Chapter 31

Chapter 31: The Thirty-First Return

Having eaten, drunk, played chess, and practiced swordsmanship, none of these delightful activities brought Lian Cheng greater joy than finally connecting hearts with Lian Xiusheng.

As he departed, Lian Cheng beamed, “I’ll certainly come keep you company tomorrow. But since I won’t be here tonight, will you manage a good night’s sleep?”

Lian Xiusheng, sword in hand, escorted Third Brother to the gate. “Perhaps I might.”

Lian Cheng feigned ignorance. “Send some cherries to my courtyard. I can’t take them now—it’s inconvenient. That little bit I brought over—don’t say it’s not enough to go around among our own siblings; Little Eight and Little Nine have already started squabbling over it.”

After a bit more conversation, Jin Cai dashed out from the courtyard, holding a gourd-shaped lantern for Lian Cheng. “The snow is deep and the path slippery, Third Brother—better take a lantern.”

“Thanks.” Lian Cheng took the lantern, raised it to examine it closely, and saw faint gourd and spiral-shell patterns within—likely symbolizing the Five Lakes and Four Seas. “Well, I’m off now.”

He lit the lantern; his red cloak wrapped his figure as he melted into the high walls and deep alleys, his silhouette gradually swallowed whole.

Lian Xiusheng watched until he could no longer see him, then withdrew his gaze, turned, and stepped down from the gateway, followed by a puzzled Jin Cai. “Young master, didn’t you dislike the character ‘Qiu’? Why did you refer to yourself by it just now in front of Third Brother?”

“If it’s Third Brother, it’s fine.”

Jin Cai grew even more bewildered.

Meanwhile, Lian Cheng hurried back to the main house. Lian Pu had been searching for him, claiming there was a matter of great importance. Yet upon seeing him, Lian Pu merely busied himself drinking with several men. Lian Cheng had to inquire on his own—only for Lian Pu to dismiss it, saying there was nothing at all: “Nothing” meant no trouble; no trouble was good news; and good news, surely, was a big deal. Lian Cheng couldn’t be bothered with him.

He found Huqiu, asked where the two elder brothers had gone, then plunged into the women’s quarters. Silently, he stood behind a curtain, first observing everyone’s movements. Several madams were playing cards; two young ladies and several maids were engaged in a board game; Eldest Brother and Second Brother were amusing a little girl of about four or five—likely his niece, Yun Jieer, as recalled from the original body’s memory. The two troublesome boys clung to their mother on either side, who sat wiping tears while speaking with Zhang Ailian. Elderly maidservants and younger maids bustled about, changing tea and snacks. It was lively.

“Ah! When did Cheng Geer arrive? You startled me!” Second Madam Wu Shi was the first to spot Lian Cheng. It wasn’t that she had sharp eyes—having lost a considerable sum of silver, she kept her gaze fixed, trying to peek at the cards held by the other women. She failed to glimpse the cards but spotted the little demon—last time, in her Zhiyu Pavilion, he’d been fierce!

Across from Second Madam sat Lian Biyun, the Lian family’s younger sister. Upon seeing Lian Cheng approach, her eyes blinked unnaturally, and she focused solely on her cards.

Lian Cheng ignored her. He walked behind Wu Shi and bent down. “Second Madam, play this card.”

Wu Shi raised her brows. “You’re tricking your Second Madam.”

“Second Madam needn’t believe me.”

Wu Shi figured she’d already thrown away enough silver. She played the card Lian Cheng suggested, then asked which one to play next. Lian Cheng guided her again.

Soon, the women glanced at the cards—and sure enough, Wu Shi won that round. She laughed heartily, collected the silver, and turned to poke Lian Cheng’s forehead. “You little troublemaker—you made me win!” With that, she handed him two small silver pieces and ordered a maid to bring a round stool for him to sit on.

Lian Cheng knew this money-grubbing lady wanted him as her advisor. He quickly claimed he had matters to attend to and left the women to their own amusement, declining to meddle in elders’ affairs.

“What day is it today that you have matters to attend to? Must be that beating from Sheng Geer earlier knocked some sense into you. Now you’ve turned into a sly little ghost and look down on us madams.” Wu Huajie blurted out.

For a moment, everyone in the room who heard her shifted expressions—but the change came and went in an instant. In the blink of an eye, it was as if nothing had been said, and they busied themselves with their tasks.

Even as clueless as Wu Huajie was, she realized she’d misspoken. Panicked, she added, “Brothers squabbling and fighting is normal—let’s not dwell on it further. Your Second Madam’s heart aches.”

Lian Biyun shot a sidelong glance at Wu Huajie and said, “It’s not like Second Brother sends chickens and ducks all around, making your heart ache.”

“Dear aunt, you talk as if chickens, ducks, and quails are so easy to come by. It’s not that I can’t send them—but Ying Geer only cares about which books to read during the day. He doesn’t know there’s art to selecting livestock. If he sends something nice, the family says he’s sensible; if he sends something poor, they’ll claim he laced the chicken’s belly with arsenic.”

“The whole family is kin—close as can be. Who says you laced it with arsenic?”

Just as a quarrel threatened to erupt, Fifth Madam let out an “Eh?” and remarked that Wu Huajie’s headdress looked beautiful today—asking which shop she’d bought it from, so she could order a set too.

A delighted look spread across Wu Huajie’s face, and she was about to launch into detail when Lian Biyun chimed in with a smile, “A headdress is fine—but not as fine as tonight’s undressing show at Zhiyu Pavilion.”

Hearing this, Zhang Ailian grew curious and asked what undressing show was being performed at Zhiyu Pavilion.

At that moment, Lian Cheng was squatting before Yun Jieer, amusing her. The girl giggled, saying she wanted to sleep in Third Uncle’s courtyard tonight. Lian Cheng replied, “You drool, little dirty thing—I don’t want you.” She blinked, not understanding what “dirty thing” meant. Meanwhile, Lian Ying suddenly stood up, turned to Zhang Ailian, and bowed. “It’s not a good show—the story is poor, and the singing unremarkable. If Mother enjoys it, I’ll find an opportunity later to hire performers for the household.”

Zhang Ailian smiled. “Don’t bother with such trifles. It lacks grandeur—just focus on your studies.”

After speaking, she glanced toward Wu Huajie, who trembled as she set down her cards. Zhang Ailian understood instantly. She cleared her throat and declared, “This household has never had many rules—grown sons still mingling freely with womenfolk in the courtyards, and there are quite a few of them. I’ve been ill and unable to manage, and Little Four finds it awkward to handle men’s affairs. Today, with the whole family assembled, I’ll clarify certain matters. From now on, we won’t muddle along.”

When Zhang Ailian spoke, those in the room who should kneel did so. Seeing everyone kneel, Lian Cheng quickly knelt as well.

Lian Cheng knelt side by side with Yun Jieer. He toyed with the tassel on his sachet, while Yun Jieer lay flat on the ground, feet in the air—neither uncle nor niece behaving properly.

Above them, Zhang Ailian’s voice rang out.

“I have nothing to say about Eldest Brother’s courtyard—but his wife is soft-hearted toward the child. The girl is old enough to begin lessons with a tutor, yet she’s reluctant to send her, saying it doesn’t matter if girls learn to read late. If you’re raising your daughter to become someone else’s old maidservant, then don’t call her Yun Jieer. After the New Year, send her to the kitchen to work alongside the fire-tending maids—that would better suit your wife’s wishes.”

Beside Eldest Brother Lian Feng stood his wife, Fu. Lian Cheng stole a glance and saw that this eldest sister-in-law’s face had turned purple as an old eggplant.

Soon, Lian Cheng also caught sight of Lian Feng gripping the edge of Fu’s skirt.

Ah—he wanted to learn from Big Brother! Lian Cheng’s heart thrilled.

“Maojun, you’re a son and the eldest. I’m not your birth mother, so it’s not my place to criticize you. But if I leave you out today, it’ll seem as though I’m singling out only the women and girls,” Zhang Ailian said, looking gravely down at Lian Feng. “You’ve served in officialdom for nearly ten years. I know it’s not easy, and you prefer staying in your courtyard with your wife and daughter. Still, you must also consider your daughter’s future. Living idly and eating through your savings won’t secure her a good future.”

Lian Feng murmured softly, “Yes, Mother.”

Then came Lian Ying. He rose, bowed, and knelt again. “Son awaits Mother’s instruction.”

Lian Cheng perked up most attentively—he treated this matriarchal address like a character introduction, afraid to miss a single detail.

As for what Huqiu had said—it was highly subjective, for reference only.

“Behind Minzi’s courtyard lies a quiet little compound—not large, but elegant, and conveniently near Tutor Guan’s residence. After the New Year—no, tomorrow—pack a few cases with books, ask Fourth Madam for two maids, and move there,” Zhang Ailian said, taking a sip of tea before continuing. “As for your wife—don’t worry. Once you’ve moved out independently, I’ll send a note to her family, and she’ll naturally return.”

Lian Cheng listened, lying on his stomach. So Second Brother’s wife had fled due to mother-in-law issues!

Lian Ying affirmed he understood. Then Wu Huajie shouted, “Madam claims she’s giving instructions—but really, she’s taking my life! Ying Geer is my own son. Even though I’m a concubine and lack authority over the young masters, what’s wrong with Ying Geer living in the same courtyard as me? It must be that slut Feng’s gossip turning Madam against me—trying to separate me from Ying Geer!”

Zhang Ailian said nothing—but a housekeeper emerged from behind her, holding a bramble branch.

“If you keep gossiping, I’ll have to strike you. Then go tell the master—and see whether he’ll back you.”

After concluding matters concerning Zhiyu Pavilion, Lian Cheng expected it was his turn. He quickly stood, ready to imitate Lian Ying’s formal posture—but Zhang Ailian skipped over him and moved on to Liuyun Terrace, Third Madam’s courtyard.

“We need to begin arranging Fifth Miss’s marriage. The dowry will be handled by the family, so you and your daughter needn’t worry.” Zhang Ailian smiled and added, “Fourth Miss will be returning home for the New Year in a couple of days. If there’s anything the family needs to prepare, just say the word, Third Madam.”

“Thank you, Madam.” A plainly dressed woman rose and expressed her gratitude.

Lian Cheng thought to himself: Fourth Miss is the already-married elder sister. He hadn’t met her yet and had no idea what she liked—making gift preparation difficult. Big families truly were a headache.

Next came Fifth Madam’s turn. Zhang Ailian said, “I know you’re well-off—but you can’t throw silver around like confetti. Don’t you realize that too little money is bad, yet too much can also cause trouble? Before the New Year, several families came to propose for your daughter. They couldn’t even tell which girl was yours—but they’d counted your assets down to the last penny. You need to be more alert.”

Lian Cheng concluded: Fifth Madam was rich, foolish, and good-natured.

When it came to Sixth Madam, Zhang Ailian paused for a long time before speaking. “Penglaige is a large residence. Minzi is clear-headed now—with Tutor Guan ahead and Ying Geer beside him—and Xiu Sheng conveniently next door. When you return tonight, have the maids pack some boxes. Tomorrow, send both boys over to eat and sleep. Three young masters under one tutor—even a chaos-born demon could be taught.”

Before Sixth Madam could utter a word—and before Little Eight and Little Nine grasped the implication—the decision was sealed. Then the topic shifted to Lian Biyun.

“I’m only your sister-in-law, so many things are hard for me to say. If I do speak, I fear you’ll bear a grudge; if I stay silent, I fear you’ll act rashly and cause trouble.” Zhang Ailian deliberately paused—and seeing no protest from Lian Biyun, continued. “Tomorrow, go bring your two nephews and niece back. Since you’ve already severed ties with that family, why send them for a reunion dinner? When you made that scene, you don’t know how much cold talk they endured upon returning home. If you can’t bear to lose that connection, go eat the dinner yourself—don’t humiliate the children.”

Lian Biyun lowered her head and said she understood. She would go tomorrow.

Then, at last, the topic turned to Lian Cheng, who had been eagerly waiting.

"Minzi..."

Lian Cheng, following the example Lian Ying had set earlier, performed the full ritual, knelt, and kowtowed three times, shuffling up to Zhang Ailian's knee. "Mother, just say what you will. I'll listen, and I'll obey."

Zhang Ailian naturally bore the stern, commanding countenance of a female general—dignified and unsmiling—but she was often amused by her own son's mischievous antics. She pretended to sip her tea, composing herself as a mother, then said, "Regarding the matter you wanted to pursue before, I've already spoken with your father. We'll first find you a clerical post in the yamen to get some office experience. If you insist on wielding swords and staves, then you must train hard at home every day, and only when you can protect yourself will you be allowed to join."

Lian Cheng's eyes lit up. "Yes, Mother."

"At Master Guan's place, it won't do without a pageboy or a book attendant. Having only Huqiu is rather inconvenient. After the New Year, go with Master Guan and pick a study companion. I don't know the old gentleman's temperament well, so I wouldn't know who to choose."

"Yes, Mother."

A smile crept onto Zhang Ailian's lips. She continued, "Your Fourth Madam is good at managing household affairs, but sometimes she overlooks her own son's courtyard. So I'm also assigning a housekeeper to you, to look after both you and Xiu Sheng, as well as the courtyards of Ying Geer, Xiao Geer, and Tao Geer later. The affairs of the young masters are major matters in the household. Having a housekeeper watching over you will give me peace of mind, and it will be faster to handle any matters that come up."

"...Yes, Mother." So she's just openly installing a surveillance system, thought Lian Cheng.

Zhang Ailian had spoken a great deal in one breath. She rested for a good while and drank two bowls of tea before recovering her breath. She looked around the room at all the jade and silk, every face handsome and refined, even the maids looking more spirited than ordinary girls outside. A surge of resentment rose in her heart. She turned and took another sip of tea to suppress it, then said, "All of you, rise and take your seats. This year, I'm giving you your New Year gifts—a token of good fortune. May the whole family be safe and healthy in the coming year, and may everything go smoothly."

Then maids stepped out from behind, Qing Zhu and Qiu Fang, each carrying a casket. They took out embroidered pouches one by one and distributed them. No one spoke. Those who received the pouches merely opened them, glanced inside, then closed them again. They knelt and kowtowed to thank the lady. After that, each person was given two bolts of fine fabric to make clothes, and the young ladies received an extra gold-and-jade hairpin.

Lian Cheng was dazzled by the spectacle. This distribution alone cost at least several hundred taels of silver, perhaps over a thousand. How wealthy was Zhang Ailian? No wonder she was a commandery princess appointed by the late emperor and a tutor to the former crown prince.

With the festival gifts distributed, it was time to disperse. Lian Cheng watched as people left one by one. Noticing a hint of loneliness in her expression, he didn't hurry off. He walked up to her, took a cushion, and sat at her feet. "Mother, let me keep you company a little longer."

Zhang Ailian saw it was getting late and was about to have Qing Zhu escort him away.

"Mother, if you're going to chase me off, let me at least see what's in my pouch." Lian Cheng clutched his pouch and pulled the string. "If it's something I don't like, I'm not leaving."

"You little rascal." Zhang Ailian scolded him with a laugh. "Go ahead, look. Do you think I'm afraid of you?"

Lian Cheng felt a hard object inside. Carefully, he tipped it out into his palm. It was a jade pendant with a ruyi cloud pattern. The texture was superb. Even though Lian Cheng wasn't a connoisseur, he knew this pendant must be extremely valuable.

"Look at that, look at that—such a little money-grubber," said Zhang Ailian, watching Lian Cheng stare dumbly at the jade. She couldn't stop laughing. "Qing Zhu, get a stick and beat him away from here!"

Qing Zhu doubled over with laughter. Qiu Fang came over and said, "Young master, don't forget to take the New Year gift the lady prepared for the Sixth Brother as well. Everyone gets one; we can't leave him out."

Lian Cheng nodded, got up from the floor, bowed to Zhang Ailian, accepted the pouch Qiu Fang handed him, and ran off.

Outside the main hall, Huqiu was waiting in the courtyard. Lian Cheng told him to hold on, and secretly peeked to see what was in Zhang Ailian's pouch for Lian Xiusheng.

It was an inkstone—a plain one, nothing valuable, not even showing much thought.

Well, that made sense. With so many people, she couldn't treat everyone the same as her own children. Even if Zhang Ailian was fabulously wealthy, she couldn't keep giving things out like water.

Never mind, Lian Cheng decided to add a better gift of his own for Lian Xiusheng, in addition to the one from Zhang Ailian and the one from his third brother. If they ever faced a life-or-death crisis, at least they wouldn't be grateful only to Zhang Ailian—maybe they'd remember his third brother, too.