At the entrance to Qianbi Garden arrived several madams, one of them in a pale lavender gown, her manner gentle yet her attire noble. She was the wife of Liao Zhi, Commander of the Northern Garrison—eldest daughter of the Xu family, the richest household in Linzhou.
Xin An smiled. “Sister Lin, might I trouble you for an introduction?”
Lin Yao was not personally acquainted with Madam Liao, but among those she knew was someone who could speak with her. Rising from the pavilion, she left, and before long returned with another lady at her side. After exchanging a few words with the Second Prince’s Consort, Xin An left the pavilion to meet them.
Lin Yao made the introduction. “This is Madam Ma, wife of Imperial Physician Ma, an Yuanpan of the Imperial Medical Bureau. He has treated Commander Liao’s injuries many times, and thus Madam Ma and Madam Liao are acquainted.”
Xin An curtseyed. “Madam Ma.”
“Second Young Madam.”
After the customary greetings and a brief exchange, Lin Yao had already explained Xin An’s purpose to Madam Ma—that it was merely to be introduced to someone. Madam Ma was happy to extend the courtesy, and soon led Lin Yao and Xin An toward Madam Liao.
Madam Liao had arrived late with two of Liao family’s aunts and a young lady of the household. On seeing Madam Ma, she stopped. After mutual courtesies, Madam Ma inquired after Commander Liao’s injuries. From her words, it was clear she knew something of the art of healing. Though Madam Liao’s appearance was gentle, she was forthright by nature. After a few words, she looked to Xin An. “And this lady is…?”
Madam Ma smiled. “This is the Second Young Madam of the Marquisate of Wei Yuan. I was speaking with the Second Young Madam of the Marquisate of Qing just now, and when we saw Madam Liao arrive, we came together.”
Xin An curtseyed. “Madam Liao.”
“Second Young Madam.”
In an instant, Madam Liao understood—this was clearly a deliberate approach.
Xin An smiled. “I heard Madam hails from the Xu family of Linzhou, and thought you must be a heroine who yields not to men. But seeing you from afar, I realised you are in fact so gentle and gracious one can’t help but feel drawn to you.”
The meaning was plain enough. Madam Liao’s smile grew softer still. “Second Young Madam comes from the Xin family of Huai Jiang, which has an excellent reputation. Even we in Linzhou have heard of it. We are both from merchant families, and have both married into the capital. We should see more of each other.”
Xin An had not expected such direct goodwill, but took the offered step at once. “Indeed, Madam. I’m not one to sit idle—no doubt I will often come to seek your company.”
“The sun is hot—why don’t we talk in the pavilion?”
Madam Liao agreed, and so Xin An brought her back. The Second Prince’s Consort had already guessed Xin An’s intent and made no objection to her bringing Madam Liao and her companions. It was, however, a little crowded. Just then, someone from the Crown Princess’s side came to invite the Second Prince’s Consort away, and once she left the pavilion felt far more spacious. Conversation flowed more freely.
Xin An did not say much—mostly listening, occasionally agreeing. Not once did she mention Liao Zhi or Tang Mo, which piqued Madam Liao’s curiosity. It was obvious to anyone that Xin An had sought her out for Tang Mo’s sake.
“I hear Second Young Master Tang has joined the Northern Garrison—has he settled in?”
Xin An did not seize the opening, but smiled. “It’s been something of an adjustment. He was used to a more leisurely life—sleeping until the sun was well up. Now he has to rise early every day for duty. The first few days were hard.”
“But now he’s fine—not only rising early, but practising a set of boxing forms after getting up. Says he wants to train, so as not to disgrace himself on duty.”
Covering her mouth with a handkerchief, she laughed quietly to herself. Madam Liao grew even more curious—Xin An had sidestepped the obvious chance to speak for Tang Mo. Had she not caught the hint?
Xin An glanced around, then lowered her voice. “Does Madam know why my husband insists on morning practice?”
“Not because he’s afraid of disgrace?”
Xin An hid her smile behind her handkerchief. “In truth, he was spurred on after seeing Commander Liao. He said the Commander is not much older than he, yet not only has military merit, but also commands the Northern Garrison with a steady hand—handsome to look at, with real skill in arms. Just seeing him is enough to make one feel his presence. After that, my husband sighed over and over, and took up training again.”
“He says he doesn’t hope to catch up, but at least wants Commander Liao to look at him with some respect.”
Madam Liao laughed as well. “Second Young Master Tang is amusing—and ambition is the most precious thing. Second Young Madam, you must encourage him.”
And so she no longer wondered why Xin An had not spoken in Tang Mo’s defence—because in her way, she already had. Truly clever.
By midday, attendants from the Duke’s household arrived to invite everyone to the Hall of a Thousand Guests for the feast.
Xin An followed with the others. The hall was the largest in the Duke’s residence, used for music and dance. Today, though the weather was bright, it was hot. Along the walls stood great bronze basins filled with ice, so that within the hall it was cool as winter—two different worlds from the blazing sun outside.
In the heat outdoors, people were sweating; inside, some even shivered. The seating was not at the usual eight-person round tables, but in the style of the ancients: each person at a small individual table, arranged by age and rank. On each table were eight plates of dim sum and cold dishes, most in floral designs, varied in size and style, along with a wine set and a serving of iced snow pear. It was said that these dishes were specially commissioned for the Water and Blossoms Banquet, with new designs every year.
Because of the Marquisate’s standing in the capital, Xin An’s seat was not far back. To her right sat Tao Yiran; to her left, Lin Yao. The company’s attention was less on the food or the dancers than on keeping an eye on the hosts and the various princess consorts, ready to raise their cups at the proper moment.
Halfway through the meal, Tao Yiran actually took the initiative to toast Xin An. Seeing her smile, Xin An raised her cup as well. “Is Eldest Sister-in-law well?”
Before touching the wine to her lips, Xin An gave a small sigh. “Eldest Sister-in-law’s skill on the qin is well known to all. A small mishap is nothing—you mustn’t dwell on it.”
“Just now I saw Madam Tao speaking with you. With her to comfort you, I’m sure you feel at ease.”
Tao Yiran had regained her composure. Madam Tao was also at the banquet today, and mother and daughter had met; with her mother’s counsel, Tao Yiran was naturally reassured. For some reason, though, the wine in her hand trembled slightly. “Thank you for your concern, Younger Sister. It was nothing. I happened to meet Mother and so spoke with her a while.”
“It’s I who should apologise to you. You came from Huai Jiang and don’t yet know many in the capital. I ought to have made introductions for you. Please forgive me for not taking proper care.”
Xin An smiled. “Madam Tao is a wise woman; her words must be full of good sense. As for looking after me—there’s no need to trouble you, Eldest Sister-in-law. Since you seldom go out, you should take the chance to speak more with the other ladies.”
Then she leaned a little closer, lowering her voice. “Eldest Sister-in-law, tell me—if I were to accidentally wet my skirts and embarrass myself in front of everyone, and afterwards some unkind rumours were spread about me, what should I do?”