Other madams, seeing that Lan Yan was not only beautiful but also sharp-tongued, dared not approach her for a while. They had previously thought that a woman from the countryside could be easily suppressed by them, but now it seemed that was not the case.
Even the formidable Madam Yan had been rendered speechless.
Lan Yan observed everyone's reactions, a slight smile curving her lips. "Esteemed madams, I am new here, and I imagine you are all very curious about me. But do not rush, for we will have many more opportunities to meet."
She departed with poise, heading to her designated seat with Hui Niang and Wu Ming standing behind her.
Hui Niang and Wu Ming had been worried initially, but after witnessing Lan Yan's commanding presence, they were filled with admiration. Truly, she was a woman who could capture the heart of the Grand Eunuch!
Seeing the tense atmosphere, Madam Yang smiled and said, "Please, all madams, be seated. I have prepared some rare flowers for you all to admire later."
Being close to the Jun residence, she had wanted to meet Lan Yan, but little did she expect such a disturbance. She found Madam Yan troublesome, not knowing the occasion and causing trouble here.
The other madams sat down, occasionally glancing at Lan Yan but not daring to say much. They were not the hostesses, and they also feared Jun Yelan's reputation outside.
There were also rumors that Jun Yelan doted on his wife immensely and was known for his vindictiveness.
Facing Madam Yang's kind gesture, Madam Yan replied with a hint of anger, "How hypocritical. Madam Yang, everyone knows your husband is in the Ministry of Revenue and is currently dealing with the Grand Eunuch. What, are you already desperate enough to cling to a country bumpkin?"
"Madam Jun!" Madam Yang's eyes flashed with anger. She ignored Madam Yan and turned her gaze towards Lan Yan, who was already eating. Her composure was truly unparalleled.
Lan Yan noticed Madam Yang's gaze and looked up, saying, "Madam Yan, you speak as if you have no agenda. You frequently enter the palace, aren't you also seeking favor? At least Madam Yang invited me for the first time."
Madam Yan's expression immediately changed. It was all due to her maternal family's lack of influence, and her husband, Yan Ming, disliked her. If she couldn't forge good relationships with the noble consorts in the palace, her position would be in jeopardy.
"Madam Jun, you have a sharp tongue, and I won't argue with you. However, since today is for appreciating flowers, how can we do without a talent showcase? Madam Jun, do you have any skills?" She then chuckled, not believing for a moment that a country bumpkin would possess any talent!
Madam Yang tried to mediate, "Madam Yan, today is just for appreciating flowers, nothing else. If you wish to see a performance, perhaps another time."
But Madam Yan kept her eyes fixed on Lan Yan, even instigating the other madams, appearing eager to watch the show.
Lan Yan put down her pastry and looked coldly at Madam Yan. Some people simply loved to court disaster. "Madam Yan, what if I do have a skill? What would you do? Without stakes, my talents are not offered for free."
Madam Yan was stunned for a moment before exclaiming, "Naturally, I will apologize to you." After all, she believed Lan Yan was merely putting on a front.
Lan Yan nodded, stood up, and said with a smile, "Ladies, on this fine day, allow me to play the flute." She asked Hui Niang to retrieve a box from the carriage, which she had prepared beforehand.
Based on her experience traversing countless worlds, it was prudent to bring some items when venturing out. Her carriage was equipped with weapons and food, everything one could possibly need.
Madam Yan scoffed, "Quite the elaborate setup. Ladies, let us be careful with our ears, lest we be harmed."
"Don't worry, if anyone's ears are to be harmed, it will be yours," Lan Yan replied, a smirk playing on her lips as she began to play the flute. The melody drifted out melodiously, starting with joy, then sorrow, and finally, a sense of release.
A few butterflies flew in from nearby and settled on the flute.
Madam Yang, standing beside her, was mesmerized. "Madam Jun's flute playing is truly exquisite." She felt increasingly convinced that inviting Lan Yan to the gathering was the right decision.
Madam Yan was initially surprised, and then her face contorted with extreme displeasure, having not expected Lan Yan to actually possess such a talent! "Where on earth did this village girl come from?"
The other madams were stunned into silence. This was clearly no village girl; she was superior to them. They couldn't help but look at Madam Yan, grateful that they were not the ones opposing Lan Yan.
As the melody concluded, Lan Yan put away her flute and looked at Madam Yan with a smile. "Apologize, and remember, do it loudly."
With everyone's eyes on her, Madam Yan's face flushed with embarrassment, and she could only say, "Madam Jun, I apologize."
"I can't hear you," Lan Yan said with a smile.
Madam Yan grew even more awkward and shouted, "Madam Jun, I apologize!"
Satisfied, Lan Yan turned to Madam Yang. "Madam Yang, thank you for your invitation today. I have admired the flowers and will take my leave now." Her actions today were enough for these women to digest, and she was disinclined to linger any longer.
Madam Yang nodded and escorted Lan Yan out, thinking she would like to chat with Lan Yan sometime.
Meanwhile, Madam Yan, too embarrassed to stay any longer, left in a huff.
The other madams also departed. As soon as they were outside, they began discussing the matter everywhere, to the point where everyone on the street learned about it.
On his way back to the residence, Jun Yelan overheard Lan Yan's name and immediately stopped. "Song Cheng, go and find out what they are talking about."
"Yes, Grand Eunuch." Song Cheng approached a tea stall and listened for a moment before returning with a look of delight. "Grand Eunuch, they are talking about Madam."
Jun Yelan's eyes narrowed.
Song Cheng smiled, "They are not speaking ill of Madam, but rather praising her capabilities. Madam played a piece today at Madam Yang's residence, which even attracted butterflies. They are saying the music was beautiful and are curious about what piece Madam played."
"Grand Eunuch, I only knew Madam was a good cook, I never imagined she possessed such a talent."
A smile curved Jun Yelan's lips, and the coldness in his eyes vanished. "Of course, you wouldn't know. My wife always surprises me in such ways."
Song Cheng understood; Jun Yelan was boasting about his wife. He also wished for a wife. "Grand Eunuch, when you return, remember to praise Madam. What Madam wants most is surely your praise."
"Mm." Jun Yelan quickened his pace, riding back. As soon as he dismounted, he entered the courtyard and saw Lan Yan's back as she sunned the bedding. He walked towards her slowly.
Lan Yan heard footsteps and, thinking it was Hui Niang, called out, "Hui Niang, help me turn the edge of this quilt." She picked up a corner of the quilt and looked up to see Jun Yelan holding the opposite corner. She paused slightly, "Grand Eunuch."
"Aren't you supposed to turn the edge?" Jun Yelan asked, a faint smile on his lips, as he flipped the quilt over and looked at Lan Yan. Seeing her still tidying the bedding, he moved closer and said, "I heard about what happened today."
Lan Yan then looked at Jun Yelan, her eyes shining brightly.
Jun Yelan was instantly captivated and said, "Although I did not hear your flute, I believe it must have been a sound rarely heard in this world." It was his first time complimenting someone, and he wasn't sure if he had said it right, watching Lan Yan with slight nervousness.
Seeing Jun Yelan's solemn demeanor, Lan Yan thought something serious had happened, only to realize it was this. "Then, next time, I will play for you."
"Okay." Jun Yelan couldn't help but step forward and gently embrace Lan Yan. "I will listen intently and remember it in my heart."
A gentle breeze blew, rustling the quilts beside them, enveloping their figures. They were faintly visible as two people embracing, filled with warmth.