As Madam Pei was discussing with Ming Tingyuan that merely sending them to a nunnery for reflection might be inappropriate, Ming Tan and Shen Hua arrived at the perfect moment, entering the room together.
The two first looked simultaneously at the kneeling Concubine Liu and the teary-eyed Ming Chu, their eyes full of confusion. Then, suppressing their curiosity, they properly greeted everyone.
Ming Tan said, “Greetings to Father and Mother.”
Shen Hua said, “Greetings to Marquis and Madam.”
After the greetings, Ming Tan couldn’t help but ask, “What’s happening with Third Sister and Aunt?”
The flower hall fell silent for a moment. Madam Pei coughed lightly and explained the situation in detail.
After listening, Shen Hua covered her mouth with her handkerchief, looking terrified, while Ming Tan’s face was filled with disbelief. The two kept asking about the details, appearing more and more shaken as they listened.
After a while, Ming Tan seemed to have processed this reality. Tears suddenly rolled down her cheeks, and her voice trembled involuntarily: “Third Sister, Aunt, how have I wronged you that you would harm me like this?”
Shen Hua, also in tears, added softly, “I know I’m just a distant relative to the Marquis’s household. Third Sister is right, as a guest, I should have been more modest and well-behaved. But if Third Sister was dissatisfied with me, she should have spoken directly. Why did she want to ruin my reputation?”
Ming Tan continued, “That day at the Ping Guo Duke’s mansion, Third Sister wanted to publicly reveal the incident of me being set up and falling into the water on the Lantern Festival night. If Third Sister dislikes me, that’s fine, but to repeatedly attack our reputations… I think Third Sister not only wanted to ruin my and Cousin’s reputations but also wanted to destroy the entire Jing’an Marquis’s household!”
At that time, Ming Tan had been struggling to accept her sudden betrothal and hadn’t had the chance to discuss this matter with Madam Pei and Ming Tingyuan. Naturally, they were unaware of it. Now learning of this, both were shocked: “There was such an incident?”
Ming Tan nodded: “Fortunately, Cousin helped me then and didn’t let Third Sister finish speaking.”
Shen Hua also recalled with lingering fear: “Third Sister’s words were truly shocking at that time. I don’t know where she heard about the incident of falling into the water.”
Where did she hear it from? It didn’t take much thought to realize it must have been Concubine Liu. Ming Tingyuan immediately shot a fierce glance at Concubine Liu!
He had always considered Liu his confidante and let his guard down when resting in her quarters. He had indeed told Liu about Ming Tan’s fall into the water. The Ling Guo Duke’s household’s actions were too despicable, and he was furious. Not satisfied with cursing during the day, he had vented his anger again that night in Liu’s chambers.
At the time, Liu had worriedly told him not to harm his health with anger and even advised him, saying that this matter would damage Ming Tan’s reputation and must not be spread.
But her so-called “must not be spread” turned out to be telling Ming Chu right after! Ming Chu was her daughter, and she knew her personality best. It was bad enough that she told her, but she didn’t even restrain Ming Chu, allowing her to try to ruin Ming Tan’s reputation in public!
Although he wasn’t a woman of the inner court, he was well aware of how important a woman’s reputation was. If today’s incident was originally meant for Shen Hua and not Ming Tan, then how could they explain the attempt to reveal the water incident in public? This wasn’t a momentary lapse in judgment, but a deliberate and repeated attack on their reputations, knowing full well how serious it was!
Tears fell from Ming Tan’s nose, pausing for a moment before dropping further: “Actually, during the five years Father was in Yang Xi Road, I often thought how wonderful it would be if I could be like Third Sister, always by Father’s side.
“With Father not in the capital and Big Brother gone to take up his post in Pang Mountain, only Mother and I were left in Beijing. I worked hard to learn proper etiquette, not daring to misspeak or act inappropriately, not daring to take a wrong step, all for fear of tarnishing Father’s and the Jing’an Marquis household’s reputation…”
Hearing this, Ming Tingyuan could barely meet Ming Tan’s gaze.
He already felt guilty towards Ming Tan, and now thinking about it, if Ming Chu felt that life after returning to the capital was very different from their days in Yang Xi Road and thus felt aggrieved, what about Ming Tan?
Ming Tan had been alone in the capital for five years. No matter how virtuous and kind Madam Pei was, she was not Ming Tan’s birth mother. Yet Ming Tan had never complained, nor had she acted out of jealousy or hatred to harm others. Instead, she always considered the reputation of the Marquis’s household.
But for Ming Chu, what did the Marquis household’s reputation mean? It probably wasn’t worth mentioning at all!
Seeing the situation, Madam Pei softly added, “Young Master Yu went to handle some business outside the city a few days ago. He should be returning soon. Most importantly, there’s the matter of His Highness the Prince of Ding Bei…”
Yes, there was still Shen Yu and the Prince of Ding Bei to consider.
If Shen Yu learned that Concubine Liu and Ming Chu had tried to change his sister’s marriage arrangement, and the result of the exposed plot was merely being sent to a nunnery for reflection, he surely wouldn’t let the matter rest. Shen Yu was a promising young man, and allowing the siblings to stay with them was meant to build goodwill, not to make enemies. Not to mention, they still owed an explanation to the Prince of Ding Bei. He had indeed been too hasty in his earlier judgment.
Ming Chu was nearly mad with anger. Her father had clearly been about to let them off lightly, but Ming Tan and Shen Hua, these two little hussies, came in crying and swayed her father’s decision again! Without thinking, she pulled out the soft whip from her waist and lashed out at Ming Tan’s face, wanting to ruin that bitch’s face!
Ming Tan had been watching Ming Chu closely, fearing she might suddenly go berserk. As soon as Ming Chu reached for her whip, Ming Tan dodged to the side, not forgetting to call out for help: “Father!”
Ming Tingyuan, quick-eyed and quick-handed, rushed forward to protect Ming Tan, taking a stinging lash himself. This whip not only hurt physically but also fanned the flames of his anger even more.
He snatched the whip from Ming Chu and gave her a hard slap across the face: “Slap!”
“I’ve always overlooked your arrogance and willfulness, but to be so vicious towards your sisters at such a young age – how could I, Ming Tingyuan, have raised such a daughter!”
Ming Chu was stunned by the shouting. Ming Tingyuan was usually easy-going, and even when reprimanded, he would at most put on a serious face. She held her cheek, feeling both wronged and shocked.
Seeing her unrepentant attitude, Ming Tingyuan’s anger flared even more. Concubine Liu, realizing he was truly angry, panicked and hurriedly knelt up, hugging his leg and pleading: “It’s all my fault, it’s all my fault. Chu Chu, she—”
“Of course, it’s your fault! Do you think you’re innocent?!” Ming Tingyuan, burning with rage, kicked Concubine Liu away. “To think I believed you were honest and content, not fighting for position! All these schemes behind my back, one after another – is this what an honest person would do? And you’ve raised your daughter to be like this!”
Already furious and irritated by the crying, he turned his back and waved his sleeve, speaking harshly: “Guards! Take the Third Young Miss and Concubine Liu away. Give them each twenty lashes! After the beating, confine the Third Young Miss to the ancestral hall. She is to be given only food and water. Without my order, no one is to let her out! As for Concubine Liu, take her to the woodshed and lock her up!”
Twenty lashes wouldn’t be life-threatening or crippling, but it would leave them in pain and unable to get up for ten days to half a month, not to mention they wouldn’t be allowed to rest properly afterward.
Ming Chu shouted in protest, while Concubine Liu struggled and cried. Madam Pei, seated at the head, merely gave a cold glance, and some old women came forward to gag the two with handkerchiefs before taking them away.
Once the room was quiet again, Ming Tingyuan sat back in his seat and said, “Ming Chu’s character has been thoroughly corrupted by Liu. The two must not be allowed to stay together anymore!”
Madam Pei nodded: “The Marquis is right.”
Ming Tingyuan pondered for a moment more: “We’ll have to trouble you, Madam, to find a family for Ming Chu. The previous arrangements are void. Look for a lower-ranked family, not in the capital. Otherwise, who knows what trouble she might cause after marriage? In any case, before she’s married off, let her stay in the ancestral hall and reflect on her actions. Don’t let her out again!”
“Yes,” Lady Pei responded obediently once more.
Marquis Ming Tingyuan paused, his thoughts turning to Liu. Feeling irritated, he waved his hand dismissively. “The inner household affairs should be managed by you, my lady. Handle them as you see fit. Just ensure that poisonous woman never appears before me again!”
Lady Pei didn’t immediately agree. Instead, she asked gently, “Liu’s status differs from the other concubines. If I punish her according to our household rules, what if my lord remembers her in a few years and reproaches me for being too harsh?”
“Why would I ever think of such a venomous woman again? Punish her as you see fit!”
Lady Pei lowered her gaze. “Concubine Liu was born into servitude, became a bedchamber attendant, and was then elevated to concubine status. According to our household rules, she should be sold off through a slave trader with her contract of indenture.”
Hearing this, Ming Tingyuan fell silent.
Lady Pei continued, “Liu’s transgressions are indeed unforgivable. However, she has borne a daughter for our household and served my lord for many years. While she may not have great merits, she has certainly endured hardships—”
She paused briefly. “I believe that after spending several days in the firewood shed, Liu must have reflected on her actions. Moreover, with Ming Chu’s marriage settled and my assistance in finding a match, Liu truly has nothing left to worry about. In my opinion, it would be best to send her to a nunnery. There, she can spend her days in prayer and meditation, atoning for her sins.
“Second Brother and his wife are stationed in Mei’an, a place known for its spiritual essence and numerous temples. I think sending her there would be ideal. If anything were to happen, Second Brother and his wife could look after her to some extent.”
Although both options involved sending Liu to a nunnery, the intentions differed greatly. Ming Tingyuan had initially wanted the two to reflect on their actions and then return, while Lady Pei proposed that Liu directly become a nun, spending the rest of her life in religious seclusion.
After a moment’s consideration, Ming Tingyuan agreed. He thought that while this arrangement would send Liu far away, it was less tragic than selling her into slavery. Moreover, his second brother and sister-in-law were kind-hearted people. Though they might not show much care for a concubine who entered the nunnery as punishment, they wouldn’t let her perish within days.
Seated below, Ming Tan and Shen Hua understood that life in the nunnery would likely be challenging for Liu.
Accustomed to ordering servants around and never lifting a finger herself, Liu would now have to do everything on her own after taking the tonsure. In such a remote place as Mei’an, she would find no sympathy or pity. As time passed, her father would struggle to remember her, and even if he did, it would be nearly impossible to bring her back.
Having dealt with Ming Chu and Concubine Liu, Ming Tingyuan finally turned his attention to comforting Ming Tan and Shen Hua.
Naturally, Ming Tan and Shen Hua were understanding. They spoke at length, urging him not to let anger harm his health. Ming Tingyuan felt greatly soothed. As evening approached, he ordered a meal to be set up in Lanxin Courtyard.
When they left Lanxin Courtyard, night had fallen.
Ming Tan and Shen Hua walked together toward the East Garden, chatting casually. Suddenly, an evening breeze arose. Ming Tan stopped fanning herself and changed the subject, asking softly, “There’s something I don’t understand. When cousin informed me last night that the Prince of Dingbei would also be at Daxiangguo Temple, was it truly just to give me advance notice?”
Shen Hua replied candidly, “Of course not. I was initially guarding against Third Sister’s potential actions. I thought that if Fourth Sister accompanied me, she might be able to help somehow. As for my conversation with Third Sister later, I truly didn’t expect the Prince to overhear, and I had no idea about the carriage arrangement for the return journey. While I had my motives, I never intended to harm Fourth Sister. Do you believe me?”
Ming Tan looked at her and nodded. “If cousin says so, I believe you.”
In the past, their conflicts had never escalated beyond typical tactics used by young ladies, never causing real harm. Now, Shen Hua had no reason to intentionally implicate her. The two continued walking, fans in hand, deeper into the fragrant garden.
With the matters of Ming Chu and Concubine Liu settled the household had become much quieter. Ming Tan’s romantic thoughts resurfaced, and she found herself constantly pondering over the Prince of Dingbei’s sash.
Initially, she had considered washing and ironing it before returning it to the Prince’s manor with a thank-you note. But she worried this might seem too forward and remind the Prince of Ming Chu’s earlier words.
Moreover, simply returning the sash wouldn’t showcase her thoughtfulness… Sending additional gifts wasn’t appropriate either. It wasn’t proper for a young lady to casually send gifts, and if word got out, she’d be utterly mortified.
After mulling it over for days, Ming Tan couldn’t think of a way to return the sash without sending extra gifts while still impressing her future husband with her attentiveness.
Then one day, while leafing through a miscellaneous book, she discovered a unique incense recipe. It claimed the scent was crisp and effective in repelling insects and warding off evil.
As summer approached and insects became more prevalent, such an effect could be useful.
Moreover, infusing the sash with this scent while returning it would avoid accusations of impropriety while showcasing her thoughtfulness. Perfect!
Energized, Ming Tan immediately began working on the incense with her maids in Zhaoshui Courtyard.
Being thorough, Ming Tan first showed the recipe to a doctor, who confirmed that the combination of herbs and spices would indeed have an insect-repelling effect.
After creating the incense, she had the doctor examine it again. Only when he confirmed its effectiveness did she infuse her clothes with the scent.
The fragrance was indeed uniquely crisp. For two consecutive days, she wore clothes infused with the scent to mosquito-prone areas in the garden, and the insects stayed away.
Reassured, she infused the sash with the scent, carefully chose a brocade box, ironed and neatly folded the sash into it, then sent it to the Prince of Dingbei’s manor.
As she dispatched someone to deliver it, a breeze flipped through the pages of the miscellaneous book by the window, revealing a passage several pages later: “The seven fragrance recipes listed above share a common flaw. Days after application, the pleasant scent fades, gradually replaced by an odd odor.”
Prince Jiang Xu was not one for extravagance. When Ming Tan returned the sash, his staff inspected it, and, finding no issues, he accepted it. As for Uncle Fu’s message about repelling insects and warding off evil, he paid it little mind.
Jiang Xu usually wore dark clothes with black sashes. A few days later, he donned light-colored robes for a rare change, heading to the capital’s military camp to discuss important matters with his officers.
During their conversation, he began to notice a faint, strange odor. The officers closest to him also sensed something off—a mix of fragrance and an unpleasant smell. However, knowing the Prince’s usual cleanliness when not on the battlefield (they had never even detected the typical body odor common among soldiers), they assumed their noses were playing tricks on them and remained silent.
But soon, the odd smell intensified.
Jiang Xu paused briefly, glancing at the sash on his arm. Then, with deliberate slowness, he began to untie it.
As he unwound the sash, the peculiar odor—a mix of fragrance and foulness—grew stronger. By the time he finished, all the officers in the camp instinctively covered their noses and stepped back half a zhang.
Jiang Xu: “…”
Ward off evil.
So, was he the evil that people needed to avoid?