Whether or not Madam Xiao was biased, Shaoshang had to admit that her professional qualities were truly impeccable. Since that initial banquet meeting, it wasn’t long before she established a friendship with Madam Yin, with letters and gifts exchanged quite frequently. Thus, on the third day after Second Uncle Cheng left home to pursue his studies, when Cheng Yang’s eyes were still red from crying, an old Yin family servant delivered an invitation.

Cheng Shi deeply regretted this, muttering that had he known, he would have had Cheng Cheng delay his departure a few days to go to the Yin family and cultivate connections with some civil officials and Confucian scholars. He nearly chased after Cheng Zhi to bring Cheng Cheng back, but Mother Cheng called him her heart and liver and flesh and absolutely refused no matter what. The two Xiao and Sang wives pressed Cheng Yang and Shaoshang to dress up thoroughly. This time the sisters-in-law’s intentions finally aligned—together they dressed the two girls toward dignity and simplicity.

On the way, they made a detour to the Wan family’s new residence to meet up with Master and Madam Wan and their younger daughter Qiqi. Only then did the two families proceed together toward the Yin family.

“I’ve been to that Yin family before—there are truly so many people. Even now I can’t distinguish how many branches and members their family has.” Wan Qiqi spoke clearly and frankly. “Mother said that Lord Yin originally wasn’t the Yin clan head. Unfortunately, his several elder brothers ahead of him were all killed. Only when the Yin family was in precarious danger did he inherit the clan leadership position.” Her words carried quite a bit of pride, because after her father was called and begged to return, he immediately became the next heir to lead the Wan family.

The young Miss Wan was born plump and beautiful, with a high forehead and phoenix eyes. Her eyebrows, eyes, and stature resembled her father, while her mouth and chin resembled her mother—she had inherited both their beauties. Today she wore what was by far the most tender and bright pink curved-hem long dress Shaoshang had ever seen, embroidered with flourishing jade branch flowers, with gold and silver threads inlaid at the sleeves and hem. Around her neck she wore a heavy solid gold collar that, within the allowable weight range, was studded with a heap of colorful gems and beautiful jade. With each movement of her neck it jingled and clanged quite lively.

Shaoshang was dazzled dizzy, thinking to herself—this was totally father and daughter indeed.

“Qiqi, you’re showing off again. Knowing three parts, you must flaunt five parts…”

Cheng Song sat on horseback, poking his head to the carriage window edge, chatting cheerfully with the three girls inside the carriage. Cheng Yong beside him frowned and said: “Niaoniao, you all should lower the curtain—we’re outside.” Though he knew Wan Qiqi was deliberately telling his two sisters about the Yin family’s situation, they still couldn’t be so brazen about it.

Wan Qiqi glared: “Eldest brother really! Fine.” Saying this, she waved at Cheng Song, then pulled down the thick carriage curtain, cutting off the sounds from outside. Then she turned to the two girls with a smile: “I’m older than both of you—I’m ranked thirteenth in my family. Since our two families don’t distinguish between each other, you can call me Thirteenth Sister. In the future if anything comes up, just come find me!”

Cheng Yang hurried to agree. Shaoshang only smiled without speaking. Wan Qiqi pressed to ask why. Shaoshang smiled: “Second brother already told me—he said you’re Father Wan’s youngest child and would definitely try to play elder sister in front of us today.”

Wan Qiqi suppressed a laugh: “Cheng Song is hateful—he loves to speak ill of me. Don’t listen to him!”

Cheng Yang feared she’d be displeased and hurried to change the topic: “Thirteenth Sister, has your cold gotten better?”

Wan Qiqi complained: “It’s been better for ages! Eldest Mother insisted on keeping me bundled up three extra days, otherwise I would have come to your family’s banquet that day.”

Shaoshang sighed. If Wan Qiqi had come that day, perhaps she wouldn’t have fled in a temper and wouldn’t have encountered that Yuan debt collector.

…

The Yin residence was also located in Jinyang Ward. The mansion was about the same size as the Cheng family’s, yet decorated with clusters of flowers, golden beams and colorful pillars, and the family was flourishing with many members. Just the Yin family sons from various branches greeting guests at the entrance numbered half a platoon, making Mother Cheng quite envious.

The Yin family gave much face. Lord Yin led his eldest and second sons to personally come out the mansion gate to welcome the Cheng family group. Cheng Shi was also skilled at such matters—after barely two sentences of pleasantries, he jumped directly from “Lord” to “Elder Brother.” The two grasped each other’s arms, becoming more congenial the more they spoke. Those who didn’t know and saw them would think old friends were reuniting after long separation. This made Wan Songbai beside them quite sour.

Lord Yin’s given name was Zhi, courtesy name Ziren. His age and official rank were similar to Uncle Wan’s, yet he was born thin and gentle. He currently served as Left Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial, handling ritual ceremonies daily and managing matters like feudal lords and princes receiving or being stripped of titles, marriages and funerals, and foreign envoys’ court audiences.

Wan Songbai couldn’t help but purse his lips.

Speaking of talent and vigor, this Yin Zhi couldn’t compare to him and Brother Cheng Shi even in ten thousand tries. The Fengxian Yin clan had originally been just a local prominent family similar to the Wan family. However, their location was good—neighboring the Emperor’s hometown. Basically, as soon as the Emperor rose up, the Yin family followed the dragon. Even in the Emperor’s most difficult times they never abandoned him, honestly following along and suffering hardships. Thus, though they established no great merit, their talents were mediocre, and their scholarship also mediocre, after the new dynasty was established, they could still share a large cup of the spoils.

The parents and elders walked ahead. Cheng Yong and the others conversed with the Wan family sons, and before long they went off companionably toward the group of young men. The three girls followed behind with servants attending them. Cheng Yang turned her head and said softly: “It seems the Yin family people are very kind.”

Wan Qiqi pursed her lips: “You haven’t seen the unkind ones.”

When the three of them were led to the inner hall and saw the young girl being surrounded like stars holding the moon, Shaoshang immediately understood what her words meant.

Wan Qiqi smiled somewhat unhappily, but still following etiquette, introduced them: “Yangyang, Niaoniao, this is the Yin family’s Elder Sister Yin’e—she’s only three days older than me. Elder Sister Yin’e, these are Uncle Cheng’s two younger sisters.”

Yin Yin’e was born gentle and noble in bearing, her manner delicate and proud, dressed in a golden-red brocade floral satin three-wrap curved-hem long dress, sitting properly in the center of the hall with a heap of young girls surrounding her offering flattering conversation.

Hearing this, she first looked critically at Wan Qiqi’s clothing, then glanced at the Yang and Niao sisters, saying delicately: “Hearing you boast for so long, I thought these two sisters were heavenly beings. Seeing them today—just ordinary!”

Wan Qiqi rolled her eyes: “When did I ever boast? Today is also my first time meeting them. When you speak of people, don’t you pick the good things to say?… Are you going to let us sit down or not?”

Cheng Yang’s face showed panic. Shaoshang lowered her head, thinking to herself—another little wench who needs a beating.

Yin Yin’e said carelessly: “Three younger sisters, please sit.”

Wan Qiqi glared.

Lord Yin had six sons and two daughters under his knee, half of whom were born to Madam Yin. General Wan had thirteen daughters and zero sons under his knee, with the first and last born to Madam Wan. Both girls were obtained after their own mothers had long shown no signs, so naturally they were somewhat spoiled in daily life.

After the Wan family returned to the capital, Madam Yin couldn’t wait to seek out her childhood sister for reminiscing. Who knew these two girls nearly locked horns on the spot? One believed herself to be a precious noble daughter of a high gate, raised at the Son of Heaven’s feet in a wealthy nest, practically knowing all the powerful nobility throughout the city. The other believed herself widely traveled north and south with broad experience—how could she not be much stronger than this pretentious one?

Servants brought up pastries. Yin Yin’e gracefully invited the girls to taste them: “This is called Golden Thread Bird’s Nest Date—made using over ten processes, quite refined. Everyone please try… Qiqi, you and the Cheng family sisters haven’t tasted them before, have you…”

The girls scattered sitting around either covered their sleeves while laughing or whispered secretly, from time to time letting out mocking sounds.

At this banquet, the higher one’s status, the later one arrived. The Wan family came early because of the deep sisterly affection between Madam Wan and Madam Yin, deliberately arriving early to help out, coincidentally bringing along the Cheng family. Thus, besides the three Wan and Cheng girls, most of the young girls present came from guests and dependents affiliated with the Yin family.

How could Wan Qiqi accept this loss? She said loudly: “I personally killed a leopard with my own hands, personally cut out its heart and bones to brew wine for Father. When Father brought it to present as treasure at the imperial banquet, His Majesty even said ‘tiger daughter of a general’s gate’—do you all have such honor!”

As soon as these words came out, all the girls’ faces turned pale, whether from fear of that bloody scene or envying that Wan Qiqi could receive the Emperor’s personal praise. Yin Yin’e said with difficulty: “Alright, no more talk—everyone eat the pastries.”

Wan Qiqi was too angry to eat. Shaoshang was furious, thinking to herself—this old lady has eaten tiramisu and Häagen-Dazs—have you eaten those!

Unhappy in her heart, she refused to eat that damned golden thread dates, only holding a bowl of millet soup to warm her hands. Only Cheng Yang was good-tempered. She picked up one plate of pastries, used a silver pick to spear one into her mouth, and said softly to Shaoshang: “These Golden Thread Bird’s Nest Dates are indeed delicious.”

Who knew a girl sitting beside them suddenly laughed loudly: “Oh my, oh my—Elder Sister Cheng got it wrong! What you’re tasting isn’t Golden Thread Bird’s Nest Dates, it’s Sheep Milk Sweet Dates!”

Everyone hurried to look. It turned out those Golden Thread Bird’s Nest Dates were made by wrapping honey bird’s nest with butter and fine flour, then steaming and frying—each one small and exquisite,润white like jade, with a few golden tangerine sugar threads faintly visible under the skin. They looked like honey dates but weren’t dates. Cheng Yang didn’t know and took the wrong one.

From Yin Yin’e down, all the girls laughed backward and forward, unable to contain their joy. Only Wan Qiqi and Shaoshang had iron-blue faces while Cheng Yang was so ashamed she nearly wept.

Wan Qiqi trembled all over with anger, saying loudly: “What Golden Thread Bird’s Nest Dates—before coming to the capital I hadn’t eaten them either. So what?!”

Yin Yin’e said methodically: “Nothing so what. But it seems butchering beasts and cutting out hearts isn’t so remarkable after all—who knows what one hasn’t seen before.”

Wan Qiqi suddenly stood up, taking a deep breath: “Good, good. Now that the military calamity has just ceased, outside there are many starving people. Going a bit far, it’s not hard to see bones filling the wilderness and women and children crying. His Majesty pacified the world not many days ago and often advocates frugality—yet you’re already starting to boast of extravagance to people…”

Shaoshang raised an eyebrow, expressing appreciation for this tactic of elevating issues to principles and using big hats to pressure people. However, using this arguing method had great limitations—first you yourself must not have shortcomings in this aspect, otherwise the outcome would be quite laughable. For example, corrupt officials talking about integrity, gluttons talking about restraint, little sweetie on the left and little butterfly on the right then grandly discussing socialist views on marriage and romance.

Sure enough, when Wan Qiqi angrily rose, the gold and pearl ornaments all over her body swayed, especially that collar with its gold pearls and jade stones clattering loudly. Others couldn’t help but notice. The girls all thought—dressed like this yet putting on an appearance of worrying about people’s hardships, is that really appropriate?

Yin Yin’e even less bought this approach. She sneered: “Don’t speak so grandly, opening your mouth about His Majesty and closing it about the realm, without even looking at your own attire and your Wan family’s eating and using.” Though pampered since childhood, she wasn’t ignorant of worldly matters. Madam Yin had taught what should be taught—how could she be defeated by such a few grand principles?

“Sister Wan has traveled south and north with great knowledge. We who haven’t seen the world have been in the capital these dozen-plus years, hearing report after report of victory, seeing hero after hero who traversed the realm kneel before the Emperor, bowing in submission. Though we are just small women, we also share in this glory. Now that days are gradually improving, should we still eat chaff and swallow vegetables?! Today I merely showed off a little and ate this whole mouthful from you—it’s just to boast that you’re loyal to the ruler, love the country, and understand the greater picture, while we don’t understand people’s hardships!”

Yin Yin’e spoke eloquently. The group of lackeys beside her immediately struck the table repeatedly in agreement—

“Crude woman—still thinking drinking blood and eating raw meat is a fine reputation!”

“They think the capital is what kind of place? Just one plate of pastries—if they saw truly wealthy and rich families, wouldn’t their eyeballs fall out?!”

“Never having eaten or used good things themselves, they can’t stand others eating and using good things! This is jealousy!”

“So concerned about people’s hardships—why not wear ragged clothes yourself and go plow the fields, eat chaff and swallow vegetables! Who knows if you’d bear to part with that body full of gold, silver, and precious jade!”

…

Shaoshang sighed inwardly. Though those dead little wenches spoke in cold mockery, they weren’t entirely spouting nonsense. Yin Zhi was cautious and didn’t flaunt wealth daily. Truly wealthy aristocratic families like Marquis Yu and his ilk spent over ten thousand cash on each meal. The washing water and cosmetic creams the female family members poured out could perfume the entire Rear Stream—that was truly feasting like water, spending like rain. The Yin family was nowhere near that level yet.

Though Miss Wan’s fighting spirit was high, she had obviously chosen the wrong tactics. To deal with this kind of cheap-mouthed person, why go in circles? One should strike directly, one knife through the heart. Then end the battle.

“Miss Yin.” Shaoshang suddenly raised her voice. “This younger sister is young with little standing—I wonder if I might speak a word?”

Yin Yin’e was glaring at Wan Qiqi like fighting roosters. Hearing this, she said carelessly: “Sister Cheng, speak.” She thought among the young girls present, Cheng Shaoshang was the youngest in age—what could she possibly say?

“Today the Yin family is hosting guests. Our Cheng family came because we received an invitation card—that invitation was sent by Elder Sister’s family, correct?”

Who knew Shaoshang would open with such a statement? Yin Yin’e felt somewhat uncomfortable and mumbled affirmative sounds.

“Our Cheng family properly received an invitation from your honored father and mother to come as guests—we’re not lacking food and drink and coming to the Yin residence to mooch a bite of these Golden Thread Bird’s Nest Dates, correct?” Shaoshang’s attitude remained very amiable.

Yin Yin’e already knew in her heart this wasn’t good. She forced a smile: “Sister Cheng has such a formidable mouth—these words make it sound like we’ve been harsh to you…”

“My cousin grew up in the countryside. Several nearby counties all suffered military calamity—the population and farmland have only gradually recovered these past years. Even wealthy households strictly observe the virtue of frugality. It’s not that they can’t afford it, but rather they’re unwilling to waste these dozen-plus processes making pastries. Is this a crime?” Shaoshang stared at Yin Yin’e, her face already cold.

Yin Yin’e could no longer smile. The girls also gradually quieted down.

“I grew up in the capital, but while Father and Mother fought through blood and fire ahead, should we eat and drink lavishly in this peaceful capital?! Therefore, I also haven’t seen these Golden Thread Bird’s Nest Dates—is this a fault?!” Shaoshang gradually raised her voice.

Yin Yin’e hid her slightly trembling fingers in her sleeves. The maid beside her saw things weren’t good and hurried to secretly slip out the door.

“Sister Qiqi’s family is not inferior to the Yin family, yet she also hasn’t seen these pastries. Is it because the Wan family can’t afford them? No. It’s because these dozen-plus years she’s constantly followed her father campaigning away from home. Following Aunt Wan daily to console families of dead and wounded soldiers and settle refugee civilians didn’t leave time—where would there be leisure and elegant mood to waste dozen-plus processes making pastries?”

Shaoshang’s words rang forcefully. Her gaze swept around the circle. Those young girls who had just spoken mockingly all avoided her eyes, not daring to meet her gaze.

“We three all don’t recognize these pastries—is this a shameful matter that should provoke you elder sisters’ continuous sneering laughter?” Shaoshang pressed step by step. The girls couldn’t say a single word anymore. Several even showed ashamed expressions.

Shaoshang suddenly pushed away the food table, her voice containing suppressed anger: “You elder sisters can enjoy these delicacies thanks to heaven’s protection above and His Majesty’s tireless diligence below, with the full court of civil and military officials exerting their utmost efforts. Then you elder sisters use this good fortune to mock us sisters?! Today the Cheng family received an invitation to be guests—did we come to suffer this humiliation?!”

Yin Yin’e was scolded until her face turned greenish. She silently cursed Shaoshang’s formidable scheming and eloquence—so unforgiving despite being in the right. Now she could no longer maintain her elegant posture. She hurriedly straightened up to make amends: “Sister Cheng is taking this too seriously—how did we mock you? It was just a small little joke! Just a joke!”

Wan Qiqi finally caught up with the arguing rhythm and sneered: “Today is the Cheng family sisters’ first time coming to your home. Besides me, they don’t know anyone. Are you that familiar with them to make such jokes? Do you always make such jokes with guests coming to your home for the first time? I must go ask Aunt Yin.”

Yin Yin’e was pressed until her face flushed red. She shouted excitedly: “Who mocked you?! Don’t talk nonsense! Don’t slander people! You all say…” She frantically pointed around. “You all say—where did we mock just now? Right? Right?”

The surrounding girls hurried to compete in agreeing, one after another expressing there was absolutely no mocking.

Seeing them play shamelessly, Wan Qiqi angrily wanted to retort, but Shaoshang grabbed her sleeve. She turned to look and saw Shaoshang’s face showing a smile, saying word by word: “So it seems the elder sisters truly weren’t mocking us just now?”

The girls hurried to say “no, no.”

Shaoshang looked straight at Yin Yin’e and said again: “But we have no knowledge—we don’t even recognize the pastries!” Her tone was gentle, as if toying with prey in her palm.

Yin Yin’e’s mouth tasted bitter. She could only say with difficulty: “If you don’t recognize them, you don’t recognize them. What’s so remarkable about that?” The other girls also hurried to agree.

Shaoshang smiled slightly, pulled Wan Qiqi to sit down, then turned to Cheng Yang with a smile: “Cousin, continue eating. No one is mocking you at all. The elder sisters just love to laugh too much. Just in the future when laughing, please also distinguish the time and place to avoid people misunderstanding…”

Now, not only did no one mock—the girls didn’t even dare to laugh.

Wan Qiqi felt extremely satisfied in her heart.

If there were wine before her now, she would definitely drink three large bowls consecutively. If she were at the horse grounds now, she would definitely gallop on horseback around the entire city! She finally understood her old dad’s feelings about sworn brotherhood with Uncle Cheng. Right now she wanted nothing more than to have someone set up an incense altar, burn yellow paper, behead a chicken, then on the spot pull Shaoshang to seal their oath with blood and become sworn sisters!

—Hey, this idea was quite good—she’d report it to Eldest Mother and Father when she got back.

Wan Qiqi could hardly conceal her joy. She turned to Shaoshang and said loudly: “When I was outside, I heard a common saying: ‘Daring to do but not daring to admit—no better than a big turtle!’ Haha… haha…!”

She laughed heartily. Yin Yin’e’s expression was extremely ugly. Her pride was no less than Wan Qiqi’s. Just now slapping her own mouth was already a helpless measure. Now suffering such blatant mockery—how could she endure it?!

Just as the two girls were about to turn hostile again, a young woman in fine clothing entered the hall. Yin Yin’e’s eyes brightened: “Eldest sister…”

Lady Yin looked around. Sure enough, all the girls’ expressions were poor—the atmosphere in the hall was practically at swords drawn.

She glared at Yin Yin’e, feigning anger: “You, you—is this how you host? Just because you’re lazy, you keep all the younger sisters sitting with you. It’s still early before the banquet—why not have the sisters stroll in the garden? A pile of girls stuffed in a room sprouting bean sprouts?!”

Yin Yin’e felt wronged. Wan Qiqi wanted to complain. Both girls were about to open their mouths when Lady Yin preempted them, smiling: “Qiqi, Aunt Yin is looking for you… Yin’e, don’t just stand there—Mother is also calling you…” Then she smiled all around at everyone: “Though our family garden is small, recently we transplanted several fresh winter bamboos—winding and curving, their appearance is quite novel. Let me lead the sisters to see them—how about it?”

All the girls called out approval. Shaoshang was indifferent with her hands folded. Cheng Yang held back her anger, saying nothing.

Then, before the two troublemakers could butt heads again, Lady Yin impatiently had maids take them away, urging them repeatedly, not allowing them to say another word—exactly like escorting prisoners.

Lady Yin herself took Cheng Yang and Shaoshang by the hand, one on each side. While walking out, she smiled: “The two Cheng family sisters are coming to our home for the first time—we should properly host you well. Our family’s youngest sister has always been straightforward, all speaking without thinking. Moreover, since the elders of both families intend to befriend each other, both younger sisters are magnanimous and blessed people. Some friction—just let it pass…”

Cheng Yang thought enemies should be resolved rather than created, so she agreed quietly.

But Shaoshang remained silent, only sneering inwardly: After slapping, now came the sweet date. What magnanimous and blessed—did continuing to argue this matter mean being petty and lacking good fortune?

Walking all the way to the garden, blown by the cold winter wind, Shaoshang suddenly came to her senses.

What could be done even if this matter didn’t pass? When Wan Qiqi went, she would certainly be ordered by her mother not to publicize this matter—same for the other young girls. Besides, should they make Father Cheng gain an enemy for no reason over children’s quarrels? Father doted on her so much.

She thought gloomily—having concerns really wasn’t good. Only being heartless and lungless allowed acting without scruples. Wanting to be a person of cold nature—that also wasn’t so easy.