Chapter 92: Spring

Meinang kept herself busy every day, waking up early to visit her son and then going to Zi Yun Hall to manage household affairs. The Marquis estate had its share of tasks, both big and small, which kept her occupied until she often missed lunch. Concerned, Mama Wang would have her meals delivered directly to Zi Yun Hall. After lunch, Meinang would inspect the grounds and gardens, checking on ongoing repairs. She wasn’t one to slack off, the old lady of the household expected her to pay attention to details, and Meinang would dutifully make her rounds, treating it as a casual stroll. But sometimes, that stroll would extend beyond the estate grounds.

The days passed swiftly, filled with the fresh breath of spring, but Meinang hadn’t noticed how the greenery around her had come alive. One day, she was struck by the sight of two young willow trees by the pond, their delicate branches unfurling tender leaves, like two graceful girls standing by the water. Startled, she exclaimed to her maids, Cui Jian and Cui Si:

“Good heavens, there are actually two willow trees here!”

Cui Si laughed, “Mistress, those two trees have been here the whole time.”

Cui Jian chimed in with a smile, “Mistress walks by them every day and must have mistaken them for wooden stakes.”

Meinang laughed, “Exactly! When you don’t pay attention, you miss these things. Who would’ve thought they’d sprout so quickly, they’re quite beautiful now.”

Pointing across the pond to a wall of climbing roses, she commented, “Are those flowers just blooming now too? I hadn’t seen them before. Roses should bloom throughout the seasons, but maybe the heavy snow hurt them, so they’re only now coming into bloom. Over here, the roses are budding, but the climbing roses are already in full bloom those two concubines must take great care of them. But they’re always so quiet and never leave their quarters. What are they up to? Let’s pick a few flowers to enjoy, and we can pay them a visit.”

Cui Jian responded, “Mistress, it’s not quite right for you to visit the concubines they should be coming to see you!”

“What’s the harm? Let’s go,” Meinang replied, but then sighed, “Never mind, it’s not worth it. Let’s just admire our rose buds.”

As they joked around, neither of them noticed Xu Jun Ying and Bao Ju standing behind them, observing. Xu Jun Ying felt a pang of longing and sadness. Though he had no reason to approach, he was intrigued, wondering about her thoughts as she managed the household and pored over tedious ledgers day after day. He saw Meinang smile at him, her eyes as bright as ever, and she greeted him warmly.

“My Lord, blessings upon you! Not going to court today?”

Xu Jun Ying replied, “I have two days of leave.”

“Oh,” she responded simply. There was an awkward pause. Should she ask if he had plans? That seemed too nosy. But he had two free days, which meant he could appear around the estate at any time, possibly seeking her out with questions. And she had plans for tomorrow, wanting to meet Lu Xiang Feng to discuss the progress of Lin Ru Nan’s journey—he should have arrived by now.

Then, Xu Jun Ying handed her a red invitation. “It’s another banquet invitation for tomorrow, from Lady Chang. Her peonies are in bloom,” he informed her.

Meinang sighed as she accepted the invitation, thinking of the relentless round of social gatherings, each more tedious than the last. She looked up at Xu Jun Ying, “Are you attending as well?”

He nodded, “Yes, Lord Chang invited me. I plan to attend.”

“If you’re going, maybe I can skip it. I have tasks left to complete in the estate,” she tried to politely decline, eager for him to leave so she could go about her plans undisturbed.

Just then, laughter drifted in from the door as Zhuang Yu Lan and Zheng Mei Yu entered, each accompanied by a few maids. Zheng Mei Yu greeted Xu Jun Ying with a slight bow, and Zhuang Yu Lan softly inquired, “My Lord, may we visit the rose garden in Qing Hua Courtyard?”

Meinang looked at them, unbothered, “The roses here only bud and never bloom. You’d be disappointed. But there are climbing roses in the concubines’ quarters if you’d like to see those.”

Zheng Mei Yu bristled but held her ground, saying, “Sister Yulan only wants to visit the main house. We have no interest in the concubines’ quarters.”

Meinang chuckled, “How was I to know you didn’t want to visit the concubines’ quarters? Well, suit yourselves. I’m heading in to rest; feel free to look around.”

With that, she turned and left. Cui Si lingered momentarily to inform Xu Jun Ying that, “The roses in the rock garden have not yet bloomed. The buds will be cut at sunrise tomorrow, as the flowers are used for medicinal purposes.”

Hearing this, Zhuang Yu Lan and Zheng Mei Yu felt foolish. Zhuang Yu Lan turned to Xu Jun Ying, “Perhaps tomorrow we can go see the orchids at Third Lady’s residence instead?”

Xu Jun Ying replied, “I won’t be able to accompany you. I’m attending Lady Chang’s banquet with Meinang.”

A flicker of disappointment crossed Zhuang Yu Lan’s face, but she composed herself, resigned to her role in the household’s delicate power balance.