Chapter 274: In the Spotlight
The pair of bronze cranes on the Danchi platform of Cining Palace's main hall gleamed brightly, while palace maids adorned their hair with large red velvet flowers, their faces radiant with joyous smiles.
Upon entering the palace, Fu Tingyun and Madam Wu took their designated positions as directed by the protocol officers. Similar to how civil and military officials attended court, external titled women were arranged according to their husbands' ranks—first the nobility, then the powerful ministers; first civil officials, then military officers—either individually or in groups to offer birthday congratulations to the Empress Dowager.
When it was Fu Tingyun's turn, she spotted Madam Yu.
Standing in the fifth position of the first row in the eastern side hall, Madam Yu wore a solemn expression. When the protocol officer announced, "Fu Shi, wife of Guizhou's Commander-in-Chief Zhao Huchen," not a flicker of recognition crossed her brows.
Fu Tingyun breathed a sigh of relief.
Given the history between their families, any further words or actions would be superfluous. It was far more comfortable to simply act as strangers.
She respectfully performed the grand ceremonial bow to the Empress Dowager and then stepped aside.
Almost immediately, she felt numerous gazes settle upon her.
She didn't dwell on it—being a new face this year, it was only natural for others to be curious.
After about an hour, the birthday congratulations finally concluded. Under the guidance of the protocol officers, the crowd escorted the Empress Dowager toward the rear auxiliary hall.
The Empress Dowager was supported by the Empress, while two elderly women with graying hair engaged her in conversation.
Fu Tingyun couldn't help but glance at them a few more times.
Someone beside her whispered, "That’s the Dowager of the Longping Marquis and the wife of the Duke of Fuguo."
Fu Tingyun turned and saw a beautiful woman in her thirties.
She couldn’t help but smile and whispered back, "When did you arrive?"
The woman was none other than Qin Feiyu’s wife.
Qin Feiyu had some familial ties with the Longping Marquis’ household, so Madam Qin always attended palace events alongside the Longping Marquis’ female relatives. Ever since Marquis Yingchuan left for Liaodong, the women of the Duke of Fuguo’s household had taken to dragging Madam Mo along for social engagements. Unwilling to get too close to either the Longping Marquis’ or the Duke of Fuguo’s families, Fu Tingyun often found herself acting alone.
"I arrived a little earlier than you," Madam Qin replied with a smile. "I saw Madam Wu leave Madam Ji’s side to greet you at the entrance… I didn’t realize you and Madam Wu were so close?"
Fu Tingyun smiled without answering.
In such formal settings, only the boldest and most confident dared to exchange whispers, and even then, prolonged private conversation was frowned upon.
Madam Qin winked at her and said no more, walking side by side with the others into the auxiliary hall.
Once seated as directed by the protocol officers, palace maids served tea and pastries, marking the official start of the birthday banquet.
As soft music filled the auxiliary hall and cold dishes gave way to hot ones, the wife of the Duke of Fuguo and the wife of the Longping Marquis stepped forward one after another to toast the Empress Dowager, congratulating her on her seventieth birthday.
Not to be outdone, the noblewomen followed suit, offering blessings and raising their cups.
Soon, the wives of high-ranking court officials also began toasting the Empress Dowager.
At first, the Empress Dowager drank cheerfully, but as time passed, she began to falter. Noticing this, the Empress stepped in to drink on her behalf.
The crowd erupted in praise, lauding the Empress for her filial piety and thoughtfulness, calling her a model for the nation.
The auxiliary hall buzzed with lively energy.Fu Tingyun considered herself the least senior among the attendees. Seeing that neither Lady Qin nor Madam Mo had made a move, she decided not to take the initiative either. Having left home at the hour of Yin (3-5 a.m.), she had brought along some pastries but hadn't had the chance to eat them. By noon, her stomach was growling with hunger, so she quietly sat there, focusing on eating to fill up first. However, the late February weather was still chilly. While cold dishes were fine, the hot dishes had already cooled by the time they were served. Oily dishes like braised pork knuckle and red-cooked pork had formed a thick layer of congealed fat on top. Worried they might upset her stomach, she stuck to vegetarian options.
Suddenly, someone approached and asked, "Are you the wife of Lord Zhao Ling, also known as Zhao Huchen?"
Only palace maids or female officials would move about during the banquet.
Fu Tingyun's heart skipped a beat. Though flustered inside, she maintained her composure, setting down her chopsticks with a gentle smile as she straightened up and replied, "Yes."
The question came from a palace maid about eighteen or nineteen years old.
She smiled at Fu Tingyun and said, "The Empress Dowager requests your presence for a word."
Fu Tingyun was startled and quickly stood up, her eyes darting toward the throne set up in the side hall.
The ladies who had been offering toasts had all returned to their seats. The Empress Dowager was chatting with the Marchioness of Longping, while the Empress listened with a smile, showing no sign of having noticed Fu Tingyun.
Though puzzled, Fu Tingyun didn't dare delay and followed the maid toward the throne.
Gradually, people in the side hall noticed the unusual movement, their gazes subtly settling on Fu Tingyun.
Stopping about four or five steps from the throne, the maid announced crisply, "Lady Zhao has arrived." Only then did the Empress Dowager turn her head.
Fu Tingyun immediately curtsied, offering the conventional yet foolproof greeting: "Wishing Your Majesty a joyous birthday celebration, with many happy returns." She then bowed to the Empress.
The Empress Dowager chuckled warmly and said to the Marchioness of Longping, "This is the wife of Lord Zhao Huchen, the Guizhou Regional Commander who received the auspicious black bird!"
Fu Tingyun curtsied again to the Marchioness.
The Marchioness stepped forward graciously to take Fu Tingyun's hand. "No need for such courtesy, Lady Zhao. In fact, our families share some history—my foolish son once served with Lord Zhao during the pacification campaign in Guizhou, where your husband was his camp officer."
"Your memory is remarkable, Marchioness," Fu Tingyun replied with a smile. "My husband often told me how much he learned from serving under the Longping Marquis and General Mo during that campaign."
The Empress Dowager laughed and remarked to the Marchioness, "See how well-spoken this child is!"
The Empress smiled without comment.
The Marchioness nodded repeatedly, her expression warm. "Far better than we were at her age." Her tone suggested familiarity with the Empress Dowager.
"I'm unworthy of such praise from Your Majesty," Fu Tingyun demurred.
The Empress Dowager seemed in high spirits. Waving her hand dismissively, she appeared less stern and more relaxed than usual. "I hear you have one daughter and two sons? Is the elder a girl or a boy? How old are they now?"
Fu Tingyun answered each question in turn.The Empress Dowager listened with a hint of emotion, saying, "Both you and the wife of Wuding Marquis were married by my decree. Yet she remains childless to this day, while you are blessed with both a son and a daughter." At this point, she turned to the female official beside her and asked, "Where is the wife of Wuding Marquis? She was just here a moment ago..."
The female official quickly pointed to a banquet table not far away and replied with a smile, "The wife of Wuding Marquis has just taken her seat." She then added, "Shall I go and invite her to come over for a chat?"
The Empress Dowager gave an almost imperceptible nod.
The female official walked swiftly yet gracefully to the banquet table and invited over a young woman who appeared solemn and dignified.
Fu Tingyun was surprised.
After just a few years apart, the once radiant young girl, bright as spring sunshine, had transformed into a composed noblewoman with an air of gravity.
The wife of Wuding Marquis greeted The Empress Dowager with a smile and performed the proper courtesies.
The Empress Dowager then pointed to Fu Tingyun and said, "This is the wife of Lord Zhao, the military commander of Guizhou. Do you remember? Both of your marriages were decreed by me on the same occasion. That we can meet at my seventieth birthday banquet is fate's doing. You two should get to know each other better!"
Upon hearing this, Fu Tingyun and the wife of Wuding Marquis, née Meng, promptly curtsied and respectfully replied, "As you wish."
The Empress Dowager then turned to the wife of Longping Marquis with a smile and remarked, "Back then, I thought Fu Shi was steady but lacked liveliness, while Jin'er was lively but lacked steadiness. Yet look at them now—just six or seven years later, Fu Shi has grown more vibrant, and Jin'er has become increasingly dignified. It just goes to show that nothing in this world is set in stone. That we have lived to see this day is something to be grateful for!" Her tone suddenly carried a note of wistfulness.
The Empress immediately responded, "Grandmother, your blessings and longevity extend far, and we, your juniors, have all benefited greatly. The Emperor even said that in a few years, when you celebrate your ninetieth and hundredth birthdays, he intends to follow the example of Lao Laizi, dressing in colorful robes to entertain his elders!" She covered her sleeve as she laughed, adding, "We are all looking forward to that day!"
"Indeed, indeed!" The wife of Longping Marquis chimed in cheerfully. "I also plan to reminisce with you about old times, just like today!"
Fu Tingyun and the wife of Wuding Marquis also took turns offering their well-wishes, one saying, "May The Empress Dowager enjoy the longevity of turtles and cranes, with boundless blessings and peace," and the other adding, "We all hope for your enduring happiness and look forward to celebrating in the palace again."
The Empress Dowager smiled warmly at their words and dropped the subject, saying, "You are all here for the birthday banquet, and I won't keep you any longer, lest you miss the feast. You may go now."
The women respectfully assented and, under the gaze of all the noblewomen in the hall, returned to their respective seats.
For the remainder of the banquet, The Empress Dowager did not summon any other noblewomen.
The wife of Longping Marquis was, of course, a given, and the wife of Wuding Marquis was The Empress Dowager's grandniece-in-law. Only Fu Tingyun, first granted a marriage by decree and now summoned for an audience, inevitably became the center of attention.
As she left Cining Palace, many noblewomen smiled and nodded at Fu Tingyun in greeting. Madam Wu even hurried over to link arms with her, saying, "Shall we return together? Since we live next door, we can keep each other company on the way."
Fu Tingyun agreed with a smile.
Madam Ji also came over to greet her.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the three of them headed toward the eastern gate together.
Madam Wu then asked Fu Tingyun, "What did The Empress Dowager say to you?"At that time, soft music played in the side hall, and a ceremonial dais had been symbolically erected beside the throne. Unless one stood very close, it was impossible to hear what they were saying.
"She didn't say much," Fu Tingyun replied with a smile. "I was married by the grace of the Empress Dowager back then. Her Majesty probably remembered and called me over to ask a few questions."
"Then why did she summon the wife of the Marquis of Wuding as well?" Madam Wu asked skeptically, unconvinced.
"We received our marriage decrees at the same time that year!"
As they conversed, they exited through the eastern gate.
From behind them came a hushed voice calling, "Madam Yu!"
Fu Tingyun couldn't help but turn around.
She saw Madam Yu standing just seven or eight steps behind her.
Her brow furrowed slightly.
Then she heard the lady who had called out say with a laugh, "You walk so fast! You disappeared in the blink of an eye..."
Fu Tingyun turned back and quickened her pace to leave the eastern gate.
※
End of the month, seeking pink votes...
O(∩_∩)O~
※
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel