Chapter 393

**Chapter 398: Mourning (Part 2)**

Early the next morning, the Eleventh Miss went to Ciyuan Temple.

Abbess Jining personally greeted her at the entrance. After paying respects to the Bodhisattva and having tea in the side chamber, the Fifth Miss arrived.

Since becoming pregnant with Xin-ge, her figure had grown fuller and never returned to its former slenderness. Today she wore a bright blue embroidered plain jacket, her hair styled in a round bun adorned with dazzling gold hairpins, exuding a voluptuous, glowing beauty.

“It took quite some effort to settle Xin-ge down,” she said with a laugh. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have made it here on time.”

Parents often find themselves at their children’s mercy.

The Eleventh Miss smiled and asked about Xin-ge’s condition.

“That medicine of yours worked wonders,” the Fifth Miss replied gratefully. “He’s stopped coughing now.”

“That’s good to hear!” The Eleventh Miss exchanged a few pleasantries before the group proceeded to the main hall.

By noon, Abbess Jining arranged for them to rest in the side chamber.

The Eleventh Miss inquired about Qian Ming: “I heard your husband went to Xuantong to meet General Fan?”

The Fifth Miss shifted uncomfortably. “General Fan helped with a small favor last time, allowing my husband to earn some money. After failing the imperial exams this time, he planned to focus on studying at home. But we just bought a house, and with no steady income and a young child, expenses mounted. So he decided to make another trip to Xuantong. Once this deal is done, we’ll have some savings, and he can study in peace.” She quickly added, “We didn’t use Lord Xu’s name for business—my husband already knew General Fan and even shared wine with him.”

The Eleventh Miss was silent for a long while.

If not for Lord Xu, would Fan Weigang have ever known Qian Ming? Would they have shared wine?

This matter needed to be discussed with Lord Xu so he could curb Qian Ming’s behavior.

The Eleventh Miss didn’t press further with the Fifth Miss. That evening, she relayed the matter to Lord Xu.

“It’s fine,” Lord Xu said with a smile. “Fan Weigang was once the Emperor’s personal guard—steady, reserved, and always measured in his actions. If he thinks the business is viable, then it must be.”

The intricacies of such matters were beyond the understanding of a woman of the inner chambers like her. Since Lord Xu was aware, she trusted he could keep things within reasonable bounds. Exhausted from a day of listening to nuns chant scriptures, she briefly recounted her visit to Ciyuan Temple before heading to the bathing chamber to freshen up.

As his wife’s figure disappeared into the bathing chamber, Lord Xu’s smile faded slightly.

He knew Qian Ming was somewhat impulsive, but now it seemed he was also rather reckless.

Some things the Eleventh Miss didn’t know, but he was well aware. Qian Ming had made at least seventy to eighty thousand taels—from that last venture. Yet in barely a year, he’d already…

Lord Xu pondered this and the next day wrote a letter to Fan Weigang, tactfully conveying that some things could be done once but not repeated. If Qian Ming needed money, he himself could provide support, but he couldn’t let him grow fixated on easy profits and neglect his proper duties.

Fan Weigang soon replied, assuring Lord Xu he would act accordingly.

Still uneasy, Lord Xu waited a few days before sending someone to invite Qian Ming for a meal.

Qian Ming had just returned from Xuantong, looking as wilted as frost-touched eggplants. He put on a cheerful front in front of Lord Xu.

Without directly addressing it, Lord Xu offered to support him with five hundred taels a year so he could focus on his studies and aim for success in the next imperial exams.

Qian Ming, stunned by Lord Xu’s generosity, thanked him profusely. After drinking freely, he grew sentimental and poured out his heart, from then on regarding Lord Xu as a true confidant.

Lord Xu read between the lines.

Qian Ming loved socializing, and his expenses were high. After marrying the Fifth Miss, his social circle grew wealthier, unlike before. Proud and unwilling to lose face, his spending grew until it outstripped his means. The money from the grand madam had all gone toward maintaining appearances. At times, when short on funds, he even lied to the Fifth Miss for money. Initially supportive, the Fifth Miss grew more and more resentful as failed ventures emptied their coffers.

With no income and mounting expenses, the Fifth Miss became increasingly bitter. Unless he provided a convincing reason, he couldn’t get a single coin from her. Their child’s early birth was tied to this stress. Left with no choice, he swallowed his pride and reluctantly gone to Xuantong.

Who would have thought Fan Weigang would give him so much face—not only hosting him with fine wine and meals, showing him around scenic spots, but also readily exchanging his promissory notes for salt certificates, earning him an unexpected windfall.

He knew full well this was due to Lord Xu's influence and silently vowed never to dabble in merchant affairs again.

Yet once the banknotes were in hand, Fifth Sister began clamoring to buy a house. She not only cited examples of how her sisters had done the same, but also tallied up all the money of hers he'd used.

Unable to withstand her repeated tantrums, and feeling that renting was no long-term solution—especially now that they had the means—Qian Ming spent a hefty sum on a house in Four Corners Lane. Fifth Sister decorated it to her taste, and Qian Ming became even more free with his spending in social circles. Watching the silver vanish like sand through his fingers, failing the imperial exams again, and then having the Wen family come to confront him…

Lord Xu listened, recalling Eldest Miss’s business dealings with the Wen family and how Eleven Miss had entrusted Luo Zhenxing with managing Eldest Miss’s dowry… He drank a few more cups himself and returned home in high spirits, keeping Eleven Miss up all night.

Eleven Miss was flustered, angry, and embarrassed. The next morning, seeing Lord Xu’s smirk, she wished the ground would swallow her. After arranging congratulatory gifts for Nanjing and sending away the waiting maids in the main hall, she pondered for a while before heading to Elder Madam Gan’s residence.

Elder Madam Gan assumed she had come seeking news and drew her into the inner chamber.

“…I told my brother about doing business with the Gong family and had him relay it to the Count,” she said, frowning. “But from the Count’s demeanor, he didn’t take it seriously. I’m afraid your kindness may be wasted.”

Naturally, Eleven Miss wouldn’t share private marital matters. Playing along, she suggested, “Perhaps speak to Lady Gan? Her persuasion might carry more weight than others’.”

“Useless,” Elder Madam Gan sighed bitterly. “The Count is currently besotted with his new concubine, and no one dares spoil his mood. Even Lady Gan rarely sees him.”

Eleven Miss was shocked. “But we’re in the official mourning period—”

“When the upper beam is crooked, the lower ones follow.” (Note: This Chinese proverb implies that subordinates imitate the behavior of their superiors.) Elder Madam Gan said helplessly. “He’s merely following the example set.”

Eleven Miss thought of the old Count, wasted away from debauchery, and how many noble families held private feasts during mourning. She fell silent.

Not wanting to dampen Eleven Miss’s spirits, Elder Madam Gan smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ve already informed our house steward. He was left by the old Count, watched the current one grow up, and has managed the Gan family’s estates for years. Even the Count’s inheritance division relied on his help. His words carry weight. Besides, I need only three meals, sleep but a bed’s length. I’ll never lack for necessities.”

One couldn’t force Count Zhongqin—he might even think you were blocking his profits.

Eleven Miss smiled and let the matter rest. After lunch, she napped at Elder Madam Gan’s, asked after Lanting, then visited Cao E to while away the hours until dusk before returning to Lotus Lane.

To her surprise, Lord Xu wasn’t home.

Eleven Miss stood stunned for a long moment.

Amber helped her change clothes, cautiously observing her expression. “His Lordship left right after you dismissed the maids in the main hall and hasn’t returned since!”

Meaning Lord Xu hadn’t been home at all.

Eleven Miss murmured, “Do you know where he went?”

Amber shook her head lightly.

After paying respects to the elder madam, listening to Xu Sijie play the flute and recite lessons, and tucking him in, Eleven Miss returned to her chambers—Lord Xu still hadn’t come back.

Frustrated, she smacked the plump pillow before blowing out the lamp and lying down.

Late at night, Lord Xu finally returned.

“Wang Jiubao invited us to Chunxi Pavilion today,” he explained softly.

From morning until now?

Eleven Miss gave a dismissive “Oh,” scooting over to make space.

“Rest early, my lord,” she murmured drowsily, turning her back to him.

Lord Xu gazed at her slender form under the thin quilt, recalling her morning irritation. Smiling, he blew out the lamp and pulled her into his arms, still wanting more.

"My lord!" In the darkness, Lady Eleven's voice sounded both coquettish and reproachful.

Lord Xu murmured against her ear, "Tomorrow is my birthday!"

The figure beneath him tensed briefly before becoming as pliant as a willow branch, gently entwining around him...

Soon, the quiet room was filled with soft, breathy moans.

******

After Lord Xu's birthday passed, time flew by, and before they knew it, it was the end of September. The mansion's sewing workshop began making New Year's clothes for the maids, wives, and matrons. Today one went for measurements; tomorrow another went to select fabrics. Everyone wore expectant smiles, lifting everyone’s spirits. By the first day of October, when the almanac was distributed, the sewing work was nearly complete, and each household began collecting winter clothes. Binju brought her son to pay their respects to the elder madam and Lady Eleven.

"...Thank you for your concern. You sent gifts for the third-day and full-month celebrations." Binju, who had just given birth, looked rosy and plump as she stood respectfully before the elder madam. Madam Du then carried the child over for the elder madam to see.

The child was healthy, fair-cheeked, and plump, dressed neatly and sound asleep no matter how he was held.

The elder madam chuckled heartily, "This one is blessed."

Lady Eleven seized the opportunity to ask the elder madam to help choose a childhood name for the child.

The elder madam was a woman of both fortune and prosperity, and a name given by such a person would bring the child good luck.

After a moment's thought, the elder madam smiled and said, "Safety and prosperity bring blessings. Since he is the eldest son, I think Chang’an would suit him well."

"What a wonderful name!" Madam Du laughed as she handed the child back to Binju.

Everyone cheerfully called the child Chang’an.

Binju quickly knelt to kowtow in thanks. After exchanging a few words, she followed Lady Eleven to bid the elder madam farewell.

Lady Ten invited Binju to dine.

"What are your plans now?"

Binju replied apologetically, "I'm afraid I won’t be able to return to the embroidery workshop."

With a child, naturally, the child took priority.

Lady Eleven asked softly, "Is Wan Daxian’s salary enough to get by?"

"It’s enough," Binju replied with a smile. "Now he even refuses to take the carriage home, saying it costs twenty coppers a ride."

When a couple shares one heart, even hardship tastes sweet.

Lady Eleven smiled and affectionately ruffled Chang’an’s hair before having the stables send a carriage to escort Binju and her son home.