Capítulo 1674: Chapter 1674 Intentional
The next day, Zhulan brought the newly written orphan records into the Palace to meet the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager flipped through the twenty books, each containing fifty names, nearly a thousand orphans divided into twenty volumes. “You work very quickly; I thought I would have to wait a few days.”
Zhulan explained, “There have long been records, so it’s not troublesome.”
The Empress Dowager set down the records, “Speaking of which, I only took a nominal role with the orphans from the Zhuangzi. Today’s achievements are all thanks to your effort.”
“Without you, the development of the Zhuangzi wouldn’t have been so smooth.”
The Empress Dowager smiled, “The Emperor places great importance on the orphans of several Zhuangzi. Without needing my explanation, you understand this.”
Zhulan’s breathing became lighter as she awaited the Empress Dowager’s remaining words.
The Empress Dowager continued, “There may be a time when I won’t be able to even take a nominal role anymore. However, the Emperor told me that boys and girls would be separated.”
Zhulan’s breathing returned to normal. She had already suspected this; no matter how well she did, she was still a woman, much like how the books she compiled were published under a pseudonym. Though the Zhuangzi became an Academy, she could not assume the role of dean in a men’s academy.
Zhulan smiled slightly, “I am very pleased.”
The Empress Dowager was puzzled, as the several Zhuangzi were the hard work of the Yang family. “Why?”
There was a glimmer in Zhulan’s eyes, “I’m pleased that the Emperor did not abandon the girls.”
The Empress Dowager also smiled, “Indeed, that is something to be glad about.”
Zhulan walked out of the Empress Dowager’s sleeping quarters with a light step, and on the way out of the palace, she encountered Princess Zhenyue. Zhulan was somewhat surprised, “Princess.”
Princess Zhenyue said sheepishly, “I heard you were entering the palace, so I waited here specially.”
“Does the Princess have something on her mind?”
Princess Zhenyue signaled the palace maid to bring over the item, “This is the book Yu Wen wanted. Just knowing you were headed to the palace, I give it to you to pass on to her.”
Zhulan knew that Yu Wen and Princess Zhenyue often corresponded and took the book, saying, “I’ll thank the Princess on Yu Wen’s behalf.”
Princess Zhenyue smiled, “I often have Yu Wen help me look for things, so I won’t disrupt you any longer.”
After the princess left, Zhulan did not even look at what the book was; she always respected her children’s privacy.
Upon returning home, Zhulan had a servant girl send the book to Yu Wen. After changing into a new outfit, Yu Wen came to the main courtyard.
Yu Wen held the book in her hand, “This is a book from the book chamber in the Palace, copied by Princess Zhenyue for me.”
“Ah, a book from the book chamber.”
Yu Wen continued, “This book isn’t available at the bookstore in the capital. Father searched for it for a long time, so I eventually asked the Princess.”
Zhulan said, “Then make sure you thank the Princess.”
Yu Wen nodded with a smile, “I won’t trouble the Princess again in the future.”
“Your thoughtfulness is commendable, Grandma trusts that you know your limits. You, girl, don’t need to specially explain to Grandma.”
Yu Wen smiled slightly, “It was indeed inappropriate for me to ask the Princess.”
Zhulan tapped Yu Wen’s forehead, “It’s not a big deal.”
However, Yu Wen thought to herself that she must be more careful in her actions in the future, even though she has a good relationship with the Princess, “Grandma, just as you left, the Crown Princess Consort sent an invitation, inviting several of us to a tea party.”
Zhulan had been informed by the steward the moment she got off the carriage, “It’s the Crown Princess Consort’s first banquet since her marriage; she invited many people.”
Yu Wen, “Mm.”
In the blink of an eye, the day of the Crown Princess Consort’s tea party arrived. All the unmarried young ladies of the Marquis Zhou’s residence were invited, and Yu Die and others dressed meticulously—not to outshine, but for the honor of the residence.
It was the Crown Princess Consort’s first tea party, and inviting young, unmarried ladies made the invitation highly sought after.
Zhulan couldn’t fathom the Crown Princess Consort’s motive; could it be she was eager to select a consort for the Crown Prince? Unlikely, as the Palace’s desire to see the Crown Princess Consort produce a legitimate son was clear.
The excitement at the gates of the Crown Prince’s residence was palpable. Yu Die and her companions didn’t arrive early, and as they got off the carriage, they happened to encounter the legitimate lady of the Duke of Yongan’s residence, Zhuo Ya.
Zhuo Ya was accompanied by a young woman, Zhuo Guyu’s newlywed wife.
Yu Die’s group hadn’t paid much attention until they saw the headpiece on the young woman, and Yu Die’s face changed dramatically.
Since the encounter when Marquis Zhou humiliated them, Zhuo Ya had despised everything related to their residence and showed a displeased demeanor towards its young ladies.
Yu Jiao stared at the headpiece, fuming. It bore a remarkable resemblance to the one second aunt designed for third sister, and just as she was about to speak…
Yu Die pulled Yu Jiao, “Let’s go inside.”
Yu Jiao took a deep breath; she couldn’t cause a scene at the entrance as it would disgrace the Zhou family. Still, she couldn’t help but give a ferocious glare as they left with their sisters.
Zhuo Ya was furious, “What do they mean?”
Ye Ying lowered her eyes, “I’m not sure.”
Zhuo Ya grew even angrier, thinking despite the power and influence of the Marquis Zhou residence, she was still a lady of a Duke residence!
When Yu Die’s group entered the garden, their faces had returned to normal. Lin Xi, who had arrived first, approached and greeted, “Cousin.”
The Crown Princess Consort came over, “Lin Xi was just talking about you, and here you are.”
After formal greetings, the Crown Princess Consort, busy as she was, said just a few words before hurrying away.
Lin Xi smiled, “Today, I’m helping the Crown Princess Consort entertain. Come, let me show you to your seats.”
Yu Jiao’s irritation spiked at the sound of Zhuo Ya’s voice again, her youth making it hard to hide her displeasure. Lin Xi asked, “What’s wrong?”
Yu Jiao quietly mentioned the headpiece, “Second Aunt said it was for Third Sister’s coming-of-age ceremony, and even if it wasn’t clearly stated, it shouldn’t have been used as a template!”
Yu Yi cast a sidelong glance at her little sister, and Yu Jiao fell silent!
Lin Xi looked over and saw it indeed resembled the custom design of second aunt closely. Why had Ye Ying brought it out today when third cousin hadn’t even debuted?
Yu Die was most upset, feeling it deeply for her mother’s hard work, “Mother would be sad.”
Yu Wen said, “Second Aunt will be furious.”
Yu Yi frowned, “Our family has no relations with the Count House—was it merely admiration for the design? I don’t think the Countess would be so foolish.”
Yu Wen glanced at Ye Ying, pondering. Could it be that since the Duke of Yongan’s house had schemed against her, she intentionally chose a similar headpiece design to disgust Marquis Zhou’s residence?
Yu Die said, “I don’t care about them; let’s talk about something else.”
Lin Xi stood up, “I’ll go have a look.”
Yu Die reached out but couldn’t hold her back. With so many people today, she could only watch Lin Xi walk away.
Yu Yi consoled, “Lin Xi knows what she’s doing.”
Zhuo Ya stared fixedly at the Crown Princess Consort while Ye Ying tugged at her sister-in-law’s sleeve, “Your gaze is too obvious.”
Zhuo Ya retracted her gaze, “Sister-in-law, hardly anyone in this garden has a status higher than mine.”
Ye Ying was much less optimistic than her sister-in-law. The Duke of Yongan’s house held no real power; the Duke’s title was merely ceremonial. The families competing for the Crown Prince’s side consort were well-connected and powerful.
Ye Ying sensed someone watching her and met the gaze of Magistrate Anhe, causing her heart to skip a beat, feeling as if she’d been seen through. Her eyes averted involuntarily.
Yu Wen did not retract her gaze, Ye Ying’s guilt confirmed her suspicions; did they think that Marquis Zhou’s residence wouldn’t feud with the Count’s over a headpiece? Indeed, they wouldn’t; if Marquis Zhou’s residence took issue, they’d be labelled as overbearing, as the headpieces were not identical but only six-tenths similar!
Yu Wen’s heart mocked her as she saw Ye Ying glance at her furtively. She raised her hand to lift a teacup slightly, and as Ye Ying looked away again, Yu Wen sipped her tea, her eyes cold.