Mutually Inviting, Welcoming Mid-Autumn
The Grand Elder Princess was Jing Wan’s adoptive mother, and her status also couldn’t be more noble, having both talent and virtue[1], so naturally the best candidate for adding the hairpin for Jing Wan. If one were to skip over her and choose someone else, the Grand Elder Princes would probably be unhappy, so there was no need to worry about the other party not agreeing.
Luo Old Madam nodded her head in approval, turning her head towards Jing Wan who was sitting next to her, “Remember to go pay your respects to the Grand Elder Princess.”
Jing Wan smilingly nodded her head, “Once the date is selected, I will go pay my respect to adoptive mother.” Although in the three days prior to the ceremony, one will formally send out the invitations, secretly informing in advance was also necessary.
“The yousi[2] and zanzhe[3], Wan Wan you can just decide on yourself.”
Towards the agenda of the coming-of-age ceremony, Jing Wan was very clear about. When they were at Qi’an Fu, she’d seen quite a few, and also participated as a zanzhe before, “Grandmother, the yousi, is it selecting one person or three people?”
Luo Old Madam helplessly smiled, “How come Wan Wan is asking this kind of silly question?”
Jing Wan silently shut her mouth. It was indeed stupid. For some things, when the status and rank wasn’t enough, doing it would just be putting on airs, but when the status and rank was there, doing it was only proper. If one doesn’t do, others would instead feel you’re petty and unpresentable, getting looked down on. Jing Wan right now precisely belonged to that ‘extremely frugal’ state.
However, choosing the people was also quite hard. It’s not that the number was too little, but precisely the opposite. At present, among the various unmarried young ladies in the capital, Jing Wan definitely one of the top. To be able to participate in her coming-of-age ceremony as an important personnel, many would rush at the opportunity like ducks. After all, when time comes, there will be numerous important guests present. To be able to show one’s face, getting recognized by even more noble personages, that was all extremely beneficial.
The princesses of Qi Yuan were still relatively worried over their marriages. Their husbands, for the most part, were all invisible people. If one was favored, it was still a little better, but if not favored, then after marrying, it was probably just dying out in a corner somewhere. But having a good friend with a strong backing was different. Even if married, one can still come out to promote one’s existence from time to time. If nothing else, to just be able to obtain a word from the Grand Elder Princess, one’s days will definitely be much better. As such, if Jing Wan wanted to be a bit more extravagant, gathering an army of princesses wasn’t anything difficult.
Of course, Jing Wan won’t do this kind of thing. It’s not like she was familiar with those princesses.
The zanzhe was normally a sister or good friend, usually unmarried. This choice of person, Jing Wan already had an idea inside. It was choosing either Zhou Ying Shuang or Yuan Qiao Qiao. As for yousi, in other places, Jing Wan didn’t know, but in Qi Yuan, it was normally choosing young madams that have married not long ago. In reality, this should be Jing Wan’s mother, Zhang-shi’s, decision, otherwise having Luo Old Madam choose was also doable.
At this time, Zhang-shi was actually very hurt inside. Such an important day for her daughter, yet she didn’t have any business in it. She also knew that she didn’t have any abilities, and in a moment of carelessness, might even make a mistake, but this matter, she didn’t receive the slightest news previously. Originally, she should’ve learned it first thing, but she made her daughter heartbroken. Never mind that she can’t help her, instead she even needed her shielding in all areas. As such, even if overlooking her, she can’t blame her for anything either. All the fault lay in herself. Zhang-shi felt the corner of her eyes somewhat amiss, hurriedly using the movement of rubbing her temples as a cover up, pressing the corner of her eyes, putting up a smile. At this time, one definitely mustn’t cry. Never mind that she can’t give assistance, she absolutely can’t embarrass her and be a hinderance.
The coming-of-age ceremony, for a girl, was indeed very important. The others also began to tease, the atmosphere relatively lively.
Rather, the few from the Gu family, their eyes were flickering quite extraordinarily, and when they were calculating something, they also couldn’t help feeling afraid inside.
Although they’ve come to the Luo Manor for a few days now, and have also inquired about some things, they didn’t know that this Luo third miss was actually this impressive. Never mind getting doted on and pampered by the two elders of the Luo family, she actually even had a Grand Elder Princess adoptive mother, and further the future qin-wangfei. Such honor, such glory, they practically didn’t even dare imagine. Clearly prior to coming to the capital, the highest ranking official madam they could come in contact with was just nothing more than a low fourth rank.
At that time, Gu Zhang-shi, borrowing the fact that her younger sister’s father-in-law was a first rank high minister, didn’t flaunt and show off any less. And it was also because of this, she squeezed into some circles that she originally couldn’t enter, and others even fawned over her. And if her own father-in-law was a first rank high minister………..the reality would be even more brilliant than the former. For a split second, her breathing stopped, her heart was like as if getting gnawed on by thousands of bugs………………
Unknown as to whether it was intentional or otherwise, she met with Jing Wan’s gaze that floated over. That’s right, she herself also said, a dignified marquis manor’s miss also just……….angered her, and probably really won’t have a good end.
TN: All
Her heart uncontrollably beat madly again. Fortunately, fortunately, there was still this layer of relation as relatives inside.
However, such an enticing status, as long as she slightly leak some things from the cracks of her hand, it’ll be more than enough……………
About an hour latter, everyone finally scattered. As for the other side, speaking of which, since Head Minister Luo was gone for two months, he naturally had many words he needed to ‘discuss’ with his sons and grandsons. Originally, those under sixteen all didn’t have any business in this, but this time, as long as one had started schooling, all were to stay behind. It can be seen, Head Minister Luo really didn’t have any intention of letting them be.
Two days later, the coming-of-age ceremony’s divination day.
(T/N: Using divination to select an auspicious date.)
Jing Wan didn’t know that just for selecting the date, it all needed to be this solemn.
However, all the busy work was in consideration for her, so Jing Wan was grateful at heart.
One has to know, for many unfavored young lady of the boudoir, their big coming-of-age ceremony was just carelessly rushed through, with even those who simply didn’t even have such a solemn ceremonial process. For the girls at present, the coming-of-age ceremony had the effect of encouraging and boosting morale, and was very important. That’s why, whether or not the family cared, whether or not it was solemn, it all would have an immeasurable effect.
The date that was chosen in the end was the sixth of the ninth month, all matters suitable.
The second day, Jing Wan paid the Grand Elder Princess Manor a visit. Telling her first thing was also showing respect towards the Grand Elder Princess.
The Grand Elder Princess Manor, for Jing Wan, was a place she could visit at anytime, no need to send a visiting card.
Every time Jing Wan visited, the happiest was none other than Yu Yao. And as they got along more, towards this little girl, Jing Wan also increasingly liked.
“For you to visit today, what business is there?” The Grand Elder Princess took a sip of the flower tea Jing Wan sent over, asking with a smile.
“Look at what adoptive mother is saying, could it be that I can’t come if there’s nothing?”
“Just met a day prior to leaving Changde Imperial Residence, if there’s nothing, you wouldn’t pay a visit this soon.” The Grand Elder Princess rather wasn’t complaining about anything, and further wasn’t criticizing Jing Wan.
The Grand Elder Princess Manor didn’t involve themselves in the matters of the imperial court. Luo Pei Shan however still grasped actual power. Even if Jing Wan is the Grand Elder Princess’s adopted daughter, because of this layer of relation, she still can’t frequently visit. Else, it will definitely attract other people’s speculations, and for the two families, it all wasn’t good.
“It’s like this, the family is preparing to hold my coming-of-age ceremony on the sixth of the ninth month, wanting to invite adoptive mother as the guest of honor, don’t know if adoptive mother……………”
Before Jing Wan could finish speaking, the Elder Grand Princess just waved her hand and interrupted her. “For your coming-of-age ceremony, I’m naturally the guest of honor. Could it be that you still want to invite someone else?” That gaze was seemingly like as if Jing Wan were to have this kind of thought, she’ll just have her swept out the door.
“Of course one just thought of adoptive mother first thing. As a matter of fact, the date was just set yesterday, and today immediately came over, no?”
The Grand Elder Princess gave her an ‘at least you’re perceptive’ look, but didn’t question why her coming-of-age ceremony was shifted ahead of time.
Jing Wan whittle away more than half the day at the Grand Elder Princess Manor, and when she was leaving, she promised Yu Yao Wenzhu to worship the moon together on the night of the mid-autumn festival.
In the afternoon, Jing Wan took another turn and went to the Yuan Manor. Having not seen in two months, Yuan Qiao Qiao was like a crazy girl, directly pouncing and hugging Jing Wan. Really is not having any bearing at all. However, in her own home, it all didn’t matter. No one would say anything to her. However, this was also more than enough to show that her leg has completely healed, not having any residual effects.
Jing Wan was also helpless, making her let go first, and then going to pay her respect to her paternal aunt and the Yuan family’s old madam.
Regardless of the reason, this old madam was all very amiable towards Jing Wan, expressing her fondness.
Shortly after, they went to Yuan Qiao Qiao’s courtyard. Learning that Jing Wan will have her coming-of-age ceremony soon and needed a zanzhe, she directly waved her hand, yielding it to Zhou Ying Shuang. “For the sake of making connections with maternal grandfather, our family’s doorsteps has been completely trampled through. There are plenty of people that want to marry me, and according to my mother and grandmother’s saying, several families were ones our family didn’t even dare think about before, and now, all waiting for our family to pick, so I don’t need that bit of limelight.” Even if speaking of her own marriage arrangements, it was still openly and boldly, “Ying Shuang although is already engaged, giving her a bit more confidence is still pretty good. You’re a future qin-wangfei. Letting her husband’s family see you having a good relationship with her, in the future, this back will definitely be straight.”
What was that, having a day where one was also able to back up someone else, this feeling was still pretty good, although inherently it was borrowing someone else’s power.
“Are you also going to go to Ying Shuang’s place? Let’s go, let’s go right now. I’ll also use this opportunity to go out. My mother has me guarded tightly, and normally, don’t let me go out at all. With you, she’ll definitely agree.”
Yuan Qiao Qiao’s personality was relatively lively to begin with, so getting locked up at home would definitely be unbearable.
After consulting paternal aunt’s opinion, Luo Rong Hui unhesitantly agreed.
Exiting the gates, Yuan Qiao Qiao just ‘complained’ to Jing Wan, “You must be my mother’s actual daughter, right? Me begging her for half a day still wouldn’t be as effective as one line from you.”
“Sorry, Qi’an Fu is too far from the capital. Even if I’m adopted by my mother from somewhere else, it still wouldn’t be from your family.” Jing Wan smilingly said.
Yuan Qiao Qiao directly rolled her eyes at Jing Wan.
Arriving at the Zhou Manor, it was still without any obstructions, and afterwards, they discovered that Zhou Ying Shuang was in the middle of embroidering her dowry.
“This is having set the wedding date already? Before the end of the year?” Jing Wan asked.
Zhou Ying Shuang bashfully and sweetly nodded her head, “The tenth of the tenth month.”
This speed seemingly was a bit quick. Jing Wan thought, no matter what would still wait until next year.
After learning Jing Wan’s intention for coming, and learning that Yuan Qiao Qiao unhesitantly yielded to her, she was grateful at heart and naturally happily agreed. Thus, Jing Wan whittled away another half day at the Zhou Manor.
Another two days passed. It was the fifteenth of the eighth month, the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Le Cheng Emperor issued another long break, and aside from those who must stick to their duties, the rest can all return home, even stating, tonight, the palace will only be holding a family banquet. Thus the subjects all swiftly returned to their respective homes to have their own reunion.
This reunion banquet was set up in the courtyard. When it was about two hours before nightfall, the colorful lanterns of all shapes were already hung up, using a rope to tie onto bamboo poles, erecting along the roof eaves or on balconies, or using little lanterns to build into characters, or various other shapes. And on the trees in the courtyard, and on the fake mountains, those areas also weren’t spared.
After lighting up, it was incredibly festive and beautiful.
[1] The Grand Elder Princess is delegated as the main guest or guest of honor, which in the coming-of-age ceremony for girls is a female elder who has both virtue and talent.
[2] 有司 – Yousi, roughly translates to ‘having charge’, the person in charge of holding the tray
[3] 赞者 – Zanzhe, translates to ‘the praised one’, the person assisting the main guest in performing the rites
T/N: I was originally going to write up the process and other details involved in the coming-of-age ceremony, since parts are mentioned here, but I’ll wait until the actual chapter, because it’s like a 17 step process and the explanation for each is super long. When I was reading up on it, I read the first page, and then noped the fuk out.
