HomeA Cup of LoveYi Ou Chun - Chapter 95

Yi Ou Chun – Chapter 95

How could Old Madam Xie refuse at this moment? She hurriedly said, “We’re all family here, what talk of buying and selling! They were meant to serve you in the first place. When you left, they should have gone as your attendants. It was my oversight then, not considering this aspect.” As she spoke, she sent someone to summon Chuntai and Nurse Tao. “Just take them back with you to serve you. I’ll have someone send that jewelry box to you as well.”

Qingyuan said that wasn’t necessary, “Old Madam knows my temperament. I never take advantage of others. Consider that money as payment for them. If Old Madam won’t accept it, then I won’t take the people either.”

Old Madam Xie couldn’t persuade her otherwise and had to agree for now.

It was then that the three wives of the elder brothers finally entered, timidly saying, “Fourth Sister, we’ve all been thinking of you, wondering how you’ve been since your wedding.”

“We’re family, after all, we should visit each other often from now on. Let’s not dwell on past matters. The Old Madam was worried about you, and in her anxiety, she listened to Nurse Sun’s instigation…”

“Sister, you lived here for half a year at least. During that time, we lived under the same roof, and ate at the same table – surely there are some feelings between us?”

Despite their honeyed words, Qingyuan just smiled without responding.

She had long since seen through this branch of the Xie family – greedy when there was something to gain, indifferent when there wasn’t. Nothing could be more opportunistic. Now that she had married Shen Run, they wanted to acknowledge their relationship no matter what. If she had married an ordinary commoner, they would likely have ceased all contact long ago. She still remembered how the Old Madam had discussed her marriage with others, showing no protection for her in her words, using her mother as a talking point, saying she was only fit to marry into a small household, while high officials should be matched with Qingru. And now? And these sisters-in-law, when had any of them ever truly seen her? Even when she paid her respects to them, they would turn away pretending not to notice. Now they came seeking closeness – truly showing human faces today and dog faces tomorrow.

The only reason she was still sitting here patiently was to take Chuntai and Nurse Tao away. Otherwise, she would find it nauseating to stay in this filthy place for even a moment longer. Let them say what they wanted; she turned her head to look outside, her heart concerned about other matters. She wondered what Shen Run was doing, whether there were enough braziers in his office, and whether he was cold while working. Now she only hoped for the New Year to come quickly. Once Xuexue’s matter was cleared up, she wouldn’t wait for spring’s warmth – she would move to their residence in the capital to see him every day.

Whatever the Old Madam said afterward went in one ear and out the other; she hadn’t heard a single word. Finally, she saw people entering through the moon gate. She stood up to greet them – Chuntai and Nurse Tao ran over, both crying and laughing as they grabbed her hands, “Miss, we’ve finally seen you again!”

The reunion between mistress and servants was joyous all around. Qingyuan felt complete satisfaction now. She turned to bow to the Old Madam, “I’ll take them with me now. Thank you for your consideration, Old Madam.”

As she was about to leave, Old Madam Xie hurriedly asked, “Fourth Miss, will you come back again?”

Qingyuan smiled, “We’ll see.” With this ambiguous answer, she left through the hanging flower gate with Chuntai and Nurse Tao.

Although they had only spent half a year together, that time had been enough to build deep feelings. Chuntai sniffled as she said, “Miss, we thought we’d never see you again. After you left, Madam sealed up the Danyue Pavilion and sent us back to our original posts. The things in your courtyard were thoroughly ransacked, and they cleaned everything out. And Little Xi – Madam caught her, reportedly beat her until her skin peeled off, and then married her off to a scabby servant. We don’t know if she’s even alive now.”

Qingyuan sighed upon hearing this, “She was Madam’s person to begin with. Once she turned against them, falling into their hands again would certainly bring no good end. I can’t help her now, but in a few days, I’ll send someone to look for her and give her some silver. After all, she did listen to me, and if not for that, Madam wouldn’t have treated her so harshly.”

Everyone around her agreed. By now, the carriage had arrived at the Commander’s mansion.

As soon as they entered, Chuntai and Nurse Tao exclaimed in admiration, “Goodness, is this Miss’s home?”

Baoxian smiled and said, “From now on, you can only call her ‘Miss’ in private. In public, you should address her as ‘Madam.’ The Madam has just taken charge of household matters, and we’re people she brought in – we absolutely cannot bring shame to her.”

Chuntai and Nurse Tao nodded in agreement. Seeing the maids emerging in succession along the corridor to bow and receive them, they realized that the Commander’s mansion had even stricter rules than the Xie mansion. Moreover, seeing how everyone treated the Miss with such respect and courtesy, they finally understood that their Miss had truly found a good home and become the mistress of another household.

Qingyuan had been running around outside for the past two days without proper rest. Only now did she relax, removing her shoes to recline on the couch. After resting briefly, she had Hongmian summon Nurse Zhou to inquire whether there had been any movement at the West Mansion that day.

Nurse Zhou reported, “Miss Yao hasn’t come for two days now. Perhaps Madam’s tea metaphor the other day made her retreat knowing the difficulty?”

Qingyuan sneered, “How could things be so easy in this world? If she would retreat after just those few words, she wouldn’t have spent those months putting in such effort.”

If she wasn’t mistaken, Miss Xuexue was deliberately giving Fangchun the cold shoulder, waiting for her to become impatient with the loneliness and go invite her again. Since that was the case, they couldn’t let Fangchun stay idle. After some thought, she said, “Nurse, go over later and tell Second Madam that her kitchen can rest tonight. Ask her to come eat here – I’ll have the cook prepare some Southern snacks to treat her.”

Nurse Zhou acknowledged and went to deliver the message. Qingyuan had thought she might not be in the mood to come, but surprisingly, she agreed immediately. So she hurriedly had the kitchen start preparations. Soon after, Fangchun arrived and sat with her on the couch, chatting idly. She asked about her visit home and whether the Xie family had given her any trouble.

Qingyuan shook her head while sharing preserved fruits with her, “On the contrary, they tried to win me over, which was truly embarrassing. What about you? What did you do today?”

Fangchun said, “Nothing much to do. It keeps snowing, and you weren’t home – everyone’s just frozen in place.”

Qingyuan wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and said, “The New Year is approaching, and the household preparations are mostly complete, except for the New Year’s clothes. You know how particular the Master is – he might not approve of others’ work. Let’s make them ourselves tomorrow, one each for the Master and Second Master. It’s our heart’s effort, and they’ll feel comfortable wearing them.”

Fangchun looked at her in surprise, “You know how to make clothes?”

Qingyuan said yes, “I’ve been learning needlework since I was six. Later, every New Year, I made new clothes for my grandparents.”

Fangchun felt utterly mortified after hearing this, “Compared to you, I’m like a man. I only know embroidery and how to make shoe soles. The only thing I’ve ever given our Master was a beast-claw pouch.”

Qingyuan felt somewhat sorry for her. Although she had lost her mother, her grandmother had taught her carefully, and she had inherited all the skills and qualities a young lady should possess from her grandmother. But Fangchun was different – because of her father’s favoritism, her stepmother neither dared nor cared to teach her. If you asked her to handle weapons, she would be capable, but tasks like measuring and tailoring clothes were beyond her.

But encouragement was key, so Qingyuan said, “A beast-claw pouch is very good – it can hold official seals and fish tokens. I often see Second Master wearing that one with the embroidered lion at his waist – that’s from you, isn’t it?” She smiled gently and continued, “See? Second Master has always kept you in his heart. Otherwise, given our household’s means, how could any item be used for several years?”

Fangchun paused, seeming lost in thought, murmuring, “That’s true…”

Qingyuan exclaimed again, “In this regard, I’m not as good as you. Although the Master forcefully gave me a piece of his jade, I’ve never given him anything. Thinking about it now, I feel I’ve let him down.”

Fangchun became excited, “Then let’s make the clothes first, and afterward you can embroider beast-claw pouches for him – make two, so he can alternate them.” She giggled, “Sister-in-law, truly, from the first time I saw Big Brother, I felt he was like the sun in the sky – I didn’t dare look at him directly. I never imagined that later, when he wanted to marry you, he would be so anxious discussing it with Chengbing. I eavesdropped outside the window, laughing as I listened, only then realizing that despite his serious facade, he isn’t that composed.”

Qingyuan blushed, lowering her head with a sweet smile.

Fangchun nudged her shoulder twice, “Do you miss him? You were only married for five days before separating – you must think of him often?”

Qingyuan became even more embarrassed, smiling vaguely, “I do think of him… But what about you? You’ve been married to Second Master for almost three years now – don’t you miss him?”

Fangchun, being straightforward by nature, didn’t try to hide anything. Twisting her handkerchief, she said, “How could I not miss him… but I feel I’ve let him down. I’m like a hen that can’t lay eggs. If I stay with him, I’ll ruin his entire life.”

Only now did Qingyuan hear her true feelings. What had been mere speculation was confirmed – this was indeed what she thought. Taking her hand, Qingyuan said, “Has someone been whispering these worries into your ear? You’re afraid of holding Second Uncle back, deciding to separate on your own, but have you asked Second Uncle’s opinion? Sister, couples who spend more time apart naturally find it harder to conceive. When we all move to the capital next year, what will you have to worry about? Even in the worst case, even if you truly cannot bear children, as long as the Second Uncle doesn’t mind, you should feel entitled to monopolize him. In life, while we should consider others, overthinking only adds to their troubles. You absolutely cannot give joy to your enemies and pain to your loved ones. Do you know who would be the first to fill the position if the Second Madam’s seat becomes vacant?”

Fangchun stared at her in shock, “You mean Xuexue? I don’t understand why none of you like her.”

If nobody likes her, it shows she harbors ill intentions and wants to break up this family. But saying this to Fangchun now would be useless – she wouldn’t listen and would instead think they were deliberately targeting Xuexue, making her more protective of her maiden family’s cousin. Qingyuan smiled, “We have no grudge against her, why would we be against her?” She changed the subject, “The court will break for the holiday on the twenty-fifth of the twelfth month. I’m planning to hold a banquet before the New Year, firstly to thank those who came and didn’t come to our wedding banquet, and secondly to help both masters build relationships with their colleagues, to reduce obstacles in their official careers.”

Fangchun said, “Good! How thoughtful of you.”

Qingyuan deliberately gave her something to do, saying seriously, “The banquet needs preparation. I’m afraid I can’t handle it alone – I need your help.”

Fangchun naturally agreed immediately. This was the good thing about straightforward people – their grievances and resentment never lasted long. When with dark people, she would be tainted by darkness; when with bright people, she would shine as well.

The sisters-in-law thus found companionship and began focusing on preparations for the upcoming festivities.

Fangchun wasn’t skilled at tailoring, so Qingyuan taught her hands-on. When the sun was bright, they sat under the eaves, doing needlework while enjoying the sunshine. When the clothes were finished, they each tried them on and examined them carefully, imagining how they would look on their husbands, their hearts fluttering with anticipation.

Qingyuan was pleased that her careful guidance hadn’t been in vain. Fangchun’s thoughts were gradually turning around – with work to occupy her hands, she forgot about Xuexue.

After about ten days of this, it was Xuexue who couldn’t maintain her patience any longer. She came to visit and, seeing them writing invitation cards in the flower hall, asked hesitantly, “Is the mansion holding a banquet?”

Qingyuan said yes, “On my wedding day, I wasn’t able to properly entertain guests, missing the opportunity to build relationships with various ladies. This banquet is to make up for that regret.” She continued, “Miss Xuexue must certainly come that day. The Yao family is Sister Fangchun’s maiden home – if you don’t come, the banquet won’t be complete.”

The new Commander’s wife had a beautiful, innocent face, lovely and gentle in the rising sunlight, enough to enchant any man. Xuexue secretly marveled at her beauty and intelligence. She was barely sixteen after the New Year, yet she played the role of an imperial-titled lady with such perfect grace, truly demonstrating the principle that high positions, though seemingly empty, are best filled by the capable.

As for the banquet, how could she miss it? Xuexue smiled, “With Madam’s gracious invitation, we must impose upon you.”

Fangchun still maintained no defenses against her. While blowing on a finished invitation card to dry it, she said casually, “Oh right, you said my fox fur looked nice last time. I have a pelt at home, given to Chengbing last year by Assistant Minister Liu. Take it home and prepare it – it’s top-quality fur, much better than what’s sold in the market.”

This had been something Xuexue had discussed privately with Fangchun, but she blurted it out in front of the East Mansion people. Xuexue felt immediately awkward and said sheepishly, “Since it was brought back by Brother-in-law, how could I take something meant for him?”

Qingyuan smiled, continuing to write with her brush, “We’re all family here. One pelt isn’t worth much – just keep it.”

By then, the invitation cards were mostly finished, and Fangchun took Xuexue back to the West Mansion to get the fur. Following behind her, Xuexue asked softly, “Is Madam Chen’s banquet only for the titled ladies?”

Fangchun replied, “Not just the titled ladies. The court is on break for the New Year, so officials will come with their wives. The men will be seated in one area, the women in another. She’s just received her imperial title, so she needs to build more relationships.”

Xuexue nodded upon hearing this, then smiled again, “You mentioned last time that Brother-in-law would be promoted after the New Year. Once he receives the imperial decree, you’ll also be a proper imperial-titled lady.”

She brought this up just to see if Fangchun still had thoughts of separation. As expected, Fangchun no longer mentioned it, instead pondering, “With this promotion, he should be fourth rank, right?”

Later, when she left the Commander’s mansion, her heart was turbulent and filled with frustration.

Her maid Que’er shared her feelings and complained resentfully, “This Commander’s wife is truly hopeless. Earlier she was determined to separate from the Commander, but now that she sees his promotion, she’s hoping to become an imperial-titled lady and won’t mention separation at all.”

Xuexue’s face remained calm – compared to Que’er’s gnashing of teeth, she was much more composed.

The fox fur pelt lay properly spread across her lap. She slowly stroked it with her hand. The Shen household truly used only the finest things – what virtue did Fangchun have to deserve such luxury? After the New Year, they would all move to their mansion in the capital. This banquet was her last chance – once this opportunity passed, there would be no others.

Chengbing… Loving someone truly had no logic to it. She knew she shouldn’t, but she couldn’t control her heart’s desperate desire to possess him. Shen Che was handsome and talented, with limitless prospects. With such a man for comparison, no matter whom she married in the future, she would never be happy.

Meanwhile, Qingyuan was unhurriedly arranging her banquet. Three days before the event, she rode in a carriage with Fangchun, delivering invitations house by house.

Fangchun wasn’t very familiar with the customs of the capital region. Since marrying Shen Che, she had never hosted a banquet at home. The only time was at Hongyan Tower, where Shen Che had arranged everything – she just had to show up on time. Therefore, she was puzzled by Qingyuan sending invitations three days in advance.

“Is there some meaning to this?” she asked, holding her hand warmer.

Qingyuan handed an invitation to the doorkeeper of the Military Defense Commander’s mansion and explained quietly, “There’s a custom in the capital: three days for inviting, two days for calling, and the same day for gathering. To show proper respect, we must send invitations three days in advance so guests can arrange their household matters and attend the banquet at ease on the day.”

Fangchun made a sound of understanding, feeling increasingly that she lived like a wooden club. This girl three years her junior wasn’t just a sister-in-law but more like an elder. Not only had she failed to help her, but she needed her guidance in everything.

Just as she was feeling ashamed, the Military Defense Commander’s wife came out to welcome them personally, her face full of smiles as she said, “Oh my, Madam Shen, there’s no need for such ceremony! Sending someone would have been fine – why trouble yourself to come personally?”

Fangchun secretly glanced at Qingyuan, who smiled demurely and walked with elegant poise toward Madam Han’s extended hand.

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