Chapter 4 Meeting Guests and Friends
When they arrived at the second door, Mrs. Song respectfully asked for instructions: "I wonder if Madam would like to change and wash before meeting guests? If you don't mind, I still have two newly made clothes. I haven’t done anything yet, so I’ll bring it over for you to choose. I’ll ask them to tailor some more clothes for my wife later.”
“I know you mean well, but it’s not necessary,” Wen Mingqian said. I have long been accustomed to such a simple dress. If I change it, I will inevitably feel uncomfortable. Why don't you take me to the banquet to meet the guests?
Plus. It's really hard to travel these days, so I can't sit at the table for a long time. I just say a few words and then come down. I don't have to go through the trouble of combing my hair and changing clothes, but I have to keep the guests waiting."
"Listen to everything. "It's my wife's," Mrs. Song replied meekly, "but Lingyue Pavilion has been empty for a long time, and I can't finish it in half a day. I would like to ask my wife to condescend to stay somewhere else for two days, and then I can choose a good day to move there." Past.”
"These are all trivial matters," Wen Mingqian didn't care, "Just look at the arrangements."
The flower-viewing banquet was naturally focused on flower appreciation, so a pergola was set up in the back garden and seats were arranged. Jinzhu, although not formal enough, is more interesting.
In the octagonal flower bed made of glazed tiles, there are clusters of two-color peonies, standing pretty and spreading out, as if welcoming an old friend.
Everyone had already sat down and was chatting and laughing. But when Wen Mingqian and Mrs. Song came hand in hand, the chatter and laughter subsided until they were no longer heard.
“Today is indeed a good day,” Mrs. Changrong Hou said with a smile, “We originally just came to enjoy flowers, but we didn’t expect that Mrs. Guifu would also come back today. It’s really a happy event with flowers. In pairs.”
No wonder she was the first to speak. When they arrived at the door, they met Zhang Ma and the housekeeper arguing, which was a bit embarrassing.
So with a few nice words, the embarrassment was over.
"Madam, what you said is true," Mrs. Song said with a smile on her face, "It's a good thing that our wife came back today. Although I didn't know about it in advance, I couldn't resist God's arrangement. This is called choosing a day rather than hitting it.
Having all the distinguished guests here to support our wife greatly alleviates my sin of neglect and adds to the excitement and joy.”
In fact, none of the people here are fools. .
When Wen Mingqian suddenly left Beijing, everyone speculated.
Even though the palace family members are tight-lipped, they can’t stop interested people from making guesses, and they can always make some guesses.
But in the end, it has nothing to do with oneself. Everyone lives their own life. Who has nothing to do to make a fuss about it?
But now Wen Mingqian suddenly came back, and in such an image, everyone couldn't help but speculate in their hearts.
Coupled with Song's words, it was obvious that Wen Mingqian returned without warning.
This family didn't welcome her, so what good would she get if she came back shamelessly?
Wen Mingqian saw everyone's expressions, and Wen Mingqian also knew very well what they were thinking.
She just smiled, dignified and gentle, and saluted everyone: "It's really rude to come to see you so suddenly. But I have been away from the capital for many years, and when I heard that everyone is here today, I really can't wait any longer. Come and meet me. I think you will understand my feelings and won't blame me."
Everyone nodded in agreement. Among them, Mrs. Liu, the grandma of the Yongqing Mansion, couldn't help but moisten her eyes.
Wen Mingqian also glanced at her and nodded gently, but did not speak alone.
Then he pulled the palace chief An in front of him and taught him softly: "Chang'an, I would like to greet all the guests."
Gong Changan was not afraid of the stage. He bowed to each other and said in his mouth: "I would like to say hello to all the ladies and ladies. Today A wonderful banquet with beautiful flowers. May all of you be happy and prosperous.”
Everyone couldn’t help laughing when they saw that he was such a small man, but so articulate and polite. .
"I'll make everyone laugh. This child is used to being careless and only being naughty." Wen Mingqian said politely.
Ms. Song gave up her seat and asked Wen Mingqian to sit down, while she stood aside with her hands down. Of course Wen Mingqian would not be polite to her. In the past few years, Song had won over many people with his own skills.
Most of the people at the table were good friends with her.
Compared with her, Wen Mingqian had been away from Beijing for seven years and had no contact with all his relatives and friends. The so-called "friendship" requires mutual interaction to be affectionate. Once disconnected, it is inevitable that we will become alienated.
"Second Mrs., it's been a hard journey, right?" Mrs. Jiang Xiahou said in greeting, "She's still so young and beautiful, but she seems to be a little thinner."
"I see that my wife's demeanor is still the same as before. , even looking younger." Wen Mingqian replied, "On our way back to Beijing, I heard that Mr. Hou was appointed as the Salt Patrol Inspector. This is a great honor, although I am a bit late to express my joy. But it’s true.”
"Okay, okay, you are really thoughtful. But having said that, outsiders look at the scenery and glory, but we ourselves are worried! I don't know how risky this job is, and it is not that easy." Mrs. Jiang Xiahou sighed.
"Madam, if you care, you will be confused, but according to my humble opinion, there is no need." Wen Mingqian said with a smile, "First of all, the Marquis is a capable minister, loyal to the king, loves the people, and has real talents and learning. Secondly, madam is A blessed person will have a prosperous family and everything will go smoothly. "
Mrs. Jiang Xiahou's eyebrows crumpled with laughter, and everyone followed suit, and the atmosphere suddenly became heated. Get online.
"I heard that the second wife went back to her hometown to practice meditation, and now she is indeed otherworldly." At this time, a young woman wearing a pomegranate red dress said with a smile, "I guess even if she comes back to Beijing now, she doesn't like the excitement. But you are a blessed person. Everything in this family is taken care of by your little lady. Madam, you can continue to be pure and self-sufficient.” Protect Aunt Song.
Wen Mingqian knew that this woman must have a close relationship with the Song family, so she would say such a thing.
She responded lightly: "Aunt Song has indeed worked hard these years, but now that I'm back, I can't keep her working so hard, otherwise I'll feel really uneasy."
"My wife loves me, and it's worth the hard work." Mrs. Song smiled and took over, "It's getting late, let's ask them to put out the food and drinks!"
She didn't want to let these words continue. As time went on, Wen Mingqian became deep and articulate, as if he had been reborn.
Could it be that she really gained enlightenment through meditation?
Wen Mingqian glanced at her with a smile, stood up and said to everyone: "Although I don't want to part with you, I am still fasting now, so I have to avoid the table. Don't let me ruin your interest. I will finish fasting in a few days." It is necessary to set up another seat to make up for today's rudeness. I hope you will come to support me and look forward to it."
Of course, everyone will not object, and they all say that they will come when the time comes.
Wen Mingqian left the table, and Mrs. Song sent her to the garden gate.
"Go back and entertain the guests! Don't ask anyone to pick up gifts." Wen Mingqian stopped and said.
"At this moment, I'd better send my wife to her residence! Let's see if there's anything missing." Mrs. Song was gentle and respectful.
"Look, you are too careful. Although I have just come back, I am the mistress of this family after all. But if there is anything missing, I will ask others to take care of it myself." Wen Mingqian said with a smile, "I don't believe any of the servants in this family You dare not listen to me."
After a pause, he patted Mrs. Song's hand and said, "Oh, by the way, if you are wronged, just tell me and I will make the decision for you."< br>
As he said that, he supported Zhang Ma with one hand and held the palace chief An with the other hand and left.
Mrs. Song looked at her back, almost not biting her silver teeth into pieces.
Wen Mingqian's actions and words along the way were clearly telling her one thing: I am the mistress of this family, and as long as I am here, you will always be my concubine!
(End of this chapter)