Spring is truly the season of renewal.
The earth warms up, grass grows, and birds fly; everywhere in the Capital City, it’s a riot of colors with butterflies fluttering by, attracting many handsome young men and women, madams and young ladies to take rides out. Some go out to enjoy and sightsee, others for spring outings, or to pray to gods and buddhas, while others head out to attend banquets.
No matter how, such weather is most suitable.
Madam Shi and Miss Jiang are no exception.
This is Miss Jiang’s first spring in the Capital City, and it’s also her first chance to go out with her aunt.
In the past in Dengzhou, when spring arrived, many madams and young ladies would appreciate flowers, compose poetry, and drink tea.
But her stepmother was too busy to care about her and simply couldn’t take her out.
Her father made her focus solely on mourning for her mother.
Even after her mourning period, she hardly had any close friends.
Time passed, and she seldom went out.
She definitely longed for it, but after so long, she forgot what the outside looked like and no longer desired it. But now...
She finally had the opportunity to go out with her aunt, to broaden her horizons, and to make some friends among the young ladies, she felt deeply grateful.
Madam Shi was equally satisfied.
Seeing others dress up their daughters beautifully for banquets, she always felt envious.
Often she wished for a daughter, even if illegitimate.
But sadly, she had none, and gradually she became lazy to go out.
Now with her niece here, she suddenly found motivation.
While instructing others to dress her beautifully, she eagerly participated in various banquets.
Wanrong came from Jiangnan, a typical gentle yet graceful girl from the water towns.
She might not be breathtakingly beautiful, but compared to those northern Capital City young ladies, she was much more refined.
Whenever she appeared, she could outshine everyone else.
Madam Shi was extremely satisfied as a result.
...
This day was the third of March.
The Imperial Noble Consort of Prince Zhuang’s Mansion hosted a spring banquet, sending out invitations a month ago.
She invited influential madams from various families.
Madam Shi, being a new noble of the Capital City as well as the mother-in-law of the Fourth Princess, naturally could not miss it.
She previously refused to come, but now she had been preparing vigorously for a month, contemplating what clothes and jewelry to bring.
Just waiting to make a good appearance with Wanrong.
(Actually, such banquets have a hidden intention of matchmaking.
Families with daughters usually bring them out to meet people, while families with sons actively participate, carefully observing young ladies from various mansions, and if suitable, they seize the chance to propose marriage!)
As for those without daughters and whose sons are already married, they generally don’t often attend, just like Madam Shi previously didn’t.
Of course, this intention is concealed deep in everyone’s hearts, well understood yet unspoken.
...
On the magnificent carriage.
Jiang Wanrong and Madam Shi sat side by side.
She wore a splendid dress in blue brocade with embroidered lotus vines, adorned with the most precious silk thread at the neckline and cuffs, with a Southern Pearl and gold chain hanging at her chest, and her wrists were tinkling with gold and jade.
Today, she styled her hair in a reverse floral bun with an exquisite colorful hairpin on the left and some Zhu Hua made of small Southern Pearls and gemstone fragments on the right, while delicate, lifelike silk flowers adorned her back; a pair of gold-set pearls dangled from her ears.
Such a dignified yet gentle attire appeared grand yet fresh like a young lady.
Madam Shi was very satisfied.
Jiang Wanrong, on the other hand, felt somewhat nervous, sitting beside Madam Shi, unable to stop the sweat from forming in her palms.
This was almost her first time attending such a grand banquet.
Nearly all the influential madams in the Capital City would be present, and if she made any misstep, it would all fall apart.
"Don’t be afraid! It’s okay!"
Madam Shi noticed her nervousness and quickly reassured her softly.
Jiang Wanrong forced a slight smile and nodded.
"Aunt, don’t worry, Wanrong is not afraid!"
"Did you remember all the manners I asked them to teach you?"
Jiang Wanrong quickly nodded.
"Remembered them all!"
"That’s good. Just follow behind me and be confident, no need to be scared!"
Jiang Wanrong nodded once more.
...
This banquet took place at Prince Zhuang’s Mansion.
Prince Zhuang was the Taishang Huang’s second elder brother from an illegitimate line and had been residing at his fiefdom for decades.
However, in recent years, as he aged and his health weakened, coupled with his biological mother, Consort Zhou Taipin, growing old, he requested to return to the Capital City, leaving only the Princely Heir’s family at the fiefdom.
Consort Zhou Taipin was a kind and benevolent Imperial Noble Consort, known for her philanthropy and compassionate heart.
Because her son wasn’t at her side, she resided alone in the palace, hence she loved excitement, enjoying operas in the palace.