Chapter Twelve: Hosting a Banquet

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During the New Year festivities, the Zhao family made a considerable profit selling vegetables, and business at Fragrant Cloud Pavilion flourished as well.

After indulging in rich meats and seafood throughout the holiday, people naturally craved vegetables to cleanse their palates. Yet fresh produce was scarce in winter, so families had little choice but to dine out. Fragrant Cloud Pavilion’s vegetarian dishes had become famous for their exquisite flavor, making the restaurant their first choice—though the prices were undeniably steep.

“Ha! In all my years of doing business, I’ve never enjoyed such a run of success!” The manager of Fragrant Cloud Pavilion watched the steady stream of customers with secret delight.

“How exactly does the Zhao family grow these vegetables? They taste so much better than anything from elsewhere!” The accountant beside him recalled the small dish of vegetables the proprietor had rewarded him with during the New Year. They had tasted like food from the realm of the immortals—not only delicious, but invigorating enough to leave him feeling refreshed in both body and spirit.

“If His Highness had not protected them, the Zhao family would have been torn apart by competing powers long ago. How could such heaven-sent fortune ever have fallen to us? Everyone is green with envy now. Be careful not to give anyone an opening. There are no truly benevolent people in the capital.” At that thought, the manager’s smile faded, and he cautioned his trusted subordinate.

“Of course. I’ve been in the capital long enough to understand that much. But the vegetables in the kitchen will not last more than two days. Should we have someone send over another batch?”

“Hmph! Do you think money grows on trees? Only a small portion of these vegetables is supplied to our restaurant; the rest must be sent to those above us. Do you take me for a man with three heads and six arms? Use them sparingly. Once they are gone, we can only wait for the next delivery. A man who is never satisfied is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant. We should be grateful to have any profit at all.” After giving his subordinate a stern warning, the manager left at his leisure.

The success of Fragrant Cloud Pavilion naturally made many people envious. Yet everyone knew that the power behind it was Prince Sheng. Though Prince Sheng wielded little influence at court, his elder brother, Prince Gong, was certainly not someone to offend.

“Fifth Brother, you must have made a fortune lately. Aren’t you going to invite a few of us older brothers to dine at Fragrant Cloud Pavilion?” First Prince Xiao Junyan draped an arm around Xiao Junji’s shoulders and spoke half in jest.

“Indeed. Who in the capital doesn’t know that your Fragrant Cloud Pavilion earns gold by the bucketful? Even your brothers can’t reserve a table of vegetarian dishes. You’ll have to treat us properly today!” Third Prince Xiao Junze joined in at once.

“Very well. But let me make this clear beforehand: supplies at Fragrant Cloud Pavilion are limited. I can spare enough for one table, but no more.” Xiao Junji was not stingy by nature. It was simply that every time a shipment arrived, it had to be divided among his mother, the emperor, and his elder imperial brothers. Very little remained for Fragrant Cloud Pavilion.

“Fifth Brother, how could you go to Fragrant Cloud Pavilion without me? Ever since I tasted those dishes at Father’s palace, I have been thinking about them constantly!” Seeing his opportunity, the Crown Prince promptly inserted himself into the gathering, subtly flaunting once again the emperor’s special favor toward him.

The princes had always harbored their own designs. Though they maintained a measure of courtesy in public, they had constantly schemed against one another in private. Now, for the sake of a single vegetarian feast, they had gathered together. Xiao Junji could not help feeling pleased. In the past, as a solitary prince with little standing, he had hardly been worthy of notice in the eyes of his proud elder brothers, all of whom had already established themselves at court. Now, one after another, they had come seeking him out.

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The matter soon reached the emperor’s ears, and he was greatly comforted. Though affection was rarely found within the imperial family, he was growing old and naturally hoped that his sons would live in harmony—even if only on the surface.

At the Jia residence, the Jia family was discussing the same matter.

“I never imagined that Prince Sheng, who had always seemed so unremarkable, would possess such a head for business. These days, even those with money cannot reserve a table of vegetarian dishes at Fragrant Cloud Pavilion,” Jia Zheng said with a sigh.

“High prices for fruits and vegetables in winter are understandable. But the produce used at Fragrant Cloud Pavilion is no ordinary fare. I heard several court officials say that the dishes are not only delicious but also highly beneficial to one’s health. It is a pity that they cannot be reserved. Otherwise, I would have ordered a table for Mother.” Though Jia She had quarreled unpleasantly with Grandmother Jia the last time, he was, at heart, a deeply filial son. Otherwise, he would never have surrendered the Hall of Rongxi so that Jia Zheng and his wife could have a place to live.

“It is enough that you thought of it,” Grandmother Jia said, regarding her eldest son with considerably greater approval.

“Mother has had little appetite lately. Send more servants out to buy fresh vegetables. They may not compare with the dishes at Fragrant Cloud Pavilion, but they should at least help cleanse her palate,” Jia Zheng said, unwilling to be outdone, as he instructed Lady Wang.

Grandmother Jia’s attention naturally shifted back to Jia Zheng. Lady Wang seized the opportunity to display her filial concern, and by the time she had finished, the members of the elder branch had once again been overlooked.

Tan Mingyue paid no attention to these hidden currents. All she could think about was finding an opportunity to keep Tanchun in her own courtyard for a while longer. The girl was still young and had already suffered so much; her health must have been seriously weakened. If she could remain there, Tan Mingyue could nurse her back to health properly and at the very least help her grow stronger.

The atmosphere was warm and harmonious. Tan Mingyue decided that it was better to act at once than wait for a more suitable day. With the other members of the Jia family present, Lady Wang would find it difficult to refuse. Thus, while Grandmother Jia was in a good mood, she stepped forward and bowed.

“Grandmother, Master, I wish to ask that Tanchun be allowed to stay in my courtyard for a while. Her health is frail, and with Madam so busy managing the household, I truly cannot bear to burden her further.”

Though Tan Mingyue did not say so outright, everyone present understood the implication. It was unmistakably a slap in Lady Wang’s face. Yet if she did not do this, and Tanchun were left with a lasting illness, the consequences would be difficult to remedy.

“When we placed the child in your second sister-in-law’s courtyard, it was to honor you. In time, Tanchun might even have secured a fine marriage. But you are so narrow-minded. Even if you wish to throw a tantrum, there should be limits,” Grandmother Jia said, thoroughly irritated by Tan Mingyue’s repeated provocations.

Tan Mingyue certainly did not believe that raising Tanchun in Lady Wang’s courtyard was an honor bestowed upon her. It was merely a means of keeping a concubine under control. As for whether it benefited Tanchun, had she not ultimately been married off to a foreign land in the original story?

“I was indeed unworthy of such consideration. But Tanchun is at an age when she requires special care. The household is full of endless affairs. Once this period has passed, it will not be too late to send her back.” Tan Mingyue’s contrite manner was so sincere that no one could find fault with it.

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“Grandmother, Tanchun’s wet nurse and maidservants have not even been properly assigned yet. It would be better to let Lady Zhao care for the child for now. Once the servants have been arranged, Tanchun can be sent to the second branch’s courtyard. Her younger sister-in-law is busy managing the household and has no time to concern herself with such matters.” Lady Xing spoke up in support.

“Enough, Mother. Since Lady Zhao does not feel comfortable leaving Tanchun in her sister-in-law’s courtyard, why should I insist on taking on the burden? Tanchun does, after all, call me Mother. If she needs anything, she can simply send someone to inform me.” Lady Wang wore an expression of wounded trust and magnanimous tolerance, making Tan Mingyue appear the unreasonable one by comparison.

“That will do. Since you have all made your decision, this old woman has no desire to interfere. I am tired. We shall end things here today,” Grandmother Jia said impatiently.

“Thank you, Grandmother and Madam, for granting my request!” Seeing that she had achieved her aim, Tan Mingyue finally relaxed.

“For the next few days, stay in your courtyard and take good care of the two children. Do not go out unless necessary,” Jia Zheng said impatiently. He was annoyed that she had caused so much trouble during the New Year festivities.

“Yes.” Tan Mingyue was unconcerned by Jia Zheng’s attitude. She was merely troubled by the thought that she had provoked Lady Wang too many times of late, and that life would likely become even more difficult for her from now on.

After everyone had dispersed, Tan Mingyue deliberately stopped Lady Xing to thank her.

“It was nothing. I simply dislike that Lady Wang,” Lady Xing replied indifferently.

“If Grand Lady has some free time, might you come to my courtyard and keep me company for a while?” Tan Mingyue had noticed that Lady Xing was always watching Jia Huan and guessed that she was fond of children. She used this as an excuse to examine Lady Xing’s health more closely.

“I have little to occupy me in the household anyway. If I am free tomorrow, I shall come and see you.” Lady Xing agreed without much hesitation.

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