Chapter 17: The Banquet

Han Shu gently nodded.

“That’s good. Now that Third Cousin has returned and you are about to come of age, Great-Aunt will surely be thinking of arranging marriages for you both. It’s a crucial time—you mustn’t let anything go wrong.”

“Cousin, your birthday is even earlier than mine. It’s the tenth of next month, while I must wait until the first month of next year. You should worry about your own marriage and leave me be.” Han Shu’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. At heart, she was still a young girl, and talk of such matters made her shy.

Liu Chuyan did not argue, merely nodded. “Yes, I was preparing gifts this morning when Great-Aunt sent for me, so I didn’t have time to finish. I should return to my room now.”

“All right.” Han Shu let her go, wiped her tears, and went back to her own courtyard.

“Oh, has Cousin-in-law returned?” As Liu Chuyan walked out of the osmanthus grove, she suddenly spotted Hongjian, who served Lady Rong, hurrying past the rockery with her head down.

Songling looked over in surprise. It was indeed Hongjian, but she shook her head. “I don't know when the mistress returned.”

Qinghe, however, smiled and said, “Miss, the mistress came back early this morning. She heard that Master Yixing had arrived and went to seek his fortune-telling. But at that time, you were inside with him, so she returned to Taorui Garden. Master Yixing was busy all day, and by the time he left, she still hadn’t managed to speak with him.”

“I see.” Liu Chuyan replied softly, a sense of unease settling in her heart, though she couldn’t say why. Her delicate brows furrowed.

Seeing this, Qinghe lowered her voice and continued, “Miss, I heard the mistress wanted to ask when she would bear a son. This time, when she returned to the Marquis Yongkang’s household, she happened to meet her half-sister, who married two months earlier and is now three months pregnant—apparently with a boy. But the mistress has been married for nearly half a year and has shown no sign of pregnancy. If this continues, people will start to gossip, so she’s anxious.”

“Mmm.” Liu Chuyan smiled faintly. Knowing her cousin Han Zhen’s temperament, he probably had little interest in his wife, so conceiving a child would indeed be difficult. Yet Lady Rong put no effort into winning Han Zhen’s affection, instead resenting her and constantly causing trouble, frequently returning to her maiden home. No wonder Han Zhen ignored her. In public, Han Zhen went through the motions for appearances, but behind closed doors, who knew what truly happened?

“Miss, the mistress didn’t get to see Master Yixing, but you spoke with him twice. She’ll probably feel jealous again. The osmanthus grove is close to Taorui Garden; you might easily run into her. We’d best be cautious and avoid her,” Songling advised.

“Let’s go back to the house,” Liu Chuyan agreed, not wishing to meet her, and took a side path back to Hua Xiao Pavilion, focusing on preparing Liu Guanju’s birthday gift.

Liu Guanju’s birthday banquet was held in the rear garden of the General’s Residence, a lavish affair. The garden boasted artificial hills, flowing water, vibrant flowers, and breathtaking scenery. In the northeast corner, a pond drew fresh water from outside, and the terrain had been used to create a small waterfall. The stream meandered forward, passing under a small bridge and through the rocks, delightfully picturesque.

Due to General Liu’s special status, the event was informal; both male and female guests were seated in the rear garden, separated only by a row of colorful screens. At one end of the screens stood a broad platform, where the renowned Jin Troupe of Jinling performed an opera recounting General Yue’s loyal service to the nation—a fitting choice for a lady general.

In the open space between the stage and screens stood three large round tables of rosewood. The central table was the seat of honor, while the tables on either side were set with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones, making it clear—these were for selecting a female tutor for Liu Guanju.

Guests gradually found their seats, exchanging pleasantries.

Liu Chuyan, preoccupied with her thoughts, sipped her tea and looked toward the place of honor. Liu Guanju had not yet appeared, but General Liu had already changed attire and was greeting the guests.

Liu Songxian was not striking in appearance—thin lips, bold brows, high cheekbones, and eyes sharp as a hawk’s, exuding a keen intensity. Though she smiled, there remained a cold pride and aloofness in her expression. Raised under her mother’s direct guidance, skilled in martial arts, and favored by the royal family, she naturally carried herself with an air of confidence. Only when she looked at her husband did her gaze soften, at times even revealing a hint of girlish coyness.

At that moment, Lord Li Du was speaking in dignified tones. Perhaps due to a life of comfort and privilege, he lacked the aura of a scholar. Instead, his complexion was fair, his face round and plump, radiating the bearing of one born to wealth, and he appeared younger than Liu Songxian. Seeing the guests were mostly assembled, and knowing many needed rest, he ordered music and dance to begin. Soon, the air was filled with the sounds of zithers and harps as dancing girls took the stage—very much to the taste of the top scholar.

Everyone enjoyed the performances, feasting and drinking merrily.

Suddenly, Liu Chuyan heard a childish call, “Mother!” and a crescent smile curved her lips—Liu Guanju had arrived.

Today, Liu Guanju wore a bright scarlet brocade robe embroidered with peach blossoms and plums, a red-and-black jade belt at her waist. Two rows of pearls trailed up from the hem to her waist, like clouds floating in the sky—altogether festive. Yet, she was only nine, still a young girl, lively and spirited, bounding about. Her features bore a strong resemblance to Liu Songxian—bold brows, bright eyes, brimming with youthful energy and heroic flair.

Lord Li Du clearly disapproved of his daughter’s tomboyish ways, frowning at her mischievous antics.

Liu Guanju made a face at him, then, under her mother’s stern gaze, turned to greet the guests—with a clasped-fist salute. On the open ground, she mimed a sword dance with her fingers, spinning gracefully. Were it not forbidden, she would surely have preferred a real sword.

Liu Chuyan, amused, let out a little laugh—what an innocent and adorable child.

Liu Guanju heard laughter from her direction and immediately looked over. “Mother, that sister thinks my dance was good!”

Liu Songxian, always gentle with her daughter, glanced at Liu Chuyan and smiled. “Those are the ladies from the Duke of Wukang’s household.”

“Really? I think I’ve met a sister from their family before, but after she married, I haven’t seen her since.” Speaking, Liu Guanju walked over, stopping beside Han Shu Jing. “Ah! Mother, it’s this sister—she’s very beautiful. But I think the sister who just laughed is even prettier, more beautiful than even the imperial consort, like a celestial maiden!” With that, all eyes, once on Han Shu Jing, now turned to Liu Chuyan.

She quickly stood and curtsied to Liu Songxian. “Chuyan greets the General.”

“Oh, you are Liu Chuyan?” Liu Songxian studied her features closely, then glanced at Liu Guanju. Her eyes shone with a wolfish glint—clearly, the girl had taken a liking to her. She smiled faintly. “Can you read?”

“I know a little.”

“What books have you read?” Lord Li Du, catching wind of Liu Guanju’s words, was delighted. It was rare for his daughter to take to someone at first sight. Forgetting all propriety, he hurried over to ask.

“My lord, I have read the Four Books and Five Classics.” Since Lord Li Du served at the Hanlin Academy, Liu Chuyan respectfully addressed him as “my lord” and bowed.

“And which book do you love best?”

“My favorites are the Book of Songs and the Spring and Autumn Annals.”

“Can you compose poetry?”

“A little.”

“Five-character verse or regulated verse?”

“Both.”

“Excellent, excellent.” Lord Li Du had planned to carefully select from among the girls today, at the very least to test their literary skills—the scholars’ implements were all prepared. Yet seeing her modesty, gentle manner, balanced temperament, and knowledge, and, most crucially, that she had caught Liu Guanju’s eye, he was nearly convinced. He glanced at Liu Songxian for confirmation.

Liu Songxian fixed her gaze on Liu Chuyan, scrutinizing her. She was well-formed, truly beautiful, with a graceful figure worthy of her reputation as one of the Han family’s twin beauties. Though perhaps too pretty, an unappealing candidate wouldn’t please her daughter either; past tutors had mostly been dismissed for their looks. She turned to ask Liu Guanju, only to find the girl had already run off: “Guanju?”

“Mother, Brother Xue is here!” Liu Guanju shouted joyfully from across the screens.

With that, Liu Songxian’s attention shifted away from Liu Chuyan. She patted her hand lightly, told her to enjoy herself, and joined Lord Li Du among the gentlemen.

So long as nothing went awry, it was settled—far more easily than Liu Chuyan had expected. She had thought she would be tested, at least on her learning, but Liu Guanju had merely glanced at her, and the general and his wife had asked a few questions—everything was practically decided.

“Yan Yan, the general seems to want you as Miss Guanju’s tutor,” Han Shu Jing observed, quietly leaning in. “But you’re an unmarried girl. How could that be proper?”

“Cousin, let’s wait and see.” Since nothing was certain, and with many eyes watching her, Liu Chuyan bowed her head, hoping to let the matter pass for now.

Madam Han had been observing her performance all along. She gave a gentle cough, warning off those who stared too boldly, then motioned Liu Chuyan to move closer and asked, “Yan Yan, do you wish to enter the General’s Residence?”

With Madam Han’s gaze upon her, Liu Chuyan could not lie; she nodded.

Traditionally, female tutors were widows or women keeping chastity for their betrothed—never an unmarried maiden. As Han Shu Jing had said, Liu Chuyan was still unwed and of marriageable age, hardly suited to be Liu Guanju’s tutor.

Madam Han understood her motives—seeking to leverage the power of the General’s Residence to raise her own standing and secure a good marriage. Becoming a tutor there would be beneficial and not harm her reputation, perhaps even bring great advantage. If it truly served her interests, Madam Han ought to help her enter the household. Yet the unspoken rules gave her pause; it still felt improper.

Caught in a dilemma, the lines on Madam Han’s forehead drew together.

Liu Chuyan fell silent, listening to Liu Guanju’s laughter with the Xue brothers across the way.

“Brother Tan, that poem you taught me—the one Father liked so much—he didn’t believe I wrote it and pressed me to confess. In the end, I fibbed and said Brother Ao composed it. Father said if Brother Ao could write such a poem, he’d give me his head for a footstool! Hahaha, Brother Ao, Father thinks little of your talent!”

Everyone burst out laughing.

Xue Ao, teased by the little girl and disparaged by Lord Li Du, was mortified and quickly changed the subject. “Father would never say such a thing—you’re making that up about me again.”

“If that’s so, Brother Ao, compose a poem on the spot to prove yourself!” Liu Guanju grinned, having set the trap for him. She pointed to the scholar’s tools on the table. “See, I’ve prepared everything for you. You mustn’t let us down.”