Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Originally, Magpie had always served Lady Guan. Now promoted to a lady's position, her hairstyle and attire had changed. When she delivered something for Lady Guan, Yao Niang smiled and said, "I forgot to congratulate you. I prepared a few yards of silk and a pair of rings. Since you're here, I'll give them to you now, so I don't have to send someone over."

"Thank you, Third Miss," Magpie said happily.

In fact, after being promoted to a personal maid, Magpie found that the third branch of the Yan family was quite easy to get along with. Lady Jie never made the eldest daughter-in-law stand on ceremony or troubled the daughter-in-law. Whenever there were major events, she let the eldest daughter-in-law take charge. As for Third Miss, she was very kind to everyone.

Seeing Magpie leave, Aunt Gu brought in ginseng soup. "Miss, it's too cold outside. Have some ginseng soup to warm up."

Yao Niang drank the warm ginseng soup and felt drowsy. She sniffed, "I can't go out tomorrow, or my nose will really freeze off."

"Miss, was the one who just left Magpie?" Aunt Gu asked.

Yao Niang nodded. "It's her. You didn't recognize her with her new hairstyle and clothes?" In truth, she thought her sister-in-law was desperate and making rash decisions. Her brother already had two people from Grandmother, and he didn't need to promote anyone else. His position was quite secure. Yet, she was eager to push Magpie forward.

Who doesn't have their own agenda? Magpie was originally loyal, but becoming a personal maid so quickly, did she not want any favor?

There were only two personal maids before, neither of whom were concubines. Now there was another Magpie. Why bother?

But Yao Niang wouldn't discuss the affairs in her brother's room. It wasn't something a young lady should talk about. Privately, although she disliked Lady Guan, she still hoped that couples would be devoted to each other, living a life together. However, that required mutual affection.

These days, when marriages are arranged, mutual affection is often overlooked. As long as they are a man and a woman of similar age and status, they seem like a perfect match.

Well, this is her brother's affair; she couldn't cry over someone else's coffin in her own room.

At night, they had a hot pot. The pot was boiling hot, and Yan Yingqi enjoyed it thoroughly.

Lady Jie laughed, "This was Yao Niang's idea. She had it at someone else's house and craved it so much that she even asked for the recipe. It seems you like it too."

"Light, refreshing, and warm. It's indeed good," Yan Yingqi said, genuinely enjoying it.

Unlike Zhen Shi, both Lady Jie and Yao Niang didn't stick to Southern or Northern cuisine. They tried whatever they liked and asked for recipes.

While having dinner, it started snowing heavily outside. Yao Niang sighed, "If only this snow could bring a good harvest."

Unfortunately, instead of a good omen, they heard in the morning that Yan Ningxin's house had collapsed under the weight of the snow. The trees around her house had branches broken by the snow, which fell onto the roof tiles.

Yao Niang wondered, "We just matched the horoscopes at year-end, and this happened. This marriage..."

But both the Shen and Yan families were large clans. Even if there were minor incidents, they could still make adjustments. After all, it was just a matter of words.

Since Yan Ningxin's house needed repairs, she spent the day in Qian Niang's room. She had a strained relationship with Ying Niang, but Qian Niang was more gentle. Qian Niang was embroidering, known for her skillful needlework. Seeing Yan Ningxin come in, she continued her work and advised, "Elder Sister, we've all heard about your upcoming wedding. May I say something?"

"What is it?" Yan Ningxin asked, not having much interaction with Qian Niang.

"Elder Sister, our most important skill as women is needlework. Whether it's for elders or ourselves, it's better to do it ourselves than rely on others. Look at Third Sister; she's only twelve and already learning to sew. This is just a small suggestion. Take it or leave it," Qian Niang said.

Yan Ningxin suddenly teared up. "No one has ever taught me like this, for my own good."

Seeing her sincerity, Qian Niang sighed, "Elder Sister, I don't dare claim to teach you. If you don't mind, come talk to me whenever you want. If you have any questions, feel free to ask."

Yan Ningxin nodded, moved.

In her eyes, Yao Niang rarely opened her heart to others and had a high and proud personality, quick to anger, making her hard to get along with. Ying Niang was even worse, being capricious and narrow-minded. Only Qian Niang seemed genuinely kind.

After embroidering for a while, Qian Niang took Yan Ningxin to see Lady Yu. Lady Yu, being pregnant, had a slightly rounder face. She always treated her sisters-in-law well, especially since Yan Ningxin would soon marry into the Shen family as the main wife. She invited them to stay for lunch.

This made Yan Ningxin feel warm and comfortable, realizing that the Yan family had its warmth.

During the New Year, the two branches often gathered together. Yao Niang noticed that Yan Ningxin and Qian Niang had become closer. She knew why; indeed, all hustle and bustle is for gain.

Yan Ningxin was unaware of this and even received cosmetics from Shen Mo before the New Year, claiming they were from a new collection with a rich fragrance.

"Second Sister, what should I send back?" she asked Qian Niang directly.

Qian Niang didn't answer immediately. "What do you think, Elder Sister?"

Yan Ningxin suggested several options: "Our plum blossoms are beautiful. Sending a vase of flowers might look nice." Qian Niang replied, "The Shen family has a famous plum garden in the capital. Our plum blossoms might not compare."

"How about a jade pendant?" Yan Ningxin pondered.

Prince Qi's heir had sent many valuable gifts, including fine silks and rare treasures. A jade pendant would be a good choice.

Qian Niang said, "Shen Mo only sent you cosmetics. Returning a jade pendant would be too formal."

Thus, Yan Ningxin asked, "Please guide me, Second Sister."

"Elder Sister, if you don't mind, I have a shawl that I've never worn. Its color is described in 'Chuci' as the flush of a beauty's cheeks, charming and graceful. Shen Mo has a graceful figure; she would look lovely in it," Qian Niang smiled.

Seeing Qian Niang's suggestion, Yan Ningxin felt relieved.

Beside her, Yao Niang sipped her tea. In truth, Elder Sister had many precious gifts from the prince. Sending a small, exquisite item would be a proper return and impress Shen Mo. Qian Niang's suggestion seemed selfless but highlighted her own generosity. Everyone knew it was Second Sister providing the shawl for Elder Sister to return.

She and Ying Niang had conflicts with Yan Ningxin. Even Yao Niang thought Yan Ningxin wasn't necessarily bad but had issues, thinking differently from others. It was best to keep a distance.

However, Qian Niang, though not close to anyone, was adept at guiding situations. Now, she cared more about Yan Ningxin than Ying Niang.

Thinking this, she put down her teacup and said, "Two sisters, I'll head back. I slept late last night and am too sleepy now."

Yan Ningxin and Qian Niang smiled, "Go ahead."

Yao Niang left and ran into Yan Jingzhao outside. Tall and dressed in a black fox fur cloak, he looked handsome and elegant.

"Big Brother," Yao Niang greeted happily.

Yan Jingzhao saw his sister alone and asked, "What's wrong?"

Yao Niang shook her head. "Nothing, nothing."

"Did they gang up on you? How about I go play with you? I remember the red plum blossoms in the garden are beautiful right now. Why don't we go and admire them?"

Yao Niang suddenly looked at Yan Jingzhao, recalling the time she had told him about the discord among the sisters. It turned out he had kept it in mind all these years.

"Brother..."

"Come on, let's go. You're a young lady, so you can't drink wine. I'll have someone bring warm drinks over. It's much better for us siblings to enjoy the snow and play music together than to talk with those idle people."

Yao Niang nodded vigorously. "Okay."

The siblings chatted and walked towards the plum grove, discussing both ancient and modern topics along the way. They picked plums and placed them in vases, enjoying themselves thoroughly. Originally, Yan Jingzhao wanted to stay longer, but Yao Niang knew her brother had to take the imperial examinations, so she urged him to rest.

After the Lantern Festival, the days quickly passed until the examination date. This time, Yao Niang prepared a pair of knee pads for her brother and sent them to the east wing. However, Guan was experiencing menstrual irregularities due to excessive consumption of tonics and meat during the New Year festivities, as well as prolonged sitting. She was in a foul mood and had to prepare items for her husband's examination. Seeing Yao Niang send something over, she couldn't help but complain: "We've already done enough in our room. Why does she need to send anything? It's unnecessary. Hmph, I eat some tonics and get criticized, yet her daughter often drinks ginseng soup. Such petty behavior..."

In the past, Magpie used to send servants to watch for her, but now that she had become Yan Jingzhao's concubine, she served in his room. Due to her outstanding service, Yan Jingzhao favored her and stayed with her last night.

These words were overheard by Yan Jingzhao. As the saying goes, "If you walk by the river long enough, your shoes will get wet."

Yan Jingzhao realized that his suspicions were confirmed. Both the people his grandmother placed around him and the wife chosen for him looked down on him from the bottom of their hearts.

He was grateful that she didn't have any children; otherwise, he might have been kicked out by the third elder lady.

This explained why his father wanted him to excel in the examinations. Only by achieving success would he not be controlled by others. Even though the third elder lady treated his father better than the first elder lady, what did it matter?

He didn't argue with Guan but simply left in anger. The servant who saw him leave informed Guan, causing her to feel weak and almost unable to stand.

Since Yan Jingzhao didn't spread the news, Guan naturally dared not tell anyone else about her indiscretion. She pretended to be ill, even convincing Jie that she was genuinely unwell.

Everyone's focus was on the scholar taking the examinations. This time, Yan Jingzhao behaved more modestly, showing more maturity.

Jie wasn't worried and reassured Yan Jingzhao: "You passed the provincial examination at nineteen, which is already impressive. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. You're a smart child; rushing things won't help. Don't make yourself sick."

Yan Jingzhao smiled. "Alright, son understands."

"Sister, my knowledge is limited, so I'll send you off with a poem by Li Shangyin: 'From Changle, I hear the bell of the imperial garden; in colorful attire, we celebrate the fragrance of osmanthus. Lu Ji planned to boast about his literary skills, unaware that there is a Shilong in the clouds. Sister, I wish you success in the imperial examinations and a bright future," Yao Niang said with a smile.

Yan Jingzhao replied, "I hope your words come true."

After seeing the servants urging him, Yan Jingzhao bowed and got into the carriage.

Once Yan Jingzhao left, Guan became even more anxious, unsure of what lay ahead. Her husband wouldn't really divorce her, as it would harm both her reputation and his own.

But he could slowly torment her. In this household, even as the main wife, one still had to please the man. Even someone like Zhen, with her noble background, had to be virtuous towards her father-in-law.

Thinking about this, Guan lost her appetite and began vomiting uncontrollably.

Jie called a doctor, who discovered that Guan was pregnant. Guan felt relieved, thinking that with a pregnancy, Yan Jingzhao wouldn't mistreat her.

With the pregnancy, Jie told Guan: "You don't need to come for greetings anymore. Focus on your health. I've also informed your mother, and she might visit tomorrow. If you need anything, just tell the steward. The doctor prescribed some prenatal medicine. Since it's early, you don't need to take it regularly, as medicine has side effects. I plan to build a small kitchen in your east wing, so you won't have to rely on the main kitchen."

"Yes, thank you," Guan said, feeling more confident with Jie's kindness.

Jie smiled. "If Jingzhao knew about your pregnancy, he'd be thrilled."

Guan hesitantly replied: "He'll know when he returns in a few days."

"Alright, rest well." Jie then stood up to leave.

This should have been a joyful occasion. As an aunt, Yao Niang sent someone to greet Guan and planned to make some baby clothes once the weather warmed up.

Aunt Gu commented: "It's great that the madam is pregnant. Nothing beats that."

"Mama, I heard from Magpie that my sister-in-law donated a hundred taels for incense oil. She usually lives frugally but is diligent in such matters," Yao Niang said.

Aunt Gu wasn't surprised: "Some women who marry in and don't conceive within a year try various remedies." Remembering Yao Niang was unmarried, Aunt Gu didn't elaborate further.

With Guan's pregnancy, her treatment improved significantly. Yan Yingqi was delighted, as if Guan gave birth, it would be Jingzhao's first child.

"My lord, no need to rush. Wait until the pregnancy stabilizes. Your mother-in-law is visiting tomorrow. Let's keep calm until the baby is born," Jie said, recalling her own experiences after giving birth to Yan Jingzhao and losing her other children.

Yan Yingqi understood her pain: "Yes, that's the best approach."

Jie held his arm and looked into his eyes: "Today, let's pick some plum blossoms. I want to hang some near my bed as wind chimes."

"Sure," Yan Yingqi thought Jie remained as girlish as ever.

The next day, Guan's mother visited from the scholar's residence. Guan couldn't tell her mother about her indiscretions being overheard by her husband.

She only said: "Mother, my period is late, and I feel nauseous. I thought it was due to overeating during the New Year, but the doctor says it looks like I'm pregnant, although it's early. My mother-in-law is setting up a small kitchen for me, and look at all these tonics from different rooms. For lunch, there's a shad fish, a gift from the emperor to my father-in-law."

Her mother clasped her hands and said: "Amitabha Buddha, your father-in-law is favored, your husband is accomplished, and now you're pregnant. Mother has nothing to worry about."

"Mother, it seems those charms worked," Guan touched her still-flat belly, feeling happy.

Her mother added: "I brought a fertility recipe. Have you taken it? Those charms may work, but don't fully trust them."

"I know my limits, Mother. Don't worry," Guan assured her.

Seeing her daughter's situation, her mother felt sad: "You're perfect in every way except for having children. I also took three years to conceive after marriage. With this pregnancy, Mother hopes for nothing else."

They discussed pregnancy dos and don'ts, and her mother thanked Jie, who didn't mind. She knew Guan wouldn't listen to others, so she welcomed her mother's guidance.

...

During the examinations, Shen Linfeng and Su Xian also participated. The entire Yan family was closely watching. Even Jinzhan, who served Yan Ningxin, joked: "If Master Shen passes this year, you'll be the first."

Yan Ningxin laughed and shook her head, feeling lonely. Although Qian Niang was friendly, she had to greet Zhen and her sister-in-law Yu. She also had embroidery work to do and wasn't one to seek company, so Yan Ningxin didn't want to disturb her too often.

For a moment, she thought of Wei Wuji, the one who seemed to dislike her but had saved her several times. Although he had a peculiar temper, he was still good to her, unlike Shen Linfeng, whose eyes held no trace of romantic affection for her.

Even Yan Ningxin felt a moment of fear that Shen Linfeng might have thought he was marrying the eldest daughter of the Yan family, with noble blood, expecting her to be as prestigious as Qian Niang and Yao Niang, but she was not.

The Shen family was not an ordinary household. Besides Shen Linfeng's father being the Left Censor-in-Chief, his uncle was said to be the top scholar in the imperial examination and now serves as the Director of the Imperial Academy.

Even Shen Mo was a first-class noble lady; otherwise, the Prince Qi's heir would not have begged so earnestly for her hand in marriage.

And the reason her father wanted to choose Wang Mian was because he believed Shen Linfeng might not be able to match their status. Since both families were of equal standing, there would be no need for her family to intervene on her behalf.

Just like when her elder brother's wife, Lady Guan, was betrothed, her father was only a Vice Minister in the Nanjing Ministry of Rites, making them a well-matched pair. But as her father's position grew, the Guan family became slightly inferior, which is why Lady Guan's attitude towards Lady Jie's Second Madam changed over time.

After the imperial examinations ended, Yan Jingzhao returned home. Though he remained dignified and composed, it was said that this year's exam was particularly difficult, so he worried about not ranking high enough.

Upon returning, Lady Jie told him that Lady Guan was pregnant.

Yan Jingzhao's eyelids twitched. "She's pregnant?"

Lady Jie smiled. "Yes, she's even suffering from morning sickness. I've specially set up a small kitchen in your courtyard so that you can prepare soups and snacks whenever she craves something, without having to send someone to me."

"Understood," Yan Jingzhao replied with a smile.

Lady Jie noticed her son's expression seemed rather calm and did not press further.

At this time, Lady Yu gave birth to a son, and the family celebrated the third-day washing ceremony with great fanfare. Lady Zhen taught Yan Ningxin how to manage the event, which impressed Yan Yingqi greatly.

Some biological mothers might not be as considerate.

Lady Zhen scolded her daughter Ying Niang for not being diligent: "Look at you! See how the second girl knows your elder sister isn't skilled in these matters and takes the initiative to teach her. Why do you always put on airs?"

"Mama, I know she married well, and you all fawn over her now. But I won't. If someone like her can marry high, does that mean I'm any worse?" Ying Niang felt that Yan Ningxin and Shen Linfeng were not worthy of each other.

Thinking of Ying Niang, she looked down on Yan Ningxin purely because she felt she had achieved everything without much effort. Despite not having a biological brother, Yan Ningxin had someone better than a brother, the Prince Qi's heir, and grew up in the royal palace. Upon returning, she knew nothing of music, chess, calligraphy, or painting, yet still managed to marry a talented man like Shen Linfeng.

Lady Zhen could do nothing with this daughter, especially since Ying Niang was only eleven years old, so she did not push her too hard.

Lady Yu was originally delighted to give birth to a son. Though she was a concubine's daughter-in-law in the Yan family, she was more liked than Lady Guan and gave birth to a son first. However, ...

It coincided with the day of the imperial examination results.

"Nian'er, today is the announcement day. Do you think Master will pass?"

Nian'er did not expect Second Madam to ask about Master, merely shaking her head. "I don't know either."

Lady Yu looked outside, gripping the window frame tightly.

Meanwhile, Yao Niang did not attend the third-day washing ceremony in the main house. She waited with Lady Jie in the flower hall, where Lady Jie had prepared plenty of coins to give as rewards if they passed, or keep for later use if they did not.

If her brother passed the imperial examinations, even if his rank in the palace examination was low, he would still be a graduate of the imperial examination.

Waiting was the most anxious part. Seeing Lady Jie pale, Yao Niang knew her mother was trying to appear calm before her brother to avoid adding pressure, but was actually very nervous.

So, she comforted her, "Mother, even if Brother doesn't pass, perhaps Sister-in-Law will give birth to a nephew."

To her surprise, Lady Jie snapped, "Don't talk nonsense."

Yao Niang was startled and then heard the steward enter the second gate, nearly falling to the ground in joy. "Congratulations, Second Madam! Congratulations! Our eldest son ranked twenty-eighth in this year's imperial examination."

Lady Jie and Yao Niang were instantly elated. The steward continued, "Our eldest son sent word that Shen Gongzi also passed, ranking eleventh."

"What about Zhao Gongzi?" Yao Niang suddenly remembered Zhao Xian.

Clearly, he did not pass. The steward spoke tactfully, "I didn't hear Zhao Gongzi's name mentioned."

Lady Jie asked, "When will our eldest son return? I need to prepare for guests congratulating him. He can't be absent, right?"

The steward smiled. "Today, Shen Gongzi is hosting a celebration at Fan Lou, serving everyone rose wine. Our eldest son is also there and won't be back for a while."

Rose wine was an exquisite delicacy, costing tens of taels for a small jar. Yao Niang exclaimed, "Shen Gongzi must be really rich."

The steward was unfazed. "That's the Shen family of Wu Xing, known for their wealth!"