Chapter 109

Chapter 109

"As you grow older, if you always bask in the sun and don't get enough sleep, you're likely to develop dark spots. Remember to carry an umbrella or wear a veil when you go out," Shen Linfeng reminded Yao Niang.

Today, Yao Niang wanted to row a boat on the lake, enjoy the breeze, and play the zither. Shen Linfeng was particularly concerned about her getting sunburned and gave her special instructions. She thought the lotus leaves stretching across the lake were perfect for the early autumn morning, with a gentle breeze. She wanted to enjoy the wind, but the idea of wearing a veil seemed suffocating.

But she knew Shen Linfeng meant well and replied, "I understand."

Knowing she wouldn't listen, Shen Linfeng said, "Then I'll hold the umbrella for you and escort you there."

He usually wore his official robes and was the earliest to arrive at the government office, but today he made an exception to see Yao Niang off. Yao Niang was overjoyed and, once on the boat, she burned incense and played the zither, the music lingering in the air.

Lady Wang had been kept awake by passionate activities last night and just wanted to sleep in this morning. However, she kept hearing music and turned over irritably, "Are those people from our household theater troupe so reckless? I want to sleep in the morning, and they start playing music."

After the family split, Lady Wang's courtyard was built by the lake, in a waterside pavilion, as a fortune-teller had said she lacked water in her destiny.

Chunluo went outside to investigate and reported, "Second Madam, it's not our household theater troupe. It's First Madam, who is boating and playing the zither on the lake."

"First Sister-in-law? How typical of her." Lady Wang turned over again, her eyes dark as she got up.

Chunluo laughed, "Even after marriage, First Madam often plays the zither and paints. I heard from the servants of the main house that she seems like a celestial being, grown from dew."

Lady Wang was puzzled, "Although First Sister-in-law is extremely beautiful, how many men don't stray? Why is Elder Brother so honest, truly devoted to only her?"

For a young man from such a prestigious family, with a promising career, this was truly unexpected.

"Lady Yan really lost out, openly fleeing her wedding, which benefited Third Lady Yan." Lady Wang allowed herself to be dressed.

The marriage issues of the sisters from the main house were known throughout the capital. People said Lady Yan was wrong, but some things were hard to judge.

Yao Niang rowed the boat and played the zither, enjoying the cool breeze. She picked many lotus flowers to make fairy water.

Qingdai was confused, "First Madam, what is fairy water?"

"You don't know that pure lotus water can naturally moisturize your face without feeling greasy. Applying it can also whiten your skin, especially during hot summer days when you get sunburned and have redness. This works quickly. Moreover, it can remove small pimples and marks. Most importantly, if your skin starts to sag, become loose, or swell, this can help. But making this is quite troublesome; you can barely get two porcelain bottles. I want to make it and give it to my mother," Yao Niang smiled.

She carefully picked the petals of the lotus flowers, washed them repeatedly with clear water, and steamed them over water. The first batch of flower water was used to add new flowers and more water. The second batch of flower water was then steamed again and simmered overnight to finally produce two bottles.

Before Lady Xie could use it, Shen Linfeng tried it first. He had spent the day in the scorching sun and was suffering from sunburn. Yao Niang applied the lotus pure water to his face, and surprisingly, it immediately cooled down, relieving the burning sensation. He usually disliked using ointments because they felt greasy, but now he begged Yao Niang, "Can you give me this bottle?"

"Alright, alright," Yao Niang couldn't help but agree; he was actually more concerned about his appearance than she was.

Shen Linfeng hugged her arm, "You are so kind."

The other bottle, when Lady Xie arrived, Yao Niang gave it to her, "Mother, your skin has become somewhat loose recently. Don't let it swell, or you'll look older. I made this specially for you, it took several days."

Lady Xie, who regretted not having her daughter's cosmetics while in Jin Ling, couldn't help but ask, "Is this really good for the skin?"

"Of course, you can try it first," Yao Niang opened the stopper and poured a few drops into Lady Xie's hand.

Lady Xie was delighted, "My dear daughter, you always think of your mother."

"Later, during dinner, let Father come and use it too, and invite Lord Gongding to join him for a drink. Don't rush back today; stay and spend time with me," Yao Niang smiled.

Lady Xie naturally wanted to be with her daughter and added, "Your brother, your father says it's good for him to serve outside for a while. For officials, either their temperament is smoothed out, becoming mediocre, or they become stronger through adversity. He was demoted before, but now that your father is in the cabinet, the Ministry of Personnel has appointed him as the magistrate of Xiangfu County. As a chief official, he should serve the people well."

Yao Niang agreed, "Brother passed the imperial examination at a young age and had a smooth career. After being demoted for three years, he can now serve diligently. With his abilities, I believe he will achieve great things."

"Yes, I think so too. Your sister-in-law is devoted to taking care of the children at home. Just after the beginning of autumn, she started making winter clothes for your brother," Lady Xie and Lady Li were not the type to compete fiercely, and they got along well.

The mother and daughter were discussing household matters when someone outside announced the good news: "Madam, Lady Chu of the Third House is pregnant."

"Oh, she’s only been here for two months and is already with child. Hongxiu, I remember there’s still some donkey-hide gelatin and sea cucumber at home that people have given us. Pack some up and send it to her; these are best for pregnant women," Yao Niang said with a smile.

Lady Chu's pregnancy was met with her own calm demeanor, but Shen Linqing was undoubtedly the happiest. He was now twenty-six years old and had no children. Moreover, Lady Chu was beautiful and charming, which he favored in young and attractive women. Besides, Lady Chu was from a reputable family as the legitimate concubine of the Second House, making him even more attentive to her.

However, at this time, the First Madam had bought a woman of exceptional beauty and talent for Shen Linqing from outside. Yao Niang found this quite familiar. Wasn’t this just like when her mother was favored, and Lady Zhen bought a woman to share his affection? It was rumored that the woman was a Yangzhou courtesan.

The tactics used in the inner chambers never changed; they always involved promoting one to balance another, allowing oneself to sit back and watch. But while the women fought bitterly, it was the men who reaped the benefits.

Shen Linqing effortlessly obtained a beauty who excelled in charm, surpassing even Lady Chu.

"Eldest Sister-in-law often complains about lacking money, yet this time she spent six hundred taels on this girl," Lady Shao said to Han Ruohua.

Hearing this, Han Ruohua remarked, "Eldest Sister-in-law is truly virtuous."

Lady Shao shook her head: "She’s too virtuous."

She was so virtuous that Lady Shao found it hard to match her. If Shen Linjiang admired her, Lady Shao would be looked down upon. Therefore, Lady Shao felt that the First Madam had made a bad move, setting a standard they couldn’t meet.

Han Ruohua smiled: "Second Sister-in-law, we shouldn’t concern ourselves with the affairs of Eldest Sister-in-law and the others."

"You’re such a bore; you never speak your true thoughts," Lady Shao said.

Han Ruohua thought, _With your big mouth and double-dealing, how could I possibly confide in you?_ So, she pretended not to understand and didn’t say anything else.

Lady Shao left feeling bored, and Han Ruohua saw that Mother Xu had sorted out many old dresses. She said, "Have someone wash them and give them to the servants. I remember I have a dark red dress and a light green one, both made of high-quality Yuhua brocade. Give one to Eldest Sister-in-law’s maid and one to Second Sister-in-law’s maid."

"Third Madam is truly generous; everyone here speaks well of you," Mother Xu said with a smile.

In this mansion, Lady Yan was known to have a temper that wasn’t easy to provoke. She rarely played with the servants, but she knew how to make perfumes and powders. The servants of the First House often sought her medicine for skin irritations or discomfort, finding it far superior to those sold outside. Moreover, Shen Linfeng’s career was flourishing, and as his wife, Lady Yan came from a family of prime ministers. If she were overly approachable, people might find it strange.

As for Lady Wang of the Second House, her temper wasn’t much better. Lately, it was heard that she was nearly driven mad by the desire for a child, even becoming impolite to her mother-in-law.

There was no need to mention the Third House, where the First Madam managed the servants strictly. Lady Shao had a nouveau riche attitude, yet her reputation in the mansion was surprisingly the best.

"Mother Xu, I remember my cousin’s servant is named Rong An. Is he getting married soon?" Han Ruohua asked.

Mother Xu smiled: "Your memory is truly remarkable. Rong An is the most trusted servant of the eldest son; many maids in the mansion want to marry him. His mother has been indecisive for two years, but the First Madam finally intervened, saying that no one is perfect. In the end, Rong An’s mother chose a beautiful bride for him, the daughter of the second steward. After the First Madam entered the mansion, she noticed her intelligence and assigned her to work in the tea room under Lady Zhou."

"Oh, I heard that Qinghe in our courtyard once recognized Rong An’s mother as her godmother when she was in the First House?"

"You have an excellent memory."

"I have a good position for Qinghe. Our Qingyi Garden needs capable people to tend to the flowers and plants. Qinghe is skilled at gardening, so I’ll recommend her for the job."

Mother Xu curled her lips: "Third Madam truly has a way with people."

Han Ruohua said: "What way? I’m new here and just the third daughter-in-law. I need more of my own informants. Is Third Son out again today?"

"He certainly is, he left early this morning," Mother Xu replied.

Han Ruohua said: "I’d like to ask my cousin to help manage Third Son. He’s not good at studying and is easily deceived. As a woman, I can’t manage things outside, but if my cousin helps, it would be better than anything else."

Mother Xu thought that if women couldn’t choose a capable husband, focusing solely on lineage would bring them much worry. Neither Shen Linqing nor Shen Linjiang paid much attention to Third Son, so they had to find other ways.

**

Yao Niang took a sip of coconut wine and nodded, then said to Xiao Qing: "I’ve brewed several jars of coconut wine. Send them to the Jinghai Marquis’s residence; his son’s wife loves this drink. Also, have someone dig out the coconut flesh to make coconut cakes and send them to their residence as well."

Over the years, the one thing that remained unchanged was her relationship with Lady Liu. They had always been close.

Xiao Qing hurriedly replied, "I'll go right away, sir."

"Good, take my note with you." Yao Niang nodded.

Being the lady of the household was indeed busy, especially after the Mid-Autumn Festival when the Double Ninth Festival approached. She had originally planned to climb a hill with Shen Linfeng, but he had to go with his friends, so she stayed home to prepare flower cakes and clear wine to distribute to everyone.

Fortunately, Lady Jie knew about it and invited Yao Niang to bring Ruofu back to her parents' house for the festival. Yao Niang did not refuse and immediately took her daughter back to the Yan family. She also wanted to see how her Summer Lotus Essence worked. Shen Linfeng was young, so the effects were not noticeable, but Lady Jie was nearly forty, and the changes were more apparent. Women over thirty-five showed different signs of aging with each passing year.

To her surprise, after more than a month, Lady Jie's skin was even whiter, smoother, and finer.

Lady Jie personally took her granddaughter, noticing Yao Niang staring at her face, she felt a bit embarrassed, "What are you looking at?"

"Mother, it seems the Summer Lotus Essence I gave you is quite effective. I noticed the small spots and sagging on your face have disappeared, making you look ten years younger," Yao Niang genuinely observed.

Lady Jie smiled, "Your preparations are better than anything bought outside. Also, give me some Jade Complexion Powder when you can."

Yao Niang said, "Of course, is Father at home?"

"He's still showing off his peach leaf wine. It’s perfect for Fei-er to meet her grandfather. Your father is now very good with children. Jingci may be well-behaved in front of me, but she behaves differently in front of your father," Lady Jie added, hoping to appear younger since the birth of her youngest son.

She used all the skincare products made by Yao Niang and followed her advice that one ages first around the neck and hands, so she paid special attention to these areas.

Upon entering, mother and daughter greeted Yan Yingqi. Seeing the child in Lady Jie's arms, Yan Yingqi said, "Bring her over quickly for me to see."

Yan Yingqi looked at his little granddaughter, whose skin was as white as snow, with black hair and large, glossy eyes like black pearls, and slightly double eyelids. He squinted, "Yao Niang, does the Shen family have any non-Han ancestry?"

"What do you mean?" Yao Niang was puzzled.

"High nose, deep-set eyes, and very fair skin. Although she's still young, I can feel her bones; her nose will definitely be prominent when she grows up," Yan Yingqi was convinced.

Yao Niang was delighted, "Father, you really know how to flatter. Look, Fei-er is smiling; she must have heard what you said."

Lady Jie looked at her husband, "No wonder you're a cabinet minister; even a baby can't resist you."

"Who could disagree?" Yao Niang chimed in.

"Alright, alright, you two are ganging up on me. I can’t handle it," Yan Yingqi quickly interjected.

Yao Niang asked the wet nurse to take the child away and sat down to talk with her parents. Yan Yingqi inquired about Shen Linfeng, and Yao Niang complained that he was out with his friends.

"You can't chain a monkey, let alone a grown man. Let him go if he wants to. He usually fusses over you every day, so take it easy," Yan Yingqi commented. In the early years of their marriage, he was like a stud horse, sleeping with one woman here and another there, but later, he preferred being at home.

As they were talking, someone announced that Mr. Xu had arrived. Yan Yingqi said, "It's rare for him to come. Have him meet me in the study."

Mr. Xu, of course, referred to Xu Sijia. Yao Niang recounted to Lady Jie what she had learned from Xiao Qing. Lady Jie responded, "Is that so? Do you know, I heard that Madam Da is not very kind to Xin Wan."

"Xin Wan? I don’t visit the main house often, so I rarely see her. What’s wrong with her? Now that she’s married, everything should be settled, why would she be treated poorly?" Yao Niang recalled that Lady Guan was chosen by the third grandmother, and her mother initially had no prejudice against Lady Guan.

Lady Jie snorted, "She doesn’t think that way. She wants to marry into a family of the highest status, regardless of anything else. You can see this from the backgrounds of your two sisters-in-law."

Indeed, her brother had many choices, but her mother chose the daughter of Minister Li because she thought Li was honest and sincere. However, Minister Li’s father was soon forced to resign and got entangled in the Gong family’s affairs, causing ups and downs for the Yan family. As long as the family background was clean and the person was of high moral character, that was more important than anything else.

Otherwise, her father wouldn’t have insisted on marrying her to Shen Linfeng.

"This Mr. Xu rarely visits, and your father treats him indifferently," Lady Jie noted.

Yao Niang was confused, "I heard from Shen Linfeng that this Mr. Xu has considerable talent. Otherwise, Father wouldn’t have agreed just because of what Grandmother said."

"It’s not that simple. Your father’s temper isn’t easy for just anyone to handle. Wen Qilang and your father-in-law are both very patient people. Your brother-in-law Wen often visits, and he sends us chrysanthemums for the Double Ninth Festival. Your father-in-law is even more attentive, treating us like his own children, always available when called. After the peach leaf wine, even your father’s clothes are gifts from your father-in-law, who loves wearing them and says I choose poorly. This Mr. Xu, compared to them, is..." Lady Jie spoke tactfully.

Yao Niang understood, it was just like how daughters-in-law tried to please their mother-in-law, the sons-in-law also had to show off their skills.

Yao Niang was surprised: "Is Lord Gongding also sending clothes to Father?"

"Of course, when we have guests from our hometown, he even helps to entertain them."

"No wonder Father spoke up for him earlier."

The men vied to flatter, each one of them was quite skilled at it. Although Xu Sijia was also from an official family, his father's career had been relatively smooth. Despite his decent appearance, in terms of character, he fell short compared to Wen Qilang and Shen Linfeng.

In the study,

Xu Sijia said, "Your humble son-in-law has specially brought gifts for the Double Ninth Festival on behalf of my parents."

Now Yan Yingqi had several sons-in-law. Wen Qilang was very respectful to his father-in-law, always considerate. As for Shen Linfeng, there was no need to mention how attentive he was. As for this Xu family member, his performance still needed to be observed.

Xu Sijia felt uneasy under the scrutiny and hurriedly showed respect. Yan Yingqi grunted, "Thank your parents on my behalf."

The person before him was once the Deputy Minister of Personnel, now the Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, a man of great dignity. He did not dare to say another word. Besides, the Xu family had not benefited much from the Yan family, especially since he had little affection for Ying Niang. If given a choice, he would certainly choose his beloved, and Ying Niang was clearly not that person.

Moreover, he felt that the Yan family treated him differently, especially Yan Yingqi, who favored Shen Linfeng more and treated him indifferently.

It wasn't just because Shen Linjiang was from a noble family and had passed the imperial examinations. Once, when he visited, his father-in-law was chatting happily with Shen Linfeng while neglecting him, so he was less willing to come over.

Then Yan Yingqi briefly tested his scholarship. Seeing his hesitation, he was somewhat displeased: "Never mind, go to the main lady and pay your respects."

Actually, Xu Sijia's talent was not too bad, but at Yan Yingqi's level, and with his personality, even his own nephew, Yan Jingzhang, who was slightly inferior, was scolded harshly and not allowed to follow him to Jin Ling. This was why he particularly liked Yan Jingzhao; even Yan Jingwen was criticized for being idle.

Therefore, those he liked were either as talented as Shen Linfeng, with elegant manners and generous demeanor, or like Wen Qilang, who could understand subtle hints.

Unfortunately, Xu Sijia's talent could not match Yan Jingzhao and Shen Linfeng, and his social skills were far behind Wen Qilang.

Furthermore, Yan Yingqi knew some inside information: Xu Sijia took the provincial examination in Shun Tian Prefecture, and there were rumors of favoritism at the time.

When Xu Sijia went to pay respects to Lady Zhen, she had recently complained a lot about Yan Yingqi, feeling that making her son marry Xin Wan was intentional, considering the many distinguished young ladies in the capital. At the time, she agreed because she thought her husband had no hope of returning to office, and her husband also said they were childhood sweethearts, which pleased the old lady, hence the arrangement.

But now back in the capital, with so many well-born girls, she truly felt she had lost her mind.

However, Jingwen and Xin Wan were very close, and the couple was quite harmonious. Her son often defended his wife in front of her, which made her even more speechless.

Lady Wei came in and said, "Madam, Son-in-law Xu is here."

"Oh, he's here. Let him in." As the mother-in-law, Lady Zhen naturally had to meet her son-in-law.

Xu Sijia did not talk much in front of his mother-in-law. Lady Zhen asked many casual questions and invited him to stay for dinner. However, Xu Sijia said he had other matters and declined to dine there.

Lady Zhen then asked Jingwen to see him off. After seeing him off, Jingwen told Xin Wan, "If it were Brother-in-law Shen, he would definitely be invited to stay for dinner. He usually has the best temperament and talks about all sorts of things with us. I saw him leave quickly."

"Perhaps it's because he hasn't married your sister yet, and staying too long in our house might not be proper," Xin Wan, a remarkably intelligent and graceful woman, knew that this marriage was hard-won and had a basic understanding of the Yan family. If not for her uncle's prolonged demotion and her grandmother's tears, she and her cousin might never have become a couple.

Jingwen replied, "That's not the case. Before his wedding, Wen Qilang met Second Sister several times and was very considerate to my mother. He often prepared snacks and sweets that Mother likes, and personally served the wine Father enjoys."

Xin Wan smiled, "I think Xu Sijia is just an ordinary son-in-law. It's just that your family's standards are too high, hoping that every son-in-law is a dragon among men."

Hearing this, Jingwen also laughed, "You're right. I think Father thinks the same way. Fourth Sister will be married soon after the full moon, and then all three sons-in-law will be complete. That will be a real test of their abilities. Who do you think will win among our three sons-in-law?"