Chapter 28: Chapter 28 (Two Chapters Combined)

Chapter 28: Two Chapters Combined

After the poetry contest results were announced, She Niang unexpectedly claimed first place. Guo Xianzhu specially approached her, remarking, "I never expected my younger sister to possess such remarkable literary talent! Truly admirable."

She Niang, of course, offered a few modest words. Guo Xianzhu then had the prize brought over, which She Niang happily accepted.

Li Niang stared at her sister as if confronting a formidable foe: "Since when did your poetry become so accomplished?"

"How would I know if it's good or not? Isn't it all up to the judges? Actually, yours was very good too; it's just that the judges lacked discernment." She Niang wasn't being modest; she was the type who could craft beautiful poetry but chose not to let it hinder her.

Moreover, she employed a simple, diligent method: she'd write a poem for every flower she saw, keeping a notebook by her side even in the privy to jot down sudden inspirations. She also extensively read the works of past poets, weaving in various allusions. Consequently, she was genuinely not adept at poetry.

Li Niang, whose pout could have hung an oil pot, brightened upon hearing She Niang's words and even humbly added, "Younger sister, your writing is also very good."

"I'll bring you a pair of silk flowers to wear when we return," She Niang promised.

With that, Li Niang said no more.

After the poetry contest concluded, they naturally didn't disperse immediately. The young ladies gathered to play backgammon, pitch-pot, and chess, just as they would at home.

Sun Biqing proactively suggested a game of chess with She Niang, who readily agreed. Though ostensibly playing chess, they were subtly probing each other.

"Fifth Miss Pei, did your family specifically hire a tutor for you?" Sun Biqing inquired.

She Niang smiled: "My sisters and I attend a girls' school together, so we all study in one place."

Sun Biqing praised: "No wonder I find your poetry and prose extraordinary, younger sister. I'm not nearly as good; I'm far inferior to you."

"Sister Sun, there's no need for such modesty. By the way, do you have any brothers or sisters at home?" She Niang disliked constant flattery.

At this, Sun Biqing sighed: "I have a younger sister and a younger brother. I'm not afraid of you laughing, but they're truly good-for-nothings."

"Your family is just like ours, with two daughters and one son. Seeing how clever Sister Sun is, you're being overly self-deprecating," She Niang said with a smile.

Gradually, She Niang learned that Sun Biqing's father was a juren (provincial graduate) who had served three terms as county magistrate without promotion. Sun Biqing's diligent socializing was an effort to secure a better future for herself.

Just as they finished a game of chess, Guo Xianzhu sent someone to invite She Niang for a chat. She Niang wondered if it was because her poetry was so good, and Guo Xianzhu had a discerning eye for talent.

Thus, she set aside Sun Biqing and went to Guo Xianzhu first.

In social circles, it is generally wise to network upwards while maintaining connections with peers or those of lower status, avoiding any cause for gossip. This is the mark of a skilled socialite.

One should not be overly compassionate, pitying those of lower status to the detriment of one's own social connections.

Earlier, it was a large gathering of about twenty girls. Now, at Guo Xianzhu's side, there were only two other young ladies: her close friend Lin Yueyao, and another, Zhao Xiane, daughter of the Yongning Guard's garrison commander, who had also left a strong impression on She Niang.

Being among them, She Niang realized that factionalism existed everywhere.

Guo Xianzhu then introduced She Niang to Zhao Xiane: "This is the daughter of Vice-Prefect Pei, from the eastern branch of the Hedong Pei clan, formally named Langhuan. You saw her poetry earlier—it was quite excellent."

Zhao Xiane smiled: "I find Fifth Miss Pei's demeanor very intelligent. We should interact often in the future."

"Elder sisters, please stop praising me—my face is getting sore from smiling," She Niang quickly interjected with a laugh.

Everyone laughed again. Guo Xianzhu fanned herself with her Xiangfei fan and said, "I see we are all so congenial. Although the Heavenly Consort's birthday has passed, if we have leisure time in the future, we can spend it together."

Zhao Xiane said: "You don't need to worry. When those palace matrons come, just have your family treat them well with good food and drink. We'll find excuses to visit you and give you more rest breaks."

So that was the reason. She Niang and Lin Yueyao were not familiar with Guo Xianzhu, but hearing Zhao Xiane speak like this, they were at a loss for words.

It was Zhao Xiane who explained to them: "Xianzhu's maternal family is in the Prince of Zhao's fiefdom. When she visited them, it happened to be the year the fiefdom was selecting consorts for the Prince of Zhao's heir. But those selected weren't very attractive. The Princess of Zhao saw Xianzhu and immediately said she was good, selecting her as secondary consort. But the Prince of Zhao's mansion has strict rules, specially sending people from so far away to teach etiquette. Those matrons are all the Princess of Zhao's close attendants. If Xianzhu shows any slight imperfection, she might be criticized after entering the mansion. Being under their watchful eyes every day, not only is it hard on Xianzhu, but it's hard to watch for us too. So we help where we can, seeing that we've been fated to meet."

Hearing Zhao Xiane's words, She Niang exclaimed: "Sister Zhao, you and Sister Guo can rest assured. I'm someone with nothing to do anyway. Let's stay in touch often—I'll definitely help you."

Lin Yueyao also quickly agreed.

After everyone spoke, Guo Xianzhu was visibly moved and thanked them all.

Upon leaving the Guo residence, She Niang carried two packages of Wuyishan Dahongpao tea—Guo Xianzhu had specially given them to her upon hearing she liked it.

Back home, She Niang and Li Niang first went to speak with Yu Shi. In front of Yu Shi, She Niang personally selected a pair of silk flowers for Li Niang and then recounted Guo Xianzhu's situation.

Li Niang seemed to finally grasp the situation: "So she's going to become a royal consort! No wonder she carried herself with such airs. Speaking of which, the old lady also had Shun Niang learn etiquette—could it be she wants Shun Niang to marry some prince or noble too?"

"Not impossible. Uncle is also a prefect, and the old lady has connections. It would be normal for Shun Niang to become a royal consort. Actually, sister, you surpass her in both talent and appearance. No wonder the old lady was desperate to send you away." She Niang originally wanted to say something else, but once she spoke, it stirred trouble. She sometimes had to hand it to herself—a born provocateur.

Yu Shi glanced at Li Niang, then considered that Shun Niang's appearance indeed couldn't compare to Li Niang's. Could it really be true?

Li Niang also felt a chill. She was usually overly confident, believing her beauty was exceptional and her father, an official who had passed the imperial examinations, meant she was in no way inferior to Shun Niang. That Shun Niang was stubbornly rigid, falsely high-minded, and looked down on everyone—far inferior even to her own younger sister She Niang.

Seeing them both lost in thought, She Niang said: "I was just saying it casually, don't take it seriously. Our dynasty is different from the previous one. In the previous dynasty, the imperial clansmen only lived in the capital without real power. In our dynasty, imperial relatives and nobles hold real power, especially military authority. Therefore, being a royal consort is indeed better than being an ordinary person."

Li Niang hadn't known about this path before. She also thought about how the old lady talked about marrying her back to her maternal family—actually eliminating competition in advance. No wonder Mother Chen ran away without a word—probably afraid she would blame her when things came to light later.

Originally Li Niang had missed Mother Chen, but now it seemed She Niang had exposed the truth. She was furious inside.

She Niang hadn't expected Li Niang to believe her words so much. She thought it probably wasn't actually believing her, but rather feeling she should have been able to go higher and further.

Many people were like this. Li Niang's conditions were already quite good—there was nothing wrong with her thinking this way.

After the two sisters finished speaking with Yu Shi, they both returned to their rooms. Just as Yu Shi was setting out dinner, Pei Yiqing returned. She stood up to help him remove his official robes, smiling: "She Niang won first place at the poetry contest today, got a prize, and shared some with her sister. She said someone gave her Dahongpao tea, she found it delicious when she tried it, and specially saved a package for us."

Pei Yiqing immediately had someone brew the tea. Hearing Yu Shi talk about the Guo family girl's news, he tapped the table: "Maybe She Niang's words actually have some truth to them. In our family, Second Brother is paralyzed. Of course, even if he weren't, he's just an imperial college student. Third Sister, needless to say, isn't very clever. Our Li Niang's conditions are indeed not bad..."

Thinking further, he said: "Don't forget, our family is in the Prince of Jin's fiefdom. The old lady has good relations with the Prince of Jin's birth mother. Making Shun Niang a secondary consort wouldn't be impossible. No wonder they kicked our Li Niang out early—it was for this reason."

"If that's the case, without Li Niang, there's still She Niang? Our She Niang is so outstanding, why didn't the old lady guard against her? Could this be you overthinking things?" Yu Shi felt her husband was getting carried away.

Pei Yiqing thought it might be true. Seeing a servant bring tea, he took a sip: "This tea really is quite good."

"Indeed. Let's have dinner quickly. The two girls came back full, but you must be starving." Yu Shi served him a bowl of porridge and handed it to him.

Another two days passed. She Niang went to chat with Lin Yueyao. Passing by the prefect's residence gate, she saw a woman wearing a pinkish-red vest and an emerald-green floor-length skirt coming out.

"Sister Qian," She Niang greeted with a smile.

This woman was Qian Qian, a stunning but cold beauty. She Niang had heard people say she was the Yu family's child bride, others said she was their adopted daughter—all kinds of rumors. But now she was seventeen, and the Yu family neither let her complete the marriage with the Yu eldest young master nor found her a good family.

Stuck in this awkward situation, it was admirable she could still remain composed.

Qian Qian saw it was She Niang and stopped: "Where is Fifth Miss going?"

"Going to play with Sister Lin. I won't disturb Sister Qian anymore; I'll be on my way," She Niang said.

Qian Qian slightly nodded and made a welcoming gesture.

When She Niang arrived at Lin Yueyao's place, she was doing embroidery by the window, wearing a lilac-colored short-sleeved jacket with a pleated skirt underneath and gold bangles on her arms—just like a beauty in an ancient painting.

She took a plum from the porcelain vial she carried with her and placed it directly by Lin Yueyao's lips. Lin Yueyao looked up at her, gave a radiant smile, and ate it from her hand, saying, "I was wondering who was being so mischievous. She Niang, come sit here quickly."

"Yes, I brought a book to read with you, sister." She Niang waved the book in her hand.

But Lin Yueyao was a diligent sort and insisted on finishing the last few stitches of her embroidery before reading with She Niang.

She Niang found such days deeply satisfying, far better than her previous life living under someone else's roof. Whatever she wanted to do, her parents tried their best to satisfy her, and she didn’t have to mind others' moods. Even when she began to develop, her mother personally made undergarments for her.

After arriving in Quanzhou, she was able to make a few close friends. Such happiness might be ordinary for others, but for her, it was truly precious.

Lin Yueyao had someone add some Fu Rong incense to the incense burner, and the two of them read together while chatting about domestic affairs.

"Did you know? Vice Prefect Xu has sent someone to bring Eldest Miss Xu back," Lin Yueyao said.

She Niang smiled. "I’ve heard a little about it."

Lin Yueyao lowered her voice. "I heard that Eldest Miss Xu’s aunt’s family has been reassigned to a provincial post, so she can’t stay with them anymore. That’s why she’s coming back."

Seeing how seriously Lin Yueyao took it, She Niang said, "So what if she comes back? We’ll just live our own lives. It has nothing to do with us."

"It’s not that. This Eldest Miss Xu can be quite prickly. You should be careful," Lin Yueyao warned.

She Niang smiled and nodded in agreement.

A month later, Eldest Miss Xu did indeed return. Not only did she come back herself, but she also brought along her cousin, Master Dong, the grandson of the Vice Minister of Rites who had been transferred from Beijing to Nanjing.

Master Dong had previously met Pei Ji in the capital. When they met again in Quanzhou, Pei Ji naturally invited him over for a chat. Li Niang and She Niang were tasked with entertaining Eldest Miss Xu, who had come along.

The sisters treated her with proper etiquette, but Eldest Miss Xu knitted her willow-leaf eyebrows critically and said, "Why does this tea have such a strange taste?"

She Niang quickly stepped forward to take a sniff. "There’s nothing wrong with it. This is Wuyishan Da Hong Pao, freshly delivered this year."

"Then it must be the water. The best water for brewing tea has always been mountain spring water, which has a natural sweetness. Ordinary water gives it this odd taste," Eldest Miss Xu said, as if even one more sip was distasteful.

Although Li Niang was usually talkative, she remained silent when criticized. But She Niang was not one to be trifled with. She smiled and said, "Our house is a simple one and doesn’t have such fine conditions. Does the Xu family drink mountain spring water every day? Why is it that just the other day, I saw your servants drawing water from the well next to ours?"

Eldest Miss Xu, accustomed to being pampered by her aunt and cousin in her mother’s absence, had cultivated a 'the weaker I am, the more right I am' attitude. Even in the Dong family, she walked around like she owned the place. Seeing how beautiful the Pei sisters were, she felt somewhat displeased and naturally found fault. She hadn’t expected the younger Pei sister to retort right away.

Usually, when Eldest Miss Xu encountered difficulties, she would whine in front of her aunt or cousin, and someone would solve the problem for her. But now her cousin was in the front hall, and she had no one to turn to. She glanced at She Niang, who looked back at her with a faint smile, completely unafraid. At a loss, Eldest Miss Xu had no choice.

The three of them sat in awkward silence until someone outside announced that Master Dong was leaving. Eldest Miss Xu hurriedly rushed to the front.

She Niang naturally reported this incident to Yu Shi, adding, "No wonder even someone as tolerant as Sister Lin warned me to be careful. This person truly has no upbringing."

"Your brother said that Master Dong is only here seeing her home. He’ll be leaving for Nanjing in a few days, and then she won’t dare to act so arrogantly," Yu Shi said.

She Niang understood what this meant: while the Dong family was here, Vice Prefect Xu’s family was treating Eldest Miss Xu with great respect. But once they left, she would no longer receive such treatment.

Still, she wondered, "From the way Eldest Miss Xu behaves, it seems like she’s going to marry into the Dong family?"

Hearing this, Yu Shi smiled. Though Yu Shi was generally mild-tempered, her expression told She Niang that Eldest Miss Xu’s chances of marrying into the Dong family were slim.

But these were other people’s affairs, and She Niang needed to focus on her own studies. When new model examination answers were released, she sent her maid to Pei Ji to fetch the books.

Unexpectedly, when Lan Re arrived, Pei Ji was speaking with Master Dong. Hearing that Lan Re had come with a message, he smiled and said, "I only bought it a few days ago, and she already has her eye on it. Fine, take it to her first."

Lan Re said, "Our young miss said she also has a copy of the model essays and some recent writings with Father’s comments. Young Master may take a look if he wishes."

Pei Ji had someone take them and said to Lan Re, "You may go. Tell her there’s no hurry to return them."

After Lan Re left, Pei Ji picked up the essays. Master Dong glanced at them and said, "Did your younger sister write these? They’re incisive and impressive."

As an older brother who had a good relationship with his younger sister, Pei Ji didn’t hesitate to accept the praise. "My sister has a remarkable talent for the eight-legged essays. While other girls enjoy reading romantic poetry, she excels at writing these essays."

Master Dong politely complimented, "Your sister is truly an extraordinary woman."

After returning from the Pei residence, Master Dong mentioned this to his cousin. Eldest Miss Xu reacted as if a hornet’s nest had been stirred, crying and screaming so loudly that even the Pei family’s servants next door could hear.

Li Niang covered her ears. "What is her problem?" She slipped on her shoes and went to She Niang’s room, saying, "Now I understand what Bai Juyi meant in 'Song of the Pipa Player' when he said 'the sound was so grating it was hard to bear.'"

She Niang, lying in bed, laughed. "That's so mean of you."

"Me? She’s the one who’s harsh! Making such a scene early in the morning." Li Niang yawned and climbed into She Niang’s bed to sleep some more.

She Niang turned to face her. "They say the Quanzhou Maritime Trade Office not only handles tributes from places like Ryukyu but also sees many Western goods passing through. It would be great if we could find some rare items."

Li Niang, with her eyes closed, replied drowsily, "We can’t really go out, so how would we find them? Even if we could, we don’t have the money. Yesterday, Mother said Father’s salary in silver couldn't be paid in full—only partially commuted to other goods, and even that wasn’t much."

"The money all goes to the imperial clan. Fujian is lucky not to have an imperial prince, but life is still hard for the people. Other places are even worse," She Niang said, sounding concerned about the nation and its people.

Li Niang laughed. "You should become an official. It’s a pity you’re a woman—probably not possible."

She Niang said seriously, "Although women can’t hold office, who’s to say we won’t accomplish great things at critical moments? Anyway, I’m so tired I can barely keep my eyes open."

The two sisters chatted until they fell asleep. Meanwhile, Eldest Miss Xu had calmed down, clearly pacified by Master Dong.

Naturally, because of this, Pei Ji didn’t invite Master Dong over again—it would have been too awkward. She Niang also didn’t get along with Eldest Miss Xu and avoided visiting the Xu family.

Master Dong left for Nanjing after a few days. Shortly after, Vice Prefect Xu swiftly arranged a marriage for Eldest Miss Xu with Huang Zhuo, the nephew of the eunuch who had once admired Guo Xianzhu’s beauty. Huang Zhuo was currently serving as the Vice Qianhu of the Chongwu Battalion.

At first, Eldest Miss Xu cried upon hearing the news, but after the Huang family sent over the betrothal gifts, her stepmother, Madame Xu, locked her up for a few days, and she eventually accepted it.

She Niang didn’t particularly like her, but she felt some sympathy seeing her married off to such a person.

Pei Yiqing, however, saw things clearly. "It’s not uncommon. Many officials seek shortcuts when they can’t advance. Although associating with palace officials is looked down upon, the benefits are real. Our fourth sister-in-law is also the niece of a eunuch, isn’t she?"

"It’s not that there’s anything wrong with it," Yu Shi said. "But from what She Niang says, this Huang fellow is a lecher. I don’t understand how someone could push their daughter into such a situation."

Pei Yiqing sighed. "I suspect Vice Prefect Xu originally wanted to marry his daughter into the Dong family, but the Dongs showed no interest. So brazenly sending her back made it clear there was no chance. He couldn’t just waste his daughter, so he used her to advance his career. He probably thinks it’s a worthwhile trade."

Vice Prefect Xu did indeed think this way. He had been an official in Quanzhou for five years, and the Dong family had done nothing to help him. Sending his daughter back was a slap in the face, so he had to find his own way out.

During a meal, he said to his wife, "You should talk to her properly. Parents arrange marriages through matchmakers. Since the engagement is settled, marrying into the Huang family early isn’t such a bad thing."

Madame Xu smiled. "You’re right, sir."

She had already claimed the betrothal gifts, planning to use them as dowry for her own daughter. As for her stepdaughter, she prepared a thirty-six-piece dowry, but only half were filled with actual items—the rest were empty.

What could she do? Master Dong might have loved and cherished Eldest Miss Xu, but he couldn’t make the decisions. Sending her back made it all too clear.

This way, once her husband was promoted, her own daughter could marry into a better family.

So, Madame Xu went to see Eldest Miss Xu. She ignored the girl’s glare and said, "This Qianhu Huang isn’t so bad. He’s a fifth-rank official. Your father is only a sixth-rank official. Besides, Qianhu Huang is only eighteen, around your age. It’s a good match. You’ll live a comfortable life after marrying him."

"If it's so wonderful, why not have Second Sister marry him?" the Eldest Xu daughter yelled.

Madam Xu smiled and said, "Don't yell at me, girl. This marriage was decided by your father. If you don’t wish to marry, you can take it up with him directly. But I’m afraid he might even think you’re a disgrace. You and Young Master Dong grew up together and returned side by side—those who didn’t know might have thought you were going to be married! But all these years, the Dong family has acted as though they dote on you, yet they never once brought up marriage. You’re already seventeen—do you really want to delay any further?"

These words struck a chord with the Eldest Xu daughter. She had thought that her cousin escorting her back meant the marriage was as good as settled. Instead, it became the last straw.

Her father felt that the Dong family couldn’t help him advance in his career and hadn’t even mentioned a marriage proposal, so he immediately arranged her engagement to someone else.

But if she didn’t marry now, she would truly become a laughingstock—an old maid.

The Eldest Xu daughter accepted her fate.