Spring of the Blade - Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Qinghe had spent several days on pins and needles, but finally, good news arrived.
That day was highly auspicious—a perfect day for a marriage proposal. Since word had been sent to the Xie residence the previous day, Xinyu, the maid by Qinghe’s side, had hurried over in the middle of the night. With a smile, she bowed and said, "Fourth Miss, our Young Miss sent me to relay a message. Please arrive early tomorrow. After you pay your respects to the Old Madam and wait a moment, our Young Miss would like you to keep her company."
Qingyuan was in her room, pacing back and forth while reciting from memory. Hearing Xinyu’s words, she put down her book and said, "Oh? So, this means there is good news?"
Xinyu confirmed this was indeed the case. "Tomorrow, the Governor’s wife is bringing people from the founding Earl’s family to officially propose. The eldest young master will also be coming along. Our Young Miss is bashful and feels embarrassed to meet them alone, so she hopes you will join her to bolster her courage."
In truth, among everyone in the Xie family, Qinghe was the only one who lacked any defenses. When Qingyuan first returned, Qinghe had joined the other siblings in targeting her. Later, after Qingru and Qingrong turned against her, Qinghe grew closer to Qingyuan, and that bond had only been growing stronger. Sometimes, Qingyuan could not help but sigh; having always been an outsider ignored by the Xie family, this Qinghe brought her a small measure of comfort.
She nodded and said, "Please tell your Eldest Sister for me that I offer her my congratulations in advance. I will wait for her at the Huifang Gate tomorrow, and we can enter the garden together."
The next day, she rose early to groom herself, chose a narrow-sleeved garment patterned with ruyi clouds, and hurried out.
In the early spring of the south, thin mist always lingered. As the sun began to rise, the mist gradually dissipated, dividing the scene into two halves—the upper portion was clear and bright, while the lower portion hung heavy beneath the foundation stones and among the flowers and grass. As she walked, she felt as if she were ascending into the clouds.
The Xie family’s morning and evening rituals were particularly strict; one could not afford the slightest negligence. Madam Hu, along with the wives of the brothers from the East and West mansions who had already set up their own households, emerged from the Old Madam’s room and paused in the outer chamber to receive greetings from the younger generation.
Qingyuan was always the least conspicuous. She lingered in a corner, bowing along with her sisters, while the gazes of Madam Hu and the various aunts remained fixed on Qinghe.
Madam Jiang, the wife of the second uncle, Xie Xun, had a sharp tongue. Although her own son was a debauched gambler, she could always dig up some logic from the darkest corners to justify things. "The wife he married is useless, looking like the sickly Xi Shi every day, and after a year of marriage, there hasn't been a sign of a pregnancy. How could one blame Zheng-yuan?" This was her favorite saying. Today, as Qinghe was to be betrothed, she was the first to offer her congratulations, then proceeded to lecture her with earnest advice: "Once a young woman enters a new family, the first thing is to take care of her health and conceive a child quickly. Only then will your position in your in-laws' home be secure."
This was said far too early. By any reasonable standard, it was disrespectful for an elder to speak this way. But since these were private words said behind closed doors within the family, it was hard to take offense. Qinghe merely smiled and offered a vague response.
Madam Pei, the wife of the third uncle, Xie Min, was not tainted by much vulgarity. Even at forty, her face still held a girlish shyness. She smiled at Madam Hu and said, "Sister-in-law, you have truly been working hard lately. Third brother’s wedding is next month, and now with the eldest girl’s engagement, you must be exhausted."
Madam Hu always wore a gentle expression. She looked at Qinghe with affection and said, "Children are their parents' burden. As long as they all have good marriages, what else could I hope for? Though the weddings have converged, I still have two concubines helping me, and the Old Madam has also been fretting over it. I expect it will be manageable."
Madam Pei was very sincere and offered diligently, "I have not been very busy lately. If there is anything you need help with, Sister-in-law, please don’t hesitate to send for me."
Before Madam Hu could respond, Madam Jiang shirked the responsibility. "Sigh, I have the heart for it too, but I haven't had a free moment lately. Between the affairs of the mansion and the business at the farms, it's enough to wear a person out." She hated that Madam Pei was trying to be the virtuous one, dragging her into it, so she intentionally stirred the pot. "Third sister, you are always so kind-hearted. Why don't you come to my place one day and help me out as well?"
Some people are just like that—adept at saying pleasant things, but the first to push you away if you actually ask for help. She keeps herself safe on the shore, yet won't let others stand out. As long as you aren't perfectly aligned with her, she will whisper poison in your ear at every turn. Watching from the side, Qingyuan found it quite interesting; this world of noble households was filled with all sorts of people, and sitting back to analyze them was a fascinating pastime.
Madam Pei smiled awkwardly. "Second sister-in-law, you are joking. Your household deals with money and trade; how could I possibly be of any help there!"
Madam Hu quickly smoothed things over with a smile. "You should all get some rest. When the actual day comes, just come by and enjoy the feast."
On the other side, the grandchildren withdrew, and the granddaughters straightened their garments and walked in, one after another, to pay their respects.
The Old Xie Madam sat on the Arhat couch, watching the young ladies bow. She opened her mouth and said, "You are all growing up. Qinghe is the eldest among you girls. Today, the founding Earl’s family is bringing the betrothal gifts. Take advantage of your sister’s good fortune and stay to see the world."
The others agreed and withdrew. Though Qinghe didn't say anything, she was not pleased. Qingru and Qingrong were always trying to humiliate her, and on such a day, the Old Madam was forcing them to stay. If any trouble were to arise, wouldn't she be the one looked down upon?
She hid to the side, angrily shredding her handkerchief. Seeing this, Qingyuan stepped forward to comfort her, whispering, "Don't worry, Eldest Sister. They only want to make things difficult for you, but they wouldn't dare shame themselves. Since there are outsiders coming, they still have to care about their reputation."
Hearing this, Qinghe finally calmed down.
In a marriage between two families, the gifting of betrothal presents followed a strict schedule. As the sun climbed higher, the sound of commotion could faintly be heard from the front courtyard. Everyone sat up straight and gazed forward. Yuequan entered the doorway, smiling as she bowed to the Old Madam. "Congratulations to the Old Madam and the Young Miss. The grand gifts from the founding Earl’s family have entered the gates. The Madam, along with the mistresses of the two mansions and the three masters, are receiving them in the front. The Governor’s wife has acted as the go-between, and in a moment, she will bring the eldest young master of the Earl’s family inside to pay his respects to the Old Madam."
The Old Xie Madam said it was good; another joyful event for the family was naturally worth celebrating. Everyone smiled accordingly, and the maids stood in the corridors waiting. Seeing people approaching from the front, they respectfully guided them toward the main chamber. The Old Madam, accompanied by Qinghe and her sisters, came out to meet them. When the Governor’s wife saw them from afar, she laughed and said loudly, "Congratulations to the Old Madam! I have brokered another successful match; how will the Old Madam thank me?"
The Old Xie Madam warmly took the Governor’s wife’s hand and smiled. "Need you even ask? Tomorrow, I will have them seal two large pork knuckles and send them to your manor to thank the matchmaker."
Qinghe stood quietly, looking toward the back of the procession. At a single glance, she spotted Li Guanling. He was dressed neatly and looked spirited. Meeting Qinghe’s gaze, he laughed heartily.
Qinghe blushed; a bride-to-be was thin-skinned, and she lowered her head in sheer shyness. Qingyuan stepped up to support her, when suddenly she heard someone call out "Fourth Sister." She had thought it was one of her brothers, but when she looked up, it was the young master from the Marquis of Danyang’s family.
Qingyuan was somewhat surprised; she did not understand why he had come to the house. Then, reflecting on the fact that he and Li Guanling were close friends, she realized he must be accompanying him to witness the betrothal.
It was not her place to start a conversation, so she smiled politely and bowed with her hands folded. Li Congxin, a man of refined manners, hurriedly returned the gesture with a long bow.
Their mutual display of courtesy was seen by everyone nearby. The most frustrating thing in this world is when people you have always looked down upon achieve more than you. Qingru watched with eyes full of jealousy, her heart becoming increasingly bitter. However, despite her resentment, one had to admit that this legitimate son of the Marquis of Danyang was truly one in ten thousand in terms of talent and appearance. He wore a sky-blue round-collared robe with a white jade belt—a color difficult for an average person to pull off, yet he wore it with such effortless grace. Her own brothers were considered handsome, but standing next to him, they were completely overshadowed.
Qingru’s face darkened. Beside her, Zhengze noticed and asked, "Chunzhi, you know each other?"
Qingyuan had already turned to go inside. Li Congxin glanced at her retreating back and smiled. "We met once at the Spring Banquet. I didn't realize she was a young lady of your mansion."
Qingru scoffed inwardly. What kind of young lady is she? Even a servant with a bit of status is better than her! Fortunately, Zhengze, favoring his own blood, didn't forget to introduce him, one by one. "This is my sister Qingru, and this is my third sister Qingrong."
Qingru and Qingrong hurriedly composed themselves and bowed. After exchanging greetings, they went inside. Li Guanling had already finished paying his respects to the Old Xie Madam and had taken a seat in the lower position. The carpets in the Old Madam’s main chamber had not yet been removed; he and Qinghe sat across from each other with the gold-threaded floor coverings between them. Occasionally, their eyes would meet, followed by a gentle, lingering smile.
That day in the carriage, the Old Madam had told Qingyuan that they were not of the same path as the Marquis of Danyang’s family, but she was still very polite when meeting the Marquis’s heir, smiling and saying, "Third Young Master came to play at our house a few years ago. I suppose your studies were too heavy afterward, as you haven't visited often."
Li Congxin performed a salute and said, "I went to Youzhou last year and only returned at the beginning of this spring. I had long thought of paying my respects to the Old Madam, but I was always at a loss for a reason to visit."
The Old Xie Madam said, "Third Young Master, you are joking. Our family and the Marquis’s household are family friends. There is no need for a reason; you are always welcome to call upon us!"
Their conversation was lively and engaging, while Qingyuan sat to the side, listening to their pleasantries with a smile. Li Congxin intentionally chose a seat opposite her. He didn't have anything to say, instead toying with a folding fan in his hand, occasionally raising his eyes to look at her. But she seemed not to have a single nerve for maidenly shyness; even when their eyes met, her expression remained calm and detached.
These days, it was fashionable for young girls to meet guests, unlike in the past when they were hidden in the deep inner chambers, which was why she appeared so poised. Or perhaps she was simply too young and had yet to be enlightened, unable to read the expressions and gazes of men. It was a pity that there was no opportunity to converse on such an occasion; the more distant she was, the more she occupied his thoughts.
In any case, the betrothal ceremony proceeded smoothly, and the unspoken rivalries among the crowd were intense. When Qingru left the Huifang Garden, she felt as if she had watched a play that had nothing to do with her, and she grew increasingly dissatisfied with the Old Madam for making them accompany the others.
"Eldest Sister is getting engaged, so why make us stand there like wooden posts?" she complained to her mother upon returning. "I think Grandmother is becoming more and more confused. A concubine’s child is being catered to, and she makes me, a proper legitimate daughter, play the supporting role. She isn't afraid of debasing our status?"
Madam Hu sat at the table, checking the list of gifts. She pointed to the beaded necklace in the tray and said, "Even if you don't care about Qinghe’s face, you should at least show respect to the founding Earl’s family. Their gifts are generous, and they have prepared gifts for all the younger sisters, showing they truly intend to honor Qinghe."
Speaking of this made her even angrier. Qingru said indignantly, "Those children of concubines are born knowing how to please men. Never mind the Earl’s family, even the Marquis of Danyang’s family is hooked, all keeping their eyes on the fourth girl. I originally thought the heir to the Marquis of Danyang was at least a noble youth, but who knew his standards would be this low? That girl Qingyuan is slow and clumsy; apart from her face, what else does she have?"
Madam Hu glanced at her and frowned. "You are a legitimate daughter of the Xie household. Instead of holding yourself with grace, you lower yourself to compare with them? Although Qinghe’s origins are not high, her mother was brought in with a formal marriage contract. It is indeed a step up for her to marry into the Earl’s family, but it is not entirely improper. As for Qingyuan, never mind what she is like—with that mother of hers, she wouldn't even be fit to be a concubine in the Marquis of Danyang’s mansion. What are you in such a rush for?"
Qingru was stung by her mother’s words, her face instantly reddening. She stammered, "I... I’m not in any rush..."
"You’re really not in a rush? I heard it from your brother," Madam Hu said, looking away. "However, the heir to the Marquis of Danyang is indeed an excellent candidate. His family background is good, and he is handsome. There is only one thing: such a son-in-law is coveted by many families. With so many noble ladies available for him to choose from, I worry he might not be able to remain faithful in the future."
Qingru disagreed with her mother. "There are devoted men in the world. Did Pan An not remain faithful to Yang Rongji his whole life? Does Mother not know this?"
Madam Hu laughed. "Indeed, a girl grown can no longer be kept at home..."
Before she could finish her sentence, the maid Cailian delivered a letter to her, saying, "I don't know who received this outside, but it was delivered to the porter’s lodge, with a note saying to please open it personally, Madam."
Madam Hu took it suspiciously, assuming it was a letter sent ahead by her husband. However, upon unfolding and reading it, her expression changed abruptly.
Seeing her mother’s reaction, Qingru became anxious. "Is it a letter from Father?"
Madam Hu did not speak. She turned the letter over and slapped it heavily onto the table.