Chapter 69

Chapter 69

Despite holding an absolute advantage, Yan Yingqi was forced to leave office due to the death of his parent. Before leaving the capital, he declared that the position of Minister of the Ministry of Rites should only be held by Scholar Du, as it would then truly live up to its name.

His words offended Vice Premier Gong and a large faction led by Premier Wen, as they all had their own candidates for Yan Yingqi to recommend, but Yan Yingqi did not play by the rules at all.

It is worth noting that Du Hongchen and he were from different regions and were not on the same list; they had no interaction in daily life.

Shen Linfeng tapped the table, listening to Lord Shen say, "Your father-in-law completely disregards the lives of his children. With this attitude, how can the Gong family let Yan Jingzhao off? Just think, Vice Premier Gong has done a lot for your father-in-law. In the end, when he had to observe mourning, he should have recommended someone from our faction, but instead, he chose Du Hongchen."

"I think my father-in-law is rather arrogant. He might believe that he will return after observing mourning, so he chose Scholar Du, who has no factional ties," said Shen Linfeng.

To Grand Censor Shen, this further demonstrated that Yan Yingqi cared only about himself. Most of his children were married into the Gong family, yet now Yan Yingqi ignored the Gong faction, truly a case of kicking away the ladder after climbing up.

He looked at his son and said, "Our family treats new brides well, but others may not."

Shen Linfeng nodded, "Father, regardless, Yan's grandfather remains the Chief River Commissioner, and her brother is my colleague. The new bride is virtuous and dignified, always treating me with kindness."

Grand Censor Shen glanced at his son, "Our family is not the kind to look down on others or bully women."

Shen Linfeng bowed his head in agreement.

At this moment, Shen Linfeng came out of his father's study and returned to his room. He had been thinking about possibly comforting Yao Niang, but to his surprise, she was doing needlework under the lamp, her technique appearing very skilled.

Looking at a beauty under the lamp naturally adds another layer of charm.

Yao Niang looked up and saw him return, putting down her needlework, "I heard you went to Father. I already ate. How about you? Are you hungry?"

"Not hungry. When I visited your house today, your mother-in-law said you left earlier. I hope you are taking care of yourself," Shen Linfeng sat down and looked at her.

Yao Niang took out a handkerchief and dabbed her eyes, "I just got better. You bring this up again. Father said Grandfather's illness was incurable, beyond human control, and we shouldn't grieve excessively."

Shen Linfeng sat down and held her hand, "It's all my fault."

"Although I don't need to return to Jin Ling for mourning, I still need to wear mourning clothes for five months. I want to wear this inside and something plain outside, as a sign of my filial piety," Yao Niang and Jingzhao both belong to the category of adopted sons, requiring a five-month period of minor mourning.

Minor mourning involves wearing fine hemp clothing, and ordinary shoes can be worn, just without decorative laces. Yao Niang originally thought she wouldn't attend the second branch's wedding, but Lady Shen insisted, perhaps fearing she would collapse, though Yao Niang actually didn't care much about these things. If they themselves aren't concerned, why should she be?

Shen Linfeng said, "Then make one for me too, I'll wear it inside."

"Are you willing?" Yao Niang looked at him in disbelief, after all, if he didn't follow the minor mourning, no one would say anything.

Shen Linfeng smiled, "I am your husband, isn't this what I should do?"

Yao Niang nodded vigorously, "Then I'll also cut one for you to wear inside."

Soon it was the day of Shen Bangyan's wedding in the second branch. Yao Niang, along with the wives of Shen Linqing and Shen Linjiang, were entertaining guests in the front courtyard. However, within a day, the Yan family's influence had already declined.

Lady Gong, who had been the matchmaker for Shen Linfeng and Yao Niang, was replaced by Lady Liu halfway through, which caused some dissatisfaction from Lady Gong at the time. But Yan Yingqi had the final word: "Everything has a beginning and an end."

Previously, Lady Liu had lost in arranging the marriage between the Yan and Shen families, but now, if she could successfully handle matters between the Yan and Shen families, wouldn't that be a good thing?

Of course, Lady Gong wouldn't directly exclude or mock Yao Niang, but by simply not responding when Yao Niang spoke, everyone below would understand the Gong family's stance. As a result, Yao Niang was ignored, and everyone enjoyed watching the spectacle.

If she were a proud and haughty person, she would naturally find it unbearable, but Yao Niang had sat on many cold benches in the Yan family. Since childhood, Ying Niang had pulled Qian Niang to isolate her, and Lady Zhen never wanted to take her out socially. Even when socializing, no one introduced her specially. So what others saw as humiliation, Yao Niang could bear with composure.

As she turned to take her seat, the elder lady of the Qing family and the second lady of the Jiang family exchanged glances.

In the evening, after the new couple bowed to heaven and earth, they came out together. Shen Bangyan was very delicate-looking, and the bride, Lady Wang, lived up to her noble lineage, appearing dignified and charmingly beautiful.

Shen Linfeng and Yao Niang stood together; she had prepared a pair of dragon-phoenix jade pendants, symbolizing harmonious union, encased in a small-leaf rosewood box with a hundred treasures inlaid, depicting twin blossoms, which looked exceptionally exquisite.

"This is our Second Lady," Wu Mama introduced, standing beside Lady Shen Er.

Lady Wang followed Shen Bangyan to pay respects, addressing them as elder brother and sister-in-law. Yao Niang smiled at Lady Wang, having heard that she was seventeen this year, actually two years older than herself.

At Shen Bangyan's wedding, no relatives of the Shen family made any trouble or said anything strange. Yao Niang glanced at the Second Aunt, who was talking with Lady Shen Er and the First Lady.

Yao Niang thought if the Second Aunt only made one remark against her, it must be due to her relationship with Yan Ningxin, which she could still tolerate, as Yan Ningxin indeed caused considerable impact on the Shen family. But if she were to make another remark, she would not let her off easily.

After the newlyweds paid respects to their relatives and friends, the bride, Lady Wang, went to the bridal chamber, while the rest attended the banquet.

As the legitimate daughter of the Xinning Marquis, Lady Wang’s mother was very strict. The Shen family was also an aristocratic clan, yet she was not a pampered young lady. Instead, she pursued feminine virtues like her mother, hoping to become a universally praised good daughter-in-law.

Therefore, Yao Niang thought the newlyweds might be perfectly matched, but to her surprise, Lady Wang got up before dawn to prepare a large breakfast, even sending a portion to Lady Shen.

"Is this hand-rolled noodles? The broth is excellent, and the flavor is great." Lady Shen took a bite, and despite the hot weather, she broke into a sweat, feeling much more relaxed.

Zhou Mama glanced at Yao Niang and then laughed, "Yes, all the noodles were hand-rolled by the Second Lady. I've heard her skills are quite proficient. It's hard to believe that someone of her status would personally cook, and her skills are so good."

Lady Shen said, "She truly is a rare good woman. Since ancient times, women who can achieve virtue, speech, appearance, and skill are a blessing to their family."

Yao Niang originally thought about learning a few dishes for the future, but seeing how Lady Shen started making such remarks just a few days after the wedding, she decided that even if she learned a few dishes, she definitely wouldn't cook for her.

In three years, if her father could return to office, she wouldn't have to fear the Shen family anymore.

After serving Lady Shen and Shen Mo, she returned to her room first.

Once she left, Shen Mo curled her lip, "Her face is really thick. When you praised the Second Lady, she didn’t even say a word."

"I think my words to discipline her probably didn’t register with her at all. She still acts like a young miss from the Yan family who has married into our family." Lady Shen shook her head, thinking how the noble daughters of the marquisate would wash their hands to cook, while she lacked such filial piety.

Shen Mo snorted coldly, "Blame her father for cutting off all his options. The Gong family hates the Yan family to the bone, and even Yan Jingzhao’s selection for the imperial academy might be in trouble."

Lady Shen even suspected whether the Yan family knew they might be in mourning and thus arranged the marriage early. But upon further thought, she realized it was she who wanted to advance the marriage.

The mother and daughter increasingly felt that this marriage was not worth it, making them feel like fools, falling into the same trap twice.

But Shen Mo was smarter than Lady Shen. When she saw Shen Linfeng, she said, "Sister-in-law is in mourning. Brother, don’t worry, I will comfort Sister-in-law more."

Shen Linfeng was quite grateful, "Thank you very much."

"Brother has always been kind to me. Why do we need to say such things?" Shen Mo knew that Shen Linfeng had always been good to her, and their sibling bond was strong.

Shen Linfeng didn’t know the details, and Yao Niang wouldn’t tell him. Since ancient times, outsiders should not interfere in family matters. As the main wife of the Shen family, she just needed to endure for now. Being a daughter-in-law required time to adjust to the in-laws, and she hadn’t yet established her position, so she silently endured some hardships.

But these were minor storms for Yao Niang. Thinking back, her mother lived without name or title for many years, and Third Lady was even worse than Lady Shen, who merely spoke sarcastically. Reflecting on this, whenever she faced Shen Linfeng, her mindset would adjust accordingly.

In the evening, as they dined together, Shen Linfeng asked, "How is the new sister-in-law getting along?"

"She is skilled in the kitchen. This morning, she cooked and sent a portion to Mother-in-law, even making hand-rolled noodles. She’s amazing, I can’t do that." Yao Niang sincerely praised her.

Shen Linfeng’s thinking was different from most men. If it were a typical man, he might wonder why others’ wives can cook, but she doesn’t. However, Shen Linfeng looked at Yao Niang, held her hand, and said, "What she can do, you may not be able to. Besides, I cook at home, and I can cook."

Yao Niang smiled, "I will learn to cook, but I will only cook for you."

They smiled at each other. Among her dowry, she had brought people skilled in the kitchen, imitating the Four Departments and Six Bureaus, but without a small kitchen, these people had no place to show their skills.

"Only for me? Why?" Shen Linfeng rubbed his nose.

Yao Niang smiled and said, "Of course it's because you are the one I love most. I wouldn't do such dirty work for anyone else." Cleaning fish gills, killing fish, and dealing with that sticky flour—she really couldn't handle those things.

The one she loved, did she just say he was the one she loved? Shen Linfeng felt a bit lightheaded and even made a request: "I like oyster pancakes. Can you make them for me in the future?"

Yao Niang glanced at him, thinking to herself, I was just saying that, and you actually took it seriously? Now you're making demands? Have you grown so bold? She shook his hand, "I've never had oyster pancakes before. You make them first, then I'll learn, okay?"

Shen Linfeng, who had never really overstepped, seeing Yao Niang shaking his hand, was already blinded by desire and immediately agreed, "Okay."

Today, Yao Niang had taken off her usual nightgown and changed into another plain white undergarment. She was naturally as delicate as a flower, and now with her hair loose and wearing a simple white dress, she looked even more pitifully charming. This undergarment fit her very well, revealing her curves clearly. His heart was both tormented and delighted, but he couldn't tell anyone.

Yao Niang, on the other hand, tidied up her blanket, letting her hair fall onto the pillowcase, and asked Shen Linfeng, "I haven't asked you yet, how is it at the Imperial Academy?"

"Compiling history books, writing edicts. The Imperial Academy is different from other places; there isn't much factional strife, and everyone is relatively peaceful." Shen Linfeng leaned closer, seemingly able to smell the fragrance of Yao Niang's hair.

Yao Niang thought of Yan Jingzhao. Her brother was going to be appointed next year. He was indeed a man of great resolve and eloquence, always advocating for radical change, but his temperament was rebellious, making it easy for him to offend people. She wanted Shen Linfeng to keep an eye on her brother, but she didn't think it was appropriate. In politics, there were only interests, and even blood relatives could be on different sides, let alone the Shen family, which had previously marginalized her father's most talented student.

Honestly, she believed that her father would rise again in Dongshan after three years, but she didn't believe the Shen family would help her brother.

Thus, Yao Niang held back and didn't say anything more.

Shen Linfeng clearly sensed that Yao Niang had something to say, but she ultimately didn't speak. He also noticed that despite being not quite fifteen, her mind and demeanor were far beyond the ordinary.

He had met many women who, when speaking, would often act rashly out of excitement or anger, but she always knew her limits and never complained to him. Their relationship was very relaxed.

When he turned around, he saw that Yao Niang had already fallen asleep before him.

Night fell, Shen Linfeng blew out the lamp, and the servants all went to rest. However, in the second house, the newlyweds were enjoying their conjugal bliss. It was their honeymoon, so Shen Bangyan naturally stayed in the main room.

Lady Wang's mother had personally taught her many survival skills, both in the hall and in the kitchen. Therefore, before her marriage, Lady Wang specifically learned many bedroom techniques from the skilled concubines in the household. However, as a young lady, she still felt a bit restrained. Shen Bangyan, on the other hand, had already had concubines and was experienced in matters of the bedchamber. Although he and Lady Wang were harmonious in bed, he was more relaxed with the maidservants.

Moreover, Lady Wang, being the eldest daughter, was used to being pampered at home. Even though the secondary daughters were her sisters, they often deferred to her in speech, so she expected to be treated with respect and couldn't tolerate any coldness.

Shen Bangyan, as the only son of the second house, was also doted on by his mother. With his father about to be promoted to the position of Chief of the Imperial Academy, the two of them found little common ground in their casual conversation.

Both of them had somewhat proud personalities. Shen Bangyan himself was quite handsome and didn't find Lady Wang particularly stunning. Lady Wang, praised by the Xinning Marquis as the smartest among his daughters and also beautiful, was unwilling to flatter him.

When they went to bed, each turned away from the other and rested.

In the morning, as Yao Niang went out, she happened to meet Lady Wang. They exchanged smiles and greeted each other.

"Sister-in-law, you've just been married, so I won't visit for now. We'll be neighbors soon, and if you ever feel bored, just come find me," Yao Niang said with a smile.

Lady Wang nodded, "Sister, that's what I was thinking."

Although they were from different branches of the family and not direct sisters-in-law, like the relationship between Lady Yu and Lady Li, maintaining a polite appearance was enough. But Yao Niang, like Shen Bangyan, was willing to put effort into relationships mainly with Shen Linfeng or her parents, and perhaps her in-laws. She didn't need to curry favor with her peers.

Therefore, during the mahjong game that morning, Yao Niang, who had learned to play in Kaifeng, won very smoothly. At most, she might give a tile to Lady Shen, but she wouldn't let others win easily.

Lady Shen, also a skilled mahjong player, rarely let others win, although she didn't often win herself.

Lady Shen picked up a tile from Yao Niang and even got a winning hand, feeling quite pleased. Yao Niang immediately had someone pay up and laughed, "Madam, your luck is really good today."

"It's just that I drew well, but your luck is pretty good today too. Do you often play mahjong at home?" Lady Shen asked.

Yao Niang shook her head, "This is only my second time playing. When we were at home, Father didn't allow us to play mahjong and often checked our homework."

Lady Shen had heard about how Yao Niang helped her mother receive a court title through her painting skills, which were said to be so lifelike that the subjects seemed to come alive.

After Yao Niang spoke, in the next round, she won three consecutive hands on her own draw. Looking up, she saw that Lady Wang's expression was not good, as she was the one losing the most at the table.

Even though Lady Shen did not particularly like Yao Niang, seeing that she indeed had good luck, they could only give her cold glances and sneers. Despite this, Yao Niang remained very composed, smiling gracefully, and even when they showed her a cold face, she did not let it show.

After the game, Lady Shen and Lady Shen Er had their meal together, and Yao Niang served them, carefully arranging the dishes. Concerned about her getting cold, she specially asked Mama Zhou to bring a cloak for her to wear.

In short, there was nothing to criticize about her.

Lady Wang lost a considerable amount of money, which was bad enough, but during the serving of the dishes, she accidentally spilled the soup because it was too hot, which infuriated her.

Actually, these were trivial matters, but she cared deeply about them, feeling that in terms of family background and domestic skills, she was far superior to Yao Niang. She had heard from someone close to Lady Shen Er that Lady Yan was not skilled in cooking.

Now, however, she felt utterly humiliated.

Moreover, Lady Yan received an invitation to the flower banquet at the Jinghai Marquis's residence. It was known that when Yan Ningxin eloped, Lady Liu scolded her for days on end without stopping, yet she seemed to truly value Yao Niang.

"Madam, can I go that day?" Yao Niang, who also received the invitation from Lady Liu, was delighted.

Lady Liu was not only the wife of the heir to the Jinghai Marquis but also the niece of the Xuanping Marquis and now the daughter of the Minister of Rites. Her previous efforts to befriend Lady Liu seemed to have been well worth it.

Lady Shen naturally had no objections, merely saying, "Go ahead, just have the carriage prepared."

Yao Niang nodded gratefully, "Thank you, Mother."

Lady Shen Er, standing nearby, said, "Sister-in-law Feng, you can take Sister Mo along; she loves lively occasions, and the Duke of Chengguo’s residence often invites her over."

Speaking of the Duke of Chengguo’s residence and the Jinghai Marquis’s residence, they were actually part of the same family, having later established separate households, but they lived next to each other and maintained a close relationship.

However, Yao Niang sensed something unusual. The invitation was given only to her, and if she took Shen Mo without permission, it might not be proper. If she didn’t take Shen Mo, her mother-in-law might be displeased.

Was this a trap set by Lady Shen Er, intentionally or unintentionally?

She smiled gently, "I was thinking the same thing. My younger sister was already famous for her beauty and talent in our capital. Once she goes out, many young men will likely come knocking at our door. However, going in winter isn’t much fun. I’ve heard that the peach blossom banquet at the Jinghai Marquis’s residence is quite famous. Initially, it was just for the wives of officials, but later it became a place for matchmaking. Perhaps I should ask Lady Liu for an extra invitation."

Lady Shen immediately agreed, "I took Mo to one before, but my health has been poor lately, so I haven’t gone out much. Sister-in-law Feng, please take care of your sister’s affairs in the future."

"Mother, what are you saying? My husband often tells me that he and my younger sister are from the same mother, and he wants me to treat her well," Yao Niang sometimes really felt she could lie without batting an eye.

Lady Shen’s mood improved after hearing this, and her thoughts followed Yao Niang’s lead. For example, when Yao Niang mentioned Shen Linfeng: "My brother told me that the food at the Imperial Academy is quite ordinary, and my husband often goes out with his colleagues to eat. With the weather being so cold, I don’t know how to help him stay healthy. Could you give me some advice?"

Lady Shen had a lot of experience with health and wellness, so she talked for more than an hour. Yao Niang pretended to listen attentively, dragging out the time. When dealing with someone like Lady Shen, it was best not to delve into core topics. Women of this age enjoyed being teachers, and Yao Niang wanted Lady Shen to get used to talking to her this way. In the future, when she interacted with others, if they couldn’t listen as patiently, Lady Shen would feel uncomfortable and rely on her more.

Some people didn’t realize that emotional companionship was the most important.

Even Lady Shen Er admired Yao Niang, who, at such a young age, could listen to an older person talk for so long, which was no easy feat. She couldn’t stay any longer and naturally left with Lady Wang.

But in Lady Wang’s eyes, this sister-in-law seemed to be more favored than herself.

During the evening meal, Shen Linfeng sent word that he would be attending a colleague’s wedding feast. Yao Niang served Lady Shen dinner and returned to her room, only to find that it had started snowing heavily.

By the time she reached the entrance of her courtyard, the snow was already knee-deep. Just then, she saw Shen Linfeng and called out sweetly, "Husband."

Shen Linfeng quickly approached, "Why are you outside now? Shouldn’t you be inside?"

"I just came back from Mother’s place," Yao Niang looked very delicate and weak.

Shen Linfeng immediately thought she hadn’t eaten, which explained her frail appearance. He pretended to support her, but then Yao Niang whispered, "I can’t walk anymore."

"Then shall I carry you inside?" Shen Linfeng quickly offered.

Auntie Gu watched in amazement, wondering where her niece had learned these tricks.

Yao Niang replied, "With such heavy snow, if you insist on carrying me, I’m not against it, but you must be careful!"

Shen Linfeng always thought Yao Niang was very polite and did everything herself. Now that she was slightly relying on him, he was very happy and immediately bent down to pick her up and carry her inside.

Although the servants dared not look, they understood the status of the lady in the master’s heart and would henceforth dare not underestimate her.