Su Xinger made sure to spread the word to various General Mansions, so it’s no wonder the Prince Rong’s Mansion caught wind of it.
Sure enough, just after lunch, Mrs. Zhang’s invitation was delivered to Fu Zhen.
Logically, for the Prince Rong’s Mansion to send an invitation to Fu Zhen, it should have come from Princess Rong, but since Prince Rong and Pei Yu were of the same generation, it was not inappropriate for Mrs. Zhang to extend the invitation.
After Fu Zhen sent Zhang Cheng to the camp to inquire about Pei Zhan’s schedule, he sent a reply agreeing to visit the next morning. For original chapters go to N0velFire.ɴet
Upon receiving the response from the Pei family, Mrs. Zhang sat silently on the couch for quite a while.
The maid beside her asked, "The Princess Consort has been waiting for a long time to have the chance to speak with General Pei and his wife. Now that it’s finally settled, why do you seem so distracted?"
Mrs. Zhang exhaled deeply: "When I saw that Ning Family girl at the Baihe Temple, although she was with General Pei, the gap in status between them seemed insurmountable. I didn’t expect that in just over a month, this merchant girl would really transform into the wife of General Pingxi.
"Now even I, as a dignified Princess Consort, have to move with the wind and send invitations. This girl’s abilities should not be underestimated."
The maid studied her expression: "I remember back at the vegetarian hall of Baihe Temple, the Princess Consort generously supported the wife of General Pingxi. Could it be that you actually..."
Mrs. Zhang scoffed coldly: "I was merely pleased that she hit Yongping. Besides, she’s Pei Zhan’s person, and I have to give some respect to General Pingxi. Otherwise, what does a merchant girl have to make me defend her?"
The maid understood and stayed silent.
Mrs. Zhang sipped her tea and continued: "After all, her husband’s background is significant; we cannot be disrespectful. Go inform the Princess that the couple of General Pingxi will be visiting tomorrow. How should they be entertained according to the rules?"
The maid acknowledged and went out the door.
Mrs. Zhang then turned to the maid arranging her jewelry and said, "Go to the Xu Mansion, and inform them that I am inviting General Pei and his wife tomorrow and ask the Commandery Princess to return as a companion."
At this moment, Yang Zhan happened to enter.
Upon hearing this, he remarked, "You are meddling too much. Pei Zhan is not one to easily get close to people. Last time, you gave him such lavish gifts for his wedding, and he didn’t even take notice. Now, you’ve managed to invite him to the mansion, and yet you call Yongping back.
"What can she do when she arrives?
"Last time, we had to make a tremendous effort to suppress the chaos after she got hit by that Ning family girl. It’s only been quiet for a short while, and you’re letting them meet again?
"If she comes, she will not only fail to help us but most likely hinder us. What’s the point?"
Mrs. Zhang stood up: "You’re the one who’s confused.
"Last time was last time, and this time is this time. Last time, she was hit by an unknown woman. This time, the guest is the wife of the powerful General Pingxi. How can they be the same?
"The Prince Manor is hosting such a prestigious guest, and it’s the first time the wife of General Pingxi has visited. If there is a sincere desire to make connections, even the Prince and the Consort should preferably be at home to show proper respect. With Yongping living so close by, not having her present as a companion would surely raise suspicions.
"If rumors of discord within the Prince Manor spread outside, the imperial concubine will surely know about it soon enough, and it wouldn’t benefit us in any way at all.
"So it’s not just me who must act this way; the Consort must do it, and she must do it as well."
Otherwise, why else would I have gone out of my way to consult with Princess Rong on how to host them? Is it because I, as the Heir of Princess Rong’s Consort, can’t afford a meal or lack the skills to host guests?
Yang Zhan nodded in partial understanding. "Now that you mention it, it does make some sense." He then added, "Shouldn’t you invite Zixiu too?"
Mrs. Zhang sighed and sat down: "Your brother-in-law is a very busy man. With the Crown Prince’s coming-of-age ceremony organized so well this time, I heard he gained substantial face with the Emperor. Even if we invite him, he must be willing to come!"
Yang Zhan frowned: "Why do you speak of him this way? He is different from that muddle-headed Yongping. After all, he is my brother-in-law by blood; they and I are family."
Mrs. Zhang’s expression changed upon hearing this. "What do you mean by this? If Yongping and they are your family, then I am not?
"Our Zhang family, my brother! For years, we’ve done everything you’ve asked, and now you consider us outsiders?"
"The Zhang family has indeed handled quite a few affairs, but as for your brother, he hasn’t! On the contrary—" Yang Zhan leaned against the cushion in a leisurely manner and said, "He’s more of a hindrance than a help! The little he’s done for me isn’t enough to cover for the mistakes I’ve had to fix for him!"
Mrs. Zhang took a deep breath: "And what did he ever do to you all?!"