As Yu Mingyue passed by the adjacent courtyard wall, she heard the melodious strains of a zither. The music was elegant and profound.
Yu Mingyue nodded, "Not bad!"
"What's not bad?" Chi Dan asked.
"The old man next door's zither music, didn't you hear it?"
"Old man? How did you know the musician was an elder?" Chi Dan inquired curiously.
"His skill surpasses my mother's, and the mood of the music isn't as artificial as a professional musician's. One wouldn't achieve this without at least thirty to fifty years of life experience!" Yu Mingyue stated with conviction.
This music could rival that of Master Zi'an. Unfortunately, Master Zi'an was stingy, unwilling to even teach her brother.
He claimed to cultivate the "heart of the zither" rather than mere technique, and one could only comprehend it through intuition.
If Master Zi'an heard this music, he would likely consider the player a kindred spirit.
Yu Mingyue smiled and departed, marveling at the countless extraordinary individuals in this vast world.
Yu Mingyue's state of mind had been calm recently, and her calligraphy had greatly improved. Even the tutor couldn't help but praise her today.
Yu Mingyue paid it no mind; she wasn't practicing for the tutor's praise.
Soon, the day arrived for their visit to the Chengen Marquis's mansion. Yu Miaoyan had been preparing for several days. She had bathed and perfumed herself the previous night, and in the early morning, she donned her newly made dress. Her cloak was also perfumed and pressed flat, and her mood was jubilant.
The Chengen Marquis's mansion was the first in the capital to host a banquet. It was rumored that they had hired chefs from the Wuwu Residence to prepare the feast, along with a troupe from the Qingchun Courtyard and zither players from the Sizhu Pavilion.
Such extravagance was only possible for the Chengen Marquis's mansion, which enjoyed the Emperor's favor.
The Dingguo Duke's mansion set out seven carriages today. Apart from Yu Mingyue, who was feigning illness, all the female members of the main households of the Duke's mansion attended.
Although the Duke's mansion did not enjoy the same imperial favor as the Marquis's mansion, it was still a Duke's mansion. Furthermore, Cui Shi hailed from Qinghe, making her worthy of being welcomed by the main madam of the Marquis's mansion.
"We've been waiting for you today. A few days ago, when I visited the palace, the Empress mentioned you, saying how much she missed you and the sixth young lady. If not for the busy affairs of the palace at the end of the year, she would have invited you for a chat." Madam Luo of the Chengen Marquis's mansion said warmly, grasping Cui Shi's hand.
Madam Luo was always influential among the noblewomen in the capital. Her maternal clan was the Huguo Duke's mansion, and her brother was the Governor of Youzhou, guarding the land on behalf of the Emperor. Madam Luo's elder brother had married Princess Huayang, the Emperor's sister, and the Luo family were also trusted officials of the Emperor.
Madam Luo's words not only displayed her warmth towards Cui Shi but also subtly boasted about the Chengen Marquis's mansion's favor. Most importantly, she reminded Cui Shi that even if her daughter was to be made an imperial prince's consort, she would still need to be summoned by Consort Cui to enter the palace, whereas the Yao family could enter the palace at any time.
Cui Shi also squeezed Madam Luo's hand and replied with a smile, "To trouble Madam Marquis to relay such a message, you truly humble me."
Madam Luo's gaze deepened slightly. Relay a message? She wasn't a mere messenger.
What a sharp-tongued Cui Shi. It seemed the upbringing of the Qinghe Cui family was nothing special.
Madam Luo was hosting guests today and could not afford to fall out with her publicly, but a ball of fire was burning in her heart.
Madam Luo withdrew her hand with a smile and said, "Where did you get that idea, Madam? It is our Chengen Marquis's mansion that is honored by your presence, making our humble abode shine."
"Madam Marquis is too modest."
This was not Yu Mingyan's first visit to the Chengen Marquis's mansion, but each time she felt it was still vulgar. Noble families valued refinement and elegance. Families like the Yao family, who practically wanted everyone to know they were favored officials and were not lacking in wealth, were rare.
The two exchanged pleasantries, their words a subtle dance. The children, unable to discern the underlying currents, did not hinder their own mischief.
Young Madam Yao had long grown tired of it. Her mother was far too polite to this Cui Shi.
She was merely a Duke's wife, after all. Her aunt, however, was the Consort who held the Emperor's favor above all others in the harem.