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Chapter 13: Frustrated Mu Si and Wen Ye
“Since the Wen family has sent an invitation to the flower-viewing banquet, Wei Er and Qing Er should take Shu Er along. Now that Shu Er has returned, it’s time for her to attend such gatherings. The Wen family’s banquet will surely be a grand one,” the Matron of the Mu family decisively announced.
“Just yesterday, Mother sent over some newly arrived fabrics from the south. The patterns and quality are the finest. This afternoon, I’ll have a tailor come to take Shu Er’s measurements and ensure she looks absolutely stunning for the occasion!” Rong Qing chimed in enthusiastically, seeing this as an opportunity for her niece’s debut to be nothing short of impressive.
“The banquet is the day after tomorrow. Will there be enough time?” the Matron asked with some concern.
“Mother, don’t worry! Sister-in-law and I both have our own shops. The tailors will come this afternoon to take Shu Er’s measurements,” Rong Qing reassured her with a smile.
“Exactly, Mother, everything’s already arranged. If I didn’t call the tailor myself, Sister-in-law here would probably get upset with me!” Song Wei teased playfully.
“Mother, look! Sister-in-law is making fun of me again!” Rong Qing jokingly complained, sparking laughter among the group.
“For now, let’s just focus on Shu Er’s outfit since the time is tight. After the banquet, I’ll distribute the fabrics Mother sent to everyone,” Rong Qing suggested, noting that trying to prepare clothes for everyone would be too much in such a short time.
“Dear, could you make a set for me first too?” Mu Si asked with a sheepish grin.
“Your clothes were just made recently. Why do you suddenly need a new set?” Rong Qing asked, puzzled.
“Well, dear, this banquet is being hosted by the Wen family, and you know how Wen Ye loves arguing with me. This time, I want to look my best and bring Shu Er along to show off in front of him. After all, he doesn’t have such an adorable niece!”
“This is a flower-viewing banquet, and it’s Shu Er’s debut in society. Please don’t cause trouble or argue with Wen Ye, no matter what. You’ll hold your tongue if anything happens!” Rong Qing warned firmly, even adding a slight threat at the end.
“Mother!” Mu Si turned to the Matron for support but was met with a stern glare that silenced him instantly.
“Second Brother, if anyone is going to shine, it’ll be me and Shu Er. You wish!” Mu Shi quipped, threatening to smack his younger brother.
“And us too!” The other brothers chimed in, equally displeased.
“That’s enough! Everyone calm down. Follow Sister-in-law’s plan. Time is short, so only Shu Er will get new clothes this time,” Song Wei said with an authoritative tone, silencing the group.
Though they stopped complaining aloud, their glances still waged a silent battle.
At the Wen Residence
After lunch, Matron Wang gathered everyone and specifically called out Wen Ye.
“Mother, do you have something to instruct me on?” Wen Ye asked, feeling singled out.
“I’m just letting you know starting now, you are not to argue with Mu Si. Not at any time or place.”
“But, Mother, what if he starts it? Am I supposed to just stand there and take it?” Wen Ye grumbled, dissatisfied.
“If you ruin Jing Er’s chances with Miss Mu, you’ll see how I deal with you! You lot in court, make sure to keep him in check. Don’t let him cause trouble. Second Daughter-in-law, you must also hold him accountable at home.”
The matron, still uneasy, emphasized her instructions to the Grand Chancellor and her eldest son, even including Wen Ye’s wife in her directives.
“Mother, how can you be like this? Mu Si is Mu Si, and Miss Mu is Miss Mu. They aren’t the same!” Wen Ye protested, but no one paid him any mind. Everyone only listened to the matron.
“Keep an eye on him. If necessary, have him take leave for a few days!” the matron said helplessly.
“No, I won’t take leave! Mother, I promise not to argue with Mu Si,” Wen Ye quickly assured, worried she might lock him up.
“Dear, just bear with it for a few days. After the flower-viewing banquet, we’ll know for sure,” his wife coaxed him.
“Fine, for Third Brother’s sake, I can endure. But it’s not because I’m scared of that Mu Si!” Wen Ye muttered under his breath.
The Grand Chancellor shook his head in exasperation. His second son was far too lively and lacked steadiness. Thankfully, he wasn’t the eldest, or the Wen family might already be in decline.
The Court
The next day, the court was a buzz when everyone noticed that Wen Ye, who typically opposed or argued with anything Mu Si said, was uncharacteristically silent.
Both civil and military officials were curious, and even the Emperor glanced back and forth between the two several times. Yet, by the end of the session, Wen Ye and Mu Si hadn’t exchanged a single argument, leaving everyone’s gossiping instincts thoroughly piqued.
On their way back from court, Mu Si couldn’t contain himself. “Big Brother, do you think Wen Ye has gone mad? He didn’t argue with me or oppose my proposals today.”
Mu Shi, reluctant to entertain his brother but bound by their mother’s orders, shot him a glance. “Have you forgotten what Mother said?”
“Of course not! Look, I didn’t argue with him at all today. I’ll tell Mother that Wen Ye must’ve been scared of me after losing our last argument,” Mu Si said smugly, practically glowing with self-satisfaction.
“For the next few days, I advise you to behave. If Mother finds out, you’ll be the one in trouble,” Mu Shi warned, closing his eyes to feign sleep.
Mu Si, frustrated by his brother’s disinterest, felt the triumph of the day wasted without someone to share it with, until he returned home and saw his gossip-loving niece, Mu Rong Shu.
The Imperial Palace
The Emperor, holding back his curiosity throughout court, dashed to the Empress’s chambers afterward, where he found Noble Consort Li also present. Without hesitation, he began venting about Mu Si and Wen Ye.
“Your Majesty, usually their arguments give you a headache. Now that they’re quiet, why does it bother you?” Noble Consort Li asked curiously.
“I’m just not used to it. Without their squabbling, morning court felt dull,” the Emperor admitted sheepishly.
“Well, Your Majesty, it’s likely because my mother ordered Second Brother not to cause trouble before the flower-viewing banquet. So, enjoy the peace for the next two days,” the Empress, Rong Qing, surmised.
“Haha, excellent! If they argue again, I’ll lodge a complaint with my mother-in-law,” the Emperor joked with the Empress.
“Your Majesty, I’ve also heard that Mu Si is incredibly filial and fears his mother the most. If their bickering annoys you, you can complain to the Matron of the Mu family. She practically raised you and dotes on you,” Noble Consort Li added with a sly smile.
Hearing this, the Emperor burst into laughter. “Lier, that’s a fantastic idea! Empress, find time to summon Matron Mu to the palace soon.”
“I think Sister Li just wants to settle old scores,” the Empress teased, covering her mouth as she laughed. She was well aware of the childhood squabbles between Mu Si and Noble Consort Li.