Tea with the in-law

"Her Highness respectfully offers tea to her majesty, Empress Dowager," the old mama announced in a clear voice.

As per customs, the new bride would offer tea to the elders of her husband's family and, in return, receive blessings and gifts. Thus Han Aeng was paying her respects to Long Dahai's family, the Long imperial family.

She raised the teacup and respectfully kowtowed as part of the ceremony. "Chenqie greets Empress Dowager. May Empress Dowager live for thousands and thousands of years!"

The Empress Dowager, De Guangui, looked stern, exuding an aristocratic aura that demanded respect. Her brows were tilled, and the corners of her lips dragged down into a naturally displeased frown.

Despite her position of power, she didn't seem distant or unapproachable, instead fostering an atmosphere of inclusivity and understanding.

She politely smiled at her granddaughter-in-law and gracefully accepted the tea, drinking it slowly as the servant handed her a golden box. She took out an elegant jade bracelet, personally helping Han Aeng wear it.

"This Dowager wishes for joy and prosperity in your marriage. May the heavens bless you to live blissfully with your husband till old age." Empress Dowager spoke with such authority that her wishes were, in fact, a command, leaving no room for an unhappy marriage. "You have joined the imperial family as a sign of peace and unionship. The responsibilities bestowed on you are many. I hope it doesn't weigh you down."

"Chenqie gives thanks to Her Majesty for the blessing and will remember this in her heart." Han Aeng replied with a courteous bow.

The process of greeting, serving tea, and receiving gifts and blessings was repeated until Han Aeng paid her respect to all of Long Dahai's elders.

During the ceremony, she was granted her title. Taking her husband's title Li Wang (Duke of Li), she would now be recognized as Li Wangfei.

As the ceremony concluded, everyone dispersed to attend to their respective duties., leaving only Han Aeng and Long Dahai to linger in the hall, engaging in light conversation amidst the palace's grandeur.

"Were you nervous?" Long Dahai asked, his voice calm and soothing.

"To be honest, a little, your highness. I hope I didn't make any mistakes," Han Aeng smiled, her voice carrying a hint of uncertainty and innocence.

"You have nothing to worry about. You handled yourself admirably," Long Dahai reassured her with a gentle smile, his calm demeanor providing comfort and stability. He turned his attention to Luo Li rushing to meet them. "Benwang will escort you back to the quarters first."

"No need. I'll return her to you once we have enjoyed some tea." Rong Shuman's cheerful voice rang like a songbird's light twittering, immediately holding everyone's attention.

"Mufei."

Even if Long Dahai didn't call out for his mother, anyone who saw the two together could quickly tell of their family relationships. His looks were patrimony from her.

Her features were delicately sculpted, with high cheekbones, a slender nose, and perfectly shaped eyebrows that framed her captivating eyes.

She donned flowing garments in an array of vibrant hues and intricate patterns, highlighting her carefree spirit that radiated with vibrant energy. The playful embellishments of flowers and ribbons on her hair, added to her whimsical charm.

With her playful presence, she appeared more like Long Dahai's older sister than his mother.

(a/n: How do these women maintain their beauty even at this age? Meanwhile, I began my journey to be a potato at 16!)

Seeing Long Dahai hesitate, she slightly hit his shoulder, joking, "I'm not going to eat her. Why are you so scared?"

Long Dahai looked between his mother and bride, his reluctance slipping through his words. "If that's what Mufei wishes," he turned to Han Aeng and gave her a little nod, and slowly explained "I'll come to pick you up."

"I said I'll return her to you. Come then Han Aeng, let's go." Rong Shuman didn't wait for a response but started striding away, her figure moving with effortless grace, swaying to an invisible melody that only she could hear.

Han Aeng offered Long Dahai a half-hearted smile and followed behind her.

She casually glanced back to see if her husband had walked away when she met eyes with Luo Li, staring her down suspiciously. Stunned and frankly awkward, she snapped her head back around, following her mother-in-law's lead.

What's his problem?

Noble Consort Rong cheerfully led Han Aeng to Peace and Serenity Court, her residence.

As they walked, Han Aeng realized that the palace's grandeur was no joke. Jeontu's courtyards couldn't even be compared to the likeness of her mother-in-law's residence in size and splendour.

As an outcome of having the emperor's favour many beautiful trinkets and adornments decorated the residence, each piece seemed to tell a story of its own, adding an extra touch of enchantment to its already captivating allure.

The most stunning feature was the strands of sheer-coloured fabric dancing around in the winds. The white, light green and pink colours matched the spring season beautifully, setting the whole place with a light and leisurely ambience.

Their tea was prepared under the shade of a large wisteria tree by the pondside. The pond, adorned with lilies and lotus flowers, provided a sanctuary for koi fish while clematis vines decorated its borders. It set a whimsical mood that matched Rong Shuman's disposition.

Faced with all this splendor, Han Aeng couldn't help but grow increasingly nervous, surpassing her initial expectations. Tales of "torturous" mothers-in-law she had overheard from Princess Sunmi's friends haunted some part of her thoughts. She had heard stories of nitpicking to bluntly discriminating against new brides to giving them a hard time just for the sake of it; she'd heard stories of all wakes of marriage.

The more she thought, the more she grew afraid of being found at fault. Compared to Jeontu, where she could rely on support and protection, she felt vulnerable and exposed in Shangwei. No one would stand up for her if she made a mistake, and for that reason, she would be taken advantage of. In reasoning, she should be able to depend on her husband. However, they hadn't gotten to know each other yet, and frankly, they were nothing more than strangers who shared a title.

It's safe to say she couldn't muster much enthusiasm for whatever was coming her way. For the first time, in a long time, she was nervous. 

I suppose this is why a wife would suck up to her husband.

While Han Aeng was lost in her thoughts, Noble Consort Rong keenly observed the young girl.

Rong Shuman liked her daughter-in-law. It may have been too early to claim, but she had insider information about Han Aeng.

In fact, she had eagerly anticipated meeting her for the past year. While she thought he was exaggerating when he said Han Aeng resembled her younger self. Rong Shuman could see herself somewhere in her conduct, a hint of familiarity in the girl's demeanour—a mixture of nervousness and fear for her new life within the palace.

Rong Shuman's invitation to tea had been well-intentioned, but it seemed to have startled the poor child.

"Come, take a seat," she kindly urged. Han Aeng returned to reality, managing a graceful smile as she sat beside her mother-in-law.

Noble Consort Rong—a title that carried immense weight and significance.

Compared to the Jeontu harem, which consisted only of the Queen and, at most, two official concubines, the hierarchy within Shangwei was intense and complex: an Empress, Noble Consort, Consorts, Imperial Concubines, and Concubines, and that was only the surface level!

The vastness of Shangwei meant that Han Aeng had to navigate her way through numerous relationships, as one never knew the importance of a person's family connections.

It made sense. Shangwei was at least ten times bigger than Jeontu, which naturally meant they needed more support to keep the empire. The importance of a person's family connections meant Han Aeng had to please everyone because there was no telling whose family was influential.

"Nervous?"

"How could chenqie be nervous when she is blessed to be in her highness's gracious presence? It's a blessing."

"What a sweet talker!" Rong Shuman beamed, her smile capable of melting away any tension or worries in an instant. "By heaven's grace, both my parents are healthy. I have an older brother who doesn't talk much, but I readily want to bury him when he does. Yet, I love him nonetheless."

Han Aeng's face stifled with confusion at the random trivia.

Rong Shuman's tone was warm as she explained. "Don't just look at me like that child. Tell me about yourself. Who is in your family? Do you have brothers and sisters?"

Bonding with her daughter-in-law as quickly as possible was a top priority. She longed for a baby girl all her life, but it seized with her after the manner of women not long after she gave birth to Long Dahai. Hence her goal was to find a loveable daughter-in-law to boast about to the other consorts.

In her pursuit of forging a close bond, Rong Shuman had chosen the topic of 'family' as a strategic approach. She believed that a considerable amount of information regarding a person is revealed when someone explains their relationship with their family. The level of interest, dedication and commitment to another person conveniently shows a glimpse of their interpersonal values and expectations.

If someone speaks fondly about their family, they were likely to be raised in a household with strong and positive relationships where they trust others. They tend to value and be more appreciative of others, enjoy quality time, and have productive communication skills.

On the other hand, if there is hesitation or hostility, it's safe to say they have unstable relationships with others. They don't or can't feel comfortable being cared for. Thus don't respond well to intimacy or crave it to an extreme where it's impossible to satisfy them.

A lop-sided smile adored Han Aeng's face as she contemplated.

Family connections, huh?

"Chenqie has an older brother," Han Aeng ran her fingers over the brim of the teacup, "Truthfully, chenqie misses him very much. It's been just over two years since chenqie last saw him. He's currently serving at the barricade."

"What are the odds!" Rong Shuman exclaimed, her interest piqued. Placing her empty cup down, she leaned forward, eager to share a common thread. "Both our brothers are men of war. My brother is also stationed at the western barricade. The last time he wrote back was about something I said three years ago!"

"Chenqie fully understands," Han Aeng replied empathetically, fondly nodding. "It's hard to get a hold of brother, but chenqie is proud of him for serving his country."

Rong Shuman poured herself another cup of tea, her eyes gleaming with sunlight. "I can imagine your mother must feel lonely at home without everyone together."

"Chenqie assumed she would have." Han Aeng responded, looking down momentarily before continuing. "Mother passed away when chenqie was ten years old."

Immediately, Rong Shuman placed her hand over Han Aeng's, expressing her sincere condolences. "I am terribly sorry to hear that. I should not have asked."

Han Aeng quietly shook her head, "It's alright, your highness. Time has been kind, and chenqie has learned to cherish the memories of my mother. Moreover, it would be disrespectful to my father if I were to feel lonely in his presence."

"You are close to your father?" Rong Shuman inquired, her eyes shimmering with warmth.

Han Aeng's lips curved into a grin. At that moment, she had Rong Shuman's attention right where she wanted.

"Father is the closest to me, and chenqie cherishes him with all her heart."

Just like that, Han Aeng began to profess her love for her father, detailing how much he means to her and the depth of their bond.

As their conversation continued, Rong Shuman felt closer to Han Aeng. She admired the young girl's love and respect for her family, and it reminded her of her own values. Rong Shuman saw in Han Aeng a potential daughter she could be proud of, someone who would bring joy and happiness to their family.

One in the bag, three more to go.