Chapter 41: Chapter 41 (Two Chapters Combined)

Chapter 41: Double Chapter Combined

To her surprise, the Prince of Qing's heir divulged such information. Unable to express her gratitude, She Niang simply said, "Your Highness, please wait a moment."

Li Ju, unsure of her intentions, waited. Soon, she emerged, personally bearing tea, which he eagerly accepted. Lifting the lid, he discovered a cup of iced tea, with crushed ice at the bottom, fresh tea leaves, and a clear, sweet, and refreshing liquid.

"What is this? Iced tea?" he asked, intrigued.

She Niang nodded. "This is a Song dynasty method, using West Lake Longjing tea steeped three times with ice. I've added a hint of jasmine essence on top. If you drink it slowly, allowing the ice to melt gradually, it will be even more refreshing."

"Your Highness has been so thoughtful throughout our journey, even sharing these insights. I have little to offer in return, so please accept this tea as a token of my appreciation."

Li Ju caressed the teacup. "It's truly nothing."

She Niang smiled. "A generous and magnanimous person like Your Highness naturally wouldn't think much of it, but our entire family has witnessed your care along the way."

Li Ju chuckled. "Alright, since you insist, I won't refuse."

"Then, should you desire this tea in the future, simply send someone to find me." She Niang curtsied slightly before turning to leave. It was not proper for her to linger with the Prince of Qing's heir.

She had also prepared a cup for Yu Shi, but Yu Shi declined cold tea and even dissuaded She Niang from drinking it:

"Young ladies should avoid too much ice; otherwise, your monthly cycle will be uncomfortable."

She Niang countered, "The weather is so hot, and getting overheated is worse. I have a large boil in my ear and a toothache. Only something cold brings relief."

Yu Shi poked her forehead. "You always have a retort. Take that cold tea away later, and don't let your younger brother see it and drink it. He's still small, and his stomach is delicate."

"Understood." She Niang signaled for someone to remove it.

They had hastily boarded the boat after leaving the Prince of Qing's residence. With many people on board and much chatter, She Niang and Yu Shi hadn't had a proper conversation. Now, with the heat, everyone was reluctant to move. During the afternoon nap, She Niang discussed their plans with Yu Shi.

"Although Grandmother's letter mentioned only a reunion, I believe she hasn't given up hope. The Prince of Xiang's residence is a complex place. Grandmother truly loves me, just like my brother, and wishes for me to achieve a noble status. But frankly, the Dowager Consort and the Princess Consort of Xiang likely have their own candidates. Unless I can secure the position of Crown Princess, you absolutely must not agree if Dowager Consort Hua suggests a secondary consort." She Niang mentally reviewed the situation.

Yu Shi, however, said, "It shouldn't come to that, should it?"

"If it were solely up to our family's affection for our daughter, we naturally wouldn't want her to be a secondary consort. Though it carries a rank, it is ultimately a secondary position. Yet, those within that world might consider it an immense honor," She Niang replied.

Yu Shi nodded. "You're right. Your father and I have discussed it. Once we return to Hangzhou, we will find you a distinguished husband."

Upon hearing "distinguished husband," She Niang blushed. "Mother, can I choose someone with both good family background and appearance, who also treats me exceptionally well? Just like Father treats you, with unwavering devotion."

She had expected Yu Shi to say that all men were the same, but instead, Yu Shi said, "It is possible to find such a person. Your father and I will do our best."

She giggled, filled with anticipation for the future.

The journey from Hangzhou to Xiangyang, though considered swift, still took a month. Yu Shi's birthday was also celebrated on the boat. Dowager Consort Hua had calculated their arrival and sent servants to wait at the dock. As soon as She Niang and her family arrived, they were met.

Xiangyang was still quite warm in September. The Prince of Xiang's residence dispatched sedan chairs and carriages for their luggage. She Niang boarded a sedan chair. The Prince of Xiang's residence, with its red walls and green tiles, was heavily fortified, situated at the eastern end of Green Screen Wall Lane. The main gate was closed; they entered through the northeast corner, passing first through a wide alley. She Niang then transferred to another carriage, traveling for about the time it takes an incense stick to burn before reaching a place called Yichun Court.

Entering through the main gate and then the inner gate, they finally reached the main hall.

Several maids and female attendants hurried forward, smiling, "Madam and young lady, you've finally arrived! Our Dowager Consort has been eagerly awaiting you."

She Niang briefly surveyed the courtyard. Parrots and other birds hung near the entrance. Inside, she saw Dowager Consort Hua seated at the head. As they approached, she quickly descended from her peacock-designed chair, embraced She Niang, and said to Yu Shi, "You've finally made it. To celebrate my birthday, you've traveled such a long distance."

Yu Shi, having the wet nurse hold Pang Geer, smiled. "It is only right. As a daughter-in-law, my absence from your side to serve you is already a great filial impiety. For your sixtieth birthday, we absolutely had to come."

She then had gifts presented: ten bolts of Hangzhou luo silk, two boxes of West Lake Longjing tea, two loads of walnuts, two loads of seafood, a sandalwood cane, a set of jade cups depicting the Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea, a box of fashionable makeup powder, two sets of garments with gold-thread phoenix embroidery, and a purple sandalwood screen inlaid with marble.

Dowager Consort Hua frowned. "Sixth Lang is only a fourth-rank official, and you've just married off a daughter. How did you manage to acquire all this? Don't deplete your family's savings."

"It's nothing, please don't worry about it," Yu Shi replied, not very articulately.

She Niang smiled. "Grandmother, although gathering these items was arduous, my parents were delighted to do so. As the saying goes, 'The tree desires stillness, but the wind will not cease; the child desires to care for parents, but they may not wait.' You are giving my parents the opportunity to show their filial piety. They are overjoyed."

Dowager Consort Hua observed that Yu Shi, as the mother, was somewhat clumsy with words, but She Niang was remarkably clever and articulate. Her face broke into a smile. "Hearing you say that makes Grandmother happy too."

Before she could finish, two young women entered from outside. The one in front wore a lake-blue square-collared top with a jade-colored skirt patterned with subtle woven floral designs. The one behind wore a silver-striped shirt and a pea-green sleeveless jacket.

She Niang surmised they were Dowager Consort Hua’s two daughters-in-law. Indeed, Dowager Consort Hua introduced them: "This is your Third Aunt, and this is your Eighth Aunt."

"This commoner, Pei-shi, pays respects to the Duchess of Fuguo and the wife of the General of Grace." She Niang knew well that although their husbands were her father’s full brothers, their statuses were incomparable, so she could not address them so casually.

The two women's faces relaxed, and they said, "Young lady, there's no need to be so formal."

Indeed, it was wise not to presume familiarity.

Dowager Consort Hua said to her two daughters-in-law, "Please accompany the mother and daughter to pay respects to the Princess Consort. They must meet the host."

Dowager Consort Hua's eldest daughter-in-law, the Duchess of Fuguo, née Qin, and the second daughter-in-law, née Xu, both politely led the mother and daughter away. Pang Geer was taken by the wet nurse to settle in first.

Qin Shi took She Niang's hand, scrutinized her, and then smiled. "Don't be nervous. Treat this place like your own home."

"With the Dowager Consort and you two ladies showing such care, we are truly overwhelmed," She Niang smiled.

Madam Qin led them from the back of Yichun Court onto a covered walkway, then out through another decorated moon gate. After walking for about the time it takes an incense stick to burn, they reached a large compound.

"This is the Princess Consort of Xiang's courtyard. Your aunt and I will take you and your mother there. We'll just make a brief appearance and then return," Madam Qin said, adding with a wink.

Hearing her refer to herself as "aunt," She Niang readily followed suit. "We rely entirely on you two aunts."

Yu Shi also said, "Please don't let us embarrass ourselves."

In fact, the Princess Consort of Xiang was preoccupied with the Prince of Qing's heir's impending arrival to deliver an imperial edict. They were staying at the official guesthouse and had sent word that the edict would be delivered the next day, asking them to prepare.

Thus, when Dowager Consort Hua’s grandniece arrived, the Princess Consort of Xiang had little time to see her. However, she was the daughter of a Vice Minister of Revenue, from an excellent background, married well, and had a son soon after marriage—everything had gone smoothly. Yet, there was one area where she fell short: her relationship with her stepmother-in-law was poor. Fortunately, Dowager Consort Hua had often mediated before.

Therefore, she granted the favor: "Let them in."

She had expected an ordinary meeting, but when She Niang entered, the room seemed to brighten. This girl, no more than fifteen or sixteen, with her hair styled in double buns, was exceptionally beautiful. As she walked slowly, she appeared graceful and slender.

Madam Qin quickly introduced them: "Mother specifically asked me to bring the Pei mother and daughter to pay respects to the Princess Consort. This is Madam Pei, the wife of the Hangzhou Prefect, and this is her youngest daughter, the fifth child in the family."

As a mother, especially with her son’s marriage undecided, all unmarried young women were potential candidates. Although there was a rule that princes without sons by age twenty-five could take secondary consorts, many did not adhere to it. Those from powerful families wished to possess all the beauties in the world.

This family background was slightly lacking for a primary consort but acceptable for a secondary consort.

So, the Princess Consort of Xiang became more enthusiastic: "Please, no need for formalities. Since you are the Dowager Consort's relatives, you are also relatives of our Prince of Xiang's residence. I recall the Haitang Studio is empty. Later, have them stay there."

Madam Qin and Madam Xu exchanged glances, unsure what their sister-in-law meant. After all, the Haitang Studio was originally called the Light Cloud Retreat—an ethereally beautiful place.

But since the Pei mother and daughter were settled, they had completed their task. After some brief pleasantries, they escorted the mother and daughter back to Yichun Court.

Dowager Consort Hua said to her two daughters-in-law, Qin and Xu, "It's getting late, and the estate gates will soon be locked. You two should return first, so we can speak and dine freely."

Qin and Xu dared not overstep and quickly took their leave.

She Niang, observing from the side, noticed that Dowager Consort Hua still held great authority, at least in front of her two daughters-in-law.

Once they had left, Dowager Consort Hua had the meal served and took She Niang's hand, saying, "Don't hold back later. I came from a humble background and don't care much for formalities."

Soon the table was laden with golden-brown roasted suckling pig, smoked lamb chops, beef soup, shredded chicken noodles, steamed pork with rice flour, sweet and sour fish, poached shrimp...

She Niang stared in disbelief. Wow, it was all meat and fish, but she was truly hungry and dug right in.

However, her appetite was limited. No matter how much she ate, a small bowl of noodles filled her up, and she couldn't finish the beef soup.

But Dowager Consort Hua was different. Her appetite was still excellent, and she said to She Niang, "You see, eating plain meat can get tiresome, but when it's roasted and dipped in sauce, it's the best."

"Yes, let me cut some pork collar for you. I've heard the meat there is firm yet tender, with a good balance of lean and fat." Now that she was full, She Niang focused entirely on serving food to Dowager Consort Hua.

Yu Shi would have liked to eat something, but her usual diet was light and simple, and she couldn't handle it now, especially with Pang Geer to look after. Dowager Consort Hua said considerately, "You may go to the Haitang Pavilion first. Let She Niang stay with me tonight, and I'll invite you all over tomorrow."

"Yes," Yu Shi replied, not daring to overstay her welcome.

After Yu Shi left, Dowager Consort Hua smiled at She Niang. "I heard you came here with the Prince of Qing's heir?"

"Grandmother, you're truly well-informed. The Princess Consort of Xiang didn't seem to know when she saw me," She Niang said.

Dowager Consort Hua looked a little smug. "That woman may seem shrewd, but she's all for show."

She Niang glanced around, still somewhat uneasy, and whispered, "Grandmother, be careful someone might hear."

Dowager Consort Hua waved her hand. "Though better safe than sorry, I'm being honest with you. The Princess is all for show and cares about appearances. For some reason, she wants the Prince's son to marry the daughter of Princess Duanning. She's really fallen into the second consort's scheme."

She Niang hadn't expected Dowager Consort Hua to share such secrets and asked, puzzled, "Princess Duanning is the Emperor's sister. What's the issue?"

"The second consort's backing is the Empress Dowager in the palace. Princess Duanning is the Empress Dowager's adopted daughter, and they are very close. Of course, she's noble, but do you think the Prince of Xiang's household needs someone else to bolster their status? They're already hereditary princes—how much more status do they need? Worse still, if they accidentally get dragged into the succession struggle, it would be disastrous." Though Dowager Consort Hua was at least sixty, she still had a sharp mind.

The current Emperor appeared to treat the Prince of Jin well, but in reality, the two were fiercely competitive. Unfortunately, the Emperor's health was not very good.

She Niang asked, "What do you mean by 'falling into the second consort's scheme'?"

"The second consort deliberately suggested someone prominent so the Princess Consort of Xiang would desperately pursue that connection. But her own family's status isn't high enough, so she found a middleman to casually mention the Princess's daughter. The Princess Consort of Xiang thought she'd found a treasure and became fixated on it." After saying this, Dowager Consort Hua rang for servants to clear the table.

She Niang set aside her thoughts for the moment. When the servants came in to prepare tea for rinsing their mouths and washing up, she prepared to spend the night with Dowager Consort Hua.

Despite her age and referring to herself as an old woman, Dowager Consort Hua was quite spry. While others moved slowly to bed, she all but flew into hers.

Both having eaten too much, they found it hard to sleep. She Niang said, "Grandmother, I understand what you mean, and we are grateful for your kindness. But we came this time only to wish you a happy birthday, not for anything else."

Dowager Consort Hua was unique. In the palace, those in power often spoke in riddles, leaving room for interpretation to avoid blame, but she was nothing like that. She raised a hand to stop She Niang and said, "You're mistaken. 'The sage does not contend, and therefore no one under heaven can contend with him.' I didn't bring you here to flatter or compete for favor. Since I invited you, I will handle things. Just enjoy yourself normally. If I can't manage it, that's my problem, not yours."

"Grandmother..." She Niang hadn't expected her grandmother to be like this—no wonder her position was so secure. She truly had people's backs and took responsibility when things went wrong.

Dowager Consort Hua added, "You don't know this, but your Old Madam Pei wants to marry her granddaughter into the Prince of Xiang's household. Who would give her the time of day?"

So Old Madam Pei wanted to marry Shun Niang off here. She Niang thought for a moment. "Such a distant place—how could she arrange for Shun Niang to marry here?"

Her uncle was a third-rank official in Guangxi, which wasn't low, but the problem was that she wasn't here, so the Princess Consort of Xiang might not see her advantages.

Dowager Consort Hua said, "The person she entrusted this to happens to be connected to me. Although I've forgiven past grievances, that doesn't mean I'll let her have her way."

"True. It's also strange—I don't know what's gotten into the Old Madam, but she's determined to arrange a marriage for my fourth sister to marry into her mother's family." She Niang shrugged her shoulders.

Dowager Consort Hua was even more of a victim in this matter. "Your grandfather and I grew up together and were discussing marriage when she decided to marry into the royal family. She repeatedly kept meddling to help your grandfather. Of course, your grandfather was also at fault for not being straight with her."

She Niang thought to herself that unless one knew about rebirth like she did, such inexplicable actions wouldn't make sense. But even if reborn, one shouldn't do worse than before.

However, she had also heard that Old Madam Pei's original fiancé had died young.

In comparison, her grandfather had lived a relatively long life.

Lost in these random thoughts, She Niang soon fell asleep. Dowager Consort Hua chuckled to herself; the girl seemed burdened with worries, yet she could still sleep so soundly.

While She Niang slept, Shun Niang was wide awake. Not long after leaving the nunnery, the Prince of Jin had chosen the obscure Third Sister as a consort. Old Madam Pei was also surprised. It was said that Fifth Aunt Cao Shi had secretly taken Third Sister to meet the Princess of Jin. After the Prince of Jin enfeoffed Liu Shi as a concubine, he chose her sister as a consort.

By chance, she had caught a glimpse of the Prince of Jin and told Old Madam Pei that she was the one who had saved him. The Old Madam patted her hand and said, "Your Third Sister is hard to marry off. It's good that she has found a place to belong now."

Third Sister was honest and simple, with the temperament of a monastic—serene and non-competitive. She couldn't even secure the position of a secondary consort and was merely enfeoffed as a consort before being married off. There wasn't much Shun Niang could say, especially since the family had now split the family assets. Cao Shi had a sharp tongue, and provoking her could lead to endless trouble.

As a consort, there was no wedding ceremony—just a simple palanquin carried her into the household.

For others, this might seem poor, but for Yi Niang, it was truly a good thing. She said to Sui Sui, "Look at your frowning little face. It's alright now, everything's fine."

Sui Sui smiled. "If the Old Madam had put in a few words for you, you might have been enfeoffed as a concubine and gained a rank."

"Enough. I'm already twenty—an old maid. My looks and talents are nothing special. How could I take on the role of a concubine? It's better to live a peaceful life." Yi Niang was already content.

On the night she entered the Prince of Jin's household, the Prince came to her. He was quite handsome and dignified, treating her gently. Even someone as reserved as her heart fluttered in that moment.

...

The next day, when She Niang woke up, Dowager Consort Hua had someone bring a set of jade jewelry for her to wear. After all, it was inappropriate to dress too flashily while in mourning.

She Niang hesitated. "Grandmother, I have jewelry. My mother has pieces made for my sisters and me every year. As the saying goes, 'Money is a mute daughter,' meaning it's something precious to be kept. You should keep these for yourself, especially since there's still Younger Uncle."

"Don't worry about these things. My belongings are mine to give as I please. They've just divided the household and have titles—they lack nothing. As for your Younger Uncle, when he comes of age, he'll also be enfeoffed. But among all my sons, your father is the most filial. I didn't take care of him much, yet he traveled a long way to find me. If I were ever in dire straits, he would likely be the only one who could save me."

That was the kind of person Dowager Consort Hua was—she remembered kindness for years.

Thus, She Niang could hardly refuse.

When they left the Prince of Qing's household, the Princess of Qing had put Furong at her disposal. With skillful hands, Furong styled her hair: a lily bun at the front, with the rest flowing down, adorned with a silver hairpin featuring an inlaid jade butterfly. On either side, she placed jade bud pins from Hotan, with jade immortal earrings dangling from her ears and two silver rings inlaid with aquamarine and carved with flowers on her fingers.

She wore a goose-yellow silk blouse with a wish-granting ruyi pattern, paired with a snow-white skirt embroidered with chrysanthemums in silver thread. A jade pendant adorned her collar, giving her an elegant and charming appearance.

Even Yu Shi remarked, "Your grandmother dresses you far better than I ever could."

She Niang smiled without replying.

Today, Li Ju came to the residence to deliver the imperial decree. Everyone in the Prince of Xiang's household had already prepared the incense table to welcome him. After Li Ju finished reading the decree and presenting the golden certificate and treasure, Li Jue stood up and said, "Excellent, excellent! I've been looking forward to your arrival. We've prepared fine tea and food—stick around for a few days before leaving. This is a joyous occasion for me as well."

"How could I leave immediately on your big day? Don't worry." The two conversed familiarly.

The servants of the Prince of Xiang's household thought to themselves that their Prince's son was usually quite impressive, but this Prince of Qing's son was even more exceptionally handsome. Dressed in an *yishan guan* (a type of crown) and a dragon robe, he exuded nobility.

He didn't carry the aloofness of someone in power; instead, he seemed vibrant and high-spirited.

In truth, Li Ju had always been like this, but circumstances had forced him to change. Now he was gradually returning to his old self. He bowed to the Prince and Princess of Xiang.

The Prince of Xiang quickly helped him up. "Good nephew, you've traveled such a long way. You must be exhausted."

"Uncle, there's no need for formalities. My father was just saying that as a prince, he has much to learn from you." Li Ju smiled.

The Prince of Xiang treated him warmly and asked how he had come. Li Ju replied, "I came with two officers from the Northern Patrol Office. Also accompanying us were the family members of Prefect Pei."

Mentioning Prefect Pei's family, he exchanged a glance with Li Jue—they had once stayed at their home. Li Jue said, "Wasn't Prefect Pei still a vice-prefect last time? He's been promoted to prefect rather quickly."

"He made contributions in transporting provisions." Li Ju held back from mentioning that his family had recommended him.

Li Jue recalled the beauty he had glimpsed at the Pei residence. Once he had settled Li Ju, he went to inquire and found out that it was indeed the Pei's Fifth Miss who had come for Dowager Consort Hua's birthday.

As he was thinking this, he heard laughter in the garden. Looking closely, he saw it was none other than Fifth Miss Pei. He found himself walking toward her without thinking.