Facts proved that Cheng Song, who spoke with such conviction, wasn’t necessarily that reliable when actually doing things. Shaoshang had entered her family’s carriage full of anticipation, only to discover: there was no brazier inside the carriage.
In the dead of winter, a carriage compartment without a brazier was nothing more than a cold and desolate little dark room. Apart from blocking the wind, it had no other use. Fortunately, Shaoshang found a coarse felt blanket under the carriage boards and quickly wrapped it around herself, shivering while painfully regretting not having stolen Yuan Shen’s brazier and wool blanket earlier.
Cheng Song heard his youngest sister sneeze again in the back and was also very anxious, driving the carriage even more hurriedly. Fortunately, the Wan and Cheng families weren’t too far apart. After a burst of urgent rushing and harsh scolding, seeing the Wan residence’s main gate was nearby, Cheng Song turned his head and joyfully called into the carriage: “Niaoniao don’t worry, we’ve arrived, we’ve arrived!”
Shaoshang’s nose had already been frozen into running. Hearing this, she quickly pushed open the carriage door. In the whooshing cold wind that poured in, she saw a circle of people gathered before the Wan residence’s main gate. The big-bellied fat uncle with a flushed face being surrounded in the middle was precisely Wan Songbai, who seemed to be seeing off guests.
At this time the sun had already set. The sky’s edge was rimmed with a circle of faint lingering twilight. It was precisely dusk gradually deepening. The crowd before the Wan residence’s gate were divided into two distinct groups of people like a yin-yang diagram. The group dressed in brocade and splendid colors, with smiling faces, were undoubtedly the Wan family’s attendants and household servants.
The other group of over ten people were uniformly in black clothes and black armor—sturdy guards, each with bows and crossbows slung on their arms, heavy swords at their waists, the tail feathers of the arrows on their backs snow white, reflecting this bone-chilling weather, truly like ‘cold light illuminating iron garments.’
Seeing a carriage rushing frantically toward them, with just a few swishing sounds, the guards all pressed their hands to their waists in unison, revealing half-drawn weapons as cold and piercing as ice blades, their expressions solemn as they waited. A young guard with a somewhat square chin stepped forward and sternly shouted: “Who goes there?”
Cheng Song was greatly shocked, using all his strength to rein in the horses while loudly shouting: “Uncle Wan, it’s me, it’s me…”
The carriage jolted and tilted violently. Shaoshang was also frightened badly, thinking she was about to experience an ancient traffic accident, clutching tightly to the carriage frame.
Wan Songbai’s drunkenness was half frightened away. He quickly waved his hands and loudly said: “Aiyoyo, this is… no, that, Lord Ling, these are our own people, my own nephew and niece… Don’t make a move, don’t make a move…”
At this time, the group of black-armored soldiers parted, revealing a young man wearing a dark curved-hem long robe, his figure extremely tall and slender, draped in a black beast fur cloak, fastened with dark gold thread and black jade clasps, both arms bound with heavy gold-inlaid arm guards.
He seemed to glance toward Shaoshang’s direction, then slightly turned his body, cupping his hands toward Wan Songbai, saying: “Sir is drunk with wine today, I shall visit another day.” After bidding farewell, he turned and walked away.
Not far away stood quietly a massive carriage painted completely black—black lacquered wood carriage frame polished to a shine, two tall black horses with snow-white hooves, even the horse bridles were made of black smelted iron. Before mounting the carriage, he raised his right arm slightly. The black-armored guards around all sheathed their swords together, surrounding that carriage vehicle three times the size of the Cheng family’s carriage, mounting horses to follow along.
The Cheng siblings were scared half to death, unable to move for a moment. Shaoshang was even more as if welded to the carriage.
Wan Songbai watched the black carriage depart into the distance, then quickly came forward: “How did you two come here? Aiyoyo, Niaoniao, what happened to your face… Haha, hahahaha… It must be your mother who beat you… Don’t be afraid, let me go talk to my worthy younger brother…”
Cheng Song, his soul not yet settled, tremblingly helped his youngest sister down from the carriage, hearing this loudly said: “Uncle, here you go again! Don’t assume whenever you see us injured that Mother beat us!”
Shaoshang was also exasperated, saying: “Even if Mother did beat me, Uncle, seeing Mother beat me, you’re this happy!”
Wan Songbai had obviously drunk quite a bit at the Yin family. When he spoke his tongue was thick, but his mind wasn’t too muddled. He just laughed heartily: “Don’t be stubborn. Even if your face wasn’t beaten by your mother, coming to hide here today is also because of her! Alright!… Don’t stand there dazed, quickly come in, quickly come in…”
…
The Wan family had numerous servants and maids. Their grandeur with people calling before and crowding behind far exceeded what the Cheng family could compare to.
When Miss Wan Thirteen heard Shaoshang had come, she was overjoyed beyond expectation and hurriedly came out to welcome her. When meeting in the front hall, Shaoshang discovered that around Qiqi the young lady were actually surrounded by over twenty servants and maids—four in front holding lanterns to light the way, four behind holding cloaks and brocade boxes, eight around holding pole lamps, and several more on the outer ring carrying torches.
Shaoshang was speechless for a long while, simultaneously feeling inexplicably shabby. When the young miss merely walked from her room to the front hall, this spectacle was like a head of state on tour. Yet for such a major matter as running away from home, she herself came empty-handed—she truly was short-sighted. The Eastern Palace empress making large flatbreads, even making two at once, one spread with sugar, one sprinkled with salt—simply too extravagant!
Wan Qiqi was a sincere girl. Holding Shaoshang’s fat pig head and looking left and right, she couldn’t help but feel grief rising from within. She hurriedly had the servants carry Shaoshang to her own residence. Upon reaching the brightly lit courtyard, Shaoshang discovered in horror that Miss Thirteen’s retinue numbered thirty or forty more people. Then, she enjoyed a platinum giant diamond crown-level grand health service—
Hair loosened and combed thoroughly, feet soaked in warm water, rolling hot cloths pressed to warm her knees and fingers, then balm to moisturize skin, incense and changing clothes. After the complete set, Shaoshang was so comfortable it was like being reborn, sighing contentedly with satisfaction, regretting in her heart: Why didn’t Uncle Wan have a son? She would definitely have Father Cheng marry her over!
In this world where the rank system hadn’t yet appeared, official positions were more for distinguishing hierarchical levels. Who really lived on just a few bushels of rice and grain? Take this Wan family for example—the family had been a prominent clan in Sui County for generations. Their fields and estates covered twenty percent of the county’s area. Looking at the long term, although her father had more promotion prospects than Old Uncle Wan, presently speaking, the Cheng family absolutely couldn’t compare to the Wan family’s wealth.
Wan Qiqi stood in the middle with hands on hips, on one side cursing that Yin E’e’s face would be covered in pustules that would never heal, on the other side directing the maids like worker ants to swarm around attending to Shaoshang. After the grooming was complete, the completely refreshed Shaoshang was led by her to pay respects to Old Lady Wan.
Walking along the way, Shaoshang felt apprehensive inside. She was clear in her heart that apart from those servants already dealt with by Lady Xiao, in this world only Lady Ge and this Old Lady Wan had the possibility of detecting something amiss about her. Even with the former, after several years passed before meeting again, she no longer worried. Who knew upon entering the new version of Compassionate Heart Hall, she was first startled by Old Lady Wan—
Inside the room, medicinal incense wafted. Lady Wan was kneeling before an elderly woman, serving her medicine.
Old Lady Wan’s hair had already turned completely white, but the outline of her oval face was still very clear—high nose and full lips, back straight, one could still see the heroic beauty of her youth. Only… her eyes were lightly closed, beneath the right eyelid was sunken inward, clearly the eyeball was no longer there, and moreover she was missing a left ear.
Despite the bright firelight, the elderly woman before her still had an indescribably eerie appearance. Fortunately, Shaoshang’s face at this moment was still swollen and bruised, otherwise people would certainly see her poorly concealed expression of shock. She resolved it was best to say little.
Old Lady Wan dressed simply, using no jewelry or jade hairpins at all. Her clothing material only sought softness and comfort. Her hair was also only fastened in a simple round bun with a wooden hairpin. To accommodate a person with eye ailments, the room’s furnishings were few but exquisite. Items like incense burners and jade chimes naturally could not appear.
Shaoshang properly performed a bow of respect and greeting to Old Lady Wan.
Lady Wan turned her head back, smiling: “Shaoshang has come. Stay for several more days this time. Qiqi’s older sisters above her have all married out. Since returning to the capital she’s been idle and bored all day. You young sisters can read books and write characters together…”
Hearing ‘write characters,’ Shaoshang’s first reaction was to simply bring Lady Xiao’s wooden slips here to write. Who knew Wan Qiqi cried out first: “Write what characters? I want to teach Shaoshang to ride horses! And also, Mother, look at Shaoshang’s face, it’s all that Yin family’s…”
“Qiqi, why haven’t you removed those stones from your body.” Old Lady Wan suddenly spoke. “It’s already nighttime, yet you’re still covered in jingling all over for whom to see? Aren’t they heavy?”
Lady Wan suppressed a laugh with a puff. Shaoshang held back her laughter. Indeed, even at home, Miss Thirteen still wore luxurious clothing and accessories. That Christmas tree-like gold necklace continued to jingle loudly—even a blind person couldn’t ignore it.
Wan Qiqi looked embarrassed, arguing: “That, well, Grandmother you don’t know, nowadays in the capital everyone dresses like this…”
“You find me another young lady dressed like you, and Grandmother will make you an identical set of these jewels. If you can’t find one, then gift this set to me.” Old Lady Wan said indifferently.
Wan Qiqi deflated, pitifully looking at her mother. Lady Wan pretended not to see. Just at this moment, General Wan entered with a face full of smiles. He had obviously washed and groomed before coming—not a trace of alcohol smell remained on his body.
“Shaoshang, Zifu has already returned home. As for the matter, I know all about it. You just stay here for several more days, at least until your mother’s anger has subsided.”
Shaoshang quickly prostrated herself in salute, thanking Uncle Wan. Thanks to this head and face full of bruises, she now didn’t even need to pretend embarrassment. After all, no one could see her expression anyway.
Wan Songbai had obviously heard the earlier words. He turned and said: “Mother, your eyes aren’t convenient. Actually Qiqi dressed like this looks quite good…”
Wan Qiqi raised her head to look at her father, her eyes shining brightly with delight.
Old Lady Wan said: “I prefer simplicity. Your father loves spaciousness. Yet you’ve been like this since childhood. I don’t know if the midwife held the wrong baby back then. However, Qiqi certainly wasn’t held wrong.”
Lady Wan and Shaoshang both lowered their heads, desperately not laughing aloud.
Wan Songbai smacked his lips, saying to his daughter: “Well, Shaoshang is still hungry. You quickly lead her to eat… Uh, and change your clothes while you’re at it. Also, cough cough, in the future wear a few pieces less…”
Wan Qiqi hung her head in acknowledgment, pulling the still-suppressing-laughter Shaoshang to take their leave.
Wan Songbai watched the two girls exit, turned his head and smiled: “Mother, today I…”
“Idle talk can be said later. Today Ling Buyi came to visit—it certainly wasn’t to see your drunken appearance. The strategist is already waiting for you in the curtained hall to discuss matters. Hurry and go.”
Wan Songbai knew this was proper reasoning and reluctantly left.
Seeing both husband and daughter had all gone out, Lady Wan waved away the attending maids and personally tested the medicinal soup, softly saying: “Aunt Jun, the medicine is a bit cool. How about heating it before drinking?”
Old Lady Wan, however, said ‘no need,’ then received the lacquer bowl and drank it all in one gulp. Lady Wan quickly offered clear water to rinse her mouth. When using silver chopsticks to offer a candied fruit, she was refused by Old Lady Wan shaking her head.
“This is good now. Previously the young sisters Qiqi made friends with all didn’t come to the capital. Now with Shaoshang accompanying her, she won’t shout every day wanting to go hunting. After all, she’s a young lady. Her age is also getting older—she should learn to be chaste, quiet, virtuous and gentle…” Lady Wan lowered her head arranging the bowls and cups.
“…If you have something to say, say it directly.” Old Lady Wan said. “Don’t come with that roundabout approach. Moreover, your roundabout turns aren’t very clever either.”
Lady Wan’s face reddened a bit: “Aunt Jun, you didn’t see it. At the slightest disagreement she went forward to beat someone. How is this the conduct of a lady from a prestigious family? I know what E’e said was improper, but even if she suffered grievances, there were other methods to resolve it. Why be so extreme and crude?”
“Then you tell me, what method to resolve it? Both venting this bad feeling and not hurting harmony?”
Lady Wan mumbled: “I, how would I know? However, perhaps… one could first inform the elders…”
“Even if Yuanyi and her husband knew about it, how could such a small matter be made public? At most, have that Miss Yin receive some punishment. How would that vent the bad feeling?”
Lady Wan, whose mental state was always peaceful, worried: “Why must one vent feelings? Just endure it and that’s that.”
“People live for one breath. Without breath, one becomes a walking corpse, that’s all.”
Lady Wan lowered her head in silence.
Old Lady Wan said: “Originally didn’t you want to have Qiqi befriend that Cheng Yang? But after this whole day, she ate at the same table with Cheng Yang, walked the same road. When she returned home, did you hear Qiqi mention her even once? Instead, she spoke of Shaoshang with every breath, concerned about her. Tonight I’m afraid the two of them will sleep foot-to-foot together. I also misjudged. Turns out that child was completely playing dumb before Lady Ge.”
Lady Wan sighed slightly.
“Not doing means no mistakes. Doing will have mistakes. Although the doctrine of the mean has merits, one step past the mean becomes cowardly self-preservation.” Old Lady Wan said. “If General Cheng also studied what mean, do you think I would have had Songbai become sworn brothers with him?! In chaotic times, an ally who cannot step forward to shield you from open spears and hidden arrows at critical moments—what use are they?”
Lady Wan said with alarm: “Aunt Jun!”
“Qiqi is like Songbai. Shaoshang is also like General Cheng. Both father and daughter are people with broad hearts who don’t fuss over small matters. Just now, wasn’t Shaoshang wearing Qiqi’s old clothes? Actually, Qiqi still has many new clothes from the previous two years that were never worn. But being anxious to come pay respects to me, she didn’t go search through the storage rooms. She herself is covered in jewels all over, her room luxurious throughout, yet she lets a guest wear old clothes. But did Shaoshang show even a bit of displeasure?”
Old Lady Wan slowly opened her left eye. The eyeball was already dim, but bright light still showed. “No. I saw that child’s behavior was natural, her gaze clear, completely not caring about these things. Her closeness and gratitude toward Qiqi came purely naturally.”
Lady Wan hadn’t noticed these things at all. Hearing her mother-in-law mention it, she worked hard to recall what she had just seen.
“Over ten years ago, when we first came to the capital and were purchasing the old residence, we gave the side quarters to the Cheng family. This was originally a good intention, but if it were someone of narrow temperament, they couldn’t help but think ‘I treat you as a brother, yet you regard me as a servant class, making me reside to the side rear of your grand residence.’ But General Cheng didn’t mind at all. He was even pleased to be able to save an expense and could have my family look after his family members nearby. At that time I thought, having him accompany Songbai out to campaign, I could be at ease.”
This example was very convincing. Lady Wan said: “That’s true! Speaking of General Cheng, he treats the master truly like a blood brother. No, even blood brothers might not be able to do this. Songbai is reckless. Several times on the battlefield he encountered danger—all were General Cheng saving him with his life. Especially that time, hmm, Qiqi was eight years old I think, General Cheng carried Songbai back covered in blood. It scared me to death!”
Recalling the situation then, she still felt fear. “Especially rare, for receiving such severe injuries because of Songbai, Yuanyi being such a strong person threw herself on General Cheng, tears coming down, yet had not half a word of complaint toward us.”
Old Lady Wan slowly closed her left eye: “Choosing friends isn’t accomplished just by pulling out your heart. One must know how to judge people. Alas, I’m also old. These words should have been said to grandsons, teaching them how to observe and judge people. Now instead I’m rambling here with you…”
Lady Wan lowered her head: “It’s all this daughter-in-law’s incompetence, unable to reproduce offspring.”
“What does it have to do with you?” Old Lady Wan scoffed. “One generation is like this, every generation is like this. The ancestors were all this way. When does it come to our turn to be terrified and fearful… ” Speaking to here, her tone shifted. “So, you’ve taken a fancy to the Yin family with their numerous children and grandchildren? Want to recruit a son-in-law for Qiqi?”
Lady Wan was greatly alarmed, frightened and terrified, hurriedly prostrating herself to kowtow: “This daughter-in-law doesn’t dare!”
“Nothing to dare or not dare about. You and Ah Yu are as close as sisters. Having this thought isn’t strange.”
Old Lady Wan spoke lightly, waving her hand for her daughter-in-law to rise. “However, are you willing? Is Qiqi willing? Is Songbai willing? Their Yin family has quite a few sons who want to join the military and establish military merit. We and the Cheng family can help where we can. But the Yin clan’s children are flourishing. Although Qiqi isn’t stupid, in the end she’s isolated and alone. After we all die, the family estate your uncle-in-law established might all end up surnamed Yin…”
Lady Wan was frightened badly, repeatedly kowtowing, saying through tears: “This daughter-in-law absolutely has no such disloyal heart! I only thought, recruiting a son-in-law as husband—which family comparable to ours would be willing? But families of lower gates and small households, I’d fear wronging Qiqi. Originally the Cheng family would be best, but their family already has scarce descendants. How would I dare open this mouth? Only Ah Yu—her family has so many collateral branch children. Perhaps they could agree…”
Old Lady Wan nodded: “Who says otherwise? Recruiting a son-in-law is just this troublesome. However, I advise you to first put aside this thought. I see Songbai dotes on his daughter. The previous twelve were all well married off. Moreover, Qiqi is the apple of his eye. She must be sent off gloriously.”
Lady Wan turned her face to weep: “The master’s age is not small, yet his knees are still empty. If we don’t recruit a son-in-law, could it be adoption instead? But those in the clan… Songbai has offended them all…” She didn’t quite dare look at her mother-in-law’s face, because the cause lay with her.
Old Lady Wan said: “Why do you manage so much? Perhaps you’ll die before me and Songbai. Once your eyes close, still worrying about that? At that time, my golden thread nanmu coffin can be given to you to use first.”
Lady Wan’s face still had tears not yet dried, staring blankly not knowing how to continue. Her mother-in-law’s speaking style—after decades she still hadn’t gotten used to it. Probably only the late Old Master Wan liked it immensely.