Chapter 29: Chapter 29 (Two Chapters Combined)

Chapter 29: Two Chapters Combined

Sometimes, She Niang mused, one could spend ten days or even half a month choosing a clothing style, yet when it came to selecting a marriage partner, decisions were made almost instantly. She wondered who she would marry in this lifetime but hoped it would be someone she truly desired, not someone she ended up with haphazardly.

Just like Eldest Miss Xu, who was once cherished by Master Dong, but was now about to marry a rakish gentleman like Huang Zhuo.

Setting aside the Xu family’s affairs for now, the two matrons invited by Guo Xianzhu’s family had arrived. Zhao Xiane vividly described them: "Two matrons dressed in silver-threaded satin, their hair neatly combed into slicked-back buns, very proper. Their faces showed no expression—neither angry nor smiling—and they simply said to Xianzhu, ‘Miss, please do it like this.’ Then they demonstrated a curtsy for her to learn, without even giving her time to drink water. When I went over, I only managed to say a few words before someone started watching us. It was so uncomfortable."

Indeed, it was like this. In her previous life, when She Niang met relatives, even sharing a few intimate words was difficult. It wasn’t until she became empress that things improved slightly. Having lived in that environment for so long, she hadn’t noticed anything amiss, but now, back at home, she truly appreciated the joy of freedom.

Lin Yueyao listened and felt a bit intimidated. "Those matrons are so strict. What should we do?"

"Don’t worry," She Niang said. "My birthday is in November. I’ll send an invitation to Sister Guo then. If the two matrons accompany her, I’ll have my mother and sister keep them company."

Both Zhao Xiane and Lin Yueyao thought this was a good idea. Although Guo Xianzhu couldn’t leave home for now, Zhao Xiane, who loved socializing, invited them to visit the Tianfei Palace to pay respects to Mazu.

"Near the Tianfei Palace, there are many imported novelties—incense, medicine, jewelry, you name it," Zhao Xiane said, often asking her brothers to bring her interesting trinkets.

That said, as young ladies from official families, they had to wear veils when going out to avoid showing their faces.

Even so, She Niang wanted to go out and see the world. She discussed it with Yu Shi, who said, "You must go with your brother, or I won’t feel at ease."

"Understood," She Niang replied with a smile.

As for Li Niang, She Niang asked if she wanted to join, but Li Niang declined. She found the outside world smelly and exhausting, with everyone sweating profusely. So, She Niang made plans with Zhao and Lin instead.

Meanwhile, Pei Yiqing, now serving as the Vice-Prefect of Revenue, was responsible for collecting local taxes. This often required him to interact with local gentry and wealthy households. As a *jinshi* degree-holder, unlike those who only passed the provincial exams or were *Jiansheng* with limited prospects who focused solely on making money, he was known for his integrity and had gained a good reputation, though the work was exhausting.

Unlike capital officials, local officials received their salaries once a year. For the first few months, Pei Yiqing’s salary included a salary differential, but starting next year, he would receive his annual salary.

She Niang was helping Yu Shi with the calculations: "An annual salary of 120 piculs of rice, a monthly firewood allowance of 3.6 taels of silver, doubled in winter, totaling 50.4 taels, plus an annual transportation allowance of 12 taels."

Yu Shi looked at the list and smiled. "You girls don’t need to worry about your father’s salary. Besides these, there are also customary supplements. Our household will have enough."

"Mother, what are customary supplements?" She Niang asked, puzzled.

Yu Shi explained, "Besides things like winter subsidy, summer subsidy, and celebration gifts, there’s also 160 taels of summer silk allowance and autumn grain silver. Summer silk is quite valuable, which is why some people prefer taking provincial posts."

She Niang thought to herself that with so many legitimate sources of income, she had been worrying unnecessarily about the family’s finances and even considered saving money.

Originally, Pei Ji was supposed to accompany She Niang, but Mrs. Lin invited Yu Shi and Mrs. Zhao to join them, saying it would put their minds at ease. Both She Niang and Yu Shi tried to persuade Li Niang to come, but Li Niang was on her monthly periods and refused to go no matter what.

It was already October, and although the weather was still somewhat dry, it was no longer hot. She Niang wore a silvery-red long gown with scrolling grass patterns, paired with an eight-gored pearl-white skirt embroidered with flowers and birds, and pink arched shoes with butterfly embroidery. Her hair was styled into three small chignons, with a silver-gilt jade hairpin shaped like a butterfly and flowers on the top chignon, and two gold-inlaid jade hairpins with parrots and peach branches on the sides. She wore pink tourmaline earrings, making her look quite resplendent.

When going out, dressing luxuriously helped deter street ruffians.

Her mother, Yu Shi, was also dressed meticulously.

In the past, when Yu Shi was in the Pei family, she rarely had the opportunity to socialize and didn’t like forcing herself into gatherings where she might be criticized. Now, riding in a large sedan chair with She Niang, both of them felt excited.

"Mother, I heard that people in Quanzhou pray to Mazu before setting sail, hoping she’ll guide them safely and prevent accidents."

Yu Shi smiled. "I think there’s also a Tianfei Palace in Nanjing, but we were just passing through and didn’t visit."

"Then let’s make sure to enjoy ourselves today. Sister Zhao said there are many overseas goods sold there. We can buy some novel curios to bring back," She Niang said eagerly.

After about half an hour in the sedan chair, the Pei and Lin families arrived first. Mrs. Lin suggested, "The Zhao family lives in Yongning Garrison, so they might take a while. Let’s wait at a teahouse nearby."

Having been in Quanzhou longer, Mrs. Lin was more familiar with the area. Although Quanzhou was a stronghold of Neo-Confucian principles, its bustling trade meant many women engaged in business, making the atmosphere relatively open. Even women could visit teahouses.

However, the teahouse manager had already reserved the space and prepared a private room.

She Niang and Lin Yueyao held hands as they went upstairs, both feeling excited. She Niang chose a seat by the window, watching the endless stream of people below. A man carried a pole with beautifully arranged fresh fruits, while a little boy sat in the basket behind him. A woman with a headscarf hurried down the street, and a man fanned himself leisurely with a pleated fan. Nearby, someone sold hot cakes, and a child drooled over them before being dragged away by his mother.

Not far away, by the river, fishing boats sold various goods. She Niang said to Lin Yueyao, "Are those the Tanka women you told me about?"

"Yes," Lin Yueyao replied. "They don’t live in houses like us; they live on boats, making the boat their home. But their fish balls are delicious."

She Niang immediately sent Qiu Ju to have a servant buy several bowls of fish dumpling soup. When the soup arrived, she first offered a bowl to Yu Shi and Mrs. Lin before having some herself.

Seeing this, Mrs. Lin couldn’t help but praise, "Your She Niang is so observant. Our Yueyao is a bit slow."

Though Yu Shi agreed inwardly, she didn’t want to boast. She smiled and said, "I think both girls are lovely. Our She Niang can be quite mischievous too."

While the two adults exchanged modest remarks, She Niang enjoyed the food. The fish balls were made from Spanish mackerel instead of freshwater fish, giving them a soft and springy texture.

As they finished the fish dumpling soup, Mrs. Zhao arrived. She Niang had met her once before during a house performance. Though married to a military official, Mrs. Zhao was from Jiangnan, with delicate features, a small stature, and wearing an embroidered long-sleeved gown that made her appear delicate.

While Yu Shi was known for her good temper, Mrs. Zhao was even more indulgent, especially toward children.

With everyone present, they headed to the Tianfei Palace. Entering through the main gate, they saw many lanterns hanging overhead. The main hall was magnificent, with a statue of Mazu that was both majestic and compassionate. She Niang, Zhao Xiane, and Lin Yueyao knelt on cushions, lit incense, and bowed. After offering incense, Zhao Xiane noticed a redwood box labeled "fair winds and smooth seas" with many lots inside. She suggested they each draw a lot for fun.

She Niang followed the crowd and drew a lot. To her surprise, it was a medium lot with the following verse:

"A tune from a kindred spirit comes from beyond the sky,

Lifting an immortal lad to meet his master."

This lot resonated with her feelings after rebirth. Initially, her luck had been obstructed, like a pearl covered in dust, but in the future, she might encounter a benefactor in an unexpected setting, leading to a turn of fortune.

She Niang had never believed in such things. She believed that she was her own benefactor. If she didn’t work hard, no manna from heaven would fall.

As for benefactors, she wouldn’t accept help from others for no reason.

So, she donated two *qian* of silver for merit, hoping her father could find her biological grandmother, Concubine Hua, though the chances were slim.

After paying respects to Mazu, Zhao Xiane took them to a nearby street lined with shops. Although She Niang liked gold and silver jewelry, she had enough and was instead attracted to exquisite trinkets: gilded clam boxes, a Guanyin statue carved on blue jade, mother-of-pearl earrings, grass-woven grasshoppers, shell necklaces, and a Japanese-style savings box.

She spent only one tael but bought many things. Although Li Niang had refused to go out, when she saw the novelties She Niang brought back, she wanted everything. In the end, She Niang only gave her the Japanese savings box, which almost made Li Niang bite her out of frustration.

"You bought so many nice things and only gave me one doll? Aren’t you ashamed?" Li Niang stomped her foot.

She Niang was speechless. "I need the clam box for powder, the mother-of-pearl earrings for wearing, and the shell necklace is part of a set. How can I give them to you? Fine, I have a red gauze handkerchief. If you like it, take it."

Li Niang insisted, "I don’t want the handkerchief. I want your calabash-shaped mother-of-pearl earrings."

"If I have time to go to the Tianfei Palace another day, I’ll buy you a pair. I really want to wear these," She Niang said, quite fond of her choices.

Seeing that She Niang wouldn’t give in, Li Niang thought she could borrow them to wear for a few days later.

This outing brightened Yu Shi’s mood greatly.

By the end of October, Qiu Ju was betrothed to the son of the second steward. Yu Shi had long planned this. The second steward managed the family’s farmland, and his son, having grown up around it, was skilled in this area. He would serve as She Niang’s dowry attendant and help manage her affairs.

Yu Shi gifted Qiu Ju two dowry chests and new clothes, shoes, and socks for her fiancé, Guan Fu. She Niang rewarded her with two strings of copper coins, a set of gold hairpins, a bolt of Songjiang red cloud-patterned cloth, a bolt of finely woven cotton, two boxes of Su-style date and pine nut pastries, and other items.

Qiu Ju knelt and kowtowed. "Thank you for your rewards, Miss."

She Niang quickly helped her up. "On your wedding day, I won’t be able to attend, but these are tokens of my regard. If Guan Fu treats you poorly, just let me know, and I’ll stand up for you." These words moved Qiu Ju to tears. Dong Mei, Lan Ruo, and Gui Fang comforted her, saying, "Come back to visit when you have time. Don’t make the Miss feel sad."

Qiu Ju finally stopped crying.

After Qiu Ju got married, Dong Mei became the head maid. Yu Shi said they would assign another maid to She Niang next spring.

November was She Niang’s birthday. She first sent out invitations to the girls she was friendly with, such as Lin Yueyao, Zhao Xiane, and Guo Xianzhu. Sun Biqing, the daughter of the Jinjiang County Magistrate next door, also said she wanted to come, so She Niang sent an invitation to her as well.

However, everyone except Guo Xianzhu said they would come.

Remembering Zhao Xiane’s request and what Guo Xianzhu had said to her earlier, She Niang decided to visit the Guo residence in person. Before going, she specifically put on an embroidered robe and wore a phoenix hairpin along with jewelry Old Master Pei had given her. As she walked, her jewelry swayed and trembled.

When Li Niang saw her, she laughed heartily: "Those are royal household matrons—they’ve seen all kinds of luxuries. Dressing like this will only make them think you’re a parvenu. Besides, you’ve only met Guo Xianzhu a few times—why are you bothering with her?"

"I just want to give it a try. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll come back."

Sometimes She Niang couldn’t understand Li Niang’s way of thinking. Li Niang enjoyed empty displays of popularity and being surrounded by admirers. She liked spending time with social climbers like Sun Biqing and even gave gifts selectively—for instance, she put more elaborate work into the embroidery gift she sent to Madam Yu for the Mid-Autumn Festival but was rather casual with what she gave Mrs. Lin.

Yet, as Pei Yiqing had mentioned, Prefect Yu was the kind of person who took credit for successes and let his subordinates take the blame when things went wrong. He had even considered breaking off an engagement. In contrast, Vice-Prefect Lin was public-spirited and principled as an official.

If she treated people differently, why was she now dismissive of Guo Xianzhu, who was truly going to become a concubine?

But they weren’t children anymore, and She Niang couldn't keep criticizing her.

"Clothes make the man"—this was an eternal truth no matter where you went. Those matrons might not have had much standing within the manor, but outside, they used rules to distinguish themselves and maintain their dignity. As the saying goes, give someone an inch of authority and they'll take a mile.

Soon the carriage arrived at the Guo residence. She Niang first went to pay respects to Mrs. Guo. Now that people from the prince’s residence were here, Mrs. Guo deferred to their arrangements in everything and didn’t feel in a position to object.

She Niang said, "Last time, Sister Guo said I must invite her for my birthday. I sent an invitation but never heard back, so I came in person."

"She’s learning court etiquette and won’t be able to go out for a while," Mrs. Guo apologized.

She Niang quickly replied, "I understand. Sister Guo is to be married into the prince’s residence—her behavior must be impeccable, and there can't be the slightest mishap. But once you enter the palace gates, it’s like entering deep waters. The prince’s residence may have its advantages, but it also means she'll be far from home and many things won’t be as carefree. I just thought that at my home, a few close friends could enjoy some carefree time together. We may not get many chances to meet so freely later on."

These words made Mrs. Guo hesitate, but she eventually took She Niang to see Guo Xianzhu, who was learning meal service etiquette. In the prince’s residence, there would be the Prince and Princess as her parents-in-law, as well as the primary wife, the Princess Consort. As a concubine, unlike a regular concubine, she would have opportunities to appear at major events, but her status would be the lowest, and she would be expected to serve.

The two matrons were deep in instruction when Mrs. Guo and She Niang interrupted, which visibly displeased them.

When Guo Xianzhu saw She Niang, it was as if she had seen her salvation.

Mrs. Guo explained the purpose of the visit to the two matrons: "This is the daughter of Vice-Prefect Xu, a close friend of our daughter. We hope you can make an allowance."

The two matrons didn’t even respond to Mrs. Guo. She Niang thought that the Guo family must have shown them great respect, which was why they acted so arrogantly.

So, she stepped forward, made a bow, and said with a smile, "Matrons, if you have concerns, you can come along. Our family has prepared food and drinks for you as well."

The taller matron said, "We appreciate your kindness, Miss Pei."

She Niang approached and whispered, "Matron, these rules aren’t learned in a day. Sister Guo is to become a concubine. You’re teaching her every detail of the prince’s residence’s rules—that’s your duty. But as the saying goes, 'One good turn deserves another.' If Sister Guo sees your consideration, not only will she be grateful and learn even better to repay you, but she'll remember your consideration. Once the prince inherits the title, she will become a secondary consort. If you ever encounter difficulties in the future, with this bond, would she really stand by and do nothing?"

She Niang had only meant to take a chance, but to her surprise, after hearing this, the two matrons agreed.

Soon it was She Niang’s birthday. The Lin family had always been on good terms with the Pei family, so Lin Yueyao was the first to arrive. She gifted She Niang two new books—since both enjoyed reading, it was a heartfelt present.

Her brother Pei Ji gifted a collection of imperial examination papers, Li Niang gave boxes of rouge and powder, and Sun Biqing presented two pairs of pouches. Zhao Xiane brought two roasted geese and two gold-threaded handkerchiefs. Although Guo Xianzhu arrived last, she specially gifted She Niang a dressing case set.

The two matrons naturally came along as well. Yu Shi and Li Niang kept them company while Guo Xianzhu raised her glass and said to everyone, "I was able to come today entirely thanks to this younger sister of mine. From now on, I’ll consider She Niang my own sister."

"Sister Guo, you’re too kind. I didn’t do much," She Niang said with a laugh.

Remembering the divination sticks drawn at the Tianfei Palace, She Niang decided to play a flower lottery game at her birthday party to pass the time, as everyone was always curious about the unknown.

When it was time to draw the flower sticks, She Niang invited Li Niang to join. Li Niang had just been asking the matrons from the prince’s residence many questions about life there and was still eager for more.

Everyone took turns rolling the dice. As the birthday girl, She Niang drew first. The verse she drew read: "Why need deep red or light green? She is the flower’s supreme, of course."

Lin Yueyao laughed after reading the stick: "Whoever draws this must drink a full cup."

She Niang drank immediately. Guo Xianzhu added, "Younger Sister She Niang writes excellent essays, speaks eloquently, and has noble character—she is indeed a first-rate person."

She Niang smiled and shook her head. She rolled the dice again, and it landed on Li Niang, who quickly closed her eyes and drew a stick. Sun Biqing, who was next to her, saw a plum blossom painted on it and read aloud: "Without enduring the bone-chilling cold, how can the plum blossom’s fragrance be so sweet?"

Li Niang was momentarily stunned. She Niang rolled the dice again, and this time Guo Xianzhu drew a camellia. The verse read: "When the tea roses fade, the camellia appears, its blood-red blossoms slanting gracefully in the spring rain."

"Congratulations, Sister Guo. The camellia blooms alone," She Niang said cheerfully.

Guo Xianzhu was naturally pleased. As a concubine, she hoped her future husband would favor her so she could thrive in the prince’s residence. Sun Biqing drew an apricot blossom, Zhao Xiane a chrysanthemum, and Lin Yueyao a lotus flower.

After the meal, Guo Xianzhu had to leave, followed closely by the two matrons. Everyone felt sympathy for her, but Sun Biqing remarked, "The prince’s residence truly values Sister Guo."

She Niang glanced at her sideways, and Sun Biqing went off to chat with Li Niang.

Her twelfth birthday passed just like that. After her birthday, Vice-Prefect Xu married off his daughter, Eldest Miss Xu. His family had double cause for celebration—he was promoted to vice-prefect of Huzhou Prefecture.

Promoted from the sixth rank to the fifth rank, and in a place like Huzhou, he was naturally overjoyed.

However, after he left, the vice-prefec in charge of river works lived near the waterways, and Pei Yiqing had to take over the military affairs previously managed by Vice-Prefect Xu.

Pei Yiqing became very busy, and Yu Shi was also occupied with preparations for the New Year. She Niang, meanwhile, covered the essays in the imperial examination collection, writing compositions based only on the topics, and occasionally asked her father to review them.

In the twelfth month, early one morning while She Niang and the others were still asleep, they heard the sound of pots and pans clattering somewhere, followed by shouts: "The Japanese pirates are here! The Japanese pirates are here! They’re breaking into the city!"

She Niang jolted awake. She hurriedly dressed, wondering how Japanese pirates could possibly break into the city. If even the yamen guards were shouting, had the guards inside fled? It was utterly treacherous.

Calming down, she grabbed her most valuable box and ran to Yu Shi’s room.

Pei Yiqing had also just gotten up, his buttons fastened incorrectly. He said to Yu Shi, "The Yu family’s dependents have already quietly left, and we didn’t even know. Should I send you away too?"

"Father, Quanzhou City is the safest place now. Besides, you’re the official responsible for this prefecture. If you flee, our entire family will be punished. Why not make plans early? When you were collecting taxes earlier, the local gentry and wealthy families tried to bribe you, but you refused. They’ve been looking for ways to please you. Why not seek instructions from the prefect and vice-prefect, quickly organize able-bodied men, close the city gates of Quanzhou, and prepare for defense? That’s the right way," She Niang advised without holding back.

Pei Yiqing, born as a concubine’s son, had always lived cautiously. He hadn’t expected his daughter to assess the situation so quickly. Even Pei Ji added, "I don’t think these are real Japanese pirates. They’re likely imposters trying to loot under cover of chaos. I’ve heard before that many coastal pirates pretend to be Japanese pirates." Pei Ji was very interested in military affairs and chimed in urgently.

Seeing their father still hesitating, both siblings grew anxious. She Niang stepped forward and said, "Father, as the saying goes, 'The times produce their heroes.' This is a rare opportunity—why not seize it?"

After hearing his daughter’s words, Pei Yiqing finally made up his mind. He looked at Pei Ji and said, "Protect your mother and sisters well. I’ll go find Vice-Prefect Lin first."