Chapter 21: Chapter 21 (Including VIP Application)

Chapter 21

Since Lady Yu had revealed the truth, and Pei Yiqing heard that She Niang had sent someone to investigate Yi Niang, he quickly said, "The person your mother sent might not be up to the task. I’ll send someone else right away."

"Father, you mustn't let word get out. If that Third Sister is an imposter, she must be very bold and might resort to desperate measures. If she is real, someone who was exiled to a convent but is skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, and tea brewing—that alone shows she is no ordinary person. So it's best to first uncover the truth and strike at the vital point," She Niang cautioned.

Pei Yiqing nodded slowly. "Well put, well put."

Lady Yu also agreed. Moreover, having unburdened herself of such a heavy secret, she felt much lighter, as if a weight had been lifted. All she wanted now was to sleep, and she began nodding off right where she sat.

Seeing his wife like this, Pei Yiqing said to She Niang, "Let your mother sleep here for a while. Good daughter, if you have any more dreams, you must tell me."

"Of course, but heaven's secrets cannot be revealed, Father," She Niang reminded him.

Pei Yiqing gave an understanding expression and then went to the second branch to check on the patient.

It must be said that Second Master Pei remained unconscious. The doctor had tried acupuncture several times without success, only saying that he needed to rest and recuperate and must not move, and so on. Lady Lu and Yue Niang were so distraught they nearly fainted. Pei Yiqing comforted them for a while, recalling how, when they were young, his second brother, relying on the fact that his birth mother had been Old Madam Pei’s maid, had often acted arrogantly. Now, seeing him in this state, Pei Yiqing couldn’t help but feel pity.

In a family, if a man falls, it’s very hard for him to get back up.

However, this situation was actually more favorable for Pei Yiqing’s plans to divide the household. His second brother had never been successful in his studies but was quite shrewd, especially when it came to making money. With him around, it would have taken a lot of effort to proceed.

Thinking this, Pei Yiqing went to the front to keep vigil with the other mourners.

Meanwhile, Li Niang went to Old Madam Pei’s quarters and presented her with a forehead warmer. Old Madam Pei was pleased and had someone put it on for her. It fit perfectly, and she immediately praised Li Niang: "Your craftsmanship is getting better and better."

"I thought these days have been quite windy, so I made it last night," Li Niang said with a smile, implying she had made it entirely herself.

Just as they were speaking, Yi Niang came in with a vermillion lacquer tray carrying several delicate pastries: pink-and-yellow lotus flower pastries, white-and-red translucent flower cakes, and milky-white pear blossom pastries with green centers, all served on tall, gold-trimmed porcelain plates. They looked delicious.

"Fourth Sister, you’ve come at just the right time. I made some pastries—please try them," Yi Niang said with a smile.

Li Niang quickly praised her: "Third Sister, you’re truly amazing, knowing how to make such pastries. The only thing I know how to make is dumplings, and even then, I only know how to wrap them, though I can make ingot-shaped dumplings."

Everyone exchanged knowing smiles. In the past, when Li Niang boasted like this, people would look at her askance, but now that Old Madam Pei had taken her under her wing, everyone found her quite endearing.

Even Shun Niang came over to join in the fun: "Fourth Sister, why didn’t you bring Snowball today? It would have been perfect for her to play with my Sōngzi."

Li Niang said, "We’re in the middle of a funeral now. It wouldn't be proper if people saw. You should be careful too, Sixth Sister."

Old Madam Pei looked at Shun Niang and said, "What your fourth sister says is right. For now, let someone else take care of the dogs. You can walk them in your own courtyard, but don’t take them outside. It would look improper if people saw."

Shun Niang quickly agreed. She had been learning the poised demeanor expected of a young lady of status, the skills of managing a household, and the manners of a well-bred young woman under Old Madam Pei’s guidance. But she was still young and inevitably found it all a bit dull and tedious.

At that moment, Yi Niang said, "Old Madam, I would like to send some pastries to Second Sister as well. Since I returned from the Water Moon Convent, I’ve received much care from Second Aunt and Second Sister. They are in mourning and going through a difficult time now, and though I can’t help much, I can at least offer some comfort."

Mentioning the second branch’s affairs, Old Madam Pei thought of Second Master and sighed. "Go ahead. Comfort them well."

After Yi Niang’s words, the atmosphere grew heavy. Even Shun Niang tactfully remained silent, but Li Niang seemed oblivious and helped herself to the pear blossom pastries, completely oblivious to the somber mood.

This interruption lightened the mood, and Old Madam Pei pointed at Li Niang and said, "If only everyone were like her."

Everyone in the family had their own schemes and agendas, but someone like Li Niang was easiest to get along with—she had no hidden agendas, and even if she did, they were easy to see through.

Nanny Xiang brought over a bowl of warm milk custard and added, "In my opinion, Fourth Miss has the heart of a child. People with such a pure nature are rare."

Li Niang's nanny, Nanny Chen, breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed Old Madam still liked their young lady, which was good. But they couldn’t let Fifth Girl always stay close to her parents. If Fifth Girl became too favored by Sixth Madame, their young lady might please one side but offend the other.

So, Nanny Chen quickly said, "Indeed, our young lady is the most friendly. This morning, she even said she wanted Fifth Girl to come over as well."

Old Madam Pei leaned back against her pale green satin bolster and said indifferently, "When there’s time, let Fifth Girl come over too. It’ll be livelier."

Li Niang didn’t understand why her nanny suddenly started speaking well of She Niang, but she simply continued eating the pear blossom pastries without saying anything.

Two more days passed. During the mourning period, because Second Master Pei was injured, Lady Lu was too preoccupied to manage household affairs. Some people quietly went to Lady Yu to curry favor. Lady Yu wasn't without some cunning herself and naturally chose to align with those who were beneficial.

Early that morning, just after she had finished handling matters inside and outside the household, Lady Huo arrived.

Lady Yu quickly stood up to welcome her: "Fourth Sister-in-law, what brings you here?"

"I just came to sit with you for a while. There are fewer guests now, and it’s mostly just the monks and Taoists chanting scriptures. I don’t need to be there all the time," Lady Huo said.

Clearly, Lady Huo was not one to visit without a purpose. After exchanging some pleasantries, she said, "Second Brother will probably be bedridden for the rest of his life. Second Sister-in-law took the opportunity to dismiss several of his concubines, letting them leave with only their personal belongings."

"She’s too impatient. She should at least wait until the old master is buried. She handled it too quickly," Lady Yu said. She knew that these concubines came from poor backgrounds and, once released, would likely be sold off again, some even forced into prostitution. Second Sister-in-law didn’t even give them any money to support themselves—it was truly unvirtuous.

Lady Huo shrugged. "It’s not my place to comment on matters in another branch. But it is strange—Third Sister is very close to the second branch."

Hearing someone mention Yi Niang, Lady Yu couldn’t help but say, "Why is it that Third Sister seems to be good at everything? She grew up in a convent, yet she’s skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, cooking, and embroidery—she’s even outshone the girls in our family, putting our own girls to shame."

"No one knows," Lady Huo shook her head.

After chatting for a while, Lady Huo noticed that there were stewards outside waiting to report, so she left. On her way out, she ran into She Niang and said delightedly, "Fifth Girl, are you going out?"

She Niang nodded. "My mother asked me to deliver something to Second Madam."

Since Lady Yu was managing the household, the medicinal pills Second Madam had requested earlier had just arrived. She Niang had been wanting to go out for a walk anyway, so she naturally took on the task.

Their western compound was very close to the neighboring second branch. By opening the eastern corner gate and crossing the alley, they could go directly there. However, as she brought people to the eastern corner gate, she saw a maid of about fourteen or fifteen, wearing a lake-blue vest, standing with her hands on her hips and scolding someone.

She Niang saw that the person being scolded was a little girl in ragged clothes and quickly stepped forward to intervene: "Which branch are you from?"

The maid in the lake-blue vest hurriedly said, "I am Yuzhu, serving the second young master of the main branch. The second young master ordered me to deliver a basket of pastries to Young Master Lei, but this little beggar keeps pestering me."

She Niang looked at her and said, "As a servant, you should be humble and polite. If she’s bothering you, just ask her to leave. There’s no need to scold her harshly. This is hardly proper behavior."

Yuzhu thought to herself that she was the head maid of the second young master of the main branch, while She Niang was merely the second daughter of the sixth branch. How dare she lecture her? So she defended herself: "I told her, but she wouldn’t listen."

"Even so, you shouldn’t stand here with your hands on your hips scolding her. I heard everything you said," She Niang glanced at her and walked away.

After She Niang had gone far enough, Yuzhu patted her clothes and sneered, "Now that Sixth Madame is managing the household, the people from the sixth branch are putting on airs."

The gatekeepers said, "Miss, keep your voice down."

"If you have the guts, go report me. I’m not afraid," Yuzhu swayed her hips defiantly as she left.

She Niang paid no mind to some maid from the main branch. She strolled through the second branch’s compound, which was completely different from the main branch’s grand architectural style. The pavilions and towers were adorned with various lattice windows, and the layout was exquisitely carved, resembling a garden from Jiangnan.

When she reached Second Madam’s quarters, She Niang delivered the medicinal pills and was kept for a while as Second Madam chatted with her.

As she was about to leave, it was said that the son of Assistant Commander Zhu had arrived. Second Madam, who had been relaxed just moments before, immediately became nervous. She had someone prepare silver dishes with gold-tier delicacies, along with fruit platters and pastries, showing great importance to the visit.

When She Niang returned to the sixth branch, she said to Lady Yu, "Why does Second Madam attach so much importance to Assistant Commander Zhu’s family? Isn’t he just an assistant commander?"

Since She Niang had demonstrated extraordinary insight, Lady Yu no longer treated her as a child and explained quietly, "You don’t know that your second sister’s engagement has been broken. Moreover, the engagement with the family from the western residence was only possible because of our family’s good connections. That’s why they’re so concerned—they’re afraid the other party will break off the engagement. Probably after the mourning period is over, your Elder Sister Rong will be married off quickly."

"So that’s why. No wonder the western branch is so anxious about it," She Niang shook her head.

Lady Yu felt at this moment that her daughter was still her little girl. She smiled and said, "I have to do the night patrol today, so you should go to bed early."

"Alright, Mother. If anything comes up, just let Father or me know," She Niang replied.

It goes without saying that Lady Yu was very responsible, checking every location. She first warned the ones drinking or gambling, and if they ignored her repeated warnings, she had them tied up and then asked for Old Madam Pei's decision.

She went to the mourning hall and the Listening to the Qin Pavilion, telling the stewards there to watch the candles, etc.

Among the Taoist priests at the Listening to the Qin Pavilion was one who had originally been from the Xuandu Temple. When the temple was destroyed, he escaped through a dog hole with gold and silver, later left the priesthood and got married. However, after getting into legal trouble, he sought refuge in another Taoist temple and became a priest again.

This time, he came to the Pei family with his fellow priests to perform rituals. Unexpectedly, he looked up and saw an old acquaintance.

Back then, that woman had come to the Xuandu Temple with her sister-in-law to pray for a child. She cleverly discovered something amiss and tried to escape. Afraid that things would escalate, he naturally didn’t want her to get away. But the woman played along with him, saying her husband hadn’t consummated their marriage yet and that if he found out, she might be divorced. She left behind a marked piece of personal jewelry, promising to meet for pleasure later.

He took the pair of paired hairpins and made sure to take one of her handkerchiefs, thinking that she couldn’t back out later.

He could simply threaten her with what he had.

Later, if it hadn’t been for the Xuandu Temple being investigated by the authorities, he would have almost forgotten about it in his rush to escape. But as luck would have it, he actually ran into her again.

This woman was now managing the household, known as the Sixth Madame, like a ripe peach.

"Senior Brother Qingyangzi, the host family sent over some bedding, saying they’re afraid everyone might get cold," a young Taoist priest came over to Qingyang and said.

Qingyangzi gave a slight nod but thought to himself that he couldn’t get close to her—after all, she was a lady of the household, always surrounded by attendants.

Eventually, an opportunity arose. The second son of the Pei family had been hit and knocked out, and the Second Madame wanted to perform a ritual to clear bad karma. He volunteered, which allowed him access to the inner courtyard.

Lady Lu was already bedridden, so the household matters naturally passed to Lady Yu, who was also extremely busy.

She Niang personally massaged her mother, and the two ate a bowl of bean porridge together. Lady Yu looked at her daughter and said, "Your sister mentioned she put in a good word for you with the Old Madam, so from now on, you can spend more time there."

"I don’t want to go. What’s the point of currying favor? She keeps all the meat for herself and expects others to kneel and beg for scraps—that’s just too much. Take managing the household, for example. All the dirty, exhausting work like night rounds and managing meals falls on you, while socializing with noblewomen is handed over to the Eldest Aunt? When the Second Aunt managed the household, she handled both internal and external affairs together. Why is it split now that it’s your turn?" She Niang saw things clearly.

Lady Yu tapped her daughter’s forehead and said, "You’ve got spirit and a sharp eye, but sometimes it’s better to play dumb."

She Niang laughed. "I won’t listen to others, but I’ll listen to you, Mother."

After breakfast, since Li Niang had been spending time with the Old Madam lately, once Lady Yu left for the second branch, She Niang noticed that Dong Mei was on duty that day and called her in to ask about Concubine Hua.

She Niang was quite curious about this woman, who was actually her true grandmother.

Since the last time She Niang had asked, Dong Mei had already prepared what to say. Now, hearing She Niang’s inquiry, she whispered, "I heard that Concubine Hua was originally a distant relative of the Pei family, a distant cousin of the Old Master. They grew up together as childhood sweethearts. But her family fell into decline, and the Old Master had gone to the capital at the time, hoping to marry her after succeeding in the imperial exams. Unexpectedly, the Old Master caught the eye of the daughter of the Marquis of Dingbei—that’s the Old Madam. It’s said she was almost married into the royal family, but no one knows how she ended up choosing the Old Master."

"I see. But if that’s the case, why did Concubine Hua have to become a concubine?" She Niang found it strange. If her childhood sweetheart married someone else, she could have married someone else.

Why become a concubine? Being a concubine wasn’t a good thing.

Look at the Second Aunt—as soon as the Second Uncle fell ill, she threw out all his concubines, even making them leave behind all their money and jewelry, allowing them only to take their personal clothing.

If she could have been childhood sweethearts with the Old Master, it meant her family background wasn’t too bad. Even if her family had fallen into decline, she might have been like Meng Jilan. During the Pei family’s mourning period, Meng Jilan and her mother had gone to her father’s post. At the very least, she could have married into a local gentry family.

Dong Mei explained, "That’s where the trouble lies. When Concubine Hua’s parents heard that the Old Master had married someone else, they fell ill from the shock and died. So, the Old Master brought her into the household."

Once Concubine Hua arrived, she was made a proper concubine. How could a primary wife like the Old Madam Pei tolerate this? The wife and concubine fought for years until Concubine Hua was ultimately defeated and driven out. But from then on, the Old Master and the Old Madam became estranged.

"I understand. Don’t speak of this to anyone else, and don’t mention it to outsiders," She Niang instructed her.

Dong Mei said, "Don’t worry. If you hadn’t asked, I would have taken this to my grave."

After Lady Yu went to the second branch, since the main hall was occupied with rituals, she rested in a side room. Hearing that a Taoist priest had come to discuss ritual tools, she had him brought in. Unexpectedly, it was Qingyang.

At first, Lady Yu didn’t recognize him. Qingyang seriously discussed a few ritual tools but suddenly said, "Ah, yes. This poor priest has a disciple who picked up a paired hairpin outside. Could the lady tell me whose it is?"

Lady Yu didn’t pay much attention at first, thinking it might have been lost by someone in the household amidst the recent chaos. But when the maid brought the hairpin over, she realized it was hers. Shocked, she looked up at Qingyang.

...

Yi Niang had been brooding over how to get revenge when, as if answering her prayers, an opportunity presented itself. She was on good terms with Lady Lu, who naturally wanted to return the favor. Moreover, a few days earlier, during her night rounds, Lady Yu had driven out several people who were drinking and gambling, among them Lady Lu’s trusted aides. Lady Lu had sent someone to plead with Lady Yu, but Lady Yu had blamed it on the Old Madam’s orders.

Now that her own family was in trouble, the sixth branch had suddenly risen to prominence. Lady Yu was managing the household and gaining influence, while Li Niang had become a favorite of the Old Madam. When one is down on their luck, seeing others thrive—even without any prior grudges—can make one want to kick them when they’re down, especially when there are vested interests involved.

So, when Lady Lu heard from Yi Niang about a scandal involving Lady Yu—that she had only borne a son because of a disgraceful affair at the Xuandu Temple, and now her old lover had shown up—she saw an opportunity.

For years, the second branch had spent a fortune trying to have a son, buying several concubines for one or two thousand taels each, not to mention the household maids. It cost a lot of money. Now, to learn that the so-called eldest grandson was actually a bastard...

"Second Aunt, I don’t ask for much. I just want to give her a taste of her own medicine. My mother died because of rumors, and the Sixth Aunt destroyed her with slander. Now it’s time for her to experience being tangled in gossip herself," Yi Niang said bitterly.

Lady Lu thought to herself that this Yi Niang was no easy customer—such ruthlessness in a young girl.

The two of them plotted together, naturally aiming to arrange a private meeting between Qingyang and Lady Yu, ideally getting both to confess what happened back then and reveal the truth.

If this had happened before, Lady Yu would have been trembling just holding the note. But now, having already confessed her deepest secret, she immediately sent for Pei Yiqing and She Niang to discuss it.

The note said that if she didn’t come to the side room outside the corner gate at midnight to retrieve the things he had taken from her, he would expose her secret and tarnish her name.

"Something’s not right. How would a Taoist priest have the key to the corner gate? The side room outside the corner gate is also locked. Unless someone in our household is an insider, he wouldn’t be able to do this," She Niang analyzed.

Pei Yiqing sneered, "Perfect timing. The people sent to the Shuiyue Nunnery have returned. I’ll find out who the mole is first, and then we’ll catch them red-handed!"

The next day, Yi Niang was full of confidence. She had heard from Lady Lu that everything was prepared. They would deliberately lead Lady Cao and Nanny Xiang to witness the event. This would either destroy Lady Yu or at least make her suffer greatly, all while keeping her own hands clean.

She went to pay her respects to the Old Madam as usual. Li Niang was there, making everyone laugh. Yi Niang thought to herself that Li Niang’s status now rivaled Shun Niang’s. But after this, would she still be able to laugh?

Li Niang was very happy to have moved into the back rooms of the Old Madam’s residence. Moreover, she had become close with Ling Yi, the second daughter of the Xi family. Unlike her stunningly beautiful older sister, Ling Yi was lively and clever. Seeing that Li Niang had won the Old Madam’s favor, she clung to her even more.

In truth, Li Niang was very self-aware. If she were to be with She Niang, even though She Niang was younger, she had a proud spirit and wouldn’t defer to her or try to please her. But Li Niang was someone who needed others to flatter and support her. So, while the sisters could get along, each had her own path to follow.

As Nanny Chen said, She Niang was proud and intelligent, like an unsheathed sword—once drawn, everyone would see her brilliance. Because she worked hard and was diligent, she could hold her own even alone, never falling short.

So She Niang didn’t want to come to the Old Madam’s place—she didn’t want to enter Li Niang’s territory or see how popular she was.

"Old Madam, Nanny Xiang went to the Western Residence to deliver something. Why hasn’t she returned yet?" Li Niang hadn’t seen Nanny Xiang for a while.

Old Madam Pei said, "Who knows what’s keeping her."

Yi Niang, however, remained calm and composed, waiting for things to unfold. Unexpectedly, Nanny Xiang stumbled in and said, "Old Madam, something terrible has happened! The Sixth Master has brought officials to arrest the Third Young Lady..."

"What?" Old Madam Pei was shocked.