Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 312 - 310. Bai Family’s legitimate daughter, Autumn gathering
310. Bai Family’s Eldest Daughter, Autumn Gathering
Just before noon, Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun consciously took their leave. Before departing, Madam Sun invited Ye Li to attend a women’s gathering called the Autumn Flower Meeting, to be held in two days in the Capital City. Although the imminent change of rulers in Xiling Imperial City was no secret, not all influential figures in the imperial city locked themselves up at home. Instead, social gatherings became more frequent. Heads of households and the Madams of Houses would gather to probe each other’s strategies and intentions. Close relatives would take the opportunity to discuss their escape routes; all these required various feasts. After all, although the Emperor of Xiling was about to move south, most of the power in Xiling City was still in the hands of the imperial family. In particular, those with ulterior motives lacked the courage to openly visit Prince Ding as the Bai Family and the Sun Family did.
Ye Li had a good impression of the free-spirited Madam Sun and understood that the true intention behind the so-called Autumn Flower Meeting was certainly not just about enjoying flowers. After all, there weren’t many flowers to see in Xiling’s autumn. After thoughtful consideration, she agreed. Madam Sun was delighted and bid her farewell as well.
Bai Yuncheng, who was nearby, overheard this. He would have to act on his plans as soon as possible, he secretly calculated.
When Bai Yuncheng returned to his mansion, Madam Bai, who had been waiting, immediately rushed to greet him, asking anxiously, "My Lord, have you seen Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding?"
Bai Yuncheng nodded. Seeing this, Madam Bai’s face brightened with joy. "Then our... um..."
Bai Yuncheng interrupted with a cold hum, "A bunch of failures! Things don’t look too good."
These words made Madam Bai shudder. Among the servants sent over a few days earlier were three concubine’s sons and daughters of the Bai Family. "This... Prince Ding is so ruthless. However, many families are sending people over there these days. Why did only our..." Madam Bai didn’t finish her sentence. Although those sent out were from the Bai Family, they were not her own children. Naturally, she had no concern for them; what worried her more was whether Prince Ding had any dissatisfaction with the Bai Family.
Bai Yuncheng frowned, pondering for a moment before saying somewhat uncertainly, "Perhaps... Prince Ding found out their identities? Is that why he was displeased?" As a Family Head, Bai Yuncheng naturally understood some of the taboos of those in power.
Madam Bai sighed helplessly. "This was indeed too simplistic of us. The shadow guards of Prince Ding’s Mansion are well-informed; it’s likely they couldn’t be fooled..."
However, she didn’t know that while Prince Ding’s Mansion could certainly investigate and find out, the people sent by the Bai Family were simply unlucky enough to have unfortunately crossed Mo Xiuyao. They died mysteriously without even being seen.
"When I went to pay my respects to Prince Ding today, I happened to run into that woman from the Sun Family." Thinking of Madam Sun’s smile as she left, Bai Yuncheng’s expression darkened further.
Madam Bai’s expression also changed. Many noblewomen in Xiling Imperial City had always looked down on Madam Sun. Or perhaps, it was more accurate to say they were jealous of her. As a woman, she was able to manage the family business like a man. When the Sun Family Head was alive, he had no concubines or secondary concubines in his chambers. So, when the Sun Family Head passed away, countless women in Xiling City secretly gloated and snickered. However, Madam Sun did not fall into the decline they had expected. Instead, as a woman, she single-handedly supported the entire Sun Family, even making it more prosperous than before. How could this not make Madam Bai, who was confined to the harem, feel both envious and resentful?
"That woman... why did she go to see Prince Ding? Could it be..." Madam Bai said sharply.
Seeing his wife’s expression, Bai Yuncheng knew she was thinking along the wrong lines. However, he was in no mood to explain on Madam Sun’s behalf and simply said in a low voice, "Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding both have a rather favorable impression of Ms. Yu of Sun Family. Moreover, Princess Consort Ding has agreed to attend the Autumn Flower Meeting in two days."
Madam Bai, who was not entirely clueless, asked softly, "My Lord means...?"
Bai Yuncheng said solemnly, "In two days, you will go too. You must gain Princess Consort Ding’s favor. Also... take Ning’er with you."
"My Lord..." Madam Bai frowned at Bai Yuncheng, hesitating for a moment before saying, "Trying to gain favor through Princess Consort Ding, I’m afraid, won’t be easy." Even though she wasn’t very knowledgeable about external affairs, as a woman, she understood a woman’s heart far better than a man like Bai Yuncheng. If they wanted to send a woman from the Bai Family into Prince Ding’s Mansion, going through Princess Consort Ding was absolutely not going to work. Prince Ding and the Princess Consort were deeply devoted to each other; in their many years of marriage, Prince Ding had never taken a concubine. Princess Consort Ding would never appreciate a woman who wanted to enter Prince Ding’s Mansion to compete for her husband.
Bai Yuncheng, however, dismissed her concerns. "Madam, you are overthinking things. I met Princess Consort Ding today. Although she is exceptionally beautiful, our Ning’er is by no means inferior. Moreover, Princess Consort Ding comes from the esteemed Xu family; how could she not understand the duties of a wife? Most women in Xiling are arrogant and domineering, whereas our Ning’er is gentle and submissive. The Princess Consort will naturally look upon her favorably. If Prince Ding wants to stabilize Xiling quickly, he will inevitably have to marry a noblewoman from Xiling as a Secondary Consort to reassure the Xiling nobility."
The Bai Family had a history of producing imperial consorts and concubines through the generations, and their men were not entirely incompetent. At least when it came to seizing opportunities to present their women to those in power, the Bai Family members were quite experienced.
The Mo Family Army had just occupied Xiling, so it was natural for the populace to be apprehensive. And since it was clear Prince Ding could not remain in Xiling Imperial City for long, marrying the daughter of a Xiling noble as a Secondary Consort to pacify the people was inevitable. In Bai Yuncheng’s view, the most suitable candidate was, of course, a daughter from the Bai Family.
Madam Bai sighed helplessly. How could she explain this to her husband? The more formidable a woman, the less likely she was to tolerate other women around her husband. But then again, considering her own daughters were raised according to the standards for imperial empresses and consorts, perhaps there wouldn’t be a problem?
"Young Miss." A maid’s voice came from outside the door, announcing a respectful greeting.
Before the words had fully faded, a beautiful woman in vibrant, elegant attire slowly stepped into the hall. She bowed gracefully to Bai Yuncheng and Madam Bai, saying, "Ning’er greets Father, Mother."
In terms of sheer beauty, this woman wasn’t necessarily a peerless stunner. She was, at least, a shade less captivating than Su Zuidie, who had also once resided with the Bai Family, though she was comparable to the former Princess Ling Yun. However, with her dark brows, star-like eyes, and delicately rouged lips curved into a gentle smile, she was far more approachable than the arrogant Princess Ling Yun. This woman was Bai Qingning, the Bai Family’s only legitimate daughter of this generation still awaiting marriage.
Seeing her daughter, a hint of affection flashed in Madam Bai’s eyes. She quickly helped her up and asked, "Ning’er, what brings you here?"
Bai Qingning replied with a sweet smile, "Daughter heard that Father had returned from visiting Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding, so I came to pay my respects. Did Father truly see Princess Consort Ding?"
Seeing his most beloved youngest daughter, Bai Yuncheng’s expression softened somewhat. He nodded and smiled, "Yes, Daddy indeed saw Princess Consort Ding."
"Then..." Bai Qingning asked curiously, "They say Princess Consort Ding is one of the foremost heroines in the world. What is she truly like?"
Bai Yuncheng shook his head and sighed, "Princess Consort Ding... is indeed an absolute beauty. Prince Ding is truly fortunate."
His words were no exaggeration. Most women in the world were delicate flowers of the boudoir; those who could manage the inner household well were already considered virtuous. If they could also interfere in external affairs, they were often seen as headstrong. As for those who could lead troops on the battlefield, in the public’s mind, they were probably akin to female demons or she-devils. Yet, this Princess Consort Ding was remarkably adept at both the political affairs of Prince Ding’s Mansion and warfare on the battlefield. Even more rarely, she possessed a refined, elegant, gentle, and seemingly delicate appearance. It was no wonder Prince Ding cherished her like a treasure in his palm.
Bai Qingning’s eyes flickered, and she asked softly, "Does that mean Princess Consort Ding is even more beautiful than Aunt Bai Long?" Su Zuidie had once briefly stayed with the Bai Family, and Bai Qingning, having seen her several times during palace visits, had always considered her the most uniquely beautiful woman in the world. Even though Bai Qingning was proud of her own looks, she knew she couldn’t compare. Could it be that Princess Consort Ding was even more beautiful, and that was why Prince Ding was so deeply devoted to her?
Bai Yuncheng shook his head and smiled. "Not quite. Princess Consort Ding is beautiful, but my Ning’er is by no means inferior."
"Is that so?" Bai Qingning lowered her eyes, replying somewhat distractedly.
Bai Yuncheng regarded his daughter with satisfaction and instructed with a smile, "Ning’er, go and prepare yourself well. In two days, you will accompany your mother to the Autumn Flower Meeting."
Bai Qingning paused. "The Autumn Flower Meeting?"
"Precisely." Bai Yuncheng stroked his beard and chuckled. "Isn’t Ning’er curious about what Princess Consort Ding looks like? Princess Consort Ding will also be attending the Autumn Flower Meeting in two days. Ning’er will have the chance to meet her then. Isn’t that wonderful?"
Bai Qingning’s eyes lit up. She nodded with a smile and said, "Father is right. Princess Consort Ding is a role model for all ladies in the realm. If Daughter could meet her, it would indeed be a truly great fortune."
Bai Yuncheng smiled. "Excellent, then. Go on, Ning’er."
「Two days later」
The Autumn Flower Meeting was held in the largest flower garden in the southwest of Xiling Imperial City. It was said this garden originally belonged to the Xiling imperial family but was later gifted to a certain prince. When that princely mansion declined, the imperial family did not reclaim it; instead, it passed into civilian hands. Only in the last decade or so did it come into the Sun Family’s possession. Although, compared to the floral abundance of Great Chu, there were not many famous flowers to admire in Xiling at this time of year, the noble ladies attending the flower meeting still arrived in an endless stream, even more numerous than in previous years.
At the garden entrance, Madam Sun had already been waiting with her attendants for some time. The passing noblewomen had naturally heard that the Sun Family had now allied themselves with Prince Ding’s Mansion. Given Madam Sun’s status, it was self-evident for whom she was personally waiting at the gate. Many others who harbored similar intentions, and were now wringing their wrists for being a step too slow, also waited by the entrance with Madam Sun.
Ye Li was always punctual and disliked making others wait for her at the gate for extended periods. Therefore, it wasn’t long before the carriage from Prince Ding’s Mansion appeared around the street corner. Flanking it on all sides were mounted guards of the Black Cloud Cavalry in black attire. The carriage itself, nestled among the Black Cloud Cavalry, was simple and unadorned, unlike the typically luxurious carriages of the imperial family or other princely houses.
When the carriage stopped at the garden entrance, Madam Sun quickly led her people forward to greet them, smiling. "Lady Hui respectfully welcomes Your Highness, the Princess Consort."
Qin Feng, walking on the left side of the carriage, dismounted and drew back the curtain. All the noblewomen craned their necks, eager to see what Princess Consort Ding looked like. But the first to emerge was a figure in white—white robes, white hair, and a coolly handsome face. Who else could it be but Prince Ding?
Prince Ding leaped down from the carriage, then turned back, extending his hand towards the interior with a smile. "Ah-Li, we’ve arrived."
He reached in to help Ye Li out. Before she could jump down herself, he smoothly scooped her up by the waist and gently set her on the ground.
Seeing Mo Xiuyao, Madam Sun was somewhat taken aback. Today’s flower meeting was supposed to be for ladies only, but no one would dare prevent Prince Ding from entering. She approached hesitantly. "Your Highness, Princess Consort, this..."
Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively. "I am merely escorting the Princess Consort. I must go to the palace immediately to see the Xiling Emperor, so I won’t disturb Madam Sun further."
Upon hearing this, Madam Sun secretly sighed in relief. There were quite a few influential figures in Xiling who harbored certain intentions towards Prince Ding, and many young, unmarried women were attending today’s flower meeting. If Prince Ding were present, it would likely cause some trouble.
Mo Xiuyao didn’t look at anyone else, lowering his head to speak softly to Ye Li, "Ah-Li, I’ll come pick you up after I leave the palace, alright?"
Ye Li nodded with a touch of resignation. She hadn’t been sleeping well these past few days, and her appetite was poor. Mo Xiuyao treated her like a porcelain doll, as if she would break at the slightest touch. With a soft sigh, Ye Li reached out to straighten his collar. "Take care of yourself. I’ll wait for you."
Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao couldn’t help but break into a smile. Ah-Li had been in low spirits for several days and hadn’t spoken to him so tenderly in quite a while. Was she feeling better now? "I know. Ah-Li, you be careful too. I’m heading to the palace now."
He was unaware that his smile had caused the hearts of many young maidens present to flutter. Mo Xiuyao’s features were refined and handsome, yet his expression often carried a faint air of indifference. But this smile, heartfelt and devoid of any pretense, made him appear all the more exceptionally dashing and captivating.
After giving a few more instructions to Ye Li and Qin Feng, who stood beside her, Mo Xiuyao mounted a horse and rode off with his men.
Nearby, Madam Sun covered her mouth and chuckled. "The Prince and Princess Consort are truly devoted to each other. I wonder how many women in the world envy such a bond."
Ye Li smiled faintly. "You flatter me, Madam. Is this your lovely daughter?"
Beside Madam Sun stood a richly attired little girl of about seven or eight years old. She resembled Madam Sun by seventy to eighty percent, yet seemed to possess an even greater delicacy. Her large, bright eyes stared at Ye Li with curiosity, but when Ye Li looked her way, she quickly hid behind Madam Sun.
Madam Sun gently pulled the girl out from behind her, laughing. "Indeed, she is. This is my little daughter, Sun Xiaofu. Fu’er, come and pay your respects to the Princess Consort."
The little girl looked at Ye Li curiously, took a step forward, and said in a clear, crisp voice, "Xiaofu greets Your Highness."
Ye Li smiled warmly, gently stroking the child’s hair. "Good girl, there’s no need for such formality." After a moment’s thought, she removed a purple pearl pendant she was wearing and offered it to Sun Xiaofu as a meeting gift. Sun Xiaofu glanced timidly at her mother. Only after Madam Sun nodded did she accept it, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness."
Seeing Princess Consort Ding’s gesture, the smile on Madam Sun’s face grew even more delighted. It wasn’t easy for a widow like her to manage the family business. The value of Princess Consort Ding’s gift itself was not important; what mattered was that it subtly conveyed the stance of Prince Ding’s Mansion.
Indeed, the gazes of the noblewomen present now held a greater warmth when they looked at Madam Sun. Even those who typically disdained her status as a merchant and a widow now regarded her with more consideration.
"Tea and refreshments have been prepared inside. Princess Consort, please enter," Madam Sun said with a smile.
Ye Li smiled faintly. "After you, Madam."
The group followed Ye Li and Madam Sun into the flower garden, and the area outside the gate instantly became much quieter.
Not far from the main gate, a carriage was parked by the roadside. Inside sat Madam Bai and her eldest legitimate daughter, Bai Qingning. They had just arrived when they saw the carriage from Prince Ding’s Mansion approaching, so they naturally had to pull aside and let it pass first.
"Ning’er?" Madam Bai asked with concern, noticing her daughter seemed somewhat lost in thought.
Bai Qingning looked up. "Was that Prince Ding just now?"
Madam Bai nodded. "Legend says Prince Ding has a full head of white hair. It must have been him."
Bai Qingning nodded and sighed softly. "I never imagined... Prince Ding would be so young. It’s just a pity about his white hair..." If not for that white hair, what magnificent grace would Prince Ding possess with flowing black locks?
Inside the flower garden, Madam Sun accompanied Ye Li on a leisurely stroll. Although it was early winter in Xiling and no natural flowers were in bloom, the Sun Family had still decorated the entire garden beautifully. Many areas were adorned with silk flowers, creating a vibrant scene of red blossoms among green foliage, full of life.
As the weather had turned somewhat chilly, the banquet was moved from the open garden to a Water Pavilion in a corner of the grounds. The Water Pavilion was open on all four sides, veiled only by thin gauze, allowing those seated inside to enjoy food and drink while clearly viewing the song and dance performances outside.
Ye Li was naturally invited to take the seat of honor. Although among the noblewomen present were not a few wives of high officials, or even imperial princesses and Commendary Princesses, everyone knew that the Imperial City had already changed masters. The beautiful woman before them, in her simple yet elegant teal attire, exuding a subtle radiance, was to be the future mistress of this Imperial City. Thus, no one felt any displeasure.
Once host and guests were seated, Ye Li surveyed the assembly. Although she recognized almost no one, she could discern a few things from their attire alone. It seemed Madam Sun was indeed quite adept at managing her affairs; many of these guests were not individuals a mere merchant would typically have the status to invite.
Seeing that many seemed somewhat reserved, Ye Li offered a gentle smile. "Please, everyone, don’t mind me. It is a pleasure for us to gather today. Do enjoy yourselves."
But even though she said so, how could these noblewomen, each with their own hidden agendas, truly relax and be unrestrained?
Madam Sun smiled. "Her Highness speaks rightly. If there are any shortcomings in our hospitality today, I pray all the ladies and young misses will be indulgent."
Everyone quickly exchanged polite remarks, and the atmosphere gradually became more congenial. Many were surreptitiously observing Princess Consort Ding, seated at the head. She appeared to be not yet twenty, her features as lovely as a painting, exuding a clear, graceful beauty. Every gesture seemed to carry a subtle, noble radiance that made one reluctant to look away. Such elegance made her seem like a highborn lady stepping out of an ancient scroll painting, making it difficult to reconcile this image with the legendary heroine capable of commanding on the battlefield. After this scrutiny, many who had initially planned to send their own daughters into Prince Ding’s Mansion felt their hopes dwindle. In terms of looks, Xiling women were generally somewhat inferior to those from Great Chu. With Princess Consort Ding possessing such beauty, what chance did their own daughters have of capturing Prince Ding’s eye?
"Princess Ling Yun has arrived! Madam Bai has arrived! Miss Bai has arrived!" a voice announced loudly from outside the Water Pavilion.
Everyone quickly rose. No matter when Xiling might relocate its capital, and regardless of their personal feelings, they were currently still subjects of Xiling. Therefore, upon Princess Ling Yun’s arrival, it was undoubtedly necessary to observe the proper etiquette due to royalty.
Princess Ling Yun, still dressed in magnificent attire and wearing an arrogant expression, strode in. Madam Bai, following behind, looked somewhat uneasy. They were well aware of the poor relations between Princess Consort Ding and Princess Ling Yun. Unfortunately, having been delayed outside, they had ended up arriving at the same time as Princess Ling Yun. They could only hope Princess Consort Ding wouldn’t take out her displeasure on them for accompanying Princess Ling Yun.
"Greetings, Your Highness!" the assembly chorused.
Princess Ling Yun merely grunted. After a glance at Ye Li, who was calmly sipping tea, she turned towards Madam Sun, her chin tilted up, her sharp eyes filled with cold fury. Clearly, she hadn’t forgotten being thrown out of the banquet a few days prior.
"Your Highness graces us with your presence. Please, take a seat," Madam Sun said with a smile.
Princess Ling Yun sneered. "I was under the impression Madam Sun intended to have me thrown out again today."
Madam Sun laughed in mock surprise. "How could that be? Who would be so reckless as to throw Princess Ling Yun out? Are they even still alive?"
Her words caused peculiar expressions to flit across the faces of those present; a few younger women couldn’t help but secretly snicker. When Princess Ling Yun had returned from Great Chu in disgrace, her temper, far from being curbed, had only worsened. The Xiling Emperor had hastily arranged a marriage for her. However, it seemed Princess Ling Yun, perhaps deeply provoked during her time away, had, in the first month of her marriage, beaten to death a secondary concubine of her Prince Consort and a young maidservant from her mother-in-law’s courtyard. The reason for killing the maidservant was merely that her mother-in-law, being ill and not wishing to see her, had instructed the maidservant to deny her entry. Because of this, the Prince Consort’s mother was so enraged she fainted on the spot and passed away within two months. This incident had become a running joke in Xiling Imperial City.
Princess Ling Yun’s face contorted, but she ultimately refrained from making a scene. She sneered, "If that’s the case, then my being barred from the gathering a few days ago—was that not Madam Sun’s instruction? Or perhaps Madam Sun wishes to see if this princess dares to take your life?!"
Madam Sun’s expression shifted slightly, and she said coolly, "Regarding the gathering Her Highness mentioned... yes, this humble one remembers. As Your Highness must be aware, it was a gathering for the unmarried young ladies of the city. While a few married ladies attended, they were all paragons of virtue, there to instruct the young ladies in etiquette and refinement. Even this humble one was not able to personally attend such an event. I wonder why Your Highness..."
She left her sentence unfinished, but the implication was more damning than if she had completed it. Princess Ling Yun was already married, possessed neither talent nor virtue; by what right did she presume to participate in such a gathering? Wasn’t this setting a bad example for the unmarried young ladies to follow?
