Chapter 47: Chapter 47 (Two Chapters Combined)

Chapter 47: Two Chapters Combined

Generally, due to the strict segregation of genders, male guests were naturally received by the men of the Pei family. However, Old Madam Pei always found the engagement between She Niang and Li Ju quite peculiar and couldn't fathom it. So, upon hearing of their visit today, she seized the opportunity to observe them.

After all, at her age, meeting her future grandson-in-law was perfectly normal.

As a third-rank Shu Ren, she naturally waited at the entrance upon hearing from the maids that Li Ju and his party had arrived. Soon, she saw three men approaching. The youngest, walking at the front, wore a jade crown, a dark green robe with a stand-up collar embroidered with gold thread, a white jade belt depicting a falcon catching a goose, and green boots with white soles. His features were exquisite, radiating a captivating charm.

The Prince of Qing's heir was indeed remarkably handsome!

"This old woman pays her respects to the young prince and the heir," Old Madam Pei said, leaning on her cane, about to curtsy.

Li Ju stepped forward to gently support her. "There's no need for such courtesy, Madam. On the contrary, we are the ones imposing."

Old Madam Pei was even more impressed by Li Ju's polite demeanor. Not wanting to show favoritism, she exchanged a few words with Young Master Xiao before finally turning to Pei Ji. "I hear the kitchen has prepared the dishes. Please escort our esteemed guests." She then bowed slightly, adding, "Please excuse this old woman for taking my leave."

"Then we shall take our leave," Li Ju said with a smile.

Regardless of how Pei Ji entertained Li Ju and Young Master Xiao, Old Madam Pei grew even more perplexed. The Prince of Qing's heir was undeniably talented and handsome—there seemed to be nothing amiss with him. How truly odd.

If it were about beauty, there were countless beauties in the world, and She Niang was hardly exceptional. How then did she manage to secure a connection with the Prince of Qing's household?

She Niang, of course, was unaware of Old Madam Pei's thoughts. Since Li Ju intended to personally pay his respects to Yu Shi, Yu Shi kept She Niang by her side, hoping the engaged couple would have a chance to meet.

Although She Niang was dressed in simple household clothes, trying not to appear as if she had made an effort, the light makeup she wore made her appear radiantly delicate. When Li Ju entered, she quickly stood up to bow.

Li Ju had originally come to the Pei household on a whim, never expecting to meet She Niang at Yu Shi’s quarters. However, he only glanced at her lightly before addressing Yu Shi: "I met Young Master Xiao and Brother Pei outside earlier, and they invited me over for a drink. I apologize for troubling you."

"Last time you mentioned you liked marinated lamb, so I asked the kitchen to prepare some. You must have more later," Yu Shi said with a smile. Then she added, "By the way, someone sent over several pots of green chrysanthemums yesterday. I placed them alongside the white and pink ones at home, and they make quite a colorful display together. Would you like to take a look?"

Li Ju quickly glanced at She Niang, who shyly pointed and said, "They’re right over there. Let me show you."

Since their parting at the Jinling estate, the two hadn’t had a proper conversation. As they walked to the backyard together, She Niang glanced up at him and said, "Hangzhou is humid, but the capital is dry. The climate is different, so you should be mindful of your diet."

Li Ju hadn’t expected her to say something like that and nodded repeatedly. "Don’t worry about me. How have you been?"

"Life in the capital is much more restrictive. Of course, it’s nothing like horseback riding or swimming in Hangzhou, but at least our family is together. Oh, I haven’t thanked you yet for finding a teacher for my brother. He was overjoyed—no wonder he insisted on inviting you to dine when he saw you on the road."

"It’s nothing. We’ll all be family soon anyway."

After saying this, Li Ju sneaked another glance at She Niang, who happened to meet his gaze. She couldn’t help but smile and said, "Go ahead, don’t keep everyone waiting."

"Alright," Li Ju replied.

She Niang turned and went back inside, where Yu Shi and Huang Shi were both smiling at her. She lowered her head and retreated into her room.

When Li Ju arrived, Pei Ji drank and chatted with them. The group engaged in lively discussions. Though Pei Ji was usually quiet, he was quite animated at the drinking party, even rising at one point to demonstrate swordplay to entertain everyone.

His genuine nature was something everyone genuinely appreciated.

The gathering was so lively that even Mo Yun, upon hearing about it, felt a twinge of envy. Unfortunately, Pei Ji wasn’t foolish. Although nobles usually treated scholars with respect, they cared deeply about status.

Even though Mo Yun was also a brother-in-law, he was only a petty official. If he were to force his way into such gatherings, even the Pei family would likely criticize him.

But this kind of behavior only made Mo Yun seethe with resentment. Yue Niang comforted him, saying, "Flowers don’t bloom for a thousand days, and people don’t stay fortunate forever. They may be high and mighty now, but one day they might have to rely on your favor."

"I dare not hope for that. Please don’t advocate for me in front of the elders. I don’t mind for myself, but I don’t want you to be looked down upon by your sisters." Mo Yun gazed tenderly at Yue Niang.

He knew very well that the fleeting attractions outside were just passing fancies—only Yue Niang was his true wife, and the Pei family was his only support.

Yue Niang nodded in agreement.

That evening, when Pei Ji returned, he first reported to Pei Yiqing and his wife: "I hosted both of them today, and everything went well. We had a lively gathering. Next time, Young Master Xiao has invited us over."

"Good, that’s a relief. I heard the Prince of Qing's heir knew that Young Master Xiao had previously sought to marry your sister. I was worried there might be tension between them," Pei Yiqing said, feeling reassured.

Hearing this, Pei Ji thought for a moment and hesitated. "I was so focused on making sure they enjoyed themselves that I might have overlooked some subtleties."

Pei Yiqing couldn’t blame his son, as Pei Ji was excellent at keeping the atmosphere lively. Whenever he went out, he often brought his eldest son along, and things never felt awkward.

The next day was another sunny one. She Niang and Shun Niang went to have breakfast with Old Madam Pei. After the meal, Old Madam Pei looked at She Niang and said, "I saw the Prince of Qing's heir yesterday. Truly, a hero emerges from among the youth."

"Grandmother, why would you say such a thing?" She Niang pretended to be shy and didn’t elaborate.

Old Madam Pei continued, "I heard you served as a study companion in the Prince of Qing's household when you were in Hangzhou. Is that true?"

"I only accompanied the princess for a few days of reading now and then," She Niang replied, knowing that their activities in Hangzhou would eventually be informed to Old Madam Pei. There was no point hiding it.

Old Madam Pei said, "Oh, so you two knew each other from the princely residence? That’s good—childhood friends, then."

This was a trap. What did "childhood friends" mean? She Niang wouldn’t let anyone seize on her words. She quickly shook her head and said, "The heir and I hardly ever saw each other at the princely residence. It wasn’t until more than a year after returning home that the Emperor issued the decree."

"Oh, so that’s how it was," Old Madam Pei thought to herself. This Fifth Girl was truly cautious.

She Niang certainly couldn’t afford to misspeak. Unless it was her own parents, there were too many ears around. If word got out that they were "childhood friends," people might genuinely believe she and Li Ju had been involved before their engagement. So she avoided even hinting at such terms.

After finishing their conversation, She Niang excused herself to return to her embroidery work. Shun Niang stayed behind with Old Madam Pei and said, "Grandmother, did you know? Fifth Sister has two maids who are from the princely residence."

"She’s more capable than her sister. Don’t you see? Li Niang is too prone to arrogance—she’s just a pretty face. But this She Niang is elusive and shrewd, with both cunning and depth. Don’t be fooled by her," Old Madam Pei warned.

Shun Niang agreed wholeheartedly. Noticing some present boxes on the table, she asked, "Grandmother, what are these?"

"These are for your Third Sister at the Prince of Jin's household," Old Madam Pei said. She had thought it over: Third Girl was, after all, a concubine of the Prince of Jin. If the Prince of Jin were to ascend the throne in the future, Third Girl could at least become the head of the nine concubines or even be granted the title of consort. It was best to nurture this relationship now—it might prove useful later.

Hearing it was for Third Sister, Shun Niang felt somewhat uncomfortable and quickly excused herself under some pretext.

After finishing three sets of clothing and socks, winter had arrived, and snow began to fall. The servants brought meals directly to the rooms. Winter was the easiest season to gain weight, so She Niang measured her food portions carefully, refusing to overeat. Otherwise, she wouldn’t look good in her wedding dress next year.

After her meal, she went for a walk to her mother’s quarters to aid digestion. Coincidentally, Pei Yiqing was home on his day off that day and said to her, "The Emperor currently intends to have the imperial princes return to the capital. I heard the Prince of Qing was the first to submit a memorial. You really have some luck, child. It seems we won’t have to stay in Hangzhou forever…"

She Niang was surprised that the Prince of Qing had agreed. She remembered in her previous life, when the imperial princes were recalled to the capital, many resisted. The Prince of Qing had been slow to respond, as had the Prince of Jin.

Although it eventually succeeded, the court had to use forceful measures, especially under the current Emperor, who was said to have died of illness. Rumor had it that his overly aggressive policies led to the deaths of several imperial princes, which was why the Prince of Jin rebelled.

"The Prince of Qing's household reacted quickly," She Niang remarked.

Sooner or later, the imperial princes would be stripped of their territories. Since the Prince of Qing’s household had responded early, they might even be held up as an example by the Emperor, earning them more rewards.

Sure enough, it was said that the Emperor granted the Prince of Qing’s household several estates totaling over four hundred mu of land. He also ordered the Ministry of Works to draft plans for a princely mansion with four hundred eighty rooms—the largest among all the princes.

Naturally, Li Ju was very busy. He had to manage imperial clan affairs while overseeing the construction of his own residence.

Despite his busy schedule, he still found time to communicate with the Pei family, assuring them that the main residence would definitely be completed by the following year and that they need not worry.

Even Pei Yiqing remarked, "The old Prince of Qing abdicated the throne to his brother back then, and now he’s the first to respond to the recall of the imperial princes. Combined with the Prince of Qing's heir’s conduct, it truly reflects the demeanor of a cultivated gentleman."

But if you asked She Niang, ascending the throne was what mattered most. The old Prince of Qing’s approach was far too risky. If the previous Emperor had decided to eliminate him out of fear of his status as the eldest legitimate son, how could he have survived?

Leaving one’s fate entirely in the hands of others was utterly nerve-wracking. She Niang wanted no part of it.

While they were speaking, word came from outside that Li Niang had arrived. Yu Shi grumbled, "Why didn't she give us any notice beforehand? Why has she come back at this time?"

"Yes, with such heavy snow falling, why has Sister come back?" She Niang also expressed concern.

When Li Niang returned, she was followed by only two or three servants with minimal luggage, her eyes filled with tears, clearly very upset.

Yu Shi was extremely worried: "What's happened to you? Have you been mistreated?"

Seeing her obvious distress, She Niang stood up, first dismissed the servants, then poured a cup of tea for her: "Don't just sit there feeling sorry for yourself. If you have any grievances, speak up, and we'll figure something out for you."

"Indeed," Yu Shi knew her daughter's temperament. Having been spoiled and pampered since childhood and being so beautiful, Li Niang had always received special treatment everywhere.

From a young age, she had heard that pretty children got all the attention and deserved special treatment. This was different from She Niang, who disliked using her advantages to gain benefits and preferred to do everything within her power herself, often even displeased when others offered help.

It was no surprise that Li Niang faced setbacks.

With her mother and sister watching her, Li Niang said, "There's no room for me in the Marquis' mansion anymore. As the New Year approaches, I've been running the household with my two sisters-in-law, but some accused me of sticking my nose where it doesn't belong. I could ignore such gossip, but yesterday a fire broke out in the northern warehouse, burning the contents inside and killing someone. I wasn't even there at the time—yesterday our aunt returned home, and I was entertaining her. Today, everyone blames me for the incident. Third Master not only didn't stand up for me but instead scolded me for causing trouble."

"If it has nothing to do with you, why not explain it clearly?" Yu Shi believed innocence would prevail.

Li Niang wiped her tears: "Now even Eldest Sister-in-Law and Second Sister-in-Law speak to me with digs, and even my mother-in-law..."

Seeing her going on and on, She Niang suddenly asked, "Sister, who asked you to manage the household? When we visited the Marquis of Dingbei's mansion before, wasn't it still Eldest Madam and Second Madam who were in charge?"

The two of them had divided responsibilities: Eldest Madam Wang handled external social engagements and major banquet arrangements, while daily details were managed by Second Madam.

As for Li Niang, she had not been managing the household at that time.

Sure enough, Li Niang replied, "It was my mother-in-law who asked me to help out."

"Did she offer it herself?" She Niang pressed.

Li Niang flared up: "If she hadn't said it, how would I have taken on the responsibility? Why are you siding with them now?"

Seeing her reaction, She Niang knew something wasn't adding up, and it was likely complicated. She didn’t argue with her but said sternly, "If you’ve come back seeking help, tell us the whole story truthfully. Otherwise, if our family shows up there making a scene only to be rebuked, who will stand up for you if you return home again in the future?"

It was like the story of the boy who cried wolf—if the family stood up for her only to have evidence turned against them, she would be shooting herself in the foot.

Scared straight by She Niang's words, Li Niang finally told the truth: "I just thought that since both sisters-in-law were managing the household, if I didn’t, how could I establish myself in the family? Third Master talked Madame into it for me."

Yu Shi had initially found She Niang's attitude pushy, but now realized Li Niang had indeed lied. She then heard She Niang ask, "Then how did your mother-in-law put you in charge?"

"Mother-in-law first asked me to manage the household with Second Sister-in-Law. Those were matters she was already familiar with, so for the first few days, I followed her around. Later, gradually, we didn’t split up who was responsible for what—whoever was free would handle whatever needed attention." Li Niang thought for a moment and also mentioned the areas she had been managing.

She Niang frowned upon hearing this: "Managing a household is most problematic when authority and responsibilities are unclear. Without clear divisions, things get messy. But since you and Second Madam were managing together, you should have figured this out together."

Li Niang said with a sigh, "But Mother-in-law instead said that when Second Sister-in-Law was in charge, nothing went wrong, but as soon as I took over, problems arose. Second Sister-in-Law didn’t say anything in front of Mother-in-law, but privately she said it was an accident and told me not to sweat it. You tell me, when even others are criticizing me like this, and my husband only blames me, how am I supposed to keep going like this?"

"Don’t say that, there must be a way," Yu Shi also found it a tricky situation and looked at She Niang: "What should we do?"

She Niang sighed: "She took off like that without a care. While we can have her back once, it will be difficult afterward. Think about it: if Fourth Sister returns, won’t Second Madam Wang step forward to take care of the family and imply that it was Fourth Sister’s fault, while she handles the aftermath?"

"Yes, Li Niang, if you had stayed at the Marquis' mansion and gone with your Second Sister-in-Law to console the servants, reorganize the warehouse, and quickly resolve the matter, by the time the New Year passed, this incident would likely be forgotten. Now, haven’t you given your Second Sister-in-Law an opportunity?" Upon hearing She Niang's words, Yu Shi could just picture how that would play out.

Then, She Niang explained: "I’m not saying Second Madam Wang is necessarily at fault, but Sister, there’s something else you need to consider clearly. If you still want to manage the household, treat this incident as a lesson and grow stronger from it. If you’re afraid of gossip, it might be better to step down from managing the household altogether."

Now no one would bail her out; she had to take responsibility for her own actions.

Although Li Niang didn't always listen to her younger sister, she deeply trusted She Niang's words. She thought, indeed, by running back home, she had let others look good while she got stuck with the blame. Why should she?

She suddenly stood up, then slowly sat back down: "Even so, having just run away, how can I go back now without looking foolish?"

Yu Shi smiled: "That’s simple. Just say I obtained some blood swiftlet nests and wanted you to bring them back to your mother-in-law."

Li Niang nodded and took off in a hurry. When she returned, Wang Pan was still wondering when to go to the Pei family to fetch her, not expecting she would return so soon.

After all, they were a young couple, and quite affectionate. Li Niang usually acted cute, and Wang Pan was still crazy about her. But upon her return, she first went to the Marquise of Dingbei.

When Li Niang behaved obediently, she could be a very smooth talker. She first said, "My mother said the family obtained some bird's nests. Though they’re nothing fancy, they’re best for making congee or cooking duck during the New Year festivities. She specially asked your daughter-in-law to bring them to honor you, Mother. I thought since there are still matters at home that need me back, I should return early, so I left in a hurry. I beg your forgiveness, Mother."

The Marquis of Dingbei's household was, after all, not some small-time family. In rougher households, wives were often treated harshly—beaten and all turn against her by the whole family. But a marquis' household cared about appearances; if a real scandal broke out, everyone would lose face.

Thus, when the Marquise saw Li Niang like this, she gave her an out. Li Niang then brought up the matter of compensation, saying, "Second Sister-in-Law and I manage the household together. Wherever something goes wrong, it’s our oversight. I would like to ask Mother to allow Second Sister-in-Law and me to together compensate the victim’s family. As for the losses, please deduct them from my monthly stipend."

The Marquise of Dingbei thought to herself, how could this daughter-in-law have changed so much after a trip back to her parents' house? If she had known she was so capable, she would have put her in charge long ago.

After this matter was resolved, the Marquise of Dingbei even praised Li Niang a few times, and the attitudes of those below also changed.

Later, Yu Shi sent someone to inquire, and Li Niang said everything was fine now. Yu Shi could finally relax, while She Niang smiled and said, "With the New Year approaching, I’ll kick back for a few days. Mother, this year I won’t be attending those operas and banquets."

"You’re getting married next year, so it’s indeed not appropriate to go out much," Yu Shi now couldn't do without She Niang. Many tough spots were handled without breaking a sweat by her.

Even Yu Shi herself had benefited greatly. When it came to She Niang, she was undoubtedly the core figure of the family.

When her eldest daughter married, she would worry, but it was manageable. If her second daughter were to marry, she would feel somewhat panicked.

Free from the worries of social engagements, She Niang stole moments of leisure to rest. She often consumed ginseng soup, longan, and red dates to nourish her blood and energy, slept well daily, and felt much more comfortable physically.

Old Madam Pei, of course, continued to have Nanny Xiang investigate She Niang's affairs. Although Yu Shi had not publicly ordered anyone to stay silent, Nanny Xiang managed to uncover some clues.

Those from poor households could be easily bribed with silver to talk.

"I heard that the mother and daughter also visited the Prince of Xiang's mansion, claiming they had relatives there. When I inquired further, I found out it was said to be the Dowager Consort of the Prince of Xiang's household. Sixth Madam and Fifth Miss were very close to her, and Fifth Miss even reportedly called her grandmother. But as for the specifics, since she didn’t serve inside, she didn’t know."

These words made Old Madam Pei frown: "Grandmother? Could it be that wretched Hua Xiniang? Impossible. Concubines are recorded in the imperial jade records. Back then, she was driven out only after bearing several children. It shouldn’t be her."

Nanny Xiang also said, "I think so too. Probably they recognized some relative. Sixth Master is slippery and capable—he must be trying to make connections everywhere."

Old Madam Pei shook her head: "Forget it. She’s getting married next year. The Prince of Qing's household is now currying favor with the emperor, but it might only bring temporary benefits. Her fate in the future is still unknown."

These grand topics were beyond Nanny Xiang's understanding.

During the New Year celebrations, Yue Niang assisted Lady Meng with domestic duties, while Mo Yun, a low-ranking clerk in the yamen, found his days tedious. His elder cousin—who was both his uncle and brother-in-law—typically held him in high regard, entrusting him with drafting invitations, managing formal salutations, and even bringing him along to social engagements when venturing out.

Mo Yun, of course, had no desire to remain a minor clerk forever. But Elder Master Pei believed he had thoughtfully arranged things—this was no ordinary clerk position but a secretarial role in the Office of Transmission. The Transmission Commissioner handled the submission and review of memorials and documents. If he could persevere over the years, he might eventually be recommended for a secretarial position in the cabinet.

But all this required waiting for opportunities. Elder Master Pei naturally didn’t explain this to Mo Yun, preferring to temper him instead.

Mo Yun, however, felt increasingly stifled.

At this time, Meng's eldest son, Pei Zhen, was betrothed to a young lady of distinguished lineage, introduced by Pei Yiqing—the granddaughter of the Right Vice Minister of Revenue.

The entire household was, of course, overjoyed. Some even counted on their fingers: "Our Second Young Master will have his minor betrothal in June, Fifth Miss will marry in August, and Sixth Miss will marry in September. The family will indeed be very busy."

To enhance Pei Zhen's standing, the Pei family also arranged for him to study at the Imperial College.

Mo Yun congratulated Pei Zhen outwardly but inwardly wondered why the Pei family didn’t secure him a similar opportunity instead of leaving him as a mere clerk. His discontent grew.

But he didn’t truly blame the Pei family; he simply felt frustrated at always being subordinate and achieving nothing. He resolved to make something of himself in the future—the Pei family was not a place where he could stay indefinitely.