Chapter 71: Offense is the best defense 2 (1/2)
The Duke's mansion
Just as Zhu Fengyin predicted, the next day during the routine early morning visits to her mother-in-law, Madam Lu announced that they would be attending the commander's mansions garden party.
Just like the first day of her marriage, Su Liya was woken by her maid Rong Rong at daybreak to prepare to visit her mother-in-law. She had gone to bed a little late, so she felt a little drowsy on waking. She allowed Baozhai and Rong Rong to doll her up, she was too weak to struggle. It was during days like today that she appreciated her change in station.
She had a light breakfast before leaving for Madam Lu's Courtyard at the other side of the compound. Unlike the last time she paid her respects to her mother-in-law, Lu Yaozhu didn't come with her instead she went alone.
Zhu Fengyin and Lu Yiling were seated in the living room when she arrived. She nodded to Lu Yiling and unsurprisingly got a hmph as a reply. Lu Yiling was anything if not consistent. She and Zhu Fengyin shared a smile as she sat on the seat next to Zhu Fengyin.
Lu Yiling must have taken them as an eyesore because she never even bothered looking towards them. It would have proven impossible if Madam Lu didn't join them a few minutes later. She asked what Su Liya now called the standard superficial questions before moving to the invitation from commander Yuan's mansion.
”We received an invitation from commander Yuan's mansion for their garden party tomorrow. I have spoken with Yingjie and Yaozhu, they will make time to attend the party was us. The commander is an old comrade of the past Duke, one has to remember this relationship.
”This will be your first banquet Liya, remember to behave properly. You are a representative of not just our Lu family but also your husband. Husband and wife are one, you love or die together. Don't cause us to lose face” Madam Lu said eyes focused on her second daughter-in-law.
This daughter so far has been well behaved and didn't cause her any trouble. Since she knew her place, there was no need to discipline her just yet.
Su Liya smiled softly and nodded ”Yes mother”.
”Good, if you have any questions just meet Zhu Fengyin. You two get along, don't you?” Madam Lu said. Lu Yiling snicker when she heard her mother's words but covered it up with a cough.
Su Liya felt like although Madam Lu said something, she meant something else entirely. However, she decided to ignore her and replied sweetly ”yes mother”.
Madam Lu gifted everyone tea from the west before they were dismissed.
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The next day, Commander Yuan's mansion.
Lu Yaozhu and Su Liya rode the same carriage to the commander's mansion. They sat silently, while the carriage rode gently to the commander's mansion. Lu Yaozhu came down first when they arrived and then helped her come down. The onlookers speculated that Su Liya was a fox and had the general caught in her spell.
Lu Yaozhu led Su Liya to the older couple by the gat to greet their host. Vice-minister Yuan and the Eldest madam were in charge of welcoming the guest. The couple welcomed each guest before them warmly but Su Liya couldn't help but notice the slight change in the eldest madam's expression as soon as she got closer.
Elders madam Yuan quickly corrected her expression but there was a slight difference in how she treated Su Liya compared to Lu Yaozhu. Many other guests were waiting after them so Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu didn't waste much time outside.
They walked forward and followed the maids to the garden, the couple separated as Lu Yaozhu was called forward by a few of the men. While Su Liya joined the women, she was new in the circle and didn't have any friends so she felt a little isolated.
Su Liya and Lu Yaozhu were delayed at the gates and lost sight of Madam Lu and Zhu Fengyin. Su Liya stood with her maids by the side, while silently searching for their party. Madam Lu and Zhu Fengyin on the other hand were called inside by old madam Yuan.
The married madams of the noble families in the capital were a tight-knit of people, they knew each other well enough. When they noticed a new face in their means, the speculation began.
They suspected that this beautiful young madam must be the new wife of Yunzhu Marquis. However, they were yet sure of her identity and could only watch her from a distance.
Eldest Madam Yuan led Zhu Feifei in, as soon as she saw Su Liya standing by the side, she ran forward and with fake concern said ”little sister Liya how come you are standing out here. I know that it hasn't been long and you may not have gotten used to everything but you have to remember that you are no longer a maid. Don't be scared to ask for help”.