Chapter 207: A Request from Old Duchess Zheng (1) (1/2)

Since House Jing’an’s round cakes had won the competition, Matriarch He was surrounded by all the noble ladies who wanted to congratulate her on the win. The Empress Dowager even specially awarded her with a sapphire headdress, adding on to House Jing’an’s glory at the event.

Even after so many years, Matriarch He had never enjoyed such attention in the palace before. Of course, she was in an extremely good mood now. Chu Lian kept by her grandmother’s side, so there were many questions directed towards her by the noble ladies around them.

Since Matriarch He had the intention of introducing her to the others, Chu Lian took the chance to get acquainted with a number of noble madams in the capital.

When it was time to leave the palace, Princess Wei specially sent one of her court ladies over to invite her over to Prince Wei’s estate to play in a few days, thus drawing another wave of envy from the ladies gathered.

When they finally reached House Jing’an’s carriage, Chu Lian was about to help Matriarch He up the carriage when they were hailed by an elderly madam who had come rushing over from behind.

This elderly madam was no stranger; it was Old Duchess Zheng. There was a middle-aged lady following next to the old duchess, who was slightly chubby. When she smiled, her eyes morphed into upturned crescents, giving her a friendly appearance.

“Old Sister, please hold on!”

Matriarch He turned around only to see her old friend. She smiled in welcome, “We’re sisters, the two of us. Why the rush? Walk a little slower, and be careful not to strain your waist!”

Old Duchess Zheng came over with a wide smile. When she reached Matriarch He’s side, she first smiled at Chu Lian before talking to the matriarch. “I have come looking for Old Sister for a certain matter…”

“There’s no need to be so courteous between us. Just say it straight.” Matriarch He answered generously.

Old Duchess Zheng was about to speak of her matter when Chu Lian caught sight of some people who had just exited the palace behind them. That person with a round face and slender brows; wasn’t that Lady Pan?

Hadn’t she left the banquet early on? Why was she only exiting the palace at this hour?

Chu Lian’s brows drew together in a slight frown. They had offended Lady Pan today, so she was afraid that they would get into a quarrel if they bumped into each other now. Thus, she spoke up with a suggestion, “Grandmother, there are many people coming and going from the palace entrance here. How about chatting inside the carriage instead? It might be more comfortable for Grandmother and Old Duchess Zheng.”

Matriarch He had clearly spotted Lady Pan on the way out of the palace with her group of servants in tow. Thus, she invited Old Duchess Zheng onto House Jing’an’s wide carriage and they boarded together.

Although the carriage was quite spacious, it wasn’t meant to be a room after all. When all four of them entered, it became a little cramped.

Madam Zou had just lifted the curtain and was about to enter, when Matriarch He spoke to her. “Dalang’s wife, the carriage is a little cramped. Go to the other carriage at the back instead!”

The hand that Madam Zou was using to hold up the carriage curtain clenched. She looked up at the four people seated in the carriage before bowing slightly to Matriarch He and leaving for the other carriage.

Chu Lian glanced at Madam Zou’s departing figure and sighed inwardly.