Spring of the Blade - Chapter 29

Chapter 29

It was all about preparation, and he even insisted on bringing his brothers along. This was clearly a hint: make sure the coffers are well-stocked, for there would be people coming to haul it away later.

Xie Shu walked out of the Commander's residence and stood on the steps. It was nearly June, and the sun beat down sharply upon him. As he looked up, a ring of golden light suddenly expanded infinitely, then contracted until it felt like a single point of light in his pupils, causing a sudden wave of dizziness.

His attendant hurriedly came up to support him. "It is sweltering, sir. Be careful of heatstroke. Let us return."

Xie Shu waved a hand. With heat rising in billowing waves, he felt lightheaded and delirious. Pulling at his collar, he walked quickly toward the carriage, boarded it, and ordered the driver to return to the estate. Once seated, he leaned against the side cushion, eyes closed, focusing only on steadying his breathing.

After the Old Madam carefully questioned him about the proceedings, she finally let out a long sigh. "I told you long ago that there must be a grievance, which is why Shen Run is being so difficult. Now that you are begging for his help and have delivered yourself to his doorstep, he is bound to lash out at you with his words. You need not take it to heart; in this life, how can everything go according to one's wishes? When you hit a narrow path, you must squeeze through sideways. As long as you aren't battered and bruised, you have preserved your dignity."

Xie Shu agreed. "I do not care about those things, but I fear Shen Run will open his mouth like a lion. How much family wealth do we even have to fill that void?"

"There is no other way. Since it has reached this point, why worry about spending money? As long as he is willing to take on the matter, we must feed him even if it means smashing our pots and selling our iron. If we hesitate now, by the time the Emperor truly issues an edict ordering Fu Chunshan to lead the troops to attack Shibo City, it will be too late." With that, she looked toward Madam Hu. "Go and prepare immediately. I do not want bank notes; I want physical silver. Pack it into large wine jars. I know the old ways of doing things in Youzhou; bribe money must not pass through exchange houses so that the trail remains clean."

Though Madam Hu could be considered well-traveled, this was the first time her own household had encountered such a disaster. She was stunned for a moment by the Old Madam’s instructions, but after coming to her senses, she hurriedly agreed and rushed out to see to it.

A flatbed carriage brought in a dozen pitch-black wine jars. As Madam Hu looked at them, a chill went straight to her heart. How much silver did it take to fill these? Each one would hold no less than five hundred taels. This money all came from the family’s common treasury, but what was the source of that "common" fund? It relied entirely on the master’s salary, the income from official land holdings, and the seasonal imperial rewards for their titled status. Now that mountains of silver were being spent with no way to account for it, it was unavoidable. However, if it was spent solely from her public ledger, someone would eventually open their mouth to claim she managed the household poorly. She was destined to take this loss in silence!

Madam Hu stood under the eaves, her face frozen into a shell of ice. Her brows were cold, and her eyes were as sharp as knives. Mammy Sun understood her master’s heart well and cautiously offered a suggestion. "Everyone in this house is a wealthy idler, all bearing children for the Master. Who should be worrying, and who should be standing on the sidelines? In my opinion, Madam should invite the two concubines over, discuss it together, and have each household share the burden. It would also teach them the difficulty of managing a home. Why should the Madam’s ledger be drained while they remain pampered and plump? Especially that one in Pomegranate Courtyard—her two sons are already married. Last time when the Fourth Young Lady came of age, she had the means to challenge you, yet now that the Master is in trouble, she intends to stand by and watch?"

Mentioning this made Madam Hu grind her teeth in hatred, feeling that Mammy Sun was absolutely right. In ordinary times, the household was at peace and there was no way to get to her, but now that a crisis had emerged, if she didn't take the opportunity to stretch their tendons, it would be a wasted chance.

But then again, "The one in Cold Fragrance Pavilion relies on being brought in as a concubine and cries poverty all day; I fear we cannot squeeze any oil out of her."

Mammy Sun covered her mouth and laughed. "Madam, you have forgotten: the Eldest Young Lady has just been betrothed. The betrothal gifts from the Earl of Founding the Nation’s family are all stored in her room!"

"Ah—" Madam Hu was suddenly enlightened. She turned and ordered Cailian, "Go yourself. Invite the two concubines here; I have urgent matters to discuss with them."

Cailian hurriedly agreed and went off to deliver the message.

Not long after, the two concubines entered Madam Hu’s courtyard. Madam Hu had tea served, then sighed repeatedly, looking as if she had words she couldn't bring herself to say. Concubine Lian glanced at Concubine Mei, knowing that the Madam was not selling any good medicine in her gourd. She smiled and said, "Madam, what is wrong? If you have something to say, just say it. Sighing like this only makes us anxious."

Madam Hu seized the opportunity. "It is difficult to speak of... Today, the Master went to the Commander's residence. He met the man, but there is still a mountain of trouble ahead, and we must spend money to buy peace. The Old Madam just gave the order, and a dozen large wine jars have been delivered. They are all set out in the courtyard. Now we must fill those jars with silver. The Old Madam does not manage the accounts, so how would she know the balance! This year, we have the Third Young Master’s wedding, and the Old Madam’s birthday banquet—money has been flowing like water. Looking at those jars, I truly do not know what to do, so I invited you here to think of a way together so we can at least survive this crisis."

It was clearly a shakedown to force them to cough up silver. The two concubines exchanged glances. Concubine Lian spoke first. "Madam, you know my circumstances. I have no favor with the Master, and I only have two taels of private money a month. I have to weigh the cost even to eat a plate of stir-fried toon, so where would I have any surplus!"

Madam Hu had expected this, so she glanced at her and said, "You are being too humble. Whether it is the Old Madam, the Master, or myself, who does not hold you in regard? You know the Master’s situation. You must understand that if the skin does not exist, what will the hair attach to? If the Master truly has his official rank stripped... even if you do not think of yourself, think of the Eldest Young Lady."

These words left Concubine Lian speechless. Concubine Mei remained silent, keeping her head down and holding her teacup, feigning stupidity.

"The Master’s official career concerns not only our glory and wealth but also the future of the sons and daughters beneath us." Seeing them not respond, Madam Hu scoffed. "All the children are about to take the military examinations. If the Master is still the Regional Governor, how many conveniences they will enjoy! Everyone is just watching; I cannot handle this alone, and at worst, we will just fill fewer jars. If the Commander feels our contribution is stingy and decides to trip the Master up later, you should consider—who among you will benefit then!"

Mammy Sun helped bolster her case, smiling apologetically. "We must be of one mind now. Once we pass this crisis, the days ahead will be long."

Madam Hu continued, "My meaning is that each household should bring out something to fill the gap. It is not as if I am taking it for nothing; after the autumn harvest at the estates, your money will be returned as usual. Even if one’s maiden family faces a hurdle, one cannot ignore it. The Xie family is our foundation. If this house falls apart, never mind riches and prospects—even our lives will likely not be saved."

This mistress of the household was most skilled at using a mix of threats and coaxing. They had been under the same roof for so many years; who didn't know her character! In front of others, she was a Bodhisattva; behind their backs, she was a Yaksha. Once she set her sights on you, she was like a spider’s web—no matter how you struggled, don't dream of escaping from her grasp.

Promising to return it after autumn was just pretty talk; when the time came, she would have her ways to put them off. Concubine Lian tried to excuse herself. "Since I entered the Xie household, my income has been extremely limited..."

"Then move a portion of Qinghe’s share. Assist the Master in passing this hurdle first," Madam Hu shut her down directly, then turned her gaze to Concubine Mei. "And you, your situation is even easier to handle. Both your daughters-in-law brought dowries with them. Go back and scrape it together; it should not be difficult."

Both concubines were full of grievances but dared not speak. As they walked out of Madam Hu’s courtyard, Concubine Lian spat on the ground. "To think she could say it! Telling me to touch my daughter’s dowry—there has never been such a principal wife in this world!"

"This person is all smiles on the surface, but her heart is blacker than charcoal," Concubine Mei gritted her teeth. "She is actually calculating against her daughter-in-law’s dowry. If I listen to her, how will I ever be able to show my face in the future?"

The two concubines were not on good terms, to begin with. They walked along the road, one behind the other, each cursing in her own way, until they reached a fork and parted ways to return to their respective courtyards.

Mammy Tao, who did menial labor and frequently moved about the servant quarters, was well-informed. She returned to tell the Fourth Young Lady, "The one in Cold Fragrance Pavilion and the one in Pomegranate Courtyard both hate the Madam to the bone. And the Madam—to think she would force them to bring out the Eldest Young Lady’s betrothal money and the dowries of the Second and Third Young Grand-Daughters-in-law to make up the difference."

Qingyuan was sitting on a swan-neck chair, reading. Upon hearing this, she said, "It is just the Madam’s method to shut the concubines’ mouths. She knows they won't actually touch those funds; in the end, the concubines will simply bring out their own private savings."

Baoxian was watering flowers nearby. The water dampened the leaves, which looked lush and green. "With the Madam making such a scene, the two concubines will likely have even more grievances against her."

Qingyuan smiled. Dissatisfaction must be accumulated bit by bit; it was only when it became unbearable that it would cause a huge commotion. Madam Hu always prided herself on maintaining decency; since those two concubines were subordinates, "decency" was a luxury they could not afford to put on. The fact that she was extorting their wealth had already touched their core interests. If there were any more injustices in the future, there would surely come a time when the sky would be turned upside down.

She treated the affairs outside of Danyue Pavilion as mere diversion, concerning herself more with the results of the Master’s activities. "Has the Commander loosened his stance?"

Mammy Tao had only heard a rough outline and dared not be certain. Tucking her hands, she said, "The kitchen is bustling now; they say a banquet is to be held tonight. The Madam had the doorman buy over a dozen large wine jars. I heard from Dame Shang that they are to be filled with silver. I reckon the matter is half-done."

Qingyuan nodded. If that Commander was willing to pay a visit, he naturally wouldn't return empty-handed. Though filling wine jars with silver was only a flimsy cover, it was better than using trunks. She, too, breathed a sigh of relief at this moment. She sincerely hoped her father would survive this crisis; if money could solve it, then they wouldn't target people anymore. She saw the Old Madam’s intentions clearly—in the final extremity, she would surely be sacrificed to appease the heavens. Since ancient times, how many girls had been married off to secure their maiden families’ alliances? The Old Madam had fixed on one point: a married daughter could not be without her maiden family as a backer. Therefore, even if she treated her unfairly, she did not fear that the girl would cut off her own path or revolt.

"If this succeeds, the Young Lady has contributed to the merit," Baoxian said softly. "Perhaps they will remember the Young Lady’s kindness and let you live a few days of peace."

Chuntai, whose temper was like a young calf, spoke bluntly, "The one who earned the merit is the Third Young Master of the Marquis of Danyang. If not for that roster of his, we never could have climbed up to the Commander's residence. Now they see it, don't they? Who does the Third Young Master have in his heart? When he enters Youzhou in a while and the Master’s official position is secured, we will see what arguments the Old Madam uses to put people off."

Those around her all hoped for her to have a good destination. In terms of status and position, the legitimate son of the Marquis of Danyang was the best choice. Moreover, he was willing to extend a helping hand in a crisis—what deep affection and righteousness that was! Qingyuan was also grateful to him in her heart; although she did not like his taking matters into his own hands and implicating her earlier, seeing his sincerity through this event, she did not reject him as resolutely as before. However, the greatest problem between them remained, and it could not be easily changed. Gratitude was one thing, and marriage was another; in the end, they could not be lumped together.

The summer weather in Youzhou became very sultry in the afternoon. Willows swayed gently by the pond, and as the sun shone through the slender branches, every leaf was rimmed with a circle of gold.

Qingyuan felt lazy in this season. Having read half her book, her eyelids grew heavy, so she moved to the cloud-head couch in the inner room for a nap. She hadn't been asleep for long before she heard the voice of Xia Zhi outside, murmuring—she couldn't clearly hear what was being said.

A messenger had come from the Old Madam’s side, immediately dispersing Qingyuan’s sleepiness. She propped herself up and saw Xia Zhi walking back toward the courtyard gate, so she sat up, waiting for Chuntai to enter and report.

The beaded curtain at the door moved, and Chuntai poked her head in. Seeing she was awake, she said, "Did you hear, Young Lady? The Old Madam intends to make tonight’s banquet a family affair. She has invited several old acquaintances of the Shen family and their wives to hold the banquet in the Yi'ou Spring Hall at the front. She asked the young ladies to prepare themselves and go over when the time is right."

Qingyuan sighed after hearing this, thinking to herself that the Old Madam really had a meticulous mind. By inviting the Shen family’s old acquaintances to mediate, any grievances could be resolved in the midst of pleasant conversation. Moreover, Youzhou was not Hengtang; there were too many eyes fixed on the Xie family’s movements. If they had invited only the Commander and his brother, they might not have been able to silence the gossiping tongues. With more people present, the situation would be smoothed over. Furthermore, the circle of noble ladies was one that could not be severed under any circumstances; while the men maneuvered in officialdom, the women behind the scenes wove a vast net of social connections. It was invisible, yet tightly linked. Today, having established these ties, it would facilitate mediation tomorrow.

In any case, there was no hiding from it. Although her background might not invite great affection, it could save a lot of trouble. Even if the Old Madam had the heart to use her to fill the void, the others would have to weigh her identity. This time, she sincerely felt that Qingru could be the focus of this family banquet; as long as she herself acted with a low profile, she should be able to emerge unscathed.

She had Chuntai change her into a plain green jacket and pinned her hair with a simple hairpin. When the sun dipped lower, she headed to the reception garden in the front.

The layout of the old Youzhou estate was indeed more imposing than in Hengtang. With its continuous wooden corridors and the row of open partition doors in the main hall, even under the setting sun, it had a sense of transparency and majestic beauty.

Tables were separated into East and West—the standard rule for holding a banquet. Male and female guests were separated by a small, exquisite courtyard. They did not dine together, but they could see one another. When the time drew near, the invited guests arrived one by one. The female guests were welcomed into the Painting Pavilion on the west side, while the male guests headed east.

The circle of high officials and noblemen was actually not as large as one might imagine. Even if they were not very familiar at first, a few words were enough to quickly discover common friends and relatives. Qingyuan chose an inconspicuous corner with Qinghe, wearing a supportive smile, and listened to them chat about daily life. The wife of a Censor-in-Chief was very interested in Qingru, enthusiastically inquiring about the Second Young Lady’s age and whether she had been promised in marriage.

"Oh my, you must find a good match in the future to live up to such talent and beauty. Commander Shen has not yet married, though he is slightly older..."

Qinghe looked outside, lowered her voice, and whispered to Qingyuan, "Has the true Buddha not arrived yet?"

Qingyuan also glanced over. "It seems not."

"Even for a person whom the Master himself has to bow and beg for help, can he endure the Second Girl’s temper?" Qinghe said. "I actually hope she gets betrothed to someone like that. If the family can't teach her, send her to others for a lesson. In the future, when people are cracking heads, that will be lively."

Qingyuan just listened with a smile and did not respond. Just then, she heard the Old Madam call out "Fourth Girl." "Go and see how the banquet preparations are coming along next door. If the guests on the opposite side have all arrived, tell the kitchen to start serving the dishes."

Qingyuan responded with an "Ay" and stood up to walk out.

It was about the same time as the day before, with the sun lingering on the horizon. Servants had hung lanterns at the four corners of the courtyard. She had only taken a few steps out when she saw the steward of the estate leading several people onto the opposite gallery. She slowed her pace slightly and turned to look. Leading the group was none other than Shen Run, dressed in dark, casual attire that highlighted a breathtaking fairness.

He was also looking at her, his deep eyes narrowed slightly, the shadows within his pupils dark as if hiding a demon.

Because she had met him before, Qingyuan was not as restricted as an average young lady. She smiled frankly; even though this man looked very dangerous, her smile was radiant. She inclined her body slightly and performed a respectful bow toward him.