Chapter 70

Chapter 70

The flower banquet of the Lady of the Marquis of Jinghai’s heir was scheduled before the Laba Festival, for after the festival, every household would be busy preparing for the New Year, and no one would visit others.

As for the relatives who came to celebrate the wedding, they should also return to their hometowns. Lady Shen and Second Lady Shen had to see them off, and naturally, both ladies prepared plenty of local specialties from the capital for them to take back.

Yao Niang also privately arranged for various farewell gifts. If she had given them at the time, and later Wang Shi added more, it would have made her gifts seem meager. She decided to present these gifts when the relatives were about to leave, ensuring that everyone would remember her.

"Include even the two Aunties from the Bi family. One set of the Four Beauties combs and hairpins, two boxes of pastries from our family's wine shop—after all, we must support our own business—and a small pot of Zui Liuxia wine, a box of golden thread jujubes from Xitian Manor, and a box of dried apricot kernels, which cost exactly two taels of silver per household. Altogether, twenty taels of silver will be enough." Yao Niang didn’t need an abacus; she calculated everything in her head. She also gave two taels of silver as a running fee to Xiao Qingge, asking him to purchase everything.

Wang Shi was unaware of this. Although she was married, she still considered Second Lady Shen an elder and saw no need to prepare such things since she wasn’t in charge of the household. She didn’t want to waste money.

Therefore, when everyone was seeing the relatives off, Shen Linfeng was still talking with Auntie Gan, and Shen Bangyan was being flattered by the Aunties from the Bi family. Yao Niang smiled and said, "Our Lady and Second Aunt have already prepared various gifts. The elders have been very kind to us, so my husband and I have also prepared some famous specialties from the capital, as a memento of our trip here."

Lady Shen saw her daughter-in-law sending six beautifully packaged gift boxes to each family, without any airs, even including the Aunties from the Bi family. Though this might seem like a way to enhance her own reputation, the relatives were indeed delighted to receive the gifts.

Even Auntie Gan thanked Shen Linfeng, saying, "Thank you."

"It wasn’t me who prepared them, but your niece’s wife. She also mentioned that you brought many local products for us, and asked me to show my respect to you," Shen Linfeng replied.

Auntie Gan, who originally had a strong bias against Yao Niang, was straightforward by nature. Feeling ashamed, she pulled Yao Niang’s hand and said, "Auntie didn’t bring you anything good, yet you’ve given me so much."

This was an elder expressing guilt. Yao Niang immediately responded, "Auntie, as an elder, you’re also from the same hometown. It’s only right, and I’m glad you don’t mind. By the way, the top two boxes contain freshly baked pastries with added milk, which is good for joint health at your age and won’t be overly sweet."

"A good woman, you’ve married a good woman," Auntie Gan held Yao Niang’s hand and praised Shen Linfeng.

Several aunties and older relatives also came up to thank her, surprised by her generosity despite her young age.

Lady Shen felt honored, while Second Lady Shen remained calm. However, Wang Shi thought this elder sister-in-law was too cunning. She hadn’t heard a word about her preparing gifts, and now she had stolen the spotlight. It was too late for her to make amends.

Wang Shi wondered why they, as daughters-in-law, had to compete for attention. Wasn’t this just disrupting the harmony?

But Yao Niang thought, when Wang Shi often showed off in front of the elders, why didn’t she ask for her opinion? It seemed that only her own showing off was justified, while others were just putting on a show.

In fact, Yao Niang had told Shen Linfeng about her preparations that morning, and he naturally looked proud of his beloved wife.

Although the Shens weren’t always kind to her, and some even privately thought marrying a woman from the Yan family was a loss, she still repaid everyone with the greatest kindness.

She was truly too kind.

Yao Niang, however, thought Shen Linfeng didn’t know what to be moved about, since it was all his money anyway.

After seeing the relatives off, Yao Niang had some free time. After paying respects daily, she spent much of her time reading books and essays written by famous people. If the weather weren’t so cold, she would certainly paint as well.

Or she would start her old profession of making incense. For example, the new Yingji Ruyu Powder she made was specifically for those with acne, helping to remove dirt and oil, suitable for young people like herself and Shen Linfeng, who tend to sweat and produce oil on their faces. The Yvnü Taohua Powder could be used as a facial powder and also helped remove spots. She also had Muxi Oil, which she brought from her natal home, for perfuming hair.

Shen Linfeng used to wash his face casually, but after using the Yingji Ruyu Powder made by Yao Niang, he found his face cleaner than ever, better than any other product. The itching around his nostrils disappeared, and after applying the Yulong Ointment, even the chapped lips he often bit were healed, as Yao Niang carefully applied it with a hairpin every morning.

When Shen Linfeng went to pay respects alone, Shen Mo examined his face closely, "Brother, you used to get little pimples and itchy spots on your face. How come they’re all gone now?"

Women, including Shen Mo, were very concerned about their appearance. She had skincare products gifted by Empress Chang.

Shen Linfeng touched his face, "I used to use the Baibai Powder from the Jin Dynasty palace, but my wife said those bought from outside were often cut with inferior ingredients. So she specially made the Yingji Ruyu Powder for me. Now my face feels smooth every day. Also, my hair used to get oily and flaky easily. My wife said the products I bought were for preventing hair loss, so she suggested I use hers first, which is specifically for promoting hair growth. After washing twice, I apply Muxi Oil or Rose Oil to the ends of my hair, making me feel much more comfortable."

"You, a man, are more particular than we are," Shen Mo said mockingly.

Shen Linfeng replied, "Didn’t you ask me?"

Shen Mo had nothing to say. She knew about the cosmetic shops outside and spent a considerable amount of silver on them every month.

"I never thought you would be so skilled at everything, Sister-in-law." Shen Mo finally managed to say after holding back for a while.

Shen Linfeng laughed and said, "Indeed, she knows how to make rose nitrate and jade rose dew. She says that every spring, many people in her family get rashes on their faces, and they all come to her for help."

Madam Shen looked at Shen Mo, "Your cheeks always break out in the spring. You should also ask your sister-in-law for some when the time comes."

"Alright," Shen Mo nodded.

However, the things Yao Niang made were only given to Shen Linfeng, not to anyone else. Madam Shen had hoped her daughter-in-law would offer some as a sign of respect, but this did not happen.

One day, Lady Wang personally spent half a day in the kitchen preparing Seven Emerald Soup, crab roe lion's head, and three-flavored duck, bringing them to Madam Shen. Knowing that Yao Niang was not good at cooking, Lady Wang often sent dishes to gain attention.

Madam Shen had previously praised Lady Wang in front of Yao Niang, but Lady Wang's skills were far from those of the chefs hired by the Shen family. The young lady could not bear the hardship of cooking.

Therefore, after tasting the crab roe lion's head, Madam Shen pointed out the key issue, "There's no shrimp in it. Although the prepared crab roe is poured on top, it lacks flavor."

"Lady, my sister-in-law's skills are truly remarkable, and I am far inferior. It's already impressive that she can think of you in everything she does. What could be more important than sincerity?" Yao Niang naturally expressed her magnanimity.

Madam Shen did not expect her daughter-in-law to speak up for Lady Wang. She thought that this young lady from the Yan family, though young, had a broad mind. Despite receiving cold looks, she showed no resentment or displeasure, maintaining proper etiquette morning and night. Of course, there was another possibility: this girl had deep thoughts and strategies.

But if she could have such cunning at fourteen, it was indeed no small feat.

Thus, Madam Shen asked Yao Niang, "I heard from our eldest son that you've been making something lately?"

Whatever Yao Niang made, as long as it was used, no one ever said anything bad about it. This was her unique skill, very useful in daily social interactions. Therefore, she kept it secret until it was ready, then let Shen Linfeng try it first. If he liked it, Madam Shen and Shen Mo, being women, would surely want it too.

The harder it was to obtain, the more valuable it became. When Madam Shen mentioned it, Yao Niang replied, "With nothing to do, I noticed the dry weather and worried about my skin and face getting chapped. I'm the type who feels suffocated with ordinary face creams, so I made some jade rose dew. It's not greasy and can nourish and whiten the skin, especially suitable for the face and neck."

"I've never heard of this jade rose dew," Madam Shen was curious.

Yao Niang smiled, "It's made from ginseng, pearl powder, Solomon's seal, and white poria. I came across the recipe by chance and decided to give it a try."

Madam Shen mused, "I feel the same way; using those face creams always makes me feel suffocated."

Yao Niang almost burst into laughter but kept a straight face, feigning concern, "Lady, facial products can easily cause allergies. Like the face wash I made for my husband, I only dared to give it to him because he never gets allergic reactions or rashes. How about this: I'll give you some to try behind your ear first, and if there's no reaction, you can use it?"

"Never mind, the Song Palace face cream I use is quite good," Madam Shen put on an air of superiority.

Yao Niang, being a shrewd person, knew that the more you wanted something, the less likely she would give it to you immediately. So she smiled, "Of course, the items here are definitely better than mine. Mine are just for fun during my free time."

Madam Shen was speechless, "You..."

As an observer, Auntie Zhou saw everything clearly. The eldest madam was truly a remarkable person, seeing through everything and controlling the situation tightly.

Yao Niang pretended not to notice, leaving Madam Shen frustrated but unable to do anything.

Meanwhile, Second Lady Jiang from the Third House heard that Yao Niang had made rose nitrate. Her face turned red and itchy every winter due to the dryness from the charcoal basin. She tried wind-dispelling powder before, but it didn't work well and even caused more severe reactions.

She bought silver nitrate, but it wasn't much better. Hearing that Yao Niang had made rose nitrate, she immediately went to ask for some.

Seeing her face, Yao Niang said, "I have wind-dispelling jade complexion powder. Use this to wash your face, and then apply the rose nitrate afterward." She packed two bags and labeled them for distinction.

Second Lady Jiang smiled, "Thank you, Sister-in-law."

"Don't mention it. If you need more, just send someone over," Yao Niang said.

After using it for less than half a month, Second Lady Jiang's face no longer felt hot or turned red easily. Unlike her sister-in-law, she was warm-hearted and praised Yao Niang to everyone she met.

Even before Lady Shen, she said, "My niece-in-law’s face was only cured with the Wind-Dispelling Jade Complexion Powder and Rose Nitrate that she got from my sister-in-law; they were more effective than anything else."

Lady Shen saw Yao Niang come to pay her respects every day, braving the wind and snow, but her small face always remained lustrous and smooth. This was not due to natural beauty but to meticulous care.

But for her, as a mother-in-law, to say it out loud was absolutely impossible.

Yao Niang, however, could hold back. At night, when Shen Linfeng returned from his study, he saw the servants helping Yao Niang wash her feet, using fine salt to scrub them. After scrubbing, they washed her feet again, then used a small knife to file her nails and heels. After another thorough washing and a soak lasting about the time of a cup of tea, they applied a thick layer of facial cream on her feet and had her put on socks.

Shen Linfeng thought it was over, but after two more hours, Yao Niang had the servants take off her socks again.

At this point, her feet truly deserved the term “jade feet.”

Yao Niang wrinkled her nose: "Finally, I can go to bed. I’m a bit tired."

"Did you stand for a long time tonight?" Shen Linfeng asked with concern.

Yao Niang shook her head and nodded. Another lady had come to visit and talk, so she naturally stood beside her mother-in-law.

"Do your legs hurt?" Shen Linfeng was very concerned about her.

Before Yao Niang could answer, he said, "I’ll massage your legs. Next time, I’ll also talk to Mother. It’s too cold, and standing like this all the time is not good."

"I know you care about me, but that’s how it is for a daughter-in-law. Even my mother made my sister-in-law stand for a month." Yao Niang immediately grabbed Shen Linfeng’s sleeve, afraid he would say something.

Shen Linfeng was puzzled: "Mother has so many people serving her, and Sister Mo hasn’t married yet. Why do you have to stand? Is it the same in the Second House?"

Yao Niang nodded: "It’s the same; morning and evening greetings are required. There shouldn’t be much difference, especially in our large family, where these rules are taken very seriously."

"Then I’ll massage your legs to make you feel better," Shen Linfeng relented.

Since he had offered, she felt it would be too formal to refuse. Although they would wait until her coming-of-age ceremony to consummate their marriage, they were still husband and wife and should not be too distant.

She extended her legs, wearing white satin sleeping pants. Shen Linfeng seemed to really understand medicine; his finger pressure was just right. There was one spot that was slightly sore, and she let out a slight "hiss," which made Shen Linfeng apply more pressure.

"Ah..." Yao Niang felt a wave of comfort.

Shen Linfeng, who had been massaging her properly, heard this sound and felt a tingling sensation in his body. Looking at her raised foot, he couldn’t help but say, "Yao Niang, I’ll wash your feet tomorrow."

Yao Niang was startled: "That wouldn’t be proper, forget it." Her feet were so dirty; how could she let Shen Linfeng wash them? He was already being too kind to her.

"There’s nothing wrong with that. Guo Ziyi also washed his wife’s feet," Shen Linfeng felt a bit dirty inside but didn’t want to show it.

But Yao Niang refused: "Feet are so dirty. Massaging my legs is enough; there’s no need to wash my feet."

"But..." Shen Linfeng was reluctant, almost unable to let go.

Seeing him bend down to massage her without looking up, she poked him: "In a few days, I’ll be going to the Jinghai Marquis’s residence. Will you be free that day?"

Shen Linfeng smiled: "Yes."

"You agreed so quickly. If you’re free, come to pick me up," Yao Niang adjusted her posture and noticed Shen Linfeng’s ears turning red like a sunset. She didn’t understand why he was always so shy.

Shen Linfeng eagerly agreed.

On the sixth day of the twelfth lunar month, after paying her respects to Lady Shen in the morning, Yao Niang had the servants prepare the carriage and horses to go to the Jinghai Marquis’s residence.

This was her first outing since returning home and attending a funeral. Her mood was much lighter this time. Honestly, when she first married, she always felt the Shen family wasn’t her real home. Now, after a month, she felt less alienated from the Shen family.

The flower banquet at the Jinghai Marquis’s residence was lively. As soon as Lady Liu saw Yao Niang, she took her to meet Lady Feng, the wife of Du Shangshu (formerly Du Daxuesheng), who was Lady Liu’s mother.

"May I offer my respects." Yao Niang smiled and curtsied.

Madam Liu and her mother, Madam Du, said, "Mother, this is the daughter of Minister Yan, who is now married into the Shen family. At that time, our daughter even served as the Quanfu Lady."

Although Madam Du was not particularly beautiful, she looked very young. Upon seeing her, she exclaimed as if she had seen some rare treasure: "What a fine girl, you and Young Master Shen truly make a perfect match."

"Mother, don't frighten Miss Yan," Madam Liu said, then quickly turned to Yao Niang: "My mother loves reading storybooks, so when she sees a handsome couple like you, she can't help but imagine you in one of those stories."

Yao Niang didn't mind: "To Madam Du, my relationship with my husband is very good. When I proposed three questions to him, he answered them all correctly, which is why my grandfather and father betrothed me to him."

Madam Du looked at Yao Niang with a warm smile: "I've heard that Young Master Shen is even more handsome than my son-in-law. How does he treat you? Come, let's walk and talk."

Perhaps because her father had strongly recommended Scholar Du before his mourning period, both Madam Du and Madam Liu treated her like a niece. Honestly, this was much better than the Gong family, who treated her indifferently when she visited with Madam Zhen. Last time, Madam Gong even gave her a cold look, trying to isolate her. In contrast, the Du family at least showed some warmth and gratitude.

Today's flower banquet was centered around plum blossoms. Yao Niang sat next to Madam Du, feeling warmly cozy.

Madam Liu laughed, "In previous years, we would play games like arrow throwing and poetry writing. This year, let's try something different. We will write poems and, if possible, paint beautiful scenes, so as not to waste the beauty of this plum grove."

Yao Niang noticed that many ladies brought young maidens, likely hoping to gain fame. There was nothing wrong with that; during the elegant gatherings at her home, scholars and candidates would go all out to win the favor of her father and brothers.

Yao Niang actually enjoyed such banquets, especially focusing on poetry and painting, which allowed her to escape from mundane affairs.

After speaking, she was introduced to many people by Madam Liu, including the wife of the Duke of Chengguo, the wife of General Ningxi, and Princess Jianning.

Most of these people were known to Madam Zhen, but Yao Niang did not know them well. Their stay in the capital was short, and Madam Zhen had intentionally marginalized them, especially after the incident with Yan Ningxin, which further reduced their social interactions.

"This is the wife of Scholar Shen, the daughter-in-law of Grand Censor Shen, Lady Yan. She and I are very close. Princess, if your family hosts a flower banquet, please send an invitation to my sister," Madam Liu said.

Princess Jianning, who seemed quite proud, but surprisingly had a good relationship with Madam Liu, immediately replied, "Don't worry, I definitely will."

New to such circles, Yao Niang knew she shouldn't speak too much and maintained a shy demeanor.

The lunch featured various dishes made with plum blossoms, truly a refined affair. After the meal, everyone wandered through the garden. Yao Niang, who got along well with Sister Shan, was invited to her small courtyard. Sister Shan had received a pair of dolls representing the two Qiao sisters as a wedding gift from Yao Niang.

Unexpectedly, they encountered a young man, about thirty years old, with a smile on his lips. He looked at Sister Shan with great affection, and Yao Niang realized this was the formidable Commander Liu.

Sister Shan said, "Father, I'll go play with Sister Yan first. If you're looking for Mother, she's in the west wing."

Upon hearing the name Yan, Commander Liu couldn't help but ask, "Are you Miss Yan San?"

Since her marriage, others called her Grandmother, Lady Shen Yan, or the wife of Scholar Shen. The title "Miss Yan San" sounded much more pleasant to her ears, and Yao Niang immediately replied, "This humble one is indeed."

"I know that you once helped your maternal grandfather solve several extremely difficult cases with your painting skills. So today, I have a request," Commander Liu smiled.

Yao Niang raised her eyes to look at the commander, somewhat incredulous: "How could I be of any help to you?"

Aren't there many talented people in the Jinyiwei?

Liu Ji was also taken aback. Apart from his wife Ruo Wei, most women were either shy or overly aggressive, but none had real talent. It was rare to find someone of Noble Consort Yan's status who didn't outright refuse.

Therefore, Liu Ji smiled, "It's a case, a serious one that happened in the palace. Some saw the person's back, others saw his side, and some only caught a glimpse, but no one has been able to draw a likeness. With your skillful brush, I believe solving this case is just a matter of time."

"Would that be much trouble?" She was not only Miss Yan San but also the wife of Shen Linfeng. Shen Linfeng's career had almost been ruined by their marriage, and she couldn't be so selfish.

Liu Ji chuckled, "Serving the Emperor, how could there be any trouble?"

Hearing Liu Ji's words, Yao Niang realized he was dodging the question, typical of someone in his position. Serving the Emperor? He was painting a big picture.

"Don't worry. If you succeed, the Emperor will reward you. Even if the Emperor doesn't, I will plead on your behalf. Your mother is currently a sixth-rank lady, right? Just a decree? Not to mention your mother, even you, Scholar Shen is still just a compiler. Imagine if you had a higher rank than him. In the future, he would have to bow to you. How impressive would that be?" Liu Ji was very skilled at persuasion, especially when he wanted to accomplish his mission.

Indeed, Yao Niang's eyes sparkled at the end, but she still said, "I have no problem with it, but what about my husband..."

Liu Ji thought to himself that as long as she agreed, it would be fine. He had met their couple last year, and Shen Linfeng seemed to be a complete henpecked husband. But now he pretended to be hesitant: "Oh, I'll do my best with Shen Hanlin, but it really is a bit difficult."

Yao Niang was also a bit anxious, wondering what if Shen Linfeng didn't agree?

To her surprise, Liu Ji walked to the artificial hill in front and was punched by his wife, "I'm asking you, did you find it fun to deceive that young girl?"

"Ruowei, I was wrong." Liu Ji appeared calm and composed to everyone else, but he was utterly helpless when it came to his wife.