Chapter 96

Chapter 96

In early March, Lu Shaner received a letter from the Governor Shen and set off for Henan with her servants. After all, she had only recently married the Governor Shen. Now that Third Son was married, Fourth Son and Fifth Son were studying under renowned tutors at home, and Sixth Son had just started his education, everything was in good hands with the eldest daughter-in-law, Lady Qing.

After taking charge of the household, Lady Qing became pregnant, bringing double joy to the family. She was particularly cautious about her health.

Yao Niang, hearing that Lady Qing was being very careful, decided not to send the usual gifts of tonics and food but instead sent a silver-gilded statue of the Child-Giving Guanyin and a handwritten copy of the "Sutra of the Seven Hundred Million Buddhas' Mother, the Great Dharani of Cundi." It was said that reciting this sutra could eliminate all sins and obstacles, extend one's lifespan, increase wisdom and virtue, and receive the protection of all Buddhas, ensuring rebirth away from evil realms.

"Thank you," Lady Qing said, admiring the elegant and neat handwriting of the sutra, which reminded her of the calligraphy of Wei Lady, and she felt pleased.

"This is nothing. Your pregnancy is a significant event for our Shen family, and it's only right to do so," Yao Niang replied.

Lady Qing thought that Lady Yan's manners were impeccable, finding no fault with them. Now that she was in charge of the household and pregnant, she felt this was the greatest happiness in life. As a result, she found everyone more agreeable and spoke earnestly to Yao Niang: "Daughter-in-law, you are young. Take good care of yourself."

"I will, don't worry," Yao Niang assured her.

Then, Lady Shao entered, bringing many delicacies and expressing gratitude to Lady Qing: "My little son thanks his sister-in-law for helping to invite Doctor Sheng. The doctor said that seeing him last night was timely; otherwise, the child would have suffered greatly."

Lady Qing, who had once harbored thoughts of harming others, now feared retribution since she was pregnant. She treated Lady Shao's son well, making up for her past actions yesterday.

Seeing the sisters-in-law chatting, Yao Niang took her leave.

Once she left, Lady Shao frowned and asked, "What did she bring?"

"Not much, just a statue of the Child-Giving Guanyin and a sutra," Lady Qing replied, knowing that although Lady Shao appeared to be on good terms with Lady Yan, they were not truly close, so she avoided praising Lady Yan.

In fact, while Lady Yan might not have the same reputation for talent as her sister, she was an expert in literature and painting. Her skills in painting were unmatched in the capital this year, and she managed the household affairs well, unlike those who neglected their duties.

This was her true ability.

Both daughters-in-law of the third branch were now pregnant, causing Mrs. Shen Er to worry: "Wang Shi married at seventeen, and it has been a year, yet there is still no sign of a child."

Mama Qian laughed, "Isn't the wife of Master Feng also childless? They are the same. Even Lady Qing and Second Lady Jiang didn't show signs until three years after their marriage. Don't be too anxious."

"They are fortunate, unlike us in those days when our mother-in-law would try to find someone for us at every opportunity. I remember how often the old lady met that Chu girl. Fortunately, I was pregnant with Bangxing at the time; he was such a considerate child, unlike when I was pregnant with Bangyan, which was much harder. My family background is not as good as my sister-in-law's, nor did I receive the same favor from my mother-in-law. If it weren't for Bangxing, I wouldn't have secured my position. Unfortunately, when that child fell ill, I was powerless..." Mrs. Shen Er began to cry uncontrollably, thinking of her eldest son.

As usual, Mama Qian tried to comfort her. Mrs. Shen Er, mindful of the Xinning Marquis's household, would not take in concubines, as the Shen family had rules: if they were to elevate a concubine, she must come from a reputable background, ensuring that the Shen descendants had a clear lineage. Concubines of lower status could not tarnish the Shen family's name unless there were no male heirs.

Next month was the Cold Food Festival. Shen Linfeng had a request for Yao Niang, "I want to ask you to paint a portrait of my brother. He died young and without children, and I wish to ensure his lineage continues by venerating his portrait."

"For your brother? Of course. This is important. Describe his appearance to me in detail," Yao Niang immediately prepared to start painting.

Shen Linfeng said, "I'll tell you when I have the time. He looks about sixty percent like Bangyan. Right now, I'm busy with my duties in the cabinet, where I've learned what it means to be a capable minister."

Yao Niang then asked, "Would you like me to brew some tea for you?"

"No need, drinking tea keeps me awake at night. If I can't sleep well, I feel like taking leave," Shen Linfeng said, feeling a headache coming on and quickly waved her off.

With that, he hurried away.

Yao Niang then instructed the kitchen to prepare some vegetarian dumplings, as she had been eating too much rich food during the New Year and wanted something lighter to help her lose weight. Unexpectedly, her grandfather arrived.

None of the Yan family members were currently in the capital. Wen Qilang was kind to Yan Mai, but he lacked the authority to manage the household like Yao Niang. Now that Shen Linfeng was an official, he and Yan Mai had more topics to discuss.

Yao Niang personally welcomed her grandfather and smiled, "I was just saying that we've eaten too much rich food lately and wanted the kitchen to make some vegetarian dumplings. It's a coincidence that Grandfather has come. What would you like to eat? I'll have them prepare it."

"I'll eat whatever you're having; there's no need to make anything special for me," Yan Mai said.

Yao Niang nodded and sent someone to invite Shen Linfeng over to talk. She then asked, "He says he's been very busy with his duties in the cabinet. Is it really that busy, Grandfather?"

"Busy, how can I not be busy? The slightest mistake could lead to disaster. At my age, I still have to work diligently, let alone him who is young and has much to learn. I heard that you helped with this matter, which I was unaware of." Yan Mai looked at his granddaughter.

Yao Niang then told the story about the two Qiaos: "I originally intended to mock those who boast about their children in front of me every day. Naturally, I learned in advance that the grandson's wife of Chancellor Zhao might be pregnant, but I didn't expect this..."

After she finished speaking, Yan Mai looked at her and couldn't help but laugh: "No wonder they say that books contain golden houses. This is very good of you. Usually, I see that your temperament is somewhat arrogant, and you don't like to socialize much, but thinking that your father, I, and your brother can support you, I didn't say anything. Now it seems that this is also very good, and your luck is also good."

"Grandfather, I don't like to submit to others, nor do I like to flatter them, so I need to have a special skill to stand on my own." Yao Niang had her own views, but she still said: "In fact, no matter when, people with real skills will always stand out. Whether in court or in a family, someone must do the work. If everyone just talks big, neither a family nor a dynasty would last long. People like Grandfather, with talent, will always find their place wherever they go."

Yan Mai found his granddaughter's words quite useful and also felt that she was very good at responding and being considerate, though her nature was similar to her father's, naturally disliking to humble herself or flatter others.

But Yan Mai still had to say: "A girl shouldn't speak like this. The art of governance requires learning how to respond appropriately. The same words can mean different things when spoken by different people. Since ancient times, prudence in solitude has been important. Your handling of the two Qiaos was well done, but remember to keep it to yourself. Don't tell anyone, not even your pillow talk partner, your father, or me. In this world, except for yourself, everyone else can betray you."

Yao Niang suddenly understood.

For dinner, there were three kinds of vegetable dumplings: celery, shepherd's purse, and wild vegetables, served with stir-fried shiitake mushrooms in lard, ham and fresh bamboo shoot soup, sweet and sour lotus root, crispy tofu, bean sprouts stir-fried with lean meat, and chicken and cabbage rolls...

All were refreshing dishes, and congee was also prepared. Yan Mai ate dumplings and drank congee, actually finishing two plates of dumplings. Yao Niang watched happily: "Grandfather, come over again tomorrow. I want to have them make turtle soup for you."

"It wouldn't be good for Grandfather to visit every day. Just remember what I said." Yan Mai focused on eating, thinking that having a granddaughter was truly comforting. While a daughter-in-law was good, there was always a sense of distance, making some conversations less natural. His granddaughter often brought him spring shirts and winter coats, mostly made by herself, not to mention the shoes and socks she regularly presented. She frequently asked Shen Linfeng to visit and play chess with him, such was the joy of family.

Because of Grandfather's words, Yao Niang understood even more why some people could go far. Speaking well was easy, but holding back one's words was hard. Therefore, she must learn to be cautious in solitude in her future actions.

Before the Cold Food Festival, Shen Linfeng specifically mentioned Shen Linyi's appearance to Yao Niang. What Shen Linfeng could remember was the thirteen-year-old Shen Linyi, describing him as naturally intelligent.

Yao Niang asked: "What kind of clothes does he usually wear? You have many clothes and can draw. Draw a picture for me to see."

When it came to clothes, Shen Linfeng was very knowledgeable: "Do you know what a waist sash is? It's a light yellowish-green color, but remember, it's not light green. There's an emerald in the middle, like this. Wait a moment, I'll show you."

Goodness, Shen Linfeng was quite busy, getting up to fetch his emerald to show her.

Yao Niang was someone who prepared thoroughly for everything. She was familiar with Shen Bangyan, and based on Shen Linfeng's description and references to Shen Bangyan, she already had an idea in mind.

What should a young man look like? A young man should be full of vitality. She remembered what her brother looked like at thirteen and decided to draw an additional picture of what Shen Linyi might look like if he had grown up.

She stayed at home, not going anywhere, and drew continuously. When Shen Linfeng spoke to her, she became annoyed: "Don't talk to me."

Shen Linfeng could only awkwardly walk away.

Finally, the day before the Cold Food Festival, Yao Niang re-mounted the painting and invited many people from the Shen family who had seen Shen Linyi to come and see how well she had drawn. Shen Linfeng agreed.

The couple of Second Master Shen, Han Ruohua, and the two heads of the Third House all came. Yao Niang first covered the painting with a cloth and said to them: "When Gongding told me he was going to Jiangxi to be the chief examiner, he once heard that children who died young often couldn't eat offerings because they were too small to recognize people. My brother died young without descendants, so his incense should be offered by us. I fear my limited talent cannot capture my brother's heroic appearance, so I would like everyone to critique it."

With that, she personally lifted the black cloth, revealing a handsome, clever, and proud young boy. Shen Linfeng saw it for the first time and was very surprised, as the painting was exactly according to his brother's height. He looked at Yao Niang: "Thank you, my lady."

Second Master Shen was more interested in Yao Niang's painting skills: "Niece, this is Yi-ge, exactly the same. How could you paint from imagination?"

Yao Niang didn't think this was the right time to discuss painting techniques. Just as she was about to speak, she noticed Han Ruohua's eyes turning red, walking up close, seemingly unable to look away. Then, Second Lady Shen shed tears.

"I also drew a picture of what Brother Yi would look like if he had lived to now, based on Linfeng's height," she said, then pulled off another piece of black cloth.

Everyone looked, and there was a young man riding a white horse, wearing a red robe, with a flower in his hat, clearly depicting a top scholar parading through the streets. His appearance was more mature and handsome, exuding the youthful charm of a top scholar, as described by the phrase "riding swiftly in the spring breeze, seeing all the flowers of Chang'an in a single day."

Han Ruohua was momentarily dazed, overwhelmed with emotion, and almost took the painting to keep for herself, stunning everyone present.