19
Princess Yao Qin
Early the next morning, the Liang residence was already bustling with activity.
Although Liang Peng had only recently joined the Dali Temple, the position was exceptional and carried considerable prestige. Most officials had come to congratulate Old Madam Liang on her sixtieth birthday.
Liang Peng was also a very filial son, so he had arranged everything properly, making the birthday celebration lively and grand.
In the main hall, Liang Peng stood with his back to the entrance, glaring displeasedly at a young woman.
“Everything must be properly arranged today. Don’t embarrass me, and keep all your messy thoughts to yourself,” Liang Peng said coldly.
If not for the fact that today’s guests were all official wives and it was his mother’s sixtieth birthday, he would never have allowed this woman to receive the guests.
This woman was Madam Liang. Though she was quite beautiful and naturally gentle, she quickly complied with Liang Peng’s warning. “Yes, husband, rest assured.”
Liang Peng stared fixedly at Madam Liang for a long time before finally withdrawing his gaze and turning around. When he turned back, his face had already shifted to a warm smile.
“Madam, I’ll trouble you to attend to the female guests,” Liang Peng said with a smile. “Today, as the mistress of the household, you’re in charge. Make sure nothing goes wrong.”
Madam Liang understood that Liang Peng’s words were a warning to her.
As Liang Peng’s officially wedded wife, she received no affection from her husband. In the residence, she had always been treated like an outsider, even like a servant.
If not for the fact that today’s birthday banquet was attended by the families of high officials and prominent noble families, she wouldn’t have been entrusted with managing it.
The person Liang Peng cared about most was his concubine, Li Niang.
Li Niang had grown up with him since childhood. Only later did Madam Liang understand why Liang Peng, then a poor scholar, had gone through such great lengths to marry her—it was solely for her family’s influence. Even their marriage had been orchestrated by Liang Peng through underhanded means.
As her thoughts drifted, a sharp pain in her arm brought Madam Liang back to the present. She realized Liang Peng had turned and, noticing her distraction, had discreetly pinched her.
“Yes, husband, I understand,” Madam Liang replied.
Liang Peng gave her a warning look before heading outside.
By the third quarter of the hour of Si, more and more guests arrived to offer congratulations. Old Madam Liang also emerged from the rear courtyard, surrounded by her maids.
“Mother has come out. Please sit and rest quickly,” Madam Liang stepped forward to support Old Madam Liang.
Old Madam Liang smiled faintly and sighed softly. “It’s alright, moving around is good too. You’ve worked hard today. I originally didn’t want such a grand celebration.”
“Please don’t say that, Mother. Husband has his own thoughts and plans. It’s best for us women in the inner quarters to listen to him. You look very spirited today, and your complexion is excellent—truly befitting the birthday star,” Madam Liang said gently as she helped Old Madam Liang sit down.
In the entire Liang household, only Old Madam Liang treated her well, so Madam Liang deeply respected her.
Old Madam Liang dismissed the four maids accompanying her, leaving only herself and Madam Liang in the front hall.
“Yar, you’ve suffered. All these years, I’ve seen your contributions to the Liang family and know you’ve endured immense grievances. I initially disagreed with him marrying you, but never expected it would still come to this. There’s nothing I can change now. What’s done is done, and no amount of talking will help. You must take care of yourself and don’t quarrel with him.” Old Madam Liang patted Madam Liang’s hand.
Words were just words. Madam Liang understood perfectly that the old madam’s belittling of her own son was merely to ensure she continued sacrificing for this family.
It wasn’t that Old Madam Liang had no affection for her daughter-in-law, but people naturally prioritize their own—her deepest love was reserved for her son, beyond any doubt.
“Mother, rest assured. Yar understands everything.” Madam Liang replied with a smile.
In any case, this life was already set. Nothing else mattered, and the remaining days would pass just like this.
Not long after, Madam Liang rose and went to the front courtyard to greet the female guests.
Just as Lin Qingran and the couple Lin Lang descended from their carriage, they happened to see Madam Liang stepping out.
Liang Peng also spotted Lin Lang’s family of three and hurried forward to welcome him.
“Lord Lin, you’ve arrived! Please come inside and take a seat. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to attend my mother’s birthday banquet.” Liang Peng said with a smile.
Lin Lang wore an appropriately polite smile as he handed the gift to the servant at the door. “You’re too kind, Lord Liang. As colleagues, we should maintain frequent contact.”
“Madam Lin, Miss Lin.” Madam Liang approached with a smile.
Lin Qingran and Xu Shi greeted Madam Liang. Secretly, Lin Qingran observed this lady of the house.
It appeared Madam Liang was a well-bred lady from a noble family, her temperament exactly like typical sheltered young misses—rather gentle and soft.
What a pity. It was precisely because of this that Liang Peng had her completely under his thumb.
“Ranran, you’re here!”
Just as Lin Qingran was pondering, a bright female voice came from behind, drawing everyone’s attention.
Most women spoke softly in public, but this person’s voice was completely unrestrained and lively, naturally attracting notice.
However, after seeing who it was, everyone tacitly averted their gaze, not daring to look further.
Lin Qingran turned around, revealing a brilliant smile.
“Qinqin, you came too.”
The newcomer wore a red gown, matching her personality perfectly. Her name was Yao Qin, the original host’s best friend—without equal.
Others might be mere acquaintances or ordinary friends, but Yao Qin was the most special one.
Yao Qin was the daughter of a differently surnamed prince, unfortunately, the prince had died early, leaving the princess to raise Yao Qin alone. She had no siblings, and everyone addressed her as Young Lady Jun.
Actually, Yao Qin was already past sixteen, a year older than Lin Qingran, yet she still hadn’t been betrothed.
It wasn’t that people in the capital didn’t want to build connections with this young lady, but her personality made ordinary men somewhat unable to handle her.
In Lin Qingran’s understanding, if Yao Qin’s personality were placed in modern times, she’d be a certified tomboy—and a very straightforward one at that. In ancient times like these, it made people keep their distance.
While lost in thought, Yao Qin had already bounded up to Lin Qingran. She possessed none of the demure mannerisms of a noble young lady, walking with such energy she was almost running.
Xu Shi and Lin Lang did not care whether Yao Qin would lead their daughter astray; on the contrary, they felt Yao Qin’s unpretentious nature was a good influence.
Of course, it might also be because they doted on their daughter, so they would not be harsh on her friends either.
“You silly girl, I didn’t dare come find you these past few days because of the Crown Prince matter. Finally ran into you outside today. Glad to see you’re doing well. Come see me whenever you’re free from now on. Remember how you said my scented sachet was pretty? My mother made two for you as well—you can alternate wearing them.” Yao Qin linked arms with Lin Qingran while speaking cheerfully.
Just as Lin Qingran was about to respond, a figure in deep purple suddenly caught her eye.