Chapter 91

Chapter 91

"Madam, are you going to patrol the grounds tonight?" Qingdai asked.

Yao Niang nodded as if it were a given: "Of course. Since we split the household, all these servants in our mansion seem to listen to me. However, I'm not sure if other branches have planted their people here. Although patrolling isn't necessary every day, doing it from time to time serves as a deterrent."

Mother Gu had a little maid take a plate of walnuts outside to crack them and then said to her, "I heard that the second madam of the third branch is now always the first in everything. But I also heard that her parents are just merchants, and it was her uncle who made it big and bought an official position for her father."

"That's nothing unusual; heroes don't ask about origins. What matters most is one's character. The last time I dismissed her people, it wasn't because of any personal grudge, but to set boundaries. As for what happens in the future, it will be as it should be." Yao Niang was not the kind of person to hold grudges.

In her view, everyone living in this world must find their place.

When you're a child, besides playing, you need to learn various skills. After marriage, if your husband has a good career, managing the household well is more important than anything else.

Shen Linfeng has a promising career, is good at making money, and is handsome and devoted to her. Her life now is more comfortable than when she was in her natal home. People like Lady Shao, not only can they not compare with her husband, but even in terms of ability, she has secured a future for the child in her womb through her painting. If there's an opportunity in the future, she might even secure a better future for herself, which is something they cannot match.

Since that's the case, now that the family has split, she needs to focus on herself even more.

Besides painting, she manages the household daily and reads books, which are so captivating that she can't put them down. No one in the mansion expected that Madam would stay within the inner chambers, never stepping out.

She is content, but this has made others anxious.

Although Shen Bangyan made the decision hastily that day, he did not regret it after regaining his senses. Seeing his cousin Shen Linfeng moving further and further away, leaving him far behind, perhaps forever out of reach. When they were young, he was much smarter than Shen Linfeng, who was just a fat boy obsessed with food, easily deceived into giving away money and items with a silly smile.

But after growing up, Shen Linfeng quickly became tall and strong, excelling in horseback riding and archery. Not only that, he passed the imperial examination on his first try. Despite being publicly humiliated, he endured the humiliation and passed the special examination.

Now he has many friends, and elders are willing to help him, even being generous. Everywhere he goes, he cannot escape the shadow of Shen Linfeng. Even when he is willing to help poor scholars like Lin Long and Qin Shubai, he refuses to help his own younger brother.

Therefore, don't blame him for resorting to such measures. However, Lady Yan is no ordinary person; the doors of her household are tightly closed, and almost no one goes out except for those buying groceries.

It's hard to get her out, making it impossible for You Da to see her in person, thus rendering his previous boasts about Lady Yan's beauty and charm unbelievable.

Lady Qing was also anxious. She couldn't provoke Yao Niang, and the couple Shen Linjiang and his wife were cowards. They listened to her advice, but instead of getting angry with Yao Niang, they planned to wait for Shen Linfeng's return and send gifts to reconcile the two families.

This made Lady Qing feel that Lady Shao was truly a hopeless case. Lady Yan also didn't have a strong personality; no matter how she tried to provoke her, she wouldn't fall for it. So, she decided to come over herself.

On that day, Lady Shao came to thank Lady Qing because Lady Qing knew she was pregnant and had swollen feet, so she personally made a pair of shoes for her. Lady Shao also brought two packets of tea.

"Why do you need to come in person? You could have sent someone with the gifts," Lady Qing smiled.

"Big Sister, you flatter me. It's only right that I come in person since you went to the trouble of making me a pair of shoes. My parents aren't around, and although my uncle's family is good, they can't really look after me. Last time, I didn't know that eating too much crab could cause miscarriage until you told me," Lady Shao, since becoming pregnant, had become more emotionally sensitive and felt that her sister-in-law had been very kind to her.

Lady Qing said, "We're family, so let's not speak formally. Your plan to reconcile with Linfeng when he returns is good. To be honest, your elder brother isn't much of a success, and in the future, you'll have to rely on your husband. Speaking frankly, between us sisters, my husband, even if he passes the imperial examination, probably won't match up to Linfeng."

Lady Shao nodded: "I think so too. In fact, before the split, Lady Yan and I got along quite well. But the split has its issues, and we can't keep things tense forever."

"Forget it, let's not talk about that. Are you craving sour or spicy foods now? They say sour for boys and spicy for girls," Lady Qing teased.

Lady Shao touched her belly: "My aunt says it's not certain. When she was pregnant with my cousin, she craved spicy food, but she gave birth to a son."

Lady Qing shook her head: "It's not certain, but it's not entirely baseless. Sour for boys and spicy for girls, that's an old saying. I'm trying to find a virtuous concubine for our master, worrying a lot, hoping you'll give birth to a son. If it's a girl, you've been married for nearly three years, and you'll follow my path."

"What?" Lady Shao was confused.

Lady Qing explained: "The last time I was at my mother-in-law's, I thought about elevating one of my maids to a concubine. We grew up together, and now she's still just a maid. If I elevate her to a concubine and stop her from taking birth control, her children would be on my side. But my mother-in-law said the Shen family has an ancestral rule forbidding concubines from having children. Later, I found out that the three illegitimate children of the third branch aren't listed in the family register. They might be added if they achieve something in the future."

Lady Shao hadn't expected the truth to be like this. No wonder the masters of the first and second branches of the Shen family had concubines, but these concubines weren't official secondary wives and had no children. Even before Master Shen returned to the village, the concubines who served him in the first branch were mostly released.

So that's how it is, that's how it is!

"Does the rule against maidservant-born children mean that we need to choose proper ladies from respectable families?" Shao Shi asked again.

Qing Da nodded. "Exactly. Our Shen family in Wu Xing is not some small household where just any woman can bear offspring. Otherwise, it would all be for nothing, done in secret. Take the wife of our Eldest Son, Yan Shi. Her mother was specifically chosen by Minister Yan for Yan Shi’s father, wasn’t she? If having a child from a maid was acceptable, why didn’t the Yan family simply arrange for an adoption from the main branch instead of adopting a joint inheritance? Sister-in-law, I’ve been worn down and have no more patience. You are more blessed than I am."

Shao Shi was startled.

"One cannot allow others to sleep peacefully by one's side. Even though their status is much lower than ours, these formally married second wives are still formidable rivals. Their sons are considered legitimate sons of the Shen family."

It seemed that no other words could shake Shao Shi, but this sentence left her dejected as she departed. Only then did Qing Da breathe a sigh of relief and said with a smile, "I have some pomelos here, a gift from your elder brother’s classmate. With the Mid-Autumn Festival coming next month, why don’t you take a few back with you?"

Shao Shi murmured an "Oh," and had her servants take them away.

The two servants by Shao Shi’s side, Wang Gu and Nan Gu, had come from the Shao family. Raised in merchant households, they were shrewd but lacked a true understanding of the rules in large aristocratic families. Seeing Qing Da giving gifts, they actually thought she was a good person.

Especially Wang Gu, who had been beaten on a previous occasion because of Yao Niang. Shao Shi no longer wanted to use her, thinking she caused trouble, but Qing Da had spoken up for her. Now, wanting to advance herself, Wang Gu naturally helped to suggest, "Second Madame, you really should take precautions regarding what the elder Madame mentioned."

"Precautions? How can I take precautions? Whether I give birth to a boy or a girl isn’t up to me," Shao Shi said miserably.

Wang Gu replied, "I’ve heard that the Dagu Temple has very efficacious blessings. The reason you are with child now is because you visited the Dagu Temple, isn’t it? It’s said that craving sour foods indicates a boy."

Nan Gu frowned. "What kind of talk is that? Our Madame is with child; how can she go to the Dagu Temple? The mountain path is very treacherous."

"I was just saying," Wang Gu said awkwardly. "Forget it if you don’t agree."

At dinner, someone brought a bowl of sour soup to Shao Shi, which she couldn’t stomach and found it painful for her teeth. "I don’t want to drink this." Just as the servant was about to take it away, Shao Shi remembered the saying about sour foods and boys. She said, "Leave it here. Actually, give me more sour things."

The soup was already very sour, but the cook added more hawthorn, which caused Shao Shi to spot blood.

Yao Niang was having sweet soup when she heard that Shao Shi had spotted blood and hurriedly asked, "Why is this happening?"

Gu Mama replied, "I heard she wanted to drink that sour soup. It was already very sour, but she still wanted more. The cook had to add extra hawthorn. Luckily, it was just spotting. If it had been a miscarriage, what then?"

Still, Gu Mama added, "That being said, the third Madame is quite young. As a mother-in-law, she hasn’t been very competent."

"Mama, maybe I should go check on her," Yao Niang said. She knew that if she didn’t go, she would appear strong but give others a reason to criticize her.

Even though she was in the right, not going would make her seem wrong.

Gu Mama agreed. "You are, after all, the head wife of the clan. Although you don’t need to be as considerate as the matriarch, it wouldn’t be good not to visit if a sister-in-law has spotted blood."

At that, Yao Niang had tonics prepared and had the coachman ready the mule carriage. When she arrived at the third branch’s residence, she carefully alighted with assistance.

After getting off the carriage, Yao Niang said to her attendants, Yan Da and Yan Er, "You two wait here in the hall."

Since returning from Kaifeng, Yao Niang has been very cautious, always traveling with guards. Yan Da and Yan Er had accompanied her as part of her dowry to the Shen family. Yao Niang always traveled with at least eight attendants, and with such a retinue, she appeared even more formidable.

Meanwhile, Shen Bangyan pretended to advise You Da, who looked dazed and foolish. "Cousin, I advise you to give up on your schemes. My sister-in-law is no ordinary person; don’t be blinded by lust."

You Da glanced at Shen Bangyan. "Cousin, you’re still young. You can’t handle women with brute force. I have the patience."

"Don’t do anything rash. Do you know the consequences if my elder brother finds out?" Shen Bangyan knew that this cousin, though of low status, was arrogant and hated being looked down upon.

You Da thought back to Shen Linfeng. Mentioning Shen Linfeng only stirred up old resentments. "He has never shown me any respect. After he passed the exams, he invited the entire building of Spring Breeze and Full Moon Pavilion for drinks. I thought, as relatives, I could share in the joy and tried to talk to him, but he didn’t even introduce me to the others. He looked down on me."

So, You Da had a plan. Since Yan Shi wouldn’t come out, the Shen family estate was vast. If he started a small fire, it would create an opportunity for people to sneak in. He often visited the Shen family and was quite familiar with the place.

However, Yao Niang frequently patrolled at night and had spoken to the gatekeepers about fire prevention and theft. "If there’s a fire, remember not to open the gates and let the flames in. For distant areas, use the water tanks with the pumps that the elder young master had specially made by Lin Gongzi. I’ve seen you all practicing these past few days; we need to be even more vigilant at night."

So, when You Da deliberately started a small fire and prepared to sneak in during the chaos, several very strong servant women of the Shen family used a tall device that sprayed water wildly, even splashing him. He had no choice but to flee over the wall, returning home in a hurry.

Even the servants of the main house immediately informed those in the second house about the fire that had just occurred nearby. You Da quickly climbed over the wall and fled; he had been skilled in martial arts since childhood and served as a constable in Daxing County due to his prowess. He had once taken the military examination but failed repeatedly, resorting to all sorts of schemes.

Shen Bangyan pretended to come out, still half-dressed. A servant from the main house said, "Second Master, it seems a tree at your place caught fire, almost spreading to our side. Fortunately, we have fire pumps, and Madam has us practice several times. This time, we managed to extinguish the fire right away. Your servants should also be more vigilant."

"Good, I understand. Did it disturb Sister-in-law? With my elder brother not at home, you must take good care of the household."

The servants hurriedly agreed.

Yao Niang only learned about the incident the next day. She generously rewarded two servants with lengths of cloth and pastries, feeling that being proactive always brings benefits.

Moreover, Shen Er's Lady personally came to thank her. Yao Niang waved her hand, "It was just a small matter."

"I've always worried that after Eldest Sister left, managing this household would be difficult for you. But you turned out to be much more thorough and cautious than I expected." As a lady of the house herself, Shen Er's Lady well understood the intricacies of household management. A single fire could reduce a wealthy family to nothing, as her own family had experienced before.

Yao Niang replied, "Not at all, I still need to learn more from you. Since Gongding is away, it is proper for me, a young woman, to stay indoors."

Shen Er's Lady nodded in agreement.

However, there was one thing Yao Niang had to attend to: Li Shi's childbirth. Li Shi returned to the Yan family a few days before giving birth, feeling she could not sit the month in her in-laws' home. Yao Niang, upon hearing that Li Shi had given birth, naturally went to visit.

You Da, failing in one scheme, concocted another. He arranged for two ruffians to cause a disturbance near Yao Niang's carriage, hoping to create an opportunity to rescue someone. However, Yan Mai and Yan Er acted faster, riding ahead and using their whips to fling the ruffians aside when they approached.

Thus, You Da's plan failed again.

Yao Niang sat steadily in her carriage, reading a book. Upon arriving at the Yan residence, she headed straight for the eastern annex. Lady Li was already there, looking rather distressed. Her husband, Minister Li, was recently impeached and might lose his position. This was something to be expected with the fall of the Gong family. The Li family wanted the old Minister Yan to intervene, but he, being shrewd despite his age, saw through the political games and refused to act, even though his own grandson had been demoted.

Due to Yan Mai's failure to help, relations between the Li and Yan families were strained, leaving Lady Li in a difficult position.

"Lady Li, has your sister-in-law gone into labor? How is she?" Yao Niang asked.

Lady Li replied, "Giving birth isn't something that happens in a moment. I think it's best if you leave someone here to wait."

"No problem, I'll wait here for a while. If necessary, I can sleep at home." Yao Niang, with her husband away, had full authority over the household.

But before long, she was summoned to the Ministry of Works by the old Minister Yan. Confused, she asked, "Why would Grandfather send me to such a place?"

"Miss, the Deputy Director of the Water Conservancy Department, Xu Han, died unexpectedly in the ministry, a sharp blade piercing his chest. The old master wants you to listen to the testimony of the clerks and depict the scene."

Yao Niang nodded, glad she often carried her painting tools. She then had someone escort her to the Ministry of Works.

It was rare for a woman to visit the ministry, especially a place of high state importance, but since she was invited by the old Minister Yan, no one dared to object. Upon seeing Yan Mai, instead of calling him grandfather, she immediately bowed, "I greet Grand Secretary Yan."

Yan Mai introduced her, "This is the wife of Shen Bangyan from the Imperial Academy. She excels in painting, able to accurately depict scenes or people she has seen or heard described. Xu Han, originally a county magistrate in Shandong, was promoted to Deputy Director due to his expertise in water management. Now he has died mysteriously in the ministry, and I am determined to find his killer."

The Water Conservancy Department? An official responsible for river patrols, now dead under such shocking circumstances? Yao Niang suspected there was more to this.

At the ministry, clerks were present, and one was assigned to Xu Han. Without taking a breath, Yao Niang said, "Please describe the scene that night, and I will paint it."

Everyone watched as a graceful young woman, dressed in fine and elegant attire, spoke without hesitation. After an hour, she handed several paintings to Yan Mai and the Deputy Chief of the Supreme Court.

"These are based on the clerk's description. Last night, three people entered Mr. Xu's office. One was Huang Minzhong from the accounting department, who entered with ledgers before sunset, around the hour of You. At the hour of Hai, Mr. Xu walked alone to this part of the ministry, where someone approached him. The clerk did not recognize this person because it was too dark, and he couldn't see clearly. I can only sketch this based on the clerk's description. Finally, at the third watch of Hai, someone from the River Defense Department arrived and left after a short while."

The Deputy Chief of the Supreme Court, initially annoyed by Yan Mai's interference, was impressed by Yao Niang's efficiency and focus on the case, without any unnecessary words.

And these paintings, especially the second one, were crucial. He remarked, "Mr. Xu died between the third and fourth watches of Hai."

Cheng Shaqing, at thirty-six, was already the Deputy Chief of the Supreme Court, a man of no ordinary talent. His meaning was clear to Yao Niang: the second person to see Xu Han was highly suspicious.

Of course, the case was far from simple, but that was beyond Yao Niang's jurisdiction. Her role was to depict the scenes and characters, while the judgment would be left to the Supreme Court.

"Madam Shen truly has a miraculous hand with the brush. If you could paint the second person, it would make our search much easier." Cheng Shaoqing’s eyes lit up.

Yao Niang said, "Originally, we should not be involved in your investigation, but since it was Grandfather's command, I had to show my poor skills. Now that the matter is settled, I will take my leave."

Yan Mai looked at Yao Niang and said, "Go back first. Grandfather will visit you tomorrow."

"Um." Yao Niang nodded and left immediately.

Only then did those present realize that this Madam Shen, the wife of Shen Bianxiu, was actually the direct granddaughter of Minister Yan, and they were related as grandfather and granddaughter. Yet, when she entered, she addressed him by his official title.

Leaving the Ministry of Works, Yao Niang saw that it was already late, so she prepared to go home, thinking that if her sister-in-law gave birth the next day, someone would surely come to report the good news.

You Da had suffered another defeat today and was now somewhat afraid. After all, the Shen family was no ordinary household; if he were caught, his career would be over.

But an opportunity presented itself again. After Lady Yan left, You Da went to the Second Branch of the Shen family. Taking advantage of the lack of attention, he sneaked into the river and climbed through the waterways to reach the Main Branch. Familiar with the layout of the Shen estate, he quickly made his way into the courtyard. He was patient; Lady Yan had taken many servants out today, and the courtyard gate was usually closed, making it convenient for him. He leaped over the wall and saw only two maids guarding the main house. He waited in the tree until they dozed off, then slipped inside during their nap.

You Da’s family was just a common rural gentry. Although he had made quite a bit of money as a constable in the capital by extorting people, he never imagined the Shen family to be so wealthy, even more exquisite than his aunt’s house. Afraid of waking the maids by rummaging through things, he decided to hide under the bed or on the beam, waiting until Lady Yan fell asleep before making his move.

He even placed some knockout powder in the teapot that Yao Niang often used.

Just after placing the powder, he noticed a portrait of Shen Linfeng hanging there. The image of Shen Linfeng seemed even more piercing to You Da, who couldn’t resist touching it. Suddenly, several arrows and fine needles shot towards him, causing You Da to scream in pain and fall to the ground.

When Yao Niang entered, she heard that a thief had broken into their room and found him tightly bound, his body riddled with wounds. She was startled. "How terrifying! Who is this? I must report this to the Shun Tian Prefecture and the Supreme Court."

You Da, barely alive, muttered, "You’re ruthless."

Yao Niang was puzzled. Thinking that this thief had managed to sneak into the main house, she feared he might pose a serious threat if not dealt with. His audacity to call her ruthless suggested he might seek revenge later. She needed to act decisively.

"This man has evil intentions. Quickly, go and fetch my grandfather. Tell him that I helped the Ministry of Works with a painting for the deceased Mr. Xu today and was attacked in retaliation. This man tried to kill me."

Hearing this, You Da fainted. When he came in the morning, he had heard about a major case at the Ministry of Works, and both the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Works were hunting for the murderer. Being implicated in such a serious crime meant certain death. This woman was like a reincarnation of Yama, and he deeply regretted his actions.