Chapter 34

Chapter 34

After the Zhao siblings delivered the betrothal letter to the Shen family, Lord Zhao brought them to visit. Normally, Yan Yingqi did not casually meet with outsiders, but seeing that Zhao Xian was an excellent scholar, he called Yan Jingzhao over and invited his own disciple as well. The group sat together and discussed scholarly matters.

For the noon meal, Lady Jie arranged for an exquisite banquet to be sent over, and she could not help but tell Lady Guan, "My lord greatly admires talented people. If you manage the household in the future, you must do the same."

Lady Guan thought to herself, "Do I not know this?" Afraid her mother-in-law would say more, she hurriedly replied, "Yes, Lady, I understand, I understand."

Seeing her like this, Lady Jie felt no inclination to say more, rolling her eyes inwardly before proceeding to make further arrangements. After instructing the servants, she sent Lady Guan back and then said to Mama Song, "I am truly afraid of her."

"Lady, there is no need to worry; now, the eldest daughter-in-law is much more sensible," Mama Song reassured her.

Mother-daughter-in-law conflicts have existed since ancient times. Lady Jie had a gentle temperament and was not one to easily conflict with others, but Lady Guan seemed to disregard her elders too much. Even if Lady Jie was once a concubine, she was still Yan Jingzhao's birth mother and deserved respect.

Hearing Mama Song's words, Lady Jie did not feel better. "This Lady Guan comes from a scholarly family, appearing capable on the surface, but in reality, she is full of petty tricks, always insisting on frugality. Saving a few taels of silver here and there is nothing compared to the hundred taels I earned by selling lotus roots and fish from the pond at the end of summer, plus I gave twenty taels to the elder branch."

"How could she compare to you?" Mama Song said.

Lady Jie shook her head. "Forget it; she came to our family already formed. I cannot change her. When I grow old, I won't see or hear anything troubling."

After saying this, she mentioned that Yao Niang had returned from school. Lady Jie put on a smile and had the meal set up inside.

"Mother, let me tell you, today, Fourth Sister fell ill and didn't come to school. Elder Sister also had good news and didn't come either. School was so quiet, so I wrote two extra calligraphy pieces." Before she arrived, her little mouth was already chattering away.

Lady Jie had someone wring out a cloth to wipe her hands and asked, "What happened to Fourth Sister? She usually has good health; why is she ill again? These days are perfect for getting plenty of rest."

Yao Niang whispered to Lady Jie, "I suspect Fourth Sister likes Shen Linfeng. Now that Shen Linfeng might become our eldest sister's husband, she must be feeling down."

Lady Jie was incredulous. "Is this true or false? How do you know?"

"Mother, you always treat us like children, but we know everything. I even know that Second Sister likes Zhao Xian," Yao Niang continued, surprising her mother with her revelations.

Lady Jie widened her eyes. "How do you know all this?"

Yao Niang shrugged. "Second Sister is reserved, while Master Zhao is free-spirited and open-minded. Mother, you always say Father admires talented people. So, is it possible for them?"

Lady Jie shook her head. "It's hard to say. No one knows if Zhao Xian is married yet. Besides, although our families have some kinship, they belong to different regions. Your second sister's marriage will definitely come after your eldest sister's. By next year, Zhao Xian might already be taken. Most importantly, the Zhao family does not hold much weight in your father's eyes."

"That's true," Yao Niang thought growing up brought many worries, making choosing a husband seem like selecting a future lifelong partner.

After finishing their meal, Lady Jie told her, "Mama Gu is very skilled at tailoring. All your clothes when you were young were made by her. Learn from her now without putting on airs; be humble, understand?"

Yao Niang smiled. "Don't worry, Mother."

To Lady Jie, household chores were tasks for the servants, and there was no need to learn them as diligently as Qian Niang did. However, one thing was certain: you did not have to do them day and night, but you must know how to do them.

Mama Gu was naturally willing to teach Yao Niang but humbly said, "Miss, your embroidery is already excellent, and your paintings are beautiful. My simple skills are nothing special."

Yao Niang laughed. "That's not true. Tailoring is not easy. The ancestors of tailors include Huangdi, Leizu, and Youchaoshi. Even in the palace, there is a specialized official position called Shangyi, who manages clothing. Don't underestimate yourself, Mama."

For her eldest daughter, who grew up in her own bosom, Mother Gu harbored a mix of affection and apprehension. She adored her for her sweet-talking tongue that could flatter with honeyed words and her articulate speech. Yet, she was also wary of her, for the girl had a clear understanding of matters and was not afraid to take charge directly, unlike some maidens who were timid or only became bewildered after marriage.

She values reason in all matters, yet she is not the type to be rigidly bound by principles, and she is very decisive.

The servants often presume that mastering a certain skill can control their masters and make them submit. Jie had suffered many losses in the past, but now she understands the truth. She was originally prepared to teach Yao Niang, but Yao Niang was evidently smarter than she had imagined, so she didn't need to be taught.

Begin by learning to cut the upper garment, then move on to the skirt or dress, and afterwards learn to cut trousers or robes. Once these are mastered, you can cut a basic piece of clothing, and only then can you proceed to learn to create patterns on the clothing, such as adding horizontal bands, pleats, and gathers. This process requires considerable effort and practice.

Coincidentally, Yao Niang and her classmates will be graduating this year, so naturally they will have some free time.

However, Yao Niang inquired of Aunt Gu, "You mentioned that the eldest sister's marriage, could we be celebrating with a wedding feast this year?"

Mrs. Gu pondered, "It's not that quick. Even if the formal marriage negotiations begin, it won't happen until next year. Right now, both sides must first match their Bazi, and who knows what misfortunes might occur during this period? We also have to arrange everything perfectly for Mrs. Quanfu's dowry and betrothal gifts before making an announcement. After the announcement, the whole family will start preparing for the wedding. The bride's dowry, the wedding itself, and the ceremonial documents are not things that can be prepared in a short time."

"It's no wonder Mother said we can't announce it to the public now," Yao Niang also understood.

In the latter half of the afternoon, after studying for a while, Yao Niang said to Qingdai, "I noticed the fruit is fresh today, take a plate to the Fourth Miss and see how her illness is. If it's severe, come back and inform me; if it's just a common ailment, tell her I've sent a plate of fresh fruit to moisten her throat."

The fourth young lady, Ying Niang, was sulking. She was no longer the child who could casually exchange insults with others. Her mother had repeatedly warned her to be mindful of her speech habits, or else she would be the one to suffer in the end.

Especially when it comes to the feelings of others, she initially had a fleeting admiration for Shen Linfeng. Later, as the elder brother invited him over several times and everyone praised him, she quietly fell in love with Shen Gongzi.

If Shen Linfeng were to marry the third sister, that would be one thing; but the eldest sister, who is as useless as a sack of straw, is truly like a flower stuck in cow dung. And yet, mother has to run around for her, does she really deserve such fortune?

She could not show it, but her loathing for Yan Ningxin grew ever stronger within her heart.

Only now did she realize that there was actually no point of contention between her and Yao Niang; no matter what, Yao Niang belonged to the third household. Just imagine, if Yan Ningxin didn't exist, Shen Linfeng would undoubtedly be her future husband.

"Fourth Miss, Third Miss has heard that you've caught a slight chill. She says these fruits are warm in nature, sweet and moist, and has specially asked me to bring them to you."

Ying Niang had never been ill; she was merely feeling vexed. Seeing the fruits that Yao Niang had sent, which looked tender and crisp, she smiled and said, "I was feeling a bit unwell, but now I'm much better. Thank you, Third Sister, for thinking of me."

Qingdai said with a smile, "It's good that you're alright; the third young lady was quite worried."

"Tomorrow I will be able to go to school with you, so please don't worry, Third Sister."

Qingdai then bowed and left.

Ying Niang had some melancholy, but she was not concerned about her future. As the legitimate daughter, with her mother as the principal wife, her prospects were bound to be brighter in the days to come.

But Aunt Yin was worried; she had no say in the second young lady's marriage, and she couldn't even ask too many questions, for fear that the madam would be annoyed by her prying and loquaciousness.

Seeing her daughter in a daze, she couldn't help but ask, "What is the second young lady thinking about?"

"Where does Auntie come from?" Qian Niang lifted her head.

Lady Yin smiled and said, "I've made two pairs of shoes for the madam and sent them over."

In fact, when Lady Yin ascended to her position, she relied on her ability to please everyone on both sides. Initially, when she first entered the household, Yan Yingqi would not even visit her chambers. Whenever there was discord between Yan Yingqi and Princess Linzi, or when Mrs. Xie was being stubborn, she always managed to navigate through the situation.

But even so, Yan Yingqi still did not like her very much.

Lady Zhen was also quite wary of Lady Yin, although she accepted her kindness, she did not actually converse with her much.

Qian Niang glanced at Lady Yin: "Lady Yin, you don't need to be like this. The main lady doesn't lack shoes to wear. I still have a few yards of black silk left from this spring; if you like it, take it."

Since Yan Yingqi rarely visited Lady Yin, she had accumulated some fine materials with great difficulty.

"If you say so, I won’t be polite. At your age, you should wear brighter colors. For the eldest miss, it could be the Shen family, but even if it isn't, the master will surely find her a good match. However, men and women have different tastes..." Lady Yin smiled.

Qian Niang didn't understand: "What do you mean by that?"

Lady Yin glanced outside before saying, "I heard that the master originally favored a scholar named Wang Mian from Henan. How can the background of Master Wang compare to that of Master Shen? The master values his talent, but women want someone who can provide lifelong wealth and honor. You are now the daughter of a Minister of Appointments, but in the future, you might become the wife of a minor official. The difference is too great for everyone to bear."

Qian Niang smiled: "Lady Yin, Master Wang is also the son of a famous minister, and his family is quite wealthy. He is also the top scholar in Henan. You still complain, yet others would rush to catch him after the exams."

"That's what those from humble backgrounds do. Our family doesn't need to act like that. Oh, why are you distracted?" Lady Yin noticed her daughter’s absent-mindedness, fearing she might be having thoughts.

Qian Niang shook her head: "I was just wondering why my elder sister and I have to attend Old Master Tong's birthday banquet, while the third and fourth sisters don't need to go?"

Lady Yin laughed: "Good girl, this is a good opportunity. The third and fourth misses are still young. Right now, the most important ones are the eldest miss and you. Going out more is never bad."

Qian Niang gave a perfunctory smile.

Little did she know that after returning from the outing, Qian Niang mentioned Shen Mo to Yao Niang somewhat subtly: "She was quite impolite to Elder Sister during the polo match, but now she treats Elder Sister as if they were close siblings. She even invited Elder Sister to a perfume shop tomorrow, completely different from before."

She remembered how Shen Mo used to dislike Yan Ningxin after the polo match.

Yao Niang shrugged: "It's better for them to get along than not."

Sisterly affection is good. She envied Qian Niang's good relationship with Lady Yu, unlike her own strained one with Lady Guan.

Qian Niang stopped worrying: "Indeed."

For some reason, Qian Niang asked about the Zhao family: "Didn't Miss Zhao come to the capital?"

"I heard she did, but perhaps she doesn't want to see old friends. Father said Master Zhao has accomplished much in his studies and might pass the imperial exams this year." Yao Niang thought Qian Niang was overly concerned about the Zhao family, unsure if anything would happen between them.

Qian Niang smiled: "Back in Jin Ling, I knew Master Zhao was top-notch in his studies. Our poetry is often sentimental, but his always carries a grand spirit, which is truly admirable."

Yao Niang looked at her and cautiously asked: "Second Sister, do you have feelings for him?"

Qian Niang was momentarily flustered, then fell silent, but Yao Niang understood everything.

Even among sisters, not everything is discussed openly. Girls from noble families cannot directly share many things, or else trouble might arise unexpectedly.

Thus, Yao Niang changed the topic to the difficulties of sewing clothes, to which Qian Niang replied: "It's hard at first, but practice makes perfect."

After a few exchanges, they dispersed.

Qian Niang recalled how, on scorching days, Zhao Xian would visit the Yan family's library under the blazing sun, never overstepping boundaries when he saw them.

Such an ambitious, well-mannered, and cheerful young man, despite being a guest, always made many friends, unlike her.

By next year's imperial exams, she would hear news of him again. By then, her elder sister would be married, and her father might start considering her marriage. If not, she felt a sense of bitterness.

Suddenly, Yao Niang realized that her sisters were no longer as pure. They all seemed to have crushes. Second Sister got excited hearing about Zhao Xian, and Fourth Sister admired Shen Linfeng, but she herself had no such feelings.

Some men were indeed handsome, but she only admired them. Thinking about someone she liked made her feel lost, so she preferred this state.

As autumn turned to winter, Yao Niang finally managed to sew a simple undergarment. By the end of the year, Mr. Yu prepared for the imperial exams and stopped teaching them. Now, besides painting and playing music, she learned embroidery and sewing.

Winter brought banquets. Yao Niang and Ying Niang accompanied Lady Zhen on outings, and Lady Zhen usually took two of them each time.

One day, it was a banquet at the Xuanping Marquis's residence. Compared to her increasingly hostile attitude toward Yan Ningxin, Ying Niang's relationship with Yao Niang had improved. On the carriage ride, she even said: "You didn't know this, but the Xuanping Marquis's residence is quite extraordinary. The marquis serves as the commander of the central army in the Five Military Directorates, and his brother was once the commander of the Jinyiwei."

"I know that; they are from Jin Ling. But I heard the Xuanping Marquis's residence isn't as prosperous as before."

When people in power step down, their influence wanes.

Ying Niang smiled: "Regardless of its decline, it's still a marquis's residence."

The Xuanping Marquis's family originally came from Jin Ling, so both sides shared a hometown connection. There, Yao Niang met Shen Mo, who was skilled in socializing and greeted them warmly.

"Shen Sister," Yao Niang and Ying Niang greeted together.

Shen Mo smiled: "Why didn't your elder sister come? We've always gotten along well, and I thought I'd see her today."

Yao Niang replied: "Elder Sister has something at home today. If you need anything from her, we can relay the message."

"Not really. Look, the Chengguo Duke's wife is coming over. She's very enthusiastic. Her polo events are fun. I saw your elder sister play polo well and wanted to invite her to play next year," Shen Mo explained.

She was trying to connect with the Prince Qi's heir and hoped her brother marrying the daughter of a Minister of Appointments would benefit his career.

Yao Niang nodded politely: "Rest assured, I'll definitely tell Elder Sister."

Shen Mo didn't want to neglect the other two Yan sisters and continued: "Incidentally, my mother's family is also from Jin Ling. I lived with my maternal grandparents until I was eight."

"Really? Which family in Jin Ling?" Yao Niang and Ying Niang were curious.

Shen Mo asked: "Do you know the Han family in Jin Ling?"

Yao Niang smiled: "The Han family ranks first among local gentry. How could I not know? I heard that during my brother's wedding, the Han family's matriarch personally attended."

"That's my grandmother," Shen Mo said with a hint of joy.

Yao Niang no longer believed in such hometown connections. Previously, a daughter or granddaughter of the Shuntian Prefecture governor claimed her family was from Jin Ling. When she invited Yao Niang to her birthday, Yao Niang sincerely chose an expensive gift, only to find out later that the person spoke ill of her behind her back and dismissed the gift she made herself.

But on the surface, she praised: "Shen Sister, you truly come from a prestigious family."

Shen Mo acted as if they were all close friends and tried to get more information: "I envy your eldest sister. Her mother is of noble birth, and her father is from a prestigious family in Jin Ling. That's truly the cream of the crop."

No matter how much discord there might be within the family, in front of their future in-laws, even Ying Niang said some good things about Yan Ningxin: "My eldest sister, precisely because of her good upbringing, doesn't care much about those things. She is the easiest person to get along with in our family."

This was the relationship among the Yan sisters. On the way back, Yao Niang praised Ying Niang: "I never thought you would speak up for your eldest sister. You've really grown up now."

"I won't be like some younger sisters who, despite their elder sisters speaking up for them, only want to compete with them and spread rumors about their sisters, ruining their reputations." Ying Niang was no longer entirely a child; Lady Zhen had also given her plenty of advice privately.

Yao Niang knew about what Ying Niang was talking about. The eldest daughter of the Mao family was quite nice. Even though she and the second daughter were only cousins and their relationship wasn't very harmonious, she still spoke up for the second daughter in public. After all, this second daughter brought her fiancé around to visit relatives, which was quite unique. However, this second daughter went around saying that her cousin couldn't find a husband and wasn't popular.

As a result, the situation became very tense between them, and the reputation of the Mao daughters was completely ruined. The eldest daughter of the Mao family ended up marrying into another province.

Now that Ying Niang could act this way, Yao Niang felt relieved: "That's good, that's good. This year's New Year will definitely not be pleasant. Next year, in February, Eldest Brother will take the exams, Third Brother will have the county exam, and in April, Second Brother will have the provincial exam."

"At least we're girls and don't have to take the imperial exams." Ying Niang shuddered at the thought. She wasn't particularly fond of studying, especially the civil service examinations.

But Yao Niang disagreed: "Men can advance through the imperial exams and eventually become high-ranking officials or ministers. They don't have to rely on others like us women."

"Third Sister, stop your lofty speeches. You act as if you were Wu Zetian. Your personality is too strong. You should learn from Second Mother's gentleness." Ying Niang said irritably.

Yao Niang replied: "You're just a paper tiger." She didn't think there was anything wrong with her words. If someone found it inappropriate, it was probably because those men lacked ability and blamed women for being too capable.

Fortunately, the two of them no longer quarreled as they used to. They weren't particularly close, but they were like ordinary peers. When they went out together, they maintained the dignity of the Yan family and then each went to their own mothers. They rarely interacted otherwise.

At the end of the year, Shen Linfeng visited once. Lady Zhen deliberately let Yan Ningxin see him walking through the corridor, although they had met before. Now that their horoscopes matched, they would wait until after his exams in the spring to announce their engagement publicly.

In fact, Yan Ningxin had privately met Shen Linfeng when visiting the Tong family. Shen Linfeng was very frank: he had neither concubines nor bedmates. If she married him, Yan Ningxin would undoubtedly be the sole mistress of the Shen household, without any threats.

Although Yan Ningxin felt no particular emotion towards Shen Linfeng, she knew he was the best match for her. His family background was outstanding, and he was both talented and handsome. Even his private life was cleaner than her brothers'. Her eldest brother, Yan Jingzhao, had two concubines and a mistress outside. Her second brother also had several bedmates, and even her third brother, despite his young age, had a woman in his room.

For these aristocratic sons, having women was as easy as drinking water. Shen Linfeng was a rare exception, surrounded by admirers but indifferent to romantic relationships.

So be it, I accept my fate, Yan Ningxin thought to herself.

Her status could help her father smooth Shen Linfeng's career path, and by aligning with the Shen family, they could make her cousin's path to becoming a prince smoother.