Chapter 25: Chapter 25 (Two Chapters Combined)

Chapter 25: Double-Length Chapter

She Niang had initially believed that with her father’s support and Eldest Uncle Pei’s apparent eagerness—given his past as a prefect who had even overseen provincial exams—things would proceed smoothly.

Unexpectedly, Mo Yun interjected, “It’s getting late, and I fear the sisters won’t be able to endure it. Let’s not overtax everyone’s health just for essay writing.”

She Niang immediately retorted, “Cousin Mo, this isn’t compulsory; those unwilling may withdraw. However, our Pei family upholds its legacy through literature. Moreover, as Cao Pi, Prince of Wei, once said, ‘Writing is a great undertaking for governing the state, an immortal and magnificent affair.’ Don’t you scholars also burn the midnight oil, from the third watch until the fifth?”

Eldest Master Pei couldn’t help but nod. “Well said. So be it. I’ll have tables brought in. Those willing to participate, wait for me to distribute the prompt.”

This implied that those unwilling were free to leave.

Yi Niang immediately withdrew, claiming she didn’t know how. The two sisters from the western residence excused themselves, feigning a cold. Li Niang was busy explaining to the adults that she hadn’t finished her homework due tomorrow and needed to return to complete it.

Thus, only She Niang, Shun Niang, Mo Yun, Pei Ji, and the Pei brothers, Pei Zhen and his sibling, remained to participate.

The topic was “Those who are fond of antiquity and diligent in seeking it.” Having recently finished studying *The Analects* and practicing daily, She Niang immediately recalled this line from *The Analects – Shu Er*: “The Master said, ‘I am not one who was born with knowledge; I am one who is fond of antiquity and diligent in seeking it.’” This was a “linked topic” (截搭题).

Such linked topics typically appeared before the *xiucai* examinations. She Niang thought that for someone like Mo Yun, it would be second nature.

Therefore, she dared not be careless. She first drafted an outline to analyze the topic, then elaborated on it, followed by an introduction, and finally employed the eight-part structure to develop her arguments. After completing the narrative, she concluded with a laudatory flourish. That was roughly the process.

Having memorized many model essays and received guidance from her father and tutors, coupled with her own diligence, she might not achieve the most exquisite language, but reaching an above-average standard was already commendable.

After everyone finished writing, they submitted their papers. She Niang resumed the modest demeanor expected of a young lady and chatted with Yu Shi.

The two *jinshi* examiners quickly graded the papers, and the results were announced the next morning. She Niang had hoped to secure a spot in the top three, as Mo Yun was already a government student, and her brother, who studied at the academy, was also said to be quite capable.

To her surprise, she ranked second only to Mo Yun, and Mo Yun wasn’t significantly better than her. He was simply older and had read more, so his phrasing appeared somewhat more ornate.

Even Yu Shi hadn’t expected this. She looked at her daughter and asked, “She Niang, tell me how you approached the essay.”

She Niang explained her method to Yu Shi, who was very encouraging. Pei Yiqing even chided Pei Ji: “Aren’t you ashamed? Your sister has caught up to you.”

Pei Ji scratched the back of his head and looked down without speaking. She Niang interjected, “Father, I’m just more familiar with this topic. It’s not a big deal. Brother simply didn’t expect to be tested…”

This only made Pei Yiqing angrier.

His younger daughter was clever but not a son, while his son lagged behind his daughter. The thought made his heart race. Fortunately, there was food in front of him, and he quickly ate several mouthfuls.

As for She Niang, though surprised by her second-place result, she continued to immerse herself in studying the eight-part essays, feeling she hadn’t read enough. Truly, the sea of learning has no bounds.

From then on, Pei Yiqing treated his younger daughter like a son, often testing her knowledge. Meanwhile, Li Niang felt she had got off easy and was very relieved. For her, not having to study the eight-part essays was a blessing.

Others, however, were astonished. For instance, Yi Niang, who could hardly read, sighed when Sui Sui mentioned it: “She Niang is only eleven, yet she’s already achieved so much. No wonder people say the Pei family truly upholds the tradition of poetry and scholarship. I can’t do anything.”

Sui Sui had long worried that the Pei family might send them away. It was only after her young lady pleaded, saying the three of them had relied on each other at the Shuiyue Nunnery and must stay, that the Pei family agreed. Grateful, Sui Sui became even more loyal to Yi Niang.

She didn’t think her young lady was lacking and instead said, “Fifth Miss, as the second daughter of the sixth branch, grew up with her older sister being the favored and beloved one, so she developed a strong will. But we women don’t need to take the imperial exams. What’s the use of her studying so much? You, young lady, possess excellent medical skills and can truly help people. That’s far more valuable.”

Yi Niang shook her head: “You’re wrong. The mistress says medicine is for those gossipy women. I may not entirely agree, but it’s clear that my path is not promising.”

“Then, should you ask Fifth Master and his wife to let you study?” Sui Sui knew this suggestion wasn’t ideal. Though in her own home, her young lady felt out of place.

Sure enough, Yi Niang disagreed: “Let’s forget it.”

Unlike Yi Niang’s calm demeanor, Shun Niang was disappointed to be ranked last. Old Madam Pei and her attendants reassured her: “Young lady, you’re still young and haven’t studied for long. This is normal.”

But Shun Niang thought differently: “Fifth Sister truly put in the effort. I really can’t compare in this aspect.”

“What does it matter?” Old Madam Pei said. “These essays won’t leave the women’s quarters. No matter how well she writes, it’s of little use. Instead, focus on learning proper manners well from the court lady. That will ensure a good future.” Old Madam Pei had candidates in mind—either the heirs of princely titles like the Prince of Qing or the Prince of Xiang, or prosperous and ambitious scholarly families.

The former was, of course, the preferred choice, so she wanted her granddaughter to master etiquette.

As for She Niang, with fewer connections, she would either marry into a minor official’s family or, at best, a slightly more prominent household. That was about it.

Hearing about a “good future,” Shun Niang’s eyelids flickered. Though young, she understood what it meant.

***

Two months later, it was already the seventh month, the time of the Ghost Festival. Old Madam Pei took everyone to the Yanqing Daoist Temple nearby for prayers. She Niang demanded of herself to write essays daily, whether resting or studying. These two months of intense effort had finally paid off, and she made further progress.

In the carriage, Li Niang talked to She Niang about essays: “You’ve read Cousin Mo’s essays. What do you think?”

“I’ve read a few and found them acceptable. He seems more skilled in legal matters; his judgments are well-written. But his essays are quite different from the model papers I’ve read. I can’t pinpoint what’s wrong, but they feel average,” She Niang commented impartially.

Li Niang whispered, “Let me tell you, Second Aunt recently urged Cousin Mo to pass the provincial examination. After the mourning period ends next year, it would be more honorable for him to marry Second Sister.”

“That’s difficult,” She Niang said objectively. “Only fifty or sixty people in a province can pass the provincial examination. Although Shanxi candidates take the northern exam, which is less challenging than the southern one, it’s still very hard to pass—no, extremely hard.”

Yu Shi, the daughter of a Hanlin scholar, added, “The imperial exams are no easy feat. Your grandfather had a classmate who, now almost sixty, is still taking the prefectural exam.”

Passing the prefectural exam made one a *Tongsheng*; passing only the county exam meant nothing.

“Those scholars must feel their lives are fulfilled if they pass the exams,” Li Niang mused. Having given up on writing eight-part essays herself, she could hardly imagine how difficult the county, prefectural, and academy exams were, let alone the provincial and metropolitan exams.

She Niang smiled and said, “Not necessarily. Passing the imperial exams is just the beginning. Some officials perform poorly and can’t get promoted, ending up frustrated. Of course, only a few become high officials. The emperor governs the people, but it still relies on local officials, and being a local official isn’t easy either.”

There was much more left unsaid, but She Niang didn’t elaborate.

Li Niang looked at her sister: “You really care about the nation and its people.”

“Of course,” She Niang said. “If the nation falls, everyone becomes conquered people. Without a nation, where is the home?” As she spoke, she lifted the carriage curtain and looked outside.

They passed by a place where someone was leading an ox, and a man carried firewood on his back. She Niang pointed outside for Yu Shi to see. Yu Shi laughed: “Look at you, wanting to run wild again, aren’t you?”

“Hehe.” She Niang leaned on Yu Shi’s shoulder and smiled without another word.

The Yanqing Daoist Temple was about thirty *li* from the Pei residence and had long received offerings from the Pei family. This time, the women from both the eastern and western residences came, with Liu Shi also attending to Old Madam Pei. She Niang and the others burned incense and kowtowed in prayer.

Meng Shi had already given one hundred taels of silver to the Taoists for the prayers, so the offerings and sacrificial items were prepared by the temple’s priests.

At that moment, the wife of Commander Zhu arrived. She Niang saw a well-dressed woman with a young daughter by her side, who seemed about fifteen years younger than her eldest son.

When Madam Zhu arrived, Pei Lingrong was very cautious around her, waiting on her hand and foot.

Moreover, the Zhu family was wealthy. They had specially come today and prepared gifts for each of the Pei family’s young ladies: a string of fragrant beads, a gold-painted fan, and a pair of equestrian rings. The gifts were quite generous.

Since Pei Lingrong was only from a side branch, she didn’t need to observe mourning as strictly. After this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival, she would marry into the Zhu family.

From She Niang’s perspective, Pei Lingrong didn’t seem fickle at this time? She even appeared eager to marry into the Zhu family.

Since her father became paralyzed, Yue Niang had lost her previous ambition. She was about the same age as Pei Lingrong. One was marrying into a military official’s family—a fourth-rank household—while the other could only marry into the already declining Mo family.

Seeing the Zhu family’s generosity, while Madam Mo still had to appeal to the Pei family, Yue Niang felt a sense of resentment.

Although Lu Shi had previously looked down on the Mo family, now that the two families had verbally betrothed, she instead advised her daughter, “Rare treasures are easily found, but a devoted man is hard to come by. I think Mo Yun is an attentive and thoughtful person, no worse than others. Now your eldest uncle and sixth uncle are also tutoring his studies. If he passes the provincial examination, he’ll be far superior.”

“You are right,” said Yue Niang.

Lu Shi went on, “People just have to accept their lot in life.”

Yue Niang retorted, “I don’t buy that my fate is this bad. Mother, if only you had arranged my engagement earlier.”

“As the saying goes, what’s done is done. There’s no use in regret. No one could have predicted your grandfather would pass so soon, nor that your father would get into such trouble. What you should do now is not dwell on regret, but often curry favor with your grandmother. A substantial dowry when you marry will be more valuable than anything else,” Lu Shi advised her daughter.

Yue Niang thought to herself that her mother’s concern was only so she could rely on her daughter’s support in the future. If she married into a higher family, she might not be able to assist her birth family.

It seemed everyone was selfish, even her own parents.

Thus, on the way back, Yue Niang remained sullen. She Niang noticed and said to Yu Shi, “Mother, why didn’t the Old Madam arrange a better match for Second Sister? It’s just not right. The daughter of a county magistrate from the neighboring West Mansion, relying on her grandfather and uncles, was matched with the son of a Regional Military Commissioner. Yet Second Sister, as the Old Madam’s own granddaughter and niece, is betrothed to the Mo family. Not that the Mo family is bad, but Cousin Mo lost his father, and his future will be full of hardships.”

Yu Shi thought to herself, indeed, usually the Old Madam showed great concern for Lu Shi, yet she refused to give the match with the Marquis of Dingbei to Yue Niang, insisting instead on reserving it for her own Li Niang. Could there be some hidden reason behind this?

Beware of Greeks bearing gifts.

In the seventh month, aside from the prayer outing, Yu Shi forbade them from going out casually, citing the Ghost Festival (a traditional observance) and fear of attracting unclean things. The weather was hot, so She Niang stayed indoors all day, sitting by an ice basin, studying eight-legged essays.

By the Mid-Autumn Festival in the eighth month, She Niang felt she had progressed from mere interest in eight-legged essays to a genuine understanding. Even Pei Yiqing, upon reading her essays, remarked, “The third and fourth sections are somewhat flat, but the opening is quite well done. You need more practice.”

“Alright, I’ll remember that. Please bring me more model essays and commentaries. I need to study them carefully,” She Niang said.

Pei Yiqing, impressed by his daughter’s diligence regardless of season, promised right away.

In summer, the days were longer. She Niang returned to her room to read for a while before deciding to take a stroll in the backyard. That night, Lan Ruo and Gui Fang were on night duty. Gui Fang stayed to mind the room, while Lan Ruo accompanied her.

Near their western courtyard stood a rockery, behind which was a winding corridor. She Niang sat on the corridor, enjoying the gentle breeze. Lan Ruo’s handkerchief was blown away, and she hurried to retrieve it. “Miss, it’s getting dark. Let’s go back,” she said.

She Niang massaged her temples and stretched. “Yes, let’s sleep early tonight. Tomorrow is Mid-Autumn Festival, and Eldest Uncle will test us again.”

“Your essays are getting better all the time. We servants feel proud too,” Lan Ruo said cheerfully.

After She Niang and her maid left, two figures hidden in the rockery breathed a sigh of relief. It was none other than Mo Yun and Pei Lingrong. Since Pei Lingyi was to marry in the ninth month, the two had met during the previous prayer outing and still harbored feelings for each other.

A fur mat was spread in the cave. They lay together for a while before finally came to their senses.

Mo Yun, still rational, said, “In the future, you will be Mrs. Zhu. Be a good wife. It’s a pity my family has declined, and I cannot marry you. But I still wish you well.”

“Cousin, Yue Niang from the East Mansion is also talented and beautiful. I hope she will be filial to your mother and take good care of you,” Pei Lingrong said, her tone tinged with jealousy.

Mo Yun affectionately tweaked her nose. “Marrying her is only because our families arranged it. My feelings are only for you.”

After another moment of intimacy, they parted. She Niang did not discover their affair, but Yi Niang did. That day, Yi Niang had been scolded by Cao Shi and was feeling unhappy. She was a strong-minded person but not one to argue openly. These days, she had come to realize that even with the status of a daughter of a well-off family, there were many limitations and frustrations.

Unexpectedly, she witnessed Mo Yun and Pei Lingrong in the dark. Thinking she might have mistaken them, she quickly hid. Later, fearing the maids might come looking for her, she slowly left.

After returning, she fell ill and did not even attend the Mid-Autumn Festival gathering.

She Niang and Li Niang came to visit, with She Niang bringing two types of fruits. Yi Niang smiled and said, “I heard Fifth Sister won first place this time. Congratulations.”

“Oh, that was just playing around at home. In the outside world, my skills are nothing remarkable,” She Niang replied. She didn’t think Mo Yun was particularly outstanding. Passing the county-level imperial exams only indicated a period of hard work; without continuous study, one’s skills could easily decline. This was normal.

She was cultivated by a talented mother like Duan Niangzi and a father who was a high-ranking official. With a higher starting point and some innate talent, her rapid progress was natural.

But not everyone had such conditions.

She Niang sometimes wondered about children from poor families who genuinely desired to learn but lacked good teachers. What could they do?

Yi Niang smiled. “Fifth Sister is being modest again. I think you’re excellent.”

After some light conversation, Li Niang added, “Third Sister, you must recover quickly. Soon, Eldest Sister from the West Mansion will be married. We can’t go on her wedding day, but the day before, she has invited all us sisters.”

She Niang reminded, “We also need to prepare some needlework gifts. I’ve made a pair of pomegranate-blossom pouches.”

Little did they know Yi Niang was troubled, keeping the secret to herself. But Yi Niang was naturally easygoing. After a few days of discomfort, she reasoned that those who committed the shameful act were them, not her, and she truly put it out of her mind.

Before Pei Lingrong’s wedding, the sisters from the East Mansion visited the West Mansion. Though called sisters, they weren’t very familiar. It was said Pei Lingrong had eighty-eight dowry chests, and even her wedding dress took a year for embroiderers to complete.

Girls naturally harbored certain fantasies about marriage, and She Niang was no exception. Though she had lived a previous life, she envied such a grand wedding.

In her past life, she entered as a concubine. Though there was a ceremony, she was always inferior to the principal wife. Though she held rank, she was still a concubine at heart, always needing to be cautious and respectful.

This was different from how Yu Shi and others served their mother-in-law. At least Yu Shi and her fellow wives were equals, treating each other with courtesy. But between the principal wife and concubine, though the difference might seem small, it was a chasm difficult to cross.

In this life, she would leave no regrets. The first was to avoid filling the role of a second wife or stepmother.

Pei Lingrong had a grand wedding, but it was said that the very next day, Zhu the groom took two pretty maids as concubines. She Niang heard this from Li Niang.

She Niang handed Li Niang a handful of five-spice sunflower seeds, spat out a shell, and said, “Really? Last time I saw Madame Zhu, she seemed quite fond of her. How could the Zhu family do something so improper?”

“Who knows? I think Second Madam wants our family to back up Lingrong, but the Old Madam hasn’t agreed or refused,” Li Niang said, not fond of spiced seeds, so she took a handful of rose-flavored ones instead.

She Niang said, “It’s hard to help immediately without knowing the full story.”

Could the Zhu family have been like this from the start?

Meanwhile, the women of the West Mansion were anxious. Liu Shi, seeing Second Madam return from the East Mansion, hurried to support her mother-in-law. “What did Aunt say over there?”

Second Madam sighed. “The Old Madam there is willing to help, but their family is in mourning. She suggests we first ask Lingyi what exactly is happening with the Zhu family.”

Liu Shi helped her mother-in-law sit down, deeply worried. “If only we knew. We can’t easily inquire about the Zhu family’s affairs.”

The reasons were unclear to Pei Lingrong and the West Mansion, but Lu Shi and her daughter breathed a sigh of relief. Previously, Yue Niang had been jealous of Pei Lingyi, never expecting the Zhu family to humiliate her so.

Lu Shi smiled. “Marrying up is never easy, especially with military types. In the past, many beat their wives. Even your Fifth Uncle, a military exam graduate, used to beat Third Sister’s mother and your current Fifth Aunt.”

“Tsk, such things happened?” Yue Niang now felt that Mo Yun, at least, was considerate and gentle and quite handsome.

However, why had Mo Yun’s essays declined during Mid-Autumn, even falling behind She Niang? With the provincial-level exams approaching, how would he perform?

Thinking of this, Yue Niang felt somewhat resentful toward She Niang.

Naturally, Mo Yun did not pass, not even making the secondary list. He appeared crushed. On She Niang’s birthday, Pei Yiqing received a letter from Shao Tang, saying his son had passed the provincial exam. Immediately, Pei Yiqing wanted to discuss with Yu Shi about arranging the marriage early, lest someone else beat them to it.

“Excellent, a sixteen-year-old provincial graduate is truly remarkable,” Yu Shi said.

They would be out of mourning by the end of March next year. Then, they could go to the capital and personally discuss the marriage.

The couple shared the news of Young Master Shao’s success at the dinner table. She Niang smiled and said, “That Young Master Shao must be a genius.”

Unfortunately, in her previous life, he seemed to have died young.

Pei Yiqing praised him incessantly, and Yu Shi kept looking at their daughter, both thinking highly of Young Master Shao. Nanny Chen, seeing this, went to Old Madam Pei late that night.

Old Madam Pei remained composed. She had already written a letter to her nephew, and the two families had come to an understanding. She hadn’t brought the letter up earlier for fear of any hiccups, but now she could bring it out.

Not marrying Li Niang into her mother’s maiden family made her uneasy, as only by marrying into the Marquis of Dingbei’s household could she keep things within her control.

Pei Yiqing might try to weasel out of her demand, but they likely wouldn’t dare oppose the Marquis of Dingbei’s intentions unless they were truly prepared to burn all bridges. Her calculations were precise—when Pei Yiqing received the letter from the Marquis of Dingbei, its tone was earnest and sincere, even mentioning a desire to form a marital alliance between the two families, which showed genuine goodwill.

Just as Pei Yiqing found it difficult to refuse, news spread throughout the Pei residence that Li Niang was to marry into the Marquis of Dingbei’s household, with Old Madam Pei even adding a dowry fit for a procession of eight bearers and so on.

She Niang naturally heard about it as well. She had actually sensed this coming for a while but did nothing to stop it, because in her previous life, Number-One Scholar Shao had died young, while Wang Pan was still alive and well by the time she was reborn.

Still, She Niang couldn’t understand why Old Madam Pei was so fixated on Li Niang’s marriage arrangements? And how did she later manage to marry Shun Niang off to Number-One Scholar Shao, leaving Shun Niang widowed at a young age? Wasn’t that like shooting oneself in the foot?

She wondered if Old Madam Pei would come to regret it someday.