Chapter 110

Chapter 110

Shen Linfeng returned from climbing high with his friends, and it was already late in the afternoon. Upon hearing that Yao Niang had gone back to her family's home, he changed his clothes again and came over to the Yan family's residence.

At this moment, Yao Niang was doing needlework with Jie, who was sewing a hat for her son. Yao Niang was also extremely skilled at sewing and directly took over to help with the stitching, thinking that her mother's taste was somewhat outdated.

Jie put little Ruo Fu in the cradle nearby to take care of her, relishing the warmth of the moment. She couldn't stop laughing as she shared jokes with her daughter.

"My Aunt Jiang, behind my back, speaks ill of me, yet pretends to be close to me on the surface, wanting my Yu Rong San and Mei Gui Xiao. I would rather throw them away to feed dogs than give them to her. She thinks she's so clever," Yao Niang said.

Because she realized that all parents like to hear their daughters are doing well, Jie's wife agreed: "Yes, if it were me, I wouldn't give either. You work so hard to make those every year; why should you give them to such people?"

Yao Niang nodded, "Exactly, and that Qing's wife, I think she's plotting something bad, just like the former madam. She bought a thin horse to share the favor. At least when our father was a minister, Qing's brother was just a beneficiary. I don't understand why he would spend seven or eight hundred taels on a thin horse for such a person. I think he's only worth two cents for a bowl of noodle soup."

"Hahaha." {Xie} covered her mouth and laughed heartily.

Just then, it was announced outside that Uncle Shen had arrived. Yao Niang got up and said, "Has he come? But has he gone to father's place?"

"Yes, the third son-in-law has gone to the master's place. The master inquired when the mistress would serve the meal?" the servant replied.

Jie said, "When your father says that, it means it's time to set the table. I'll give the order, and we'll all eat together later. We're all family here, no need to be formal."

After entering the front hall, Shen Linfeng was discussing officials with Yan Yingqi. Having served in the cabinet for years, he had his own judgments, and Yan Yingqi, being an official for many years, the father-in-law and son-in-law had an endless conversation. Yao Niang and Mrs. Jie sat by, listening to their dull talk, only eating their meal with great enthusiasm.

"Mother, did you marinate this meat with green plums? It's more refreshing and delicious than sweet and sour pork," Yao Niang couldn't help but praise after taking a bite of the plum pork ribs.

Jie said with a smile, "I knew you'd enjoy it. I made plenty, so take some back with you later and have it tomorrow."

Yao Niang said, "Then I won't be polite."

Hearing Shen Linfeng say, "My dear, you will have lunch at home tomorrow, and in the evening we will dine at the Fang's. The Fangs are hosting a 'Floating Cup Banquet' along the winding stream, which is quite interesting."

"But I'm not at ease leaving Fu'er at home, you go by yourself," said Yao Niang.

Yan Yingqi, however, said, "If you are needed, just follow and go. There are so many wet nurses and maids to look after the child at home; do they still require your presence? Besides, the child is likely to sleep at night. If you are truly concerned, you can send him to your mother's place."

Jie was speechless; he had to meddle in the affairs between a husband and wife.

Yao Niang continued, "With father around, I can resolve anything. When I was pregnant with Fu Jie'er, Lady Fan from the Left Censor-in-Chief's family somehow got Aunt Ping to tell my grandfather about it and used this matter to blackmail me. I have no idea why."

Shen Linfeng thought to himself that Yao Niang indeed would not let anyone off the hook. She had been patient about Madam Fan's affairs before, but now that her father was coming to the capital, she would reclaim her dignity.

"Oh, as the wife of the Left Censor-in-chief, she also knows that the emperor's orders cannot be defied. How could she let you seek her intervention? Is it for money or something else?" Yan Yingqi immediately recognized it as a scam.

Yao Niang said with a smile, "That's hard to say, Father, I'm just letting you know."

Yan Yingqi nodded slightly.

Fan's son-in-law, Zhou Lingguang, had actually brought Fan Ruhui to visit when Yan Yingqi returned to the capital. Having been raised in the Yan family, and now with Yan Yingqi being the Chancellor of the Eastern Pavilion, it was only natural for him to pay a visit.

Regarding Zhou Lingguang, Yan Yingqi always felt that the man had too many schemes. Now, to his surprise, he had married a daughter from the Fan family. He had heard about the reputation of the Fan family's daughter, which was similar to that of Yan Ningxin. A normal man wouldn't marry her. Just like Yan Ningxin, unless she married a nobody, any man with a bit of family background would avoid her upon hearing her name, unless they were those who sought to climb the social ladder and amass wealth.

The couple returned home, and on the carriage, Shen Linfeng looked at Yao Niang and asked, "What could Lady Fan's true intentions be?"

Yao Niang shook her head: "I'm afraid I don't know that."

No matter how much Yao Niang pondered, she probably wouldn't think that Lady Fan wanted her to voluntarily leave the household.

After returning from the Double Ninth Festival, a significant event occurred. Following a visit from Qing Da, Lady Chu suffered a miscarriage. The doctor mentioned that it seemed to be due to consuming incompatible foods, as well as cold dishes, and even the water she drank contained safflower.

Qing Da was speechless, and Aunt Chu was crying incessantly.

"Could it be that Qing's wife is behind this? To harm one's own offspring, that's not acceptable," Shen Linfeng frowned.

"Is your first reaction also 'Qing Da Sao Sao'?" Yao Niang asked.

Shen Linfeng nodded, "Most likely."

Yao Niang said, "As an aunt, it wouldn't be appropriate for us to visit her personally. I'll send someone to check on her."

Qingyi Garden was in an uproar. Aunt Chu, her face drained of color, lay on the bed, her heart clear that Qing Da's every move was aimed at her pregnancy. Given this, she thought, it was better to make a bold scene rather than be tormented by subtle means. A man's affection was as fleeting as clouds, utterly unreliable; she must unleash a powerful move to make a grand fuss.

"Did these red flowers grow legs and jump into my teacup? From inside to outside, even the people who serve me are arranged by you. Since I entered the mansion, I have been obedient to your every word, without any objections. Why do you do this?" Tears never ceased to flow from Lady Chu's eyes.

Qing Da: "Auntie Chu, with so many concubines in my household, do they not know my character well enough?"

Aunt Chu said, "Madam, there's no need to explain anything to a humble concubine like me. I have no other desires now, being alone, all I seek is the master's pity." She then pulled Shen Linqing and said, "Master, please let me return to Henan? My fate is thin, but no matter how worthless my life is, it is still a life..."

Shen Linqing has been childless for many years, and many people have already suspected that there might be an issue with him. Originally, when Aunt Chu was pregnant, he was very happy, but he never expected such a thing to happen. He glanced at Qing Da and slapped her, saying, "Poisonous woman."

This slap left Qing Da in a daze; in the past, Shen Linqing had always treated her with the utmost respect, and they had been a harmonious couple. She never expected that he would actually strike her.

Shen Linqing, however, seemed to have tolerated her for a long time and said, "Now the continuation of the family line is of utmost importance. Father himself chose the Chu family for me, but I didn't expect you to have a venomous heart. Which part of this household isn't under your control, and yet you pretend not to know."

"Is the elder master planning to wrong me to death?" Qing Da knew that she was different from Yan Shi and Wang Shi. Her family had fallen into decline, and she had taken control of the family affairs, managing the third household, almost feeling as if the entire situation was within her grasp. Little did she know that Chu Shi, who appeared to be simple and honest, dared to poison her with red flowers.

This person completely disrupted their own plans, as Shen Linqing trusted Aunt Chu more.

明白了，请提供需要翻译的小说文本。

Shen Linqing and his wife had a quarrel, which did not surprise Yao Niang at all. However, Shen Er's wife came to ask Yao Niang to mediate, saying, "Speaking of which, Linfeng and Linqing used to have a good relationship. We can't just watch them become estranged as husband and wife. As the eldest daughter-in-law of our Shen family, you really should go and persuade them."

How could Yao Niang possibly be morally coerced? She said, "I have also heard about it, but you, Second Aunt, are a senior. Only your words would they listen to. I am young, even if I speak, they won't listen."

Moreover, Yao Niang looked at Shen Er's wife, and she always felt that Shen Laoye should have found out something, but he kept it very secret, possibly because he wanted to wait until the second uncle and the others were without official positions to speak up.

Lady Shen sighed deeply, and Yao Niang echoed her sentiment: "Auntie, you said, what exactly happened to the child of the Chu family?"

"I'm not aware of that," Lady Shen Er did not wish to delve into such topics, nor did she intend to persuade the third wife; she simply had no desire to meddle in these matters.

Yao Niang knew that when it came to the real thing, none of these people would actually commit, so she deliberately brought up these dangerous topics. Shao, who usually had a good relationship with Qing Da, privately said to her maid, "Why does she have to do such a thing so early? Why couldn't she wait until the child is born?"

Everyone is well aware of the tactics employed by the principal wives, aren't they? Particularly Qing Da, who has been childless for years and is already considered to have failed in her duties, not to mention her family's decline. Honestly, if the eldest branch continues to be without an heir, who knows what the future holds? She's even daring to act so hastily against the concubine gifted by her father-in-law; it's too impatient.

If one can first gather a son close to their knees, it is always better than having no son at all.

"I concur with that sentiment, however, the Second Lady has not come to take a look either," the servants in the mansion also found it peculiar.

Shao's wife snorted coldly: "Second Aunt is quite clever, why would she meddle in such matters? I've seen through it too, if Eldest Aunt were in the capital, she would have come to mediate long ago. Second Aunt is not the type to get involved in these affairs."

"Yes, it would be nice if the senior madam were here. When you first married in and had a disagreement with the second master, it was the senior madam who mediated."

No one is here anymore, yet everyone starts to reminisce about her kindness.

Aunt Chu has made a comeback in this battle. After resting for a month, she may appear frail, but she has gained much more favor than before. Even when Yao Niang saw her in the winter month, Aunt Chu seemed more beautiful than ever. Qing Da, who once schemed against others, is now being schemed against herself. Although she still manages the household, her authority is not what it used to be.

At this very moment, Wang Shi discovered she was pregnant. After much effort, Wang Shi finally became pregnant. Lady Shen Er made an exception to give the servants extra rewards, and Yao Niang also had some tonics sent over.

After the Winter Solstice, Ruo Fu is almost half a year old. The little one has changed from just sleeping and eating to becoming much more lively.

Shen Linfeng, upon returning from his office every day, cherished nothing more than spending time with his daughter; even her babbling sounds brought him immense happiness. His bond with Yao Niang deepened with the arrival of their child. By the end of the year, Gu Si Lang and Zhou Lingguang were both in the capital, preparing for the upcoming imperial examinations. Shen Bangyan, originally a scholar, was eligible to participate in the examinations as a监生, thanks to his father's position as the 国子监祭酒.

Ying Niang had also heard that Xu Sijia was going to take the imperial examination. Naturally, she hoped that her future husband would pass, so that she could marry at the end of the year. If he succeeded in the early months of the following year, it would prove that she indeed had good fortune.

Hearing this, Zhen Shi said, "I've inquired, and Xu Guoye only has one concubine, who is a year older than your third brother-in-law. It's evident that he is sincere towards you."

"He claims he doesn't have any concubines in his household, but who knows how many he keeps in brothels or outside his home," Ying Niang didn't believe it. Xu Sijia's attention towards her was far from being significant. Without the comparison of her brothers-in-law, she wouldn't have felt anything, but with Shen Linfeng and Wen Qilang as a contrast, it was a different story.

Zhen Shi chuckled and said, "You are the principal wife, and your father-in-law may soon be promoted to the Minister of Justice. Why bother with these trivial matters? Look at me, your father had many concubines and even a second wife, but the legitimate wife is still me. A man's love is the most unreliable thing in this world."

However, Ying Niang felt that Jie's life was clearly more comfortable. Her father was an Eastern Pavilion University Scholar, and the shad fish and other imperial gifts were all moved to the third room. Jie spent her days with her father, who also supported her third sister, often visiting the Shen residence, almost treating Shen Linfeng as her own son, and showering her younger brother Jing Ci with all sorts of affection, which was much better than what she had here.

She couldn't voice these words, for she had already sensed something amiss deep within her heart, and thus she quietly observed {Jie's} daily conduct. {Jie} seemed very composed, almost without desires or demands, spending her days simply with her husband and children. Yet when her father became angry, she turned into a soothing blossom, and in business matters, she was quite decisive.

Be soft when it's time to be soft, and be firm when it's time to be firm.

Jie Shi is actually stronger than Third Sister. Third Sister has a particularly proud temperament, but fortunately, Third Brother-in-law has a broad mind and dotes on her immensely.

In the twelfth lunar month, Yao Niang accompanied Shen Linfeng back to her natal home to add to her dowry for the wedding. It was strange to say the least, as Yan Yingqi had initially planned to marry Yan Ningxin to someone in Shandong, but later hesitated. According to Jie's wife, it seemed he had taken a liking to someone else.

Ying Niang looked quite elegant today, her demeanor had changed significantly. Yao Niang felt that her voice was much softer than before. She pointed to the delicacies in front of her and said, "Third sister, you should try these. I made these jade belt cakes myself."

Yao Niang was surprised: "Did you make this yourself?"

"Yes, I had nothing to do yesterday, so I personally made Suzhou's jade belt cake, with the kitchen staff teaching me how to do it," Ying Niang said with a smile.

Yao Niang took a couple of bites: "Not bad."

Ying Niang was delighted: "If someone as discerning as you finds it good, then it must be excellent. I wish to cook some dishes for my in-laws on the first day of our marriage, as a token of my affection."

"Your virtue is so admirable, the Xu family will surely favor you as their daughter-in-law even more," Yao Niang said.

The current expectations for women are to be respectful, virtuous, and not talkative. Yao Niang admits that she cannot meet any of these criteria, so she naturally gives up. However, Ying Niang is not naturally this kind of person, just like Wang Shi, who is not inherently a docile temperament, yet insists on playing this role. In the end, wouldn't it just turn out to be a botched attempt?

However, Yao Niang would certainly not voice such words, and even the late-arriving Qian Niang could not stop praising the jade belt cake, yet she did not mention anything else. Everyone had their own understanding of Zhen Shi and Ying Niang in their hearts.

Naturally, there was a maid in Xu Sijia's room. Lady Xu had never paid much attention to the people around him, but ever since Yan Yingqi was appointed as the Grand Secretary of the Eastern Pavilion, she had dismissed those who were not trustworthy. Moreover, Xu Sijia was not one to indulge in desires; if he truly lost control, he would not seek pleasure elsewhere but would confine himself to the company of a single person.

Xu, the Minister, admonished him, saying: "Your new wife is the daughter of a Prime Minister, and the daughters of the Yan family are renowned for both talent and beauty; you must not let her down."

"Yes, Father," Xu Sijia said.

Xu, the Minister, continued, "After the passing of the Prime Minister, I still hold the position of Minister, and I must say that your father-in-law has been of great assistance. However, I fear that my tenure in this position may not be long. You should observe how the other sons-in-law of the Yan family are conducting themselves and ensure that you do not lag behind."

Xu Sijia said: "When Shen Gongding was in trouble with the Yan family, he still managed to enter the cabinet on his own merits. If his son could pass the imperial examinations and become a Jinshi, there would be no need to seek favors from others."

"Even so, not everyone is like Shen Gongding. As your father, I know you've always been someone with high aspirations and pride. You've never liked the arrogance of the Yan family, but having an established connection is stronger than anything else." Xu, the Minister, didn't get to his position for nothing; he is quite adept at being an official.

Yan Yingqi's temper has indeed never been the best, but he has a keener insight into the Emperor's thoughts than others, and there are many outstanding individuals among the Yan family. With sons-in-law like Shen Linfeng, who share the same aspirations and virtues, they have been able to overshadow the sun and the moon for at least these past few decades.

Xu Sijia nodded subtly.

On the wedding night, when he lifted the veil, he had already a calm heart. Ying Niang was young and beautiful, several years younger than him, and though somewhat reserved, they spent the night in a rather harmonious manner.

Xu Sijia neither treated her very well nor poorly; in short, their relationship was somewhat dull. Ying Niang was inwardly annoyed, but instead of following the path of her mother-in-law, Zhen Shi, who was known for her virtue and kindness, she believed she should emulate Jie Shi's gentleness and consideration, thus she was extremely attentive to Xu Sijia, to the point of being overly accommodating.

Lady Xu murmured to the person beside her, "I had thought that since Yan Sijie was the youngest daughter in her family, she might have a spoiled temperament, and I had everyone sent away. I didn't expect her to actually be a person of good nature."

At times, he felt it might be because his son was so admired by others that he had tamed Yan Sisiter so obediently, which naturally swelled his pride a bit. If his son could keep his daughter-in-law in check, wouldn't it mean he could have his way in the future?

Most mothers-in-law tend to have this kind of mindset: they can't stand a formidable daughter-in-law, yet they find a gentle one too easy to control.

However, Fan Ruhui did not have such troubles. She lived with Zhou Lingguang in her own family home, and there was no so-called mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflict.

Even in the following February, Zhou Lingguang passed the imperial examinations, and in March he secured the third place in the palace examinations, known as the "Tan Hua."

Zhou Lingguang was naturally handsome, and having been named the third-ranked scholar, he attracted many women throwing handkerchiefs at him as he paraded on horseback. Fan Ruhui felt even more elated, as she was pregnant again, and considered herself incredibly fortunate.

Lady Fan said with great joy, "I've heard that the fourth son-in-law of the Yan family ranked in the top tens of the second tier of the imperial examination. He is the son of a chancellor's son-in-law and a minister, perhaps he had some connections, but our son-in-law is truly accomplished."

Fan Ruhui said, "Mother, there is no need to speak of such things. Now, I am only waiting for the birth of my child in my womb and have no thoughts for anything else."

Lady Fan thought to herself that she was fortunate not to have chosen Shen Linfeng; although he was a good match, her own son-in-law was even better. As these thoughts crossed her mind, Fan Ruhui cried out that she was about to give birth, prompting her to hastily summon the midwife.

On that very day, a son was born, and Lady Fan was overjoyed. She thought that the women of the Yan family, upon marriage, were said to bear only daughters, which was not considered a sign of fortune. Her own daughter, however, seemed to be a rare bearer of auspicious fortune.

Yao Niang has been quite busy these days. As her daughter grows older, she becomes more attached to her, leaving Yao Niang with less time as she used to have. Shen Linfeng is occupied with his official duties, and she also has to manage the household, which has become increasingly demanding.

Coincidentally, the Xu family had an invitation for her, so Yao Niang needed to go to the Xu family first.

Speaking of which, it has been several months since Ying Niang got married. Yao Niang only saw her once during the New Year, and she was completely devoted to her husband, which was entirely different from what she had imagined.

Today at the Xu residence, I observed Ying Niang standing by Lady Xu's side the entire time, attending to her every need, maintaining a smile, and exhibiting a demeanor of utmost respect. It seemed this had been the case for more than just a day or two.

When they met in private, Yao Niang said, "At home, you didn't serve your father by pouring tea, massaging his legs, or arranging his meals every day, yet here at your in-laws', you are quite compliant."

"Third elder sister, isn't this what it means to be a daughter-in-law? If I treat my mother-in-law with kindness, my husband will surely be grateful to me. If a daughter-in-law humiliates her mother-in-law, even if I were the daughter of a prime minister, people would still gossip. At home, the third matriarch was stubborn and unyielding, and the second wife has also endured it." Ying Niang spoke in this manner.

Yao Niang thought to herself, "Isn't this seeking hardship without cause? The Xu family's status is inherently lower than that of the Yan family. It is the time when she should be managing the household and keeping her husband in check, yet she starts to ingratiate herself with her mother-in-law. In the end, doesn't the mother-in-law still heed her son's words?"

"But she is willing to endure hardships, and there is not much I can say on the matter. I simply told her, 'Your husband has now passed the imperial examinations and has been assigned to observe governance in the Ministry of War. You are now a lady of the court, which is a sign of good fortune.'"

"Third elder sister, being admitted to the Imperial Academy is indeed a blessing, so please don't belittle me. However, Zhou Lingguang has managed to become a top scholar in one go, which is truly stronger than everyone else." Ying Niang also intended to use Zhou Lingguang to satirize Shen Linfeng.

Yao Niang laughed and said, "Indeed, that's why everyone praises the Fan family for their discerning eyes, isn't it?"

Ying Niang continued, "Indeed, Lady Fan has given birth to a son, and I am also with child. If only I could be so fortunate as she."

The daughters of the Yan family are not known for their fertility; Ying Niang has heard this as well. Yet now she finds herself pregnant. If she were to give birth to a son, she would be the first among her sisters. The third sister has a strained relationship with the Shen family, and it is said that her relationship with Lady Shen is also not good. She is both filial to her mother-in-law and considerate of her husband. If she were to bear a son in the future, her own prospects would be...

As she pondered, Yao Niang found her naive, just as the Fan family had been in the past, when they strove to amplify the case of the Wei Guogong Mansion to make it a major affair, leading to the grandfather's demotion to a commoner. Now, with the Yellow River flood season approaching and new issues arising, some in the court are advocating for the reinstatement of Yan Mai, naturally bringing up the matter that Fan Zongxian had deliberately exaggerated back then.

While the Fan family was basking in their glory, Fan Zongxian was impeached by the censorate. During the interrogation by the Imperial Secret Police, they also received anonymous letters alleging that the Fan family had colluded with others and amassed a fortune through illicit means while in the local area. It even brought to light how the Fan family bullied their in-laws and acted with impunity in the region.

Heaven had mercy, for when Fan Ruhui was dismissed from office, Fan's wife wept as if she had lost her own parents, and Fan Ruhui, upon hearing the news while in confinement, suffered a fatal hemorrhage.

Yan Mai was recommended by a scholar-official and directly reinstated as the governor in charge of river management and military affairs, which naturally delighted Yao Niang. However, subsequently, Yan Yingqi intended to take Zhou Lingguang as a son-in-law, marrying his eldest daughter Yan Ningxin, which left Yao Niang utterly astonished.

Lady Fan, upon hearing the news, vehemently cursed the Yan family for stealing someone's husband, wishing them a terrible death...