Nanny Liu, assigned by Lady Li, was the dowry maid from her youth. Having served by her side for decades, she was steady in her duties and commanded considerable respect within the manor.
Knowing A Mei's status, Nanny Liu naturally served her with the utmost caution.
As soon as A Mei stepped out of the main hall, her two personal maids immediately followed, and the group of four headed toward the rear flower garden.
The chrysanthemum garden of this Li Manor was quite famous. It was renowned not just for its extraordinary variety of chrysanthemums that competed in dazzling beauty, but on a deeper level, current scholars and men of letters always prided themselves on their lofty, aloof, and noble character, using flowers to express their sentiments. Therefore, the chrysanthemum garden at the residence of Grand Secretary Li was truly famous in official circles.
If A Mei's husband, An Sheng, were to see it, he would definitely sneer in disdain and mockingly remark, "Fishing for fame, flaunting false virtues, and utterly shameless."
But A Mei knew nothing of this; she only felt that the garden full of blooming chrysanthemums looked exceptionally beautiful from afar.
Lady Li was right when she said it was lively here. Looking around, there were groups of young people gathered everywhere.
Apart from the young ladies of the manor, most were the younger generation who had accompanied their parents or grandparents to the wedding. The Li Manor was very thoughtful in its hospitality. While the main guests mostly socialized and exchanged pleasantries in the banquet hall, the young or restless little guests were specially invited to the chrysanthemum garden to play and admire the flowers.
A Mei actually liked the liveliness in her heart. Seeing the sparkle in A Mei's eyes and the relaxed expression on her face, the leading nanny thought to herself that Madam An was still young after all and naturally liked lively scenes, so she guided her toward that direction with even more care.
A Mei held a high rank and distinguished status, so the nanny dared not be negligent. As she walked in front, she introduced the sights while leading the way. However, being older, her reflexes were a bit slow. Just as she turned a corner, she collided head-on with a maid who was walking briskly with a tray in her hands.
Nanny Liu let out a sharp cry of surprise.
The soup in the maid's hands spilled all over Nanny Liu. It was a medicinal broth meant for one of the manor's young ladies. While it wasn't scalding hot, it left a massive stain on Nanny Liu, making her look terribly disheveled.
Nanny Liu first cast a quick glance at Madam An to ensure her clothes hadn't been soiled. Seeing Madam An frowning, her heart sank. Remembering the rumors that Madam An was not easy to get along with, she feared Madam An might throw a fit and punish the servants right then and there. She immediately glared fiercely at the maid and scolded her in a low voice:
"You clumsy girl, how can you be so careless? Thank goodness it spilled on me. If you had offended our guest, we would see how the manor deals with you! Hurry up and step back!"
The maid repeatedly apologized, quickly picked up the broken bowl pieces, and ran off.
Nanny Liu then turned to A Mei with a look of panic and apologized, "The servants are so careless, they almost collided with you, noble lady. Please forgive me, Madam An!"
A Mei didn't really mind, but the smell of the medicinal broth was truly unpleasant. Frowning, she waved her hand and said, "It's fine. We are almost at the chrysanthemum garden anyway, so you don't need to lead the way anymore. You may go back."
As soon as A Mei said this, Nanny Liu's face flushed with embarrassment, and she looked troubled. "Madam An, this..."
A Mei simply said, "Looking like that, you had better go back and change your clothes."
Nanny Liu naturally knew that her current appearance was unseemly. But remembering that the old madam had tasked her with taking good care of Madam An, she worried that if she left and failed to attend to her properly, Madam An might be displeased. Caught in a dilemma, she thought for a moment, then bowed respectfully. "Madam An, I have truly been impolite. This old servant will go back to change clothes and return very soon!"
Choked by the smell of the medicine, A Mei wished she would leave faster, turning her face away and waving her hand to urge her to hurry.
Once Nanny Liu left, A Mei pinched her nose and walked forward. She thought to herself that the medicine she took to regulate her menstrual cycle was bad enough, but she never expected there to be an even worse-smelling decoction.
It would have been fine if she hadn't thought about it, but once she did, she couldn't help but think of her husband. Recalling his tender care during her last time of the month, the longing A Mei had managed to tuck away surged up once more.
A Mei visibly became downcast, losing the interest she had in admiring the chrysanthemums when she first arrived. Suddenly, she didn't want to join the bustling crowd anymore. Looking around, she spotted a small pavilion not far to the right. It seemed empty and quiet. She pointed in that direction and said to the two maids behind her, "Wait here. I'm going over there to sit for a while."
The two maids exchanged a glance and immediately knelt down. "Madam, the Commander has ordered that when outside, we two must not leave Madam's side for even half a step. We cannot disobey!"
Hearing these words, A Mei only felt a sudden burst of overbearing sweetness pierce through the uncomfortable tightness in her chest. This was her husband's protection. Naturally, she was not angry, and a smile appeared on her face. "Alright, then you two follow me."
The pavilion was not only quiet but also very secluded. Although one couldn't admire the chrysanthemums from there, it sat right next to a koi pond, making it quite pleasant and relaxing.
Sitting in the pavilion, A Mei subconsciously stroked the red jade bracelet on her wrist, her head lowered, looking lonely.
A Mei sat like this for a while. When she felt the auspicious hour was approaching, she stood up. "Let's go, time to head back."
As soon as A Mei returned and took her seat, she heard the wedding procession returning to the manor with gongs and drums. For a time, the entire Li Manor was filled with joy and bustling activity.
After watching the ceremony, A Mei exchanged a few more pleasantries with Lady Li before taking her leave and returning home.
In the evening, A Mei began writing a letter to An Sheng again:
Husband, A Mei went to a wedding banquet today. It was very lively. Please rest assured, husband, relying on your capabilities, no one outside neglects A Mei. Everything goes smoothly.
Husband, are you tired from traveling these past few days? Are you resting well? A Mei heard that the closer one gets to the border, the bumpier and harder the official roads become. You work so hard, and A Mei misses you very much at home.
Everything at home is as usual. Godfather, father, and Douzi are all doing very well. Besides missing A Mei, you don't need to worry about anything else.
Oh, right, husband, a Duchess at the banquet today invited me to an Autumn Banquet she is hosting in a couple of days. I heard from others that this banquet is very interesting and manages to forge several marriages every year. Hearing this, one knows that the drunkard's true interest does not lie in the wine. A Mei accepted the invitation. If I encounter anything interesting, A Mei will write and tell you.
A Mei also read a poem today and liked it very much. Shall A Mei write it out for you to see?
As A Mei wrote to this point, a rosy flush suddenly dyed her fair face. Her bright eyes were like a pool of clear water, shimmering with endless affection and love.
Then, she finally penned the last lines:
If love between both sides can last for aye,
Why need they stay together night and day.
