Chapter 6: Borrowing a Path to Conquer Guo

Chapter 6: Borrowing a Path to Conquer Guo

The autumn sky was clear and the air crisp. She Niang was kicking a shuttlecock in the courtyard while Lan Ruo counted for her: "Eighty-seven, eighty-eight... ninety-six."

The shuttlecock finally fell to the ground. She Niang took a handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe her sweat and said, "Later, we'll go outside to jump rope. You two hold the rope, and I'll jump in."

However, Yu Shi called her inside for tea and said, "Aren’t you tired? Have some snacks and rest for a while."

"Not tired. I still plan to go out and jump rope later," She Niang replied with a grin.

Yu Shi had a difficult childbirth when She Niang was born, and her health had never fully recovered since. Seeing her daughter so energetic, she couldn’t help but feel envious: "I’ve never been one for movement, which is why I’m so weak. It’s good that you’re so active."

She Niang said, "As long as the rope doesn’t stop, I can keep jumping without tripping. But, Mother, you shouldn’t always stay cooped up in the room. You should walk around more often. The more you think you’re weak, the weaker you’ll become."

She truly loved jumping rope, and it kept her in good health. Even getting caught in a heavy rain wouldn’t give her a cold. After giving birth, she had suffered from prolonged menstrual bleeding, and the imperial physician said there was a polyp in her body. Medicine to promote blood circulation didn’t help, but one day, on a whim, she tried jumping rope and actually managed to dislodge the polyp. After that, she was perfectly fine.

No matter what others said, she believed that the more she moved, the more energetic she felt.

Seeing She Niang’s flushed cheeks, Yu Shi remarked, "Your Eldest Sister isn’t like you. She’s always been lazy—if she can lie down, she’ll never sit up."

"Mother, don’t praise one by putting down the other. Everyone has their own temperament," She Niang said. Although she resented past events, she felt that parents shouldn’t compare their children like this. It was just a matter of different habits, not superiority or inferiority.

After chatting with Yu Shi for a while, She Niang ran out to jump rope again. She jumped for about the time it takes a stick of incense to burn before having someone prepare a bath for her. After bathing, Mama Xia informed her that the Eldest Young Lady had returned for a visit and asked all the young ladies to gather at Mingyuan Hall for a chat.

The Eldest Young Lady had been raised by Old Madam Pei for a few years during her childhood, so the grandmother-granddaughter relationship was very close. This time, Li Niang didn’t dawdle as she usually did and came with She Niang.

She Niang wore a long cherry-red pipa-sleeved gown with orchid patterns, paired with a jade-colored horse-face skirt. Li Niang, on the other hand, wore a bright red Shu brocade jacket with cloud and crane patterns, paired with a pearl-white brocade skirt. Her cloud-embroidery shoes were even adorned with a pearl.

Usually, Li Niang spent more time playing with the two cousins, Meng and Song, or with Shun Niang because of their shared interest in raising dogs. She rarely played with She Niang, especially in recent months. Since She Niang often retorted sharply, Li Niang naturally found it hard to get along with her. Moreover, while others would play along when she acted coquettishly or held hands, She Niang disliked being touched and had no patience for acting coquettishly.

Because of this, the two walked to Mingyuan Hall in silence.

The Eldest Young Lady, Nian Niang, was seventeen this year. She had been married for just a year and had already given birth to a daughter. She sat there quietly, like lilacs after rain—refined and elegant, yet with a touch of newfound radiance.

"Eldest Sister," She Niang called out.

Nian Niang smiled and said, "It hasn’t been long since we last met, but Fifth Sister has grown even taller."

Old Madam Pei added, "Their father is tall, so both sisters are tall too."

"I think so too," Nian Niang said softly.

She Niang and the others weren’t the focus of attention in the room. After exchanging a few words with them, Old Madam Pei and Nian Niang turned to their own conversation, discussing the engagement between the son of Academician Gao, a Hanlin Academy reader, and Miss Bai, the daughter of Princess Qinghe.

"Her Highness the Princess has asked my mother-in-law to be the matchmaker, but our household has been busy lately. Second Master is heading to the military, my sister-in-law is about to give birth, and I’m currently managing the household. I’m young and haven’t experienced many major events, so I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed. I thought I’d ask Grandmother for advice," Nian Niang said.

Old Madam Pei smiled and said, "Since your family has entrusted you with managing the household, it means they trust you. There’s no need to feel overwhelmed. In my opinion, as long as you uphold integrity and follow the rules, you won’t go wrong."

Nian Niang nodded obediently. "You’re right."

Nearby, Lu Shi said, "Since you’re often away from your room managing the household, and your daughter is still so young, it’s not ideal to leave her without a proper master around. Why not let your Second Sister take care of her for a few days?"

Nian Niang thought for a moment before agreeing.

Once the conversation died down, the banquet began. The Old Madam had her own dedicated kitchen, and the dishes were exquisite. She Niang, having kicked shuttlecocks and jumped rope, was starving. As soon as the food was served, she buried herself in eating.

These days, she wasn’t particularly concerned with other matters; her focus was primarily on her mother.

As soon as the banquet ended, she headed back. Unexpectedly, Yi Niang was stopped by Lu Shi: "Good child, you’re more steady than your Second Sister. Originally, I had hoped you would go."

Yi Niang wondered why Lu Shi was saying this to her. Why not just send your own daughter to take care of things? I wouldn’t have said anything. But she replied politely, "Second Aunt, you flatter me. I dare not accept such praise."

"There’s no need for modesty. In a few days, it will be your mother’s death anniversary. Ah, when your mother was alive, she got along with everyone. It’s a pity she passed away so early. Fortunately, we still have you as a reminder of her," Lu Shi said, patting her shoulder before slowly heading back to her own courtyard.

Yi Niang hadn’t expected Lu Shi to bring this up. She turned to Mama Chang and asked, "Is my mother’s death anniversary in a few days?"

Mama Chang suddenly remembered. "This old servant recalls now—the eighteenth of September is the late madam’s death anniversary."

Yi Niang didn’t blame Mama Chang. They had just returned after a long journey and had to adapt to the household rules, recuperate, and deal with Cao Shi’s frequent inquiries. It was natural that such things slipped their minds.

But she wouldn’t bring it up directly. Not only was her influence limited, but openly offending Cao Shi wouldn’t be wise.

So she asked, "Which aunt was my mother close to during her lifetime?"

Mama Chang knew this very well. "She was very close to Sixth Madam Yu Shi. I remember they entered the household around the same time and even went to pray for children together. Coincidentally, after they visited Xuandu Taoist Temple together, our madam became pregnant first and gave birth to you. A month later, Sixth Madam also became pregnant and gave birth to a son, securing her elevated status in the household."

"Really?" But Yi Niang didn’t feel that Sixth Madam Yu Shi had any special affection for her mother. Even after her return, Sixth Madam Yu Shi hadn’t shown her any particular care.

Meanwhile, after returning from Jingyuan Hall, She Niang went to the main room and told Yu Shi about the day’s events. Yu Shi knew that She Niang was clever and often passed on useful information. She had been doing so since she was very young. After listening, Yu Shi nodded to indicate she understood.

"Mother, I’ll return to my room now," She Niang said, quickly taking her leave.

Yu Shi smiled. "Go ahead."

She would naturally tell her husband about these matters when he returned: "Our She Niang is young, but she’s very concerned about household affairs. Li Niang is carefree and just plays around without a thought for these things."

Pei Sixth Master shook his head. "Li Niang is innocent-minded. She hasn’t matured yet."

"That’s not entirely true. She Niang is still a child too. She’s just worried that I might not know about these things," Yu Shi said. She was simple by nature, not as resourceful as Huo Shi or as daring as Cao Shi, who was willing to challenge anyone. She felt that although She Niang lacked a certain innocence, she was the most reliable.

Pei Sixth Master was naturally shrewd. As a child born to a concubine, his mother had been a favored concubine until she committed wrongdoing and was driven out. Growing up, he and his brother had learned to survive in the cracks of the household. He appreciated Yu Shi’s willingness to sacrifice everything for him and her somewhat simple nature.

His eldest daughter, Li Niang, was much the same—lacking a scheming nature, always appearing clever, but everyone saw through her act.

His younger daughter, She Niang, had been clever and quick-witted since childhood. From what he had observed recently, she wasn’t one to be taken advantage of, so he wasn’t worried about her. Instead, he was more concerned about his eldest daughter.

She Niang was likely aware of this issue. Parents tended to dote on the weaker child, just as husbands favored more delicate concubines.

But she disdained the idea of pretending to be weak just to gain so-called affection. She would only play weak if her life depended on it. Life was short, spanning only a few decades. Suppressing one’s true nature to survive seemed like a poor trade-off.

If her parents treated her poorly because of this, it would mean they weren’t good parents, and she wouldn’t need to regard them as such anymore.

While most of the Pei family adhered to Neo-Confucianism, she personally favored the School of Mind Philosophy, especially the unity of knowledge and action.

The next day, Yue Niang went to the Marquis of Xinan’s residence, leaving the school much quieter. After school ended, She Niang was about to head back when she saw Yi Niang walking ahead with Li Niang. She said to Qiu Ju, "Why does it feel like Third Sister is being especially friendly to Fourth Sister today?"

She even followed them to the sixth branch!

She Niang and the others returned to pay their respects first. As they entered, they heard Yi Niang directly ask Yu Shi: "Sixth Aunt, a few days ago, Second Aunt mentioned that my mother’s death anniversary is approaching. I heard that you were very close to her during her lifetime. I’m young and inexperienced, so I don’t know how to properly pay respects. Could you teach me?"

Yu Shi seemed taken aback by the question. She wasn’t good at handling unexpected situations, and this felt like a trap. Cao Shi was cunning and not to be underestimated. Due to past events involving the Yu family, Yu Shi had always been cautious in the Pei household. Moreover, she had children now and saw no reason to involve herself in others’ family matters.

Just as she was worrying about how to respond, She Niang spoke up: "Third Sister, how could you be so careless? Yesterday was the Double Ninth Festival, a time for remembering the departed. Why didn’t you say anything then? Now, with only a few days left until the deceased Fifth Aunt’s death anniversary, you come here unaware. You should discuss this with Fifth Uncle and Fifth Aunt as soon as possible. Besides, Fifth Aunt is the one managing the household. If you delay, there won’t be enough time to prepare."

In the inner chambers, common tactics included using another's knife to kill and watching a fire from across the river.

But if you addressed the matter directly, given that the dynasty ruled with filial piety as its foundation, would Cao Shi openly refuse?

If she were truly filial, what would it matter to endure a few harsh words from Cao Shi? Instead, she wanted to drag others down with her and have them take the fall. What if Yu Shi didn’t help her? Wouldn’t her mother’s memorial day be neglected then?

Yi Niang was taken aback. Seeing that She Niang had articulated everything so clearly, almost like speaking on her behalf, Yu Shi quickly added, "Yes, child, why didn’t you mention this earlier? There’s no need for you to prepare anything yourself. Just talk to your father and mother about it."

"Oh, alright." Yi Niang didn’t truly understand Yu Shi’s nature, but she resented She Niang for speaking out and noticed Yu Shi’s cold stare, quietly thinking her mother had poor judgment in friends.

With that, she took her leave.

She Niang, however, turned to Yu Shi and asked, "Mother, were you really closest to Fifth Aunt back in the day?"

"Not really. We just married into the family around the same time. I had my own close friends—the sweet mangoes you ate the other day were sent by my good friend Lady He," Yu Shi replied.

She Niang smiled. "She wanted to borrow a passage to invade Guo, deliberately dragging you into this, but I have no intention of playing the role of Gong Zhiqi, meek and obedient."

As the daughter of a Hanlin scholar, Yu Shi naturally understood what She Niang meant—a reference to the *Zuo Zhuan* strategy of using a request for help as a pretext to harm the other party.

At this point, Li Niang finally piped up, confused: "What’s going on? What does that mean?"

Yu Shi glanced at her. "It’s nothing."

"Sister, you usually do so well in your studies. How come you don’t understand now?" She Niang remarked.

Li Niang hurried to explain, "I just don’t know what you’re talking about."

Even Yu Shi was somewhat speechless. "Just focus on your meal."

She Niang ate quietly. After finishing, she went about her homework as usual and then went out to jump rope. This was the age when one was most energetic—once menstruation began, there would be days each month when she couldn’t move around freely.

She aspired to be strong, sharp-tongued, and someone no one dared to provoke.

Li Niang, however, took a different path. After her meal, she went to walk the dog with Shun Niang, with whom she was now as close as sisters. Shun Niang lived near Old Madam Pei, and Li Niang didn’t return until nearly curfew.

Mama Xia promptly said, "Fifth Miss, Old Madam has gifted Fourth Miss a pair of exquisite necklaces. I heard from the servants opposite that tomorrow she’ll also accompany the Old Madam to her maternal home, the Marquis of Dingbei’s residence, for a visit."

"It’s to be expected. She has her path, and I have mine."

Just like how Eldest Miss Nian Niang of the second branch managed to marry into the Marquis of Xinan’s family—it was because Lu Shi was very close to Old Madam Pei and they were relatives. Otherwise, how could the daughter of a Jiansheng from the second branch marry into a marquis’ household? Their grandfather was one reason, but the influence from the nobility side undoubtedly came from Old Madam Pei’s efforts.

In her youth, Old Madam Pei had formed deep friendships with many. She once saved the life of the Old Madam of the Marquis of Xinan; her maternal sister-in-law, the Old Madam of the Marquis of Dingbei, was her childhood best friend. Even the current Imperial Consort in the palace, mother of the Prince of Jin, was acquainted with Old Madam Pei from the days when the Consort was still a court lady and Old Master Pei served as an official in the prince’s household—their relationship was quite good.

As it turned out, Li Niang’s strategy proved correct, for in her previous life, she married the youngest son of the Marquis of Dingbei, which was considered a good match.

Of course, at this point, things hadn’t reached that stage yet.

Meanwhile, Mama Chen was reporting to Yu Shi: "The Old Madam said she wants our Fourth Miss to accompany her to the Marquis of Dingbei’s residence as a guest. She asked if you have any instructions, Madam?"

"Just prepare some clothes for her. But, Third Miss is one thing—it’s almost her mother’s memorial day, so it’s not appropriate for her to go out. Why didn’t the Old Madam mention She Niang?" Yu Shi inquired.

Mama Chen couldn’t help but smirk inwardly. Fourth Miss was beautiful and kind-hearted, naturally winning favor everywhere. How could Fifth Miss compare?