Chapter 76

Chapter 76

◎Combined Chapter◎

Today is the birthday of Huiyin's second son, Zhan'er. Early in the morning, her natal family sent birthday gifts. Pei Shuo sent a basket of longevity peach pastries, two baskets of silver-thread noodles, two suckling pigs, two sets of brocade clothes, and a small, gentle mare. Zheng Wuheng sent premium stationery sets, six rolls of top-quality Shu brocade with longevity patterns, two gold-embroidered tortoise-shell patterned handkerchiefs, and a pair of socks and shoes through Cui Yuehua.

Madam Ji and Zheng Fang also sent a complete set of gold jewelry, including bracelets, necklaces, and anklets, along with other gifts.

Huiyin didn’t want to go overboard with the celebrations and only planned to invite close family for a few tables. The male guests were dining with Li Cheng in the front, while the female guests were chatting in Huiyin's flower hall.

"On a child's birthday, the family prefers a quiet celebration at home. I've heard that some families delay naming their children until they’re older, believing that revealing the name too soon could bring bad luck," Huiyin said, stroking Zhan'er's head with some concern.

Cui Yuehua chimed in, "That's said about children with weak constitutions. I see our robust and lively Erlang here. Madam, you really shouldn't worry."

With her brother's guidance, Cui Yuehua had become more tactful and quick-witted recently.

Xin Shi also chimed in, reflecting on how Cui Yuehua, once proud of her noble background, had now adapted to her new circumstances.

But after those thoughts, Xin Shi wondered if her gift was enough, though she knew she couldn’t show favoritism between her nephews.

Hearing Cui Yuehua's words, Huiyin smiled and said, "I was just mentioning it casually. I don't believe in ghosts and gods. By the way, is Madam Zhang coming?"

Madam Zhang, Cui Yuehua’s half-sister from a concubine, was married into the Qinghe Zhang family. She planned to bring her children as well.

"Yes, my brother-in-law is currently benefiting from the prince's favor and is about to become a teaching official in the prefecture. My sister plans to come with the children," Cui Yuehua said, though she wasn't very close to this sister but still mentioned her as family.

Huiyin said, "If you need anything, just let me know."

Cui Yuehua took it as a polite gesture and responded with flattery, "Thank you, Madam."

Huiyin was relieved that Yin Lifang wasn’t there; otherwise, the two of them would have looked almost identical standing together.

With that thought, she invited everyone to start the feast and called for some musicians. The banquet was lavish with a variety of delicacies from all over. Cui Yuehua thought that when Madam Huiyin hosted, it was always a grand feast with rare and precious items.

Everyone left satisfied, except Ji Shi, who stayed to talk.

"Madam, take care of yourself. You seem like a willow branch that sways too much in the wind," Ji Shi said with concern.

Huiyin smiled and said, "Mother, you exaggerate. I just feel too bulky and want to lose some weight. Now that I’ve regained my original figure, clothes from three years ago are too loose on me. But don't worry, I'm still drinking tonic soups, and the prince even massages me at night."

Ji Shi was pleased for her, "My dear, I have no other wishes but to see you, the prince, and the heir doing well. That would make me happier than anything else."

"Actually, I have to thank my elder brother. If he hadn't found someone to help me, I wouldn't have lost weight," Huiyin said. She used to love fried bones, which caused pimples on her forehead and cheeks, or she would stay up late. Now, she had become so healthy and radiant.

Thinking of Pei Shuo, Ji Shi nodded, "Your elder brother has always been close to me and is very capable. But because he's too capable, you should both advise him more."

Some people were trying to arrange a second marriage for Pei Shuo. Last time, they suggested a match with Xin Shi's uncle, a great scholar who hoped to be appointed by Li Cheng. However, Li Cheng preferred to employ younger people. Xin Shi's uncle wasn't given an important position, which angered Xin Shi, leading to an argument with Pei Shuo, and the couple had a cold war for a while.

Pei Shuo ended up drinking outside, and some people, aware of this, wanted to propose a second marriage for him, with a bride from a significant family.

It was probably because Xin Shi asked Ji Shi for help, hoping Huiyin could persuade Pei Shuo.

But Huiyin said, "Mother, my brother is an adult now, not like when he was a child. There are some things I can't say."

Even as a high-ranking sister, she wouldn't interfere in her brother's personal matters. She could say that she and Li Cheng hoped for a lifelong monogamous relationship because Li Cheng shared the same desire. But she had never interfered with her husband's affairs, so how could she possibly intervene on Xin Shi's behalf?

Moreover, Ji Shi couldn't even handle her own son, so how could she expect Huiyin to handle it?

Ji Shi, hearing Huiyin's tone, could only say, "If it's not about other matters, I won't mention them. But I've heard that your brother seems to be taking in someone. Do you know about this? I'm just worried that this person might cause trouble in the household, leading to unrest."

"I really don't know about that. But if Brother has a sense of propriety, mother, why don't you inquire about the woman's character? If she's really not good, go and talk to him. Wouldn't he listen?" Actually, Huiyin sometimes found it strange that mothers, apart from Elder Madame Xu, hardly dared to offend their sons and always wanted others to play the bad guy.

Upon hearing her daughter's words, Madame Ji also said, "I'm afraid that if I inquire too early, it'll startle the snake. Others might think that I want her to join the family, which wouldn't be good."

"If you can't do anything about it, then I can't help either." Huiyin wasn't willing to take the lead either.

Although she had a good relationship with her family, the closer they were, the more careful she had to be.

Seeing that her daughter didn't respond, Madame Ji had no choice but to leave, saying she had something to attend to. Once she left, Li Cheng came in. The two of them were happy to see each other and spoke joyfully about their son.

"Just now your mother came. What did she want?" Li Cheng asked.

Huiyin smiled and said, "What else? Just some family gossip. I heard rumors that my brother wants to take a concubine."

Li Cheng sat down and said, "I heard it's the widow from the Yu family in East City?"

"Really? You know her?" Huiyin's eyes widened slightly.

Li Cheng said, "Yu Dalaoye was originally a pearl merchant for the imperial court. This lady was previously Lü Wei's concubine. After Lü Wei passed away, she took the money and ran. Later, she married Yu Dalaoye as his legitimate wife, and all the wealth of both the Yu and Lü families fell into her hands. She has no children. If she doesn't remarry, her wealth will likely fall to the younger brothers of the Yu family."

Without a son, a woman could easily be deprived of her inheritance. Huiyin deeply understood this.

This was also why she had to have children. Of course, she loved her two sons very much.

"So, if what you're saying is true, she approached my brother. What does that mean for him?" Huiyin was puzzled.

She had thought it was some daughter of a noble family, which was why Madame Ji found it troublesome.

Li Cheng explained, "Your brother is different from your brother-in-law, Heng'er. Heng'er is simple-hearted and sincere. He has his parents to support him, and his wife is related to me. This time, he brought 50,000 elite soldiers from Jizhou as his private army. Look at your brother; he only has about 300 soldiers. Although the Pei family has money to give him, it's just a drop in the bucket. If he marries the Lady Yu as a second wife, at least his assets will increase, and I heard that Lady Yu is quite insightful."

"I see. My mother is eager for me to help my sister-in-law dissuade the Yu lady, but I always feel that as his younger sister, it's not right for me to meddle in my brother's personal affairs." Huiyin said.

Li Cheng quickly waved his hand, "You mustn't get involved in this. I reckon your brother is quite determined. He will certainly respect your sister-in-law, but when it comes to opportunities to strengthen his own influence, he probably won't let them slip by."

To win battles, you need money to buy military supplies. Even Li Cheng, because he inherited a large legacy from the Prince of Wu, had private troops to fight in wars. Zheng Fang and others brought so many elite soldiers and land that their momentum instantly surpassed Pei Shuo. Naturally, Pei Shuo had his own considerations.

They had no secrets from each other. Huiyin even told him about her family's private matters, which made Li Cheng happy. He couldn't help but say, "Now that our two kids are older, maybe we should try for another one?"

"No, I've only just slimmed down. All you think about is this. Did you handle your duties properly today?" Huiyin whispered gently.

"I handled my duties well, but that doesn't conflict with missing you. Never mind. If you don't want another child, let's soak that thing." Li Cheng quickly took out a box from the cabinet, opened it, and took out a nearly transparent object. He placed it in water, and it slowly expanded.

As for the couple's affection, Madame Ji was full of worries. She couldn't discuss this with Zheng Fang. As a remarried couple, they could discuss household matters, but she couldn't discuss her eldest son's issues with him.

Moreover, Zheng Fang didn't think there was any issue.

Look, he’s not even coming home today.

"Madame, Elder Madame Xu invited the Xu family of Donghai over today for a performance and a feast. It was very lively, and the silver being spent was flowing like water." A servant reported.

Madame Ji said, "I've already handed over the management to your mistress. Let her handle it."

Now, Madame Ji had stepped down from managing the household. She had handed it over to Cui Yuehuan, who was quite capable. However, as her daughter-in-law, Cui Yuehuan had to deal with Elder Madame Xu and Xu Shi, who were her elders. She couldn't disobey their demands, so they came to her.

Madame Ji had told Xin Shi about the widow and how she feared that her son might be enchanted by her. She wanted her younger daughter to help dissuade him, since she was a princess. But her daughter didn't want to get involved. Now, her daughter-in-law hoped she would step up and help her deal with Elder Madame Xu and her niece Xu Shi.

If she were managing the household, she would have taken the lead. In fact, she had always done so before. But now, Zheng Fang had stepped back and taken a leisurely position. Zheng Wuheng had begun to take on significant responsibilities. As the heir's wife, her daughter-in-law had to establish herself.

Madame Ji's words soon reached Cui Yuehuan, who said to Nanny Rong, "Our Elder Madame is really strong for her age. Not a single person from the Xu family of Donghai has passed the imperial exams."

Each generation has its own concerns. If Zheng Fang were in charge, they could approach him. But now it's the prince consort, your brother-in-law, who heads the household, while your brother is only a deputy county magistrate.

Nanny Rong said, "It’s not like it’s a lot of money, so let it slide. As for Madame Xu, at her age, she should be serving the elder Madame Xu properly instead of always trying to put on airs. Our lady doesn't bother with her because she doesn't even see her as worthy of attention. But Madame Xu thinks we’re afraid of her."

"Exactly, my mother-in-law is now the mother-in-law of the Prince of Huaiyin. If it weren't for the elder Madame Xu's sake, Madame Xu would be nothing," Cui Yuehuan said with disdain.

Nanny Rong smiled and said, "Exactly, don't be angry about it. I saw the princess consort earlier, and she seemed very composed. She doesn't let her worries show. You shouldn't let these things upset you. The elder Madame Xu is old and can't be attending banquets every day."

Cui Yuehuan thought it made sense. Given Madame Xu's age, how could she possibly indulge in abalone and sea cucumber at every meal and still host performances? Feeling a bit charitable, she said, "I remember the princess consort gave me a piece of Shu brocade. Cut a few feet and have the seamstresses make two sets of clothes for the elder Madame Xu."

Nanny Rong nodded in agreement. She thought that both Madame Ji and Miss Cui in this household were good people. Although Madame Xu's status was awkward, they only complained verbally but still gave her the proper allowances and treated the Xu family well when they visited. After all, the winning side doesn't need to give her some dignity; it's about giving face.

Xin Shi also wanted face. Her family, the Xin family, was a prominent clan in Jizhou, but in Xuzhou, they were nobodies. She had been close to the princess consort, but Cui Yuehuan seemed to have matured. Xin Shi used to have her natal family to confide in, but now she didn’t even have anyone to talk to.

Pei Shuo originally had two concubines. One was her dowry, and the other had served Pei Shuo since childhood. These two stood for hours by the door, aching from the waist down, and as soon as they left, they started gossiping.

In this household, Xin Shi was the main wife, and Pei Shuo wasn't the type to indulge in excessive pleasures. The two concubines didn't have much presence and only served Pei Shuo when Xin Shi was inconvenienced.

But people, no matter how honest, always have their own hidden thoughts.

"If you ask me, if Master really promotes her, we won’t have a place here anymore."

"That's true, and when they, the lords and ladies, quarrel, we, the servants, will suffer."

...

Xin Shi's worries couldn't stop Pei Shuo's intentions. He personally had Xin Shi prepare a courtyard. The original surname of the new Madame Yu was Dong. This Madame Dong was indeed a sensible person. After entering the household, she didn’t put on any airs but was gentle and yielding to everyone.

Even when Madame Ji came to visit Huiyin, her clothes were quite distinctive. She said, "This was given to me by Madame Dong. Your brother and sister-in-law brought her to meet me. She's a very kind person."

"Does she respect your sister-in-law as well?" Huiyin put down her teacup and asked.

Madame Ji looked a bit awkward. "She is very respectful to your sister-in-law, but your brother quite likes her, which will inevitably cause some complaints from your sister-in-law. However, this person is beyond reproach. The two concubines secretly mocked her, but she didn’t complain to your brother. If she were the type to stir up trouble, she would have caused discord in the household."

Huiyin smiled and said, "You are too soft-hearted."

"That's because I can understand her. She was once Lü Wei’s concubine and later married Yu Dalaoye. She just wanted to settle into a stable life. Your brother is handsome and upright. If she can entrust her life to him and have children, her heart will be at peace. Women don’t ask for much." Madame Ji wasn’t exactly sympathizing with Madame Dong, but rather acknowledging that her large fortune would be lost if she didn’t marry someone.

Moreover, she had given a large sum of money to her son. Pei Shuo used this money to smooth out relationships and even set up a troop of private soldiers, recruiting two thousand personal troops.

As a young girl, Huiyin didn’t like the idea of becoming a concubine, but sometimes she felt sympathy for those who did. Some had no choice, while others chose to be concubines and even pursued it, which was hard to understand.

But she couldn’t control others. Her brother had his plans, Madame Dong was patient and gentle, and Xin Shi couldn’t find any fault, so there was even less reason for her to interfere.

Madame Ji took out a nanmu box. "This is from Madame Dong as a token of respect for the princess consort. It’s not a rare item, just a string of beads made from agarwood, said to bring protection."

The most precious type of agarwood is called galen, which is rare and of high quality, making it extremely valuable.

Huiyin shook her head. "Please take it back. If I accept this bracelet, she might think I support her, and it wouldn't be good if she later tries to challenge your sister-in-law."

Madame Ji realized her mistake and said, "I was being hasty."

Huiyin thought that even her mother, who was extremely compassionate, couldn’t fully empathize with her daughter-in-law due to their different positions. She saw that Madame Dong respected Xin Shi, but she, in turn, favored Madame Dong more. To her, these women were all her son’s concubines.

"Mother, you shouldn’t get too close to Madame Dong. If your daughter-in-law sees it, it might not be good. After all, she is your son's first wife and the mother of Guge and Xianjie. As long as they are peaceful, that’s all that matters. Don't elevate anyone." Huiyin advised.

Madame Ji nodded repeatedly. "My dear, please keep guiding me like you always did when you were at home. Otherwise, I might make mistakes."

Actually, there is a reason why the members of the Zheng family listen to Huiyin. It is because while De Yin was often busy with poetry and tea gatherings, Huiyin was very concerned about her family. She frequently read books or sought advice on things she didn’t understand, and since she was a decisive person, she often came up with strategies.

Huiyin said, “It’s not as bad as you think. Our family is already in a good situation. As a mother-in-law, you’ve never sent women to your sons, nor do you require your daughters-in-law to follow strict rules. You’ve been considerate and helped with money, which already surpasses many others. In a few days, I’ll prepare a flower banquet, and you should go out and meet people your age. Once we have connections, things will improve.”

Touched by her daughter’s kindness, Madame Ji didn’t mention any of the troubling matters at home.

However, she looked at Huiyin and said, “Your brother and your younger brother have many people eager to be with them. Is it the same with Prince Wang? I remember Song Cishi from Yanzhou was like this.”

“Yes, I used to worry, but I don’t anymore. It’s not that I have confidence in men, but I have confidence in myself,” Huiyin shook her head.

The mother and daughter exchanged some private words before Madame Ji left.

Now that both her parents had arrived, Huiyin felt much better. After her conversation with Madame Ji, she felt a pain in her waist and went inside to lie down on a couch to rest.

A few days later, Madam Zhang came. She was brought over by Miss Cui to kowtow, and Huiyin rewarded her with several rolls of colorful silk, incense, and several boxes of snacks.

“I didn’t expect the princess to be so courteous; I’m truly flustered,” Madam Zhang said. She hadn’t expected to meet Huiyin and was surprised by how friendly the princess was.

Huiyin looked at her and thought that she resembled Yin Liyi in appearance, but their behaviors were entirely different.

Although Yin Liyi came from a humble background, she had good luck and excellent circumstances. Her parents doted on her, and she was confident and unafraid of trouble. On the other hand, Madam Zhang, being a concubine’s daughter, had her birth mother pass away early. She was raised under her stepmother’s hand on an estate, so she was very restrained. Even though she appeared generous, she seemed very tense.

However, Yin Liyi would probably never meet her in this lifetime, and Yin Lifang had also disappeared. The matter of the true and false daughters was not something they would casually talk about. After all, the Cui family didn’t acknowledge it, so why would Li Cheng expose it?

“We’re all family; there’s no need to speak as if we’re outsiders. Last time, my sister-in-law said you were coming, and I told her,” Huiyin smiled.

Since they weren’t close with Madam Zhang, they didn’t invite her to stay for a meal, but Madam Zhang was still very satisfied. After leaving the princess’s mansion, she thanked them repeatedly.

“No need to thank us, we’re all family here,” Cui Yuehua said. She used to dislike this half-sister of hers, as it seemed like her mother had mistreated her. They had studied together, received similar dowries, and were married to respectable families. But if you mistreat your own sister in public, people won’t respect you.

Besides, she was living a good life now. Zheng Wuheng and I have been married since childhood, and we get along well. My mother-in-law is also nice, and the only difficult ones to deal with are elder Madame Xu and her daughter-in-law.

Why should we only entertain relatives from the Xu family and not the Cui family?

Naturally, after Madam Zhang entered, Cui Yuehua entertained her with the same scale as the Xu family, including a performance, expensive fabric for clothes, and a grand banquet.

Elder Madame Xu was instead angered: “If it were just one day, that would be fine, but it’s been three days, and they’ve invited storytellers and acrobats.”

“She’s spending excessively. I heard she wants to match everything to our Xu family; how audacious,” Xu Shi said, seeing the money flowing like water.

It should be known that coming from Jizhou, they had abandoned many trunks, and the money they received had to be used to tip servants. They also added a few more dishes on regular days, which cost quite a bit. Especially since Xu Shi has been searching for a high-quality golden nanmu coffin for elder Madame Xu, which will be quite expensive.

Elder Madame Xu snorted coldly: “I’ve seen it; this family can’t tolerate us anymore. However, we’ll soon rise.”

“Aunt, what do you mean by that?” Xu Shi was puzzled.

Elder Madame Xu said, “Your brother told me he met the widow of the late Prince Wei, the biological son of Prince Wei, and his mother, Yin Lifang. She told your brother that she was betrothed to Li Cheng, but Prince Wei forcibly took her. Now, she wants to seek refuge with Prince Wang. This mother and son are valuable assets. The prince will surely thank us. Once the Xu family rises, we won’t have to tolerate anyone else’s disrespect.”