Chapter 23 Sister-in-Law Guan

Chapter 23 Sister-in-Law Guan

"Here she comes, here she comes, the bride is coming."

The children clapped their hands as they entered, and Yao Niang and her sisters stood by to watch the ceremony. Yan Yingqi, Zhen, and Jie sat on the dais. Zhen never expected such a pleasant surprise today; it seemed that her previous worries about a co-wife were unfounded.

Before, she had been unsettled by Yan Yingqi's kindness towards Jie, but now there was no need for concern.

How could she allow another to sleep soundly beside her bed? It would be best to wait until Jie was no longer favored before dealing with her. In the future, only she would be the mistress of both households. When Yan Yingqi inherited the wealth of both houses, everything would belong to her and her son. This was not a luxury but her due right.

"Sister Xin, look," Yao Niang said, shaking Xin Wan's hand as she watched the new bride enter.

Xin Wan smiled. "I see her. Does the bride not come out after the ceremony?" She had grown up in the main house and was unfamiliar with many customs.

Yao Niang, however, knew these procedures well. "No, she first goes to the bridal chamber to have her veil removed, then returns to serve tea to the guests. The guests also present gifts, and then she enters the bridal chamber again."

"Oh, I see. Have you met your new sister-in-law?" Xin Wan asked.

Yao Niang shook her head. "I saw her briefly, but didn't get a good look. My brother visited the Guan family once last year during the New Year, but he didn't see anyone either. However, I heard that the Guan family is very pleased with my brother."

Xin Wan thought that with her eldest cousin's talents and background, few people in the world wouldn't adore him.

As the new couple bowed in the ceremony, Zhen's face was filled with excitement, while Jie remained calm. To those unaware, one might think Zhen was Yan Jingzhao's birth mother. Only Yao Niang knew that perhaps her mother was hurt by the words of Lady Xie and had suddenly thought of a way to address the situation.

Originally, music was forbidden at weddings in the previous dynasty, as recorded in *Tang Huiyao Jiadao*: "In the room where a daughter is married, there is sadness without extinguishing the fire; in the house where a wife is taken, there is a sense of not raising music. Nowadays, among the noble and wealthy, at the beginning of marriage, some play music to the fullest, competing in extravagance, disregarding the rites and rituals, which is not the way of succession."

However, in this dynasty, wedding music had become a common practice. Not knowing how to alleviate the situation, Yao Niang stepped forward and said to Yan Yingqi and Jie, "Father and Mother, I wish to personally play a piece called 'Peach Blossom' to bless my brother and his wife."

Yao Niang was not someone who sought attention, and Jie understood her daughter well. But what was the reason for stepping forward now...

Jie looked at Yan Yingqi, who knew Yao Niang's skill with the harp and zither. He wanted to show off his daughter, so he agreed: "Good, bring her the phoenix-headed harp."

"Thank you, Father. After 'Peach Blossom,' I also wish to play 'Jade Consort's Lute' for Mother. Mother's character is noble and pure, and it has been difficult to raise my brother and me."

Jie finally understood her daughter's intention. This way, she affirmed her own status without overshadowing the newlyweds.

This was something Zhen did not anticipate. Jie indeed had a good daughter. Yao Niang, despite her young age, was exceptionally clever. Sadly, her own daughter Ying Niang only knew how to act spoiled.

When the phoenix-headed harp arrived, Yao Niang sat calmly and adjusted the strings. Seeing Yan Jingzhao and Guan enter together, she did not have time to look at her new sister-in-law's face. Instead, she approached and said, "I will play a piece to wish my brother and sister-in-law a long and harmonious life."

Yan Jingzhao did not expect his sister to play a piece herself. He introduced her to the bride: "This is my younger sister Yao Niang, also known as Yan Shenfei."

In the past two years, Yan Jingzhao had lived with his mother and sister. Jie was gentle and loving, caring for him meticulously. His sister was always kind to him, never showing jealousy or pettiness because of his mother's affection.

Thus, he felt compelled to introduce his sister to his new wife.

Guan, being a new bride, still felt pressure from the elders of the Yan family. She glanced at her sister-in-law, surprised by her beauty. She had heard her mother say that the Yan family was generally good, except for the unclear distinction between legitimate and concubine wives. Although Lady Jie should be respected as an elder, her position was not entirely proper. Guan decided to treat her as a true lady, hoping her husband would appreciate her efforts.

As the new couple began serving tea, Yao Niang played and sang, surprising everyone.

"Peach blossoms bloom, bright and radiant. The maiden comes home, bringing harmony to the household. Peach blossoms bloom, bearing abundant fruit. The maiden comes home, bringing joy to the family."

Accompanied by the harp, the melody echoed beautifully, played flawlessly and smoothly, showing her mastery.

After "Peach Blossom," Yao Niang played "Jade Consort's Lute." While others focused on the new bride, Jie was concerned about her daughter.

Her "Jade Consort's Lute" started directly from the climax. The harp's tones were clear and crisp, captivating everyone in the hall. Even Jie's aunt and second aunt were moved. Her aunt pondered more deeply, thinking that although her sixth son had a chance with Yao Niang when they were young, the gap between them was not just in status but in spirit.

Her sixth son, though beloved, lived a carefree life, while Yao Niang was different. She would stand up for her mother after seeing her humiliated, using her own way to restore her mother's name.

After the performance, Yan Yingqi praised his daughter, saying, "It truly sounds like celestial music."

"Father flatters me," Yao Niang said, handing the instrument to a servant. She stood with her sisters, showing no sign of pride.

After the new couple greeted the elders, the bride returned to her room, and the groom continued to toast. Yao Niang and her sisters soon joined the feast, where various delicacies were served, and everyone enjoyed themselves.

When crabs were served, Yan Ningxin received a set of tools. Her third sister stood up to help an elderly aunt open the crab, saying, "These are the best crabs, with plenty of roe and rich meat."

Seeing Yan Ningxin's struggle, she whispered instructions: "Sister, place the crab on the crab stand and use the crab hammer to crack it. This small pair of scissors is for cutting the legs and claws. Then pry open the shell and remove the heart, which is not edible..."

But Yan Ningxin still found it challenging, even though she had eaten crabs before, never so meticulously.

As night fell, the festivities dispersed. Yao Niang returned to her room. Usually, she did not seek attention, sometimes feeling that too much attention could invite criticism. It was better to keep a low profile. But today, she hoped her performance would bring some comfort to her mother.

After washing up, Hongxiu and Qingdai praised her: "Many people were watching you today, saying you played wonderfully."

Lying down, Yao Niang blushed. "Actually, my voice trembled when I sang 'Peach Blossom,' and I missed a note."

"We didn't notice," Qingdai shook her head.

Gu Mama added, "Would you like some late-night snack? You didn't eat much earlier."

Yao Niang yawned. "No, Mother said I shouldn't eat at night, or I might have trouble sleeping. There are some pastries and wedding cakes in my box. If you're hungry, feel free to share them."

She turned over and fell asleep. Hongxiu and Qingdai went out to join Gu Mama for sweet soup and wedding cakes. Gu Mama whispered, "Today, the young miss really surprised me. From now on, we must treat her more seriously."

Hongxiu and Qingdai nodded. Hongxiu added, "Our young miss is very thoughtful. She reads so much; we should follow her lead."

"Indeed, although she may not be as popular as Fourth Miss, she acts more wisely and gracefully," Gu Mama agreed.

Qingdai recalled how Fourth Miss was often sweet-talking outside but selective in her kindness at home. Their young miss was too honest, preferring genuine friendships over superficial ones.

Hongxiu commented, "Fourth Miss can go out with the madam whenever she wants. Our madam stays mostly indoors, so our young miss cannot overshadow the main house. Now, at our own event, she has nothing to fear."

The servants reflected on the young miss's situation, realizing that even in a wealthy family, there were internal struggles.

Early in the morning, Yao Niang woke up from a good night's sleep, her face still flushed with color.

She was about to head over to Jie Shi when Su Xin came and said, "Miss, Madam asked you to have some breakfast before going over. The new bride should go to the matriarch first."

"Alright," Yao Niang nodded.

The third matriarch had returned to assert her position, and on the first day, the new bride was not to visit her in-laws but the matriarch instead.

Yao Niang drank a bowl of milk and ate a small bowl of shredded chicken noodle soup before heading over slowly.

Yan Yingqi and Jie Shi were both seated above, engaged in conversation. Yao Niang quickly entered to greet them and sat below them. Just as she settled down, word came that the eldest son and his wife were arriving. Now, due to Yan Jingzhao's marriage, the family titles had changed: Jie Shi became Madam, Yan Yingqi became Sir, and Yan Jingzhao became the eldest son.

Soon, the two newcomers entered. Yao Niang glanced at her brother's expression, which was calm, then looked at her new sister-in-law Guan Shi. She wore a red jacket and skirt, with an eight-panel brocade cloak adorned with silver rat fur, her hair piled high. Though her appearance was ordinary, she exuded an air of wealth and nobility.

The servants had already laid out cushions for Guan Shi, who bowed with Yan Jingzhao. After they stood up, Yan Yingqi instructed, "You two shall be husband and wife, loving each other without doubt."

Yan Jingzhao nodded in agreement, while Guan Shi observed her in-laws. Yan Yingqi, having been a high-ranking official for many years, appeared sharp and spoke with a commanding presence, not particularly kind. Looking at Jie Shi, despite her age, she was remarkably beautiful, with eyes that seemed misty. Guan Shi found this somewhat strange; a mother-in-law should be more dignified, but Jie Shi seemed more like a sister, speaking too gently without the demeanor of a matron. However, such a person would be easier to get along with.

Turning to look at Miss Yan San, the younger sister, though young, she already had the demeanor of a young lady. Despite her tender age, she wore a string of southern pearl coral bracelets, golden silk shoes, and exquisite jewelry, all of great value. No wonder her mother had said that the Yan family differed from the Guan family, where women were known for their frugality, even during meals. But the Yan family preferred luxury and extravagance.

Moreover, yesterday, as the bride, she should have been the center of attention, yet the younger sister stole the spotlight, making her feel somewhat overshadowed, leaving her with a subtle sense of unease.