Chapter 97

Chapter 97

◎The Twist of Fate for the True and False Ladies◎

"Do you know how to sew clothes?" Wang Guihua looked delighted at the young woman in front of her.

Huiyin smiled. "Of course. Thank you for taking us in. Since it's still bright out, how about I make some clothes for you? To be honest, if we had more time, I could even embroider them."

Wang Guihua, evidently one of the few women in her thirties in the village who could run a household without a mother-in-law, had a fiery and bold personality. People like her controlled the money and had a say in matters.

Don’t be fooled by the small rural households; not just anyone could afford to buy cloth.

"Sister, I find you very fair and pretty, and your two children are also good-looking. Were you born into a good family?" Wang Guihua felt that this woman was unusually beautiful, like a mountain spirit.

Huiyin sighed. "Yes, my husband's family used to own a silk shop. My husband was the eldest son. Though we weren’t wealthy, we had enough to live comfortably. Although my second mother-in-law entered the family later, my father-in-law was still alive, and her true colors hadn’t shown yet. We lived in peace. But last year, my father-in-law passed away, and my second mother-in-law claimed that we shouldn’t inherit any money. She threatened to sue us for unfilial behavior, and she treated us cruelly. So my husband took me and the children and ran away. We didn’t expect life outside to be so tough. We don’t have any land to farm, and we struggle with food and clothing. At least your family has something to eat. I’ve also heard that the court is redistributing hidden land from landlords to the common people. In the future, you’ll all be rich."

Li Cheng, who was pretending to sit nearby, thought his wife was indeed clever when he heard her last sentence.

But Wang Guihua sneered. "Sister, you come from a wealthy family and don’t understand our struggles. How many people in our entire village own their own land? We’re all tenants. My husband is honest and doesn’t know how to network. If it weren’t for an uncle working for the Hu landlord’s family, we wouldn’t even be able to rent land."

Li Cheng felt truly angry and coughed, thinking Huiyin would scold the landlords.

Unexpectedly, Huiyin first praised Wang Guihua. "Sister Wang, you have such connections. No wonder your home seemed the most presentable when everyone else was around."

Generally, when someone reveals their connections, you should praise them first, regardless of anything else.

Sure enough, Wang Guihua was somewhat pleased. "You flatter me, sister."

Huiyin smiled. "I’m just telling the truth. How is that flattery? Anyway, our plan is to sell these few bolts of cloth and then go to my great-uncle for help. He might help us buy a few acres of land. Sister Wang, is it easy to buy land?"

Wang Guihua saw Huiyin standing up and beginning to cut at the table, somewhat showing off. "Let me tell you, when the court says it will distribute hidden land to the people, the slaves, relatives, and their connections of those wealthy families take it all. Ordinary people are still destined to be tenants. Actually, it's worse than before the decree. In the past, working for those wealthy families, they would sometimes waive rent in bad years. Now, these underlings are even more ruthless."

……

That night, they rested at Wang Guihua’s home. Her family was considered relatively well-off, but the floor was still rough and uneven, and the meal consisted of coarse grains, pickled vegetables, and two boiled greens.

Li Cheng found it hard to swallow, but Huiyin ate with relish. Both sons couldn’t eat at all. Zhan'er found it hard to swallow and, after finally getting a sip of water, found the water had a strange taste and spat it out.

Huiyin quietly handed him the water flask and apologized to Wang Guihua. "I’m sorry, sister. My kids are just too pampered."

Wang Guihua muttered to herself, thinking they were wasting food.

At night, the whole family slept on one kang. Huiyin yawned several times. Jing'er whispered, "Mother, it smells bad here."

"It’s probably the smell of chicken droppings. Actually, their family is quite well-off and even raises a pig," Huiyin said, preparing to sleep on Li Cheng.

Li Cheng didn’t expect the real problems to be unsolvable even after addressing the superficial problems. He felt somewhat disheartened.

"Huiyin, am I useless…?"

Huiyin said, "You’re already better than those who sit in the grand halls and issue orders. I truly believe you’ll make things better someday."

"Tomorrow, let’s go back and have a good meal. I’m hungry," Li Cheng said.

"You’re hungry?" Li Cheng immediately sat up, wishing he could find something to eat right away.

Huiyin pressed him down. "Let's eat when we get back tomorrow morning. We shouldn't consume any more of their food. They're not exactly rolling in wealth either. Sister Wang is actually a year younger than me, yet we seem like we're from two different generations. Her son is even skinnier than Jing'er, and he was struggling under the weight of that bundle of firewood."

...

The next day, Wang Guihua woke up and went to check if the family in the guest room had woken up. To her surprise, they were gone, leaving two strings of cash on the table. She was stunned.

Huiyin and her group were already having breakfast in a teahouse. Jing'er and Zhan'er were so famished they seemed like they had just come out of a hungry prison. She had never seen her sons so hungry before.

Li Cheng, however, found the food bland. He had accompanied his wife and children for a trip, but the situation they observed during their inspection was far from ideal. He wanted to return to the capital as soon as possible but felt guilty for not enjoying the trip with them.

"Why aren't you eating?" Huiyin asked, placing a meat bun on his plate. "Is it because it doesn't taste as good as the food in the palace? When we get back, I’ll make them for you myself."

Li Cheng said with a troubled expression, "I didn’t expect that what should have been a good deed turned out so poorly because of those under me. I feel like scolding those people when we return."

Huiyin looked at him and said, "I don't fully understand your affairs, but I believe you shouldn't get involved personally. If you want others to do a good job, you must find capable officials and balance everyone. If you get too involved, it’s like showing your cards, letting everyone know you’re rushing things. You see, even though I know there's discord between my elder sister-in-law and my sister-in-law, I don’t intervene. Instead, I let them read my reactions."

Whenever she advised him, it wasn’t about guiding him on what to do but about using small examples to illustrate larger principles.

Li Cheng remembered that his wife rarely commented on her sisters-in-law, yet both of them sought her favor.

He, on the other hand, thought about how he had ruled this land since he was young, and how these people dared not defy him. Although he had strategies for balance, he felt it wasn’t right to calculate people's hearts and make them lose hope.

Considering how Huiyin treats her relatives, she understands their little schemes but still manages to keep the Zheng and Pei families loyal to the crown, which isn’t bad at all.

Growing up, people think being honest with others is the best way, but it often ends up making everyone miserable.

Unconditional trust is great in war, but when exercising power, personal desires tend to surface.

If these desires remain loyal to the crown, it’s fine, but if they are bought by others, it’s not good.

"Huiyin, I'm sorry, but I want to return first," Li Cheng said.

Huiyin understood and didn’t argue but told their two sons, "Eat quickly, and we’ll return."

They had been joyful when they left, but they returned with heavy hearts.

Jing'er had never imagined that families who ate pickles were considered well-off. Salt is expensive, and even those who lived in thatched cottages had some wealth. He had thought that a farmer's life was like the poems of Tao Yuanming, "Don't laugh at the rustic wine of farmhouses, for in a bountiful year, they have plenty of chickens and pigs to offer guests," with chickens, ducks, and fish in abundance, though their clothing and food couldn’t compare to wealthy families.

He had even been to a manor before and pitied the people there, but those people turned out to be quite wealthy.

Only Tonger, who didn’t know any of this, was still upset that Huiyin hadn’t come home last night. Huiyin held her in her arms, her arms aching, but feeling guilty for having neglected her daughter the previous night, she continued to hold her. Despite Tonger's young age, she was very concerned about her mother. Seeing Huiyin yawn, she quickly said, "Mom, why don’t you go to sleep?"

"My dear, you know how to care for your mother now. It's worth all the extra love I've given you," Huiyin said with a smile.

Tonger nestled in her mother's arms, acting coquettishly.

The journey from the capital to the central city was quick, and no one expected the emperor to return so soon. Jian Qin thought it was because the emperor had learned about the petition from the people and rushed back. After all, their emperor was known for being impatient.

Unexpectedly, after returning, the emperor first summoned the Minister of Revenue and the Minister of Works to inquire about the river repair project, which relieved Jian Qin.

Huiyin couldn’t yet manage state affairs, but Jing'er and Zhan'er had matured significantly after their trip.

Upon returning, they learned that Yin Lifang had come to the palace to inform them that the Prince of Yuzhang had arranged a marriage.

"Oh, I wonder which family's daughter the prince has married. Why haven't we heard about it before, and why was it arranged so quickly?" Huiyin put down her teacup and asked curiously.

Yin Lifang smiled and said, "It’s the daughter of the Zhang family from the Jiangnan region. Madam Zhang is also the daughter of the imperial uncle's family. We met at the birthday celebration of the elder Madame Jian and thought they were a good match. Jing'er is no longer young, and the wedding will take place in a year or two, so it’s settled."

Huiyin remarked, "It truly is a world of coincidences; Yin Lifang and Madam Zhang, one the true heiress and the other not, are now in-laws."

"Who knows if the truth will ever come to light?"

Therefore, she was quite in favor: "Once your two families have agreed, let the Chancellor submit a petition. The Emperor would not refuse it."

Yin Lifang rejoiced, "This subject’s wife thanks His Majesty and Her Majesty the Empress."

"Jing'er is no outsider; I watched him grow up from a young age. Now that he has grown and manages an entire household, it is inappropriate for him to enter the palace frequently. Since this is such a joyous occasion, I must bestow some rewards so that he may visit the palace more often to pay respects to the Emperor." After saying this, Huiyin ordered the attendants to prepare the gifts.

The new books numbered twenty-six, eighty-eight pairs of gold and silver ingots, two pots of coral jade trees, and various lengths of colored silk.

Yin Lifang was overjoyed and even praised Huiyin: "Her Majesty the Empress's generous reward shows that our marriage alliance is indeed well-matched."

In the past, they all thought they were not much inferior to Huiyin, and even looked down on others because of Prince Wei. Now, they could accept reality, and even Yin Liyi felt her sister had changed greatly.

However, she smiled and said, "Sister, you seem to like that Miss Zhang so much. Why don't you invite her to meet us? I wonder what kind of person could earn such praise from you."

"The first time I met her, I found her dignified and graceful, with the demeanor of a lady of the house. That Lady Huo wanted to claim acquaintance with her, but unfortunately, I cannot fulfill her wish. I will choose the best for my son; why should I need her false kindness?" Yin Lifang recalled how the Princess Consort of Prince Wei had tried to strip the mansion bare when Jianjia married, which left her feeling stifled.

The Yu Zhang Wang's residence was originally her son's home, yet the Princess Consort of Prince Wei, relying on her former status, had dared to give orders in her own household. If not for the show she had put on for the Emperor and Empress, she would not have let her off so easily.

Yin Liyi also agreed, "Now that her daughter is married, she has no chance to cause trouble. Once Jing'er's bride comes through the door, where will she have any place to stand?"

The Yin sisters had gone through many things, and their former competitive spirit had waned. Yin Lifang was now focused on waiting for her daughter-in-law to arrive.

When the Cui family learned of Madam Zhang's stance, they were not entirely in agreement. Lady Cui said, "Prince Yu Zhang is the orphan of the late Prince Wei, and the Emperor does not favor his family much. Why go to such lengths?"

Madam Zhang, however, had a different perspective: "Madam, you are right; I am just a woman of little experience. When I met Empress Dowager Yin, my daughter had been away with us on official duties for years. Her father only returned to the capital this year and doesn't know many people. Marrying into a princely house, we only hope for a life of ease and comfort, not expecting anything more."

Even if he's not ideal, he is still a legitimate prince, and your daughter will become a commandery princess upon marriage. The emperor keeps the Prince of Yuzhang close, showing his affection.

Like me, even though I married into a wealthy family, my husband still had to pass the imperial exams. Nowadays, promotions through family connections have decreased significantly. Thanks to my father’s connections, my husband was recently promoted to imperial censor after passing the special exam.

Otherwise, as a third-rank scholar, he would have been posted to a provincial or county office, and who knows when he would have returned?

The emperor doesn’t particularly favor his in-laws, much less relatives like us.

Seeing that her daughter had her own thoughts, Madam Cui couldn’t argue and only said, “For now, stay with your husband here at our estate. I no longer manage the household; your elder sister-in-law manages everything now. Once you’re settled, you can visit your sister’s family.”

Her younger sister, Cui Yuehuan, was married to the younger brother of the empress. When they fled to Xuzhou back then, they sought help from the younger sister and even introduced the then-Princess of Huaiyin, who was not yet empress.

If a daughter can marry well, she should. It’s better than marrying into a scholarly family and not knowing how long it will take for him to succeed. As for whether the Prince of Yuzhang has power, she didn’t care much. In her opinion, officials who handle so many affairs still find it hard to get promoted, let alone her daughter.

Marrying into a scholarly family, who knows how long it will take for them to succeed? Noble families often rely on monthly allowances, and some even depend on women’s dowries after the family divides. The women suffer greatly.

After making up her mind, Zhang Furen informed Cui Yuehuan about the marriage following her visit to the Zheng family. Cui Yuehuan had two sons and a daughter, and her relationship with Zheng Wuheng had always been good. Just back from the palace today, she hurried to congratulate Zhang Furen when she saw her.

“How did you hear about it so quickly?” Zhang Furen was surprised.

Cui Yuehuan said, “It was the empress who told me. She said that your family had arranged a marriage with the Prince of Yuzhang, which is wonderful. A few days ago, the empress rewarded the Dowager Imperial Concubine Yin with many things, which shows she is very much in favor of this marriage.”

Hearing that the empress had agreed, Zhang Furen was delighted. With her current status, it would be as difficult as reaching the sky to see the empress, but her daughter would easily be able to see her once she became the commandery princess.

Nanny Rong, standing behind Cui Yuehuan, almost cried out. What a coincidence.

Neither Zhang Furen nor Yin Lifang knew all this, and Cui Yuehuan wasn’t entirely clear on it either. After seeing off Zhang Furen, she sighed.

“Why do you sigh so heavily?” Nanny Rong was puzzled.

Cui Yuehuan said, "Even my niece is getting married, but our eldest Miss still doesn't have any prospects. I don't mind her living off us; with her here, she can help take care of the old Madam. But the old Madam just can't wait."

As she was worrying, she saw Zheng Wuheng come in and asked for his opinion, "You know a lot of people outside—can you help look into it too?"

Zheng Wuheng, having just taken off his clothes, said impatiently, "I’ve got my own problems to deal with right now. Prime Minister Jian said someone submitted a petition with tens of thousands of signatures. The emperor isn’t mad, but he’s getting tougher. He says the officials below are colluding and that what’s being distributed to the common people is just the big landlords giving to the small ones. He’s sent some tough officials to Wu Prefecture, clearly to make an example out of someone. I’m afraid it might provoke public anger again..."

"Wu Prefecture used to be the emperor’s power base," Cui Yuehuan remarked, understanding these matters.

Zheng Wuheng shushed her, "Imperial spies are everywhere now, so watch your back. The emperor’s more resolute this time around. Some below agree, and some disagree. Those who disagree have been demoted. Even I was told by my sister today—if we have any hidden land, I should give it to the villagers directly and not hide it."

Cui Yuehuan couldn't say much about the outside matters, and thinking of this, Zheng Wuheng got up again to handle his affairs.

Now that Lord and Madam Zheng were no longer managing things, the old Madam was even less involved and instead caused trouble. Outside, Zheng Wuheng managed everything, while inside, Cui Yuehuan was in charge. But she didn’t say or ask much about the outside matters.

"It’s getting dark; you won’t get much done going out now," Cui Yuehuan said hurriedly, seeing that he was about to leave.

Zheng Wuheng put down his horsewhip, "Alright, I'll rest for the night and go out early tomorrow morning during my day off."

He wasn’t worried about losing a few acres of land, but he feared his brother-in-law the emperor might provoke public anger. If the policies backfired, those who were genuinely willing to contribute might become reluctant in the future.