The Comeback of the Charming Farmer's Wife

Yang Chuxia considered whether watching the play would be possible without the presence of those ladies. Thus, she had sent messages to each of them before arriving.

"I’m so sorry, Madam Zhou, we’ve arrived late," Mrs. Liu shouted as soon as she entered, seemingly afraid that others wouldn’t notice her arrival.

Since that day, Madam Huang initially had no desire to associate with the likes of Madam Zhou. But upon hearing that Madam Ye was attending and had sent them word, she felt obligated to make an appearance for the sake of good relations.

"Madam Zhou, this is the congratulatory gift I’ve brought for Concubine Cao," Madam Huang said while gesturing towards the item in the servant’s hand. She then questioned, "Wasn’t it said that your household was hosting a banquet today? What about your newly-promoted second concubine? It’s her special day too, why isn’t she out here greeting the guests?"

At that moment, Cao Lingling was throwing a tantrum with Principal Clerk Zhou because, despite his initial promise to host a banquet, Madam Zhou had decided not to hold it today. Wasn’t that indirectly refusing to recognize her? There was a difference between a concubine with a banquet and one without: one was legitimate, the other sneaky.

Principal Clerk Zhou was also angry with Madam Zhou for not giving him face, especially when Yang Chuxia’s envoy had asked him about it, turning his face green with frustration. It would have been fine not to hold the banquet if no one had come, but now that the guests were in his home, not finding a way to save face was suicidal.

He quickly sent a manservant to relay a message to the servant by Madam Zhou’s side.

When Madam Zhou heard the servant’s message, she was trembling with anger. Principal Clerk Zhou had said that if she didn’t help him regain face today, he would no longer care for past affections. If she couldn’t handle such a small matter, perhaps she should spend more time back at her maiden home.

What Principal Clerk Zhou meant was clear: he was threatening divorce.

So how could Madam Zhou not be angry?

Suppressing her anger for a long while and calming herself down, she managed a stiff smile, "Hold a banquet? Why wouldn’t we hold a banquet? The kitchen has been busy since early this morning. I had originally thought of having the banquet in the evening. After all, for a concubine, a couple of tables would suffice for the wet nurses. I didn’t expect all you distinguished madams to visit in person. Concubine Cao must be incredibly fortunate to receive such attention and gifts from you esteemed ladies."

Tsk tsk, was she suggesting they arrived too early, or that they were debasing themselves by fussing over a concubine?

Heh, Yang Chuxia chuckled, no matter how you put it or what you think, the fact that you’re unhappy makes me happy.

"Madam Zhou, you haven’t invited everyone to be seated yet. Don’t be so overjoyed that you forget about us and have everyone standing," Yang Chuxia said, her smile beaming as if oblivious to Madam Zhou’s reluctance.

"Yes, yes, yes, please take your seats, ladies. Look at me, so carried away with joy that I forgot. It’s all thanks to Madam Ye’s reminder," Madam Zhou said through gritted teeth.

Yang Chuxia was forcing her to accept Cao Lingling and now to host a banquet too—it was just too much. These people weren’t invited by her; they came unbidden, yet she was expected to welcome them warmly. It was infuriating!

"Madam Zhou is getting on in years; it’s inevitable to forget things now and then. Don’t worry, you’ll have Concubine Cao to remind you frequently, she’s young."

At this remark, everyone’s lips twitched. Only the Madam of the County Magistrate could be so blunt about Madam Zhou’s age. And by mentioning the young Cao Lingling, the subtext was clear: Madam Zhou was past her prime.

Madam Zhou felt as if she was on the verge of breaking down.