Chapter 71

Chapter 71

Liu Ji was not the first to speak with Shen Linfeng. He looked at the young man before him and could not blame his wife for thinking this person was truly handsome, with every aspect of his appearance and demeanor impeccable.

He then explained his purpose: "This matter requires your lady's assistance. I was inspired by her solving the Kaifeng case, never expecting someone to be able to draw a person out of thin air. Such talent should not be underestimated."

Liu Ji had seen many people in his life; most men were often afraid of women stealing the spotlight. He wondered how this Mr. Shen would react—whether he would agree reluctantly or refuse on his own initiative. If he agreed reluctantly, it would confirm his suspicions. If he refused casually, Liu Ji would inform Miss Yan San, who seemed to be a woman with strong opinions.

To his surprise, Shen Linfeng said, "Has my wife agreed? As long as she agrees, I have no objections."

Liu Ji breathed a sigh of relief: "She naturally has no objections, but I was worried you might disagree."

Shen Linfeng confirmed again whether drawing the portrait would put Yao Niang in danger. Only after being assured did he bow: "That's good, that's good."

In his view, if Yao Niang could go out and handle matters, it would be better than staying at home, bound by rules and wasting time.

Yao Niang saw Shen Linfeng come to pick her up at the Jinghai Marquis's residence and immediately ran over happily. Seeing her like a fawn, Shen Linfeng, regardless of the onlookers, smiled broadly and extended his hands to catch her.

"Really came to pick me up?" Yao Niang used to feel left out when accompanying Lady Zhen, as her own mother could not come out. She always longed for someone to come specifically for her.

"How was your day today?" Shen Linfeng tidied her disheveled hair.

Yao Niang nodded vigorously: "It was fun."

Lady Liu was just seeing off Princess Jiaoning when she witnessed this scene. Although Shen Linfeng usually acted with grace and openness, such men often lacked a certain fatal charm. However, standing beside Yao Niang, they seemed to share a sense of destiny and connection, making Shen Linfeng appear even more elegant and handsome.

But seeing Yao Niang's figure still that of an innocent girl, she glanced at Shen Linfeng in surprise.

On the way back, Yao Niang told him about Liu Ji's request: "Help me think it over. I want you to accompany me when the time comes."

"If you're willing to go, I support you," Shen Linfeng said without hesitation.

Yao Niang was somewhat surprised: "Really? Then you must come with me." She also wanted Shen Linfeng to see her exceptional talent, which was far more significant than making perfumes and cosmetics.

Shen Linfeng playfully pinched her nose: "Of course, I will support anything related to our Yao Niang. It's also good not to confine you to the inner chambers all day."

"Oh, I really married a wonderful husband. But let's keep this between us until it's certain. If I'm not needed, it would only be embarrassing to tell everyone," Yao Niang said.

Shen Linfeng agreed.

After attending the flower banquet at the Jinghai Marquis's residence, Lady Shen began preparing for the Laba Festival. Having been a matriarch for many years, she handled everything with great care. The previous night, she had already instructed the kitchen to prepare the Laba porridge. The Shen family's Laba porridge was unique; they first cooked red bean paste, strained out the skins, and then used the paste to cook other ingredients like lotus seeds, peanuts, and black beans, resulting in a very smooth texture.

"Madam, our Laba porridge is so delicious. Can I send some to my parents and sister?" Yao Niang asked.

Despite her lingering resentment towards Yao Niang, Lady Shen had only one daughter-in-law and felt responsible for teaching her the duties of a matriarch, especially since Yao Niang would eventually take over the family rituals.

So, when Yao Niang asked to send Laba porridge to her family, Lady Shen readily agreed.

"Of course, just tell the kitchen to pack more for them."

"Thank you, Madam."

"It's all part of the family, and after Laba, we'll start preparing for the New Year. You should join me and take it seriously," Lady Shen reminded her.

Yao Niang smiled and agreed, rarely contradicting Lady Shen in front of her.

Later, Yao Niang sent Gu Mama with two maids to deliver the Laba porridge. Upon their return, the Yan family and the Wen family also sent gifts. The Yan family returned a portion of the Laba porridge along with pickled garlic, while the Wen family sent a box of white jade steamed buns.

The Yan family's porridge featured flowers and birds dyed with persimmon and chestnut, looking very beautiful. The Wen family's white jade steamed buns contained various beans, each with its own unique flavor.

Even the Jingshai Marquis's residence sent a bowl of porridge to Yao Niang, with milk added, making it particularly fragrant and creamy.

At noon, Shen Mo and Han Ruohua came over to chat with Lady Shen, waiting for lunch to be served.

Then someone from outside delivered an invitation to Yao Niang: "Lady, this is an invitation from the Jiaoning County Princess's residence, inviting you to watch a play."

"Alright, I understand. Please give a tip to the messenger." Yao Niang knew well that this invitation was given out of respect for Lady Liu.

In the past, Shen Mo often accompanied Shen Linfeng and Lady Shen on outings. Now, Shen Linfeng had started handling official duties, and Lady Shen's health was not good; she also feared the cold, so they seldom went out.

Socializing required energy and spirit. Moreover, there were differences between civil officials and hereditary nobles. If it weren't for the Gongs inviting Lady Liu as the Quanfu Lady last time, Yao Niang would not have been able to establish connections with these marquises' ladies and princesses.

"Eldest Sister-in-law, I've developed a rash on my face. Do you still have any Xiaofeng Yungong Powder and Rose Nitrate?" Han Ruohua found it hard to adapt to the dry climate in the capital, and because she applied too much face cream, she developed a rash. After taking medicine, her face became uneven, almost covered with rashes in the light.

Yao Niang examined her face carefully: "Oh dear, you should treat it early. Remember, when using the Xiaofeng Yungong Powder, focus on your nose, forehead, and chin. Don't scrub your cheeks too hard."

Han Ruohua smiled in agreement. In fact, Han Ruohua was a standard beauty, young and passionate, and Yao Niang had a good impression of her.

After the maids set the table, Yao Niang served Lady Shen before preparing to leave and return to her room for lunch. She wasn't very hungry, having eaten too much Laba porridge in the morning, which left her feeling a bit bloated.

Unexpectedly, she encountered Wang Shi on her way back. Wang Shi had just finished serving Lady Shen Er and was returning as well. A month after entering the door, Wang Shi began to show her true colors. She said to Yao Niang, "Elder Sister-in-law, I heard you went to the Jingshai Marquis's residence yesterday?"

"Yes, the Jingshai Marquis's wife was our wedding Quanfu Lady. We got along well, so she invited me," Yao Niang replied without much malice toward Wang Shi, knowing that Wang Shi did not share a room with her husband, and she had ways to stay one step ahead.

Wang Shi felt indignant. Although the Yan family was also a prominent noble family, she, as the daughter of the Xinning Marquis, held a higher status. Yet, Lady Yan deliberately outshone her in front of their relatives, which Wang Shi saw as stepping on her to climb higher, thus creating a grudge.

Moreover, Lady Yan was not upright. Last time, Wang Shi saw her eldest brother-in-law carrying her into the house, which was extremely improper. It made it seem like everyone else didn't have husbands, deepening Wang Shi's dislike for Lady Yan.

Now, hearing that Yao Niang had connected with the Liu family, Wang Shi felt even more uncomfortable. Although the Xinning Marquis was also a marquis and an old noble, her uncle was even a meritorious official. However, the Jingshai Marquis was currently rising in power, and Liu Ji was close to the Emperor.

She vaguely sensed that Yao Niang was not weaker than her, which increased her anxiety.

In the marquis's residence, everyone treated her with respect, but in the Shen family, she was a junior daughter-in-law. Her cousin-in-law, who entered the household at the same time, was stronger and more popular, and her husband was more accomplished, making her feel like a comparison group.

"How can a lady from a civil official's family socialize with military nobles?" Wang Shi asked formally.

Yao Niang narrowed her eyes: "Younger Sister-in-law, isn't your family also a noble family? You could still marry Second Son?"

Wang Shi rarely saw Yao Niang get angry and thought her quite modest. Though she was her elder sister-in-law, she was a few years younger. She didn't expect Yao Niang to be so quick-witted, directly countering her, leaving her face flushed with embarrassment.

Qingdai, standing beside Yao Niang, saw everything clearly. Their young mistress was not really a gentle person. She was gradually taking control and deliberately blocking her mother-in-law from speaking, someone who never lost arguments with the fourth young lady at home. How could she fear a sister-in-law?

So what if she was a noble? The Yan family was no ordinary household.

Back in the room, Shen Linfeng saw her return and said with a smile, "We can eat now."

"Why don't we play a little game after eating?" Yao Niang was delighted to see Shen Linfeng, as he was the closest to her in this household.

Shen Linfeng was happy to play with her and felt a childlike excitement: "What game? I'm quite skilled at arrow throwing and board games."

"Not that. You go into the inner chamber, and I'll pretend to push the door open, acting like a fairy descending to earth for the first time. I want to see your reaction," Yao Niang shook his hand.

Shen Linfeng had never played such a game before. Sometimes he admired Yao Niang's creativity and nodded with a smile.

He entered the inner chamber, which was empty, as they preferred privacy during intimate moments, making the servants feel more comfortable working for them.

Hearing footsteps approaching, he turned around and saw Yao Niang looking innocent and naive, melting his heart. She rushed into his arms before he could react, saying, "I wanted to do this yesterday, but there were too many people around."

Shen Linfeng held her tightly, his hand on her back, rubbing gently, feeling deeply content.

The two stood in silent embrace until they heard a maid outside calling, "Young Master, Lady of the Main House, lunch is ready."

This voice seemed to awaken them from their trance. Yao Niang stepped out of his arms and said, "Let's go have our meal together."

Yao Niang had always heard others say that Shen Linfeng used to be talkative and cheerful, but he didn't seem to be like that now. However, she felt that his current personality was truly who Shen Linfeng was.

He was easily shy and not very fond of talking; the elegance and grace of a nobleman were just for show. No matter what, he was really good to her now, sleeping with her without overstepping boundaries.

She disliked those who disrespected her or went against her wishes. Shen Linfeng had a good character and respected her, and he was also of exceptional appearance. To say she wasn't moved at all would be a lie.

In fact, most of Shen Linfeng's life was spent either studying for the imperial examinations or dealing with official matters, leading a rather monotonous life. The most exciting part was gathering with a few friends to drink and watch plays. After meeting Yao Niang, he finally had someone to care about.

"eel tail? Don't serve this dish next time." Shen Linfeng frowned.

Yao Niang was still puzzled, "What's wrong? Isn't it quite tasty?"

Shen Linfeng found it hard to explain. Eel tail had the effect of enhancing male virility, which was certainly beneficial for men, but for him, who already slept beside a beauty every night, suppressing his desires and changing his undergarments several times a night, eating this would be too much.

Fortunately, Yao Niang was never one to force things. Seeing that Shen Linfeng didn't like it, she said, "If you don't want to eat it, then don't. Actually, I don't particularly like leeks either. It's not that I dislike them, but after eating leek pies and drinking wine, the smell becomes quite strong."

Shen Linfeng thought to himself that she was indeed a considerate young lady. If she knew how much he desired her, what would she think of him? With that, he personally served her a bowl of pigeon soup, "Drink more soup in winter to nourish your body."

"Thank you," Yao Niang took the bowl.

At the table, she mentioned Lady Wang's words, "She said I shouldn't associate with the marquis, but Princess Jianning invited me to watch a play out of respect for Lady Liu. If I don't go, how will Lady Liu save face?"

All Shen Linfeng saw was brotherly affection and filial piety, and Yao Niang rarely spoke ill of anyone in the family. Today, she could confide in him, which made him very happy. He replied, "Don't mind what others say. Being able to go out and enjoy a play is better than staying at home."

"You're always the best to me. Honestly, sometimes I think if you were to study Buddhism, you'd surely gain great wisdom," Yao Niang said, then covered her mouth, "I misspoke. My husband must stay with me until old age; he can't go off to study Buddhism."

"You're always so childlike," Shen Linfeng didn't know how to respond.

"After the meal, shall I play a piece on the zither? What would you like to hear?" Yao Niang asked.

Shen Linfeng hadn't slept well last night, so he said, "Anything that can help me rest will do."

Now they were more relaxed. At first, Yao Niang wouldn't relieve herself unless he left the room, and both of them tried their best to present their best sides to each other. Now, they even washed their feet and slept in front of each other.

Yao Niang showed no displeasure, "I'll play some Buddhist music later; it has a calming and soothing effect."

Shen Linfeng smiled like a puppy, "Alright."

On the other side, Lady Wang was also having her meal. She found the food at the Shen household somewhat unpalatable. Having grown up in the capital, although she ate various dishes to adjust her taste, eating rice every day had become tedious.

Her maid Chunluo noticed that Lady Wang was eating little and asked, "Mistress, do these dishes not suit your taste?"

"They're too bland, far too light," Lady Wang disliked Jiang-Zhe cuisine, especially the sweet noodles, which she found hard to swallow.

Chunluo suggested, "I remember you liked the pickled papaya strips sent by the Lady of the Main House. There's still a small jar left. Shall I bring it over?"

Lady Wang glanced at Chunluo, "No, I won't eat the snacks she sends. You girls can share them."

Chunluo and Qiuping, the senior maids, were specially placed by the Xinning Marquis' wife to serve Lady Wang. In the future, if she needed to choose a maid to attend to her, it would be one of them. Chunluo was loyal and had no such thoughts, but Qiuping, upon seeing Shen Bangyan, treated him as if he were her own husband.

Lady Wang saw through this and usually only allowed Chunluo to serve her.

Putting down her chopsticks, she asked Chunluo, "I heard that the eldest son doesn't have any concubines or secondary wives. Is that true?"

Chunluo nodded, "We maids dare not pry into the affairs of the Main House, but since we live close, I've never seen any concubines or secondary wives around the eldest son."

"That she truly has good fortune." Lady Wang always felt that her life after marriage was worse than before.

She was about to do some needlework to pass the time when she heard the sound of a zither from the next room. Lady Wang, who had also studied literature and etiquette, was not allowed to read the Book of Songs or overly bold books, let alone play the zither, which could easily stir emotions.

Playing music, for Lady Wang, was something only the courtesans in their household learned, so she looked down on Yao Niang even more.

Since childhood, under Yan Yingqi's guidance, Yao Niang not only mastered the Four Books and Five Classics but also excelled in the works of various philosophers, poetry, songs, and music. She even believed that although people might not understand each other's words, music could bridge the gap.

Shen Linfeng lay beside her, listening to the soothing melody, and fell into a deep sleep. After finishing the piece, Yao Niang tucked him in again and sat by his side to do embroidery.

Daytime naps were not considered good for scholars, as it was said in the Analects of Confucius: "Zai Yu slept during the day. The Master said, 'Rotten wood cannot be carved; dirty walls cannot be painted! What is the point of punishing Zai Yu?'"

It meant that Zai Yu, who slept during the day, was like rotten wood that could not be carved.

"Madam, Miss Han has come."

Well, Yao Niang would have to cover for Shen Linfeng. She smiled and said, "Please invite Miss Han to the side room for tea, I will be there shortly."

Han Ruohua came to collect the rose nitrate and jade complexion powder, but she still observed basic etiquette. As a guest here, she could not compare with Shen Mo, and her manners had to be proper.

But the decor here was entirely different from Madam Shen's. Madam Shen's place was heavy and opulent, with brocade carpets covering every inch, exuding an air of wealth. However, at her sister-in-law's, the pillowcases were a tender green, and the teacups glowed with a clear and elegant glaze.

The tea was fresh, exactly what she loved—Enshi Yulu.

Just as she took a sip, she saw her sister-in-law coming, and Han Ruohua quickly stood up.

"Sit down and drink your tea. We are about the same age, no need to be so formal," Yao Niang smiled and invited her to sit down, then added, "I had already packed them. I planned to give them to you when I visit Madam later, or send a maid over. I didn't expect you to come in person."

Han Ruohua smiled, "Aunt and sister-in-law both care for me, but I must observe propriety and not take advantage of your kindness."

"It's nothing much, not really anything special. Qingdai, bring them to Miss Han," Yao Niang said.

Then she heard Han Ruohua say, "Sister-in-law, I seemed to hear the sound of a zither just now. You and Brother Linfeng are truly harmonious."

Yao Niang replied, "Just a momentary itch to play. Now he is studying, so I am doing some needlework."

"Brother Linfeng is indeed diligent," Han Ruohua praised, and then tactfully took her leave.

After Han Ruohua left, Yao Niang returned to see Shen Linfeng sleeping soundly. She couldn't help but say, "You, taking a daytime nap and making me cover for you."

Shen Linfeng had a solid sleep. When he woke up, he found Yao Niang sewing clothes with her head bowed, a sight that made him feel very at ease: "My dear goddess."

"Awake? Don't you want to sleep a bit more?" Yao Niang looked at him affectionately.

Shen Linfeng gazed at her with deep emotion, "Have you been sitting by my side all this time?"

Yao Niang nodded, "Of course, if you take a daytime nap at home, I must cover for you. Besides, I noticed you placed your hand on your chest while sleeping, afraid you might have nightmares."

"That won't happen. With you by my side, I have sweet dreams every day." Shen Linfeng gently rested his head on Yao Niang's shoulder, smiling broadly.

Yao Niang stroked his head.

Before dinner, they first came to greet Madam Shen. Madam Shen said, "I have something to tell you. Your Uncle Three is about to remarry. Your marriage was partly due to Uncle Three's blessings. If possible, we will send gifts in the spring."

Governor Shen is getting married?

Yao Niang, who was familiar with Kaifeng, asked, "Madam, may I ask whose daughter Uncle Three is marrying? I spent some time in Henan, perhaps I know her."

Madam Shen thought for a moment, "It's said to be the daughter of a local teacher. Since it's a remarriage, not a first marriage, as long as her background is acceptable."

Tutor? Yao Niang asked seemingly offhandedly, "I wonder if it's the Tutor surnamed Lu?"

Among the women she had seen in Kaifeng, Sister Ye was the granddaughter of the Governor, and if she were to marry the Provincial Inspector Shen, their statuses would indeed match. Her disposition was rather indifferent, but speaking of beauty, that Miss Lu was truly a beauty, and her personality was quite lively.

Tutor Lu and the father of her former sister-in-law, Scholar Guan, seemed to be brothers-in-law. Lady Guan had always wanted her brother to marry Scholar Guan’s niece, who had visited their home several times, but Mother never agreed, and Brother showed no interest either.

So later on, Lady Guan stopped coming around, and according to Brother and Mother, Scholar Guan was not as friendly as before. It’s uncertain how the official selection next year will go.

"Yes, it is the Lu family. She is about your age. Your uncle will bring her to meet us when he goes to the capital for his annual report next year." Lady Shen was quite pleased. With six sons and daughters-in-law from her younger brother’s family all under her care, she found it overwhelming, and the Third House should have someone to manage it.

It really was Lu Shaner, Yao Niang’s right eyelid twitched.

Shen Linfeng, however, was somewhat surprised: "Uncle is already forty years old, while this girl is only fourteen. Isn’t that too much of a difference? Isn’t this like an old ox eating tender grass?"

Lady Shen coughed a few times: "You child, speak less nonsense."