Chapter 1537 - 1539: I’m Just Too Frank
In the midst of a verbal dispute at the Mu Family home, it was only natural that Commandery Princess Dongyang should step in to smooth things over. She didn’t feel it appropriate to reprimand Madam Tong, who was senior in age, so she turned to Yang Chuxia and said, "Alright, alright, say no more. You need to give me some face today and stop talking so much, alright?"
Having said this, Commandery Princess Dongyang was actually quite fed up with Madam Tong. At her advanced age, causing such a scene in front of so many people at her own house was totally annoying.
"Ha ha, my apologies, my apologies, I just can’t help but speak my mind. When others criticize me, I can still bear it, but as soon as I hear someone say anything about my husband or my son, I get worked up, and when I’m worked up, I talk too much. I forgot this is your home," Dongyang said. She was, of course, obligated to show some respect, "Don’t worry, I’ll keep my mouth shut from now on."
The crowd saw how familiar these two were with each other and thought that the Mu Family must be on very good terms with the Ye Family.
Of course, those who were more perceptive knew that Dongyang had given birth in Funan, and the main branch of the Ye Family was actually located in Funan.
It was said that Divine Doctor Mu had spent a considerable time in Funan, probably that was when they got acquainted.
"That settles it then," Commandery Princess Dongyang looked again at Concubine Tong, who still wore an extremely unpleasant expression, and felt a wave of joy. The more upset this woman was, the happier she became. Looking back at Madam Tong, her face was also dark and gloomy. The glint in her eyes revealed that during her years in the Capital City, she had often been at the receiving end of this old woman’s disdain. Xiaxia speaking out today had been truly satisfying.
However, since it was her own banquet, it was not appropriate to stir up more trouble. Besides, with the old woman present, it was difficult for anyone to speak freely. After some thought, she said, "Concubine Tong, you haven’t seen your natal family in days, and with so many guests today, I fear there might be some unintended neglect. Why don’t you entertain the ladies from the Tong Family today?"
"Madam Tong hasn’t spent time catching up with her niece for many days either. You must miss each other deeply. Why don’t you, Concubine Tong, take the ladies from the Tong Family to your courtyard to have a good chat with your kin? When the banquet begins, I will send someone to invite you all," Commandery Princess Dongyang suggested.
"That would be great, thank you, Commandery Princess!" Madam Tong naturally did not want to stay in that place any longer; Dongyang’s suggestion aligned with her own wishes. She managed to squeeze out a smile, "Indeed, it has been some days since I’ve seen my niece, and I do have some private matters to discuss. I’m grateful for your understanding, Commandery Princess."
Concubines in most households did not have the privilege to entertain guests, and this applied to relatives as well. Commandery Princess Dongyang’s gesture today could be seen as giving the other party face.
This could not help but raise Commandery Princess Dongyang’s standing in the eyes of those present.
After the Tong Family party left, the atmosphere indeed improved a lot. The ladies resumed their conversations, and the younger girls followed the lead of the Mu Family’s daughters in composing poetry and painting in the hall.
In the front courtyard, the male guests were being catered to by several of the Mu Family elders.
However, while playing cards with a few of the ladies, there was always a gaze upon her, intangible yet discernible.
She was well aware that it was the inquisitive look of the Luo Family matriarch.
This person, however, had surprised her. At the palace banquet that day, she had thought the matriarch was of the same kind as Madam Tong, but after that one remark, she had yet to speak again, which was quite strange.
Soon, word came from Dongyang’s side that the feast had begun, so everyone headed to the banquet hall to dine. After lunch and some rest, the Mu Family invited two opera troupes to perform on a stage set up in the courtyard.
Right before heading to watch the play, Lele and Yangyang found her.
"Why aren’t you with your father? What brings you to me?"