Spring of the Blade - Chapter 85

Chapter 85

"Nonsense!" Shen Run said sternly, "I am to be married the day after tomorrow, and you two want to separate? How will others look at this? Those who don't know the truth will think the two sisters-in-law cannot get along, and one must clear the way for the other, causing Yun’ya to lose face! On such a joyous occasion, what kind of performance is this? Is it that girl from the Yao family stirring up trouble? If so, tell me clearly, and we will simply stop them from associating."

Shen Che sighed continuously, "The Yao girl and Fangchun are cousins. When Fangchun’s mother passed away early, it was that cousin who took care of everything for her. Fangchun is soft-hearted and kind; how can you expect her to just kick someone out so bluntly? Besides, regarding our own affairs, how can we blame someone else’s daughter without evidence? Brother, do not overthink this. It has nothing to do with sister-in-law. Even if our marriage is not going smoothly, we wouldn't choose to genuinely separate at a critical moment like this. I am only heartbroken; I treat her so well... yet she speaks to me of separating..."

Shen Run was helpless. He patted his brother's shoulder and said, "Ever since that child was lost, she likely hasn't recovered. I suspect that in this uproar, there is no small amount of self-blame. After two years of marriage, she couldn't give birth to a son or daughter, and when she finally conceived, she lost it; she feels she has let you down. A woman’s mind does not work like ours. We men think that losing one doesn't matter, and we can just try hard to have another. Women think that they don't know if they can conceive again, and if they can't, they want to stop holding you back."

After hearing this, Shen Che felt a sudden clarity and looked at his brother with newfound admiration. "Brother, these years in the criminal justice system were not spent in vain. You have truly pondered the workings of people's hearts, especially those of women."

Shen Run’s face stiffened. "What nonsense are you spouting? If your sister-in-law hears that, it will be a disaster. Yun’ya has already told me the whole story. Regardless, stabilize Fangchun first, and after this wedding is over, we will properly dissect the reasons. If it truly is that Yao girl wagging her tongue, it won't be difficult to pull it out and feed it to the dogs. She is merely the daughter of a minor sixth-rank official; you cannot even handle her?"

In Shen Run’s eyes, all things in the world, save for Qingyuan refusing to be with him, were of no importance. After talking to his brother for a few moments, Shen Che felt that there was no problem in the world that couldn't be solved.

Shen Che returned with a refreshed spirit. Shen Run did not find it appropriate to interfere too much with affairs in the West Mansion. He summoned the steward to review the wedding procedures carefully and re-inspected the deployment of the Lulong Army and the Palace Command staff on duty for the day. Once he felt everything was foolproof, he finally relaxed and tried on his wedding attire.

As for Qingyuan’s instructions, he followed them meticulously. Aside from the maids arranging the main chamber, not a single woman could be seen in his living quarters, and he was served only by the two young menservants who had always been by his side.

He adjusted his jade belt repeatedly before the mirror. This wedding robe was prepared by the Old Madam of the Chen mansion; it complemented Qingyuan’s attire perfectly. The intricate brocade and top-grade satin were three parts more luxurious than the official uniform of the Palace Command.

Chetang sighed on the side, "The Old Madam is truly thoughtful. Mother Zhou originally said our mansion would prepare the wedding clothes, but the Old Madam took that task upon herself, and it was done so beautifully!" As he spoke, he nudged Shousong with his shoulder. "Look at our master. Wearing this wedding robe makes his face look even whiter. Is there any groom in the world as handsome as this?"

Shousong raised an eyebrow. "Indeed. The Palace Command guards are all young masters from high-ranking families, yet our master outshines them all."

Chetang struck his forehead. "The master isn't a girl; what is he 'outshining'? I often see you holding a book; it turns out all that knowledge just went into a dog’s belly!"

They joked and bickered. Shen Run was never harsh with those around him, and with the happy event near, he let them play.

However, the situation with Shen Che still weighed on his mind. He sent Shousong to probe for news. Shousong returned after wasting half a day at the gate of the West Mansion, shaking his head. "Mother Yuan said that before I even arrived, she could hear the Second Mistress crying. The two maids by her side were useless; they stood under the eaves, stretching their necks like geese, not even daring to offer a word of comfort."

Shen Run could only frown. If one considered Fangchun’s background, it was not hard to understand why she had become like this. Her origins were humble—her father was merely an eighth-rank military consultant—and her biological mother had died early. Her father had allowed his second wife to be so subdued she dared not speak, and this young lady had been pampered like a stray sheep. Later, she met Shen Che and was determined to marry him. After the Shen family regained their status, Shen Che married her without a word. From then on, she wore the title of Commander’s wife, rolling through life in a pile of wealth without a storm in sight. Having neither parents-in-law nor sisters-in-law, what could she know of human suffering?

Shen Che often said she was like a child. Once, when the Marquis of Guangping’s wife held a banquet, she mispronounced a word, which caused people to laugh at her local accent; she was so ashamed she cried for three days and refused to attend banquets ever again. He allowed her that. But now, creating a scene and wanting to separate—such an absurd idea—showed that a muddled person who is pampered only becomes more muddled. Truly, when it comes to marrying a wife, one must have a good eye.

He was very assured of his own bride. Qingyuan was indeed well-behaved. She was the type of person who could live a steady life as long as she had a peaceful place to stay. Over these three days, the Old Madam had told her much, teaching her the ways of being a wife—what to avoid and where one should be accommodating.

By the end, the Old Madam laughed and patted her knees, "When we married into other families, we worried most about the relationship between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law. But since Shen’s parents have both passed away, as you two live your lives, as long as you respect him and he respects you, how could you not live well together? You are a child who understands propriety. Just remember two things: first, always discuss and consult with your husband; second, consider your husband’s face. However he treats you at home is between the two of you, but when you go outside, you must know how to save his dignity. If he has face, you have face. I have seen women who wanted to show off their own power, stomping their husbands into the dirt. When a man cannot hold his head up, how can others respect you behind his back? Therefore, you must be a clever little wife. To live is not just to exist; you must use your brain. Only then can your life be long and your household flourish."

Qingyuan said, "I will remember Grandmother’s teachings." For a moment, she acted like a child again, clinging to the Old Madam’s waist. "Grandmother, I cannot bear to part with you and Grandfather."

Saying she couldn't bear to part—how could she? Once she married, she would belong to another family. Even if she could see them often, it would be different from being a girl.

Old Madam Chen blinked away tears and bitterness, stroking her hair. "I only wish for you to be well, for you and your husband to be harmonious, and for your home to be prosperous. If so, your grandfather and I will have nothing to worry about."

The Old Master, holding a grass stem to tease a bird under the porch, heard their murmuring and said loudly, "This is only a few steps from the Commander’s mansion; one can just walk over. Is there anyone in the world who can see their granddaughter more easily than us? Don't act as if the child is marrying far away. After all, Yun’ya has found a good husband. If her mother knows in the afterlife, she will be happy for her too."

The Old Master spoke with reason and calmness, and the Old Madam felt comforted.

She had thought that when Yun’ya married, he would be cheerful, but on the day itself, she found him sitting alone in the study, weeping silently. The Old Madam sighed, saying the old man had become sentimental in his age. Qingyuan was already dressed, waiting for the auspicious hour for Shen Run to collect her. Hearing what the grandmother said, her heart ached, so she rose and went to the study to see the Old Master.

The Old Master could not wipe his tears in time and forced a smile, "Why aren't you waiting in your room? Why come here?"

Qingyuan took his sleeve and said, "I grew up on your back. In my heart, you and Grandmother are the people closest to me. You were today, and you will be for the rest of my life. I know you cannot bear to part with me, but looking at Shen Run, he is someone I can entrust my life to; please do not worry. If he treats me poorly, I will surely return to you two. I have a maternal family to return to, and I will not let myself be bullied."

The Old Master listened and nodded with a sigh. Looking her over again, this granddaughter had looked like a child yesterday, but today, in her full finery, he could hardly recognize her. His heart felt bitter, and he adjusted the hairpins on her head. "When you reach the Shen house, live well."

Qingyuan nodded, supported him toward the main room, and turned back to receive the groom, needing to pay her respects to him.

The front hall was filled with guests. The Old Master’s old business associates had all come, even the drinking buddy who had borrowed three thousand taels and never returned it—he had sent a gift of one hundred taels, hoping to continue their relationship. Qingyuan didn't say it, but in her heart, she was secretly hoping—just as Shen Run had said, even if the Xie family sent a single handkerchief as part of the dowry, she would be willing to acknowledge that family relationship again.

Alas, until the very end, no one from the Xie family appeared. Amidst the laughter, the groom arrived.

Qingyuan sighed softly. Beyond the wooden corridor, a young man in robes red as fire approached gracefully, as handsome and majestic as the day she first saw him. Commander Shen... she had been so cautious dealing with him back then, and his tone had been unkind. Whenever he glanced at her, her heart would tremble with fear... yet this person was now to become her husband.

She found it hard to believe; her mind felt hazy as she saw him walking closer and closer... He greatly admired her festive attire, a flash of astonishment in his eyes. But he could say nothing; he lowered his sleeve and secretly hooked his index finger into hers.

The Old Master and Old Madam were already seated in the seats of honor. The main gate was pulled open, and Shen Run led Qingyuan to bow in farewell to her elders. They knelt on the brocade cushions and bowed their heads. "Yun’ya marrying Shen Run is a blessing I have cultivated in my past life. From this day forward, we shall be of one heart, sharing honor and misfortune. Please, Grandfather and Grandmother, be at ease."

The Old Madam was crying and laughing, repeatedly saying, "Good... Rise, rise..."

Qingyuan raised her feathered fan, and behind the veil, hot tears rolled down. Perhaps her makeup would be ruined, but she could not care less. From today, she was parting from her childhood years. The time spent at the Xie family had not brought her happiness, but the fourteen years at the Chen family were what she held most dear.

Outside the mansion, there was a sea of people. She heard the surging noise of the crowd and saw layers of figures filling her peripheral vision. At first, she felt sad, but amidst her choking sobs, she noticed a few white snowflakes falling, landing on the intricate trim of her sleeves. Then, the vast, light snow fell like salt. She quietly looked up; the world was filled with falling flakes. At this moment, she felt happy again, and even the crisp air did not feel so suffocating.

She boarded the carriage and headed toward the Commander’s mansion; that would be her home from now on. In the half-year at the Xie family, she had longed for a home of her own, a courtyard that truly belonged to her. Now, it was done; she finally had her wish. She lowered the feathered fan and looked out through the vermilion veil; the snow had red patterns, falling silently and magnificently.

The sky finally darkened. The entire road the wedding procession took was hung with red lanterns. Approaching the Commander’s mansion, the area in front became a sea of lanterns. Baoxian and Hongmian, who had served her before, came to support her. On the brocade floor, a thin layer of snow had accumulated, crunching as she stepped on it.

Holding the treasure vase and crossing the brazier, laughter filled the crowd. Almost everyone who came to congratulate Shen Run was a high-ranking official or their family. The noble ladies whispered, "Oh my, such a magnificent spectacle at this wedding banquet," and "This bridal dress is so opulent; it wasn't a gift from the palace, was it?"

Qingyuan was a bit nervous, but fortunately, Shen Run was not far from her. This wedding, so far, had nothing incomplete about it, except for the absence of high-ranking elders.

Shen Run’s parents had passed away, so he could only bow toward empty seats. The celebrant was loudly chanting to the heavens, and servants had brought over cushions. Just as they were about to perform the ritual, they heard the noise suddenly die down. Qingyuan glanced at Shen Run; on the other side of the red veil, he gave her a reassuring look.

What was meant to come, always would. They heard a servant at the doorway chanting, "The Old Madam and Mistress of the Jiannan Road Commissioner’s mansion arrive to offer congratulations."

Old Madam Xie, because Qingyuan did not consider the bonds of father and daughter, harbored even more resentment. If Qingyuan had seen her father that day, this might not have happened. But she had made up her mind, so she could not blame others. Now that more than half of the court officials were present, if she made a scene, everyone could judge who was right and who was wrong.

The Old Madam stepped forward, her dragon-headed cane thumping against the floor. With every step, she spoke, "Commander Shen, I heard you are marrying my Xie family daughter today. Without a matchmaker, without a dowry, by what right is this a grand wedding?"

Shen Run cupped his hands coolly. "To have the Old Madam take the trouble to grace my wedding with her presence is an honor I dare not accept. Guests are guests. Please, Old Madam, take your seat. After my wife and I complete the rites, I will speak with you."

However, since she had come, how could she let it go? Old Madam Xie sneered, "Commander Shen only bows to his own Shen ancestors, yet he does not know he should kowtow to my Xie family? I would like to ask, Commander Shen, who is this flesh and blood behind the feathered fan? Is she mine? Xie Qingyuan’s name is still in my Xie family register and household records. When you marry her, did you ever notify my Xie family?"

The guests were in an uproar. This was surely the greatest farce of the year. That Shen Run refused to acknowledge his father-in-law was something everyone knew, for he was accustomed to being overbearing, and nothing that happened to him seemed strange. But what no one expected was that the Xie family would come knocking to demand justice. Regardless of what the Xie family had lacked before, from the perspective of state law and family rules, Shen Run and his wife were in the wrong.

The crowd was seven parts interested in seeing a joke. After all, everyone was just playing social games. One would be a fool not to watch such entertainment. Strange enough, the officials of the Palace Command were completely unmoved, and the Imperial Guards and Lulong soldiers standing duty outside the gate had let the troublemakers walk in openly. Upon closer inspection, there seemed to be something suspicious about it.

What kind of person was Shen Run? The entire capital’s defenses and security were in his hands. How could he have overlooked such a vital matter? He had intentionally let the Xie family lose face. In front of the guests, he said, "Old Madam, have you reached such an age that you have forgotten what you did? To beg Shen Run to relieve Commissioner Xie, you sent the girl to my mansion in the middle of the night. May I ask, in this world, where is there such a way to treat one's own flesh and blood? You treat her with contempt because she didn't grow up eating your food, but I admire my wife’s purity and was determined to marry her properly. A girl your Xie family discarded, yet once she became useful, you want to acknowledge her—Old Madam, you are being too childish."

Since Old Madam Xie had come today, she had naturally prepared to be mocked. Now, she did not expect the Fourth Girl to acknowledge the Xie family again; she only wanted to vent her anger so they would be unable to hold their heads up in Youzhou.

Old Madam Xie snorted coldly, "Who in the court does not know Commander Shen’s character? With such meticulous schemes, how could you have miscalculated my Old Madam? I did not come today to argue right or wrong; I came to demand justice. Since she is a member of my Xie family, then her marriage must be decided by my Xie family. No matter how grand this wedding banquet is, it is useless. If you truly wish to take a daughter of the Xie family, please come to my Xie mansion, kowtow, and then come to take her."

As the Old Madam spoke, she tried to snatch Qingyuan. She relied on her age and the title of Lady granted to her, assuming Shen Run would not dare to touch her. But the maids and matrons by Qingyuan’s side were not to be trifled with; they crowded around to separate her, constantly persuading her, "Old Madam, please have some self-respect."

Madam Hu felt secretly delighted. Being able to disrupt this wedding could be counted as venting her frustration. Thinking of Qingru, now half-dead and half-alive, while Qingyuan was gloriously marrying into the Commander’s mansion to become a second-rank noblewoman—it was truly unfair. Let the Old Madam make a scene; the greater the disturbance, the better. As long as the slut Qingyuan fell into her hands, she would find a way to make her wish for death.

But things were just that coincidental. As the argument reached its peak, three eunuchs in official robes, holding jade-handled imperial edicts, arrived at the gate. Seeing the chaos, they cleared their throats loudly. The unnatural tone was even more effective than a gavel.

"Silence!" The head eunuch lowered his eyes with a haughty air and shouted, "The Emperor has a decree: Palace Command Commander Shen Run and his wife, Madam Chen, receive the decree.”