Chapter Seventy: The Banquet

During this period, Xu Ruojin lived in remarkable comfort. Except for the occasional nighttime awakening, when she feared opening her eyes to find that cold, shadowy figure beside her bed. The memory had already cast a lingering shadow in her heart, refusing to dissipate; and the last time, in her drunken haze before climbing onto the carriage, she saw those eyes—were they his? That man, having appeared only a handful of times, managed to leave such a deep mark, it was truly vexing!

Xu Ruojin could only mutter a few curses each time before returning to her bed and falling back asleep. Every few days, she followed Madam Fang for lessons, and whenever Doctor Cen visited, she seized the chance to consult him on the art of blending medicinal ingredients. Doctor Cen was surprised that a young woman, secluded in a deep household, possessed such natural talent for pharmacology, so whenever Xu Ruojin had questions, he answered them with utmost care.

Although both attributed their discussions on medicinal recipes to the intent of “wine brewing,” Doctor Cen understood well that Miss Xu’s ambitions lay far beyond that, though he never exposed her motives.

Madam Yang never personally tasted the wine Xu Ruojin brewed. She casually gifted it to others, and when the response was favorable, she summoned Madam Huang to instruct Xu Ruojin to brew two more jars for gifting.

Xu Ruojin did not refuse; instead, she used the excuse of needing more medicinal ingredients for wine brewing to request twice the usual sum from Madam Yang. She kept the silver, and for the wine, she used leftover ingredients. This was not an act of deceit, as the previous ingredients were all fine, but she could not gather enough for the full weight.

She cobbled together two recipes, letting them soak, but the medicinal efficacy of these wines was not as strong as before. Xu Ruojin deliberately marked the jars, noting that these required longer sealing, relying on time to compensate for their potency.

Once everything was tidied, she arranged her books and waited for Madam Fang to arrive for lessons. Today, Madam Fang came later than usual. Xu Ruojin ushered her in and immediately handed her the warming stove: “Please warm yourself first. On such a cold day, having you run about makes me uneasy.”

“It’s nothing, the carriage brings me back and forth, it’s not so cold,” Madam Fang replied with a warm smile, “But you have learned nearly all you need, and I am no longer much use to you.”

Xu Ruojin was taken aback: “Do you mean…”

“I’ve already spoken with Madam Xu. Today will be my last visit,” Madam Fang said, seeing the surprise and disappointment on Xu Ruojin’s face. She quickly patted her hand. “All banquets must end, and since we are in the same place, there will be chances to meet again.”

Xu Ruojin felt uncomfortable. Madam Fang’s guidance these past days had been enlightening and deeply impactful. Virtue, speech, appearance, skill, etiquette, and rules—Madam Fang taught not only what a woman ought to know and do, but also told her many stories.

From the founding of Great Wei onwards, the empresses, princesses, noblewomen—all those whose names appeared in the chronicles, Madam Fang seemed to recount them all. She spoke not only of their glory, but more often of their hardships.

Xu Ruojin understood Madam Fang’s intention. She was telling her: a woman must strive and never compromise to win a brilliance that belongs to herself. If lacking the heart and courage, then better to remain a lady in the inner chambers, hoping for children and a stable position, living out her days in peace…

Xu Ruojin took these lessons to heart, which is why she worked so hard.

Her efforts were not in vain. She was able to stand firm when everyone clamored for her to confess to poisoning Li Zhonglin with wine, ultimately clearing her name; she managed, through her own determination, to rescue He Miao from the mire. These were her achievements so far.

Though modest, she saw progress, all thanks to Madam Fang’s teachings.

Now that Madam Fang was leaving, it felt as if the bedrock in her heart had been removed, leaving only an empty pit that could not be filled…

Madam Fang saw the childish reluctance on her face and her affection grew deeper; she patted Xu Ruojin’s hand. In these days together, she had come to know what kind of girl Xu Ruojin was. Intelligent and diligent, she knew how to balance firmness and softness, how to bend and rise, and sometimes showed peculiar stubbornness that was at once amusing and frustrating.

At first, Madam Fang’s teaching was only perfunctory, but the more she taught, the more she wanted to treat the girl well. Xu Ruojin was a child who evoked pity, reminding Madam Fang of her own mistress…

“If I miss you, may I visit you?” Xu Ruojin asked, fearing Madam Fang might think she wished to curry favor. “I only wish to see you, nothing more.”

“Of course!” Madam Fang agreed, “This old woman will be hoping for your visit.”

Xu Ruojin smiled knowingly, then began to tell Madam Fang about the wine she brewed. As Madam Fang was about to depart, Xu Ruojin gifted her the purest jar, and selected another to send to the cold-faced man, asking Madam Fang to deliver it.

Madam Fang hesitated, but finally nodded in agreement.

The entire day, Xu Ruojin was in low spirits. She had no heart for calligraphy, nor for reading medical texts. She simply sat on her bed in a daze, her mind empty, thinking of nothing.

Spring Grass came in from outside, warming her hands at the stove, and poked her head in to report: “Second Miss, Sister He Miao sent in a package of sticky rice cakes through the side gate, made by her own hands.”

He Miao was doing well after marriage. Though she had not come to visit in person, she often sent things through the maids at the gate.

“Bring it here, let’s try some. Share a few pieces with the others,” Xu Ruojin said, referring to Yang Tao, Bai Mei, and Xiao Ke. Hong Xing now stood equal to Spring Grass, helping her manage the three maids and the household affairs.

Spring Grass responded and brought the cakes, picking out three to take outside.

Xu Ruojin took a bite, letting out a long sigh. What use was there in sitting in a daze for so long?

The most important thing in life is to cherish what you have.

Only after Madam Fang left did she realize there were many things she still did not understand and wished to ask. Before, she just waited for a convenient time, but now she was not sure if she’d ever get another chance.

Procrastination! That was what she most needed to change!

Pouting and clenching her fists to admonish herself, Xu Ruojin’s demeanor was noticed by Hong Xing.

“What’s the matter, Second Miss?”

“Nothing,” Xu Ruojin pointed at the cakes. “He Miao sent these, have a piece.”

Hong Xing did not stand on ceremony, smiling as she took one, eating as she spoke: “I just got back and met Madam Huang. She told me to hurry and let you know to go to Madam’s courtyard. The seamstresses from Brocade Pavilion are all there to take your measurements for new clothes—it seems urgent.”

“Why the hurry for winter clothes?” Xu Ruojin asked, though she got off the bed to start dressing. There were not many garments, and each extra one was precious.

Hong Xing hurried to wipe her hands and help Xu Ruojin tidy herself. Just then, a male voice sounded outside the door, “Second Sister, are you there?”

Zimo?

Xu Ruojin had not seen him for a long time—why was he suddenly seeking her out?

Hong Xing went to lift the curtain for Xu Zimo, who entered, huffing and puffing. He was chubby, and bundled in thick cotton clothes, looked like a rolling ball.

He plopped down in a chair and said, “Second Sister, you’re heading to Mother’s courtyard, right? I came to go with you.”

Xu Ruojin smiled, “Are you also going for winter clothes measurements, Third Brother?”

“Not for winter clothes,” Xu Zimo replied. “The county magistrate’s eldest grandson is celebrating his first birthday, and with the New Year approaching, invitations have gone out to all the households. There will be a gathering.”

He licked his lips and glanced around the room, “Mother told Father that you should bring your brewed wine to the party.”

Wine?

Xu Ruojin frowned deeply. Was Madam Yang dissatisfied that she hadn’t made enough of a splash? She wasn’t afraid of straining herself apparently!

This banquet at the magistrate’s residence was likely no simple affair…