Yan Qing was an adept at making money. Ever since he became the steward of the Pingning Earl's mansion, the household's revenue had soared.
Before the Lunar New Year, Yan Qing had hired people to renovate the mansion's courtyards. They also refurbished the main gate and placed two stone lions to guard the entrance. The dilapidated Pingning Earl's mansion immediately took on a grand appearance.
Madam Ban was initially reluctant to spend, but Yan Qing explained that since the eldest young lady was now the Empress, it would be a disgrace to her reputation if her mother lived in a crumbling residence.
Thus, when Li Wang arrived, he was greeted by a newly renovated Pingning Earl's mansion.
He was there to deliver an invitation to the palace banquet. Along with the invitation, he brought two bolts of brocade, a set of ruby hair ornaments, and a monetary reward of two thousand taels of silver.
Upon hearing that the rewards were from the Emperor, Madam Ban became even happier.
It was natural for the Empress to bestow gifts upon her maternal family.
The Emperor personally granting these gifts signified his affection for the Empress, and by extension, her mother was also honored.
Madam Ban gratefully thanked him and offered Li Wang a heavy purse from Qiang Wei. However, Li Wang politely declined, "Madam, you flatter this servant. I dare not accept such a sum."
"How could that be? Eunuch Li is a favored official of the Emperor. If you have the opportunity, please put in a good word for the Empress with His Majesty."
Li Wang chuckled, "Madam worries unnecessarily. The Emperor and Empress share a deep affection and live together. This servant should be the one asking the Empress to speak well of him."
"Live together? How is that possible?" Madam Ban asked in disbelief.
"The Changning Palace has not yet been fully repaired, so the Empress is residing with His Majesty in the Qianyuan Hall, along with the two young princes. His Majesty said that when they were at the Prince Rui's mansion, their family of four lived similarly."
It seemed that even as Emperor, her son-in-law still cherished her daughter above all else. Madam Ban was even more delighted. She personally escorted Li Wang out, inquiring about many courtly matters. Li Wang, acting on Situ Yan's instructions, answered everything truthfully, much to Madam Ban's relief.
After Li Wang departed, Madam Ban began to fret, "The day after tomorrow is New Year's Eve. There isn't enough time to make clothes!"
Yan Qing smiled, "Don't worry, Madam. I have already prepared them for you. I will fetch them now."
Madam Ban looked at him in surprise.
Yan Qing explained, "I told you long ago that you would surely receive a palace banquet invitation, but you didn't believe me. The Empress is a filial daughter; how could she forget her mother?"
"Given the current state of the mansion, I never imagined I would have the chance to enter the palace."
Yan Qing sighed inwardly.
Madam Ban had always felt guilty towards the Empress. In the past, the Empress had deeply misunderstood her. After the misunderstanding was resolved, it was not easy to change her ways. With great effort, their relationship had somewhat repaired, and now her daughter had moved into the palace. In the future, it would be difficult to even see her.
The rewards arrived in the morning. In the evening, Zeng Weiyang returned to the mansion.
Zeng Weiyang had given birth to a daughter and had been confined to the Ning Prince's mansion for a long time. Previously, she would occasionally send messages requesting money or goods. However, ever since the Retired Emperor departed for the imperial villa and Consort Jian moved into the Ning Prince's mansion, Madam Ban had not received any news from her.
Visiting one's family was a privilege only for a principal wife. A concubine only had such an honor if she had pleased her husband.
But Situ Jue was dead, and where would Zeng Weiyang find someone to compete for favor?
If the Ning Prince's mansion's inner courtyard was not strictly guarded, she could always slip out for some fresh air. However, if the guards were tightened, it would be difficult for her to even send a letter.
"Mother," Zeng Weiyang cried out as soon as she entered the room and saw Madam Ban.
Qiang Wei immediately became wary. The second young lady and Madam did not have such a close relationship. Crying at this moment was likely a pretense of helplessness. Madam Ban knew this well. Her cheerful smile faded slightly, but she still offered a handkerchief, "Why are you so wronged? Sit down and tell me."
Zi Wei served tea and refreshments.
After crying for a while and not receiving any further words of comfort from Madam Ban, Zeng Weiyang gradually stopped crying. She choked out, "Mother, save your daughter. I truly cannot go on living."
"What is happening?"
"Since Grand Consort Jian arrived at the mansion, she has made us attend etiquette lessons every day, from morning greetings to meals. We have to stand for at least two hours a day."
Qiang Wei pouted, "Two hours is worth mentioning? What daughter-in-law doesn't do this? And you are only a concubine, second young lady."
Madam Ban glared at her, "Qiang Wei, say less."
"Weiyang, is it Grand Consort Jian who is making you attend etiquette lessons? What about the Princess Consort?"
"The Princess Consort keeps to herself within her own quarters and doesn't pay much attention to us. Her courtyard is filled with seasoned servants and guards from Huihe. She even has a small kitchen, and her provisions are purchased separately from the mansion. Who knows what unspeakable things she does hiding inside all day."
Madam Ban: "...Weiyang, a concubine who slanders the principal wife will be beaten."
Zeng Weiyang sobbed twice and began to cry again, "Mother, save your daughter. Go and beg Grand Consort Jian to let me return home for a short stay."
Madam Ban was speechless, "Never mind now, even when your father was alive, I did not have enough influence to plead with Grand Consort Jian."
"If you can't, isn't there your sister? She is the Empress now. With just one word from her, let alone a short stay, she could even arrange a new marriage for me. Mother..."