Chapter 35A: Guest at Fifth Prince’s Mansion
Unwilling to have people discover this matter, Luo Qing Luan didn’t even tell Dai Yue. It’s just that she didn’t sleep well the entire night and was even continually worried about whether Nalan Ye would return or not, until the morning came. On her face, two dark circles under her eyes appeared.
“My Lady,” Once Dai Yue saw them, she yelled in alarm, “how come your eyes……have you not slept well?”
Her mistress whose skin was as white as snow, how come she turned like this after one night? Not only was her forehead reddish, the circles under her eyes were also very dark. She even sported a dispirited appearance. What in the world was going on?
Could it be that she had a nightmare?
Once she recalled this matter, Luo Qing Yue became upset, but she couldn’t say anything. She was even more unwilling to vent herself on Dai Yue, so she only scowled and spoke in a depressed manner, “Dai Yue, I’m starving to death. I want to eat!”
Transforming her indignation into hunger for food. She wanted to gorge herself and eat everything up.
So it’s like that. Once Dai Yue heard her mistress, she promptly put down the wash basin and left to make breakfast. Only after she ate no less than three meat steamed buns, one bowl of porridge, and also two fried egg cakes, did Luo Qing Luan feel perfectly satisfied and put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth.
“En, I’m full.” Indeed it was effective. At this moment, her mood was much better.
“That’s right, Dai Yue, did the wet nurse’s painful leg flare up again yesterday?”
Hearing Luo Qing Luan ask this, Dai Yue hesitated somewhat. “This……very early in the morning, Nanny Song was already summoned by the side madam. Not only her, basically all of the servant girls in the General’s Mansion were also summoned by her to help out.”
“What? What happened?” Once Luo Qing Luan heard this, she was baffled. What could’ve happened such that even the servant from her courtyard was summoned away?
“Has My Lady forgotten? Didn’t the eldest lady send someone here the day before yesterday to deliver a message? She said that she and the fifth prince is inviting the Master, side madam, and also you to go together and attend a banquet at Fifth Prince’s Mansion. I heard that they even invited other officials, madams, and young ladies. It’s because the side madam is preparing a present that she had everyone summoned to the storerooms to take inventory.”
Attending a banquet. Sending presents?
Quickly recalling this matter, Luo Qing Luan smiled coldly.
Wasn’t it just like her elder sister to invite her family over for dinner and use the opportunity to show off? It’s just that she can’t imagine what Luo Qing Shuang had that was worth showing off. Merely a minor concubine of the Fifth Prince, that’s all. Why was she not feeling embarrassed and wanted to set up a huge banquet, instead?
“Fine. It’s nothing much anyway. Tomorrow, we’ll also just give her a present. Let’s go and see just what kind of act Elder Sister wants to put on this time.”
Sure enough, on the second day, early in the morning, Wang Xue Ru already came to look for Luo Qing Luan.
Were it not for Dai Yue having already obtained the news early on and told her, she might still have been eating breakfast. How would she be able to send the present in time? Wang Xue Ru saw that Luo Qing Luan was properly dressed in a manner and attractive style that was appropriate for the occasion and she was a bit astonished. “En, Qing Luan, is everything in order? Father’s Concubine intended to come early to tell you that we’re attending Fifth Prince’s banquet, yet didn’t expect that you……heh heh, seem to be prepared already. Let’s go, then. Your Father is already waiting for us out front.”
Luo Qing Luan smiled indifferently. “Thank you, Father’s Concubine, for coming to get me.”
This pair of mother and daughter, it seemed that they wouldn’t let her relax for even a minute. They even wanted to mess with her in this kind of situation. Would it really make them happy if she had no time to dress, and just casually throw on something to attend the banquet, so that she ended up losing face?
Didn’t they know the principle that a winner would always be a winner, and a loser would always remain a loser?
However, in regards to this kind of selfish and narrow-minded woman like Wang Xue Ru, Luo Qing Luan really did not care about her in the least, because she simply couldn’t make herself care. She just couldn’t be bothered with it.
A carriage was already stopped in front of the General’s Mansion. Luo Qing Luan and Wang Xue Ru entered the carriage. Dai Yue and the latter’s servant maid entered behind. As for Luo Cheng, as the general, and head of a mansion, he naturally left in a separate carriage.
On the way, Wang Xue Ru didn’t give Luo Qing Luan any trouble at all, and talked to her even less about what she should pay attention to, or what rules there were at Fifth Prince’s Mansion. Luo Qing Luan also ended up being idle, displaying a faintly smiling expression on her face.
In order to go from the General’s Mansion to the Fifth Prince’s Mansion, they needed to go straight on Wenchang Street, pass Baohua Street, pass through the most luxurious restaurant in the entire city, Fengxiang Restaurant, then enter Donghua Street. This neighborhood basically housed people with powerful connections, including those from the royal families. Each resident was magnificent. Not only was the environment graceful, even staff without fixed duties could not draw near, so it was extremely safe.
Having gotten down from the carriage, Luo Qing Luan took a look at the front entrance of Fifth Prince’s Mansion. A lot of carriages were already stopped there and no small number of guests also arrived at the same time that they did. It was evident that a number of girls about the same age as her didn’t go out frequently, as they appeared to be curious, yet were quite reserved. They didn’t talk much either.
Luo Cheng walked at the very front. The butler in charge of receiving guests at the front door of Fifth Prince’s Mansion saw him with a glance and promptly smiled as he welcomed him. “General Luo has come. Please come in. Fifth Prince has waited inside for a long time.”
In regards to his status, Luo Cheng was Nangong Chen, Fifth Prince’s, father-in-law after all. Normally, he also should come out to meet him personally, yet now, Nangong Chen didn’t come out at all, and merely sent a butler to welcome him. If this was another guest, as a prince, Nangong Chen really wouldn’t need to think much of them, but as for Luo Cheng, this father-in-law……
Luo Qing Luan actually didn’t care what her father thought about it, but she still saw the trace of displeasure flash through his face as he still smiled as before while nodding his head. Wang Xue Ru apparently didn’t sense anything at all, and instead was eager to ask that butler where her daughter, Qing Shuang, was.
The butler naturally knew Wang Xue Ru’s identity and answered with a smile. “The side madam is in the garden waiting for Madam. I’ll immediately have someone take madam and the young lady over there.”
Once Wang Xue Ru heard this, she was both startled and delighted. “Ah, Qing Shuang, she……”
Chapter 35B: Guest at Fifth Prince’s Mansion
She refrained from speaking the rest of her words, but one could see that she was very excited. Without waiting for Luo Qing Luan to say anything, she pulled her inside. “Hurry, let us go see your older sister. We need to properly ask her about this matter.”
Basically paying no attention to the other madams or young ladies who were also visiting at the same time, Luo Qing Luan was pulled inside by Wang Xue Ru. She vaguely heard the sound of soft laughter from some people behind her speaking while covering their mouths.
As they were led by a servant towards the garden, she could see the surroundings decorated magnificently from afar, all kinds of flowers and plants were growing luxuriously and lushly. Countless numbers of flowers were in bloom, every color under the sun, their fragrance permeating the entire estate.
Apparently, some guests had already arrived, all of whom were female. They were standing and chatting under the pavilion by the lotus pond. From a distance, their bursts of laughter could still be heard as well as their chattering voices.
“Mother, you’ve come.” Seeing Wang Xue Ru coming, Luo Qing Shuang got up to welcome her. Some of the young ladies sitting beside her also stood up in greeting. But with a glance, Luo Qing Luan could tell that these guests were basically about the same age as she was. Besides some married women attired somewhat ugly, there was not a single upper class married woman to be seen.
But with a thought, Luo Qing Luan understood.
Even though this was a dinner at the Fifth Prince’s Mansion, merely a little bit of investigation from their ears and eyes would reveal that the initiator was actually Luo Qing Shuang. This was a minor concubine that the fifth prince had recently brought into his residence. If she was the eldest daughter of the General’s Mansion that she once was, maybe those high officials and noble people would still have their daughter participate in this kind of banquet. However, presently, Luo Qing Shuang’s reputation had already been degraded to the gutter. Moreover, she was even only a minor concubine. How many people would think highly of her?
If it were not for the fact that there was still Nangong Chen, this fifth prince, to keep up appearances, perhaps there would be even less people attending today’s event?
From her side, Dai Yue started to point out to her, “My Lady, that’s the Minister of Works, Wang Yuanwai’s wife and his daughter. That’s the Myriad Treasures Exchange’s Second Master’s great aunt and her two daughters. Also, the woman wearing a yellow jacket is the capital’s magistrate’s third wife……” Afraid that she wouldn’t recognize these people, Dai Yue introduced thoroughly.
“En. I got it.” Luo Qing Luan found it laughable. Indeed, it’s as she expected. These female guests were not of low status, but they’re far from being equal in status to the General’s Mansion, merely some concubines and such. These people ordinarily wouldn’t be in the position to enter the main hall. It’s sufficient for her to imagine that when Luo Qing Shuang sent the invitations, she must’ve targeted the wives of imperial relatives, or maybe first or second ranked officials’ wives and children, but either these people didn’t come, or they just randomly found some great aunt to come just for show.
It’s obvious that not only did no one think highly of Luo Qing Shuang, even the unfavored Fifth Prince ordinarily simply did not occupy the least bit of status within these powerful people’s eyes.
She originally intended to come today as a spectator, merely going through the motions, that’s all. Luo Qing Luan calmly sat next to Wang Xue Ru and listened to Luo Qing Shuang chattering away, talking nonstop as she flaunted this and that. “Mother, look, this is a set of head ornaments that Fifth Prince gave to me yesterday. All of these are rubies! He said that he wanted me to wear them today. After all, I’m going to be entertaining so many people, while I’m the only hostess. How can I not dress up a bit more?”
Was this kind of thing worth showing off? Luo Qing Luan smiled indifferently.
Wang Xue Ru replied in a pleasantly surprised manner. “Qing Shuang, Fifth Prince is so good to you. You should properly help him manage the Prince’s Mansion, do you understand. Oh, a servant just told me that you’ve already become his side consort? What happened there?”
This was precisely what Luo Qing Shuang wanted to brag about, but she couldn’t say it herself. Instead, she glanced at the ladies beside her with an appearance of embarrassment.
“Aiya, General’s Madam, presently, we need to address the eldest Miss Luo as Fifth Prince’s Side Consort now.”
That female wearing the yellow dress from before, who looked to be twenty five or six years old promptly smiled and responded. “You have such good fortune. The eldest Miss Luo is pregnant!”
Once these words were spoken, Wang Xue Ru was so pleasantly surprised that she couldn’t conceal her happiness. “Qing Shuang, is it true? You’re really pregnant?”
Luo Qing Shuang nodded her head demurely as she said softly, “Mother, look at how happy you are.”
Immediately, another woman took the opportunity to smile and say, “Deserving of being the General’s Mansion’s eldest daughter. Not only are you educated and well-balanced, hoodwinking His Majesty so that he would personally bestow you to Fifth Prince. Now, you just barely entered the family and is already pregnant. Fifth Prince currently only have one side consort. If Miss Luo gives birth to a little prince, I’m afraid not long from now, we’ll have to change your form of address to Prince’s Consort!”
A flower blossoming in her heart, but Luo Qing Shuang still pretended to be composed just like before. “Madam Zhang must be kidding. I have barely just been promoted to side consort. How can I have the ability to be a main consort. Moreover, a main consort requires His Majesty’s consent as well as a series of procedural formalities from the Minister of RItes before it’s possible. How can it be so easy?”
“You shouldn’t say that. This is Fifth Prince’s first child. Eldest Miss Luo will have your wish fulfilled for sure.”
Wang Xue Ru listened to everyone’s flattery to the point that her face cracked from smiling. On the one hand pretending to be modest. On the other hand unable to resist feeling complacent, Luo Qing Shuang acted even more like the mistress of Fifth Prince’s Mansion, as she incessantly talked about how good Fifth Prince was to her. Things like how he asked her to take care of her health, and give birth to a little prince as quickly as possible.
As she was speaking, a woman’s voice suddenly sounded and interrupted her. “I don’t know what all of you are happy about. It seems that it hasn’t even been a month since the Eldest Miss Luo entered Fifth Prince’s Mansion, right? How can they already tell that she’s pregnant? Is it possible that she was already pregnant before she got married?”
Chapter 35A: Guest at Fifth Prince’s Mansion
Unwilling to have people discover this matter, Luo Qing Luan didn’t even tell Dai Yue. It’s just that she didn’t sleep well the entire night and was even continually worried about whether Nalan Ye would return or not, until the morning came. On her face, two dark circles under her eyes appeared.
“My Lady,” Once Dai Yue saw them, she yelled in alarm, “how come your eyes……have you not slept well?”
Her mistress whose skin was as white as snow, how come she turned like this after one night? Not only was her forehead reddish, the circles under her eyes were also very dark. She even sported a dispirited appearance. What in the world was going on?
Could it be that she had a nightmare?
Once she recalled this matter, Luo Qing Yue became upset, but she couldn’t say anything. She was even more unwilling to vent herself on Dai Yue, so she only scowled and spoke in a depressed manner, “Dai Yue, I’m starving to death. I want to eat!”
Transforming her indignation into hunger for food. She wanted to gorge herself and eat everything up.
So it’s like that. Once Dai Yue heard her mistress, she promptly put down the wash basin and left to make breakfast. Only after she ate no less than three meat steamed buns, one bowl of porridge, and also two fried egg cakes, did Luo Qing Luan feel perfectly satisfied and put down her chopsticks and wiped her mouth.
“En, I’m full.” Indeed it was effective. At this moment, her mood was much better.
“That’s right, Dai Yue, did the wet nurse’s painful leg flare up again yesterday?”
Hearing Luo Qing Luan ask this, Dai Yue hesitated somewhat. “This……very early in the morning, Nanny Song was already summoned by the side madam. Not only her, basically all of the servant girls in the General’s Mansion were also summoned by her to help out.”
“What? What happened?” Once Luo Qing Luan heard this, she was baffled. What could’ve happened such that even the servant from her courtyard was summoned away?
“Has My Lady forgotten? Didn’t the eldest lady send someone here the day before yesterday to deliver a message? She said that she and the fifth prince is inviting the Master, side madam, and also you to go together and attend a banquet at Fifth Prince’s Mansion. I heard that they even invited other officials, madams, and young ladies. It’s because the side madam is preparing a present that she had everyone summoned to the storerooms to take inventory.”
Attending a banquet. Sending presents?
Quickly recalling this matter, Luo Qing Luan smiled coldly.
Wasn’t it just like her elder sister to invite her family over for dinner and use the opportunity to show off? It’s just that she can’t imagine what Luo Qing Shuang had that was worth showing off. Merely a minor concubine of the Fifth Prince, that’s all. Why was she not feeling embarrassed and wanted to set up a huge banquet, instead?
“Fine. It’s nothing much anyway. Tomorrow, we’ll also just give her a present. Let’s go and see just what kind of act Elder Sister wants to put on this time.”
Sure enough, on the second day, early in the morning, Wang Xue Ru already came to look for Luo Qing Luan.
Were it not for Dai Yue having already obtained the news early on and told her, she might still have been eating breakfast. How would she be able to send the present in time? Wang Xue Ru saw that Luo Qing Luan was properly dressed in a manner and attractive style that was appropriate for the occasion and she was a bit astonished. “En, Qing Luan, is everything in order? Father’s Concubine intended to come early to tell you that we’re attending Fifth Prince’s banquet, yet didn’t expect that you……heh heh, seem to be prepared already. Let’s go, then. Your Father is already waiting for us out front.”
Luo Qing Luan smiled indifferently. “Thank you, Father’s Concubine, for coming to get me.”
This pair of mother and daughter, it seemed that they wouldn’t let her relax for even a minute. They even wanted to mess with her in this kind of situation. Would it really make them happy if she had no time to dress, and just casually throw on something to attend the banquet, so that she ended up losing face?
Didn’t they know the principle that a winner would always be a winner, and a loser would always remain a loser?
However, in regards to this kind of selfish and narrow-minded woman like Wang Xue Ru, Luo Qing Luan really did not care about her in the least, because she simply couldn’t make herself care. She just couldn’t be bothered with it.
A carriage was already stopped in front of the General’s Mansion. Luo Qing Luan and Wang Xue Ru entered the carriage. Dai Yue and the latter’s servant maid entered behind. As for Luo Cheng, as the general, and head of a mansion, he naturally left in a separate carriage.
On the way, Wang Xue Ru didn’t give Luo Qing Luan any trouble at all, and talked to her even less about what she should pay attention to, or what rules there were at Fifth Prince’s Mansion. Luo Qing Luan also ended up being idle, displaying a faintly smiling expression on her face.
In order to go from the General’s Mansion to the Fifth Prince’s Mansion, they needed to go straight on Wenchang Street, pass Baohua Street, pass through the most luxurious restaurant in the entire city, Fengxiang Restaurant, then enter Donghua Street. This neighborhood basically housed people with powerful connections, including those from the royal families. Each resident was magnificent. Not only was the environment graceful, even staff without fixed duties could not draw near, so it was extremely safe.
Having gotten down from the carriage, Luo Qing Luan took a look at the front entrance of Fifth Prince’s Mansion. A lot of carriages were already stopped there and no small number of guests also arrived at the same time that they did. It was evident that a number of girls about the same age as her didn’t go out frequently, as they appeared to be curious, yet were quite reserved. They didn’t talk much either.
Luo Cheng walked at the very front. The butler in charge of receiving guests at the front door of Fifth Prince’s Mansion saw him with a glance and promptly smiled as he welcomed him. “General Luo has come. Please come in. Fifth Prince has waited inside for a long time.”
In regards to his status, Luo Cheng was Nangong Chen, Fifth Prince’s, father-in-law after all. Normally, he also should come out to meet him personally, yet now, Nangong Chen didn’t come out at all, and merely sent a butler to welcome him. If this was another guest, as a prince, Nangong Chen really wouldn’t need to think much of them, but as for Luo Cheng, this father-in-law……
Luo Qing Luan actually didn’t care what her father thought about it, but she still saw the trace of displeasure flash through his face as he still smiled as before while nodding his head. Wang Xue Ru apparently didn’t sense anything at all, and instead was eager to ask that butler where her daughter, Qing Shuang, was.
The butler naturally knew Wang Xue Ru’s identity and answered with a smile. “The side madam is in the garden waiting for Madam. I’ll immediately have someone take madam and the young lady over there.”
Once Wang Xue Ru heard this, she was both startled and delighted. “Ah, Qing Shuang, she……”
Chapter 35B: Guest at Fifth Prince’s Mansion
She refrained from speaking the rest of her words, but one could see that she was very excited. Without waiting for Luo Qing Luan to say anything, she pulled her inside. “Hurry, let us go see your older sister. We need to properly ask her about this matter.”
Basically paying no attention to the other madams or young ladies who were also visiting at the same time, Luo Qing Luan was pulled inside by Wang Xue Ru. She vaguely heard the sound of soft laughter from some people behind her speaking while covering their mouths.
As they were led by a servant towards the garden, she could see the surroundings decorated magnificently from afar, all kinds of flowers and plants were growing luxuriously and lushly. Countless numbers of flowers were in bloom, every color under the sun, their fragrance permeating the entire estate.
Apparently, some guests had already arrived, all of whom were female. They were standing and chatting under the pavilion by the lotus pond. From a distance, their bursts of laughter could still be heard as well as their chattering voices.
“Mother, you’ve come.” Seeing Wang Xue Ru coming, Luo Qing Shuang got up to welcome her. Some of the young ladies sitting beside her also stood up in greeting. But with a glance, Luo Qing Luan could tell that these guests were basically about the same age as she was. Besides some married women attired somewhat ugly, there was not a single upper class married woman to be seen.
But with a thought, Luo Qing Luan understood.
Even though this was a dinner at the Fifth Prince’s Mansion, merely a little bit of investigation from their ears and eyes would reveal that the initiator was actually Luo Qing Shuang. This was a minor concubine that the fifth prince had recently brought into his residence. If she was the eldest daughter of the General’s Mansion that she once was, maybe those high officials and noble people would still have their daughter participate in this kind of banquet. However, presently, Luo Qing Shuang’s reputation had already been degraded to the gutter. Moreover, she was even only a minor concubine. How many people would think highly of her?
If it were not for the fact that there was still Nangong Chen, this fifth prince, to keep up appearances, perhaps there would be even less people attending today’s event?
From her side, Dai Yue started to point out to her, “My Lady, that’s the Minister of Works, Wang Yuanwai’s wife and his daughter. That’s the Myriad Treasures Exchange’s Second Master’s great aunt and her two daughters. Also, the woman wearing a yellow jacket is the capital’s magistrate’s third wife……” Afraid that she wouldn’t recognize these people, Dai Yue introduced thoroughly.
“En. I got it.” Luo Qing Luan found it laughable. Indeed, it’s as she expected. These female guests were not of low status, but they’re far from being equal in status to the General’s Mansion, merely some concubines and such. These people ordinarily wouldn’t be in the position to enter the main hall. It’s sufficient for her to imagine that when Luo Qing Shuang sent the invitations, she must’ve targeted the wives of imperial relatives, or maybe first or second ranked officials’ wives and children, but either these people didn’t come, or they just randomly found some great aunt to come just for show.
It’s obvious that not only did no one think highly of Luo Qing Shuang, even the unfavored Fifth Prince ordinarily simply did not occupy the least bit of status within these powerful people’s eyes.
She originally intended to come today as a spectator, merely going through the motions, that’s all. Luo Qing Luan calmly sat next to Wang Xue Ru and listened to Luo Qing Shuang chattering away, talking nonstop as she flaunted this and that. “Mother, look, this is a set of head ornaments that Fifth Prince gave to me yesterday. All of these are rubies! He said that he wanted me to wear them today. After all, I’m going to be entertaining so many people, while I’m the only hostess. How can I not dress up a bit more?”
Was this kind of thing worth showing off? Luo Qing Luan smiled indifferently.
Wang Xue Ru replied in a pleasantly surprised manner. “Qing Shuang, Fifth Prince is so good to you. You should properly help him manage the Prince’s Mansion, do you understand. Oh, a servant just told me that you’ve already become his side consort? What happened there?”
This was precisely what Luo Qing Shuang wanted to brag about, but she couldn’t say it herself. Instead, she glanced at the ladies beside her with an appearance of embarrassment.
“Aiya, General’s Madam, presently, we need to address the eldest Miss Luo as Fifth Prince’s Side Consort now.”
That female wearing the yellow dress from before, who looked to be twenty five or six years old promptly smiled and responded. “You have such good fortune. The eldest Miss Luo is pregnant!”
Once these words were spoken, Wang Xue Ru was so pleasantly surprised that she couldn’t conceal her happiness. “Qing Shuang, is it true? You’re really pregnant?”
Luo Qing Shuang nodded her head demurely as she said softly, “Mother, look at how happy you are.”
Immediately, another woman took the opportunity to smile and say, “Deserving of being the General’s Mansion’s eldest daughter. Not only are you educated and well-balanced, hoodwinking His Majesty so that he would personally bestow you to Fifth Prince. Now, you just barely entered the family and is already pregnant. Fifth Prince currently only have one side consort. If Miss Luo gives birth to a little prince, I’m afraid not long from now, we’ll have to change your form of address to Prince’s Consort!”
A flower blossoming in her heart, but Luo Qing Shuang still pretended to be composed just like before. “Madam Zhang must be kidding. I have barely just been promoted to side consort. How can I have the ability to be a main consort. Moreover, a main consort requires His Majesty’s consent as well as a series of procedural formalities from the Minister of RItes before it’s possible. How can it be so easy?”
“You shouldn’t say that. This is Fifth Prince’s first child. Eldest Miss Luo will have your wish fulfilled for sure.”
Wang Xue Ru listened to everyone’s flattery to the point that her face cracked from smiling. On the one hand pretending to be modest. On the other hand unable to resist feeling complacent, Luo Qing Shuang acted even more like the mistress of Fifth Prince’s Mansion, as she incessantly talked about how good Fifth Prince was to her. Things like how he asked her to take care of her health, and give birth to a little prince as quickly as possible.
As she was speaking, a woman’s voice suddenly sounded and interrupted her. “I don’t know what all of you are happy about. It seems that it hasn’t even been a month since the Eldest Miss Luo entered Fifth Prince’s Mansion, right? How can they already tell that she’s pregnant? Is it possible that she was already pregnant before she got married?”
