Spring Message in the Snow – CH 017

Chapter 17

The next day, Surou dressed herself meticulously. Entering a household like the Duke of Wen’s mansion, one must first be dignified, neither too deliberate nor too extravagant. A jade-colored jacket, a red rattan skirt, a light layer of powder, and a neat bun. Standing before the mirror, she saw that this outfit suited her well, befitting her status, and overall exuding a reliable and honest air.

After everything was prepared, she went to Suihua Garden to inform the Grand Madam. The Grand Madam was speaking with Lady Yuan and Lady Ling when she saw her arrive. Turning around, she asked, “Are you going now?”

Surou replied, “Yes, I will explain in detail to Grandmother when I return.”

The Grand Madam said, “Good,” then added, “Be sure to be careful in your words and actions.”

Lady Yuan, who was nearby, laughed and said, “Grand Madam, have you forgotten that Second Young Lady returned from the Forbidden City? She’s met the Emperor and the Empress Dowager. Can she not handle a mere princess?”

Surou smiled, bowed slightly to them, and withdrew from Suihua Garden.

At the bottom of the steps outside the gate, the carriage was already prepared. The accompanying maids stood waiting in front of the carriage. Upon seeing them arrive, they brought over footstools and helped Surou and Quelan into the carriage. The servant maneuvered the horse, urging it to move slowly. Quelan tilted her head and asked Surou, “Why did the Grand Madam not assign an elder to accompany the young lady to visit the Duke’s mansion?”

Surou leaned against the carriage railing. The summer carriage doors were carved with openwork flowers, allowing the gentle breeze to drift in. A short, newly grown strand of hair clung to her temple, unable to be combed into her hair, swaying in the wind and tickling her cheek. She stepped through the door and looked ahead, saying softly, “The Duke of Wen’s Mansion sent someone to deliver a message that day, specifically for me. Naturally, I should go and return the greeting myself today. Besides, I am not like those noble ladies in the capital, pampered since childhood. If I were to return home after leaving the palace and have my elders preside over the ceremony, would that not make me look bad?”

Quelan nodded. “That’s true. After considering it, I realize there are no suitable elders in the family to accompany you, young lady. The old lady’s involvement would be too much of a fuss; the First Madam and the Third Madam are a separate entity, and our Madam is a stepmother… Thinking about it this way, it’s more appropriate for you to go alone, young lady.”

Yes, she’d gotten used to it over the years. Her time in the Forbidden City had not taught her anything else, except the courage to forge her own path. Being a palace servant was not about sticking to one place and working your way up; that world was intricate and interconnected. To navigate the Forbidden City smoothly, one had to deal with all sorts of people. When she first entered, she was shy and afraid to speak to anyone, finding everyone frightening. Now, she spoke fluently to people and casually to strangers, unafraid to feign friendliness, offering warm greetings and even acting as a sister to elderly women without any hesitation.

However, the scenery of the capital was truly endless, each stretch offering its own unique beauty. The wide and vast Bian River meandered through the city, bustling with merchant ships, while porters hurried along the docks. Rows of painted buildings lined the riverbanks, and stalls along the fragrant brick streets sold everything from clothing and paintings to rare artifacts, jewelry, and flowers—a vibrant and lively scene of everyday life.

Surou, thoroughly enjoying the sights, said enviously, “Quelan, let’s pick a day and go out for a stroll too.”

Quelan exclaimed, “Great! There are too few shops on this road. If we want to shop, we should go to the Central Market District. There are many restaurants and silk shops there… Last time, the Grand Madam said she wanted to buy some clothes for the young lady. Let’s pick them out ourselves; they will suit your tastes better than what the manor buys.”

The two chatted and laughed, their horses’ hooves lightly tapping the road. A little further on, they reached East Ji’er Lane.

The Duke of Wen’s residence was located east of Chenhui Gate, the first house in the lane. It was a large and imposing mansion. Although the Duke of Wen had married the Princess, he himself had genuine merit and therefore did not rely on his wife for his rise to power, nor was there any question of female dominance. Princess Huayang, like any married woman who followed her husband, lived a stable and secure life as the head of the household. This was why the mansion was called the Duke of Wen’s Mansion, not the Princess’s Mansion.

Finally, they arrived at the gate. Alighting from the carriage, they noticed the gate tower was three feet higher than that of ordinary mansions—a special regulation for noble families. Surou handed her name tag to the gatekeeper, asking him to go in and announce her arrival. The gatekeeper immediately plastered on a polite smile and bowed, saying, “Lady Zhang has arrived? Her Highness has instructed that Lady Zhang need not be announced; she can enter directly.”

She beckoned, and a capable-looking maidservant immediately came forward and bowed. “Her Highness instructed me to wait here for Lady Zhang. Please follow me.”

Families that valued etiquette were always well-received. The Princess clearly intended to hire a female tutor for her daughter; even before any progress was made, she was already showing respect for teachers.

The maidservant led the way, with Surou and Quelan following behind. Along the way, they observed that the layout of the Duke’s Mansion was unlike that of ordinary residences in the capital; it possessed a refined and elegant beauty reminiscent of Jiangnan. For example, the use of water and stone was ingenious, and the wooden corridors and verandas exuded a leisurely charm. Passing through the moon gate, one saw a uniquely decorated flower hall. A servant led them inside, gesturing with her hands, “Please, Lady Zhang, have a seat. This servant will immediately send someone to inform Her Highness.”

Surou tucked her hands behind her back and thanked her. From then on, she could no longer look around but simply sat quietly with her eyes lowered. Even when she occasionally heard the laughter of girls coming from the courtyard, she would not lift her eyelids. This was a skill honed over many years in the Forbidden City—never curious, never concerned with worldly affairs.

After a while, she heard a series of footsteps approaching. Two figures walked behind a finely polished jade screen, and a gentle voice called out, “Lady Zhang.” Surou stood up, raised her hands and eyebrows in a respectful bow, and introduced herself respectfully: “This gentlelady, Zhang, greets Her Highness the Princess.”

That was how people of high status were; they first assessed whether you were worthy of being treated well before even befriending you. Her caution naturally earned her the Princess’s courteous treatment.

The Princess smiled and said, “Our two families have a long-standing relationship. Lady Zhang, there’s no need for such formalities.” She then introduced the girl beside her, “This is my daughter, Sujie. The Emperor has bestowed upon her the title of Princess of Jinxiang County. Lady Zhang is no outsider, so please address her by her given name from now on.”

This showed that she had immediately recognized the tutor’s worth and thus could address her by her given name. Surou bowed slightly before raising her eyes. Princess Huayang was a graceful noblewoman; her privileged background had instilled in her an air of elegance, an innate nobility that could not be cultivated later in life.

The princess beside her was about the same age as Surou, petite and charming, with two delicate dimples at the corners of her lips when she smiled. A girl who had never experienced hardship was like the finest jade—transparent, beautiful, and immaculate. Hearing her mother introduce her, Sujie smiled shyly at Surou. “Lady Zhang, I’ve heard my mother mention you before.”

Surou maintained her polite smile and curtsied to the county princess. The princess warmly invited her, “Do not just stand there talking; please sit down!”

Soon, everyone was seated. Maids filed in, clearing away the previously served tea and arranging twelve teacups, preparing seven different teas.

This was the etiquette for entertaining distinguished guests. The Princess smiled and said, “The Imperial Palace just bestowed upon me these small dragon-shaped tea cakes; please try them, Lady Zhang. Speaking of the Imperial Palace, we’ve actually met before. This spring, at the Emperor’s birthday banquet, I remember Lady Zhang was there. I wonder if Lady Zhang remembers me?”

Surou said, “I accompanied Consort Xiuyuan to the banquet and had the honor of witnessing Your Highness’s elegance.”

The Princess, being a cheerful person, covered her mouth and laughed, “I’ve always heard that Lady Zhang is composed in her actions, but I did not expect her to be so eloquent. A few days ago, upon learning that the young lady had returned home, I told Sujie that we must invite her to our residence.”

Surou slightly bowed and said, “I should have visited Your Highness and the County Princess much earlier, but due to my father’s enshrinement in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, it has been delayed until now. Today, I have come specifically to apologize to Your Highness and the County Princess.”

The Princess waved her hand and said, “Lady Zhang, you flatter me. Being enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple is a matter of utmost importance. If we were to blame the young lady for this, would that not be unreasonable? Besides, the young lady has already completed the enshrinement ceremony. The fact that someone was sent with a visiting card shows how much the young lady cares about our manor. Sujie and I are very grateful for your kindness.”

As she spoke, the maid placed the prepared tea in front of Surou. The Princess smiled and said, “The maid’s technique is not quite right; it may not suit the young lady’s palate. Please forgive her.” She paused, then added, “Since you are here, I will not beat around the bush. We already had the servants convey our message last time. Sujie is my and the Duke’s only daughter; she’s usually spoiled and has a rather eccentric temper. We urgently need a talented and virtuous female tutor to teach her manners and etiquette, to cultivate her character, and to refine her temperament. The young lady has spent ten years in the palace; I’ve inquired, and everyone in the palace speaks highly of her. Her return home this time is a perfect opportunity for us. I was thinking of inviting her to my residence to teach, so that Sujie can also benefit from her instruction.”

Surou understood the Princess’s meaning, but she remembered her grandmother’s words: in dealing with such noble families, one must never presume to be a female tutor. The county princess was the most noble of noble ladies; if she was well-educated, it was due to her intelligence and wit; if she was poorly educated, the responsibility lay entirely with the female tutor. If a rift developed in the future, no one could bear the consequences.

But to refuse would be ungrateful, so she considered her words and said, “Your Highness is too kind. I have only learned a little in the palace, and I dare not accept such kindness. There are many experienced palace attendants in the capital. I am young and inexperienced, and I may be inconsiderate in some ways. If you do not mind, Princess, I can accompany you in some leisurely pursuits to relieve your boredom.”

Before she could finish speaking, the county princess interjected, repeatedly saying she did not mind at all, “Lady Zhang, you do not know how formidable those older women are. One wrong word, and they will go and badmouth me to my mother, causing her to scold me. A few days ago, I heard my mother was going to invite Lady Zhang over, and I was quite apprehensive. But today, meeting you, I feel an instant connection. We are close in age; I am sure we will get along very well.”

This lively and cheerful girl was never hesitant to express her thoughts. Seeing her frankness and directness, Surou felt a growing fondness for the county princess.

The Princess was delighted and teased, “It’s truly rare to find someone our county princess approves of. Lady Zhang will get to know her temperament better as she spends more time with her; she’s unruly and arrogant. Finding her a good teacher and friend is harder than finding an imperial tutor.” She then instructed the county princess, “You must be obedient. Lady Zhang comes from a prestigious family; she’s not like your previous tutor. You must be self-disciplined, speak politely, and absolutely avoid being willful or offending her.”

The county princess, as if she had found a playmate, readily agreed, “I very much like Lady Zhang. Since I like her, how could I offend her?” She winked at her. “Lady Zhang, you are a few years older than I am. May I call you ‘elder sister’ from now on? Always calling you ‘Lady’ makes it seem distant.”

Surou smiled, pursing her lips. “If Your Highness does not mind, I will presume.” She then turned to the Princess and said, “I am the second child in my family. My given name is Surou. Your Highness, please call me by my name as well.”

The Princess, standing nearby, was delighted. “Surou, Sujie… your names sound like sisters.” Clearly, their bond was growing stronger.

They chatted amiably for a while longer before Surou rose to take her leave.

The county princess, somewhat reluctant to part, pressed, “Sister, when will you come again? Tomorrow?”

Surou replied gently, “If I do not come one day, I will definitely send word to the county princess in advance. Does the county princess like flower arranging? I learned some flower arranging techniques at the Forbidden City. I will demonstrate for you tomorrow, alright?”

Her tone was soft and persuasive. The county princess, who was not particularly fond of such delicate sentimentality, found it more appealing after Surou’s words and quickly agreed. “I love flower arranging. I learned from Madam Fu before. Madam Fu’s flower baskets were huge and so beautifully arranged.”

Surou smiled and said, “Please have the county princess see them tomorrow. I think my arrangement is just like Madam Fu’s.” She then curtsied to the Princess, “Then I will take my leave.”

The Princess agreed. Because the county princess was so interested in her, she naturally held her in high regard and quickly told her personal maid, “See Lady Zhang out for me.”

After exchanging pleasantries, Surou and Quelan withdrew from the inner courtyard.

Outside, the sun was blazing. The carriage was parked under the shade of a tree across the street. Quelan held up a silk umbrella to shield her from the sun. She had only taken a few steps when she heard someone call out “Lady Zhang” behind her.

Surou assumed the Princess had some further instructions and turned around. Her face initially held a light smile, but upon seeing who it was, the smile gradually cooled.

T/N: It’s him! It’s him! It must be the ML!