Chapter 75.1 - Longevity Birthday Celebration (Part I)

Time passed rapidly and soon ten days had gone by . During this time, the Jiang fu was extremely tranquil, as if the past events had used up all of the bad luck, and after the crisis, everything had gradually stabilised.

The only issue was that all those mishaps had cost the Jiang fu a fortune and now the finances were tight. Jiang Furen, Xia Yan, who looked after the whole residence suggested cutting down on daily expenses. Furthermore, in order to pacify the servants, she also cut down the monthly allowance of a few Young Misses’ by more than half.

Jiang Su Su and Jiang Li naturally did not care about the monthly allowance as they often received an extra allowance from Jiang Quan on a regular basis. However, Jiang Dan and Jiang Ruan did not have anyone to give them extra, moreover, they usually had to reward the maidservants and old female servants in their courtyards from their own pockets. Therefore, they had a hard life.

The rain was continuous and did not stop. Ruan Ju had been a deserted courtyard that was hastily made available, and since the roof had not been repaired for many years the rainwater seeped through. The water flowed in through a hole in the roof and dripped into the house, making it extremely damp. Thus Lu Zhu found a metal pail from outside and put it under the hole so that temporarily, the rain water would not splatter everywhere. However, the bitter and chilly wind that also entered through the hole was enough to make one feel cold.

Bai Zhi walked in, saying, “This servant looked for old female servant Song a few days ago, asking her to find some people to fix the rooftop for Miss. However, that servant woman rejected it saying that the fu was busy with Old Madame’s longevity birthday celebration these days and could not find time. Today is the birthday celebration so this servant thought that everything should have been more or less prepared but that servant woman still declined.” Talking about this made even the usually good-tempered Bai Zhi feel a trace of anger.

“I think it is an order from the courtyard from that side.” Jiang Ruan did not seem bothered, “You do not have to take it to heart.”

“If they really wish for Miss to freeze till she falls sick,” Lian Qiao continued furiously, “Then, they are really too despicable.”

Lu Zhu thought about it, “Why not let this servant go outside to find a mason, as there is no reason to continue letting the roof remain unattended to.”

“Where do we get the money to hire a mason?” Jiang Ruan smiled chillingly. Since Xia Yan had cut down the Jiang fu’s Young Misses’ monthly allowance by more than half, even without thinking one would know what the purpose was. It would be good if not only did they not have enough taels to buy a birthday present, but could not even afford better quality ingredients. If today, at the longevity birthday celebration, they were unable to give a present to Old Jiang Madame in front of everyone, they would lose their faces once and for all.

Lu Zhu dejectedly said, “It really puts one in a difficult situation.”

“There is no need to trouble yourselves with it because anyway after today there will be people coming to fix it themselves.” Jiang Ruan walked towards her dressing table and sat down, “Help me dress up, I think a few guests have already arrived. Even if Second Younger Sister is attending to them, I, as an older sister, cannot keep hiding in my room.”

Lian Qiao and Bai Zhi looked at each other and their eyes were filled with laughter. Lian Qiao said, “This servant will definitely dress Miss up beautifully and allow Miss to be comparable to Second Young Miss!”

In the side courtyard, Xia Yan was leading Jiang Su Su in to talk to all the furens and young misses. Those who came today were all females and all had some status in the court. Since the shu daughter could not come out to entertain the guests, it was up to the mistress of the household and the first daughter to welcome all the furens.

Jiang Su Su was wearing a piece of solid coloured clothing made from Hang Zhou silk, with a winter white Chinese Rose design on it and a V-neck collar. It was matched with a winding, pale blue skirt with an indistinct moon woven with fine silk and gold threads on it. The clothing she wore had silvery white, satin borders and designs of zhezhi flowers[1] in gold all over the place. Her fine and soft beautiful hair was coiled up in a refined, distinguishable and unique way with a white jade hairpin in it. In her gently and meticulously tied cloud-like bun, there was a coil of pearls that looked as magnificent and beautiful as porcelain. On her smooth and glossy wrists, she also wore a bracelet of pure silver with patterns carved into it. On her waist was a jade pendant with a tassel hanging from her girdle along with a perfume sachet. She had on a pair of bao xiang hua[2] patterned embroidered shoes with a flower pattern sewn onto the front. Her whole attire made her look pure, elegant and stunning. She did not put on a veil today and it was unknown what miraculous medicine she had used, but her scars were much better. There was a thick layer of cosmetic powder on her face which fully concealed the scars. At a glance, her skin was still considered fair and clear. However, because the powder was too thick, although she still looked tender and beautiful, she did not appear as elegant and attractive as her previous self, a fairy.

An example of the satin border

[1] Zhezhi flowers – they are flower designs with only a part of the branch in the design.

A pair of Bao Xiang Hua curled shoes

[2] Bao xiang hua – aka Treasured Lotus flower, highly regarded during the Tang & Sui Dynasty – it’s seen as a Lucky symbol and used to denote Treasure and Fairy – it’s decorative drawing is like a blend of peony and lotus flowers. Bao Xiang is also an honorofic bestowed on Buddha and thus we see Buddha at times with a lotus like flower and it’s drawings associated with buddhism. Bao xiang flowers were widely used in brocades, bronze mirrors and porcelain decorations, with auspicious and happy meanings

The Chief Historian’s Furen smiled, “This must be Second Young Miss. You have grown to be more exceptional that after a few more years, the number of people asking for your hand in marriage will soon break down your threshold.”

Jiang Su Su was surprised, two red clouds immediately appeared on her face. She lowered her head and walked towards Xia Yan’s side, as if she was embarrassed upon hearing what the furen said just now.

The Assistant Minister’s Furen, who was born with a slightly severe-looking long face, squinted her eyes saying, “But I heard that Second Young Miss fell into the waters a few days ago? How are you now?”

All the furens who were present had obviously heard of what happened on the ship during the Lantern Festival. Thinking of Jiang Su Su’s situation at that time, their gazes directed at Xia Yan and her daughter were different again.

Xia Yan laughed, “Lao Furen has wasted her efforts, Su’er only suffered some fright, she is fine now.”

However, Assistant Minister’s Furen did not let go, “Then how is Second Young Master of the fu? I heard that he did not perform well in the Imperial Examination and his finger was even cut off by someone. Ai, young people must be able to take failures, just like the two in my family, they too did not do well yet there’s no difference in their daily routines.” The two young masters of Assistant Minister Gao’s fu took the same examination as Jiang Chao and they both received gongyuan[3].

[3] Gong Yuan ( 贡元 ) – a title for those who perform well in the Imperial Examination.

Although Xia Yan was smiling, the handkerchief in her hand was practically going to be ripped apart. This Assistant Minister’s Furen was always so critical and harsh in her words. Jiang Su Su was young, therefore, her ability to conceal her feelings were not on par with Xia Yan’s and she yearned to go up and shut that furen’s mouth.

The others in the hall were a little embarrassed. Just as the atmosphere became frigid, the furen of the Commander-in-chief’s fu, Gu Furen, laughed, “What Imperial Examination are you talking about, isn’t the Top Scorer’s mother right here?” After that she looked towards Liu Furen who was sitting quietly at the side without speaking.

From the moment Liu Furen had arrived, she was a bit cautious and reserved. Though she was not familiar with the upper-class social circle, it was fortunate that Liu Furen was also a scholar’s daughter, thus she was not lacking in manners or etiquette. Hearing what Gu Furen said, she blushed a bit, “Furen does not have to tease me.”

“How can it be counted as teasing?” Xia Yan smiled along, “Liu Furen raised such a good son, the whole capital knows about the elegant demeanour of the Top Scorer. ” She spoke with such blatant sincerity, it was almost as if she was sincerely happy on behalf of Liu Furen. “With the elegant and graceful bearing of the Jiang Yuan, I wonder which family’s daughter will have the fortune to marry Jiang Yuan in the future.”

Speaking of Liu Min, Liu Furen became less reserved and laughed along upon hearing those words.

Then, Gu Furen looked like she had thought of something, “Speaking of which, Eldest Young Miss of your family is older than Second Young Miss by a few years, is she engaged?”

“Unexpectedly, she is not.” Xia Yan was stunned, and she looked probingly at Gu Furen, “For what reason does Furen ask about this?”

“No reason,” Gu Furen laughed, “It is just that I have yet to see Eldest Young Miss in the fu so I was curious.” However, she had her own considerations. Ever since the Lantern Festival, Gu Yi had often spoken of Eldest Jiang Miss. Gu Yi was the family’s youngest son, and while most of his elder brothers were either with families or engaged, Gu Yi was also not so young anymore. Furthermore, Jiang family was considered a rich and noble family, so if Eldest Jiang Miss’ character and morals were not bad, she could be considered. Just because of this, Gu Furen had quickly accepted Old Jiang Madame’s longevity birthday celebration invitation.

The Young Miss of Envoy Shu’s family asked with curiosity, “Second Jiang Miss, why is your sister not here?”

After all, Jiang Ruan was Jiang fu’s di daughter, thus it was expected of her to come and greet all the furens.

Embarrassment flashed by Jiang Su Su’s face, “Da Jiejie doesn’t come out often, but it is probably because there is no familiar face here.” Her tone contained a trace of reverence.

Naturally, this type of expression, in the eyes of the public, had a different meaning. Everyone couldn’t help thinking that because Jiang Ruan had been sent to the countryside residence when she was quite young, she would certainly not be aware of any manners or rules. And now, it seemed that she was also scared of facing strangers. As such, a negative image of a shallow and petty young lady appeared in their eyes. Moreso, upon seeing Jiang Su Su’s apprehensive look, all of the furens present managed to infer the possibility that this Jiang fu’s Eldest Young Miss was also tyrannical. Otherwise, why would Second Young Miss appear so nervous?

Just when they all were ruminating over these thoughts, they heard a crisp voice ring from outside the courtyard, “Miss slow down, be careful not to fall.”

“If I am any slower, I would be slighting the guests.” A gentle female voice replied. Following that, a red figure appeared. In a room full of young ladies and furens, this type of bright red was extremely dazzling.

Jiang Ruan wore a round collared button down robe with an intricately engraved begonia coloured brocade of the shishi ruyi[4]. She had on a floor length three inlay eight-panel flare skirt with gold coiled plum blossom and bamboo embroidery. On top of that, she had on a crimson cape with a cloud brocade of jasper lotus leaves cascading down and secured with an ivory clip. A soft ponytail was tied into a refined and unique inverted bun and there was a begonia bracelet-like hair ornament with patterns carved into it, inserted in the thick hair. She wore a three inlay bracelet made of sardonyx and she had tied a peacock design corset on her waist. On top hung a bloomed red plum blossom design, fragrance sachet and she wore a pair of soft-soled boots.

[4] Shì shì rú yì ( 事事如意 ): an auspicious design of two persimmons on a ruyi.

Rú yì ( 如意 ): curved decorative object that serves as either a ceremonial scepter in Chinese Buddhism or a talisman symbolizing power and good fortune

She had not applied any powder today and only wore a thin layer of rouge on her cheeks. This made her exquisite and smooth skin appear extremely clear and radiant. She took step after step, walking in from outside the courtyard, however, her skirt did not move a single inch. Although she was relatively young, she was bewitchingly charming.

All the furens present looked at her flabbergasted. They thought in their hearts, how was the Jiang family’s di daughter who had grown up in the wild, improper. Look at that temperament, it was obviously of a noble person from the palace!

Jiang Su Su saw this scene and viciously twisted her handkerchief. She did not understand why Jiang Ruan, who had grown up in the countryside residence, would purposely have a temperament that was beyond words. Jiang Su Su would usually be the one people knew whenever the Jiang family was mentioned. However, ever since Jiang Ruan had returned, one by one, Jiang Ruan had become comparable to her. Even her beautiful face, which she took the most pride in, was no longer unparalleled. She scolded Jiang Ruan in her heart, Jiang Ruan was so young, yet every action of hers had the demeanour of a mature lady. Seeing this caused people to harbor dislike towards her.

Only when Jiang Ruan walked to the front did Gu Furen smile, “You are Jiang Ruan?”

“Ruan niang greets the Commander-in-chief’s Furen.” Jiang Ruan smiled and bowed to her.

“How do you know that I’m the Commander-in-chief’s Furen?” Gu Furen was astonished.

“I heard that the Commander-in-chief has a soldierly bearing and is willing to sacrifice himself for the country and that he has a loving marriage with his furen. Ruan niang noticed that the perfume sachet on Furen’s waist has a shield design embroidered onto it instead of flowers and presumptuously guessed it. It seems like I have made a mistake.”

Gu Furen laughed, “So it is like this. Jiang Furen, your daughter is truly both beautiful and intelligent.” She saw that Jiang Ruan not only possessed a magnanimous attitude and extraordinary bearing, she was also remarkably intelligent, and therefore, took an immediate liking to her. The only bad thing was that her appearance was too beautiful; after all if she appeared so soul-stirring at such a young age, after a few years , she would become a rare beauty. Being too beautiful was also not something good for fear that it may cause trouble.

As she thought about this, all the other furens in the courtyard had already started conversing with this Jiang family’s Eldest Young Miss who had suddenly appeared. Jiang Ruan greeted them one by one, her smile was warm and although she could not hear what Jiang Ruan said, she was actually having a pleasant conversation with all the furens. Within a short span of time, she had gained a favourable impression in the hearts of many. Even the critical Assistant Minister’s Furen, upon seeing Jiang Ruan, was unable to maintain a cold face.

It was very likely that if Jiang Su Su did not grit her teeth till it broke into pieces, the hatred in her heart would obviously be incessant. After a while, Cai Que and Du Juan supported Old Madame out. Everyone present stood up to greet her. Old Jiang Madame smiled in reply. She looked very energetic and no longer showed the feebleness from the past few days she had spent on the sickbed. After seeing Jiang Ruan, a profound expression appeared in Old Jiang Madame’s eyes. Cai Que then supported her to sit in the main seat of the hall. The furens present then began to give out their presents.

Momo ordered a servant to keep all the presents to the side. Jiang Quan had also arrived, bringing Jiang Li and Jiang Dan with him. Jiang Chao was also following them, and upon seeing Old Jiang Madame, he stepped forward and said, “Grandson wishes zumu to live till a ripe age and be healthy and prosperous.”

He was wearing a blue robe and his whole demeanor appeared to be jubilant. There was not a trace of the gloomy look from a few days ago and those who did not know began to be suspicious if the earlier rumors were actually true. Jiang Chao retrieved a wooden case that was as tall as a chair from behind him and passed it forward, “This is the gift that grandson has prepared.”

Everyone looked curiously at that wooden case, as Old Jiang Madame smiled and ordered Cai Que to open the box. Cai Que followed her orders and after opening the box, she carefully lifted a Buddha made of white jade out of the case. The Buddha was carved to look lifelike- the eyes and brows looked lively, as if it was alive. The most precious part was that it was carved from a whole square piece of white jade of the best quality. The Buddha carving was definitely not cheap. Everyone was astonished and Jiang Chao said, “As soons as grandson saw this Buddha, I immediately found it familiar. After looking at it closely, I thought, isn’t this zumu? (he’s trying to say that his grandmother is like Buddha). Therefore, grandson bought it. I only wish that Buddha will bless zumu with good health.”

His words were cleverly thought of, and Old Jiang Madame scolded with a smile, “Saying that I’m like Buddha, nonsense!”

Jiang Li let out an unsightly sneer; Jiang Chao had all the methods at his fingertips when it came to currying favour with Old Jiang Madame. He specifically looked for nice things to say and so it followed that Old Jiang Madame always accepted the same pattern of behavior from him.

With Jiang Chao starting the whole thing, Jiang Su Su also stood up, her lips curled and said, “Elder Brother’s present is so good, Su niang really does not have the face to take my own gift out.”

“Younger Sister please don’t say this,” Jiang Chao scratched his head, “My gift has always been lacking in comparison to yours.”

“Stop arguing back and forth already,” Xia Yan smiled. “Su’er take out your birthday present for zumu to take a look.”

Jiang Su Su ordered a servant girl to present a small box made from sandalwood. The box itself looked exquisite. Hu Die, together with Qing Ting, opened it and presented the item from within.

It was a huge roll of double-sided embroidery of hundreds of ‘shous(long life)’ sewn onto it. Without talking about the embroidery, just based on the thought and effort, it was enough to shock everyone.

An example of Shou pattern

Jiang Su Su lowered her head and modestly said, “Su niang was rushing for time and embroidered it badly, therefore I could only sew it to look like this. Zumu please do not dislike it.”

The embroidery was exquisite, the colours of the pattern matched to look bright and yet elegant. The words were also meticulously embroidered, not a strand was loose, and the onlookers were unable to find a fault in the needlework at first glance. If taken to the embroidery department in the palace, it would even be considered of top quality. Jiang Su Su was indeed talented, and in terms of embroidery, she could definitely be named as the capital’s absolute best. The filial piety and modesty of hers immediately caused many of the furens present to have high praises.

Old Jiang Madame smiled too, “With Su’er’s thoughts, you’ve put in much more effort than your brother.”

Jiang Chao laughed, “he he”, but did not say anything. Jiang Su Su looked towards Jiang Ruan, “Da Jiejie, what present have you prepared for grandmother? It can’t possibly be hidden any longer. Quickly let us see it”