Yang Chuxia always had a knack for sharp words. Without waiting for the Mu Second Madam to continue, she added, "Moreover, our Great Zhou has always upheld the principle of âEmperor first, then subjects; state first, then familyâ. I thought everyone adhered to this rule. Itâs only today that I realize not everyone does!"
"No matter how you look at it, Dongyang is a Commandery Princess of Great Zhou, carrying the responsibility of harmony between two clans. She holds more esteem in the Emperorâs eyes than an ordinary imperial Commandery Princess. People like us, of lower status, naturally must show respect and adherence when meeting a Commandery Princess. But it seems itâs not the case at the Mu Family. Last time I visited, that Concubine Tong barged in without announcement, making a ruckus without even considering the place. Can anyone just storm into the Commandery Princessâs courtyard like that?"
"Oh, I almost forgot, Madam Mu also entered the same way just now. Although Dongyang is the younger generation, you must remember, she is a Commandery Princess first, and only then a junior of the Mu Residence. Your manner just now was inappropriate."
People had always said Yang Chuxia spoke bluntly, and it was the first time the Mu Second Madam experienced it firsthand. Yet, considering herself a lady from a prestigious lineage, she maintained her composure even though Yang Chuxiaâs words were harsh, unlike the Tong or Luo families who would lose their temper instantly.
After a momentâs awkwardness, she quickly recovered her calmness, "Madam Ye has a point. Admittedly, weâve paid little attention to this in daily life. Itâs mainly because this is our home, not outside, and strictly following all protocols daily would indeed be tiring. Now that youâve reminded me, Madam Ye, I must pass along this lesson to ensure it is remembered."
Hmph, trying to assert a Commandery Princessâs authority in the residence? Very well, I shall let the people in the Capital City see just how grand your Commandery Princessâs prestige is, if itâs substantial enough to suppress filial duty.
How could Yang Chuxia not know what she was up to? She straightforwardly said, "Isnât the Mu Family an established family? How could they not even know this basic etiquette? Thereâs no need for the Second Madam to specially instruct it, as it would make the heads and servants of the Mu Family seem so unsophisticated, as though they were ignorant of even basic decorum. Besides, my intention today was only to offer some advice to the Second Madam, not to lecture the whole Mu Family. Yet it sounds like the Second Madam is blaming me."
Mu Second Madamâs eyes darkened momentarily, thinking, so you do know Iâm blaming you? Then shut your mouth, your constant chatter is truly vexing.
"Ha, ha, Madam Ye is right." Mu Second Madam merely responded, without further elaboration.
It wasnât that she didnât want to say more, but with Yang Chuxia present, there was no point; saying more would only frustrate herself.
After pondering a bit, she decided to keep silent further, and after sitting for a short while, she took her leave.
"Xiaxia, youâre impressive!" As soon as the person left, Commandery Princess Dongyang raised her thumb in admiration.
"Alas, itâs just because your aunt has a good temper." Yang Chuxia shook her head, "Otherwise, it wouldnât have ended with her leaving, but with an argument with me."
"Such patience! Those who can endure must have deep schemes!"
"Indeed!" Yang Chuxia remarked, "You need to be extra cautious with such people."
"Mmm, I will be careful."
Yang Chuxia stayed at the Mu Residence until the afternoon before taking her leave, bringing along little Cheng. Initially planning to return home, but seeing that it was still early, she directed the carriage towards the street.
"Aunt, arenât we going back?"
"Your brother and the others are still at school, theyâre not home now. How about strolling on the streets with Aunt?"
"Okay!"
Yang Chuxia held him, feeling that this child was indeed well-behaved.