Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Before disembarking, Yan Yingqi, despite his reluctance, still invited Lady Zhen and Lady Xie to discuss the arrangements. In his view, it was impossible for Lady Xie to completely follow Lady Zhen's lead, and it would be too unfair to manage Lady Xie with the methods used for concubines.

Lady Feng was helping Lady Zhen with her makeup when she noticed that Lady Zhen's expression remained unchanged. She secretly admired Lady Zhen's composure. As Lady Zhen's former chief maid, she knew Lady Zhen well. In fact, Lady Zhen had a cousin who was the eldest granddaughter of the elder statesman. Normally, that cousin should have been the one to marry the master.

However, Lady Zhen had an introverted and patient personality, with considerable depth, while the cousin was too gentle and kind.

Now, Lady Xie was different from before. Previously, Lady Xie would always avoid confrontation, but last time when Yan Yingqi was in Jin Ling, she stayed behind in Jin Ling. Now, however, she brought her children along, making her a formidable rival.

Despite such a significant threat from Lady Xie, Lady Zhen managed to remain calm, which was quite remarkable.

Old Mother Song was also worried about Lady Xie: "We're afraid that if the madam insists on having all the servants from the main house, our every move will be under surveillance. Also, Madam's daughter-in-law isn't very stable, and it's possible she could be schemed against."

"Rest assured, I know what I'm doing," Lady Xie replied.

In fact, there was a sense of rivalry between Lady Xie and Lady Zhen, as they rarely appeared together. Even when they did meet, they addressed each other as sisters-in-law.

Today, their meeting was arranged at another place chosen by Yan Yingqi. When Lady Xie arrived, Lady Zhen was already there, laughing and talking with Yan Yingqi.

"Sister-in-law," Lady Xie called out as she entered.

Lady Zhen responded, "Come, sit down. We've been waiting for you."

Lady Xie smiled and sat down. "It's my fault for being late."

Seeing both seated, Yan Yingqi cleared his throat and said, "We'll soon arrive at Tongzhou Port. Let's discuss the household arrangements so we can avoid confusion later."

Lady Zhen smiled at Lady Xie. "I'm flexible. What does Sister-in-law require?"

"As the elder sister, you should take the lead. However, before we left, Third Grandmother instructed that all expenses for our servants and daily needs should be covered by us. But, since we are from the south and you are from the north, our tastes differ. I brought some kitchen staff with me, so if possible, we could set up a separate kitchen, which would be more sustainable," Lady Xie explained.

Lady Zhen nodded slightly. "I have no objections. What does the master think?"

Yan Yingqi glanced at Lady Xie. "You are both my wives and children. Why should your living expenses be separate? I can afford to support you. The kitchen can be built separately, but all expenses will come from my account."

Lady Xie thought more deeply and said, "Master, there's no need for that. Living in the capital is not easy. It would be too much trouble for Sister-in-law."

It wasn't about burden; Lady Zhen didn't want to use the main house's money to support the third branch.

Yan Yingqi understood this and said, "Since you both insist, let's do it this way. The eastern wing will be for Jingzhao and his wife, and the western wing for Jingzhang and his wife. As for the four girls, Qian Niang and Ying Niang are used to living with you, Sister-in-law, so they can stay together in the rear building of the main house."

Lady Zhen agreed readily. "The master's arrangement is perfect. Second Lady and Fourth Lady grew up together and are close."

"Yes, in that case, Ningxin can live with Yao Niang," Yan Yingqi said, looking at Lady Xie.

Lady Xie, of course, disagreed. It wasn't that she had any issues with Yan Ningxin, but rather because of Yan Ningxin's character. She had previously interacted without boundaries with Zhou Lingguang. Not that Lady Xie was old-fashioned, but the girl was already thirteen and had formed her personality. Additionally, she didn't get along with Ying Niang, so it was uncertain how she would get along with Yao Niang.

So, Lady Xie smiled and said, "I'd love for the eldest lady to keep our third lady company, but my Yao Niang likes to practice the zither early in the morning, which can be quite noisy. I wouldn't want to inconvenience the eldest lady."

Yan Ningxin belonged to the main house. Why should her own daughter Yao Niang have to cater to her, especially when Yao Niang was also a young lady of the third branch?

This was already a very tactful way of saying it, and Lady Zhen was Yan Ningxin's stepmother, not Lady Xie.

Yan Yingqi understood the situation and said, "In that case, let Ningxin stay in the western wing."

Lady Zhen couldn't oppose this and had to agree.

As for other details, both sides proposed some suggestions. Lady Xie was not aggressive, and Lady Zhen showed complete respect, which relieved Yan Yingqi.

After returning, Lady Xie called her son, daughter-in-law, and daughter over to explain Yan Yingqi's arrangements.

"You two will live in the eastern wing, but all expenses will be covered by our third branch. Daughter-in-law, life in the capital will be different from Jin Ling. You don't need to visit frequently, but you must come on the first and fifteenth days of each month for greetings. Otherwise, people will say our third branch lacks discipline," Lady Xie looked at Guan Shi.

Approaching the capital, she needed to train her daughter-in-law properly, unlike Third Grandmother. Third Grandmother had almost been forced into a corner by a concubine before agreeing to let Yan Yingqi inherit both branches, gaining support from the main house. Moreover, Third Grandmother was domineering, losing everyone's respect.

If her daughter-in-law acted similarly, she would have to clean up the mess.

Guan Shi felt a chill upon hearing this.

Yan Jingzhao asked publicly, "Do you not greet your mother regularly?"

Lady Xie waved her hand. "She's been seasick. Don't blame her."

Yao Niang was delighted to hear she would live alone. Sharing quarters with her sisters meant everything she did was under their watchful eyes, and practicing the zither was criticized as noisy. Servants also easily clashed.

"Once we enter the residence, you must control the servants strictly. Yao Niang, you are growing up and cannot be left unchecked. Do you understand?" Lady Xie looked at her daughter.

Yao Niang nodded vigorously. "Mother, please rest assured."

Only then did Guan Shi realize that her mother-in-law was far from passive and had considerable skill, capable of countering Lady Zhen and even more favored than her.

Previously, she had been biding her time, eventually outmaneuvering Third Grandmother.

After finishing, Lady Xie smiled again. "We're almost in the capital."

The Yan family lived in Anren District. This large mansion was bought by the eldest and third grandfathers when Yan Yingqi married. The residents here were mostly powerful and wealthy.

Yao Niang found the capital vastly different from Jin Ling. Jin Ling was still cold this season, especially in winter, with a bone-chilling cold.

The north was dry and cold, and during the spring chill, she wore thick cotton robes and a cloak when getting off the carriage, even putting on a Zhaojun hat to protect against the biting wind.

Lady Xie, with years of experience managing the household, immediately found their living quarters. Lady Zhen resided in the fifth courtyard, while they lived in the fourth. The fifth courtyard had a rear building, making it larger, suitable for the main branch with more people.

In the fourth courtyard, Lady Xie lived in the main house, while Yao Niang stayed in the western wing, with the eastern wing designated as the kitchen.

Guan Shi now dared not move around freely and stood with Yao Niang watching Lady Xie assign tasks.

"You must guard the eastern and western wings carefully. If anyone drinks or gambles at night and opens doors without permission, I won't tolerate it. The third courtyard is reserved for guests, so remember to record who passes through daily. Unfamiliar people must not be allowed in."

Yao Niang finally made it home, where Auntie Gu and the maids were busy cleaning and preparing her bed. She had never worried about tidying up her living quarters before, as her mother always took care of it. Now, however, things were different. Lady Jie had given her many responsibilities to manage on her own, so she had to learn household affairs.

Compared to Yao Niang living alone in the same courtyard as Lady Jie, Yan Jingzhao lived separately in the eastern wing. After returning home, he was summoned by Yan Yingqi. The competition in Nanzhili and Beizhili was vastly different. In Nanzhili, they competed with scholars from Yingtian, Suzhou, Songjiang, Changzhou, Zhenjiang, Huai’an, Yangzhou, Anqing, Huizhou, Ningguo, Chizhou, Taiping, Luzhou, and Fengyang. The competition was fierce, whereas in Beizhili, it was less intense.

Therefore, Yan Yingqi needed to change his residency, making the provincial examination much easier.

This was a serious matter, and Yan Jingzhao only instructed a servant to inform Lady Jie that he would return for dinner.

Unbeknownst to him, the people around him had their own thoughts. Auntie Wang and Auntie Gu, who used to compete with each other, now united quickly due to Yan Jingzhao’s closeness to Lady Jie and the instructions from Third Elderly Lady.

Auntie Wang's daughter, Mingyue, was Yan Jingzhao’s chief maid. Since Lady Guan married into the family, Mingyue had pledged loyalty to her, but privately, she aligned with Auntie Wang.

"Mother, why did you call me here?"

"Do you know that your brother’s position has been taken by someone close to Madam?" Auntie Wang asked.

Mingyue nodded. "Who can blame him for not doing his job properly? He preferred to laze around and drink, and Mother Leng caught him red-handed."

Auntie Wang snorted coldly. "This is just Second Lady’s deliberate act. Now that your brother’s position is gone, I and Mother Wei will likely be dismissed soon too. If not for Elderly Lady’s insistence, neither Mother Wei nor I would have come to the capital."

"But even so, you can’t behave like when Brother was young. Back then, Elderly Lady had the final say, and Second Lady was frail. Whenever she came to see the eldest son, she had to speak kindly and provide ample resources. Now that Brother is grown, you should change your ways," Mingyue advised her mother.

Auntie Wang dismissed this. "Brother was raised on my milk, and the monthly allowance of eight taels of silver was set by Elderly Lady. Now Second Lady wants our allowances to match those of the maids, which is only one tael per month. Next, she’ll probably kick us out."

Mingyue tried to reason with her. "Mother, Auntie Gu, who is Third Miss’s wet nurse, was originally Second Lady’s attendant, and her monthly allowance is also just one tael."

"That’s different. Auntie Gu will accompany Third Miss when she marries, and better days lie ahead. Our eldest lady is quite independent; there’s no place for us anymore," Auntie Wang lamented.

Mingyue refused to join in the commotion. Although her brother lost his position, she remained the chief maid in Yan Jingzhao’s chambers. Lady Guan had promised to transfer her to serve in the study, but her mother favored her brother. If she knew about this, she might push her to become a concubine and help secure positions.

Seeing her daughter silent, Auntie Wang didn’t back down. Even Mother Wei had similar intentions. Unlike Auntie Wang, Mother Wei had merely suggested that Yan Jingzhao shouldn’t visit Second Lady too often, fearing Elderly Lady’s concern. This well-intentioned advice led to Yan Jingzhao scolding her for overstepping.

Cui’e, Mother Wei’s goddaughter, was ignored by Yan Jingzhao, who favored Bao Hua instead.

Back in Jin Ling, they maintained appearances, but now, away from Third Elderly Lady, Yan Jingzhao no longer bothered with pretenses.

They were all Third Elderly Lady’s people, and if they lost their positions, she would discard them as useless.

If they didn’t act now while things were chaotic, it would be even harder later.

But how could they make Yan Jingzhao listen to them?

Yan Jingzhao spent his days studying in the study and nights without excessive indulgence, resting either with Lady Guan or Bao Hua. This reminded Mother Wei of an incident from the past. When Third Elderly Lady brought Yan Jingzhao to live with her, at seven years old, he fell ill. At that time, Lady Jie wanted to take him back, but Third Elderly Lady kept his illness secret, allowing only the wet nurses to care for him.

She tirelessly wiped his sweat and rubbed alcohol on his body to bring down his fever.

Since then, Yan Jingzhao relied heavily on the wet nurses, and Lady Jie had to secretly bribe them to see her son. He listened only to them.

If Yan Jingzhao fell ill again and they cared for him properly, wouldn’t they regain his trust?

But harming the master was beyond her courage. She never expected this opportunity to come so soon.

That day, since the kitchen was still being set up, Lady Jie ordered a feast from Chunfeng Manyu Lou. She told Lady Guan, "Sit down and eat with us. There are only a few of us, so we can all dine together."

"Yes," Lady Guan said, smiling as she sat down.

Lady Jie asked Lady Guan, "Have you finished setting up your quarters?"

Lady Guan assured her, "Don’t worry, everything is ready."

"Good. When we first arrived, everything was hectic. For the next few days, we can order meals from outside. You don’t need to come over tomorrow; I’ll send food to you," Lady Jie smiled.

Yao Niang, looking at the table full of dishes, gave a thumbs-up. "Mother thinks of everything. I was wondering what the food in the capital would be like, but this is delicious, especially the roast duck, which is even better than ours in Nanjing."

"Your eldest aunt invited us to dine, but I said it would be better if the servants went instead. It’s not appropriate for us to go," Lady Jie laughed.

The third branch had substantial private assets. Third Elderly Lord governed regions in Gansu and Henan for decades, and most of the family’s properties were managed by Lady Jie, along with her well-managed dowry. She planned to use this trip to the capital to acquire more properties for her children. Therefore, she needed to try various restaurants, tea, and silk prices.

Lady Guan watched anxiously, thinking that Lady Zhen was better at managing finances. Lady Zhen, despite coming from a prime minister’s family, was frugal, much like the Guans, valuing food and avoiding extravagance. Lady Jie, however, spent lavishly, which wasn’t sustainable.

But the restaurant’s food was delicious. Lady Guan enjoyed both sweet and savory soups.

Yan Jingzhao announced good news: "I can take the provincial examination in the capital."

"That’s great. You and your wife should visit your in-laws tomorrow. I’ve prepared some gifts to send over in the morning," Lady Jie said.

Lady Guan’s father was a scholar-official in the Imperial Academy. Both the provincial and imperial examinations’ examiners likely came from there, so visiting and seeking guidance would give them an advantage.

When Yan Jingzhao left, Lady Jie gave him something and asked him to wait. Yao Niang yawned and went to sleep.

Auntie Gu supported Yao Niang, teasing her, "Our girl pretended to be drunk after just one cup of fruit wine."

Yao Niang giggled. "I was imitating Father’s drunkenness."

After a busy day from Tongzhou to home, Yao Niang fell asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow. Auntie Gu extinguished the candle, instructing Hongxiu and Qingdai to guard the door before leaving.

Once Auntie Gu left, Hongxiu told Qingdai, "Second Lady asked the eldest lady to go back and prepare the bed. I saw the eldest lady was reluctant."

"People talk about her being like a little elderly lady, wanting to dominate the eldest son just like Third Elderly Lady," Qingdai scoffed.

Hongxiu whispered, "Look how gracious our girl is, not worried about what Madam might give the eldest son, and still happy."

Qingdai laughed. "Indeed, our girl isn’t ordinary. Speaking of which, the eldest miss almost lived with us, but thankfully she didn’t."

"Yes, she’s from the first branch and doesn’t get along with Fourth Miss. Teaching her everything would be too much for our girl, who isn’t her mother," the maids were relieved that the third branch was free from Yan Ningxin.

Yet Yan Ningxin felt uneasy. She lived in a side room opposite the concubines, but she couldn’t refuse. Household affairs were managed by the eldest lady, and all allowances were provided.

Jin Zhan and Yin Dan also felt indignant for her: "Everyone says this is the young miss's home, but it feels no different from living under someone else's roof."

Yan Ningxin shook her head: "Actually, in this family, everyone just doesn't get along with me, but it is still my own home."

Just as Ying Niang may hold a grudge, she would only engage in a mild dispute; she wouldn't take any drastic actions. However, in Prince Qi's mansion or the Wei household, such behavior would be considered a grave offense.

Those words were far more hurtful than these.

Jin Zhan smiled: "That's true. This servant heard that the third branch ordered food from a restaurant, and it was incredibly fragrant. The ladies-in-waiting from the first and second ladies sent food boxes to the study for the master. I wonder which one he'll eat?"

This was the kind of gossip the servants loved most. The Yan family had two ladies, and Master Yan wasn't the type to have many concubines, so when he went to the first or third branch, the servants could tell which lady was currently favored by him.

Yan Ningxin, not being a true lady of the boudoir, couldn't help but comment: "The first lady gets the face, while the second lady gets the substance."

"That's right, it all depends on how one sees it."

Yan Ningxin said self-deprecatingly: "This is also the difference between me and Third Sister. Although I am the eldest legitimate daughter in the household, in terms of affection and benefits, Yao Niang is more like a true young miss than I am."

The mistress and servants chatted for a while, noticing it was late, they retired for the night.

East Wing

Yan Jingzhao was resting at Guan's place today. He was telling her: "Mother gave me fifty taels privately. You take it first. No one lives off their monthly allowance. Use this for any expenses you have."

Guan was delighted: "I didn't expect Mother to give us such a subsidy privately."

"In this capital, everything costs money. No one lives off their salary alone. My mother is very good at managing the family business. You don't know that although my uncles lack official positions, they are quite wealthy." Yan Jingzhao hoped Guan would change her mind and work together with them, otherwise, if she harbored other intentions, it would be disastrous.

Guan thought that with her mother-in-law spending so lavishly, it wasn't a way to manage a household. However, she couldn't criticize her mother-in-law in front of her husband, so she kept it to herself.

Exhausted from the day, the couple did not indulge in intimacy. Guan was fine, but Yan Jingzhao got up several times during the night to use the toilet.

Every time he got up, there was a commotion in the main room. Wei Mama, who had been secretly observing, couldn't help but laugh. She had added a small amount of croton seed to the spout of the silver pot, causing diarrhea without severe vomiting.

This could be spread as a rumor that Second Lady failed to take care of the eldest son, making her an ill-omened person. After all, people used to say she was child-killing, and if not for the birth of Third Miss, they might have forgotten.

The next day, Wei Mama skillfully added croton seed to the spout again. Later, when Yan Jingzhao returned from Jie's place, she would have the tea maid deliver the water and remove the croton seed, ensuring no one would catch her.

Unexpectedly, as she added the croton seed, the door to the tea room opened, revealing Yan Jingzhao standing there.

"Master, why are you here?" Wei Mama was shocked, her already guilty heart now trembling uncontrollably.

Yan Jingzhao sneered: "You always flaunt your status as Grandmother's gift, and I respected you as Mama. If I hadn't discovered this, what you put in next time might not be croton seed but poison."

Seeing Yan Jingzhao's eyes like sharp blades, Wei Mama immediately knelt down and pleaded: "Eldest Master, this servant truly dares not. I only..."

"Only wanted me to have diarrhea a few more times, and then I would be dead soon enough." Yan Jingzhao approached her and whispered a few words.

Wei Mama fell to the ground. The next morning, as Jie was still dressing, Song Mama rushed in and said: "Second Lady, something terrible has happened. Wei Mama hanged herself."

"What?" Jie had already sent people to watch Wang Mama and Wei Mama, both trusted confidants of Third Elderly Lady. After learning their plans, she had informed Yan Jingzhao, hoping he would witness firsthand the true nature of those sent by Third Elderly Lady.

She expected Yan Jingzhao to merely send Wei Mama away, without disgracing Third Elderly Lady or himself. She never imagined her son would be so ruthless.

But now, Jie had to clean up after her son: "Give ten taels to Wei Mama's son for a coffin. Tell him to continue serving well; his mother's actions won't affect him."

Compared to Jie's calmness, Guan was shaking uncontvably. She remembered how dignified Wei Mama was when Yan Jingzhao introduced her, having raised him since childhood. And now, she was dead.

She had seen her mother punish servants, but never witnessed death before her eyes.

Although they were married, they had no real affection. If she ever offended him, she wondered what fate awaited her. Thinking about it, Guan was terrified.