Chapter 4
The palace banquet glittered, cups passing back and forth among the guests.
I walked beside Liang Heng,
feeling the gazes coming at me from every direction.
Most of that scrutiny carried undisguised contempt.
The daughter of a sixth-rank official had suddenly climbed into a duke’s household.
To them, I was no more than a wild sparrow perched on a high branch.
Sure enough, scarcely had we taken our seats
when Lady Cheng’en gave a cold snort and began finding fault in front of everyone.
“So this is the Duke of Liang’s new wife? Well, seeing truly is believing.”
“I hear Lord Wen governs his household strictly. But I wonder whether Lady Wen has adjusted to suddenly managing a family of such exalted standing?”
Liang Heng continued lifting his cup as though it concerned him not at all.
I set down my silver chopsticks and met Lady Cheng’en’s eyes.
“Thank you for your concern. The duke’s household is distinguished and honorable; naturally, its rules are strict.”
“I have been there only a short while, but I know to keep to my duties and heed my husband’s guidance, without the slightest neglect. As for whether I have adjusted…”
I paused briefly, letting my gaze pass over those present.
“Since the duke has entrusted me with the household and the children, I can only devote myself to easing his burdens.”
“I cannot compare with your leisure, my lady, which allows you to keep such a close eye on other people’s affairs.”
Lady Cheng’en’s expression froze. She forced a smile.
“What a clever tongue Lady Wen has.”
“Nothing compared with your solicitous attention.” Smiling, I scooped a spoonful of the bird’s-nest soup before me.
At last Liang Heng turned and spoke to me quietly.
“That soup is cold. Have them bring another bowl.”
His tone was mild,
but he had made his support clear to everyone present.
I laughed coldly to myself. My performance had evidently pleased him once again.
His protection was what I received in exchange.
Outwardly, I nodded obediently. “Thank you, husband.”
At that word, Liang Heng’s expression briefly stilled.
Then a faint smile spread over his face.
“We are husband and wife. There is no need for such formality.”
After that exchange, no one at the table dared openly provoke me.
When a noblewoman occasionally struck up a conversation, I answered appropriately, neither meek nor overbearing.
On the return journey, Liang Heng once again rested with closed eyes.
Only when our carriage entered the street where his residence stood
did he speak slowly. “You handled yourself well today.”
I lowered my eyes demurely. “It is thanks to your guidance, my lord.”
He opened his eyes in the dimness of night.
“Wen Ling,”
“I hope you will not disappoint me.”
I raised my eyes to meet his.
“I will live up to your expectations.”
The carriage stopped. This time, he did not offer his hand and stepped out first.
Early the following morning,
the two children came to pay their customary respects.
Reluctant and perfunctory though they were, neither dared defy me again.
“Have you learned yesterday’s passages from the Dragon-Patterned Whip?”
I lifted my teacup, my tone indifferent.
Liang Jingyu snorted and said nothing.
Liang Yueyi muttered, “I forgot.”
I was about to speak when Jinxia hurried in, her expression grave.
“My lady, the steward from the Marquis of Cheng’en’s household is here.”
“He says her ladyship sent him to fetch the young master and young lady for a short visit. The carriage is already waiting outside.”
The moment she finished, both children’s previously listless eyes lit up.
“Grandmother has come for us!”
Liang Yueyi grabbed her brother’s sleeve and started toward the door.
“Stop.”
I set down my cup. The coldness of my voice pinned both children in place.
“Ask the steward to wait in the front hall.”
“Tell him… I am testing the children’s lessons and cannot be disturbed.”
Jinxia understood and withdrew at once.
Liang Jingyu grew frantic. “What right have you to stop us? We’re going to Grandmother’s!”
Liang Yueyi joined in. “That’s right! You can’t tell us what to do!”
Ignoring their shouting, I rose slowly and walked over to them.
“Answer me this. Their household humiliated ours at the palace banquet only yesterday, and today they can hardly wait to fetch you. Why?”
Liang Yueyi blurted, “Because Grandmother misses us, of course!”