On the third day of the month, Yu Zhu also rose early.
Lan Xi held up the garments and helped her dress, while outside, firecrackers crackled and popped.
The air was tinged with the scent of sulfur and saltpeter. Yu Zhu tilted her head slightly and asked, "Has Prince Jin already risen?"
Lan Xi looked at the pale purple palace dress in her hands, which was exceptionally luxurious.
It even seemed to slightly exceed the ceremonial standards for a concubine.
There was also a pearl waist chain with a backing, each pearl round and plump, glowing with a soft luster under the candlelight.
"He has risen and has already gone to the Yushi Ling's home to fetch the princess consort."
Yu Zhu made a soft sound of acknowledgment as she applied rouge to her lips.
"Has Nanny Fu told us how we are to be arranged today?"
Lan Xi was carefully pinning a gold-thread-edged silk-flower hairpin into Yu Zhu's hair. Hearing this, she pursed her lips and smiled. "It's been arranged. She said we are to go to Huxindao today. Over a dozen tables have been set up there, all for the young ladies still waiting in their chambers. They've even invited an opera troupe to perform and relieve the boredom!"
Yu Zhu thought this sounded good; she had never been to Huxindao before.
For one, the heavy snowfall in recent days had made the weather too cold, leaving little scenery to admire. For another, since Prince Jin never went, she hadn't felt it appropriate to make any requests.
The gardens of the prince's estate were beautiful, but even they grew tiresome after a while.
Lan Xi smoothed Yu Zhu's hair. "If you find yourself bored, miss, you could go to the embroidery workshop in early spring to pick out a few bolts of cloth or buy some jewelry."
Yu Zhu had just reached the step of drawing her eyebrows. "That doesn't sound very interesting either. I still prefer playing polo or cuju. In the sixth month, renting a small boat to pick lotus flowers, or going with Xue Ningshuang to pick peaches. Yangshan's honey peaches are the most delicious."
Lan Xi said, "Miss, you are no longer in the inner chambers. You can't do these things anymore. Even if you want to go, you must have Prince Jin's permission. Why don't we just attend the tea parties or poetry gatherings hosted by other ladies? Wouldn't that be nice?"
Yu Zhu twisted her fingers. "Would they invite me?"
Most tea parties disliked inviting concubines. If they did, where would that leave the legitimate wives?
Lan Xi also felt a pang of discomfort but still comforted Yu Zhu. "They will."
She changed the subject. "This dress was personally chosen by Prince Jin. Just for his sake, they won't forget to include you in any festivities."
Yu Zhu also looked down at the purple dress, which was truly magnificent.
Yu Zhu couldn't quite figure out Prince Jin's intentions.
Was he trying to bolster her presence or send a warning to the princess consort?
Or was he truly so enamored with her that he had forgotten propriety?
After a moment's thought, Yu Zhu said, "I won't wear this one. Change it for something I usually wear."
It was better for her to be a little more sensible.
This showed just how cautious Yu Zhu was.
On the other side, Prince Jin had already received his bride.
Qian Wanhui was half a head taller than Yu Zhu but very slender. The wedding dress hung loosely on her frame.
Prince Jin dismounted, took one end of the red silk ribbon, and placed his other hand on Qian Wanhui's shoulder.
As they descended the steps, he softly reminded her, "Watch your step."
Qian Wanhui's hands involuntarily tightened, causing her posture to sway slightly.
"You must have been exhausted these past few days of the New Year. Once tonight is over, you can rest properly."
Qian Wanhui made a soft sound of agreement, the phoenix crown on her head weighing her down so much she could barely lift her neck.
In truth, they had known each other for a long time.
But Qian Wanhui's temperament was quiet and reserved, and she rarely initiated conversation.
It was Prince Jin who, whenever they met, would call out to her.
A single "Wanhui, little sister" made their relationship seem much closer.
Only now, holding each other's hands, did Qian Wanhui truly feel in her heart that Prince Jin was her husband.
Beyond that, however, there was mostly confusion.
Just like on the day Yu Zhu got married, when her vision was limited by the bridal veil and she could only move forward with the support of others.
The difference was that Yu Zhu only needed to manage her own small courtyard. Someone above would oversee her, but Qian Wanhui was different—she was the mistress of the Prince's mansion, the one in charge.
Under her command, she had to manage many "Yu Zhus."
Qian Wanhui took Prince Jin's hand and stepped into the bridal sedan.
First, they headed to the palace.
It was a long journey, and the swaying of the sedan made Qian Wanhui drowsy.
Fortunately, she had ginseng slices in her mouth, which kept her from falling asleep.
After the elaborate ceremonies, Qian Wanhui finally had a chance to rest in the side chamber.
This was the main courtyard, located behind the central axis of the Prince's mansion.
It was a large three-section courtyard, with side rooms on the left and right that could accommodate twenty servants.
In the courtyard stood a century-old pomegranate tree, said to be laden with fruit when in season.
A symbol of fertility and blessings.
The courtyard was arranged with a Fengshuiju, featuring a nine-zhang-high artificial hill and a small pond below with a few koi fish.
Qian Wanhui didn't linger on the details. Her feet ached terribly, and with the help of her maids, Fuling and Lianqiao, she sat down by the bed.
Her wet nurse had also accompanied Qian Wanhui to Prince Jin's mansion. As an experienced elder who had seen much, she could offer advice on various matters.
Aunt Shou reached out and asked Qian Wanhui to spit out the ginseng slices from her mouth. She then instructed Fuling to bring a cup of tea. With Aunt Shou's assistance, Qian Wanhui ate two pieces of red date cake, finally feeling some strength return to her weary limbs.
She let out a sigh and asked, "Is today over? Can I just wait here and not go out anymore?"
Aunt Shou replied, "There's nothing else. We just need to wait for Prince Jin to arrive."
Qian Wanhui relaxed but couldn't help feeling curious.
"When will Prince Jin come?"
Aunt Shou removed two of Qian Wanhui's hairpins and helped her take off her outer coat.
The room was heated with charcoal, so there was no need to wear such thick clothing.
"Prince Jin is considerate of you. He should arrive around dusk."
That meant there were still over two hours to go.
Fuling and Lianqiao had already knelt down, removed Qian Wanhui's shoes and socks, and gently massaged her swollen calves, their hearts aching to the point of tears.
"Young Miss has been busy throughout the entire New Year festivities. You must rest well in the coming days."
Qian Wanhui said, "Entering the Prince's mansion marks the real beginning."
Not to mention anything else, the authority of several matrons would now be transferred to her.
The storerooms, account books, and personnel matters would all be under her management.
Although she had long been mentally prepared, Qian Wanhui still felt overwhelmed.
At that moment, Lan Xi happened to pass by the Princess's courtyard.
She had originally come to fetch Xue Ningshuang, but Aunt Shou, who was leaning by the window, overheard her.
Aunt Shou curled her lips in disdain. "How improper. Is she the maid of that Yu Shiqie? Poor discipline among subordinates shows that Yu Shiqie is no good either."
Yu Zhu.
Qian Wanhui knew her.
She had seen her once at a poetry gathering hosted by Bian Qingqing.
Bian Qingqing had even remarked about her, "She has little talent or learning, only fit to associate with Xue Ningshuang. Is she even worthy of attending our poetry gatherings? Who sent the invitation? Don't allow it next time."
Because of this, Qian Wanhui had taken a few extra glances at her.
Although it was called a poetry gathering, the young ladies from noble families didn't particularly enjoy composing poetry.
They would start by critiquing the works of talented scholars to set the tone. Then, amidst chatter and laughter, they would each compose a few lines of pretentious poetry, laughing and joking together.
Occasionally, they would belittle one family while praising another.
"Tsk, that sourpuss Chen Shao, how would she know this poem is poorly written? I think the one her friend wrote is even worse! One of these days I'll have someone take down all his poems and hang up Sun Ruo's instead."
Yu Zhu sat far away, brush in hand, writing something.
After it was over, Qian Wanhui glanced at it a couple of times.
Yu Zhu's brushstrokes were somewhat blunt, making her characters appear quite rounded.
Just like her own personality—lacking sharp edges.
"Don't let trivial matters weigh on your heart; better to sleep early."
What an unambitious poem.
No wonder Bian Qingqing doesn't like her. Even if Bian Qingqing were eating shit, she'd still want the choicest piece.
Qian Wanhui thought gloomily, how could they possibly share the same husband?
If they were to grind down Yu Zhu's temperament and she showed that pitiful expression, Qian Wanhui would feel a bit reluctant.
Qian Wanhui prayed that Yu Zhu would have enough sense not to cause her any trouble.
Yu Zhu changed into a light pink skirt, with a pale green rabbit-fur vest worn over it.
She swapped her pearl waist chain for a gold-inlaid jade necklace, making her whole person exude a youthful vitality like newly sprouted willow trees by the lake.
She had clearly dressed up deliberately, her entire face glowing with a unique brightness.
Yu Zhu waited by the lakeside, and as soon as she saw Xue Ningshuang, she hurried over.
"Hurry, hurry, the banquet is about to start. It'll take us half a quarter-hour to row over."
Xue Ningshuang was pulled along by her, her jade-green skirt billowing out like shimmering waves, breathtakingly beautiful.
"Slow down, everyone's watching!"
Knowing she was coming to attend the prince's banquet, Xue Ningshuang had specially rented a decent set of clothes.
She certainly couldn't let Yu Zhu lose face.
The two boarded the boat, a gentle cool breeze brushing against their faces.
Lan Xi quickly wrapped a fox-fur collar around Yu Zhu.
The fox-fur collar had not a single stray hair, as vibrant as fire.
Its texture was soft and warm; once placed against the face, it blocked out the cold wind, making it incredibly cozy.
Yu Zhu and Xue Ningshuang sat side by side, just enough to shield both of them.
Xue Ningshuang was two years older than Yu Zhu, gentle and graceful in appearance, with delicate, serene eyebrows, a pink nose, cherry lips, and a charming smile.
"Just now, as I came in from the front courtyard, I ran into Lord Yu."
Yu Zhu slipped three red envelopes into Xue Ningshuang's pocket.
"I know, Father came alone. I can't go to the front courtyard either. This is a red envelope for you. Please make a trip later—the other two are for my two younger brothers."
Xue Ningshuang grasped Yu Zhu's hand: "Why be so polite with me? Before I came, I went to see Aunt Yu and asked if she had any message for you."
Yu Zhu could almost guess what her mother would say.
"Take care of yourself, and if anything happens, remember to send word home."
But since ancient times, married daughters rarely shared their troubles.
She hugged Xue Ningshuang, and sure enough, it was just as she had guessed.
Aunt Yu's repeated reminders were always these two sentences.
Their family was humble and narrow-minded, only able to feel their way forward step by step.
Xue Ningshuang asked Yu Zhu: "Is Prince Jin good to you?"
Yu Zhu replied: "There's no one better than Prince Jin."
Xue Ningshuang hummed in acknowledgment: "I'm getting married after the New Year too, and I'll invite you then."
"So soon? Whose son is it?"
"Not soon at all—I'm even older than you." Xue Ningshuang laughed. "He's the Assistant Director under the Minister of Justice. The matchmaker says he has a bright future."
Yu Zhu smiled brightly. "That's wonderful. I'll definitely come for the celebration on your wedding day."
"Of course." Xue Ningshuang pursed her lips. "I also want to ask you to be my child's godmother. I just don't know which of us will give birth first."
Yu Zhu laughed heartily. "It'll definitely be you."
As they spoke, the boat docked.
Yu Zhu jumped off the boat and reached out to help Xue Ningshuang.
Turning her head, she saw Nanny Gui standing behind them.
Yu Zhu’s smile faded slightly.
“Nanny Gui, why aren’t you busy in the front courtyard?”
Nanny Gui replied smoothly, “There are many noble young ladies on Huxindao. Prince Jin instructed me to attend to them properly.”
In truth, she was here to keep an eye on Yu Zhu.
Looking at Yu Zhu’s delicate and charming face, Nanny Gui thought to herself that if she had shown the same warmth toward Prince Jin as she did toward Xue Ningshuang, she wouldn’t have to worry about advancing her position.
She hadn’t even worn the clothes Prince Jin had chosen for her.
People were divided into ranks, and someone like Yu Zhu—without family background and too honest—was most despised by noble ladies.
Nanny Gui sighed and guided Yu Zhu.
“Mistress. It’s time to take your seat.”