Having done her best, Qingyuan left the rest to fate – she couldn’t interfere too much.
Speaking of being busy, she truly was. Marriage was like a grand relocation, moving from one place to another to live, with everything needing to be arranged anew.
Her grandmother took great interest in all of this, like a child with a new doll, preparing its little house and bed and such. Even with one complete set ready, she would prepare another set as backup. Grandmother’s thoroughness didn’t stop there – she had extremely high standards for the dowry to be sent to the Shen family. From large furniture and furnishings down to a single copper fitting on a cosmetic box, everything had to be carefully inspected multiple times before receiving her approval.
The elderly master sometimes complained about her fussiness, as she not only worried about things herself but also dragged him into the discussions. The elderly master would say, “If we’ve spent good money, surely it must be the best. What’s there to worry about?”
The elderly lady disagreed, “This happens only once in a lifetime – how can we not be careful about everything!”
Qingyuan knew how deep her grandmother’s love for her was. For a young lady preparing for the major event of her life, having elders attend to every detail was an immense blessing. She only worried about her grandmother’s health, and nestling in the elderly lady’s embrace, she coaxed, “The household preparations are almost complete. Grandmother, please rest a bit – I don’t want my wedding to wear you out.”
The elderly lady smiled contentedly, “People get tired when they’re depressed. When it’s something joyful, even if it’s exhausting, one stands tall.”
Seeing her grandmother’s enthusiasm, Qingyuan stopped trying to discourage her. Each day, watching her bustle about, her spirits indeed seemed to improve.
Five days later, Elder Nanny Zhou returned from Qin’an Street with news that the Second Master had returned, but the Second Lady was quarreling with him and had banished him to sleep in the study late at night.
“This has never happened before. Since the Second Master married the Second Lady, they’ve always been sweet as honey, wanting to be together constantly. This time, somehow, the Second Lady seems like a different person, showing no consideration for the Second Master’s hardships. Though the capital isn’t far from Youzhou, galloping on horseback is no child’s play. When he’s away, she stretches her neck waiting for him; when he returns, she makes faces and drives him away – I don’t understand what the Second Lady is thinking.”
Qingyuan sighed upon hearing this, “She just lost her child and must be feeling terrible. The Second Master understands her difficulties and will be patient with her.”
Elder Nanny Zhou agreed, “That’s true, but no matter what, the Second Lady should consider that she didn’t lose the child because of the Second Master – is he feeling any better about it?” She shook her head while speaking, “The Second Lady wasn’t like this before. In my opinion, it’s all that Miss Xuexue’s instigation. She’s at our residence daily – it’s rare not to see her. When we try to guide the Second Lady to think about other things, we barely get three sentences in before she starts thinking about Xuexue. If Xuexue doesn’t come, she sends people to invite her – it’s like she’s bewitched.”
Qingyuan turned to look at Old Lady Chen, who was frowning, “People’s interactions should have proper boundaries. Every young lady has close friends, but even the closest friendship can’t sustain life. Besides, one is a married lady, the other still unmarried.”
However, persuasion was futile. Fangchun was just like that – once she trusted someone, she would give them her whole heart. If that person was upright, it would be fine, but if they harbored ill intentions, she would suffer in silence, having to swallow her losses with her blood, without even a grave to cry at.
Qingyuan had no solution and said to Elder Nanny Zhou, “Perhaps the Second Lady hasn’t thought things through yet. It’ll be better next time. Where is the Second Master now?”
Elder Nanny Zhou replied, “The Second Master had official duties the next day and left early with his staff to attend to them.”
Qingyuan nodded, “After the quarrel, her resentment has been vented. You go back and continue watching the Western Residence carefully. Report back if anything happens.”
Elder Nanny Zhou acknowledged and took her leave.
Qingyuan felt dejected, “After this misfortune, her personality has truly changed greatly.”
The elderly lady said, “What’s most important is the people around her. If those around her guide her properly onto the right path, she’ll be bouncing around again after some time. But if those around her keep filling her head with nonsense daily, her thoughts will become heavy – how can she recover?”
Qingyuan fell silent, then slowly said, “Sometimes when I arrange flowers, after keeping them in clear water for ten days or so, I hardly recognize them anymore. Like the poppy – originally its petals are tight like a teacup, but after some time, the petals scatter, opening as wide as a palm, completely transformed. Are people like this too? Do they change after time passes?”
The elderly lady was startled, then laughed, “You’re not very old, yet you speak like someone who’s lived seven or eight decades, asking me such questions! People aren’t plants – whether they change or not depends on their hearts. If your convictions remain unchanged, you’ll always be a poppy. But if you loosen your strings, then forget being a poppy – you might as well be a child’s pinwheel.”
Indeed – blown by the wind, spinning helplessly, then rushing about, overwhelmed and endless.
Qingyuan smiled, holding the elderly lady’s hand saying she understood, then added, “Grandmother, the Commander’s residence usually only has Fangchun as the mistress, which is why Miss Yao comes and goes as she pleases. If we invited Fangchun to stay at our residence for a few days, Xuexue couldn’t follow her here. If they’re separated by some distance, things might settle down. Grandmother, what do you think about inviting Fangchun to stay for a few days?”
The elderly lady naturally had no objections, “As long as she’s willing, we have plenty of rooms – she can stay as long as she likes.”
Qingyuan was very pleased. After getting her grandmother’s permission, she went to the Commander’s residence. Upon seeing Fangchun, she shared this suggestion, saying gently, “Living alone in this residence must be lonely. Why not come stay at the Chen residence for a few days? There are more people there, making it livelier, and I can keep you company often. What do you think?”
Fangchun glanced at Xuexue, who smiled and said, “That’s good too. Sister can go stay there for a few days to clear her mind, rather than staying home alone with wandering thoughts.”
But the more Xuexue spoke this way, the more Fangchun retreated, saying to Qingyuan, “I’m not feeling well. Going to the Chen residence would only trouble the elderly lady and you. It’s better not to go anywhere – other people’s homes aren’t like one’s own residence, where everything is convenient.”
She refused to move no matter what was said. Qingyuan had done all she could, but couldn’t persuade her and had no evidence against Xuexue, so she had to let it be for now.
After leaving the Shen residence, Baocan muttered, “How can the Second Lady be so stubborn? It’s impossible to handle.”
Qingyuan shook her head, “She tends to get stuck on things and won’t listen to advice. I can’t very well tie her up and take her away. Now that they’re all in the capital, I shouldn’t speak carelessly – it would seem like I’m stirring up trouble and only invite resentment.” Looking toward the Western Courtyard, it seemed Xuexue had settled in here. She really couldn’t understand what kind of family would allow their daughter to behave this way.
But since she hadn’t officially married yet, and it involved Fangchun’s maiden family, she could only turn a blind eye. She told her grandmother about it, and her grandmother advised her to do what she could and leave the rest to fate. Fangchun wasn’t young anymore – she should know how to live her own life.
Later, this matter was set aside as Qingyuan became busy herself. After the dowry was prepared, her grandmother began arranging her clothes.
“Our Yunya has grown up and will become the Commander’s wife. The clothes she wore as a young lady are too childish – that won’t do. We must prepare several proper sets. There will be many banquets in noble circles in the future – we can’t be making arrangements on the day of the wedding or piercing ears at the last minute.”
The elderly lady took her to the largest fabric shop in Youzhou City, having the shopkeeper bring out the finest goods for selection piece by piece. Looking at all the splendid silks before her, Qingyuan truly didn’t know where to begin.
The shopkeeper strongly recommended the lantern silk, saying, “This is the most fashionable fabric in the capital. The Observatory Commissioner’s wife just ordered a piece, and the Acting Minister of Works’ wife ordered two pieces as gifts.”
The elderly lady examined it carefully, smiling, “It’s a bit too bright – our young lady prefers simplicity.” But thinking again, she felt having something vibrant occasionally wouldn’t be bad, so she held a corner against her to compare, exclaiming in surprise, “This color makes your face look even fairer – my Yaya looks good in everything.”
In her grandmother’s eyes, Yunya was never lacking in any way. Qingyuan smiled and let her grandmother dress her up, not choosing for herself, but instead helping her grandmother find suitable fabrics. Among the piles of silk, she discovered a piece of fine crane-pattern brocade. Just as she was about to call her grandmother to look, she turned and saw Second Madame Jiang and Zhengyuan’s wife standing at the door. The mother and daughter-in-law had been watching for who knows how long, and since they’d caught Qingyuan’s eye, they came forward to greet her.
Madame Jiang said, “Isn’t this Fourth Miss? We’ve been watching for a while but didn’t dare come forward to recognize you. Counting the time, it must be nearly two months since we last met, let me look at you…” While speaking, she examined her carefully, “Your complexion is even better – indeed, happy events bring good spirits. I heard you’re getting married – your aunt hasn’t congratulated you yet.”
Hearing these words, the elderly lady knew they must be from the Xie family. She had always been protective, and fearing Qingyuan might not handle it well, she slightly shifted her body to pull her to her side, smiling, “Yunya, have you met acquaintances?”
Qingyuan responded with an “Oh,” then said, “Grandmother, this is the wife of Second Master Min from the Eastern Residence and his daughter-in-law.” Then she introduced to Madame Jiang, “Aunt, this is my grandmother.”
At least she was still willing to call her “aunt,” showing she knew proper etiquette. Now if there were complaints, they would be about the elderly lady being unreasonable, and throwing away good relatives. Anyway, she had never gotten along with the main branch, so there was no need to be bound to them. Having encountered Qingyuan now, she would curry favor first – who cares about those others?
Madame Jiang put on her most pleasant smile and curtsied to Old Lady Chen, “Paying respects to the elderly lady. I’ve long heard of you, and today I’ve finally met the true Buddha. We used to say behind closed doors that Fourth Miss’s excellent character was all thanks to the elderly lady’s upbringing. It’s just a pity the Xie family wasn’t fortunate enough – such a good young lady and we let her slip away. Last time they were thinking of having the eldest miss come persuade Fourth Miss, but I said, going back would only bring discomfort to herself – it’s better not to return.”
To curry favor, one naturally says what others want to hear – this way they might be willing to engage with you.
Qingyuan said, “Aunt knows the inside story. The Xie family doesn’t treat me as flesh and blood – I’ve seen that clearly and won’t dream impossible dreams anymore. It’s good now – my grandparents are getting older, and I can fulfill my filial duties by their side. When aunt returns, don’t mention seeing me. The old lady is advanced in years and should take good care of herself – don’t get angry because of me, it’s not worth it.”
She finished speaking and moved to support Old Lady Chen to leave. Madame Jiang grew anxious and called out, “Fourth Miss is leaving already?”
Qingyuan turned back with a smile, “I’ve finished selecting fabrics. The two of you can browse more – I’ll take my leave.”
Before Madame Jiang could say more, they had already boarded the carriage and departed.
Zhengyuan’s wife tugged at her mother-in-law’s sleeve, “Mother, let’s see what fabrics Fourth Miss selected.”
They called the shopkeeper to ask, and upon learning they were all worth thousands of gold pieces, they couldn’t help but gasp, “We heard in Hengtang that the Chen family was wealthy, but Old Master Chen is so low-key, we didn’t know how rich they were. Now with Shen Run added, the fourth girl is so fortunate – like a mouse fallen into a rice jar! Living such a life, only a fool would return to the Xie family, where Madame Hu is like a black-eyed chicken, and that sparrow Qingru causes trouble daily – why lower oneself to struggle with such people!”
Zhengyuan’s wife said, “But you were hoping she would come back before, so our family could benefit from the connection.”
“Foolish!” Madame Jiang said, “What do you know? Times change – does she look like someone willing to turn back now? The Shen family has already completed the formal engagement, just waiting for the wedding day. Why would she care about the Xie family? If we try to persuade her about parental kindness being as vast as heaven, we’d likely get spat in the face.”
Zhengyuan’s wife was bewildered, “Then what do you plan to do?”
Madame Jiang gazed in the direction their carriage had left, abandoning thoughts of buying fabric, and pulled Zhengyuan’s wife along, “Come, let’s go visit the Chen residence.”
Qin’an Street, the former Han Lin scholar’s residence was easy to find – the large, imposing house must be it. At the gate, they sent a servant to announce them. Though the household found it unexpected, they would still let them in. Sure enough, before long they were invited inside. Madame Jiang, not bothering to admire the mansion’s beauty, hurried into the front hall with Zhengyuan’s wife.
The Chen family treated them as guests, patiently receiving them. Qingyuan said, “Does Aunt have more guidance? If it’s about persuading me to return to the Xie family, then I must excuse myself.”
“No, no… you left so quickly earlier, I didn’t have time to tell you something.” Madame Jiang then smiled at Old Lady Chen, “The elderly lady may not know, but our second branch wasn’t raised by our old lady, and we never gain face before them, always being suppressed in everything. The first branch’s eldest madame, relying on her position as head wife and her still-decent maiden family, usually orders people around, making us suffer no small amount. When Fourth Miss returned, she often faced their mother-daughter pair’s bullying. Though we saw it and felt it was unfair, we could only sympathize with Miss in private – who would dare to confront the eldest madame?”
She said a great deal, all to prove they harbored no ill will toward Qingyuan. The elderly lady had guessed right – they must have some purpose in specifically following them here, and to draw out their words, she had to play along, “When our miss returned, she mentioned that while she didn’t have many close relatives at home, her aunts still cared for her.”
Madame Jiang gave an awkward smile, “Last time when our old lady sent the eldest miss, I was present and heard everything. Later when the eldest miss reported back that Fourth Miss wasn’t willing to return, I also know exactly how the old lady responded… To be honest, I look down on those black-hearted affairs in their household. There were too many people earlier to speak freely, so I specially came to the residence to tell Fourth Miss about the old lady’s plans. Once Miss knows, she can be prepared and not let them gain the upper hand and damage Commander Shen’s face.”
Qingyuan glanced at her grandmother, then said to Madame Jiang, “Aunt is most kind-hearted, understanding our difficulties. Please tell me what plans the old lady has.”
Madame Jiang said, “Well, it was Nanny Sun from Madame Hu’s side who suggested that on your wedding day, the old lady should bring the household registry to the Commander’s residence. With guests gathered and the Commander being a man of status, the old lady, being the elder, would force you and the Commander to kowtow to her – otherwise, she’d let the guests judge, making you unable to hold your head high in Youzhou’s noble circles.”
Qingyuan had been prepared for the Xie family not to let matters rest, but she hadn’t expected them to be so ruthless – it truly chilled her to the bone. She stood in place and sighed deeply: “The madame acts guilty, harming me at every turn is one thing, but the old lady is also so relentless. She and the madame don’t seem like mother-in-law and daughter-in-law but like blood mother and daughter.”
Old Lady Chen beside her kept laughing coldly, “That old thing – I originally saw our miss as her flesh and blood and showed her some respect. Didn’t expect her to be so shameless. Well, when the time comes, we’ll have a good debate about whether it’s our son-in-law who loses face or she who makes a spectacle of herself.”
Having revealed the secret, Madame Jiang was still somewhat fearful, wringing her hands as she said, “I’m originally from the same family as them, and I’ve taken a great risk today, truly because I can’t bear to see Miss suffer more wrongs. However… we truly can’t separate ourselves from this relationship. If the Xie family truly becomes the laughingstock of all Youzhou, it would affect my two sons…”
Her implied meaning was very clear – having taken such a risk, she must seek reasonable compensation. Qingyuan was clever and naturally understood her meaning.
“Aunt, don’t worry. Before the Commander, I will naturally speak well of my two brothers.” Qingyuan smiled, pausing slightly before continuing, “During this period before our wedding, if the Xie family shows any movement, please keep an eye on things for me. Once we successfully get through the wedding day, I will certainly remember Aunt’s kindness.”
With this, Madame Jiang was thoroughly reassured. The Xie family already had everyone looking out for themselves – as long as her two sons had their futures secured, who cared about the main branch?