturally took their leave to allow Old Madam Su and Madam Mo to reminisce.
Lin Mei held a handful of mint in her hand. When she looked up, she saw Su Zhongxing striding over with an imposing demeanor, which startled her. She took two steps back and was about to take a detour, but she heard Su Zhongxing say: "There are guests today, don't you know? Why are you running around like this?" Even if you want to run around, you should have a maid follow you. If someone mistakes you for a maid and casually asks you to serve, how will you handle it? It would be truly embarrassing! If someone mistakes you for a maid and casually asks you to serve, how will you handle it? It would be truly embarrassing!
Master Su has only one legitimate son, Su Zhongxing, and two concubines. One has given birth to a son, and the other to a daughter, both of whom are under eight years old and are physically weak, rarely appearing in public. Although Su Zhongxing is only sixteen years old, he possesses the demeanor of his father, exhibiting a composed and steady manner. Furthermore, he passed the provincial examination last year and is preparing to participate in the imperial examination next year. This time, he found a kindred spirit in Mo Shuangbai, and as they discussed the latest happenings in the capital, he couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh.
Gu Ke'er was renowned for her exceptional talent and beauty in Yizhou back in the day, yet she unfortunately married Lin Li, encountering misfortune in her choice of partner. Those who knew her would shake their heads and sigh when mentioning her.
Madam Mo was almost driven to despair because her daughter, Mo Shuangqi, was already sixteen years old yet had not been promised to anyone. This time, she brought Mo Shuangqi to the capital with the intention of finding a good marriage match for her. Before their arrival, she had vaguely considered that Su Zhongxing, who was also sixteen this year and of the same age as Mo Shuangqi, might be a suitable match if they took a liking to each other, thus making the marriage prospect hopeful
Liu Yong was known as a student of the emperor, and in the eyes of the local people, he was immensely prestigious. In reality, however, he had no backing or foundation in the capital, and compared to the young masters of the noble families in the city, he was still inferior. Although he was appreciated by his esteemed teacher and secured a position of moderate importance in the Hanlin Academy, it was hopeless for him to showcase his talents in the short term.
Lin Mei noticed that whenever Liu Yong was mentioned, Mo Shuangqi's eyes sparkled brightly, and her whole being seemed to radiate light, prompting Lin Mei to glance at her a few more times
Unexpectedly, as soon as she entered the residence, Madam Su informed her that Master Su had already arranged a marriage for Su Zhongxing, with his fiancée Lin Mei residing in the Su household, merely waiting for an auspicious day to wed. Madam Mo felt as if she had been doused with a bucket of cold water, but upon reflection, the Su family was of noble status, and their acquaintances were either wealthy or distinguished. If she could find a suitable husband for Mo Shuangqi among them, it would not be much inferior to Su Zhongxing. Now that Madam Su had made her position clear, Lin Mei was undoubtedly the future mistress of the Su household, and it was only natural to seek a connection.
Su Zhongxing followed Mo Shuangbai's hand and saw Lin Mei wearing a slightly worn dress, clutching something in her hand, lowering her head as she approached from that side, seemingly intending to bypass this way and pass through the moon gate. Suddenly, her expression changed, and she said to Mo Shuangbai: "You sit for a moment, I will be right back"
Upon hearing Madam Su's words, Old Madam Su laughed and said: "In the past, during the birthday celebrations of the Marquis of Yongping, Mingxiu always accompanied you. This time, suddenly changing the person, isn't there a need for some explanation? In my opinion, you should take both Mingxiu and Shuangqi along, so they can look out for each other, which would also be good."
The young girl couldn't stop laughing, "Miss, I just can't help it! This outfit was originally presented by you on Madam's birthday, and the cuffs are embroidered with the characters for 'longevity and prosperity.' It's clear that this is a garment meant for honoring longevity, yet here she is, wearing it just like that. From the back, one would think she is the Madam herself!"
It is the scent of mint, no, there is another fragrance, not floral, not... Su Zhongxing clearly detected a pleasant aroma, searching around yet unable to discern its source. After a while, the scent gradually faded. As the wind blew, only the fragrance of lotus flowers remained
Madam Mo is the niece of Old Madam Su, and she is thirty-five years old this year. She has a plump figure and a friendly smile. After a few exchanges, everyone felt engaged. At this moment, she turned to Lin Mei and exclaimed, "That place in Yizhou has such nourishing soil and water that anyone who comes out of there is a beauty. Just look at Miss Lin's appearance; it's hard not to feel affection for her"
Lin Mei recalled that there was mint growing in the corner of the Su residence's garden. She thought of picking some to dry, intending to place it in her room to ward off mosquitoes. Seeing that no one was around, she stepped into the garden.
To celebrate the birthday of Lady Yongping, one actually has to rely on Lin Mei's influence? Luo Mingxiu's expression darkened as she raised her head, ready to speak, but then she noticed the old lady Su giving her a glance, which made her momentarily hold her tongue and, together with Mo Shuangqi, express her gratitude.
Luo Mingxiu, being more familiar with the Su residence and having always conducted herself as a proper young lady of the Su family, took Mo Shuangqi to see the cleaned courtyard and to arrange the luggage.
Lin Mei saw Luo Mingxiu pulling Mo Shuangqi, clearly intending to isolate her, but she did not take it to heart. With a faint smile, she took the initiative to lead Nurse Gu back home
As they spoke, Madam Su instructed the maid to serve the dishes, and the banquet officially commenced
During the gathering, Madam Mo mentioned the previous top scholar Liu Yong, and said with a smile: "Scholar Liu has a slight familial connection with our Mo family. Now that we have arrived, we intend to send someone to pay a visit to him, hoping to gain some knowledge in the process"
On the other side, Su Zhongxing accompanied Mo Shuangbai to the garden to admire the flowers
In the morning, Old Madam Su spoke with Lin Mei, and Madam Su was already aware of it. Now that Madam Mo has brought her daughter into the residence, she understands a bit more and naturally intends to clarify Lin Mei's identity during the gathering, to indicate that this marriage will not change. At this moment, she also brings up the friendship between Old Master Su and Old Master Lin, as well as Gu Ke'er’s talents. Finally, she mentions Gu Ke'er’s childhood friend, Shi Xueqing, who is now the wife of the Duke of Yongping. She laughs and says, "In five days, it will be the birthday of the Duchess of Yongping. Little Mei should accompany me to the Duke of Yongping's residence then, to take the opportunity to meet the Duchess."
As Lin Mei turned and left, Luo Mingxiu scolded the young girl, saying: "Just when I was about to enjoy her misfortune, your smile made her turn back to change her clothes, and now there is no misfortune to witness."
Lin Mei was originally worried that Nurse Gu and others were of low status and had little influence, and she thought it would be difficult to seek an audience with the Lady of Yongping Marquis. However, upon hearing Madam Su's words, she could not help but feel joy and hurriedly expressed her gratitude