Chapter 2 The Second Day
According to custom, Consort Wei was to pay her respects to the Old Dowager, Dowager Consort Fang, and Wang Qingyao the next day, offering bows and tea.
However, since Wang Qingyao was in her confinement period, the visits would be split into two separate occasions.
Consort Wei first went to the Old Dowager’s residence, where Dowager Consort Fang had already arrived, dressed in bright attire and smiling kindly.
Consort Wei knew that this Dowager Consort Fang of the Ding'an Prince's manor was devoted to Buddhism year-round and did not involve herself in affairs, thus she was to be treated as a deity.
Rumor had it that Dowager Consort Fang had a cold disposition and would not attend any banquets unless absolutely necessary.
Seeing her beaming with smiles now, Consort Wei knew she was very fond of her.
Consort Wei couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. Look, the Old Dowager liked her, and Dowager Consort Fang also liked her. It was likely that once Wang Qingyao was gone, they would have no objections to her becoming the main consort.
Of course, even if they did have objections, it would be useless…
Consort Wei wore an expression of virtuous gentleness and a hint of forbearance. Dowager Consort Fang looked around, appearing quite puzzled, "Where is A Yun?"
Everyone else knew that Xiao Yun had not stayed in Linglong Pavilion last night, but Dowager Consort Fang was unaware. Seeing Xiao Yun absent, she assumed he had gone out early.
Consort Wei replied respectfully, "To Her Dowager Consort, His Highness is likely at Kangping Courtyard at this moment."
Dowager Consort Fang was surprised again, looking quite bewildered, "Why would he return to Kangping Courtyard so early?"
"He didn't return early; His Highness stayed in Kangping Courtyard last night."
Consort Wei said this neither subserviently nor obsequiously. Although there was a hint of grievance on her face, there was no trace of complaint.
Many servants were present in the room. Upon hearing this, they looked at Consort Wei in surprise. The consort seemed not to feel disgraced and spoke so openly, which was different from what they had imagined…
The Old Dowager glanced at Consort Wei but remained silent.
Dowager Consort Fang, however, exploded, "What? A Yun stayed in Kangping Courtyard last night?"
She instinctively looked at the Old Dowager. Seeing no expression on the Old Dowager's face, she knew the matter was true!
"Really," Dowager Consort Fang said angrily, "The Princess Consort is too inconsiderate! On such a joyous occasion, how could she let the consort be left alone in an empty room? Is she the only one who is precious because she gave birth? This is the consort's only chance in life…"
"Ahem." The Old Dowager coughed heavily, interrupting Dowager Consort Fang's complaint, "It is A Yun who is being inconsiderate; why are you blaming the Princess Consort? If A Yun wanted to come, could the Princess Consort really stop him?"
The Old Dowager's voice grew stern. Dowager Consort Fang opened her mouth but dared not continue, looking elsewhere with resentment.
Consort Wei was extremely surprised, but her expression remained perfectly composed.
This was truly an unexpected joy. So, Dowager Consort Fang did not like Wang Qingyao, her daughter-in-law!
To criticize her so unreservedly in front of the servants, it seemed their animosity ran deep!
However, the Old Dowager was quite protective of Wang Qingyao.
Consort Wei's face immediately took on a look of self-reproach. She said to Dowager Consort Fang, "Your Dowager Consort, please do not be angry. It is nothing. My marriage to His Highness began with a misunderstanding, so it is normal for His Highness to find it difficult to accept at first. Everyone outside says His Highness is deeply devoted to the Princess Consort. My former close friends were all very envious of the Princess Consort! She is still in her confinement period, and it is only right for His Highness to spend more time with her."
"Good child, you are so understanding," Dowager Consort Fang said, holding Consort Wei's hand and praising her repeatedly.
The Old Dowager also nodded and said, "The Princess Consort is still in her confinement period, so you need not go in. A bow from outside will suffice as paying your respects."
Consort Wei's heart skipped a beat. She couldn't figure out if the Old Dowager was showing concern for her or for Wang Qingyao.
However, she naturally would not voice any objection and nodded obediently.
She respectfully kowtowed to the Old Dowager and Dowager Consort Fang and offered them tea, then took her attendants to Kangping Courtyard.
A consort was not allowed to wear bright red. Today was the second day of Consort Wei's marriage, and she knew that some concubines would deliberately wear a date-red color, similar to bright red, to provoke the main consort.
Consort Wei disdained such petty squabbles. She wore a goose-yellow skirt embroidered with peony patterns, which was both elegant and refined, and dignified and graceful. As she walked, the golden hair ornaments on her head swayed slightly, exuding an air of nobility.
When she arrived at the entrance of Kangping Courtyard, the maids guarding the door had been specifically instructed by Yin Zhu the day before not to let her in, only to send someone to announce her arrival.
Liuxing's face showed anger. It was one thing to block her, but they even dared to block the consort!
Consort Wei was neither hurried nor annoyed, standing tall with a faint smile on her face.
Soon, Yin Zhu personally came over. Liuxing immediately curried favor, "Sister, it's you."
Yin Zhu glanced at her and gave a toothy, perfunctory smile, "Yes, it's me." She then said to Consort Wei, "Consort, our Princess Consort invites you in."
"Thank you, young lady," Consort Wei said politely.
Yin Zhu led Consort Wei to the middle of the courtyard and stopped her from proceeding further.
"Consort, please wait a moment," Yin Zhu said before entering the house.
Liuxing whispered, "Your Highness, what trick is the Princess Consort playing?"
Consort Wei gave a cold laugh. What other trick could it be but to deliberately keep her waiting, making her stand in the sun for a longer time?
July was the hottest month, and the sun was already high in the sky early in the morning. Standing for an hour or two would be most arduous.