Yang Ruxin took the invitation and glanced through it. Each card was crafted with great care, and two even had gold-dust calligraphy, indicating that these were from affluent households.
The prominent families in Beijing were quite sophisticated; even just visiting each other required sending a card in advance. If the host wished to meet, they would return the card with a time. If not, the card would simply be returned.
Without a card, showing up unannounced was seen as impolite unless the relationship was especially familiar; otherwise, the host might not entertain the visit.
Of course, these were the social interactions between women.
Previously, there were no elders or a hostess at Gu Qinghengâs residence, so networking among ladies was not feasible. But now with the Generalâs wife having arrived, it was naturally time to initiate social diplomacy among the ladies.
Gu Qingheng was merely a newly promoted fifth-rank general without significant power. Ordinarily, he wouldnât attract much attention, but due to his special backgroundâbeing the right-hand man of the Crown Prince and now in charge of the Embroidered Guard under the Emperorâs commandâhe became a bona fide nouveau riche in Beijing. With a bit more capability, he might indeed rise to a ministerial power, so it was only natural everyone was taking action.
Naturally, among those taking action, some were trying to ingratiate themselves, some to form alliances, and perhaps some just wanted to see the âcountry girl,â or to probe for information...
Yang Ruxin, although smart, was not well-versed in the operations of these ancient influential families, regretting not having brought the Feng Family with her.
The Feng Family came from the Shu Family and had been with the Gu Family for many years, so they must be very familiar with hosting and sending off guests. However, now... she truly had no clue on how to proceed, and even more clueless about the true nature of these families, so if she really met them and happened to say something wrong...
The women from these grand courtyards in Beijing were not like those from the village.
Even the sharpest village women spoke frankly; if they heard something nice, theyâd laugh, if unpleasant, thereâd be a quick slap to resolve it.
But the madams and ladies from these grand dwellings in Beijing were entirely different. Watching dramas would tell you that those surviving in these elite families were masters of household intrigue, with at least ten or twenty faces to show, never stepping out without them, speaking with intricate twists and turns; whether they were pleased or displeased was impossible to discern.
She admitted she was not skilled in this area.
"The General said if Madam doesnât like dealing with those people, all invitations can be declined," Gu Di glanced at Yang Ruxin, "After all, Madam is a âcountry girl,â not understanding these things is normal, and after a long journey, not acclimating is also normal..."
Yang Ruxin was momentarily stunned; did being a âcountry girlâ have such advantages? However, she quite liked this approach and immediately chuckled, "Then go ahead and turn them all down."
Gu Di nodded, "But thereâs a card from the Princess of Pingning County. If Madam is willing, you might have a chat, as youâre about the same age."
Yang Ruxin quickly picked up a pink card exuding a jasmine fragrance and asked, "Who is this?"
"This is Jiang Fangfei, the eldest daughter of Princess Qi Rong," Gu Di carefully introduced to Yang Ruxin, "Marquis Jiang Yifan is a distant relative of the Empress Dowager. The General says he is a man of integrity... The Princess Residence has always steered clear of political affairs... The General and the Marquis are chess friends..."