Stewardess Li looked at the charcoal fire faintly flickering with firelight, stammering speechlessly—now she was beginning to feel the crude and domineering Fourth Young Lady was familiar again. When she lost her temper and beat and scolded servants before, she was also like this. However, she never dared treat herself this way before! After one serious illness, her courage actually grew bigger?
Yu Cailing looked at her for a while, then sneered and put down the hand warmer, reached back to insert her hairpin, and said coldly: “If you dare say one more disrespectful word to me, I’ll jump off the carriage. Dead or alive, I absolutely won’t go back with you.” If she didn’t have some fierceness, as a young girl living with a widowed old grandmother, without father or mother, even with an uncle, she would have been bullied to death by the townspeople.
“You, you…!” Stewardess Li was stunned for a long time. Originally for servants to be scolded by the main family was a common occurrence, but this Fourth Young Lady had always fawned and ingratiated herself with her.
Just as she was about to scold back, thinking of the current circumstances, Stewardess Li couldn’t help but close her mouth.
Actually when she heard “serious illness and nearly lost her life” earlier, she felt guilty. This matter was originally her impropriety—the Mistress initially hadn’t told her to take Fourth Young Lady’s life. Originally the Mistress prepared to slowly work on this girl over several months, first making her suffer bitterly, then over several months slowly warming and comforting her intimately, so that before Fourth Young Lady’s biological parents returned she would be completely submissive. Who knew that opponent was so cunning—the letter said it would take several more months before they could return, but yesterday they suddenly sent word they would arrive within these days. They were immediately caught off guard. What should be done now? Stewardess Li was also somewhat dumbfounded.
Looking at Yu Cailing’s stubborn face, Stewardess Li could only swallow this anger, secretly thinking that when they returned she would have the Mistress deal with her and so on.
Yu Cailing paid her no mind, finding herself a bolster pillow to lean against and feigning sleep, thinking in her heart of a historical case she heard that day in the countryside: it was said that in the previous dynasty, someone was harmed by a powerful bully. The enemy family knew the wealthy merchant had no sons or nephews under his knee, and his daughter had already married off and borne children, so they couldn’t help but secretly rejoice. Who knew that married-off daughter shouldered a blade to seek revenge, ultimately hacking the enemy family to death in the city pavilion, then going before her elders to confess and submit to the law. As a result, the regional governor and prefect together memorialized the court praising that woman’s righteous and fierce conduct. Not only was she pardoned and released, a stone stele was even erected to show all under heaven.
This was greatly different from the ancient times in her impression.
In her impression, feudal ritual law’s restraint regulations for women were such that if you asked for a spoonful they’d give you a basin, if you asked for a dustpan they’d give you a basket. From grand matters like womanly virtue and womanly appearance to small matters like how many centimeters one step should span when walking, how many inches high one could raise one’s head when speaking a sentence—all had clear and strict regulations like international standards of measurement. Women were controlled until completely lifeless, like wooden figures.
But in this place, people’s thoughts and hearts all seemed so lively and natural, with a strong sense of “this is acceptable, that is also acceptable.” The world was vast—nothing was impossible. If daughters were chaste, quiet, virtuous, and gentle, everyone would naturally praise them, but being fierce and daring was equally bragged about.
Like that Qiu family—though Miss Qiu married again and again, because her nature was resolute, bold, and steadfast, whether during the period when her two elder brothers were fighting battles away or after they returned home disabled, whenever parents and family were bullied, she would lead a gang to fight and scold back. No wonder Old Man Qiu and his wife especially loved this daughter, and all the children admired this formidable young aunt. The villagers, aside from making bawdy jokes at weddings, surprisingly didn’t utter those sour words about how a good horse doesn’t wear two saddles.
The conclusion was: women being gentle and kind was naturally good for marriage, but being sharp and fierce also wasn’t shouted down and condemned as in later generations.
…
As if to verify that Yu Cailing’s illness just now wasn’t false, halfway through the carriage journey she developed a low fever again. Amidst the jolting and bumping, she vomited up the midday meal she’d eaten not long ago, vomiting until finally even bile came out. Stewardess Li was frightened in her heart and increasingly urged the driver to hurry the carriage. Thus by the time they finally arrived at the manor, Yu Cailing’s low fever had become high fever. Her head splitting with pain, hazy and confused, she hadn’t clearly seen what the manor looked like at all, only feeling the carriage drive all the way into the residential compound.
Stewardess Li was anxious to rid herself of this burden. Seeing they’d arrived at the courtyard entrance, she didn’t stand on ceremony having servant women help. She herself leaped down in one bound, urgently supporting and pulling Yu Cailing off the carriage toward the great house. Fortunately the girl’s stature hadn’t yet grown up—even carrying her on her back wouldn’t be strenuous.
Yu Cailing’s face burned red with fever, sneering coldly in her heart: In the countryside, each time going out, Zhu would always wait until the sun rose three poles high and morning cold dissipated before nodding approval. When going out she would wrap her up strictly and tightly before being willing to stop. But this bunch of people just pulled a sick child wearing only a single curved-hem deep robe out of the warm carriage—anxious to complete their mission, that’s all. To say this so-called paternal aunt loved this body’s owner so much—she absolutely didn’t believe it. When there was opportunity later, she must give these bastards each a beating to vent her anger!
With difficulty half-dragging and half-carrying to the great house entrance, she saw over ten sumptuously dressed women standing on the steps. Yu Cailing’s vision was somewhat blurred and she couldn’t see clearly. She thought that one clustered in the middle wearing purple brocade wrapped in fur with a big white-powdered face painted on must be her good paternal aunt. Upon seeing this ‘good paternal aunt’, Yu Cailing wanted to laugh. If Stewardess Li was thin like a chopstick, this ‘good paternal aunt’ was another chopstick—master and servant standing together could even pick up food.
Seeing this scene, Ge Shi hurriedly asked what had happened. Stewardess Li said in panic: “Mistress, now we’re in trouble! Fourth Young Lady is seriously ill. All along this journey I’ve been both exhausted and anxious, only fearing I’ve delayed your instructions!”
Ge Shi looked at Yu Cailing whose white plump face and red cheeks had been nourished by Zhu these days, still putting on airs, slowly and disbelievingly saying: “Could it be pretense? How can small children have so many illnesses?” Everyone in the courtyard all thought: The mistress’s words are so strange—the smaller the child, the more easily they fall ill, right?
At this time a calloused hand suddenly touched Yu Cailing’s forehead. Only hearing an aged voice say: “Not good—the fever is severe. Mistress, this will cause disaster.” Then raising her voice: “Someone come, quickly go invite a physician! …Invite that Zhang surnamed one from the south of the city!”
“Nanny Fu.” Ge Shi seemed dissatisfied with that old woman. Then she herself also extended her hand to touch Yu Cailing’s forehead. Touching the scorching heat, she was immediately frightened: “Aiya, so hot! Quickly, quickly, quickly go invite someone!”
Yu Cailing used her last strength to raise her eyes to look. She only saw a white-haired old woman standing beside Ge Shi, then her eyes went black and she lost consciousness.
What followed was the familiar soup and medicine pouring process. Yu Cailing didn’t know how long she’d slept, confusedly eating who knows how much medicine, only feeling this time’s treatment was extremely good. The bedding beneath her was softer and more fragrant than in the small courtyard. The room’s warmth was also more even and well-ventilated. Even the hands loosening clothes and wiping her body were many, though unfortunately the movements weren’t as gentle as A’Zhu’s.
Having slightly more strength, she was lifted up again to take medicine. Yu Cailing was utterly disgusted by this bitter and nauseating taste. Thinking that originally she was almost recovered, but this bunch of nonsensical lunatics caused her to fall ill again and have to take medicine, having to suffer the punishment all over again, she couldn’t help but feel evil rising from her heart. Swinging an arm she knocked over the bowls and cups beside her with clanging sounds. Brown medicinal soup flowed all over the floor. This provoked Ge Shi to stamp her feet in great anger. She wanted to angrily scold Yu Cailing, but knowing at this time she needed her to quickly recover, she had to forcibly suppress her fury.
Who knew—physicians came and went, medicine was taken for several days, yet the fever never went down. Seeing the girl’s face and body rapidly losing that bit of plumpness, fury immediately turned to worry. Ge Shi then dismissed everyone around, from time to time sitting dully beside Yu Cailing’s couch, worried about what excuse to find for shifting blame if the girl truly had some mishap. Just on this day, Yu Cailing had taken medicine and was half-dreaming and half-awake when she heard the old woman she’d seen that day talking with her “good paternal aunt.”
“…Why must Mistress torment such a small child like this? You just find Madam Xiao displeasing, that’s all.” That old woman said.
Ge Shi said hatefully: “I just find her displeasing! Fallen family, remarried woman, yet she dares put on airs before me! My Ge family is wealthier and more noble than her, our origins are cleaner than hers—why must I yield to her!”
The old woman seemed to sigh: “The Xiao family was originally glorious too. Who knew they’d encounter great chaos under heaven—if not refugees then bandits—that’s how her family fell. Back then in our countryside, she was also a countable mistress. The Cheng family at that time was far inferior. In the end, why must you compete with the Great Mistress? There’s no enmity or grievance.”
Yu Cailing was about to fall asleep when hearing this, her spirits immediately lifted. Amitabha! She knew that not everyone under heaven would be as shrewd and tight-lipped as Zhu—there would always be big mouths who would tell her past stories. So she feigned sleep even more, pricking up her ears to listen carefully. Even her fever seemed to improve somewhat.
“No enmity or grievance?!” Ge Shi unconsciously raised her voice. Immediately following came a shushing sound—probably that old woman signaling Ge Shi to lower her voice. Ge Shi indeed lowered her voice, saying: “Originally it should have been me marrying Brother-in-law! I should be the one with imperial title, I should lead the noble rank!”
“These words are mistaken. This old one watched you grow up. When did you ever fancy the Cheng family? On the contrary, Madam Xiao—the first time she married, the family head sang songs following all the way. Who in the countryside didn’t know? Later during the great chaos, within just a few years Madam Xiao quarreled with her previous husband’s family. Even before the divorce was finalized, the family head was helping back and forth. To speak unpleasantly, even if our Ge family truly went to propose marriage to the family head, the family head wouldn’t have agreed.”
Ge Shi was even more furious: “It’s all Father and Mother’s fault for insisting on marrying me into the Cheng family!”
Yu Cailing rapidly deduced: Hmm, this family is surnamed Cheng. Number of brothers ≥ 2. The eldest’s household is this body’s biological parents—they haven’t died, and moreover seem to be doing very well.
Only hearing rustling sounds, seemingly that old woman patting Ge Shi’s shoulders and back, saying: “You’re speaking nonsense again. How did the Xiao family fall? It happened just one county away—who doesn’t know? Wasn’t it that Great Mistress’s father and brothers all died at the hands of strongmen? Originally the Xiao family was not only wealthy, Old Master Xiao was also one of the three village elders. To resist bandits plundering the countryside, he led family retainers into battle and wounded many thieves. Who knew he’d be resented by that bandit chief? The chief feigned retreat. When everyone relaxed their vigilance, he snuck in at night and killed the entire Xiao family household clean. Fortunately the bandits didn’t know that wealthy families in our region customarily dig cellars, thus hiding several women and children. But sadly the adult males and wealth were all gone.”
The old woman seemed to drink a mouthful of water and continued: “That chaos then! Any reckless fellow recruiting a few bandits could claim kingship and dominance, seeing which family was prosperous then killing people and robbing money. Women suffered even more. Our Ge family, such a big piece of fat meat—how dangerous! Though the Cheng family was poor, the family head had prestige in the countryside! Not only was he capable himself, he also led a group of gang members who could fight and kill. At that time our old master said he didn’t dare learn from Old Master Lü reading physiognomy for the Red Emperor’s son—he only sought not to become a second Xiao family. At that time the family head had just sought to marry Great Mistress. Third Cheng was still young. If you didn’t marry your husband, who else could you marry?”
“You say this and that, merely wanting to persuade me to bow my head to her!” Ge Shi seemed angry. “Don’t you think—she and I married in front and back. In terms of talent and wealth I surpass her everywhere, yet what kind of life do I live?! I use dowry money to subsidize the Cheng family. She uses Cheng family money to subsidize her natal family! And daily acts high and mighty—how can I swallow this anger?!”
“Then let me ask Mistress—all these years, is Mistress’s dowry still the same as originally?” The old woman said softly.
Ge Shi was at a loss for words.
The old woman took advantage of the momentum: “When first married, Mistress indeed used her dowry to subsidize the Cheng family, but within a few years the General rose to power! After each battle, he sent chest after chest of money, wealth, and cloth back home. Our family’s dowry was long ago replenished—probably even more now. That Madam Xiao takes some money to subsidize her natal family—it’s nothing much.”
Ge Shi sneered: “While parents are alive, don’t establish private property. The family hasn’t divided yet. Elder brother’s money should rightfully be managed by parents-in-law. Three brothers, three households all have a share!”
The old woman sighed again: “The principle isn’t wrong. But the money was won by Master Cheng fighting on the battlefield. Madam Xiao has always followed by his side. The money always passes through her hands first. Outside is chaotic, battles everywhere—who still cares about these rules? Even now, walking outside these few prefectures and commanderies our Emperor can govern, outside is still chaotic.”
At this time the room became quiet—probably both had nothing more to say. Yu Cailing patiently waited while thinking ‘So right now outside there’s still warfare. Wonder what the situation is like,’ while urging in her heart: continue gossiping! Don’t stop!
“Thus, does Mistress intend to take Fourth Young Lady’s life to spite Madam Xiao?” That old woman said.
Ge Shi sneered: “I originally wanted to keep that base woman behind. Who knew she was so heartless—would rather leave the child than follow Brother-in-law! Brother-in-law naturally helped her. Her methods are formidable—she invited a powerful shaman to speak prophecies and divinations, stubbornly taking all the sons away, only leaving this one daughter. That’s right, I did want to teach Fourth Young Lady badly to make her lose face, but I didn’t want her life!”
Hearing this, Yu Cailing also sneered coldly in her heart. Seems she had no fate with parents. Previous life her parents divorced. This life though parents didn’t divorce, they still threw her away.
When Mother Yu was young she was a sent-down educated youth. Originally many local young men wanted to marry her—no shortage of those with harder fists and stronger momentum. But Mother Yu only fancied Father Yu. She was very clear that in living life, substance was more important than face. Those people daily led a gang of brothers shouting and bellowing, but what use was that when the family had barely a few jin of stored grain? Father Yu was different—shrewd and slippery, and his old mother was also kind.
Mother Yu wasn’t satisfied being just an accountant in a small town. After college entrance exams resumed, she immediately began reviewing, stubbornly persisting several years to test into university. She was even assigned to a bright future position in a big city, and ‘coincidentally encountered’ her childhood sweetheart who was well-matched in family status back in the day and had ‘just happened’ to divorce—what came next naturally followed. The only miscalculation was probably giving birth to her.
Over here Yu Cailing’s thoughts drifted somewhat far. Over there Ge Shi felt increasingly wronged the more she thought, saying hatefully: “…Aside from neglecting upbringing and education, what else could I do? Doesn’t Nanny Fu know—as soon as we heard any movement, that Madam Wan next door would send servants to look. Could I beat and scold Fourth Young Lady, or could I punish her by not letting her eat?”
The old woman seemed to sigh: “Mistress, listen to me. Today’s Cheng family is long no longer the original Cheng family, but our Ge family is still that original Ge family! Times are different now—don’t be stubborn anymore. This time I originally came to see you before New Year’s. In a few days I must follow my children and grandchildren to Qingzhou. After His Majesty conquered there, these years he’s finally cleared out the bandits. There’s so much wasteland that can be farmed! They’re posting notices summoning people to go. Taxes are light—as long as you farm for several years, that land becomes your own family’s…”
Ge Shi was startled: “So early? Winter solstice just passed! Why not leave after New Year’s?”
Though she’d long known Nanny Fu’s family was arranging to establish property in Qingzhou, when the matter was imminent she was still reluctant to part.
The old woman smiled: “Your elder brother Bao has saved up some money doing small business these years and is very enthusiastic. He found a shaman early to cast divination, saying something about migrating to distant lands to establish property—ancestors must also be invited along to protect and bless the whole family. Therefore we plan to go to Qingzhou to celebrate New Year’s. At that time the whole family will properly make sacrifices, praying for future family prosperity and flourishing descendants.”
Ge Shi was silent for a moment, then wept softly: “Nanny Fu, though you’ve lived outside more these past two years, whenever I wanted to see you I could see you. Now if you go to Qingzhou, what shall I do? Didn’t I say I would find your son prospects?”
The old woman smiled: “Going to Qingzhou is quite good. This old one’s several nephews will also take their entire families. A large household going with many people and power—no fear of being bullied. Moreover…” She paused, saying: “Mistress, think about it—these years have any of our Ge family’s children obtained prospects? Even the Imperial Academy they couldn’t enter. Let alone this old one.”
Ge Shi said hatefully: “It’s all that base Xiao woman! Doesn’t Brother-in-law still act according to her expressions?”
The old woman smiled and stopped speaking.
Though Yu Cailing burned with fuzzy head and swelling brain, her head wasn’t broken. Without that old woman saying it, she could complete the thought in her heart for her—this brain-dead paternal aunt only knew to use her wits in crooked ways. You constantly compete with that Madam Xiao, yet still want her husband to help your natal family?!
Yu Cailing felt her ten-year-old self already had a brighter brain than hers. Hit someone’s left cheek yet still want them to lick your fingers? That Madam Xiao isn’t a masochist. You really should drink two bottles of toilet cleaner to calm down. Now the only clear-headed person around you is about to run away—probably despairing at your intelligence.
“What does Mistress now prepare to do? Looking at Fourth Young Lady’s illness, probably these few days she won’t recover.” The old woman said.
Ge Shi pleaded: “Nanny Fu, think up some wording for me. Fourth Young Lady isn’t good, but unfortunately it’s all chicken feather garlic skin petty wrongs. Quarreling and scolding with other families’ young ladies, even hitting people at a garden party… If only Fourth Young Lady had committed some great wrong. I was careless. When she was young she couldn’t cause any great disaster. Now grown up but I didn’t arrange well—I thought there were several months to slowly proceed. That cunning Xiao woman said it would take several months to return, yet within these days she’ll arrive!”
The old woman sighed again: “This old one will think. Mm, got it. Then speak small. Didn’t Second Young Lady come back crying the other day that her mother-in-law wasn’t good? You say the young ladies are now all growing up one by one, about to be viewed for husbands. They should all be more dignified, virtuous, and gentle. Who knew Fourth Young Lady was still so uncomprehending? Therefore you hardened your heart to properly punish her. Who knew the servants below were negligent in discipline. Right—that greedy old woman under Li Zhui’s hand—if necessary, push her out…”
Ge Shi said happily: “Nanny Fu speaks well! Just do this. If that Xiao woman nags at me, I’ll tell all about the absurd things Fourth Young Lady has done outside these years. See if she thinks the child should be taught or not.” Happy then annoyed: “What’s there to fear? She can’t very well eat me!”
Before the words fell, only hearing a commotion outside, a young maidservant’s voice shrilly coming in: “Mistress, not good! The family head and they have returned! The carriages are already at the main gate! A full dozen-plus large carts! The old mistress said we should quickly go.” Immediately following was a chaotic sound of footsteps outside, plus a continuous succession of rising and falling shouts.
Hearing this, Ge Shi said in shock: “How so fast?” Pausing: “Not right! How does the Wan General’s household next door have no movement at all? I’ve constantly had people watching! Didn’t Elder Brother always follow General Wan?” Raising her voice to shout: “Someone come, quickly go find my husband!”
That old woman grasped Ge Shi up in one pull, urgently saying: “Mistress is confused! How could your husband be home at this time? Never mind these things—first go out to welcome people. Cannot lose propriety… no no, still first go to your mother-in-law’s place and go together with her!”
Ge Shi stamped her foot heavily, angrily saying: “Look at the good marriage Father found for me! My husband daily reads those classical learning things. Though Third Uncle is many years younger than him, now he already has several hundred shi official rank. Only he reads for years without reading out any results! Mother-in-law then pretends foolishness and muddle, only caring for her own comfort…”
The speaking voice gradually departed. Yu Cailing with difficulty propped up her arm to change sleeping position, touching her own scalding forehead. Her body ached with soft dampness and heat, breaking out in waves of weak perspiration. For a time she had no thoughts either, only sleeping to death would be a good strategy. Otherwise how could she face all this pesticide she’d drunk these days?!
This surnamed Ge old hag—incapable of frontally confronting her enemy rival, yet comes to seek a child’s bad luck. Serves her right that her husband is useless and unaccomplished. Look at her sharp monkey face with not three liang of flesh, complexion green like cauliflower—definitely yin-yang imbalanced at night and vigorous liver fire during the day. Having anger with nowhere to vent—won’t she find herself a paramour to smooth her qi? Keep three toy boys—one to feed grapes, one to pinch toes, and another to jump wahaha pengchacha—who knows how happy life would be! Seeking trouble with sisters-in-law and nieces can make your endocrine system smooth and face radiant?! Truly a thirteen-point whose eighteen generations of ancestors accumulated no virtue!