On her way back for the customary visit after marriage, Yining’s thoughts were preoccupied with the Duke of Ying’s household and young Master Ting. She sat absentmindedly in the carriage.
Luo Shenyuan noticed her repeatedly reaching for empty pine nut shells on the small table instead of the fruits in the dish. He sighed, wondering why she couldn’t break these small habits.
He took her dish and began peeling some nuts himself, asking, “What’s on your mind?”
Yining snapped back to reality and explained, “With no one to manage the household, Grandmother wants Father to remarry. Father is unwilling, so Grandmother asked me to persuade him.”
Luo Shenyuan nodded, “The Duke of Ying’s household is large and prosperous. It does need someone to manage internal affairs. Your grandmother isn’t wrong. However, the choice must be careful, given your and your brother’s special circumstances. Someone from a powerful family might have ulterior motives.”
Yining agreed but realized that someone of lower status wouldn’t be suitable for the position of Duchess. It was a dilemma. She wasn’t too concerned for herself, having already married out, but young Master Ting was a legitimized heir. Who knew how a new wife might treat him?
Luo Shenyuan said, “Open your hand.”
Yining looked up, confused by his request.
He took her hand and placed a handful of peeled pine nuts in it. “I just peeled these. Eat up.”
Yining was both amused and exasperated. Did he think he was feeding a small animal?
After finishing the nuts he’d peeled, she asked, “Third Brother, what do you think about me bringing Master Ting to live with us at the Luo household? He’s not yet seven and very dependent on me. I can’t bear to part with him. Once he’s ten, he’ll be more independent.”
Luo Shenyuan’s expression remained unchanged. “At home, you two eat and live together, right?”
“Of course. He’s afraid of the dark, so I set up a bed for him in the gauze room. He’s mischievous, and only Father can really control him, but Father is often away. Maybe if he comes with me, you could even tutor him.”
Luo Shenyuan replied calmly, “I can see he’s very dependent on you, wanting to follow you everywhere.” He paused before continuing, “He’s your brother, but he’s also the heir to the Duke of Ying. It’s not appropriate for him to live casually in another household. Moreover, you wouldn’t be able to manage him here, and it wouldn’t be right for me to discipline him.”
Yining sensed that her husband wasn’t keen on the idea of Master Ting living with them, as it would be inconvenient. She also doubted her grandmother would agree. Sighing, she decided to let the matter rest for now.
The next day, Luo Shenyuan’s day off ended, and he had to return to the Ministry of Works. Yining woke up early but didn’t see him. She went to pay her respects to Lin Hairu, who asked her to help review some account books.
A maid hurriedly entered and reported to Lin Hairu, “Second Madam, there’s trouble again in the main courtyard.”
Lin Hairu acknowledged the news and asked the maid to help her change clothes. She explained to Yining, “Ever since your fourth sister had a falling out with Old Lady Liu, this has been happening frequently. Liu Jing came to take her back, but she refused. Old Lady Liu then sent a servant to invite her, but she felt insulted by this.”
“Does she want the old lady to come in person?” Yining asked thoughtfully.
Lin Hairu nodded, “She was scolded by Old Lady Liu and can’t let go of that grudge. She’s always felt that marrying into the Liu family was beneath her, and she’s been unhappy all these years…”
Yining accompanied her to the main courtyard. The two courtyards were connected by a moon gate, and it took about half a quarter of an hour to reach Chen Shi’s place. The three-section courtyard was planted with evergreens and pines, with a rockery in one corner surrounded by arrow bamboo.
This was only the second time Yining had seen Liu Jing. He stood outside the room, wearing the official robes of a seventh-rank official, his face handsome but slightly gaunt. Though tall, his slightly hunched posture made him appear shorter.
As Lin Hairu approached, he respectfully greeted her, “Second Aunt.”
Lin Hairu introduced Yining, “This is Shenyuan’s wife. You should call her Third Sister-in-law.”
Liu Jing glanced at Yining, smiled slightly, and greeted her as instructed, adding, “Third Sister-in-law has a kind face.” Looking toward the room, he continued, “I’m sorry you had to witness this. Second Aunt, could you please help me by going in to see her?”
As they were about to nod, the curtain parted and Luo Yilian emerged. Seeing Liu Jing outside, her expression became awkward. Upon noticing Lin Hairu and Luo Yining, her face cooled further. Lin Hairu ignored her and led Yining inside.
Yining, lagging, faintly heard Luo Yilian say to Liu Jing, “The weather has turned quite cold recently. Fourth Brother-in-law, why are you dressed so thinly? Don’t stand here waiting. Go sit in the side hall. Fourth Sister probably doesn’t want to see you.”
When Yining looked back, Liu Jing had already left.
She inwardly smiled and turned back to the room, where sobbing could be heard.
Inside, on the arhat bed adorned with Hangzhou silk cushions and jade pearl curtains hooked up, Luo Yuyu lay crying, “If he truly loved me, how could he let his mother treat me this way? How dare she question my bedroom affairs! She speaks so harshly – what if I don’t want her son anymore!”
Chen Shi sat beside her daughter, patting her shoulder and consoling her, “Liu Jing is so good to you. Don’t squander his affection. Last time when you lost your temper and slapped him, he didn’t say a word.”
“He told me it would be best if he divorced me! I’m tired of watching his mother’s face!” Luo Yuyu sat up, raising her voice.
“You’ve never been under a mother-in-law’s thumb,” Luo Yixiu remarked, sitting on a nearby stool and cracking melon seeds. “You think the world revolves around you, expecting everyone to cater to your whims.”
She knew Luo Yuyu was just talking big, confident that Liu Jing wouldn’t divorce her.
“Don’t add fuel to the fire!” Chen Shi, feeling sorry for her daughter’s perceived mésalliance, wiped her tears with a handkerchief and asked the two daughters-in-law to help her up.
Lin Hairu sat down with Yining and offered some perfunctory advice, but it was clear that nothing would get through to Luo Yuyu.
Yining took some melon seeds from Luo Yixiu and asked, “Fourth Sister, let me ask you something. If Liu’s Brother-in-law and his mother conflicted, whose side would you take?”
Luo Yuyu wiped her tears, “Don’t try to trap me. Of course, I’d side with my mother. But he’s different…”
“How is he different?” Remembering Liu Jing’s humble demeanor before Luo Yuyu, Yining smiled slightly. “He wasn’t born to your mother or raised by your father. Should he indulge you unconditionally? He’s just like you – raised with his mother’s hardship, studying diligently for the imperial exams, and achieving the rank of Jinshi. You say he’s not good enough for you, but he’s worked hard all these years to be worthy of you. Fourth Sister, the man you liked before is getting married now, and you probably know to whom better than I do. Can you work hard to be worthy of him?”
Luo Yuyu was stunned by her words, looking at Yining with an unfamiliar gaze.
“Do you expect him to agree with everything you say, even disregarding his parents?” Yining approached her. “Would you want someone who doesn’t cherish even their parents? Think carefully, Fourth Sister. He’s a real person with feelings and temper. Once truly hurt, if someone else values him, a determined man like Liu Brother-in-law might never come back, no matter how much you beg.”
Luo Yuyu fell silent, gradually stopping her tears.
“Yining.” Suddenly, someone called her name.
Luo Yining turned to see Luo Shenyuan standing at the door, wearing his crimson official robes and smiling at her.
Luo Shenyuan had come to find her.
Yining bid farewell to everyone and followed him out. “Third Brother, you’re back from the ministry so early?”
“I have some free time this afternoon. I’ll take you out for a while,” Luo Shenyuan said. “Were you just advising Yuyu?”
“I suppose so,” Yining sighed. “Just trying to help her see things more clearly, to avoid living in confusion and regretting it later. Did you hear everything?”
“Mm,” he patted her head.
He rarely heard her giving advice and was impressed by how articulate and persuasive this little girl had become.
Yining had seen many similar situations end badly, with regrets coming too late. She hoped her few words of advice, whether heeded or not, might at least prevent family discord.
“Where are you taking me?” she asked as they walked out of the hanging flower gate and saw a servant preparing a horse.
Were they leaving the manor?
Behind Xiangyu Tavern was a pomegranate grove, a beautiful sight. The tavern had set up a stage and hired a troupe. Many people came to listen to the opera, especially to hear the famous performer Liu Baisheng. It was a lively time, and those who came to listen were often treated to plates of pomegranates.
Yining followed Luo Shenyuan to the second floor, with the guards remaining at the door. She was surprised that he had brought her out to watch an opera. They entered a private box with an excellent view of the stage. A pomegranate tree stood nearby, its branches heavy with ripe red fruit.
Luo Shenyuan sat down. A maid brought over a playbill, saying, “Lord Luo, please choose a performance.”
Luo Shenyuan casually handed it to Yining. “You choose one.”
As a married woman out in public, Yining wore a cloak. Now, removing the brim of her hat, she took the playbill he offered and, after some consideration, chose “The Loyal Hero’s Tale.” She still found it strange that Luo Shenyuan had brought her here, knowing she didn’t particularly enjoy opera.
The curtain on the stage parted, and the actor playing Yue Fei appeared. The brass gongs on either side began to beat loudly, creating a festive atmosphere. The Wu Dan’s performance was indeed graceful and fluid, eliciting cheers from the audience below.
“This…” she turned to speak to him.
Luo Shenyuan, seated in the grand chair, raised his teacup to drink. “Just enjoy the opera.”
What was he up to?
Yining fell silent. A moment later, footsteps were heard on the stairs. Someone was slowly ascending, and then the door creaked open. Yining turned at the sound and was surprised to see Xie Yun!
She had removed her cloak and wore a water-red and white cherry blossom jacket, her hair trailing down her back, adorned only with a single gold hairpin. She initially wore a smile, but upon seeing Luo Shenyuan and Luo Yining sitting together, her smile faded, and she looked at Yining with clear hostility.
“Luo Shenyuan,” Xie Yun’s voice turned cold, “What is the meaning of this?”
“Yining, come here,” Luo Shenyuan set down his teacup. She had been sitting beside him, and he suddenly put his arm around her waist, drawing her closer. “If someone asks you in the future why your husband married you, how will you answer?”
Yining, feeling his closeness, suddenly recalled that rainy night when he had unexpectedly kissed her.
“So you…” she murmured.
“Are you afraid to say it, or do you lack confidence?” Luo Shenyuan’s lips curved slightly.
Yining finally understood. Had Luo Shenyuan learned about what happened to the Cheng family that day? Was this his way of helping her save face?
“Luo Shenyuan!” Xie Yun bit her lip. “You asked me to come here just to see this?”
“Tell her,” Luo Shenyuan repeated, as the brass gongs outside rang loudly.
Yining’s heart raced, and she felt heat where he held her.
How could she say it? It would sound like pure narcissism!
Xie Yun trembled with anger. She had thought he had asked her out to… to reminisce. But he had brought Luo Yining to support her? She continued with a cold laugh, “Was I wrong in what I said? If she weren’t your sister, if there hadn’t been an imperial decree for your marriage, would you have married her?”
“You’re not entirely correct,” Luo Shenyuan looked up, smiling. “If she weren’t my sister, if there hadn’t been an imperial decree, I would have been the one seeking her hand eagerly. She wouldn’t have agreed to marry me.”
Yining’s palms grew sweaty. She felt Xie Yun’s gaze could almost kill her.
“Miss Xie, it’s not quite like that. Third Brother and I have known each other since childhood. We share years of affection,” Yining sighed softly to her.
The sound of hurried footsteps on the stairs quickly faded away.
Yining had sent Xie Yun away, but she remained lost in thought for a long time.
She pondered Luo Shenyuan’s words: “If she weren’t my sister if there hadn’t been an imperial decree, I would have been the one seeking her hand eagerly.” Did he truly desire her so much? How long had Third Brother harbored these feelings for her? What a hidden, heavy burden this must have been.
Yining turned to look at him. Luo Shenyuan slowly swirled his teacup, his profile handsome and serene.
After a long while, she finally asked, “Third Brother, did you often invite Xie Yun out for tea before?”
Luo Shenyuan shook his head, “After getting to know her, Xie Yun told me to invite her to Xiangyu Tavern if I needed anything. This is the first time I’ve done so.” He reached out to take her hand and help her stand. “In the future, if anyone bullies you, you don’t need to handle it yourself. Just tell me.”
As he helped her up, Yining felt a sense of being cherished and protected.
Inwardly, she smiled wryly. If she didn’t handle things herself and waited for him, it would often be too late.
Thinking they were about to leave, they walked to the door but encountered Yang Ling and his group. Seeing Luo Shenyuan holding a young girl’s hand, Yang Ling smiled and stopped him: “We saw Lord Luo’s guards downstairs earlier, so we knew we’d find you up here. Is this your wife, my lady?”
The three accompanying Yang Ling were curious. This young girl barely reached Luo Shenyuan’s shoulder. She looked about fourteen or fifteen, and with her cloak on, they couldn’t see her face. Could this be Lord Luo’s wife?
But unlike Yang Ling, who as Xu Wei’s disciple could speak so casually with Luo Shenyuan, they didn’t dare. They respectfully bowed and greeted “Lord Luo,” then stood aside.
Luo Shenyuan placed his hand on her shoulder and patted it gently. “Wait for me for a moment.”
Yining nodded and retreated to the inner room to listen to the opera. Through the marble screen, she could see his tall, elegant figure. As he spoke with Yang Ling, he would occasionally furrow his brow or touch his lips in thought.
She leaned back in her chair, quietly watching him. In truth, she could have handled Xie Yun herself, but having him deal with it gave her a sense of being protected.
After Yining’s advice, Luo Yuyu seemed to have truly understood and returned home after a couple of days.
Luo Yixiu was not in a hurry. When asked, she replied, “Returning now would only mean seeing him being affectionate with Wan Niang. I can’t be bothered. I’ll stay a few more days.” Wan Niang was Luo Yixiu’s maid.
In the room, Yining lit some sandalwood incense, and after covering it, she fanned it with her hand, letting the smoke drift up gracefully.
She set the incense spoon down and asked, “Do you manage the household affairs at home?”
Luo Yixiu shook her head. “Not yet completely.”
Yining smiled and continued, “If you were in charge of the household, the family would be in disarray without you. He would have come looking for you the next day after you went back to your parents’ house. How could he dare to delay?”
Luo Yixiu, pondering this, poked her arm and laughed, “How do you come up with so many clever ideas? Even Luo Yiyu was convinced by you. My mother has secretly praised you several times for this. And didn’t Sister Liu send you a thank-you gift?”
Yining patted her and said, “It’s not about clever ideas. You need to think it over when you get back.”
After Luo Yixiu left, Yining took out a letter from the Duke Ying’s estate.
The letter from Old Madame Wei stated that her father was willing to marry the younger sister of Duke Xu. This young lady, seventeen years old, had been studying under the guidance of Old Madame Xu from a young age. She managed household affairs for her sister-in-law with great order and propriety. This was why she was still unmarried at seventeen.
Although Duke Xu was of similar noble rank, he did not wield the real power of the Duke Ying’s estate. The matchmaker mentioned that the proposal was on behalf of Wei Ling. As the Duke’s wife, she would naturally be well-regarded. Old Madame Wei asked if Yining wanted to go back and see her.
Yining considered whether she should return. The candidate seemed to be a good match for the Duke Ying’s estate, but she was unsure of this Xu lady’s character.
She picked up the second letter and opened it, finding that it was not from the Duke Ying’s estate. However, the handwriting was familiar, though she couldn’t immediately recall where she had seen it before.