Chapter 130: The Grand Finale

Chapter 130: The Grand Finale

Ying Niang sniffled and rubbed her eyes with a handkerchief. She never expected her brother to become a monk, nor for her mother to fall ill. At such a time, Xu Sijia did not even come back to show concern for her. It wasn’t that Xu Sijia was unkind to her, but he would only act after she told him what to do. If she didn’t speak up, he wouldn’t take the initiative to care for her.

This was exhausting, and she felt her father favored others, giving the excellent Shen Linfeng to her third sister while she had to marry Xu Sijia. As the daughter of a prime minister, she couldn’t truly make a man completely submit to her.

Once, she believed her mother was right, that power and glory were better than anything else. Later, she thought the Jie family’s approach was correct, being a considerate wife and gentle in response. But eventually, she found all of it wrong.

She wanted company and needed someone to be with her. Without her husband’s companionship, she felt empty and lonely. Yet, she was a proud person and wouldn’t often ask her husband to specially care for her. If she were more submissive, Xu Sijia and his family might treat her like a servant. This truly infuriated her, so from then on, she stopped pretending.

Originally, she felt wronged in her natal home, where her father doted on the third branch. But now, compared to her in-laws, her natal home seemed like a honey pot.

She could eat whatever she wanted, enjoy the breeze by boat at home, and retreat to the countryside when it was hot. On ordinary days, she could have anything she desired just by asking. Although she often quarreled with her third sister, she could still play with dolls and listen to her play the zither in her room. Her second mother-in-law would cook delicious food for her.

When she couldn’t sleep, her mother would soothe her to sleep.

She felt her life had been ruined by her mother. If she hadn’t fought for that pride, perhaps her father would have found her a man of good character and appearance, and she would have lived much more comfortably.

In fact, everyone’s pursuit of glory and wealth wasn’t entirely important; what mattered most was living a content and worry-free life. But realizing this came too late for her.

Xu Sijia had just returned from outside and saw the maids hinting that Ying Niang was in a bad mood. He inwardly sighed, knowing he probably couldn’t discuss his matters today. His relationship with Ying Niang was average, very average, but they shared a household, and some things required her agreement.

After some thought, he decided to enter.

For the first time, he saw Ying Niang crying, which made him feel somewhat troubled. He sat down and asked, “What’s wrong? Is there something troubling you?”

He was completely unaware of why she was upset.

Ying Niang, disheartened, replied, “I’m fine, but you don’t come without a reason. What is it you want from me?”

Xu Sijia, a scholar, knew Ying Niang understood how much he valued his reputation. He wouldn’t bring any women into the house to affect his mood. Therefore, Ying Niang wasn’t worried about his extramarital affairs; these officials valued their official reputations above all.

There must be something else he needed her help with, or he wouldn’t have come on his own.

Hearing this, Xu Sijia felt embarrassed and said, “I merely came to check on you. You’re being too suspicious. What could I possibly need?”

“Sir, just say it. While my father is still in office, you can speak freely. Afterward, it will be difficult,” Ying Niang said irritably.

Upon hearing this, Xu Sijia explained, “This matter doesn’t require my father-in-law’s intervention. Many people watch over him as a respected minister. I wanted to talk about your third brother-in-law. I heard he and Qin Shubai are from the same imperial examination cohort and are close friends. Qin Shubai was recently promoted to the governor of Yaozhou due to his work on the river. My family has a relative in Yaozhou who has been extorted, and I want to ask for some assistance.”

It turned out he was seeking help from Shen Linfeng. Ying Niang responded, “Then you shouldn’t have come to me. I’ve always had a poor relationship with my third sister, as you know. You’d be better off speaking directly to your third brother-in-law. He is as clear and bright as the wind and moon, and usually very warm-hearted.”

“Your third brother-in-law is excellent in every way, except for one thing—he fears his wife,” Xu Sijia said, looking down on men who feared their wives. However, Shen Linfeng was perfect in every other aspect, obedient to his wife in every word and deed.

Ying Niang glanced at him and finally relented. When she arrived, Yao Niang had just finished handling household affairs. She dedicated each morning to resolving issues, making decisions swiftly.

Hearing that Ying Niang had come, she raised an eyebrow. “What a rare guest. Let her in.”

Roufu was seven years old now, and her former tutor had resigned. Yao Niang specially invited a talented woman from Jiangnan to teach her daughter. Her son, five years old, had been in school for two years and no longer needed her attention. Yao Niang planned to start taking care of her health soon, hoping to have another child.

Thinking about it, both children were in school, leaving the house empty. Moreover, as the head of the clan, Shen Linfeng’s safety would be enhanced by having more children. Seeing the decline of the second branch and Shen Bangyan’s lack of ambition, the property of the second branch might eventually be swallowed by the clan.

With these thoughts, she looked up and saw Ying Niang approaching. Rising, Yao Niang said, “We met at the Yan family yesterday. Why didn’t you mention it then, and instead come here?”

After sitting down, Ying Niang, who had never asked Yao Niang for help before, hesitated and spoke, “It’s about my husband’s family. I heard that your third brother-in-law has a fellow examinee who is the governor of Yaozhou. I came to ask if he could help.”

Yao Niang looked at her. “First, tell me what the matter is. We won’t get involved in illegal requests.”

“It’s not that. He was extorted and wrongly accused,” Ying Niang quickly clarified.

Yao Niang nodded: "If it's a case of extortion, then I'll have your brother-in-law write a letter. But you don't need to worry; Prefect Qin has a good reputation."

Ying Niang felt the word 'thanks' was awkward but still said it: "Thank you, Third Sister."

"It's nothing." Yao Niang wasn't the type to take credit or boast. With the eldest branch about to fall from grace, she had no habit of kicking a man when he was down.

Ying Niang added: "My husband sent me here."

Yao Niang wasn't surprised: "You've always been good to him. But does he give you anything in return for helping him so much?"

Ying Niang didn't understand: "Do we need to talk about this even within the family?"

"Look at what you're saying. Why should you do all this for free? I see you as a hero with just words, offending everyone around you, yet having no real skills. I think you're not even capable of doing bad things. Now, with your father and so many people around, you still do this and that for others. Be careful, or you'll be bullied even more in the future," Yao Niang said.

Ying Niang was also a straightforward person, not known for her temper. Hearing Yao Niang's words, she actually took them to heart.

Xu Sijia usually felt proud that Ying Niang feared him, thinking that women should rely on their husbands.

But after returning home, seeing how content Yao Niang lived, Ying Niang wondered why she had to be submissive every day. Was Xu Sijia really worth it?

Xu Sijia hadn't noticed Ying Niang's change. When he saw Ying Niang hadn't approached him for a month, he casually came to check on her and found her giving him a sidelong glance: "You still remember to come over?"

"What?" Xu Sijia asked.

Ying Niang snorted: "Living with you is like being a widow while my husband is alive. I shouldn't have married you. Women outside and maids inside, you enjoy them all. Who do you think you are?"

Xu Sijia was stunned on the spot, but considering her father was the Chancellor, he could only endure it. That night, he worked extra hard.

Ying Niang thought to herself, whether Xu Sijia liked her or not, she didn't care. He had to serve her well; if not, she would make him suffer.

Yao Niang, of course, didn't know how Ying Niang had changed. On their side of the Shen family, Lu Shaner was pregnant again. She was originally the same age as Yao Niang, a beautiful woman, but now she looked increasingly haggard.

However, she was now living a life of luxury. The household affairs were managed by Qing Dama, who had lost her authority due to introducing merchants, leaving the management to Shao Shi and Han Ruohua, who didn't manage much anyway.

Shen Linfeng understood: "It's easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to go from luxury to frugality. She probably doesn't realize that this trick might backfire on her. Besides, the future is unpredictable. Don't dwell on the past, okay?"

"I won't slack off. I'm good at painting people and can see their desires. The more someone pretends to be simple, the deeper their thoughts and the bigger their ambitions," Yao Niang knew clearly.

Lu Shaner could only choose to endure. Apart from enduring, she could do nothing.

The Yan family was powerful, with Yan Yingqi now serving as Deputy Chancellor, a political evergreen. Yan Mai, despite his advanced age, repeatedly requested retirement, but the Emperor refused. As for Yan Jingzhao, he was already a third-rank Censor.

She could do nothing, and she had no evidence...

"Why is this grape sour?" Lu Shaner frowned.

A servant hurriedly replied: "Madam, these are the best mare's milk grapes, sent by the matriarch of the eldest branch."

Lu Shaner was now picky, insisting on eating water peaches from Wuxi, grapes from the Western Regions, and fish like perch or mandarin fish; anything else wouldn't do.

"Never mind, bring some sugar to mix with it," Lu Shaner didn't make things difficult for her, continuing to enjoy herself. Then, feeling uncomfortable with her mat, she ordered it to be replaced.

...

Speaking of which, Yao Niang also went to Dagu Temple to pray, taking the children out to play, fearing that if she became pregnant, going out would become inconvenient. Shen Linfeng walked ahead quickly. While others came to the temple to worship, Shen Linfeng, claiming to be tired, lit an incense stick and found a guest room to sleep.

Yao Niang toured Dagu Temple with the children, coincidentally meeting the nun they had seen before, who was reportedly the former wife of the Lan family's heir. She seemed to recognize Yao Niang and nodded with a smile.

"Having both a son and a daughter, you are truly blessed," Rong Fanyin smiled.

Yao Niang nodded: "Yes."

Rong Fan Yin said again: "Then you should cherish your blessings." She finally remembered who this woman was. This woman, who had married Master Kongjian, was the Lady Gu of her previous life. Lady Gu seemed to be serving outside at that time, and they had met briefly. She seemed to be complaining about her husband's low rank and advised him to be cautious in his words and actions. Little did she know that Lord Gu seemed to have caused some trouble and was dragged inside by his wife, who called for her subordinates. It was said he was beaten, but no one knew if it was true.

Thinking of this, she shook her head and left.

After returning from Dagu Temple, Yao Niang indeed became pregnant. This time, it was her third child, and the pregnancy reactions were quite severe. The child was very active in her womb and turned out to be a very mischievous boy. By the age of two or three, he was already causing chaos at home.

Yao Niang was a strict mother, and Ru Fu was also an excellent older sister. With both of them disciplining him, the child never dared to show any bad behavior. Yan Yingqi, however, treated this little Yangge differently, saying that the child was very smart and would achieve much in the future.

"Father, even though you are the Chancellor, do you also understand physiognomy?" Yao Niang laughed.

Yan Yingqi took a sip of wine: "Just wait and see. By the way, I might be promoted to Prime Minister soon. I've only told you, so keep it secret."

"Really?" Yao Niang said happily.

Yan Yingqi replied: "It's almost certain, but you know, anything can happen. It all depends on whether the Emperor is willing. I am neither an old minister who supported the Emperor nor his teacher. Even as Prime Minister, it may not last long. However, for me, reaching the pinnacle of officialdom is already very good. We old people should step down."

Yao Niang, however, said: "An old horse may lie down in its stall, but its heart is still set on traveling a thousand miles. Besides, you don't seem old to me."

"You're nearly thirty, and your mother is fifty. I'm almost sixty, and I'm not old? I achieved success at a young age and had a smooth career. It's time for me to retire; otherwise, living too long without retiring would make me a thief." Yan Yingqi shook his head.

Fortunately, their son Jingzhao was now the Governor of Fujian, and her son-in-law had become a Deputy Minister of Personnel. Everything was developing positively.

Her father, whom she always thought was invincible, was now talking about aging. Yao Niang couldn't help but shed tears: "Father, it would be so nice if you all stayed in the capital, always by my side."

"Foolish child, it's still early. Besides, even if we're not by your side, you now have both a son and a daughter. What's wrong with that? When you were young, a fortune-teller said you were blessed with both virtue and wisdom. Look at you, it's true." Yan Yingqi wanted to say more but ultimately didn't.

Lady Zhen was in good health. After her son became a monk, she lived well thanks to her strong faith. She knew very well that once she died, Lady Jie might take her place, which was inevitable.

So, she had to stay alive. As long as she lived, Lady Jie would remain subordinate.

Unfortunately, she was mistaken. After Yan Yingqi became Prime Minister, the Emperor specially bestowed the title of First Rank Lady to Lady Jie, the mother of the Governor of Fujian, as the wife of Prime Minister Yan Yingqi.

Previously, Lady Jie only had the Sixth Rank title granted by Yao Niang. Yan Jingzhao had intended to request a higher title, but as an official outside the capital, he had no opportunity to meet the Emperor. He never expected that Yan Yingqi would request the title for his mother.

Lady Zhen was incredulous. She said to Aunt Wei: "Isn't that against the rules? How can she also be ennobled?"

Aunt Wei thought to herself that rules were made by people, and if the Emperor wished it, no one could interfere. But she didn't dare say this to Lady Zhen, fearing that she might get angry and fall ill.

This was the first time Lady Jie had such a legitimate status. She herself seemed almost disbelieving. Yan Yingqi held her hand and said: "It's all my fault, always being selfish and not thinking about you. I was always afraid that my petition would fail and that it would drag me down in the future. Now everything is settled. I'm sorry for making you wait so long."

Lady Jie shook her head: "If my situation hadn't been like this, Yao Niang and Jingzhao wouldn't have worked so hard. Life is like this; when things go too smoothly, children may not grow up well. Actually, giving me these few children is enough for me. And you have been very good to me."

She was such a kind and gentle person. Yan Yingqi thought as he helped her sit down and comforted her softly: "Don't worry anymore, okay?"

"Okay." Lady Jie finally sighed in relief.

This news made Yao Niang the happiest. She told Shen Linfeng: "I've been looking forward to this for a long time. I thought I'd have to wait for my brother, but Father did it privately."

Seeing Yao Niang happy, Shen Linfeng was also very happy: "Nothing is impossible for a determined person."

"Yes," Yao Niang smiled.

Three years later, Yan Yingqi retired due to illness. The Emperor granted him permission to return home by carriage, and Yao Niang and Shen Linfeng went to see them off to Jin Ling. Lady Jie didn't know if this was the last time she would see her daughter, as this return to Jin Ling would be permanent. She, who usually kept her emotions in check, finally touched her daughter's face: "Yao Niang..."

"Mother, I will miss you. But I understand that Father has been tired from his career for many years, and you have lived in the capital for a long time. Take care of each other. Perhaps in a few years, I will come back home. Then I'll stay in Jin Ling for a while and Wu Xing for a while. Don't mind us coming to visit." Yao Niang understood Lady Jie's reluctance.

Lady Jie was in tears, no longer young, always preferring reunions to separations.

Seeing her daughter say she would visit her in the future, she couldn't help but laugh, and Yan Yingqi, standing beside her, glanced sideways and said, "She's really easy to please..."

The women were weeping uncontrollably, while the men kept it simple. Yan Yingqi even pointed out Yao Niang and her daughter to Shen Linfeng, saying, "Women are such a bother, crying and wailing, unable to part."

Shen Linfeng smiled and said, "A son-in-law dare not speak ill of them."

Yan Yingqi exchanged a few jests with him before saying, "You have now been promoted from Undersecretary of the Ministry of Personnel to Left Undersecretary of the Ministry of Rites. It won't be long before you enter the cabinet. I regard you as my own son, almost imparting all I know. My son and daughter, I entrust to you in the future."

"Father-in-law, you flatter me," Shen Linfeng bowed.

Yan Yingqi waved his hand and then said to Jie Lan You, "Lan You, why aren't you moving? The boat will leave soon, and you won't be able to go if you wait any longer?"

It was the first time Shen Linfeng had heard an old couple call each other by their names, which left him stunned. Yao Niang, wiping away her tears, said, "Mother, be careful. We'll write letters from now on."

Jie Lan You hurriedly followed Yan Yingqi onto the boat, looking back at her daughter as she went, while Yao Niang waved vigorously.

...

On the way back, Shen Linfeng said, "Uncle is also retiring and returning home these days."

Lu Shaner was going back too. Once she returned, it wouldn't be easy for her to come again. Uncle San was getting old and wouldn't be recalled to service. Lu Shaner's son, like her, preferred to enjoy life rather than study, making it unlikely he would leave Wu Xing in the future.

Yao Niang felt relieved, "Let's go, we're going home. Many people have sent us invitations today."

"What kind of invitations?" Shen Linfeng was puzzled.

Yao Niang laughed, "Are you silly? Our daughter is already fourteen, and those coming to propose marriage have nearly worn out our doorstep. Come, let's go home and pick a son-in-law."

Shen Linfeng stumbled as she pulled him along, then couldn't help but laugh and shake his head, looking up at the rising red sun, thinking how wonderful it was.

—The End

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