How could Yang Chuxia just wait patiently for someone to announce her? This would have been such a loss of face.
"Madam Zhou, such great joy today! I fear I have arrived late, and you must forgive me for that," she called out before even entering, laughing as she spoke. Her voice was rather loud, letting everyone immediately sense her brazenness.
Inside, Madam Zhouâs face turned ashen. She had heard the recent rumors throughout the countyâthat she was shameless, intolerant; that she had not only sent away her husbandâs woman but also falsely accused others. And for all this, she had that very woman to thank. Had she not invited Mrs. Hong and Mrs. Liu, those loudmouths, how would the commoners have come to know these things?
Furthermore, how utterly rude of her to barge in without being announced.
The moment Yang Chuxia entered, she indeed saw the pallor on Madam Zhouâs face, and felt a surge of satisfaction.
She glanced around and saw that nobody else was present, it seemed that Principal Clerk Zhou hadnât prevailed over Madam Zhou after all.
"Madam Zhou, isnât it supposed to be a grand celebration for our Lord Principal Clerk today? Why is Zhou Residence so quiet and empty? Didnât Principal Clerk Zhou say just the day before yesterday that he was going to host a banquet today? Could it be that he isnât, or is he, like all men, unreliable in his words?"
She didnât wait for Madam Zhou to speak or offer her a seat, instead taking it upon herself to sit in Principal Clerk Zhouâs usual seat of honor.
By rights, her status was higher than Madam Zhouâs, so she should be offered the seat of honor, but Madam Zhou didnât utter a word. So, she simply took it upon herself to occupy the empty chair.
"Madam Ye, itâs just taking a concubine, and she canât even enter through the front door. Whatâs there to celebrate?" Seeing Yang Chuxia sit down beside her, Madam Zhou felt even more irate and skipped any pretense of a courteous welcome.
"You are wrong, Madam Zhou. As long as he becomes a bridegroom tonight, it is indeed a great joy," Yang Chuxia said with another laugh. "I heard that when Concubine Cao first entered the Zhou Residence, two tables were set up. And now the second concubine is coming, and it was Principal Clerk Zhou who agreed to this. Yet, he decided not to host the celebration at the last minute. Itâs fine if your family does not set up the banquet, but at least you could have let me know."
"Go ask Principal Clerk Zhou if he looks down on Concubine Cao because she came from the County Magistrateâs harem. I came here in good faith to join the celebration, but now thereâs no banquet. If thereâs no banquet, at least tell me. Are you playing a game with me, Madam of County Magistrate?"
Yang Chuxia thought to herself, if you wonât hold the banquet, Iâll make such a fuss today that youâll have to start it, just to spite you for trying to stuff a concubine into my harem!
"You..." Madam Zhou was infuriated upon hearing this and glared at Yang Chuxia with narrowed eyes.
They were indeed supposed to host a banquet today, but in a fit of anger, she hadnât ordered the harem to prepare the food, nor had she invited any dear friends.
Besides, she hadnât expected Yang Chuxia to take her words from that day seriouslyâshe was just a concubine, after all, yet she still showed up.
"Madam Zhou, donât you always say that a woman should be generous? Lord Zhou had already agreed to host the banquet, yet you try to undermine him at this moment. It wonât look good if word gets out."
No sooner had Yang Chuxia finished speaking than she heard someone outside announce that Mrs. Hong had arrived.
Madam Zhou hadnât yet caught her breath when someone else announced the arrival of Mrs. Liu, followed by Madam Huang and many other ladies. Suddenly, Madam Zhou felt stifled. She hadnât invited any of these people, so why had they all come today?
Turning to meet Yang Chuxiaâs sly, almost smirking eyes, she realized who was behind this mischief.
Yes, it was Yang Chuxia who had notified all these people.
Normally, the principal wife wouldnât personally attend the introduction of a concubine. The female guests would usually be managed by nannies, and as for the male guests, Principal Clerk Zhou would indeed invite a few acquaintances.