For the past few days, Shen Dingjiang’s face had been as dark as storm clouds.
Ever since the incident at Yicui Pavilion became public knowledge, he had barely been able to hold his head up in court.
Grand Tutor Fu remained perfectly polite. Whenever they met, he still greeted Shen Dingjiang with the usual courtesy.
But beneath that politeness was unmistakable distance.
And that was far more uncomfortable than being openly scolded.
Shen Dingjiang sat brooding in his study for an entire day.
When he finally emerged, he had made a decision.
“Host a banquet?”
Liu Yunshuang set down her teacup and looked up at her husband, thinking she must have misheard.
“A banquet.”
Shen Dingjiang sat heavily in a chair and slapped his palm against his knee.
“We’ll invite some people over. Food, wine, conversation. Let everyone see that the Shen family isn’t some uncultured household that knows nothing of proper etiquette.”
Liu Yunshuang fell silent for a moment, choosing her words carefully.
“General… at a time like this, wouldn’t hosting a banquet be a bit…”
“A bit what?”
“A bit too deliberate.”
She said calmly,
“The whole capital has just finished talking about Jinghong’s visit to Yicui Pavilion. If we immediately turn around and host a grand gathering, people will only think the Shen family is desperately trying to save face.”
Shen Dingjiang’s brows knotted together.
“Then what do you suggest? Do nothing and let the rumors keep spreading?”
Liu Yunshuang considered for a moment.
“A gathering can be held.
“But it shouldn’t be a large one. That would be too conspicuous.
“Invite only close friends and trusted families. A small gathering will feel natural and sincere.
“Most importantly…”
She paused and looked directly at him.
“Jinghong has to appear in public.”
“With his current state?”
Shen Dingjiang’s voice rose.
“He’s still injured! You want him to come out and embarrass himself?”
“Not appearing would be even more embarrassing.”
Her voice wasn’t loud, but every word hit its mark.
“If he keeps hiding in the residence, the rumors will only grow worse.
“People will start saying things like, ‘The Shen family’s young master was beaten so badly he can’t get out of bed,’ or ‘The Shen family is too ashamed to show their faces.’
“Are those the stories you’d rather hear?”
Shen Dingjiang fell silent.
“Let him come out and meet people openly.”
Liu Yunshuang continued.
“Even if he only exchanges a few polite words, it’s better than hiding in his room.”
After a long silence, Shen Dingjiang let out a heavy sigh.
“Fine.
“You handle the arrangements.
“As for the invitations… do whatever you think is best.”
Liu Yunshuang nodded and rose to leave.
After taking two steps, she stopped and turned back.
“General.”
“What?”
“You know which family absolutely must receive an invitation, don’t you?”
Shen Dingjiang blinked.
“What do you mean?”
Liu Yunshuang gave him a meaningful look.
“The Fu family.”
Shen Dingjiang’s back instantly straightened.
His eyes widened.
“Have you lost your mind?
“Invite the Fu family now?
“Do you really think they’ll come?”
“Whether they come is their decision.”
Liu Yunshuang remained composed.
“Whether we invite them is ours.”
She continued:
“The last time you visited the Grand Tutor’s residence, you beat your chest and promised that within three months Jinghong would become a completely different person.
“One month has already passed.
“You’ve seen exactly what sort of behavior Jinghong has displayed.
“If we don’t show some sincerity now, how do you plan to explain yourself to the Grand Tutor when the remaining two months are up?”
Shen Dingjiang was left speechless.
His lips moved for a long while before he managed:
“But… but Miss Fu’s health is poor. She may not be willing to leave the house…”
“That’s exactly why we should invite them.”
Liu Yunshuang’s gaze remained steady.
“The purpose isn’t to ensure they come.
“The purpose is to let the Grand Tutor see the Shen family’s attitude.
“We haven’t forgotten about this marriage arrangement.
“And we aren’t trying to brush it aside.
“If the invitation is sent, whether they attend concerns the Fu family’s dignity.
“Whether we send it concerns the Shen family’s sincerity.”
Shen Dingjiang stared at her for a long time.
Once again, he felt that his wife was more formidable than all of his colleagues in court combined.
“…Fine.”
He nodded resignedly.
“We’ll do it your way.”
Liu Yunshuang smiled faintly and left.
The next morning, at the Grand Tutor’s residence.
Holding a bright red invitation embossed with gold, Xiaodie hurried through the covered corridors, around the decorative screen wall, and breathlessly climbed to the second floor of Hengwu Pavilion.
Stopping at the doorway, she took two deep breaths to steady herself.
After straightening her clothes, she lifted the curtain and entered.
“Miss.”
Walking up to Fu Yunyang, she respectfully presented the invitation with both hands.
“The Master asked me to bring this to you.
“It was sent by the Shen family.
“They say they’re hosting some sort of Spring Gathering at their residence and wish to invite you… invite Miss to honor them with your presence.”
Fu Yunyang had been reading by the window.
Hearing this, she looked up and glanced at the invitation.
It was an exquisite red-and-gold invitation card.
Subtle cloud patterns were embossed along its edges.
Opening it revealed neat, elegant handwriting that appeared to be Lady Shen’s personal hand.
The wording was courteous and impeccable.
Phrases such as ‘respectfully inviting Miss Fu to grace us with her presence’ and ‘a modest banquet prepared to express our sincerity’ left no room for criticism.
Fu Yunyang placed the invitation on her lap and lowered her eyes to it.
For a moment, she said nothing.
Standing beside her, Xiaodie carefully studied her mistress’s expression.
When the silence lasted longer than usual, she grew uneasy and hurriedly spoke.
“Miss, the Master asked me to inquire whether you’d like to attend.
“If you don’t wish to go, he’ll send a reply saying your health isn’t well and politely decline on your behalf.
“The Master said everything depends on your own wishes. There’s no need to force yourself.”
Fu Yunyang’s fingers lightly traced the edge of the invitation.
“A spring gathering at the Shen residence…”
Her voice was soft, as though speaking to herself.
“What day is it being held?”
Xiaodie hesitated.
“…Tomorrow.”
Fu Yunyang’s fingers stopped.
She looked up at Xiaodie, surprise evident in her eyes.
“Tomorrow?
“What family sends out invitations only one day before the banquet?”
Xiaodie’s cheeks puffed slightly.
After suppressing her complaints the entire journey, she finally found an outlet.
“Their family, obviously.”
She sounded thoroughly exasperated.