Chapter 19: Harmony Without Taint (19)

Chapter 19: Harmony Without Taint (19)

The eldest missus of the Song family was named Yu, with the single character Xiao as her given name. The Yu family had resided in Danyang County for over a century, and their lineage was prolific, with more than a hundred family members currently holding official positions.

Yuxiu, a female character, is the legitimate eldest daughter of her family. She was betrothed to the Song family at the tender age of six and consummated her marriage at sixteen. As of now, she is precisely twenty-eight years old.

With her natal family holding influence and her husband's family exerting power, both being prominent figures, she was quite popular among the ladies of the Capital City. It was a simple matter for her to act as a broker, facilitating connections and transactions through her extensive network.

Without Zhe Wan's consent, she didn't dare to disclose this matter to anyone else, not even her closest mother-in-law. She only couldn't help but praise when her mother-in-law came to visit the child, "Despite her young age, she possesses remarkable composure and insight. Look how Yueniang and the Duchess of England are indifferent towards her; she takes it all in stride and enjoys herself nonetheless."

Now she's even out purchasing her own business, showing that she has wisdom.

Madam Song, however, was still worried about her daughter and complained, "Yueniang has always been impetuous and doesn't know how to yield to others. That's just her nature! We've tried our best to teach her for years, and finally saw some improvement, but then she married into the House of Duke of Ying, only to be influenced negatively by Madam Zhao."

Yuxiu responded, "But Lady Duke of Ying genuinely cares for her. We shouldn't say too much."

Given that the woman spent most of her time at the Duke of Ying's residence, they couldn't frequently visit to scold her. Thus, they could only occasionally write letters to impart guidance, though the results were minimal.

Madam Song sighed, "Madam Zhao has a fiery temper. I usually have to accommodate her to avoid any resentment towards Yueniang."

Then she said with exasperation, "Lady Zhe is the rightful Lady of the First Rank in the Marquis of Ying's household, and she will eventually take charge of the family. If Lady Zhao lets Yueniang compete with her now, will she expect Yueniang to manage the household for Elder Brother and Sister-in-law when they separate households in the future?"

It was a simple concept that outsiders could understand, but her foolish daughter didn't get it and was even pleased with herself for winning.

As Lady Song spoke, she couldn't help blaming Lady Zhao. "If she truly cares about Yueniang, she should think like us and not make her a target. In the past, she was competing with Lady Zhe, and now she's competing with Young Lady Zhe."

Yuxiu comforted, "Fortunately, both Lady Zhe and Young Lady Zhe are reasonable. From what I see, the two sisters don't want anything to do with her. It's better this way; she hasn't offended them completely. If she causes trouble, we can still clean up after her. Mother, I think Young Lady Zhe is someone worth befriending. I would like to invite her to our house for tea in the future."

Lady Song agreed. "Regardless of her background, she has now married into the Marquis of Ying's household as the Lady of the First Rank. Unless something unfortunate happens, she will be the legitimate Lady of the Marquis of Ying in the future. It's right for you to befriend her."

With her mother's approval, Yuxiu handled matters effortlessly. Before Zhe Wan had even replied to her letter asking if she wanted to be an intermediary, Yuxiu had already planned which good shops on Guiyuan Street she could offer her.

Meanwhile, Zhe Wan read Yuxiu's letter without any hesitation and said with a smile, "We've encountered a kind-hearted person."

Su Shan, however, was hesitant. "She is, after all, the family member of Third Lady. Could there be some trickery involved?"

Following her memories, Zhe Wan replied, "This person is somewhat different from ordinary women."

She couldn't recall much about Yuxiu. What she did remember was Third Lady constantly boasting about how wonderful her elder sister-in-law was. After so many boasts, Zhe Wan couldn't bring herself to feel any affection towards Yuxiu.

Indeed, I don't dislike her; in fact, I rather admire her. This is a person of great principle.

She still vividly recalled how, five or six years later, the Marquis of Merit's Estate was suddenly raided and accused of land encroachment and maintaining a private army. The womenfolk of the estate met with tragic fates – some perished, while others were sold off. Throughout the Capital City, not a soul dared to extend a helping hand. It was only she who stepped forward to claim their bodies and make arrangements for their final journey.

On this account alone, Zhe Wan was willing to believe that she was truly a good person. Besides, after all, she herself was already dead and there was no need for genuine tears.

She smiled gently. "We have nothing to lose now. Trusting her won't make much of a difference; we won't suffer any significant losses."

Moreover... she gently patted Su Shan's head, "The dynamics between people can be very unpredictable. Sometimes, those bound to you by blood may betray you, while a chance encounter with a stranger might lead to a touch of kindness and warmth."

Suzhan, listening attentively to Zhe Wan's words, smiled and replied, "Now that you're so clever, I'll definitely follow your advice."

She continued, "She's such a kind person, we should express our gratitude. Should we send her something?"

Zhe Wan suggested, "I recently crafted a Flower Mirror. How about presenting that? She likely has everything else, considering her family is the Danyang Jade Clan."

Suzhan, unfamiliar with these matters, heard the name for the first time and inquired curiously, "The Danyang Jade Clan? Are they very renowned?"

Zhe Wan had learned about them from Third Young Madam's boasts. She explained, "Let's put it this way, although the Marquis of England's Manor is also an aristocratic family, their relatives don't necessarily follow the traditional birth order. But the Danyang Jade Clan is different. No matter how distant a relative, as long as they have a child, they are ranked according to age. At its most impressive, the male members of her family numbered up to Three Hundred and Sixty-Eightth Brother."

With her mouth agape, Su Shan watched as Zhe Wan peeled an egg and fed it to her. "Not only that, every male in their family is educated, and the ladies are well-versed in etiquette. All children, regardless of gender, are taught to read at a young age. Poorer clans provide silver, while the elder members care for the aged. Even married women have the clan's protection."

"When you consider this has been the case for centuries, there are now over a hundred officials from the Yu family serving in various posts across the land, including a Grand Councillor in the imperial court."

Who didn't speak highly of the Yu family in Danyang? This was why Third Madam could be so proud.

Su Shan was lost in thought for a moment before she asked, "So if Madam Song, the Eldest Missus of the Song family, were to help Third Madam against us, wouldn't it be a piece of cake?"

Zhe Wan was taken aback by this, then nodded seriously. "Yes, it seems she's treating me with respect and kindness."

Deciding on a course of action, Zhe Wan wrote a letter to invite her out for a detailed discussion. Then, she paused and added, "I need to discuss this with Lai He Chun as well."

After careful consideration, Zhe Wan realized that if her plan succeeded, the patrons of her flower shop would likely be the ladies from the noble families. There was no way to keep this a secret, so it was better to be upfront about it. Besides, she needed the title of the Eldest Missus of the Duke of Ying to carry out her plan.

That evening, when Lai He Chun returned to his study, Song Ting informed him that Zhe Wan had sought him out.

Song Ting: "Madam said to visit Cangyun Pavilion when you return."

It was the first time Zhe Wan had approached him. Lai He Chun had no choice but to pay her a visit. It was a brief respite from his busy schedule, yet he rushed to the meeting, arriving at the pavilion drenched in sweat. Curious, he asked, "Is everything alright?"

Did she believe herself ready to manage the household or take care of Brother Chuan?

But she replied, "I went out to inquire about flower seedlings' prices, thinking of opening a florist shop. Unexpectedly, I was seen by Madam Song, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Song family. She wrote me a letter, offering to introduce me to some connections."

He Chun thought he must have misheard. But seeing her earnest expression, he suddenly burst into anger after a moment's silence. "Madam Song, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Song family? Opening a florist shop? Do you know what you're doing?"

He couldn't tell if he was angry at his wife for personally inquiring about the shop or at being embarrassed in front of the Song family. Breathless, he exclaimed, "Zhe Wan, what are you thinking! You neglect your rightful duties and insist on pursuing these chaotic endeavors."

Zhe Wan understood his perspective. In his mind, even for the next decade, he believed she had married into the Duke of Ying's residence to care for the family and especially for Brother Chuan.

That was the proper role.

When Su Shan fell ill, and Zhe Wan wanted to take her to Jiangnan for medical treatment, he found it absurd.

Slapping the table, he scolded, "Zhe Wan, she's just a servant. Her condition is critical, and I already allowed you to summon imperial physicians. How many have come from the Imperial Hospital? They all say there's no cure! What more do you want? Brother Chuan is about to be married, and you're the matriarch, his mother. Are you planning to abandon him to accompany a servant to Jiangnan in search of some quack physician?"

No one seemed to understand her. They all thought it was a great favor to summon so many imperial physicians for a mere servant.

They didn't comprehend, but she knew what she had to do, without needing anyone's approval.

That was the most persistent endeavor of her life. She remembered it was a spring day when the roses outside the corridor were in full bloom. She carried the plain meal herself from the courtyard all the way to the carriage. By the time the carriage reached the outskirts, her rebellious spirit had only emerged for half a day, but Zhe Wan didn't make it.

Zhe Wan still regrets it to this day.

Would things have been better if they had gone to Jiangnan earlier?

What if those wandering doctors had actually been effective? This has become an obsession for her.

Thinking about it made her angry. Her usual composed demeanor shattered, she abruptly stood up and threw the plants in her hands onto the ground. With a sudden movement, she pushed the teacup on the table off its perch. "All I want is to open a shop! Why is that not allowed? !"

In the Capital City, there must be many women who own shops, right? The bird's nest we often consume in our mansion is from the dowry shop of the Duke of Qingguo's wife, and the cloth we frequently purchase comes from the dowry shop of the second young madam of Duke Fuguo's family—who would dare say anything about it?

Why is such an ordinary matter a fault when it comes to her?

This was also a regret from her previous life - all her food, clothing, and daily necessities came from the Marquis of England's estate, so she didn't have the face to act independently and had to curry favor with them.

She has been foolish all her life, so what's wrong with making up for her regrets now?

She sat down again, "I've made up my mind! I've already written to Lady Song, the eldest madam of the Song family, asking for her help in mediating. Your disapproval won't change anything. Would you have me write another letter to tell her that you forbid me from setting up a shop? We'll see who would end up losing face then!"

Li He Chun stood in stunned silence, gazing at the scattered remains of wilted flowers, withered grass, and shattered tea pots and cups. He was once again lost in thought.

Yet, he dared not continue his reprimand, for fear that she might throw more objects and break more utensils.

He was a man who valued his reputation. He was afraid that such an incident would become the subject of ridicule if it were to spread.