Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Old Madam Ming was partial to her younger son, but she wasn't foolish enough to let that tear the household apart. Ever since the two branches started running their own affairs, Old Madam Ming had made it clear: each branch should mind its own garden and keep its nose out of the other's business.

In other words, everyone should drop any ideas about planting spies or informants. Old Madam Ming had lived in this deep mansion for decades, and with age came wisdom. She knew best how such behind-the-scenes intrigues grew, so she nipped those schemes in the bud, letting both branches live in peace.

Owing to Old Madam Ming's authority, in recent years the two branches had at most slipped in a few low-level lackeys to sniff around for information, but none of the higher-ups—the stewards and head matrons—dared to plant their own people.

But times were different now. With Noble Consort Sun and Prince Zhao behind them, and Qin Shun about to marry into Prince Zhao's household, Madam Sun's backbone had stiffened, and her ambitions were stirring.

"Knowing the eldest sister-in-law and Zhou Shi's temperaments, they're indeed capable of such things." Madam Sun smoothed her hairpin and said leisurely: "Tang Shi was suppressed by Madam Meng for so many years, and finally got her turn in the sun. She's only been lording it over others for a few years before the household management was taken away by her daughter-in-law. As for Zhou Shi, there's no need to even mention her—she's always been petty as hell, with eyes only for money. There's no way she'd let that slide."

Madam Sun knew her sister-in-law Madam Tang and her niece-in-law Zhou Shi well, having lived in the same mansion with them for so many years. That the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law duo would be bitter and try to sabotage things behind the scenes—she had no doubt those two, with their personalities and brains, were fully capable of pulling it off.

Though Pei Yun was a royal princess, her origins were awkward. Tang Shi and Zhou Shi, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law pair, were respectful to her face but looked down on her behind her back—no surprise there.

Nanny Liu also smiled and chimed in: "Madam sees right through it. Looks like the eastern branch is about to fall into chaos. The princess is young and rather lazy at that—she just handed the job of assigning duties to Nanny Feng. With too many mouths and not enough to go around, the underlings are bound to be unhappy. This is our perfect opportunity."

"The princess probably isn't familiar with things yet, and besides, she's being lazy and not taking it seriously." Madam Sun's brows lifted as she curled her lips slightly: "Handing that kind of power to underlings—isn't she just asking for trouble?"

There were only a few cushy assignments, and Nanny Feng would naturally hand them to her cronies or whoever greased her palm. The rest of the matrons would be left to gnaw on dry bones, and they'd naturally hold a grudge.

That would be their opening.

"Madam, this Nanny Feng is greedy and cunning. She's been using her mother-in-law Nanny Jin to skim off a fortune for years, and bullying the lower servants is second nature to her. Now that Princess Zhaoyang has put her in charge of renovating Qingyun Pavilion, we can dig up her faults easily."

Nanny Liu continued in a low voice: "When the time comes, we'll take it to the Grand Lady—that the eldest branch has been embezzling public funds and colluding with their servants. We'll just sit back and reap the rewards."

Madam Sun was thrilled with Nanny Liu's scheme, and was just about to green-light Nanny Liu to handle it, when Ming Shi, who'd been sitting there quietly listening the whole time, suddenly spoke up.

"Mother, perhaps we should think this over a bit more."

Madam Sun looked over and asked her eldest daughter-in-law: "What? Is there something wrong with it?"

Ming Shi's delicate brows furrowed slightly, worry creeping into the corners of her eyes: "After all, the fourth brother is back, and Princess Zhaoyang isn't someone to mess with. If you ask me, instead of burning all bridges with the eldest branch, we'd be better off forming an alliance with Princess Zhaoyang. Wouldn't that give us a way out?"

Ming Shi put it delicately, but Madam Sun got the gist—she wanted to team up with Pei Yun against her mother-in-law and sister-in-law.

Nanny Liu stood with her hands folded, glancing at Madam Sun. She watched Madam Sun set her celadon teacup down on the rosewood table and say flatly: "We've already made enemies of the fourth brother and his wife over Yue Jie'er. It's only because Mother's still around that it got smoothed over. It might look calm on the surface, but do you really think Chu Ge and Princess Zhaoyang don't hold a grudge against us?"

Ming Shi lowered her head, her eyelashes trembling slightly, her handkerchief unconsciously tightening in her grasp.

"You can't gather spilled water, and you can't call back a loosed arrow." Madam Sun glanced at Ming Shi and continued: "Besides, no matter what, Chu Ge is Tang Shi's flesh and blood. Even if he's closer to Madam Meng and dotes on Yu Ge and Yue Jie'er, and isn't as close to his own mother and Sheng Ge, after what happened with Yue Jie'er, knowing Chu Ge's temper, there's no way he'll let us get the title without a fight."

"Yun Qing, you need to understand that the most important thing for our household right now is Duke Su's title." Mrs. Sun sighed and said: "If this doesn't work out, forget Ding—just think about Wei Ge'er. His future would be night and day. Wei Ge'er is your only son; you can't afford not to plan for him."

Ming Shi listened to Madam Sun's earnest pleading and could only manage a gentle smile and a nod: "I understand everything Mother says."

Madam Sun nodded with satisfaction, then thought a moment and comforted her: "I know, us keeping this from you must have hurt you. But we were also afraid you'd be caught in the middle, torn between the two sides. If the Grand Lady questioned you, what would you say? Better to keep you in the dark."

"But Yun Qing, you need to remember—you've married into our family. You're the daughter-in-law of the Qin household, Ding's wife, the mother of Ying Jie'er and Wei Ge'er, and only after all that, the eldest daughter of the Ming family and the Grand Lady's grand-niece." Madam Sun said: "Do you understand?"

A pang of bitterness shot through Ming Shi's heart. Before her marriage, she had thought her status as the eldest young lady of the Ming family would let her live more comfortably in the Duke Su's mansion, but she never expected her mother-in-law and husband to be so guarded against her.

She was silent for a moment, then raised her head again, her face already wearing a gentle, serene smile.

"Everything Mother says, I understand. It is also my unfilial conduct that has caused Mother worry." She said softly: "What I said just now was merely a passing remark. After hearing Mother's words, I realize my thinking was too shallow. Mother is right—at this point, there is no possibility of reconciliation with the eldest branch."

When it came to the title, no one would yield.

Now it could only be seen whether Prince Zhao and the Noble Consort could sway opinions, or whether Qin Chu and Princess Zhaoyang had more skill.

Madam Sun looked at her eldest daughter-in-law and nodded with great satisfaction.

Though this daughter-in-law wasn't of her own choosing—the Grand Lady had decided it—there was no denying that Ming Shi was an outstanding young woman, excellent in virtue, appearance, speech, and conduct. It was just a pity she was from Old Madam Ming's family, and the old lady, at her advanced age, still wasn't willing to fully let go of the reins. Some matters had to be kept from her to some extent—there was no helping it.

"Alright, I'll handle this matter personally. You needn't concern yourself with it."

Madam Sun took a handkerchief and dabbed the corner of her mouth, then brought up Qin Ding's pregnant concubine, Su Shi: "Su Shi is with child now. You should look after her well. Ding only has Ying Jie'er and Wei Ge'er to his name, which is really too few. You've been married for nearly ten years now, and Wei Ge'er is already six. It's time to give him a few more younger siblings—how lively it would be for them to play together."

"My fortune with children in this life has been shallow—I only have Ding and Shun, this brother and sister pair. Fortunately, the concubines in the courtyard have been fruitful enough, adding two sons and two daughters to your father-in-law's household. That's what makes the family complete and lively, and gives Ding siblings to consult and support one another."

Madam Sun's tone grew subtly pointed as she said this, her gaze at Ming Shi carrying a veiled warning: "There's no shortage of concubines in Ding's courtyard, but these years, either they can't conceive or they can't carry to term. It's always been like this, and it's not a solution. I wonder if it might be some feng shui issue—I think we should invite a few masters to come take a look."

"Su Shi's pregnancy must be protected no matter what. If she loses it again, who knows what the outside world will say about our family."

Ming Shi remained smiling, and upon hearing this said warmly: "Mother need not worry. I will take excellent care of Sister Su's pregnancy. The previous sisters' miscarriages were mostly due to their youth and first pregnancies, and at the time I was busy looking after Wei Ge'er and Ying Jie'er, unable to attend to everything. In the end, it was all my fault. This time, I will certainly let Mother hold another grandchild."

Madam Sun's face immediately broke into a delighted smile.

"Excellent. With those words from you, I can rest easy." She glanced outside and saw it was getting late, then said: "You should go back. You came early this morning to keep me company in conversation—you must be tired."

Ming Shi rose and respectfully took her leave.

Madam Sun watched Ming Shi exit the central hall, then slumped back against her chair and said to Nanny Liu: "The young ladies of the Ming family are impeccable in upbringing—outstanding in every way. But there's one thing: they're too intolerant of others."

"The Grand Lady's chambers had only one daughter born of a concubine all those years, and she had that mother and daughter pair completely under her thumb. I think Ding's wife takes after her grand-aunt."

Nanny Liu poured tea for Madam Sun as she said: "Madam speaks truly. It's been so many years without children in the eldest master's courtyard—it's time you had a word with the eldest young madam."

Madam Sun clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes: "The Grand Lady is still alive and well. What can I do to her?"

So many children had mysteriously vanished from Ding's courtyard. Madam Sun wasn't foolish—she knew exactly what was going on. It was just that with Old Madam Ming protecting her, she couldn't say anything.

In the past, the title clearly had no share for their second branch, so all they could hope for was that Old Madam Ming would give them a larger portion of the property when the family divided. That was why Madam Sun and Qin Ding had been so eager to please Ming Shi, their daughter-in-law.

And fortunately, though Ming Shi wouldn't let the concubines bear children, she wasn't barren herself—she'd produced a son and a daughter right after marrying in, giving Qin Ding both heirs. So Madam Sun and Qin Ding could only pinch their noses and endure.

But times were different now. Besides, those children were Madam Sun's own grandsons. How could she bear to let Ming Shi keep destroying them?

"Enough. I've given her a warning today, and she should know where she stands. If Su Shi's child is born safely, this matter will be dropped and never mentioned again. But if..." Madam Sun's eyes darkened as she trailed off, "then don't blame me for disregarding all these years of mother-in-law and daughter-in-law affection."

"Madam has a plan in mind, that's what matters."

Nanny Liu said with a smile: "In any case, we've finally come out on top. The Noble Consort in the palace often thinks of you—she sent many things over the other day, including a special gift for our Miss Shun. Don't worry, Madam. It looks like our Shun Jie'er will soon be a princess consort, and then this household will be yours to command."

Madam Sun's heart did feel pleased at these words. She drank another half cup of tea before instructing: "Now that you mention what the Noble Consort sent, I recall there was a piece of flawless white mutton-fat jade—translucent and fine. Have someone take it out and make a few hairpins for Shun, and also a necklet. It'll be useful for formal occasions."

Nanny Liu quickly acknowledged and continued to flatter Madam Sun with a few more remarks, keeping her in high spirits. Just then, a young maidservant entered from outside, holding a gilded invitation in her hands.

"Madam, this was just delivered from the Noble Consort in the palace. She said that in a few days she'll be attending the polo gathering at the Prince Rong's estate, and she specially invites you and our young lady to come along."

Madam Sun was startled at first, then exchanged a glance with Nanny Liu. Nanny Liu stepped forward to receive the invitation and dismissed the young maidservant.

"Madam, have a look."

Nanny Liu handed over the invitation. Madam Sun opened it and examined it—it seemed ordinary enough, nothing particularly special.

"Why would the Noble Consort suddenly decide to attend the polo event at Prince Rong's mansion, and ask me to bring Shun'er along?" Madam Sun set the invitation down on the table, puzzled.

Nanny Liu quickly smiled and said, "Oh my dear madam, you're being forgetful. Isn't it obvious that the Noble Consort wants to use this opportunity to have our Miss Shun meet with Prince Zhao? His Royal Highness Prince Zhao will surely be there as well."

"Right, right—my mind's been in a fog." Madam Sun suddenly realized, and her joy only grew. "Where's Shun'er? Still playing in the outer courtyard? Call her in quickly so I can give her some instructions."

With that, Madam Sun urged again, "And that piece of jade I mentioned—get the finest craftsman to work on it right away. There are only three or four days until the fifteenth; make sure the jewelry is finished before then."

"Yes, rest assured, I'll oversee it personally—nothing will go wrong." Nanny Liu replied cheerfully, agreeing to each point.

Just as Nanny Liu was about to leave, Madam Sun called her back.

"Handle the matters of the eastern compound as you see fit. If there's a chance, send someone in there, but prioritize the polo event above all."

Nanny Liu nodded in agreement, saying she understood what was urgent and what could be put off, then left.

In the courtyard, Qin Shun, dressed in a rose-pink silk dress embroidered with butterflies, was playing with a colorful shuttlecock with several young maids. Ming Shi emerged from the main hall and saw her husband's younger sister throwing a tantrum.

"You can't even kick this thing right—what good are you? Go get me some people who can actually play, and send these ones away. They're just annoying to look at."

The maids who had been playing with her hadn't expected to be dismissed just for being poor at shuttlecock kicking. Being a personal maid to the young miss was a plum position, and they all hurriedly begged for forgiveness, but Qin Shun only grew more irritated.

"Qin Pan's maids are skilled in the four arts—music, chess, calligraphy, and painting—and look at you lot, can't even kick a shuttlecock, and you still have the audacity to cry here. If you ever come with me to Prince Zhao's mansion, you'd make me lose face completely."

"Stop crying right now—you're driving me crazy."

Ming Shi watched from behind for a while before stepping forward with a smile.

"Shun Jie'er, why are you throwing a tantrum?"

She approached, and the maids quickly bowed and paid their respects.

"Alright, stop crying. Crying on such a good day would only bring bad luck." Ming Shi smiled gently, raising her hand. "Go wipe your tears over there, and don't stay here to upset the young miss."

The maids murmured timidly in agreement and stepped aside to wipe their tears.

Seeing Ming Shi arrive, Qin Shun pouted and gave a small curtsy: "Sister-in-law."

Ming Shi helped her up and affectionately put an arm around her, leading her to a nearby pavilion to sit.

"What's the matter? Why are you getting so worked up over those little maids?" Ming Shi asked with a gentle expression, fanning Qin Shun gently as she spoke. "These girls only recently came into the household. I found them well-behaved and hardworking, and since you've turned fifteen and come of age, I thought you needed more attendants, so I assigned them to you. Have they not been serving you well?"

"If there's anything amiss, just tell me, and I'll handle them."

Qin Shun was strikingly beautiful, especially her eyes—bright and spirited—but she had a pampered temperament. To put it kindly, she was spoiled; to put it harshly, she was arrogant.

Hearing Ming Shi's words, she merely snorted and said, "The people you sent are certainly beyond reproach in their manners, but they're too dim-witted. They can't even kick a shuttlecock, let alone anything else useful. They're so dull."

Ming Shi kept her gentle smile and nodded. "Then it seems I didn't think it through. I forgot that our Shun Jie'er has the most refined and distinctive taste—I need to find you some attendants who are truly out of the ordinary."

Qin Shun beamed at that and said in a sweet, coquettish tone, "I knew you'd understand me, sister-in-law. Then please, help me pick out a few more."

"Ones who are skilled in the four arts and can also play polo and chuiwan."

"Very well, I'll remember that. As for these girls, I'll take them back with me in a bit."

Ming Shi nodded in agreement, watching as Qin Shun propped her chin on her hand and began playing with the gold bangle on her wrist. A flicker passed through her eyes, and she asked, "Shun Jie'er, I heard you mention Prince Zhao's mansion earlier. Though this is our own courtyard, walls have ears. The engagement isn't settled yet, and since you're still an unmarried young lady, it's best to speak of it less."

"What's the harm? These are all people from our own courtyard—do you think they'd dare spread rumors?" Qin Shun raised an eyebrow dismissively and smiled with smug confidence. "Sister-in-law, Mother has already told me—she's eighty percent confident about my marriage to cousin. And my aunt, the Noble Consort, adores me the most."

Ming Shi raised an eyebrow slightly and only said with a smile, "Then that's wonderful. I hope you get your wish."

At that, Qin Shun's face inexplicably fell a little, and she asked Ming Shi, "Sister-in-law, you're close to Fourth Sister-in-law—has she said anything about Qin Pan's marriage?"

"No, I haven't. It seems nothing's been settled yet." Ming Shi shook her head with a faint smile. "But no matter how Pan Jie'er's marriage is arranged, she can't outdo you. His Royal Highness Prince Zhao is the eldest prince—how exalted is he? And since the Emperor hasn't named a crown prince, what better match could there be than becoming his princess?"

With a few words, Ming Shi coaxed Qin Shun into a beaming smile.

"That's true—she can't outdo me anyway."

After showing off in front of Ming Shi, Qin Shun moved on to talk about her brother and sister-in-law's private affairs.

"Sister-in-law, I heard Sister Su is pregnant?"

Ming Shi paused in waving her jade fan, and the smile at the corners of her lips faded almost imperceptibly.

"Yes, almost four months now," she said.

Qin Shun said without any hesitation or tact, "Back then, when Mother wanted to pick concubines for eldest brother, she chose several respectable young women from good families. Sister Su was the one I set my eye on at once, and Mother then gave her to eldest brother. Now it seems my judgment was spot on—she's only just come through the door and she's already about to give me a little nephew."

"You and Mother certainly have good judgment," Ming Shi said coolly.

Qin Shun didn't notice that her words might upset her sister-in-law—or perhaps she simply didn't care—and continued enthusiastically, "Then can I go visit Sister Su tomorrow? I haven't gone to play with her in a while."

Ming Shi had no choice but to nod in agreement. Just then, Nanny Liu also came out of the main hall and, seeing Qin Shun talking with Ming Shi, hurried over.

"Miss, the madam wants you to go inside and speak with her."

Qin Shun seemed somewhat uninterested and casually asked what it was about.

Nanny Liu didn't keep it a secret and said directly with a smile, "The Noble Consort in the palace sent an invitation to the polo event. She said she'll be bringing His Royal Highness Prince Zhao along to the polo event at Prince Rong's mansion, so she specially invites you and the madam to go as well."

"Really?"

Qin Shun's eyes immediately lit up at that, and she lifted her skirts and hurried eagerly toward the main hall.

Seeing Qin Shun leave, Nanny Liu also made a curtsy to Ming Shi. "It's getting late, madam. You should head back and rest."

Ming Shi nodded, watching Nanny Liu also head to the main hall, then rose and left, supported by her maid's hand.

Shan Dai, Ming Shi's personal maid from her dowry, said in a low voice, "Madam, it seems the marriage between Miss Shun and His Royal Highness Prince Zhao is really about to be settled."

"When that happens, the madam will probably be looking down her nose at everyone."

"She already dares to subtly mock our madam, openly and behind her back—if this marriage went through, she'd really get above herself."

"Whether it happens or not, it's not for us to decide." Ming Shi said with a calm expression. "Let's see what fate has in store for that mother and daughter."

"After they've finished lunch, around then, send someone to Jinxiu Garden to bring Ying Jie'er back. Don't forget."

Shan Dai quickly replied, "Yes, don't worry, madam."

At Jinxiu Garden, all was harmonious. Pei Yun had lunch together with the three children, Qin Pan, Qin Yue, and Qin Ying. After escorting Qin Ying back to Mingde Courtyard, in the afternoon she took Qin Pan and Qin Yue out to look at the family's shops.

Qin Pan and Qin Yue were not used to going out and found everything new and exciting. Pei Yun doted on the aunt and niece pair, accompanying them as they shopped until the sky darkened, each of them carrying bags full of snacks and toys, and only then did they return to the mansion thoroughly satisfied.

After half a day of shopping, Pei Yun was also feeling a bit tired. As soon as she returned, she had Bixiao and Hongliu take down her hair and jewelry while listening to Nanny Xu's report.

"Princess, Nanny Shi has arrived. She spent a good part of the day at Moxiang Study and didn't idle at all—she went through all the affairs, top to bottom, and seems very attentive."

Pei Yun half-closed her eyes, speaking casually: "She's a longtime servant of this household, and since she was brought over from the Marquis's residence by Madam Meng, she naturally handles things properly. I feel at ease with her looking after Yue Jie'er."

"You worked hard today too, Nanny, helping break up that scuffle."

Pei Yun opened her eyes and said with a teasing smile.

Although she had seemingly promised Nanny Feng quite a few benefits today, she had also dumped the front garden mess on her. Even though she hadn't had much dealing with this Feng Shi, she could tell this was someone who'd hold a grudge and pay it back with interest, and she worried Nanny Shi might be in for trouble.

Originally, Pei Yun had only thought that Nanny Feng would cause trouble in private—perhaps when Nanny Shi was packing up to leave—which was why she had sent Nanny Xu to keep an eye on things. But she hadn't expected Nanny Feng to be so bold as to start a fight right at her own courtyard gate.

Nanny Xu was pretty upset about that too.

"This just shows how the Grand Lady spoils these servants day in and day out. There's no discipline at all in this ducal mansion—everyone acts like they're the master." Nanny Xu continued: "This afternoon alone, five or six matrons came with silver to buy jobs off Nanny Feng."

Nanny Xu had served under the Empress in the palace, then worked for the Crown Princess. She had been in service for decades, and both those mistresses ran a tight ship, so she'd never seen such lawless, out-of-line servants, especially ones coddled by their masters.

"We don't need to worry about that—plenty of people want to take her down a peg." Pei Yun turned her head and said with a smile.

Nanny Xu nodded: "The Princess has the right idea."

Having said that, she suddenly remembered something else.

"Princess, there's one more matter. Someone came from the palace at noon—Noble Consort Sun sent Madam Sun an invitation to bring Shun Jie'er to the polo match at Prince Rong's estate."

Pei Yun was pretty intrigued by this.

"Is that so?" She raised an eyebrow and asked: "So Noble Consort Sun will be going as well?"

Nanny Xu nodded.

Pei Yun made a soft sound of acknowledgment.

"Then this polo gathering is really going to liven up."

By the Xu hour (7–9 PM), Qin Chu, who hadn't been home all day, returned from the government office. The moment he stepped into the main courtyard, he heard Qin Yue laughing. When he walked in, he saw Pei Yun sitting on the couch with the two kids, the table covered in a spread of pastries and toys.

"Brother, I picked this one—it's so tasty, try it!"

Qin Yue shoved a piece of cloud cake into Qin Yu's mouth. Qin Yu, caught off guard, nearly choked when she shoved it in, and hurriedly gulped down tea to wash it down. Pei Yun, half amused and half exasperated, pulled the confused Qin Yue aside.

"Hey, why'd you feed your brother such a big piece?"

Then she turned to Qin Yu, whose cheeks were a bit red, and said, "And you—whatever she feeds you, you just eat it?"

Qin Yu smiled and shook his head, saying it was fine.

Pei Yun put her hands on her hips, exasperated. These two siblings really were a perfect pair—one willing to give, the other willing to take. When would her own brother ever dote on her like that?

Just then, Qin Yue turned and spotted Qin Chu standing at the door, and eagerly waved to him.

"Father, come here!"

Only then did Pei Yun notice that Qin Chu had returned. Qin Chu approached with a smile, and Qin Yue climbed right onto him and excitedly recounted everything they'd bought today.

Qin Chu listened as Qin Yue's little mouth went on and on about all the pastries, and he couldn't help but laugh. Pinching her cheek, he said: "You're never this smooth when I ask you to recite your lessons, but you remember every single snack without missing a beat."

Qin Yue giggled sheepishly and scratched her little head, trying to weasel her way out of it.

Qin Chu, of course, wasn't going to hold it against her. He patted her and set her down next to Qin Yu, letting the two siblings go play.

Then he looked at the pile of food and toys on the table and raised an eyebrow. "You bought all this for her?"

"I didn't let her eat all of it—just wanted to keep her happy." Pei Yun smiled, picking out a plate of bean-paste cloud cakes and handing it over: "Try this—this shop's pastries are really good."

Qin Chu took a bite and praised them as well, saying they were sweet without being cloying, and the ingredients were well chosen.

"I was just thinking, since it's locust flower season, we could pick some and make locust flower cakes. And in a bit, we can gather mugwort to make green rice balls."

Pei Yun said with a bright smile, "And today I also saw some rice cakes that were fragrant and soft. Spring is the perfect time for pastries—which one do you think sounds best?"

Qin Chu listened as Pei Yun chattered about these trivial matters, while Qin Yu and his sister played and laughed nearby. He smiled faintly and took another bite of the cloud cake.

"You decide."