Wish You All the Best - Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Jiafu hurried back to where Rong Fang was. Once seated, Rong Fang asked her about what she had seen at the front. Jiafu only mentioned the parts about meeting guests, skipping the encounter with the Old Madam entirely. Throughout the rest of the afternoon, she did not step out of the room even once.

As the sky gradually darkened, the guests and clansmen all arrived. The Duke’s mansion was ablaze with light. Pei Xiuzhi, the Second Master Pei Quan, the third son Pei Xiuke, the fourth son Pei Xiuhong, and several venerable elders of the clan stood before the birthday hall to welcome guests. Madam Xin, the Second Madam, and various ladies of the clan socialized with the female guests from the visiting households. When Jiafu arrived at the birthday hall with her mother, the birthday rituals were nearing an end, leaving only the younger generation of women. She stood in a corner among a crowd of resplendent women, looking toward the center hall where a birthday plaque hung high. On it, in gleaming gold characters, were the words "Jeweled Constellation Radiating Brilliance," written by Pei Quan to honor his mother. In a prominent position at the center of the birthday table, covered with yellow satin, lay the imperial gift—a long-handled ruyi scepter resting horizontally. On both sides, longevity peaches and cakes were stacked like pagodas, followed in sequence by various birthday offerings. It was a scene of unparalleled luxury: magnificent headpieces, fine silk garments, and a hall filled with gold and jade—a wealth and prosperity beyond description. The Old Madam Pei was no longer the woman Jiafu had seen during the day. Tonight, she wore a pearl-encrowned headdress and the official robes of a noblewoman. She leaned on a dragon-headed cane carved from a single piece of agarwood, radiating wealth. She sat upright in the center, looking ruddy and full of vigor, nodding with a smile as she signaled for the descendants who had come to offer their respects to rise.

As a younger relative, Jiafu stood toward the back. Following the lead of the ritual officiant, she joined those before her in paying her respects to the Old Madam. The Old Madam beamed and told everyone to rise and go to the back hall for the birthday feast. Amidst the chaotic and joyful chatter, they exited the birthday hall.

By today, almost no one in the clan was unaware of the marriage between the Pei and Zhen families. Madam Meng and Jiafu became the focus of those around them. The female clansmen of the Pei family took the initiative to chat with Madam Meng, praising Jiafu’s gentleness and beauty. Jiafu stood by her mother’s side, eyes lowered in modesty, perfectly embodying the demeanor of a refined young lady, all the while secretly keeping an eye on Quan-ge’er.

That single incident just a few days ago was not enough to prove that her and Quan-ge’er’s fates were incompatible. In her plan, tonight was an opportunity.

Although Quan-ge was outrageously bratty, he possessed a child’s innate craftiness. He knew that the Duke’s mansion was not like his maternal grandmother’s Song household, where he could do whatever he pleased. Furthermore, he was somewhat afraid of his great-grandmother. Upon seeing his maternal grandmother, Madam Song, he kept clamoring to go to her side.

Madam Song was surrounded by sycophants tonight, her influence even overshadowing Madam Xin’s. How could Madam Xin let her grandson go over there? She had someone hold him firmly, keeping him by her side and not allowing him to take a single step away. As the banquet neared its end and guests began to depart, Jiafu still had not found a suitable opportunity to get close to the child, which made her feel quite anxious.

With the marriage imminent, she had to act quickly; tonight had been a perfect opportunity. Finally, after waiting for her mother and Madam Xin to sit together, Quan-ge grew sleepy, and Madam Xin had someone take him back to his room to sleep. He was carried away.

Jiafu knew there would be no more chances tonight. Suppressing her disappointment, she could only continue socializing with others alongside Madam Meng.

At the middle of the Hai hour (10:00 PM), the banquet concluded. The remaining guests were gradually seen out, and the Duke of Wei’s mansion, which had been bustling all evening, finally began to quiet down.

Madam Meng had been busy without rest since arriving, and she was now exhausted. Since her son had left earlier, she brought Jiafu to bid farewell. Madam Xin thanked her, saying that today would have been much harder without her help, and insisted on seeing her to the gate herself. Madam Meng, knowing Madam Xin had things to attend to, politely declined. As they were speaking, a head maid of about twenty years, dressed in decent attire with a beautiful, oval face, walked over and smiled, "Madam, the Old Madam asks you to go over; she has a few words to say."

This maid was Yuzhu, the one Jiafu had seen beside Old Madam Pei during the day.

Madam Xin acknowledged this and turned to call a trusted steward-nanny to count the valuable items being packed for storage in her stead. However, the nanny was not nearby; a maid said she had gone to the front for something. Madam Xin frowned and complained, to which Madam Meng replied, "Since the Old Madam has called, it must be important. If you trust me, I will count them for you."

Madam Xin was overjoyed, thanked her for the hard work, gave some instructions, and hurried away.

Madam Meng turned to Jiafu, "A-Fu, if you are tired, I will have someone send you home first. It will probably be a while before I finish here."

Jiafu knew her mother was working tirelessly to curry favor with Madam Xin solely for her sake, and she felt a pang of heartache, "Mother, let me stay with you."

But Madam Meng would not allow it. Jiafu knew there were servants carrying things back and forth, and her mother was likely afraid she would get bumped, so she did not insist.

Yuzhu said, "If it is not too much trouble for you, Madame, shall I take the young lady to the Old Madam’s room to wait for you? It is warm there and no one will be wandering about. You can come to pick her up when you are finished."

This Yuzhu had originally been the daughter of a wealthy family. When her family fell into ruin at the age of eight or nine, she entered the Duke’s mansion. Because of her outstanding appearance, ability to read and count, and her sharp, capable nature, she became the Old Madam’s most trusted maid. At twenty, she still did not want to marry, so the Old Madam kept her. With her suggestion, Madam Meng was naturally reassured and urged Jiafu to go and rest.

Jiafu followed Yuzhu to Old Madam Pei’s main courtyard. She saw a few shadows dancing on the windows of the central room and heard the faint sound of voices drifting out. Yuzhu whispered, "The Old Madam has called your aunt and uncle from the Second Branch as well; they are all inside. I will take you to the side room."

Jiafu said, "Thank you, sister."

Yuzhu smiled, "How could I deserve such a title from you, young lady? Just call me by my name. Come with me."

Jiafu was led to a side room that was bright and warm. Yuzhu had Jiafu lean against a couch, placed a pillow behind her waist, and took a fur blanket to cover her legs, saying, "If you are sleepy, young lady, you can sleep here; no one will come in. I have some clean fragrant maple tea; I will go fetch you a pot."

Tanxiang thanked her on Jiafu’s behalf, "I will go fetch it instead."

Yuzhu nodded with a smile and led Tanxiang out. Just as they stepped out of the door, they ran into a nursemaid and a maid holding Quan-ge, who was wrapped in a wind cloak. They said Quan-ge had just woken up and was crying, demanding to go to the Song household. The nursemaid could not soothe him, so she brought him to find Madam Xin.

Yuzhu frowned and hissed, "The Madam is with the Old Madam right now! Take him back and soothe him." She dragged the clueless nursemaid away.

The nursemaid made a bitter face, "I can’t soothe him, you know how he is—once the young master throws a tantrum, only the Old Madam can control him..."

Before she finished speaking, Quan-ge had already twisted out of her arms and ran toward the unfamiliar Tanxiang.

Yuzhu cried out and hurriedly gave chase, "There is no one in that room, young master, don't go in!"

The door opened from the inside. Jiafu revealed her face and said, "Let him come in; it is no trouble."

...

In the central room, Old Madam Pei sat on a chair. She had already removed her pearl-encrowned headdress, though she had not yet changed out of her official robes. Her gaze swept over the sons and daughters-in-law standing before her, "All this time, for the sake of celebrating my old hag’s birthday and making me happy, you have all worked hard."

Pei Quan hurriedly said, "Mother, why say such things? How could there be any hardship? Furthermore, it was our duty to begin with."

Madam Xin and Madam Meng nodded in agreement.

Old Madam Pei smiled slightly, "Our family has had much good fortune lately. My birthday is nothing; it’s not worth mentioning. Zhi’er has obtained a position, and Luo’er’s studies are top-tier. I am very happy."

In recent years, the Old Madam’s health had been poor, and she had stayed out of the limelight, having not called her children and their spouses together like this for a long time. Seeing her solemn expression earlier, they had feared she was dissatisfied with the evening’s celebration and were all quite anxious. Now that she had spoken and was actually praising them, they sighed in relief and smiled, "It is all due to your blessing and prestige, Mother."

Old Madam Pei said, "I am an old woman; what prestige do I have for you to rely on? As long as you don't think of me as a muddled old wretch who won't die, I am satisfied."

These words were not light, especially right after her sixtieth birthday. Madam Xin and Pei Quan’s couple were stunned, their faces turning perplexed. Pei Quan said, "Mother, for you to say that is something a son cannot bear. If I have done anything wrong to make you sad, feel free to discipline me. Even if you beat me to death, it is what I deserve. How can you curse yourself like this?"

Old Madam Pei remained silent. Pei Quan began to feel uneasy.

For this hereditary appointment, Pei Quan had originally hoped it would fall to him so he could advance in his official career, which had been stagnant for years. In the end, due to the Song family’s influence, it had gone to his nephew, Pei Xiuzhi. He was naturally disappointed, and after hearing from Madam Meng that the First Branch had spent nearly two thousand taels, he felt even more resentment. Naturally, he was harmonious on the surface, but he hadn't expected that right after the birthday, he would be summoned and hear such words. He dared not speak.

Madam Xin and Madam Meng exchanged glances.

Old Madam Pei let out a slow sigh and continued, "Everyone is happy today. I originally should not dampen your spirits, but I have some things in my heart, and I don't know when I’ll have another chance to say them."

"Please, Mother, give your instructions!" Pei Quan said quickly. Madam Xin and Madam Meng echoed him.

"Then I will speak. Today I went out of my room and inadvertently heard some servants gossiping behind my back. That the words were unbearable is one thing, but what I don't understand is, since when has the Duke’s mansion lacked basic rules, to the point where the servants have become this lax? Thinking about it, it comes down to one phrase: what the superiors do, the inferiors imitate. When the heads of the household don't set a good example, the servants naturally become even worse."

Madam Meng remained silent. Madam Xin’s face changed slightly. She hesitated before saying, "It is entirely my fault for not teaching the servants well..."

Old Madam Pei waved her hand, "I know you are all busy. Calling you here now is not to hear anyone admit their mistakes, but because I have many reflections. A human life is like a white horse passing a crack in the wall—transient. When I was young, I watched your late father risk his life to earn this estate. Now, in the blink of an eye, I have great-grandchildren. Since ancient times, there have been few who know when to stop while in wealth and honor, and even fewer who can restrain themselves and remain content in poverty without complaint. The Pei family’s situation is not what it used to be, but I want to remind you of one thing: dirt supports a wall, and people support a family. If those in the family fight among themselves, outsiders won't need to do anything—within a few years, the Pei family will fall into chaos on its own."

Pei Quan’s forehead beaded with sweat; Madam Xin and Madam Meng kept their heads bowed.

Old Madam Pei shook her head, "I cannot blame you. If we speak of it, the one who deserves the most blame is myself. I have been too lazy these past few years and have not fulfilled the duties of an elder..."

She mused for a moment and looked at Madam Xin, "I know the family income has decreased and that you each have your own difficulties. The money used for Zhi’er’s appointment this time will come from my own private savings..."

Madam Xin was stunned and about to speak when the Old Madam turned to Pei Quan and Madam Meng, "I cannot let your Second Branch suffer a loss. When Luo’er marries, the expenses will surely be great. I will give you the same amount I am giving the First Branch. This is all I can do. If there is still any unfairness, I hope you can understand and let the matter go. Do not let this cause any more rift. If outsiders find out, where will we hide our faces?"

Pei Quan stepped forward, fell to his knees with a thud, and kowtowed, "Mother, I can absolutely not accept this money. It is entirely because I was muddled that I was quibbling with my nephew. Please do not make yourself sick with anger. Your health is the true blessing of our Pei family."

Madam Xin and Madam Meng also reflected on themselves.

Tears welled slightly in Old Madam Pei’s eyes, "To tell you the truth, this grand birthday meant little to me. I only nodded to meet the guests to show I understand your efforts and to make you happy. I hope you can also understand my intentions. Fortune and misfortune have no gate; they are summoned only by people. I have lived to this age and seen many ups and downs in wealth. As long as the family is united, even if things aren't going well today, that doesn't mean tomorrow won't bring a turnaround. I have said all I have to say. If you feel there is truth in it, remember it when you return. That will add more fortune to me than a hundred birthdays."

Pei Quan kowtowed, and Madam Xin and Madam Meng bowed and scraped, agreeing to everything.

Old Madam Pei looked at Madam Xin, "Quan-ge is not small anymore. He will be five after the New Year. He should be taught the rules properly. From now on, he is not to be taken to the Song household at will."

Madam Xin was stunned and hesitated, "They come to pick him up themselves..."

Old Madam Pei let out a huff and stared at Madam Xin, "Is he a Pei or a Song? You only think for your son—why don't you think for your grandson?"

Madam Xin’s face turned bright red, and she lowered her head in embarrassment.

...

It was late at night, past the Zi hour (midnight). Pei Quan, Madam Xin, and Madam Meng left the north room.

After they left, Yuzhu entered and asked to serve the Old Madam as she washed and rested. The old woman seemed not to have heard, remaining seated, her eyes fixed on the water clock in the corner of the room.

There was less than a quarter-hour left before the day was over.

It was so late, yet the Old Madam would not rest. Yuzhu was puzzled but dared not ask. After keeping her company for a while, she suddenly remembered the incident she had encountered while escorting her out during the day, and the truth suddenly dawned on her. She said, "Old Madam, the Zhen young lady is currently in the side room. If you are not sleeping, shall I call her over to keep you company and chat?" After saying this, seeing that she neither nodded nor shook her head—appearing lost in distant memories—she quietly walked out.

Jiafu entered the room and paid her respects to the Old Madam.

The Old Madam turned her head, and seeing her, smiled slightly, "Yuzhu is meddlesome. Calling you here so late—you must be exhausted from the day’s turmoil, right? I have nothing here; go back and rest."

Yuzhu had told Jiafu just now, implying she hoped Jiafu could come and say some kind words to cheer the Old Madam up.

It was evident that neither Yuzhu nor the old woman before her held any hope that the eldest son of the First Branch, who had left the capital years ago, would return tonight.

But Jiafu had an impression. She remembered that in her previous life, he indeed returned on this very night, albeit very, very late. As for exactly what hour it was, she couldn't quite remember.

She looked at the old woman standing alone in the lamplight after removing her crown and finery, and for a brief moment, she suddenly regretted her own calculations earlier.

If Quan-ge were to fall ill, this old woman would naturally have no way to rest well tonight.

In fact, her scheme could have been delayed by one night without issue. She really should have let the old woman enjoy her sixtieth birthday in peace.

She breathed slowly and said, "Old Madam, the Eldest Cousin will return."

The Old Madam smiled faintly and nodded, "Good child, go and rest."

Jiafu bit her lip. In the end, she swallowed her words, curtsied, and turned to walk slowly toward the door.

"Old Madam—Old Madam—"

Just as she reached the door, a voice suddenly drifted from outside the courtyard. In the silence of the midnight hour, it sounded jarring.

Jiafu’s footsteps paused at the door.

Yuzhu hurriedly went out and scolded the nanny who had run in, "Are you crazy? Shouting like this in the middle of the night—what has happened?"

"The Eldest Master has returned!" The nanny ran in, breathless, her expression bizarre as she gestured wildly.

"I almost didn't recognize him!”