Chapter 307 New Year’s Day Banquet

Chapter 307: New Year's Day Banquet

Last night, while keeping watch for the New Year, Meng Wan didn't even know when he fell asleep. When he woke up in the morning, he was already in bed in the bedchamber he shared with Song Tingzhou.

The spot beside him was cold—Song Tingzhou had been gone for a while. He might have even carried him back to bed before changing into his court robes and heading to the palace for the New Year's Day court audience ceremony.

Lying in the warm, comfortable blankets, Meng Wan felt a pang of sympathy for Song Tingzhou. Having to go to the palace in such freezing weather to kowtow to everyone, following strict protocols—who knew how many times he'd have to prostrate himself.

He propped himself up and glanced at the low cabinet beside the bed—the sheepskin knee pads were already gone.

Meng Wan breathed a sigh of relief. Good—he'd worn them.

On New Year's Day, you're supposed to get up early to pay respects to your elders, but their household wasn't that strict about it. He'd slept too late last night, and Meng Wan wanted to lie in a while longer.

He'd just burrowed back under the covers and closed his eyes when a thought suddenly flashed through his mind.

He reached between his and Song Tingzhou's pillows and, sure enough, found a long, narrow box made of the yellow pearwood Meng Wan loved.

The box slid open, and Meng Wan slowly drew out the contents. Inside lay a pure white jade hairpin that, upon closer inspection, had a faint creamy yellow tint. Touching it felt like stroking smooth, slippery tallow.

The shaft of the pin was quite plain, even showing visible polishing marks. The head was a cluster of auspicious clouds—the design Meng Wan knew best—and paired with such fine, high-quality mutton-fat jade, it looked even more rounded and adorable.

But you could tell this hairpin wasn't as finely crafted as the ones from Baoguang Studio. It looked like an apprentice's work—no matter how careful and meticulous, anyone who'd seen countless fine jewelry pieces could spot the flaws.

Yet sometimes, small flaws are a kind of beauty—at least to Meng Wan.

He pressed the hairpin to his chest. When he closed his eyes, it was as if he'd been transported back to that winter in Sanquan Village. That day, when he'd first worn the auspicious cloud hairpin Song Tingzhou gave him, the moment their eyes met, he truly heard the sound of ice and snow melting.

The thick, murky soil thawed, and two tiny sprouts tentatively pushed their way through. They stretched their branches with effort and courage, reaching out until they touched.

After weathering storms and trials, they only grew more intertwined, bigger and bigger, until they became two towering trees.

Luckily—they never parted again.

Today, the masters of the Song household were in high spirits, handing out steamed buns and ginger soup to the beggars stuck at the city gates. On New Year's Day, cart after cart of coarse flour buns was hauled to the city gates—quite a spectacle.

Some city ruffians mixed in, deliberately smearing dirt on their faces to claim buns. But when they took a bite, they could barely swallow—the buns were so packed with wheat bran it felt like it would scrape their throats raw.

One man spat and threw his bun to the ground, and beggars immediately scrambled to snatch it up.

Huang Ye quietly took note of all the troublemakers. Once the commotion died down and only the beggars who'd barely survived the cold remained outside the city gates, he had the servants unload the padded jackets from the cart—half were old clothes from the Song household, and the other half were padded coats sewn from fabric scraps Meng Wan had specially bought from the cloth shop.

"Keep quiet, don't make a fuss. One each, no grabbing, or nobody gets any—got it?" Huang Ye said in a low voice.

"Under..." A glimmer of light rose in those numb eyes. Huang Ye couldn't tell if it was light or tears, but either way, they all obeyed, falling silent and stuffing their buns into their tattered clothes before gathering around him, gazing at him expectantly.

The elderly and young children—too impoverished—might not have survived the winter. Those begging outside the city were all half-grown kids, the oldest only twelve or thirteen.

On the thirtieth, the city gates had been bustling with traffic. By the first, few people came or went, and those who did pass by were all in a hurry.

Huang Ye handed out the padded jackets one by one. Watching them eagerly put them on, one particularly clever kid clutched his jacket and bun to his chest and ran off, afraid someone might snatch them. As he ran, he glanced back and accidentally met Huang Ye's gentle gaze.

The kid froze, his steps unconsciously slowing as he gazed at Huang Ye from afar, until the man had handed out all the jackets and ridden away.

Back at the Song residence, everyone was dressed in new clothes and full of festive cheer. Seeing Huang Ye return, they came to offer New Year's greetings. "Steward Huang, happy New Year! The master's husband is handing out bonus money in the main hall—hurry over."

Meng Wan was a generous boss. He sat in the main hall, with Zhifan and Zhimao beside him—one calling out names from the servant roster, the other handing out bonus money.

"Songshan, Songqiao."

Two young servants, fifteen or sixteen, darted out from the waiting crowd. "Coming!"

One of them dropped to his knees with a thud in front of Meng Wan. "Happy New Year, master's husband! May your new year be auspicious, with blessings and longevity."

The other, bewildered by his companion's actions, knelt too and stammered, "Happy New Year, master's husband."

Meng Wan chuckled. Songqiao was a clever one. "Our household doesn't go in for kneeling at the drop of a hat. Get up and take your bonus—you've worked hard all year."

Songshan and Songqiao, wearing new brown-collared padded jackets, got up and stepped forward to take their pouches from Zhimao. Songqiao, ever sweet-tongued, also wished Zhifan and Zhimao a happy New Year.

"Sister Weiying, Sister Yunque, you're next..."

The bonus distribution went on for a while, and those who'd gone out of the city also returned. In the end, two pouches were left on the tray.

Meng Wan gave one to each of Zhifan and Zhimao, then grabbed a handful of silver ingots for each. "Consider this extra pay for all your hard work."

That handful of silver ingots must have weighed at least three taels—combined with the master's bonus, it was nearly half a year's wages.

The two beamed with joy, congratulated Meng Wan again, then headed out to enjoy the streets.

Over the past two days, the household servants had staggered their days off. The two of them hadn't gone out yesterday, so today, after collecting their bonuses, they could go buy some accessories.

Xue Sheng, starting a couple of days ago, had refused any bonus money, and even when he did accept it, he gave it to A Yan. Meng Wan set aside Huang Ye's share—double the usual amount for servants—along with a delicate gold hairpin, which Jin Gu immediately pinned into Huang Ye's hair bun on the spot.

At noon, Song Tingzhou still hadn't returned. The family had a simple meal, then began getting ready for the palace.

After Song Tingzhou assumed his third-rank official position, given his achievements, he could petition for honorary titles for both his mother and his husband. But they'd been back in the capital for less than six months, short of the one-year service requirement for such titles. Therefore, Chang Jinhua and Meng Wan's attire could not exceed any regulations.

Their clothing could have no trim and no gold thread woven in. At the waist, only plain cotton or silk sashes were allowed. Jade pendants, tassels, and other ornaments were off-limits.

Bracelets were not allowed, though a single plain ring could be worn on one hand. On their heads, they could not wear jeweled crowns or floral hairpin crowns—only two plain silver hairpins, and even beads, jade, and gold ornaments were prohibited.

Meng Wan figured wearing less was better anyway—it saved him from being compared and judged, which would only be more trouble.

Jin Que added, "Master's husband should be careful. The wives of all third-rank and above officials hold honorary titles. You and the old madam simply haven't been granted yours yet. Though there are many restrictions, you still must not appear too shabby."

If he couldn't wear much, fine—but his clothes couldn't be subpar, or who knew what those high-ranking officials' wives might whisper behind his back.

Even without the reminder, Meng Wan always wore clothing of excellent fabric. To show reverence for the imperial family, he'd had two new thick padded silk garments made. For the outer cloaks, precious furs like sable or silver fox were forbidden, so Meng Wan purchased two second-grade fox pelts and had one brown and one white cloak made.

Chang Jinhua had already been dressed by Jin Que. Her indigo-blue padded jacket was perfectly proper, and the silver hairpins in her hair were beyond reproach.

Picking up his own clothes, Meng Wan unhurriedly went behind the screen to change. He wore a dark green long robe—honestly, the color made him look older than Chang Jinhua's outfit. But with Meng Wan's face carrying it, it only made his skin appear as pale as snow, his features striking and vivid.

"About time, isn't it? Let's go." Meng Wan slipped on his white fox fur cloak and took Chang Jinhua's arm as they headed out.

"Your mother isn't so old that she needs you to hold her up."

"That's where you're wrong. Out in public, it's always the daughter-in-law supporting the mother-in-law. You'll see soon enough."

Tonight, none of the adults were home. Chu Ci stayed behind to look after the two younger brothers, and Xue Sheng remained in the western courtyard, never leaving his post.

Chi Yu drove the carriage, with Jin Que and A Xun waiting aboard. Meng Wan helped Chang Jinhua down from the carriage, and after passing inspection at the Donghua Gate, they were led into the palace by a palace attendant.

All around them were titled ladies—every one of them holding honorary ranks. Chang Jinhua and Meng Wan, sandwiched among them, stood out especially.

Chang Jinhua looked at the towering palace walls and the solemn, imposing atmosphere, and her legs went weak. Meng Wan, queuing behind her, muttered quietly, "Mother, don't be nervous. There are people even more scared than you."

"Really?" Chang Jinhua was doubtful but didn't dare turn her head to look, only glancing at the people ahead—each one looking more formidable than the last.

Meng Wan lowered his voice, ensuring that those behind could only hear a sound but not make it out clearly, "No kidding, there's one behind us who can barely catch their breath."

Song Tingzhou held the most important position among third-rank officials, so Chang Jinhua and Meng Wan were placed behind the second-rank titled ladies, with the wives, husbands, or mothers of third-rank court officials behind them. Indeed, there was an elderly woman wheezing heavily but with a booming voice, clearly not from exertion but from sheer fright.

The accompanying palace attendant had sharper ears than ordinary people, and hearing the words of this mother-in-law and son-in-law couldn't help but find it amusing. The top spot among third-rank officials—that would be the family of the recently prominent Lord Song?

His husband was quite good-looking and spoke amusingly as well.

A lady official stopped everyone at the front, holding a register in her hands to check the noble lady credentials one by one. Chang Jinhua and Meng Wan had no noble lady credentials, but the imperial consorts had given prior notice, so there was no major issue.

After identity verification, the checking lady official and other palace attendants led everyone through the long palace corridors, walking into the harem area.

Meng Wan covertly glanced around at the surroundings—gloomy sky, tall red palace walls. Palace attendants walked as if measuring each step, heads bowed, carrying lanterns.

No snow was visible inside or outside the palace walls, but a thin frost had just condensed on the bluestone slabs, making a slight crunching sound as people stepped on them. Apart from that, there was no other noise—eerily clean, as if untouched by human presence.

"Kunning Palace has arrived. All virtuous ladies, madams, and first-rank ladies, you may enter to pay respects to the Empress and the various consorts of the harem." The lady official stood at the very front, her face showing no extra expression, lips pressed into a taut straight line, voice steady and powerful, clear enough for all the female relatives of officials present to hear.

Meng Wan could clearly feel that after the lady official finished speaking, the sharp intake of breath from some elderly lady behind him grew louder, and he was worried she might keel over.

Inside, a eunuch called out names one by one, "Summon the first-rank lady, wife of the Minister of Revenue, Lady Zhu, to enter the hall!"

Meng Wan lowered his head and thought, so the wife of the Minister of Revenue is surnamed Zhu? Their families lived nearby; if no one was talking to them, he could go strike up a conversation with her.

Lady Zhu had a straightforward personality, and Chang Jinhua could chat with her a little to avoid being too nervous.

"Summon the mother of the Prefect of Shuntian Prefecture, Lady Chang, and his wife, Lady Meng, to enter the hall!"

Their names were called. Meng Wan poked Chang Jinhua's lower back with his finger, and she hurriedly bowed and followed the palace attendant inside.

After the two entered the main hall of Kunning Palace, they first adjusted their attire to show respect, then performed the kneeling bow with meticulous formality, until a calm, unhurried voice came from the main seat above, "You may rise." Only then did the two get up from the ground.

"Seat them." The Empress instructed lightly.

Meng Wan had been walking for a long time and could finally sit down—even if he couldn't lounge or slack off like at home, it was still better than standing bent over like a wooden post.

After Chang Jinhua sat down, her shoulders sagged for a split second, but quickly straightened back up.

In the gap while the eunuch went out to continue calling out names, the Empress, wearing ceremonial robes and a magnificent crown adorned with nine dragons and four phoenixes, said in a light tone, "I've put you both out. Lord Song's achievements are outstanding, and the Imperial Household Department is already preparing your titled lady court robes."

Meng Wan, before his butt had even warmed the seat, stood up again with Chang Jinhua to bow, "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."

Without having done anything yet, Meng Wan was already beginning to feel drained.

But opportunities to come into contact with the harem were indeed rare, and since this chance was precious, after sitting back down, Meng Wan began to observe discreetly.

The Empress at the very top was the Crown Prince's birth mother. She was well-preserved, appearing only in her forties, but there seemed to be a hint of melancholy shrouding her brows, giving her an inexplicably fragile air.

Below her, the seating split into two sides—the left side for palace consorts, the right side for princesses and titled ladies of princely households.

Looking at it that way, the beauty seated closest below the Empress must be the Consort? Duke Dingxiang's surname was Nie, and Consort Nie was his youngest daughter. She entered the palace at sixteen, and should now be approaching forty, but her brows were relaxed and serene, with a celestial, airy beauty. Her makeup was also light, and one could believe she was twenty-eight.

The consorts and palace attendants below her looked at her with fear in their eyes, showing her strong influence in the harem—after the Crown Prince's disappearance, her momentum might even surpass the Empress by a fraction.

On the Empress's right sat her daughter-in-law, Lady Qin, who was also Qin Jiao's elder sister. The Crown Princess had a proper appearance, not particularly outstanding, but she looked dignified and pleasant. She might also have been paying attention to Meng Wan, and upon noticing his gaze, returned a faint smile.

Meng Wan smiled back, then restrained himself and stopped looking around.

He wasn't looking at others, but others were looking at him—and quite a few at that.

Meng Wan noticed but pretended not to, sitting upright with a calm, undisturbed mind.

After all the titled ladies had paid their respects, the Empress rose and left first, with everyone following in sequence from Kunning Palace to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The Hall of Supreme Harmony was divided into inner and outer halls. The Emperor hosted the court officials in the main hall, receiving tributes from other nations.

The Empress led the consorts and titled ladies to a banquet in the inner hall, thus keeping the inner and outer spheres properly distinct.