Chapter 7, Radiant and Dazzling

Soon, Madam Zhu dismissed Lan Yue and others, only signaling to Madam Luo with her eyes

You Wu heard from Madam Guo that Lord Feng had followed the founding emperor in his early years to establish the dynasty, which delayed his marriage. By the time the Eastern Song was established, Lord Feng was already thirty years old and still unmarried. Later, he married Madam Feng, who was over ten years younger than him, and he cherished her immensely, almost holding her in the palm of his hand. When Lord Feng passed away, Madam Feng was so heartbroken that she nearly followed him in death, but fortunately, the people in the household took care of her day and night, allowing her to gradually recover.

You Wu noticed that Lady Feng was straightforward in her demeanor, which also fostered a sense of closeness. As she assisted her out, she chatted and laughed softly along the way

Madam Feng, however, felt an inexplicable fondness for You Wumo. When she saw her coming to assist her, she did not refuse, and with a smile said, "With such a beauty supporting me, I feel as if I have become a few years younger."

Madam Feng is sixty-six years old this year. She has slanted, narrow eyes. Although she is advanced in age, she has been well-maintained, and one can still faintly discern that she was a beautiful woman in her youth

Lan Yue, upon hearing You Wu's question, also came to her senses and said softly: "General Feng is twenty-five years old this year and is unmarried, but it is said that he has a peculiar temperament and is difficult to get along with." After hesitating for a moment, she continued in a low voice: "Miss, regarding Young Master Shen..."

After Madam Guo and the others left, You Wu pondered for a long time before saying to Lan Yue: "You should inquire if anyone else besides Yan San Shi has visited the Yang residence in the past two days"

Yang Siyi and Yang Yiduan finished their preparations and quickly made their way over. Madam Gu and the others, seeing that they were elegantly and beautifully dressed, found nothing to criticize and nodded in approval

Madam Guo, upon hearing the words of Madam Feng, could not help but exchange glances with You Wu. You Wu was momentarily taken aback, but then stood up to support Madam Feng, smiling as she said, "I will accompany Madam Feng!"

Seated alongside Madam Feng were all elderly ladies of high status. Even if they wished to curry favor with Madam Feng, they could not lower themselves to the role of a young maidservant to assist her. However, You Wu was different; although she was the second wife of Yang Shangbao, she was younger, and at this moment, helping Madam Feng would not draw any disapproval.

The Luo family firmly believes: "The gratitude of the You family towards the Yang family is not only remembered by the elder, but also by us. However, the elder is getting on in years, and we fear he may not be able to protect the elder lady for long. Although Yan San's official position is not high, he has the support of the prince and others behind him, which should not be underestimated. After much consideration, we have come up with a plan..." As he spoke, he observed You Wu's expression and saw that she was not angry but was listening quietly, which reassured him somewhat. He continued: "Logically speaking, the elder lady already has a fiancé and will naturally marry into the Shen family in the future. However, Shen Yunan is currently in mourning and cannot alleviate the elder lady's worries. Moreover, three years from now, we do not know what the situation will be like; his feelings may change, and he may not be willing to welcome the elder lady into his home. Therefore, for the time being, the elder lady must seek another suitable husband to ensure her peace for the rest of her life."

You Wu pulled up Lan Yue and frowned, saying: "Alright, go wash your face and then come back to serve."

Hearing the tone of Youwu, Lanyue realized that she did not mean to blame her, which made her breathe a sigh of relief, wiping away her tears as she withdrew. For a moment, she couldn't help but feel emotional; ever since the young lady married into the Yang family, she seemed to have become a different person, no longer crying at the slightest provocation, and speaking and acting with great determination. A person who has undergone significant changes indeed has their temperament altered.

Lan Yue was taken aback and said: "Among the grandchildren of Lady Feng, only the eldest grandson of the first branch remains, namely General Feng Yan, who has recently been conferred the title of marquis, and he is yet to marry."

Luo Shi pondered for a moment and said: "On the birthday of Lady Feng, many young gentlemen from prominent families will come to pay their respects. Given Lady Feng's high status, they will naturally stay close to her, allowing one to personally observe the demeanor and appearance of those young gentlemen. If any are to your liking, then..." He leaned closer to You Wu's ear and whispered: "Make sure to pay special attention to the newly appointed top scholar Wei Zheng. Also, keep an eye on Marquis Wei Yuan, Feng Yan."

As the banquet commenced, everyone took their seats, and a maidservant brought osmanthus water for the ladies to cleanse their hands. Once the handwashing was completed, the dishes were served in an endless stream.

Everyone couldn't help but laugh, and for a moment, they all offered a few compliments

Lan Yue noticed the cordiality of Madam Guo and others, and Madam Zhu even mentioned lending jewelry to You Wu for attending Madam Feng's birthday celebration. She found it quite strange and remarked, "On the day of the tea ceremony, they all looked unwilling, yet today they are suddenly so enthusiastic; there must be something amiss!"

Well, here they come, here to test! You Wu remains unperturbed, only smiling without speaking

During the gathering, Madam Feng had a few too many drinks and, feeling somewhat inebriated, stood up and said: "I will go change my clothes, please continue without me."

As they were about to turn at one side of the garden, a sudden commotion was heard not far away. A man holding a bow and arrow was aiming at a bird flying in the sky. Upon seeing Lady Feng and a beautiful woman approaching, the man trembled, causing the arrow in his hand to miss its target and shoot straight towards You Wu

Madam Feng's two maidservants were about to step forward to assist her, but they heard her say: "You should serve the ladies well and do not need to follow me."

Madam Feng observed the arrival of Madam Guo and her entourage. Leading the group was an exceptionally beautiful young lady, who wore her hair in a peach heart bun adorned with several pearl flowers and a golden hairpin intricately twisted. Dangling from her ears were cat's eye stone pendants. She was dressed in a light lotus color gourd-patterned flower robe, her overall appearance exuding simplicity and elegance. However, this understated attire on her added an undeniable charm. After a moment of contemplation, it became clear that she must be the stunning new wife of Yang Shangbao.

You Wu once met Lady Feng and presented her with a birthday gift, uttering a few auspicious words. However, Lady Feng had heard of You Wu's misfortunes and felt some sympathy, beckoning her to say, "Come sit by me, Wu Niang!"

When Feng Yan was born, his mother died during childbirth, and coincidentally, his father also perished on the battlefield. He was raised under the care of Lady Feng, with whom he shared a deep bond. Due to the fact that he was the only bloodline of the main branch, Lady Feng inevitably favored Feng Yan, somewhat neglecting the members of the second branch. Over time, this led to some gossip among the second branch, which Feng Yan heard but chose not to respond to. Upon reaching the age of sixteen, he secretly left the residence to join the army, starting as a low-ranking soldier. After nine years of hard work, Feng Yan rose from a soldier to a general, returning victorious from battles and being granted the title of Marquis Wei Yuan. The hardships he endured during this journey are not for outsiders to discuss.

"How is this said?" A lady of noble birth, who had returned to her hometown for two years and had only recently come back to Beijing, could not help but feel curious and asked a few more questions. Someone informed her of You Wu's plight, and upon hearing it, she could not help but sigh

On the day of Lady Feng's birthday, Madam Guo and the others had an early lunch and gathered in the main hall of the Youwu courtyard. Noticing that Youwu had not yet come out, they instructed a maid to check if Yang Siyu and the others were ready. Frowning, they said: "For Lady Feng's birthday, the guests coming to pay their respects are either wealthy or noble. Our young ladies must not be too disrespectful. Although their attire may not surpass others, they should not appear disheveled and become a subject of ridicule."

You Wu cupped her face and said softly, "If that is the case, this matter will depend on a few of the family matrons. I just wonder if there are any candidates among them? If the candidate cannot keep the third master Yan in check, it would be in vain."

On the second day, Madam Zhu indeed brought some headpieces for You Wu to choose from. She measured and compared them on You Wu's head, selecting a few jeweled hairpins to try on her, exclaiming: "The matriarch has such a good complexion; any color of hairpin looks beautiful on her."

Unfortunately, such a beautiful woman is destined for misfortune; in order to avoid becoming a concubine, she had no choice but to become the second wife of Master Yang

Upon hearing this, You Wu retreated to the mirror, reassessing her own beauty. She pondered whether the Lord Feng, whom she had never met, would be so taken by her appearance upon seeing her that he would disregard the fact that she had previously married as a secondary wife and would desire to take her as his legitimate wife.

Young Master Shen wishes for the young lady to become his concubine? Lan Yue's expression changed instantly, and she was at a loss for words, biting her lips for a long time.

Among the several sisters-in-law, Mrs. Luo was the most eloquent, and everyone recommended her to act as the negotiator. Upon noticing the expression of Mrs. Zhu, Mrs. Luo glanced outside the room, carefully considered her words, and then said: "I believe the matriarch is already aware of the matter regarding Master Yan's visit to the Yang residence the other day"

Madam Guo and Madam Song exchanged glances upon hearing this, very well, before engaging with Madam Feng, they first made eye contact with Madam Feng.

You Wu lowered her head and said, "I do not wish to burden the Yang family, but now that I have married the elder, I am a member of the Yang family. How can I seek another husband? If I were to do so, my reputation would be ruined, and it would bring shame to the Yang family."

You Wu nodded slightly, and her flattery was clearly insincere; it was either treachery or theft. Madam Guo and others urged her to dress elegantly for Madam Feng's birthday celebration, undoubtedly with ulterior motives in mind

Madam Roche, however, brought someone to measure clothes for You Wu, and praised You Wu's figure, laughing: "With such beauty as the Lady Tai, the mistress should also be deserving, yet it is unfortunate that such..."

A group of people arrived at the entrance of the Feng residence. The family members of the Feng residence recognized that it was the carriage from the Yang residence and did not dare to be negligent, promptly welcoming them inside

You Wu suddenly turned around and said to Lan Yue: "Shen Yunan saw me the night before last and mentioned that the Shen family has set their sights on the daughter of the Lu family. Once his mourning period is over, the Shen family will propose to the Lu family. However, he does not wish to abandon me and hopes that I can follow the Lu daughter into the Shen family when the time comes."

In the past, Lord Feng favored Lady Feng, and although Lady Feng only bore two sons, he did not take a concubine, resulting in a somewhat sparse population in the Feng family. Currently, Feng Yan, who has been granted the title of marquis, is the legitimate son of the main wife.

You Wu Yin is the second wife of Yang Shangbao, holding a higher status, yet she sat at the same table as Madam Feng. Initially, she felt uneasy, but upon observing that the procedures of an ancient banquet were quite similar to dining in a modern restaurant, she relaxed. For a moment, she stole glances at Madam Feng's demeanor and followed her lead meticulously.

Yang Siyi and Yang Sidaun followed closely behind You Wu, observing that everyone's attention was entirely focused on You Wu, completely disregarding them. They could not help but feel a hint of dissatisfaction, yet they refrained from expressing it. After merely paying their respects, they took their seats behind Madam Guo and Madam Song.

Upon hearing this, Lan Yue knelt before You Wu with a thud, prostrating herself on the ground and crying out, "Miss, I was wrong!"

Compared to the ruin of a family and the loss of a business, being laughed at a few times is truly insignificant. In his heart, Luo was secretly scolding, but on his face, he smiled lightly and said: "Madam, please rest assured, we will take care of everything! As long as you agree, we will certainly arrange for you to find another suitable husband."

You Wu smiled gently and said, "Lan Yue, once Shen Yu Nan's filial period is over, if you wish to become his concubine, I can send you to the Shen residence"

Lan Yue returned after a while and whispered, "Miss, apart from Young Master Yan, no one else visited yesterday or today. I gave the cleaning woman, Granny Duan, a purse, and she told me that after Young Master Yan left yesterday, the Madam summoned the wives from each household and locked them in a room to talk, which continued until noon when they finally dispersed. Today, they all came to the room to pay their respects at the same time."

"So, are they insisting that I attend the banquet because it is related to Yan San Shi's visit to the Yang residence?" You Wu stood up to push open the window, took a deep breath, and said with pursed lips, "Does Lady Feng have any unmarried grandsons?"

When You Wu finished her dressing and stepped out, everyone was momentarily stunned. Well, no matter how a beauty adorns herself, she always radiates a dazzling charm

You Wu nodded slightly and sighed, saying, "If Fifth Sister has something to say, please go ahead, I am listening!"

Several noble ladies were already seated beside Lady Feng. Upon seeing You Wu and her companions enter, they scrutinized them and understood the situation, whispering among themselves: "Lord Yang has newly married this lady, who is indeed the daughter of the You family. She truly lives up to her name, being a remarkable beauty"