Chapter 36

Chapter 36

The woman in the mirror was no longer young, yet she still possessed an elegant and dignified air. Sometimes, gaining the upper hand was more useful than anything else. The Zhen family had arrived first; Yan Jingzhao was five years older than their son, and all the glory had already been claimed by others.

She sighed deeply and then saw Aunt Wei rushing in.

"Madam, it's good news," Aunt Wei said with a smile.

Zhen looked at her. "What good news? What good news could I possibly have now?"

Aunt Wei smiled. "I was ordered to visit the eldest madam. I always felt that this pregnancy of hers wasn't stable and didn't look too good. Childbirth is like passing through the gates of hell. If something were to happen to her, then the eldest branch—"

"There would be nothing left. Eldest Brother could marry another high-born lady, perhaps even one with a higher status than Lady Guan. This would make the Zhen family even stronger." Zhen did not see it as good news.

Aunt Wei thought to herself, "I hadn't considered that."

"In the past, Jingzhao was just the son of the Nanjing Ministry of Rites' Undersecretary. Now he is about to become a new imperial scholar, talented and handsome, with an outstanding family background. Men most desire promotion, wealth, and the death of their wives. You think too shallowly," Zhen shook her head.

Aunt Wei shuddered.

After the metropolitan examination came the palace examination. During this period, new scholars would pay respects to their teachers and visit their peers. Yan Jingzhao and Shen Linfeng, both young prodigies, were particularly prominent.

Shen Linfeng was quite satisfied with the Yan family, specifically with the men of the family. This was normal, for marriages nowadays often involved strong alliances, supporting each other in official circles.

As he was thinking, his sister Shen Mo came over, looking pleased. "It seems I was right when I told Mother you liked the eldest Miss Yan. Father and Mother went to propose, and now it looks like this marriage is perfect, doesn't it?"

"I knew they would do this. Well, marrying anyone is fine as long as she can be the matriarch of our family."

"My vision isn't bad, is it? The eldest son of the Yan family also passed the metropolitan examination, just like you," Shen Mo smiled.

Shen Linfeng looked at his sister. "Has the Prince Qi's heir been writing to you lately?"

Shen Mo smiled. "Letter after letter."

In Shen Mo's view, her brother was ambitious because she had been told since childhood that she had the destiny of a queen. The Shen family was adept at placing bets, but they didn't necessarily need her to go first; sending someone else would work just as well.

So, Shen Linfeng said, "If there is any private affair between a man and a woman, what consequences would there be if discovered? You know this better than I do. Moreover, Prince Qi is a vassal king. Recently, while drinking with Yan Jingzhao, I wanted to ask about the Prince Qi's Palace, given that the heir confidently said the Yan family supported him. But I noticed that Yan Jingzhao seemed to distance himself from the heir, not even mentioning familial ties."

Shen Mo was startled. "Are you saying the Prince Qi's heir is lying to us?"

Shen Linfeng pondered for a moment and then said, "Think about it yourself. I need to go out."

"What are you going out for?" Shen Mo pressed.

Shen Linfeng waved the book in his hand. "To read."

Shen Mo was annoyed as she left the room, complaining to her maid, "My brother is really something. I wanted to talk to him about the eldest Miss Yan's preferences, but he just left."

The maid smiled. "Second Master probably wants to go horseback riding. He has been studying day and night, enduring much hardship. It's good for him to relax a bit."

Shen Mo shook her head. "That's not it. Eldest Brother died young. Second Brother used to be the youngest and had a different personality. Now he appears cheerful on the outside, but he's not half the person he used to be. As a child, he loved playing and laughing the most."

"When the eldest Miss Yan comes in, things will get better. I heard she's lively and plays polo well, unlike the other ladies in the Yan family," the maid added.

Shen Mo sighed. "If not for my push, my brother wouldn't care about women at all. Mother even suspected—"

She stopped herself before finishing the sentence.

**

"Third Sister, why are you here?" Yao Niang was still learning embroidery and sewing when Qian Niang came over.

Qian Niang said, "Third Sister, I heard Zhao Xian didn't pass, is that true?"

Yao Niang nodded. "I asked the steward, and indeed he didn't pass. My brother said that Master Zhao has moved to the capital with his father. Now that Master Zhao is no longer in office, he focuses on scholarly pursuits with his son."

"Thank you, Third Sister," Qian Niang said, pursing her lips.

Yao Niang glanced at the sky. "Eldest Brother is taking the palace examination now. I wonder how he's doing?"

Actually, Yao Niang didn't want to hear Qian Niang's talk anymore because she knew Qian Niang pretended to only care about Zhao Xian to lower her guard.

If she truly cared only about Zhao Xian, why would she still curry favor with Yan Ningxin? Their relationship had never been close.

Some people reveal their intentions not by what they say but by what they do.

Qian Niang thought she had achieved her goal and congratulated Yao Niang. "After Eldest Brother passes the palace examination, he'll be named at Donghua Gate. Third Sister, your good fortune is yet to come."

Yao Niang laughed. "Second Sister, what are you talking about? Even if my brother becomes an official, if he places second, it's fine. But if he places third, he'll have to be assigned elsewhere and work hard to rise from the seventh rank. The current political climate is tough, and I only hope everyone remains safe and happy."

Trying to flatter Yao Niang was difficult because she had her own judgment. Although people often called her a talented woman, Yao Niang had surpassed her in both writing and painting.

The sisters pretended to be naive, but they found it hard to be close due to their similar ages and unwillingness to be mediocre, making peaceful coexistence impossible.

After Qian Niang left, Hongxiu came in and said, "Third Young Lady, I heard the madams say that after our eldest master passes, the whole family will go to Dagu Temple to pray for the eldest madam as well."

"Really?" Yao Niang said happily.

Hongxiu smiled. "Lady Song told me to inform you. How could it be false?"

"That's great. I remember there's a vendor selling delicious burnt cakes near Dagu Temple. We should buy some when we go," Yao Niang thought happily.

True to expectations, Yan Jingzhao, at nineteen, placed first in the second class of the palace examination. With his provincial examination ranking as the runner-up, his second-class ranking made him a prominent figure.

Everyone in the eldest branch waited for news, each with varied expressions.

Zhen and Yao Niang were genuinely delighted. Yan Jingzhao was now an official, and at his age, he would surely be selected as a scholar-official in the Imperial Academy.

"Where is Mr. Shen?" Zhen looked at Yan Ningxin and asked with a smile.

"Mr. Shen placed ninth in the second class."

The two households suddenly became bustling with activity. The Yan and Shen families announced the engagement together and also prepared to invite Lady Gong from the Gong family as the Quanfu Lady. Although Gong Gehu was currently only the third assistant minister, he was a political ally of Yan Yingqi. The reason Yan Yingqi's promotion to Minister of Appointments went smoothly this time was because of the Gong family.

Naturally, next year would be the year of the imperial review, and many people's fates would be determined by political maneuvering. The Gong family needed Yan Yingqi, and Yan Yingqi now also relied on the Gong family.

Coincidentally, Gong Gehu had some connection with Grand Censor Shen, as Zhen Shi mentioned: "Gong Gehu is Grand Censor Shen's junior mentor. Grand Censor Shen also passed the imperial examinations at eighteen, and it seems that Young Master Shen has done the same."

Xie Shi smiled and said, "This is also a stroke of luck for our eldest daughter. When the husband prospers, so does the wife, as it has always been."

"That's true. You should tell your daughter-in-law," Zhen Shi joked.

Xie Shi replied, "She's currently pregnant, so it's not advisable for her to experience extreme emotions. But I think such good news would already be known throughout the household without me saying anything."

Everyone agreed, and they didn't mention the household's excitement for several days.

Meanwhile, Yan Jingzhao and Shen Linfeng were both selected as Shujishi in the Imperial Academy. Zhen Shi and Xie Shi led the women to Dagu Temple, with Yao Niang sharing a carriage with Xie Shi.

Xie Shi explained, "I've heard that Dagu Temple is very effective for matchmaking prayers. Your eldest sister has found such an excellent husband, and we only hope everything goes smoothly."

"Mama, if my eldest sister is doing well, then we will all be better off, right?" Yao Niang smiled.

"Of course, she is the eldest sister and has married so well. If she performs well after marriage, others will see that the daughters of the Yan family are good, and naturally, you girls won't have to worry either. But your eldest sister..." Thinking about it, Xie Shi felt a headache coming on.

It wasn't that she couldn't bear to see others succeed; it was just that someone who doesn't match their position would live a very hard life. Like her daughter-in-law Guan Shi, who appeared dignified but always put herself first. Such a person would fare better with someone more submissive or by marrying down.

However, Yan Jingzhao, in terms of family background and personal character, was a top-notch individual. Guan Shi couldn't control him, and submitting made her feel stifled. Seeing Xie Shi's good temper, she repeatedly ignored her elders and tried to take over authority upon entering the house. Later, when Xie Shi countered her, she still didn't know her place and wanted to compete with her mother-in-law, leading to a lukewarm relationship with Yan Jingzhao.

Thinking about this, Yao Niang said to Xie Shi, "Mama, wouldn't it be nice if all marriages were based on mutual affection?"

"Nonsense! If someone hears you say that, what will they think of you?" Xie Shi tapped her daughter's forehead.

Yao Niang pleaded, "I know, I know, I was just talking to you."

At Dagu Temple, everyone looked forward to eating jiao bing and drawing lots.

Even Yan Ningxin was excited. She silently chanted three times before solemnly drawing a lot. Ying Niang quickly picked up the lot and, upon reading it, her face changed: "Eldest sister, here."

Everyone saw it was a bad lot, with the text reading "Encountering an unvirtuous person."

"That can't be. Young Master Shen is a rare talent," Zhen Shi frowned.

The fortune-teller explained, "The person you encounter now is harmful. Knowing that they are not worth associating with, you should stop immediately and choose another partner. Otherwise, you will encounter an unvirtuous person."

This meant that the person encountered now is harmful, and knowing they are not worth associating with, one should stop immediately and choose another partner.

Yan Ningxin looked worried. Because Qian Niang feared drawing a bad lot, she let Yao Niang draw first. Yao Niang drew quickly and sighed in relief. It was an auspicious lot, with the text "Suitable for marriage."

"What does this mean?" Xie Shi asked.

The fortune-teller smiled, "It means the third daughter is suitable for marriage. There are some minor issues, but they are trivial and need not be worried about. If a good thing happens, it will lead to eternal love and a long life together."

Yao Niang glanced at Xie Shi, who secretly thought that her daughter's marriage might have some obstacles, but overall it was a good sign.

Ying Niang also drew an extremely auspicious lot, with the text "Finding one's rightful place." This didn't need explanation; Yao Niang knew it came from "Mencius," meaning each finds their rightful place. She said, "This means that when facing important choices, one should decide decisively. Hesitation may lead to missed opportunities. Seize the chance, and good fortune will follow."

Seeing the fortune-teller nod, Ying Niang was delighted. Her lot was better than Yao Niang's and Yan Ningxin's, so she urged Qian Niang to draw.

Qian Niang reluctantly complied and sincerely prayed. Fortunately, her lot was middle-upper, with the text "No shame before heaven, no guilt before people."

The fortune-teller looked at Qian Niang and said, "This means one's actions are upright, without shame before heaven and without guilt before people. Viewing wealth as fleeting, one's heart remains calm even if someone knocks at the door at midnight. Thus, one must adhere to principles."

With the lots drawn, Yao Niang felt embarrassed being a young girl and having the same fate as her eldest sister. She wondered what trivial matters she might encounter.

"Lady, the vegetarian meal is ready," Qingdai brought in a few dishes and rice.

After eating, Yao Niang took a nap. Unlike when she was younger, she now avoided being seen casually, so Xie Shi kept a close watch on her. Ying Niang, feeling elated from her auspicious lot, chattered nonstop with Qian Niang, so she told Zhen Shi and went out for a walk nearby.

Zhen Shi knew her lot wasn't good and comforted her, "Don't take these lots too seriously."

Yan Ningxin, still young at fifteen, took it to heart and walked into the peach grove at Dagu Temple.

She disliked having servants follow her closely and said, "Wait here. I'll just pick a peach branch."

"But Lady, Madam ordered us to stay with you," Jinzhan felt uneasy.

Yan Ningxin wiped her sweat, "It's so hot here. The branches are thick, and walking through them might tear our clothes. That would look bad."

In the Yan household, if you showed weakness, the servants would challenge you and find ways to trouble you.

Jinzhan and Yindan stopped outside the grove, where they could still see their lady. However, as Yan Ningxin entered the grove, a seven- or eight-year-old novice monk approached with honey water: "Honored guests, my master sent this. It's hot today."

Although Jinzhan and Yindan found the plain porcelain bowl crude, they were thirsty and thanked the novice monk. After drinking the honey water, they both collapsed.

Meanwhile, Yan Ningxin saw a familiar figure. He had perfect features, a tall stature, and complex emotions in his eyes.

"Big Brother."

Yes, because she accompanied Wei Wuji in the military, she called him Big Brother instead of master. This term was reserved for Wei Wuji, and she called her real brother Yan Jingzhao "Big Brother."

Wei Wuji composed himself and said, "You disappeared so suddenly. Why didn't you even say goodbye?"

Yan Ningxin pursed her lips, remembering when Lady Wei said she would arrange a marriage for him with the daughter of a commander. Wei Wuji promised that he would marry her only because it was a suitable match, and he wouldn't neglect her after marriage. But Yan Ningxin didn't want to be a concubine. Planning to escape, she met Prince Qi's heir, who recognized her and brought her back to the palace.

In the familiar little house in the palace, her memories slowly returned. The heir told her that despite the efforts of Princess Qi to change things, he had always been searching for her.

Especially after he had his own power, he never stopped.

The Yan family did not know she had once gone missing. The Prince Qi's Mansion staged a diversion, so she could not tell anyone about her time with the Wei family.

Yet, the seemingly splendid Prince Qi's Mansion was fraught with danger. Fortunately, someone from the Yan family came to fetch her, saying that the eldest son of the Yan family was getting married and wanted her to return. Prince Qi's cousin worked hard to break through the conspiracy and escort her out.

Since then, she has been learning how to be a young lady in the Yan family, almost forgetting her past life.

"Big Brother, I..." She recounted her journey of recognizing her family.

Wei Wuji felt immense heartache: "After you left, I realized what I was missing. Fourth Sister, is it too late for me to say anything now? I have already convinced my mother and broken off the engagement with the Jiang family's daughter."

Yan Ningxin has learned many rules, especially in a family like the Yans, where marriage discussions do not involve her at all. She even had very few chances to speak privately with Shen Linfeng.

So she was somewhat afraid: "No, it's too late. I've already passed the birth date slips and had our compatibility checked. Everyone in the capital knows we are going to get married."

Thinking of this, she looked outside, fearing that Jin Zhan and Yin Dan might see. It was Wei Wuji who said: "Don't worry, they will sleep quietly for half an hour."

Yan Ningxin widened her eyes: "Did you do this?"

Wei Wuji held her hand: "If not, how could I talk to you? When I found out your identity, I knew we could finally be together. Back then, whenever I got hurt, you would be heartbroken, your face crumpled like a bun. Fourth Sister..."

Yan Ningxin bit her lip but still shook her head: "No, it's not possible. You don't understand how little control I have over my life now."

"Oh, so you're just after the power and wealth of the Shen family in Wu Xing." Wei Wuji let go of her hand.

Yan Ningxin frowned at him: "How can you think so poorly of me?"

Before Wei Wuji could say more, Yan Ningxin heard voices approaching. She struggled desperately, but Wei Wuji held her tightly as if his hands were welded to hers. Yan Ningxin heard the voice of her maid and was terrified, tears streaming down her face. Wei Wuji seemed to feel her tears and instantly released her as if burned.

...

After returning from Dagu Temple, the ladies were exhausted. Even riding in carriages was bumpy. Jie Shi also helped Guan Shi obtain several amulets for safety and sent them over.

Yao Niang yawned and said: "Mother, you look thin, but you actually have more energy than me."

"That's because I rarely stay up late now, unlike you who always read by lamplight. Be careful not to strain your eyes; otherwise, they'll always be red." Jie Shi decided to make chrysanthemum pillows for her daughter to cool her down and brew chrysanthemum and wolfberry tea for her daily.

Yao Niang said: "Speaking of red eyes, I noticed that Elder Sister's eyes were red when she returned. Do you think it's because she drew a bad fortune sign and was very sad?"

"It's possible. Her wedding is this year. Imagine suddenly drawing such a fortune sign. No one could have guessed that Mr. Shen is not a good match." Jie Shi was also puzzled.

After returning from Dagu Temple, they learned that Third Brother Yan Jingwen had passed the county examination and would take the prefectural exam in April. Previously, Yan Jingzhang's passing of the county exam was due to the favor of County Magistrate Daxing, who respected Yan Yingqi. Yan Yingqi insisted that Yan Jingzhao retake the exam this year to ensure he was not relying on nepotism.

Fortunately, Yan Jingzhang finally passed the county exam and would take the prefectural exam with Yan Jingwen.

Yao Niang was learning sewing and asked Yu Shi and Zhen Shi for their measurements to make each of them a daoist robe. These robes were commonly worn by scholars at home, and the current trend was to make the sleeves as wide as possible. Although her sewing skills were not excellent, she knew how to make them look good.

She managed to finish the clothes before their prefectural exam and delivered them. Yan Jingzhang thanked her, saying they fit perfectly, while Yan Jingwen wore his to thank her personally.

Yao Niang knew that this Third Brother was always warm-hearted and easy to talk to. Seeing him come specially, she asked: "Is there anything you want to change?"

"I think they're perfect. Third Sister, your craftsmanship is truly excellent." Yan Jingwen even turned around.

"Being a first-time effort, I'm glad you both like them. I wish Third Brother great success and easy victories." Yao Niang smiled.

Yan Jingwen chatted for a while and then asked if Yan Jingzhao was at home. Yao Niang replied: "Today is a day off. Eldest Brother is at home, but the doctor is currently checking my sister-in-law's pulse. Why don't you have some tea here first?"

In the eastern courtyard, Yan Jingzhao invited a doctor over and said on the way: "Master, you are recommended as an expert in gynecology. My wife is three months pregnant. Please examine her carefully. I am deeply grateful."

"Mr. Yan, please do not be so formal. I will do my best," the doctor said, impressed by Yan Jingzhao's youth and refined demeanor, and his respect for scholars.

However, after feeling the pulse, the doctor discovered something was wrong: "Something is not right. Your wife is not pregnant. Although she shows symptoms of pregnancy, she is actually not pregnant."