Madam Xu lifted the cat that had just entered the room onto her lap. After a moment of reflection, she asked, “Any news about that Madam Li, the wife of the rural marquis we discussed earlier?”
Elderly Servant Zhong replied, “I was just about to report to you, Madam. This woman appears unremarkable. She previously resided in Luoyang. Last year, after the rural marquis passed away, her in-laws sent her back to the ancestral home in Yuyang. While in Yuyang, she lived a secluded life, rarely interacting with others. However…”
She hesitated before continuing, “I did unintentionally discover an acquaintance who has some connection to her.”
“Which acquaintance?” Madam Xu inquired.
“It’s Lady Su from Zhongshan. A few years ago, when this woman lived in Luoyang, Lady Su and she were close for a time, often dining and enjoying outings together. Later, because this woman became involved in a scandalous affair, Lady Su gradually distanced herself, likely to avoid association. These are all old matters from years ago.”
Madam Xu slowly stroked the drowsy cat in her lap, pondering for a moment before asking, “Any clues as to how Elderly Servant Jiang came to be secretly associating with that rural marquis’s wife?”
Elderly Servant Zhong responded, “I’m afraid I’ve been useless in that regard, Madam. Both Elderly Servant Jiang and that woman died soon after the incident, leaving no testimony. According to the servants in the rural marquis’s wife’s household, they never saw Elderly Servant Jiang visiting. It’s puzzling how they became involved with each other.”
“Have you looked into Elderly Servant Jiang’s background?”
“Elderly Servant Jiang was originally a maid from your maternal family. She was widowed young with a son. Madam Zhu once showed her kindness, so she’s been serving by Madam Zhu’s side for thirty years now.”
“Where is Elderly Servant Jiang’s son now?”
“It’s said he died of sudden illness over ten years ago when he was just a teenager.”
“What illness?”
“The specific illness is unknown. However, I found an old servant who used to serve Madam Zhu alongside Elderly Servant Jiang but was dismissed over a decade ago. From her, I heard that the death of Elderly Servant Jiang’s son seemed to be related to Madam Zhu’s brother. Her brother was known to keep male favorites.”
The practice of keeping courtesans or male favorites had become commonplace among the nobility.
Madam Xu frowned deeply. “Is this the same brother who drowned in a pond during the Luoyang Flower Festival two years ago, only to be found floating days later?”
“The very same.”
Madam Xu fell silent for a long while, lost in thought. Suddenly, she asked, “These past couple of days, have you noticed if Shao has upset my granddaughter-in-law again?”
Elderly Servant Zhong hesitated and remained silent.
Madam Xu shook her head. “He went all the way south to bring my granddaughter-in-law back, treating her like a treasure. Now, just a few days later, with no pressing matters there, he says he wants to leave and asks me to keep her here to serve me. If this isn’t sulking, what is it?”
Elderly Servant Zhong replied, “Young Master was still small when the incident occurred. The pain was deep, and, understandably, he found it difficult to let go. Naturally, he might struggle to come to terms with it. Fortunately, the young mistress is gentle and open-minded. Please don’t worry, Madam. Given time, the young master will surely overcome this emotional hurdle.”
Madam Xu merely said, “Stubborn as a mule!”
Elderly Servant Zhong suggested, “The young couple married young, and now they’ve stirred up some idle resentment. If they truly separate for five or six months, it might not be ideal. If I may be so bold, perhaps Madam could speak up and have the young master take the young mistress with him. I believe that after some time, things will improve between them.”
Madam Xu responded, “Have you ever seen a stubborn mule willingly move forward under the whip? If I were to order him to take my granddaughter-in-law, it would only make him feel more aggrieved. I can’t bear to put my granddaughter-in-law through that.”
She thought for a moment, patted the cat’s head, and smiled, “The New Year has passed, and nothing is pressing at home. The wind is strong and the sand is plentiful in Yuyang. I find myself missing the pleasant weather of Wuzhong City.”
…
When Wei Shao returned in the evening, he didn’t see Xiao Qiao in the room, nor Spring Maid. He went straight to bathe, and upon returning, they were still absent. He asked Elderly Servant Lin.
Elderly Servant Lin replied, “The old madam called the young mistress to dine with her.”
Wei Shao hesitated briefly, then headed out. Just as he reached the doorway, he heard footsteps approaching from the courtyard path. Looking up, he saw two maids in front carrying lanterns, illuminating Xiao Qiao’s return. Wei Shao stepped out and headed towards the study.
For the past few evenings since his return from patrolling the border cities, he had first gone to the study after coming back, returning to the room later to retire. He and Xiao Qiao had been keeping to themselves without incident.
Xiao Qiao caught a glimpse of Wei Shao’s figure and called out, “Husband, Grandmother wants to see you. She says she has something to discuss.”
Wei Shao glanced at her and headed towards the north room.
Upon entering the north room, he saw several open cypress wood chests on the floor, filled with clothing and various daily necessities. Servants were busy moving back and forth with small and large boxes. Elderly Servant Zhong stood by a large chest, instructing a servant, “The weather won’t warm up for a while there, so bring that fox fur cloak and store it carefully…” Suddenly noticing Wei Shao’s entrance, she quickly approached with a smile, “Young Master is here? The old madam is inside.”
Wei Shao asked, “What’s all this about?”
Elderly Servant Zhong replied, “The old madam is preparing to leave for Wuzhong City.”
Wei Shao’s eyebrows twitched, and he quickly entered the inner room. Madam Xu was seated there and beckoned him over when she saw him.
Wei Shao sat close by and asked, “Mother just said that Grandmother is going to Wuzhong City?”
Madam Xu nodded, “I called you here to tell you about this. You know I enjoy the comfortable weather there, warm in winter and cool in summer. In past years, I’ve spent half the year there. Now that the Lantern Festival has passed, and once you leave, there won’t be many people at home. I thought I’d go there for some time.”
Wei Shao said, “When does Grandmother plan to depart? I’ll escort Grandmother there first. After you’re settled, I’ll go to Jinyang.”
Madam Xu replied, “I don’t need you to escort me. This time, I’m taking your mother along. Since matters in Jinyang are urgent, you should go there as soon as possible. I have people to escort me.”
Wei Shao was slightly taken aback and hesitantly asked, “Grandmother is only taking my mother?”
Madam Xu nodded, sighing softly, “After what happened last time, although I confined your mother, my own heart hasn’t been at ease. She is your mother after all, and I know you want the best for her too. I thought that taking her with me to Wuzhong might help. A change of scenery might change one’s perspective.”
Wei Shao bowed deeply to Madam Xu in gratitude.
Madam Xu smiled gently, “There’s no need for thanks. I remember that in earlier years, your mother’s temperament wasn’t as rigid as it is now. Her current state is primarily her fault, but as her mother-in-law, I must also bear some responsibility for not guiding her properly. This trip is a good opportunity for me to work on our relationship.”
Wei Shao thanked Madam Xu repeatedly. She smiled and said, “I called you here just to tell you this. You’ve had a long day and must be tired. Go and rest early.”
Wei Shao agreed and stood up from the seat. He took a few steps towards the door, then stopped and turned back, “Grandmother isn’t taking her along too?”
Madam Xu asked, “Who? Your wife?”
Seeing Wei Shao looking at her, she shook her head, “She’s not going.”
“Given that we have few people in our household,” Madam Xu explained, “with you leaving and me going too, there’s no real need for her to stay behind. I had originally thought to take her along. The household matters could be left to the new steward. But as you know, at the beginning of the second month, there’s the public worship of Taishe to pray for a bountiful harvest, which our family has always presided over. In previous years, it was your mother’s duty. Now that your mother is coming with me, naturally, she needs to take charge. That’s one reason. Secondly, I have a bit of a selfish motive, out of concern for you. I thought if she stayed at home, in case you return early, the house wouldn’t be cold and empty without anyone to welcome you.”
Wei Shao said, “I’ll be fine. Grandmother can take her along to Wuzhong City.”
Madam Xu replied, “I was also worried she might be lonely by herself. When I called her earlier, I asked her about it. But she said she’d be fine. I thought it over. Sooner or later, she’ll have to take on the responsibilities of our Wei family’s main hostess. It’s good for her to gain more experience while she’s young.”
Wei Shao opened his mouth to speak but ultimately closed it again. Finally, he said, “I understand. I’ll take my leave now. Grandmother should rest early too.”
…
Wei Shao returned to the west room.
Xiao Qiao was in the room with Spring Maid, packing his travel clothes.
Wei Shao stood to the side, coldly observing for a few moments before going to the study. When he returned later, Spring Maid was gone, and like in the north room, several large and small chests were arranged on the floor, all containing his clothes.
Xiao Qiao was sitting on the edge of the bed, folding some of his clothes. Seeing him enter, she didn’t rise to greet him, but simply said, “I’ve inquired about the climate in Jinyang. It’s dry and cold in winter, hot and dry in summer. Since you mentioned you might be gone for half a year, I’ve packed more for you this time. Besides the robes and furs you’ll need now, there are ten sets of middle garments and ten sets of undergarments for changing. The undergarments are all fine gauze. I’ve also prepared plain silk robes for when the weather turns hot…”
Wei Shao’s gaze swept across the chests on the floor, and he impatiently said, “You can handle these things as you see fit. Why are you telling me all this?”
Xiao Qiao fell silent, lowered her head to fold the last few pieces of clothing spread on the bed, put them in the chest, pressed them down, and finally closed the lid. She turned and said, “It’s late, let’s retire.”
They both got into bed, no longer as close and affectionate as before. Each harbored their thoughts.
Xiao Qiao closed her eyes, suddenly hearing Wei Shao say near her ear, “Tomorrow, go tell Grandmother to take you along to Wuzhong City!”
Xiao Qiao was startled, opened her eyes, and turned to look at him.
“Just tell her you’ll be lonely staying at home by yourself. That you’re afraid!” he added.
Xiao Qiao replied calmly, “I’m not afraid. What is there to be afraid of? Grandmother is taking Mother-in-law to Wuzhong City, and I’m staying home to look after things. It’s my duty.”
Wei Shao frowned, staring at her.
Xiao Qiao turned her face away and closed her eyes.
…
Two days later, Madam Xu had finished packing. She had a maid carry the increasingly plump cat and took Madam Zhu along. The two women, mother-in-law, and daughter-in-law, sat in a carriage and left the city for Wuzhong.
Despite Madam Xu’s refusal, Wei Shao personally escorted them. They traveled on the main road during the day and stayed at post houses in the evening, progressing at a steady pace. The journey of several hundred li took three days before Wei Shao saw Madam Xu safely to Wuzhong City. The magistrate of Wuzhong welcomed them outside the city gates. Wei Shao entered the city, settled everything, left a squad of household guards for protection, and didn’t even stay the night. He rode back overnight, returning to Yuyang by noon the next day.
Xiao Qiao had originally thought that after escorting Madam Xu, he would leave for Jinyang. Unexpectedly, upon his return, he made no mention of going to Jinyang at all. Observing him for several days, she saw that he was unusually busy, leaving early and returning late every day. Naturally, she didn’t take the initiative to ask when he would depart. She only had the previously packed chests temporarily stored away. When the day came for him to leave, they could be brought out again.
In this manner, the end of the first month passed quickly. On this day, it was the Taishe worship at the beginning of the second month.
The Taishe worship was dedicated to the Earth God, with chives and eggs as offerings, praying for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. After the worship, villagers gathered to perform local operas and dances. Young men and women also took the opportunity to exchange orchids to express their feelings. It was the most important auspicious festival of the year, second only to the New Year.
Early in the morning, Xiao Qiao rose, completed her toilette, changed into ceremonial robes, and under escort, took a carriage out of the city towards the Taishe Temple.
On that day, after Xiao Qiao had left, Wei Shao went to the government office. As soon as he entered, Gongsun Yang urged him, “My Lord, when do you plan to depart for Jinyang?”