Chapter 74

Chapter 74

"Yao Niang, my few good friends want to invite me out for drinks. What do you think?" Shen Linfeng was a bit afraid that Yao Niang might not agree.

Yao Niang smiled and said, "Go ahead, just don't drink too much."

Shen Linfeng was surprised, "Yao Niang, you really agree? It's the Lantern Festival today."

"My brother said that during the Lantern Festival, scholars and literati often gather at the Spring Wind Full Moon Tower to drink and compose poetry. Besides, this year is the year of the imperial examination. Although you are an official, it's fine to go. Just one thing, no drinking with courtesans," Yao Niang straightened his collar.

She had heard from her brother that some friends, if they knew a man feared or loved his wife, would stir up trouble and set traps. It was better to be lenient and flexible rather than overly strict like the Xie family.

Shen Linfeng laughed, "My dear, don't you know where my heart lies? These days, I've been spending all my time with you, even my mother has been giving me the cold shoulder."

That was true; since the New Year, he had been with her constantly, whether playing with dolls, chess, or the zither, and even helped her wash her feet at night, almost like her parents.

Yao Niang pouted, "Your mother must think I'm being unfilial. Go ahead."

"She probably doesn't have the time to worry about it," Shen Linfeng thought to himself.

...

After Shen Linfeng left, Yao Niang suddenly felt a pain in her stomach. She went behind the screen, took off her pants, and saw that her period had started. Her periods had only come for a year or two and were not very regular.

Indeed, she felt a dull ache in her lower abdomen. Mama Gu quickly had someone bring a menstrual belt to change into and said, "Miss, this is a good sign. In recent days, I've noticed your complexion has become more radiant. I think you're eating too little at home."

"I'm used to eating less," Yao Niang always ate with Lady Xie, who ate sparingly. For what others would consider a full plate, Lady Xie usually only ordered half, and she insisted on having vegetables with every meal.

At her age, most girls easily gained weight, like Lady Wang, who reportedly didn't enjoy the Shen family's cuisine but still put on a lot of weight. Yao Niang, however, had only gained a slight roundness in her face. She didn't like being overweight and avoided gaining weight.

Mama Gu then said, "Madam, there's something I don't know if I should say. You're about to reach the age of adulthood, and after that, you will certainly consummate your marriage. If you want to conceive early, you need to have some meat on your bones."

Yao Niang sighed, "If I don't have children, that would be best. Forget it, let's just take things as they come. I don't want to force myself to eat for the sake of having children."

Mama Gu thought to herself that although the young lady was sensible, she still had a childlike nature.

They chatted for a while, and Yao Niang lay down to rest on the bed. Then, Lady Shen sent someone to call her to join a game of mahjong. Mama Gu said, "Miss Zelan, our Madam is not feeling well. What should we do?"

Miss Zelan was at a loss, "Mama Gu, I'm just delivering the message. Originally, Madam didn't plan to invite Madam, but several ladies said they haven't seen you in a long time and want to see you."

Yao Niang had no choice but to get up and prepare to go. Morning and evening greetings were mandatory, even for Lady Wang, who had to ask for her parents' well-being before doing anything else.

Her lower abdomen ached, her face was pale, and blood flowed steadily from her lower body. Every time her period came, especially on the first day, it was the most painful.

Finally, she made it over, and Lady Shen said, "Your aunt and second aunt are waiting for you."

Yao Niang thought to herself that since her period had started, why should she still have to smile here? It was one thing for grand occasions, but now, in the snow, they were calling her over. Since they were unkind to her, she wouldn't be blamed for being ungrateful.

She instantly clutched her stomach and forced a smile, "Madam, if you call, I will come."

Lady Shen thought that the other day, she had used an excuse through her son to send a greeting and run away. Now, with relatives visiting, she didn't come quickly to greet them. In the past, this would have certainly been grounds for scolding. Their son should have married an eldest daughter from another family, not Miss Yan San, who was clearly pampered as a youngest daughter.

But she didn't expect the daughter-in-law to stagger and collapse right in front of her.

Lady Shen was startled, and Yao Niang's attendants quickly rushed forward to help her up. Mama Gu added, "Madam, our Madam is very sensitive to cold. She has her period today, and she is in great pain. She didn't mean to be disrespectful."

"She should have said something if she wasn't feeling well," Lady Shen thought it was unlucky and feared that others would say she mistreated her daughter-in-law.

But Yao Niang wasn't one to be pushed around. As a daughter-in-law, she wouldn't bully those below her like Lady Wang, who would take out her discomfort on her servants. She would manage upwards.

She immediately assumed an appearance of being on the verge of death and fear: "Madam, it's all my fault. Please forgive me."

Madam Shen declared herself to be in dire straits, but Madam Shen Er knew better, secretly thinking that Lady Yan was truly willing to go to great lengths and knew how to show weakness. People sympathize with the weak, and wealthy families especially value their reputation. Her sister-in-law was just used to controlling others.

"Madam, I'm fine, really." With that, Yao Niang made a move as if to get up.

But it was Aunt Madam who said, "Elder Sister, why not have someone carry your niece-in-law back in a warm sedan chair for her to rest? This won't do."

Carry me in a sedan chair? Are you still trying to cover for me?

Yao Niang immediately replied, "Thank you for your kindness, Aunt. But I can't bear to dirty this place. Madam, let me return and rest a bit. If I feel better, I'll come back to serve you."

Madam Shen said, "You should take good care of yourself before coming back."

"Your kindness is much appreciated, Madam." Leaning on Qingdai, Yao Niang was half-supported out, making a show of struggling to stand. Along the way, when they encountered passersby, Hongxue would shout, "Grandma, don't worry about serving Madam anymore. Everyone knows how filial you are! You go out early and return late on snowy days, with snow reaching your ankles, and your whole body is frozen and chapped. Take care of yourself first."

Naturally, Yao Niang had no frostbite anywhere on her body. Sometimes when it was too cold, she would even send for a sedan chair, but as the saying goes, without breaking, there can be no establishment.

By lightly covering for her mother-in-law, she would not only be considered unlucky and disliked, but also continue to be bullied in the future.

Lying there, Wang Shi gloated, "Can't even serve her parents-in-law properly, and she fainted. What a disgrace."

In reality, although Wang Shi followed the rules, Madam Shen Er wasn't one to make things difficult for people. Wang Shi usually returned after morning and evening greetings, and only occasionally served her mother-in-law soup. Yao Niang, on the other hand, arranged meals for both morning and evening meals, working hard all day while still having to follow the rules. With many guests at Madam Shen's place, whenever there were visitors, Yao Niang had to accompany them, serving tea and water, greeting and seeing off guests, which was far more tiring than Wang Shi's duties.

Chunluo said, "Second Madam, I met Elder Madam outside. She looked pale, not feigning, and was supported by maids and servants. When Madam sent someone to call her, she said she wasn't feeling well, but Madam's people insisted she come to serve. She managed to get through it. Second Madam, regardless of Elder Madam's character, when will you visit her?"

Although Wang Shi gloated and scolded Yao Niang, she knew she had to maintain proper social etiquette.

"Let's wait and see who goes first, then we'll follow," Wang Shi said.

This was Wang Shi's thought. As a junior daughter-in-law who entered the family later, she wouldn't go wrong by following what the senior ones did.

However, Jiang's Second Madam was the first to come and visit. At that time, Shen Linjiang was still at home. Seeing her intention to visit, he approved, "Elder Sister's father-in-law is in mourning, but her grandfather and brother are officials. I heard that Mr. Zhushan also returned to the capital with our father for official duties, which might be useful in the future."

"Yes, I think so too," Jiang's Second Madam said. That day, she impulsively mentioned the Han family's cousin to Yao Niang, but the matter never spread, showing that Lady Yan kept her word. She was also worried that something might really happen to her, given her young age, and didn't expect Madam Shen to treat her so harshly.

She looked at her husband, "Elder Mother must still be upset over the incident with the elder Miss Yan. If I go, I might be targeted, but isn't it better to offer help in times of need?"

Shen Linjiang shook his head, "Elder Mother is also at fault. Since she has taken her into the family, I haven't seen Elder Sister fail in her duties." He wanted to say that Elder Mother's heart was indeed not good.

But as the saying goes, 'what is said in private stays in private.' They discussed it between themselves and wouldn't spread it further.

Qing's Grand Madam also mentioned this matter. She and Shen Linqing had a respectful relationship. Unlike Shen Linjiang and Lady Shao, who were considered loving couples, Shen Linqing and his wife were matched by their parents and a matchmaker. However, they still consulted each other on household matters.

"I'm afraid if I go, Elder Mother's face will be lost. Perhaps I should send some gifts instead."

Shen Linqing said, "How did it come to this?"

"You've always been studying outside, so you don't understand these inner household matters. I heard that a few days ago, because Feng's Master was at home, he asked Lady Yan to accompany him, which probably displeased Elder Mother," Qing's Grand Madam, naturally a daughter-in-law herself, felt her understanding was correct.

Shen Linqing was speechless, "Elder Mother is old and confused."

Qing's Grand Madam didn't want her husband to praise others, so she said, "Morning and evening greetings are a woman's duty. We often go to Elder Mother's place to pay respects, and so does Lady Yan."

"That's true," Shen Linqing couldn't criticize filial piety.

Therefore, Yao Niang received personal visits from Jiang's Second Madam and Lady Shao. Seeing Yao Niang lying in bed, her small face looking pitiful among her black hair, neither could directly blame anyone, only vaguely saying, "Your health is your own responsibility. You must take good care of yourself."

Yao Niang smiled and nodded, "It's all due to my poor health."

"Don’t say that. To speak from the heart, it’s not easy for any of us as wives." Lady Shao said with great concern.

Yao Niang still blamed herself, and only after Lady Shao consoled her at length did she leave.

After they left, Qingdai stepped forward and said, "Miss, why didn’t you tell her about how harshly Lady had treated you? Let Second Madam Jiang help spread the word for you."

Yao Niang cautiously replied, "Don’t think she’s here to care for me; who knows if she’s trying to get information out of me to spread around? Help me up quickly, I need to change my menstrual belt."

Qingdai understood that her young mistress had endured the morning and evening greetings without complaint, possibly just for this day, much like when they were on the estate years ago. On the surface, she seemed to bear everything silently, but in reality, she was already preparing to make things difficult for Lady Shen.

This outburst might have been unintentional, but waiting for such an opportunity was no easy task.

The servants naturally gossiped about it. What if the lady of the house was wrong? As the saying goes, justice lies in the hearts of people.

Lady Shen felt quite regretful. She said to Auntie Zhou, "Linfeng hasn’t returned yet. If Linfeng comes back, what if they embellish the story? What should we do?"

Auntie Zhou dared not get involved. Last time, Shen Linfeng had privately found her, saying that Lady Yan was still young and needed some support. If she said anything, and something happened to Lady Yan, Lady would be fine, but wouldn’t she be remembered with resentment by the eldest son?

So she was about to beat around the bush when someone outside said, "Young Miss Han has arrived."

Lady Shen asked Han Ruohua to come in. When Han Ruohua entered, Auntie Zhou led the servants away.

"Have you heard about your cousin-in-law’s incident today?" Lady Shen asked.

Han Ruohua nodded, "I’ve heard a little about it."

"Originally, your aunt and Second Madam mentioned that your cousin-in-law could play mahjong and wanted her to join them, but who knew she wasn’t feeling well? Have you gone to visit her?" Lady Shen asked.

Han Ruohua smiled, "Aunt, I think this is just a misunderstanding. Your cousin-in-law has been married for almost three months; why didn’t you allow her before when she had something to attend to? No one expected her to be so unwell this time. Why don’t you send more nourishing soups from the kitchen? That way, it shows your concern for your cousin-in-law."

Lady Shen felt somewhat relieved, "Yes, I’ll have the kitchen send over some black chicken soup right away."

However, Lady Shen then said, "Ruohua, how is your health? Do you need to be nourished as well?"

This niece had done her a great favor, so she naturally wanted to show some consideration. Han Ruohua replied, "Aunt, don’t worry. My health is good. Even when my period comes, it’s not as severe as your cousin-in-law’s."

Lady Shen thought to herself that Linfeng’s wife was so frail, her waist so slender that one hand could encircle it. Though she looked delicate and beautiful, she lacked good fortune. In contrast, Ruohua was charming and had a face that promised good luck.

It was a pity that Linfeng was already married...

A bowl of black chicken soup was delivered, and Yao Niang said to Auntie Gu, "Just put it on the table."

When Shen Linfeng returned from the Spring Moon Tower, it was already midnight. He had a very pleasant day, and while accompanying Yao Niang was wonderful, he also enjoyed spending time with his friends, laughing and chatting.

Usually, Yao Niang would leave a lamp on for him, but tonight, it was pitch dark. As soon as he entered, the servants hurried to light the lamps. Shen Linfeng saw Yao Niang lying on the bed with her back to him. He told the servants, "Don’t make any noise. Just bring me a basin of water quickly."

Xianhong went out to ask the maids to prepare the water.

Shen Linfeng immediately rinsed his mouth, afraid that the alcohol would disturb Yao Niang. After rinsing, he approached Yao Niang and saw that she seemed to have woken up. "Husband," she said, sitting up and reaching out her arm. Shen Linfeng quickly embraced her, but then saw tears streaming down her face. He was startled, "My dear, what’s wrong?"

"Nothing, nothing. It’s just that my period has started, and I’m not feeling well. Husband, can you please speak to Lady on my behalf tomorrow? It’s all my fault. Lady asked me to accompany her today, but my period came, and I couldn’t hold on, fainting on the spot. I really didn’t mean to, but I’m afraid Lady will think I disgraced her. I originally planned to pay respects tomorrow, but my lower abdomen is aching terribly, and the bleeding hasn’t stopped. I doubt I can go tomorrow," Yao Niang shivered slightly.

Shen Linfeng stood up abruptly, "How could this happen? Last time, you were fine during your period. Should we call a doctor?"

Seeing him about to leave, Yao Niang couldn’t let him go. Although she did experience some pain during her period, it was actually normal. Today, she had some pain, but she mainly wanted to use this as an excuse.

"No need. I’m extremely sensitive to the cold. The wind and snow must have been too strong today, and the cold air got to me. I’ll be fine," Yao Niang said understandingly.

Shen Linfeng held Yao Niang's shoulders, noticing her pale face and tears like stars, looking as delicate as the sickly Xi Zi, which made him feel an overwhelming tenderness, "My dear sister, let me help you lie down. Don't worry; I will certainly speak to Mother about this."

Yao Niang shook her head: "Please don't quarrel with Mother for my sake. All the mistakes are mine. Who could have predicted that my sister would do such a foolish thing back then? Originally, I didn't want to marry into your family. When we were in Kaifeng last time, I was planning to politely decline the Shen family's proposal. But fate brought us together, and you treated me so well. I decided to follow you through thick and thin."

"I know, I understand everything. You've always been so reserved, yet you set aside your pride as a woman to come see me off. Although we haven't been married long, I know how deeply you care for me. It's all my fault for not taking better care of your health, always thinking about going out to play." Shen Linfeng felt deeply guilty.

Yao Niang thought it was fortunate that she encountered a mother-in-law like Shen's Lady, who wasn't very combative; otherwise, she would have had to find another way.

After washing up, Shen Linfeng specially used his large hand to warm Yao Niang's abdomen. He thought that since he and his sister Shen Mo always stood up for Yao Niang, Shen's Lady wouldn't have any complaints against her. Besides, no matter what, Yao Niang needed to live in the household, and his affection alone wouldn't be enough.

If the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship went bad, they would suffer the consequences.

But he didn't want Yao Niang to endure any hardship, so Shen Linfeng said, "Yao Niang, why don't I request an external posting? That way, we can live independently as a couple."

Yao Niang, being the daughter of a high-ranking official, immediately thought it was unwise: "Wouldn't that mean moving from a clean stream to a muddy one? You finally became a compiler at the Imperial Academy, a position many envy for its prestige. How can you request an external posting?"

"But my mother is getting older and more stubborn. When I'm home, it's fine, but I fear she might treat you poorly when I'm away." Shen Linfeng was somewhat worried.

Yao Niang thought that this person was completely on her side, so what did she have to worry about? After this incident, Shen's Lady would likely treat her well to maintain her image as a kind mother-in-law.

Therefore, she said humbly, "No, I can endure some hardships. Please don't compromise your filial duty for my sake; that's something I cannot tolerate."

The more she said this, the more a flame of anger ignited in Shen Linfeng's chest.

He usually slept well, but this night he tossed and turned for a while before finally falling asleep.

The next day, Yao Niang naturally didn't go to pay respects. Instead, Shen Linfeng went to Shen's Lady himself. Seeing him, Shen's Lady felt somewhat guilty and asked, "Is your wife feeling better?"

Shen Linfeng sighed, "She can't stand the cold. Last time, she was in excruciating pain, and this time it's even worse. She can hardly bear it anymore." These words were fabricated, and Yao Niang had mentioned she would come to pay respects in a few days, but he naturally didn't allow it.

"Should we call a doctor to examine her?" Shen's Lady quickly suggested.

If anything happened to Yao Niang, the Yan family would surely hold her accountable.

Seeing Shen's Lady panic, Shen Linfeng thought, "If you had considered these things earlier, it would have been better. Why must you insist on your own way?" He then said, "I checked her pulse. I didn't want the matter to become public. But Mother, Yao Niang married me at a young age, and I admire her greatly. Her talents and character are worthy of my love. If anything happens to her, I fear I will have no reason to live."

Hearing her son say this, Shen's Lady couldn't help but cry, "Why do you say such things to upset me? Your brother is gone, and you are my only son."

"Once my wife recovers, we will still respect our parents as before. I only hope that you will also consider her parents, who are mourning in their hometown, and how much they miss her," Shen Linfeng pleaded earnestly.

Shen's Lady stroked her son's head, "Alright."

Little Linfeng used to be so obedient, never arguing with her. Now, he had changed so much.

Whether it was for her own face or because of Shen Linfeng's words, Shen's Lady personally visited Yao Niang once, sending nourishing soups. Yao Niang naturally played along to mend the relationship.

Five days later, Yao Niang's menstrual cycle gradually subsided, leaving only some residual discomfort, but she had mostly recovered. She learned that Han Ruohua had comforted Shen's Lady during the incident, and contrary to her expectations, Shen Mo hadn't taken advantage of the situation.

Ma Ma said, "Perhaps it was the eldest son's pleading?"

"No, this person is quite a character, a hero among villains."

"What does that mean?"

"At first, I thought Miss Han looked steady and dignified. Even with Second Lady Jiang, I thought it was due to Second Master Jiang's indiscretion. Now, it seems she has a big heart, while Shen Mo knows not to get involved in such matters, acting as if she doesn't exist throughout the ordeal." Yao Niang found the Shen household increasingly complex.

When Yao Niang recovered, Shen Linfeng accompanied her to a temple to burn incense and relax. Shen's Lady, though not particularly fond of Yao Niang, couldn't refuse when she offered to light a perpetual lamp for her great-uncle, only instructing Shen Linfeng to take good care of her.

On their way up the mountain, they encountered a nun dressed in black, carrying firewood. Yao Niang recognized her, seemingly a former noble lady.

"Do you need help?" Yao Niang noticed her frailness despite the heavy load.

Rong Fan Yin smiled, "No, thank you." She had originally planned to travel with her maid, but the Lan family forbade it, leaving her no choice but to become a nun here. Though life was modest, she found peace.

Seeing Shen Linfeng again, she was momentarily stunned. Wasn't he Master Kong Jian? In her previous life, after the Yan family broke off the engagement, the incident caused a stir. Despite achieving scholarly success, Shen Linfeng immersed himself in Buddhism and became a monk within a few years, causing Shen's Lady to weep until she was blind.

How could he now be married?