Chapter 33: Chapter 33 (Two Chapters Combined)

Chapter 33: Two Chapters Combined

"Would you like some spiced broad beans?" She Niang offered, holding out a packet.

Li Niang shook her head.

"Almond paste, chestnut cake, crabapple shortbread, butter spiral pastry, pine nut candy, bayberry candy, pepper-salt biscuit, or taro cake? Choose one yourself." She Niang had various snacks brought and placed before Li Niang.

Li Niang pointed proudly at the golden taro cake, her voice sweet and delicate, "I want this one."

This taro cake was made by Qiu Shuang, She Niang's attendant. Qiu Shuang was a Tanka woman, but her Hakka mother’s specialty was taro cakes. She Niang handed it to her. This older sister needed pampering; whoever indulged her, she would cling to.

Someone particularly maternal and easygoing would be well-suited to befriend Li Niang, but She Niang only humored her occasionally. She had no desire to be anyone's mother hen.

"Then eat up. When you feel better, get out and move around. It’s not good to always be in such pain," She Niang said.

Eating the taro cake, Li Niang looked at She Niang. "How come you’re completely fine? It never seems to hurt much when your period comes?"

She Niang retorted impatiently, "Didn’t I tell you to jump rope and play jianzi with me? But you refused. You lie around all day, afraid of even a little sun, and eat so little—what do you expect?"

Li Niang waved her hand. "Enough, enough. One word from me, and you launch into a lecture. Go do what you need to do."

She Niang instructed Chunlan and Xiahe to look after Li Niang before leaving. Now that she managed the household, everyone around was familiar, and with her mother overseeing things, it was simply a matter of following established routines. It wasn’t difficult at all.

With the Mid-Autumn Festival fast approaching, She Niang was discussing celebration plans with Yu Shi.

"Mooncakes, fruits, and pressed tea cakes—that should be about it," Yu Shi said after reviewing the plans, finding nothing amiss.

She Niang added, "We’ve just arrived, and it’s not appropriate to exchange gifts. We’ll just celebrate within our own family. Oh, and we must buy a Moon Rabbit idol."

Seeing She Niang handle matters, Yu Shi felt completely at ease, with no worries at all.

She Niang was also full of energy. After leaving Yu Shi, she summoned the steward to purchase all necessary items and even bought some small pastries and fruits in advance to distribute to the servants.

Naturally, the Xiang Prince's grandson and the Qing Prince's son also received their share. The servant delivering the gifts remarked, "Only our Fifth Miss, who manages the household, shows such consideration for us servants. These mooncakes were ordered from Western Swan Tower."

Although Li Jue was not in a position to inquire about matters within the women's quarters, he knew that the Pei household was now managed by Fifth Miss. After the servant left, he smiled and said, "Speaking of which, it’s Mid-Autumn Festival. Aren’t you going back to your family for a visit?"

The Prince of Qing's estate was in Hangzhou. Li Ju said, "Since this is official duty, how can I casually reveal my identity? Everyone is busy with their own interrogations. The less attention we draw, the better. How can I go back?"

"Sticking to official duties is good," Li Jue said with a smile.

Li Ju looked at Li Jue, recalling how in his previous life, this grandson of the Prince of Xiang had been a lackey of Empress Dowager Pei. But now, Li Jue was a rather sharp and courageous young man.

That evening, the two were scheduled to inspect the river engineering project, so they hastily ate a few bites and turned their attention to the case files.

As for Pei Yiqing, who had just taken up his post, aside from serving as an assessor, he was also responsible for river works. Being new to his position, he was extremely busy. She Niang ended up having dinner with Yu Shi that evening. She kept Yu Shi company, venting about people she disliked and telling jokes, making Yu Shi laugh so hard she was doubled over, wishing she could always be with her daughter.

After leaving Yu Shi, She Niang made her rounds in the inner courtyard before returning to her room to freshen up and read.

After reading for a while, she went to bed.

She overheard Dong Mei and Gui Fang whispering about something and asked with a smile, "What are you two gossiping about?"

Gui Fang covered her mouth and giggled. "We were saying that the two new guards are quite young and both very handsome."

Dong Mei shot Gui Fang a look. "How can you say such things in front of the young lady?" She then quickly apologized, but fortunately, She Niang was quite tolerant and pretended not to hear.

What young girl doesn’t dream of romance? It was only natural.

The next morning, She Niang still felt like eating baozi. There was a girl in the government office who specialized in making wheat-based dishes, and her soup bao were particularly delicious. She Niang could eat half a basket for breakfast, along with a bowl of steamed egg pudding and a plate of stir-fried vegetables.

After breakfast, she went to find Pei Ji. These days, as she managed the household, she couldn’t act as freely as she usually did in the women's quarters. So she wore a white silk blouse, a goose-yellow sleeveless jacket, and two silk flowers in her hair, adorned with two plain gold hairpins. She looked youthful and very beautiful.

Li Jue and Li Ju had been inspecting the river works the previous night and returned that morning. Unexpectedly, they ran into She Niang in the front courtyard. They quickly stepped aside, but that fleeting glimpse left them with different thoughts.

Li Jue found the girl exceptionally beautiful, bookish yet approachable, serene yet lively. When Li Ju had seen Empress Dowager Pei, she was already a sixty-year-old woman with wrinkles. Because of her harsh tactics, who would care about her appearance? Everyone simply thought she was despicable.

Even the Chu family often said that if Empress Chu were still alive, how could this social climber be allowed to lord it over everyone?

But now, she was still a young girl, quite extraordinary, with especially bright eyes and a constant smile on her face. She seemed like the poetic description: "Her jeweled hairpins sat motionless between her still brows, all makeup gone, her natural innocence shone through."

It seemed that human nature is inherently good. If only she could be kept from marrying into the Prince of Jin's household.

Yes, that’s it! Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne and he returns to his fief, he would personally intervene to stop it.

Of course, She Niang knew nothing of this. Half a month later, the two guards left. According to Pei Yiqing, they were unaccustomed to the work and had returned.

She Niang found it strange. "Are guards really that full of themselves? How odd."

Pei Yiqing couldn’t very well explain it to his daughter, so he just smiled and said, "In any case, the case is settled, and Zhejiang has returned to peace. That’s a good thing."

"Father, the Dowager Consort of the Prince of Qing's household is celebrating her birthday and has invited our family. Should we go?" She Niang asked.

Pei Yiqing nodded. "We can go. The Prince of Qing's household and the neighboring Prince of Lin's household are local influential families. We ought to attend."

Yu Shi looked at her two daughters and said, "In that case, Li Niang and She Niang should not go out these next few days. The Indian summer hasn’t passed yet. It wouldn’t do to get sun-darkened."

Li Niang immediately said, "Don’t worry, I’ve never liked sunbathing. Did you know She Niang actually told me to get more sun?"

Seeing Li Niang telling tales, She Niang couldn’t be bothered to respond.

Fortunately, Yu Shi said, "Your sister means well for your health."

Li Niang thought to herself that she was perfectly fine. Look at her skin—who could compare to her fairness? She Niang was fair too, but not as fair as her. At her age, many girls started getting acne, but her skin remained flawless.

Of course, Li Niang still hoped to become sworn sisters with Tao Ya. So after the meal, she immediately went to the Tao household next door. To her surprise, Tao Ya was polite but distant toward her, even avoiding her somewhat.

This left Li Niang feeling rather defeated. She suddenly felt that since leaving Old Madam Pei, her luck seemed to have taken a turn for the worse.

Although she now had a good marriage prospect and some people would flatter her because of it, others were unimpressed. Back in the Pei household, many would have been more deferential.

She Niang, on the other hand, had no such desires. Having grown accustomed to solitude in the Pei household, and later as empress, where any slightly familiar palace maid would be rotated out, she had long grown used to having no one to confide in.

She would soon turn thirteen in November. Perhaps next year, marriage talks would begin. In this life, far from Jin territory, she likely had no connection to the Prince of Jin.

But what lay ahead in her unknown life?

After deciding to attend the Prince of Qing's household, Yu Shi first learned about the situation there from Pei Yiqing and then hired dressmakers to make new clothes for her two daughters.

Yu Shi told her daughters about the Prince of Qing's background and added, "The current Dowager Consort is the second wife of the old Prince of Qing. The eldest son of the Prince of Qing was born to the original first wife, and was separately enfeoffed as the Prince of Chongning, a hereditary peerage with a fief in Kaifeng, Henan. The current Prince of Qing is the Dowager Consort’s biological son. Originally, he was only enfeoffed as a prince, but after the old Prince of Qing passed away, the emperor, out of pity for his nephew, allowed this branch to inherit the title."

She Niang couldn’t help but nod. "One’s fate is hard to predict until the very end."

"Exactly. The Prince of Qing has only one son, who is now in the capital serving as the Imperial Grandson’s companion-tutor. This shows how much the emperor favors the Prince of Qing’s family," Yu Shi said, having done all her homework.

Hearing this, Li Niang grew somewhat nervous, and She Niang also didn’t want to let her parents down.

The prefect’s daughter, Tao Ya, would also be attending Prince Qing’s residence this time, so She Niang invited her over and asked, "Officials like the Provincial Governor, Judicial Commissioner, and others in Zhejiang hold high positions. Do their families have female members around our age?"

In truth, She Niang also wanted to inquire if there were any particularly difficult individuals. After all, the Tao family had served as officials here for a longer time. It was said that Prefect Tao had recently betrayed a few people, which pleased his superiors but earned him the disdain of his colleagues. Thus, Tao Ya was likely now focused on avoiding mistakes rather than seeking merit.

She Niang felt the same way. She didn’t expect them to stand out too much, but she hoped they wouldn’t offend anyone.

Tao Ya did not hold back and said, "To be honest, I don’t know many people. I’ll only share what I do know. I’ve heard that the Judicial Commissioner did not bring his family to his post. The Provincial Governor is said to have a pair of twin granddaughters, both charming and lovely. As for the daughter of Commissioner Chu’s family, she is elegant in appearance and dignified in demeanor."

"What about the families of the three Vice-Prefects in our prefecture?" Li Niang asked.

Tao Ya shook her head. "I haven’t heard that they will be attending."

The Vice-Prefect was only a sixth-rank official. She Niang’s father had recently been promoted from Vice-Prefect to fifth-rank vice-prefect. She had not expected this threshold to be so significant. She said, "I’m just worried that with so many people, my sister and I might embarrass ourselves. But from what you’ve said, everyone seems very pleasant, so we feel more at ease."

Tao Ya covered her mouth with a light laugh. "I observe that both of you sisters are exceptional in character and appearance. Dowager Consort of Prince Qing enjoys lively gatherings. If she sees how lovely you both are, she will surely treat you as honored guests. In that case, you two will have to look out for me."

"You’re too kind, Sister Tao. We are new here and quite timid. We will need to rely on you more," She Niang said, glancing at Li Niang, who was about to speak.

After Tao Ya left, Li Niang turned to She Niang and asked, "Why did you stop me earlier?"

"If you had taken Tao’s words at face value, she might have spread our conversation, and we would end up looking presumptuous and offending others," She Niang explained.

Li Niang glanced toward the door. "I don’t think so. Tao Ya doesn’t seem like that kind of person."

"One can never truly know another’s heart. When there’s no conflict of interest, everyone prefers to be seen as good. In front of the Dowager Consort, every young lady would love to be praised and have her status elevated. I’m not saying she is necessarily that kind of person, but it’s better to be cautious," She Niang reminded her.

Li Niang muttered, "You’re too careful," but after returning home, she thought it over and agreed. She even said to Nanny Shen, "From now on, don’t pay too much attention to that Tao girl when she comes over."

Nanny Shen: …

Chunlan, who had been waiting outside and overheard the conversation, thought to herself, "The Fifth Miss advised you to be cautious, and now you’re cutting ties with Miss Tao. You often talk about what the Fifth Miss is like, but you’re the one who listens to her the most."

Soon, the Dowager Consort’s birthday arrived. She Niang and Li Niang both wore identical formal attire: vivid red embroidered wide-sleeved robes and floral-patterned skirts, though the patterns on their skirts differed. Li Niang’s skirt featured peonies among the flowers, while She Niang’s had plum blossoms. Additionally, She Niang wore a gold filigree lantern pendant on her collar, while Li Niang wore a gold filigree chrysanthemum and longevity character pendant.

Since Li Niang had already undergone her coming-of-age ceremony, her hair was styled into a topknot at the front, with the sides pulled up and adorned with various hair accessories. She Niang, who had not yet had her ceremony, wore her hair down. She wore a gold crown inlaid with precious pearls in the middle of her head, with insect-and-plant hairpins on both sides, giving her a fresh and elegant look. However, her earrings were intricate gold filigree pavilion designs, adding a touch of luxury.

Once the sisters were dressed, they looked at Yu Shi, who was dressed according to her rank and had brought birthday gifts. Yu Shi rode in a large sedan chair at the front, while She Niang and Li Niang followed in smaller sedan chairs.

Prince Qing’s residence occupied an entire street. Originally a bustling and noisy area, it grew quiet near the prince’s mansion.

However, this was actually the second day of the Dowager Consort’s birthday celebrations. The first day was reserved for princesses, their consorts, nobles, and members of the imperial clan, while the second day was for local officials.

The pavilions, towers, flying eaves, carved railings, white marble steps, and crystal curtains were all breathtaking.

Even Li Niang was awed by such grandeur.

In the spacious main hall, She Niang and Li Niang helped Yu Shi pay her respects before taking seats at the end. Only then could She Niang observe the people around her. Seated at the head was a silver-haired elderly woman, undoubtedly the Dowager Consort based on her attire. Below her was a woman wearing a nine-phoenix crown, a bright red robe, and a dark blue gold-woven cape— unmistakably the Princess of Qing.

There were others nearby whom She Niang did not recognize. Seated below were the wives of Zhejiang officials. First was Madame Yang, the wife of the Provincial Governor, with a pair of thirteen- or fourteen-year-old twin girls standing beside her. Both had dimples and looked especially sweet when they smiled. In front of them sat another woman whose headdress featured seven hairpins, two side ornaments, and seven decorative pieces. Her robe was embroidered with seven pairs of pheasants, and she wore a gold belt at her waist—the attire of a third-rank noblewoman. This was likely Madame Chu.

Madame Chu appeared to be in her forties, slender and refined. Her daughter, Miss Chu, resembled her. If the Princess of Jin had a round face, Miss Chu had an oval face with a straight nose. The Princess of Jin was dignified and gentle, while Miss Chu was even more beautiful, with captivating, expressive eyes.

"Mother, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen so many fresh young ladies. Seeing them makes me feel how quickly time passes," the Princess of Qing said, pointing to the young ladies below.

The Dowager Consort squinted her eyes and smiled. "Madame Yang, I’ve long heard of your granddaughters’ beauty. Now that I see them, they truly are like flowers."

Madame Yang modestly declined the praise and complimented the Dowager Consort and the Princess of Qing.

She Niang had initially thought Prince Qing’s household held the Chu family in high regard, which was why they had chosen a Chu daughter as princess. However, the Dowager Consort and the Princess of Qing only exchanged a few words with Miss Chu.

She Niang thought to herself, "Of course, they are now aligned with the Crown Prince and cannot appear too close to Prince Jin’s faction. I can’t rely on my past life to judge things now." Tao Ya was also briefly acknowledged. When they saw Li Niang and She Niang, their eyes lit up.

"These must be the granddaughters of the Duke of Nanhuai. They are truly lovely," the Princess of Qing said, looking from Li Niang to She Niang, feeling as though she couldn’t take her eyes off them.

She Niang and Li Niang both replied, "We dare not accept such praise from the Princess."

The Dowager Consort asked them, "What books have you read?"

Remembering what the court ladies had taught her, Li Niang felt that young ladies should not boast about reading too much. She said, "I have only read 'Classic of Filial Piety for Women,' 'Four Books for Women,' and 'Admonitions for Women.'"

She Niang thought to herself, "Why hide your talents? When others don’t know you, you have to speak for yourself. There’s no need to boast, but there’s also no need to be overly modest about the Three Obediences and Four Virtues."

She Niang curtsied and said, "I have read the 'Four Books' and 'Spring and Autumn Annals,' and I am now studying both Neo-Confucianism and the School of Mind."

The Dowager Consort glanced at She Niang, noting that she differed from her sister. Li Niang was beautiful but reserved, while She Niang was elegantly refined yet more outspoken.

Hearing She Niang’s response, the Princess of Qing said, "Both of you are talented ladies. Unlike my daughter, who only knows how to play around at home."

This was actually a subtle jab at She Niang’s studiousness, which she recognized. However, she saw nothing wrong with reading. Yu Shi quickly interjected, "The Princess, as a descendant of dragons and phoenixes, is innately knowledgeable. How could ordinary people compare?"

The Princess of Qing smiled and said, "You can’t say that. I think both of your daughters are excellent. What do they usually do at home?"

Yu Shi looked at Li Niang and She Niang. Li Niang hurriedly said, "In my spare time, I do needlework or read."

"I am the same as my sister," She Niang said with a smile.

Perhaps because She Niang’s earlier response was unconventional, the Princess of Qing, as a person of higher status, wanted to know more about her. "Since you said you are studying Neo-Confucianism and the School of Mind, what texts have you been reading recently?"

She Niang replied, "Lately, I’ve been reading 'Instructions for Practical Living.'"

It was unclear whether the Princess of Qing was familiar with the text, but She Niang did not elaborate further.

The Princess of Qing made a noncommittal sound.

The two sisters then took their seats and listened as the Dowager Consort discussed recent operas. Yu Shi shared their experiences of listening to operas in the capital and Fujian.

While the adults conversed, the young ladies listened quietly.

Later, the mansion’s steward invited everyone to enjoy an opera. She Niang accompanied Yu Shi to watch the performance. The operas for birthdays were typically the same few: "Full Bed of Hu" and "Magu Offers Birthday Greetings."

During the banquet, She Niang also saw the Princess of Qing’s daughter, Princess Jiangdu, who was about ten years old, fair and adorable, nestled beside the Dowager Consort watching the opera.

After the opera, it was time for the banquet. She Niang reminded Yu Shi, "Mother, you are with child. Please don’t drink any alcohol. When others toast, just go through the motions."

Yu Shi felt warmed by her daughter’s concern and said, "Older women often prefer those who are gentle and humble-speaking."

"Thank you for the advice, Mother. I know my limits," She Niang replied. She was afraid of being chosen as some kind of secondary consort, so she decided to show a bit of personality.

Moreover, her temperament had never been particularly pleasing to mothers-in-law. In her previous life, her mother-in-law had disliked her. Princess of Jin, née Chu, had been hardworking and devoted, even caring for Prince Jin’s mother when she fell ill. Yet, Prince Jin’s mother had still promoted Noble Consort Liu, who had borne the eldest son. After Chu’s passing, Prince Jin’s mother had wanted him to marry her niece.

At that time, Prince Jin had been deeply devoted to She Niang and refused, eventually elevating her to principal wife.

Since she had no intention of marrying into Prince Qing’s household, there was no need for her to appear overly virtuous. A thirteen-year-old girl with some sharpness was normal and could leave a lasting impression.

Just as in the court, some officials gained fame through straightforwardness, others through integrity, and some through flattery—all were ways to leave an impression on those in power.

Sure enough, a month after the Dowager Consort’s birthday, Yang Zhi, the eldest granddaughter of Provincial Governor Yang, and She Niang were invited to study at the prince’s residence.

Li Niang looked at She Niang and asked, "Why you?"

This time, she wasn't jealous but rather puzzled—so many people had attended that occasion, so why was She Niang chosen? Li Niang even felt that She Niang hadn't performed as well as she did last time.

She Niang shook her head: "How would I know? I don’t want to accompany any princess as a study companion. I’m currently managing the household for Mother. If I leave, what will happen to our home?"

Outside, the matron from the prince’s residence was speaking with Yu Shi: "Our princess is the only daughter in the family, spoiled rotten. She longs to have sisters to talk with. Last time, the Dowager Consort saw that your daughters are both well-mannered and accomplished, so she asked me to deliver an invitation for your Fifth Miss to join us."

Yu Shi was merely concerned about her daughter: "We are deeply honored by the princess’s favor and wouldn’t dream of refusing. I only worry that her straightforward nature might offend someone of high status, which would be unfortunate."

The matron offered a few words of reassurance.

Little did she know, this matter had been decided by the Princess of Qing (Prince of Qing’s consort). She had only given birth to a son and a daughter. Her son had been selected to serve as a study companion in the palace at a very young age, leaving only her daughter by her side. Yet, in such a vast residence, the princess was the only child, and she often felt lonely. Especially during the Dowager Consort’s birthday celebration, she had seen so many young ladies. The Provincial Governor’s eldest granddaughter was said to excel at calligraphy and playing the pipa, and she had a sweet appearance. As the saying goes, what’s inside shows on the outside—the kinder one’s heart, the sweeter one’s appearance.

Of course, Tao Ya was also acceptable, but her looks were too average-looking. Those around the princess couldn’t be ordinary-looking.

As for Miss Chu, her elder sister was the Princess of Jin. Their family had aligned themselves with the Prince of Jin, so it wasn’t appropriate to engage with them too closely now.

Instead, selecting Pei's Fifth Miss seemed fitting. Although she was a bit showy with her skills during that occasion, it must be said that it was precisely her self-expression that left a deep impression, making her appear both talented and well-rounded.