Jia Fu hurriedly followed the path back to Rong Fang’s place. After sitting down, Rong Fang asked her what she had seen when she went to the front hall earlier. She only recounted the part about meeting guests, skipping over her encounter with the Old Madam, and for the entire afternoon, she didn’t step out again.
The sky gradually darkened. Guests and clan members had all arrived, and the Duke’s mansion was brilliantly illuminated. Pei Xiu Zhi, Second Master Pei Quan, Third Master Pei Xiu Ke, Fourth Master Pei Xiu Hong, and several highly respected elders from the clan greeted guests in front of the longevity hall. Madam Xin, Second Madam, and some women from the clan entertained the female guests who had come to the mansion.
When Jia Fu followed her mother to the longevity hall, the birthday congratulations were nearly finished, with only the younger female relatives remaining. She stood in a corner of the hall, mixed among a group of splendidly dressed women. Looking up, she saw a birthday plaque hanging high in the central hall with four large, gleaming golden characters “Bao Wu Xing Hui” written by Pei Quan to celebrate his mother’s birthday. In the most prominent position at the center of the birthday table, imperial gifts with yellow satin underneath were displayed, a pair of long-handled ruyi scepters laid across them, with longevity peaches and cakes piled into pagoda-shaped towers on either side.
Various birthday gifts were arranged in sequence on the left and right, elaborate headdresses and beautiful clothes, gold and jade filling the hall – endless auspicious splendor and boundless manifestations of wealth and nobility. The Old Madam Pei no longer looked as she had when Jia Fu met her during the day. Tonight, she wore a pearl crown and her official imperial costume, supporting herself with a dragon-headed walking stick carved from a whole piece of agarwood. Surrounded by opulence, she sat in the center, looking ruddy-faced and energetic, repeatedly smiling and nodding, asking those coming to pay their respects and offer birthday wishes to rise.
Jia Fu still had the status of a younger relative, so she was positioned toward the back. Following the ceremonial guide, she joined those in front of her to pay respects to the Old Madam. Old Madam Pei, with a face full of smiles, told everyone to rise and go to the back hall for the birthday feast. Amid a clamor of joyful voices and laughter, they all left the longevity hall.
The marriage arrangement between the Pei and Zhen families was, by this day, known to almost everyone in the clan. Madam Meng and Jia Fu had become the focus of attention among those around them. The female relatives of the Pei clan eagerly engaged Madam Meng in conversation, praising Jia Fu for her gentleness and beauty. Jia Fu followed alongside her mother, lowering her head shyly – completely exhibiting the proper demeanor of a young lady – while secretly keeping an eye out for Young Master Quan.
That one incident just a few days ago was not enough to prove that she and Young Master Quan were fated to clash. In her mind, tonight was another opportunity.
Though Young Master Quan was ridiculously unruly, he possessed the natural cunning of a child. He knew that the Duke’s mansion was not like his maternal grandmother Song’s home where he could do as he pleased. He was somewhat afraid of his great-grandmother, and upon seeing his maternal grandmother Madam Song, he only clamored to go to her side.
Madam Song was surrounded by flatterers tonight, her prominence even overshadowing Madam Xin. How could Madam Xin let her grandson go over there? She had someone firmly hold him by her side, not allowing him to leave even a step. By the time the birthday banquet was nearing its end and guests were beginning to leave one after another, Jia Fu still couldn’t find a suitable opportunity to get close to the child, which made her somewhat anxious.
The wedding was imminent, and she had to act quickly. Tonight had originally been a good opportunity. She had finally waited until her mother and Madam Xin sat together when Young Master Quan became drowsy. Madam Xin told someone to take him back to his room to sleep, and he was carried away.
Jia Fu knew there would likely be no more chances tonight. Suppressing her disappointment, she could only continue socializing with her mother.
By mid-Hai hour (around 10 PM), the birthday feast ended, and the remaining guests gradually departed. The Duke’s mansion, which had been bustling all evening, slowly quieted down.
Madam Meng had been busy without stopping since she arrived and was now tired. Because her son had already left earlier, she brought Jia Fu to say goodbye. Madam Xin thanked her, saying that thanks to her help today, she had been spared much effort and wanted to personally see her out. Madam Meng knew she had matters to attend to and strongly declined the escort. As they were speaking, a beautiful oval-faced young maid in her twenties, dressed elegantly, approached with a smile and said, “Madam, the Old Madam requests your presence. She has a few words to say.”
This young maid was named Yu Zhu, the same one who had been by Old Madam Pei’s side when Jia Fu encountered her during the day.
Madam Xin acknowledged with a sound and turned to call for a trusted housekeeper to go ahead on her behalf to supervise the servants in organizing and storing the valuable items, but the housekeeper was not nearby. The maid said she had gone to the front hall on an errand. Madam Xin frowned in complaint, and Madam Meng said, “Since the Old Madam has called for you, it must be important. If you trust me, I can count and organize things for you.”
Madam Xin was delighted, expressed her thanks, gave some instructions, and hurriedly left.
Madam Meng turned to Jia Fu: “A Fu if you’re tired, I can have someone escort you home first. It will take me a while to finish up here.”
Jia Fu knew her mother was working so tirelessly to build a good relationship with Madam Xin all for her sake. With concern, she said, “Mother, let me stay with you.”
But Madam Meng refused. Jia Fu knew that there would be servants carrying items back and forth, and her mother was probably worried about her getting jostled, so she didn’t insist.
Yu Zhu said, “If it’s no trouble, Auntie, why don’t I take the young miss to the Old Madam’s room to wait for you? It’s warm there, and there won’t be people moving about carelessly. You can come to get her when you’re done.”
This Yu Zhu had also been the daughter of a wealthy family when she was young. At eight or nine years old, her family fell on hard times, and she entered the Duke’s mansion. Because of her outstanding appearance, literacy, numeracy, and efficiency, she became the Old Madam’s trusted maid. At twenty, she still didn’t want to be matched with anyone, so the Old Madam kept her. With her saying this, Madam Meng naturally felt reassured and urged Jia Fu to go rest.
Jia Fu followed Yu Zhu to Old Madam Pei’s main courtyard, where she saw several indistinct shadows on the windows of the main hall and faintly heard voices in conversation. Yu Zhu whispered, “The Old Madam just called over your uncle and aunt from the Second House; they must all be inside. Let me take you to the side room.”
Jia Fu said, “Thank you, sister.”
Yu Zhu smiled: “How could I deserve such a title from you, young miss? Just call me by my name. Please come with me.”
Jia Fu was led to a side room, which was bright and warm. Yu Zhu had Jia Fu sit near a couch, placed a pillow behind her waist, and then took out a fur blanket to cover her legs, saying, “Young miss, if you’re tired, you can sleep here. No one will come in. I have some clean maple tea; let me bring you a pot.”
Tan Xiang thanked her on Jia Fu’s behalf: “I can go get it.”
Yu Zhu nodded with a smile and led Tan Xiang out. Just as they walked out the door, they met the wet nurse and a maid carrying Young Master Quan, who was wrapped in a windbreaker cloak. They said Quan had just woken up and was crying to go to the Song family’s house; the wet nurse couldn’t comfort him and had brought him to find Madam Xin.
Yu Zhu frowned and shushed them: “Madam is with the Old Madam on important business right now! Take him back and try to soothe him again.” She pulled the ignorant wet nurse out.
The wet nurse looked distressed: “I can’t calm him down. You know that when the young master throws a tantrum, only the Old Madam can control him…”
Just as she finished speaking, Young Master Quan had already twisted himself down from her arms and ran toward the unfamiliar face of Tan Xiang.
Yu Zhu exclaimed “Ah!” and hurriedly chased after him, shouting, “There’s no one in that room! Young master, don’t go in!”
The door opened from inside, and Jia Fu showed her face, saying, “Let him come in. I don’t mind.”
…
In the main hall, Old Madam Pei sat on a chair. She had removed her pearl crown but still wore her official costume. Her gaze swept over her sons and daughters-in-law standing before her, and she said, “These past few days, to celebrate this old woman’s birthday and make me happy, you have all worked hard.”
Pei Quan quickly said, “Mother, how can you say such things? What hardship is there? Besides, it’s our duty.”
Madam Xin and Madam Meng also nodded in agreement.
Old Madam Pei smiled slightly: “Our family has had many good things lately. My birthday is nothing worth mentioning. Zhi’er got his position, Luo’er excels in his studies – I’m very pleased.”
These past few years, Old Madam Pei’s health has not been good. She had lived in seclusion for a long time and hadn’t gathered her sons and daughters-in-law like this for a while. Earlier, seeing her solemn expression, they had thought she was dissatisfied with tonight’s celebration and were somewhat apprehensive. When she began speaking, it turned out to be praise. They all relaxed and smiled, saying, “It’s all thanks to Mother’s good fortune and dignity.”
Old Madam Pei said, “I’m just an old woman. What dignity do I have for you to rely on? If you don’t think I’m a confused old woman who refuses to die, I’ll be content.”
These words were harsh, especially as she had just celebrated her birthday. Madam Xin and the Pei Quan couple were stunned and immediately looked worried. Pei Quan said, “Mother, your words make your son feel unworthy. If I’ve done something wrong to upset you, please admonish me. Even if you beat me to death, I deserve it. How can you curse yourself like this?”
Old Madam Pei remained silent. Pei Quan’s heart gradually filled with unease.
For this hereditary appointment, Pei Quan had originally hoped it would fall to him to advance the official position he had not been promoted to for many years. In the end, because of the Song family’s influence, it went to his nephew Pei Xiu Zhi. Naturally, he was disappointed. Then, hearing from Madam Meng that the First House had spent nearly two thousand taels, he felt even more resentful. Of course, on the surface, everything was cordial. But he hadn’t expected to be called over right after the birthday celebration and hear such words. He dared not speak.
Madam Xin and Madam Meng looked at each other.
Old Madam Pei slowly let out a sigh and continued, “Today everyone is happy. I shouldn’t be dampening your spirits, but there are some things in my heart that I think if I don’t say today, I don’t know when I’ll have another chance.”
“Mother, please speak freely!” Pei Quan quickly said. Madam Xin and Madam Meng also agreed.
“Then I shall speak. Today I went out of my room and unintentionally overheard some servants gossiping behind backs. Those words were too unspeakable to repeat, but what puzzles me more is when the Duke’s mansion starts to lose even the most basic rules, allowing servants to become so lax. Thinking about it, there’s only one explanation: as above, so below. When those in charge don’t set an example, naturally those below become even worse.”
Madam Meng remained silent. Madam Xin’s expression changed slightly, and after hesitating, she said, “It’s all my fault for not managing the servants well…”
Old Madam Pei waved her hand: “I know you’re all busy. I called you here now not to hear anyone admit fault to me, but because I have many feelings to express. Life is as fleeting as a white colt passing through a crack. When I was young, I watched your elders risk their lives to build this family fortune. In the blink of an eye, I now have great-grandchildren. Since ancient times, those who can remain content while living in wealth and luxury have been few, and even fewer can control themselves, return to propriety, and remain without complaint when poor. The Pei family’s circumstances in recent years have not been as good as before, but there’s one thing I must remind you: the earth supporting each other makes a wall, and people supporting each other makes a family. If family members fight amongst themselves, without needing others to do anything, in a few years, the Pei family will fall into chaos by itself.”
Sweat beaded on Pei Quan’s forehead. Madam Xin and Madam Meng lowered their heads in silence.
Old Madam Pei shook her head: “I can’t blame you. The first person who should be blamed is myself. These past few years, I’ve been too lazy and failed to fulfill my duty as an elder…”
She pondered for a moment, then looked toward Madam Xin: “I know the family income has decreased, and you all have your difficulties. The money Zhi’er used for his position will come from my private savings…”
Madam Xin was stunned and was about to speak when the Old Madam turned to Pei Quan and Madam Meng: “The Second House shouldn’t be at a disadvantage either. When Luo’er gets married, the expenses will certainly be considerable. However much I’ve given to the First House now, I will give you the same amount then. This is all I can do. If there are still inequities, I hope you can understand and let the matter rest, without harboring resentment. If outsiders knew, where would we put our faces?”
Pei Quan stepped forward and dropped to his knees with a thud, kowtowing as he said, “Mother, as your son, I absolutely cannot accept this money. It was all my foolishness to compete with my nephew. Please don’t upset yourself. Your health is the blessing of our Pei family.”
Madam Xin and Madam Meng also blamed themselves profusely.
Tears appeared in Old Madam Pei’s eyes as she said, “To be honest with you, this birthday celebration meant little to me. I considered your feelings and agreed to come out and meet guests to make you happy. I hope you can understand my intentions. Fortune and misfortune have no door; they come as people summon them. I’ve lived to this age and seen much rise and fall of wealth. As long as the family is united, today’s difficulties don’t mean we won’t rise again tomorrow. I’ve said all I can. If you find reason in my words, remember them when you go back. That would add more to my blessings than celebrating a hundred birthdays for me.”
Pei Quan kowtowed, and Madam Xin and Madam Meng nodded repeatedly, promising compliance.
Old Madam Pei looked at Madam Xin: “Young Master Quan is not small anymore. After the New Year, he’ll be five. He should be taught proper manners, and from now on, he shouldn’t be allowed to go to the Song family as he pleases.”
Madam Xin was startled and hesitated: “They come to pick him up themselves…”
Old Madam Pei snorted, staring at Madam Xin: “Is his surname Pei or Song? You only think about your son, why don’t you think about your grandson?”
Madam Xin’s face turned crimson, and she lowered her head sheepishly.
…
Late at night, at the Zi hour (11 PM to 1 AM), Pei Quan, Madam Xin, and Madam Meng left the north room.
After everyone had gone, Yu Zhu entered and asked about preparing for washing and rest. The old woman, however, seemed not to hear and continued sitting there, her eyes fixed on the water clock in the corner of the room.
Less than a quarter-hour remained before this day would end.
It was so late, yet the Old Madam still wasn’t resting. Yu Zhu was puzzled but didn’t dare ask. She stayed by her side for a while, then suddenly remembered the encounter when accompanying her outside during the day. Her heart suddenly brightened with understanding. She said, “Old Madam, the young miss from the Zhen family is in the side room right now. If you’re not sleeping yet, shall I call her to come keep you company?” After speaking, seeing that she neither nodded nor shook her head, as if lost in distant memories, Yu Zhu quietly walked out.
Jia Fu entered the room and paid her respects to the Old Madam.
The Old Madam turned her head, saw her arrival, and smiled slightly, saying, “Yu Zhu is being too fussy. Calling you here so late – you must be tired after today’s events. I have nothing important; you should go back and rest.”
Earlier, Yu Zhu had told Jia Fu her intention, hoping she would come and say some kind words to cheer up the Old Madam.
It was obvious that neither Yu Zhu nor the old woman before her expected the eldest son from the First House, who had left the capital years ago, to return tonight.
But Jia Fu did have an impression. She remembered that in her previous life, he had indeed returned on this very night, though very late. As for exactly how late, she couldn’t quite recall.
Looking at the lonely figure of the old woman in the lamplight, stripped of her pearl crown and fine clothes, for a brief moment, Jia Fu suddenly felt somewhat regretful about her earlier scheming.
If Young Master Quan had a seizure, naturally this old woman wouldn’t be able to sleep well tonight.
Her matter could wait one more night without harm. She should have let this old woman properly complete her sixtieth birthday celebration.
She slowly took a breath and said, “Old Madam, Elder Cousin will return.”
The old woman smiled faintly and nodded: “Good child, go and rest.”
Jia Fu bit her lip, but ultimately held back her words, curtseyed, and slowly walked toward the door.
“Old Madam — Old Madam —”
As she reached the doorway, suddenly, a voice came from outside the courtyard. In the stillness of midnight, it sounded somewhat jarring.
Jia Fu’s footsteps faltered, and she stopped at the doorway.
Yu Zhu hurriedly went out and scolded the old woman who came running in: “Have you gone mad? Shouting like this in the middle of the night – what’s happened?”
“The Eldest Master has returned!” The old woman was panting from running, with a strange expression, gesturing with her hands.
“I almost didn’t recognize him!”