Spring of the Blade - Chapter 86
Chapter 86
The hall fell silent at once, so quiet that not even a cough could be heard. People had been whispering about how the Shen family’s grand wedding had received no acknowledgement from the palace; it turned out the gesture had simply been delayed.
"Madam of the Chen family"—the title was enough to leave one savoring its implications. If even the palace refused to acknowledge the bride as a member of the Xie family, then the Xie family’s protest became nothing more than a self-inflicted humiliation. The gazes of those present darted back and forth like shuttles; in this tangle of grievances, someone was bound to lose face while another would have the last laugh, all depending on how the Emperor’s edict was issued.
The Shen family’s main hall was vast and deep, and the voice of the eunuch reading the edict echoed against the rafters—
"Shen Run has served diligently in the Ling Pavilion, achieving great merit in securing and pacifying the borders. His achievements are virtuous and balanced, and imperial favor is bestowed both within and without. We hereby appoint him as the Jiedushi (Military Governor) of the Lulong Army of Youzhou. Shen’s wife, of the Chen clan, is by nature gentle and virtuous, possessing an inner brilliance and refined character. She embodies the fragrant virtues of the marsh and the elegant charm of the lush herbs. We hereby bestow upon you the title of Lady of Guangyang Commandery. May you carry the grace and favor of Heaven, shining brightly upon your carriage. May you continue to practice virtue and diligence within your household. Thus it is written."
Qingyuan was still stunned when Shen Run tugged on her sleeve. He shouted "Long live the Emperor!" and led her in a low bow.
He had originally intended to request a decree for the marriage, but upon learning of the Xie family’s scheme, he had changed his request to the Emperor at the last moment. Since his promotion to Jiedushi was officially announced today, Qingyuan could naturally receive her noble title. Since the imperial edict had already placed her under the Chen family name, what grounds did the Xie family have to dispute it? Everyone called Shen Run tyrannical and overbearing, capable of covering the sky with one hand; if he couldn't even change his own wife’s household registration, wouldn't he be bearing that infamous reputation for nothing?
The expressionless eunuch, having finished reading the edict, immediately beamed. He gestured to the eunuchs to his left and right, who were carrying vermilion lacquered trays, to step forward. He lifted the red cloth covering them to let the couple see: one tray held the coronet and robes of a second-rank noblewoman, and the other held gold bullion wrapped in red paper.
The eunuch bowed and smiled, "Military Governor and Madam, please rise. This humble servant has come to convey the summons on behalf of the Emperor and the Empress. As it is inconvenient for the Emperor and Empress to leave the palace, they have specially bestowed one hundred taels of gold to celebrate the Military Governor’s wedding. Additionally, they bestow a hu of pearls and a set of bridal crown and robes upon the Madam. The Empress said that in two days, she requests the Military Governor and his wife to enter the palace together, so that she may see you both."
Shen Run replied, "I thank the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress for their grace. In two days, I will certainly bring my wife to the palace to express my gratitude. You three have worked hard; it is my wedding day, so please have a cup of wine before you leave."
The eunuch politely declined, citing other duties and the need to report back to the palace. Shen Run signaled for his stewards to attend to them, bestowing generous rewards that go without saying.
With the palace messengers gone, the room erupted in congratulations. The Shen family could be said to be in their glory today—a wedding, a promotion to Jiedushi, and the ennoblement of a Commandery Lady. Looking across the entire court, how many families had received such honors?
The Xie family members who had come to argue were so angry they nearly fainted. Old Madam Xie let out a few whimpering sounds, "Even an Emperor cannot tamper with someone else’s family registry! Flesh and blood, it is flesh and blood..."
Qingyuan looked through the red veil at the person leaning on the dragon-headed cane; she felt like a complete stranger who had never met them before.
She addressed the Old Madam, "Flesh and blood—that is well said. Though Father gave me life, he never raised me. As for the debt of birth, I have saved him from peril time and again, and I think that debt should be paid in full. Old Madam, you only know of Father’s birth-debt, but how have you forgotten my mother? My mother was wrongfully expelled by you, you swallowed the Jin family’s fortune, bullied my mother when she was alone, and caused her to die in vain. How should I demand payment for that hatred? Today is my wedding day. If you were truly my kin and genuinely cared for me, you would have come to offer congratulations, not to cause a scene at my banquet. You have never considered me your own flesh and blood; you only used me as a tool to please high officials. Fortunately, I met him. If it were someone else, I fear I would be like my mother, driven to a wrongful death by you."
She spoke each word plainly, without resentment or agitation. She simply stood there and stated the facts, letting the guests hear clearly. Before leaving the Chen family, she had secretly harbored a foolish hope that the Xie family would show some kindness, but now, filled with disappointment, she felt strangely calm. She knew this connection was severed for good. She had only lived for fifteen years, and in those years, she had seen the ugliest aspects of human nature. In the years to come, there was likely nothing else that could shock her.
That was fine, she sighed lightly, and returned to Shen Run’s side. Shen Run said to Old Madam Xie, "Since the imperial edict has been issued, there is no need for me to say more. It would be best if you changed your genealogy and household registry as soon as possible, so we don't have to deal with this entanglement later." Having said this, his sharp eyes turned to Madam Hu, and he sneered, "They say a virtuous wife means fewer disasters for the husband; that Commissioner Xie has reached this point is not entirely his own fault. Madam, quickly support your Old Madam and go back to rest. Your own inner household is a mess; do not bother yourselves with my mansion’s affairs."
By this point, the Shen family’s victory was assured, and the crowd shifted to a bantering tone, asking, "On such an important day, why didn't Commissioner Xie come?"
"Although the inner household is managed by the Madam, one shouldn't let her run wild. Look at this scene she caused, ruining a perfectly good wedding banquet..."
"Is Madam Shen only fifteen this year? Being granted a noble title at fifteen—that has never happened in this dynasty..."
Shen Run showed no mercy now and shouted for his men, "If anyone else causes trouble, beat them to death with sticks. If someone dies, I will take the blame before the Emperor myself."
A line of guards entered from outside the main gate, the sound of their armor clattering in unison. Their helmets were pulled low, casting their brows into shadow under the lantern light, making them look like golden-armored gods from a temple. Even their voices were like the beating of drums as they issued a "Please," startling everyone.
The Xie family members fled in disgrace amidst the overwhelming ridicule. Outside the gate, the Old Madam was panting, and Madam Hu’s servant, Mother Sun, came forward to console her, "Old Madam, calm your anger. Let them enjoy themselves for a few days..."
Before she could finish, the Old Madam slapped her hard across the face.
"You haven't caused me enough shame! I must have been blinded by greed to listen to the instigation of a wretch like you. If I had known..." the Old Madam muttered miserably, "If I had known... I would have been better off preparing a generous dowry and sending it to her. If she had softened her heart, perhaps we could have won her back..."
With the Xie family gone, the wedding banquet could finally proceed smoothly. After bowing to Heaven and Earth, the bride was sent to the bridal chamber. Commander Shen used a weighing scale rod to lift the veil, though a feathered fan still blocked the bride’s face. The guests teased him, asking him to sing, but he was clumsy with his words and didn't know what to sing, so he bowed low to Qingyuan, "Please, Madam, remove the fan... Please, Madam, remove the fan..."
Qingyuan couldn't bear to tease him further and shyly withdrew the feathered fan. The young, radiant bride sat there, her beautiful face full, her head adorned with jewels and pearls, her shoulders draped in a cape of colorful silk—she was both dignified and charming.
Shen Run’s friends laughed and shoved him, "Shouya, you have great fortune! The sister-in-law is truly beautiful!"
The matrons in the bridal chamber laughed and ushered them out, "My lords, the banquet is starting outside, please take your seats."
Once the troublemakers were shooed away, it was time for the couple to perform the rite of drinking from the nuptial cup. They sat facing each other, eating white meat, taking pieces for each other... Qingyuan was genuinely hungry and ate several pieces, making even the wedding matron laugh. She felt a bit embarrassed, "Why do I find this meat so delicious..."
Shen Run, doting on her, personally served her two more pieces and handed her the wine. The nuptial cup rite involved splitting a gourd in two, using it to hold wine, drinking, and then binding the two halves together with a red silk thread, completing the grand ceremony.
But he still had to entertain the guests. Reluctantly, he asked her to wait for his return, glancing back every few steps as he left. Only then did Qingyuan breathe a sigh of relief. Baoxian laughed, "My lady has worked hard. So many things happened today; just now, I saw the Old Madam’s face change with anger."
Qingyuan smiled, "Help me re-braid my hair." She stood up and removed the pins and jewels from her head.
Because of the warning Jiang had provided in advance, she had told Shen Run about it, and he told her not to worry, that he would handle it himself without even bothering Grandfather Chen. It turned out he had requested the Emperor’s decree. Having such a backbone in the family meant there was truly nothing for her to worry about, which was why so many girls longed to marry into the Shen mansion—it was not without reason.
She had seen Fangchun during the fan-removing ceremony earlier, but now she was nowhere to be seen; she had likely gone home. She smoothed her hair and turned to ask Mother Zhou, "Has it been peaceful in the West Mansion these past few days?"
Mother Zhou shook her head, "Two days ago, the Second Mistress made a scene about separating. The news reached the Master’s ears, and he was angry, but he couldn't scold her, so he just told the Second Master to go back and mediate. We servants have been hoping for you to enter the house; this family truly needs a proper mistress. The Second Mistress has never concerned herself with affairs; she only knows to eat when hungry and wear clothes when cold. Whoever says a few sweet words to her, she pours her heart out to them. I was thinking that now that you have entered the mansion, that girl, Haoxue, will be somewhat wary. As long as she doesn't whisper in the Second Mistress’s ear, the Second Mistress will recover once she comes to her senses."
But Qingyuan shook her head; she feared it wouldn't be that simple. That woman had spent months laying the groundwork, and the deep-seated habits would be hard to reverse in a short time. The Yao family likely saw what happened at her wedding banquet today, and they were probably red-eyed with jealousy. No one dared to attack Shen Run; he was ill-tempered and unapproachable—if a conversation went wrong, he would resort to violence, and no matter how coquettish a girl was, he could cut her to pieces. Shen Che was different; his temperament was gentler and more approachable, so if one wanted to enter the Shen house, the second branch was naturally easier to manipulate.
Qingyuan removed her bracelets and placed them in her vanity box, "Does that girl Haoxue still come by?"
"She does! How could she not!" Mother Zhou said, "A few days ago, a servant from the West Mansion told us that the girl was advising the Second Master, saying that the elder sister had a stubborn temper while at her maiden home, and asking the brother-in-law not to take it to heart."
Qingyuan frowned, "The Second Master and Second Mistress have been married for so long, and yet they need an outsider to mediate?"
Mother Zhou tucked her hands into her sleeves and said, "Indeed. It is disgusting. She instigates the Second Mistress on one hand and plays the good person to the Second Master on the other. At such a young age, her intentions are truly sinister."
Qingyuan gave a mocking laugh; she knew in her heart that the Yao family was certainly pushing this along. Hadn't the Xie family been like that, too? The Old Madam had even wanted her to be a stepwife for Shen Che. Haoxue’s family was of the minor sixth rank; if even the daughter of an eighth-rank military consultant could be a primary wife, then given her background, she was more than qualified to be a stepwife.
"I know about this now. Do not speak of it for the time being; I have my own plans later." As she spoke, she raised her face, waiting for Hongmian to re-apply her powder.
Mother Fu, her personal maid, changed the subject with a smile, "My young lady, what day is it today? You will have plenty of time to ponder this later; why must you choose today!"
Mother Zhou also laughed, "It is my fault for leading the Madam to talk about this, I deserve to be punished! Please finish your grooming, Madam. The Master will return in a moment. On your wedding night, do not let those petty people ruin your mood."
Qingyuan smiled, pressing her lips together. Thinking of their current situation, she felt nervous again. Those matrons exited, and the room became quiet. She stood up and paced slowly, pushing the window open just a tiny crack to watch the snow falling outside.
"If it snows until tomorrow morning, it should be quite thick. Sigh, when we were in Hengtang, where did we ever see such heavy snow? Youzhou is truly wonderful; one can watch the snowy scenery..."
"And there is someone so wonderful, cuddling with you in the rolling red dust." The person behind her spoke as he wrapped her in his arms, like a larger half-circle enclosing a smaller one, holding her tightly.
Baoxian and Hongmian smiled at each other and retreated. With only the two of them left in the room, Qingyuan felt a bit shy. She turned to look at him, smelled the scent of wine on him, and said softly, "Did you drink too much? Have all the guests dispersed?"
His tone was lazy, "I was happy today, so I drank a few extra cups. It doesn't matter; I am far from drunk. The guests have all dispersed. After all, they are court officials and very tactful; they knew I was on my wedding night..." He kissed the spot behind her ear and murmured happily, "This is great; you are finally mine."
Qingyuan bashfully pulled her head into her shoulders, "Commander, you have worked hard today."
He listened, then gave a long grunt, "Why do you still call me Commander? You should change to a different title."
She covered her mouth and laughed, "I am so used to saying it, I forgot for a moment."
He turned her around, her bright eyes looking at him mistily in the candlelight, "Say it again."
She smiled and stroked his face, "Shouya."
He nodded, "There is more."
"Husband."
He took the sound of that name into his heart, pressed both hands on her shoulders, and lowered his head. His posture was heavy, and she could not see his expression.
Qingyuan knew what he was thinking now, and said softly, "In the future, whether it is bitter or sweet, I will always be by your side. Do not be afraid."
He laughed upon hearing this, "How could I be afraid..." But sometimes he truly was afraid—he liked her so much that he lived in constant fear of losing her.
However, being a grown man, some things were hard to say. He looked out the window, where the branches and eaves already had a thin layer of snow, and asked her, "Do you like snow?"
She said yes, her arched brows and eyes holding dancing flames, "Tomorrow, shall we go and build a snowman?"
He said nothing, pushed the window open, and jumped out. He gathered all the snow from the corners of his robes and the eaves, then reached through the window to present it to her, "It is too cold outside, don't go out. If you want to play with snow, I will bring it to you."
Qingyuan’s eyes felt a little sore, "I didn't say I wanted to play with snow right now... how are you like a child."
She quickly brushed the snow from the hem of his robe and pulled him inside, holding his hands to rub them carefully. His fingertips were slightly cool—he had not been in the snow for long, but her heart ached nonetheless.
"Are you cold?" She lifted her eyes to look at him, her watery gaze making him distracted.
He said he was cold, "Madam, warm them up for me."
Hearing this, she held his hands up and brought them to her lips, blowing warm air on them. As she blew, her lips brushed against the back of his hands, and she mumbled, "Let me give you a kiss!"
On this wedding night, with the bride being so considerate, how could he possibly hold back?
He picked her up, and they both tumbled into the mandarin duck quilt. It was freezing outside, but the room was warm as spring, and even without charcoal, husband and wife were each other’s comfort. She still possessed the innocence of a young girl, but now, married as a woman, she had both a maiden’s naivety and a young wife’s awkwardness. He braced himself to watch her; she lowered her lashes, her face blushing red. He kissed her tenderly, from her forehead down to the tips of her toes.
She melted into a pool of spring water; it turned out she was even more intoxicating than he had imagined. Her snow-white arms lay softly against the vermilion quilt, and he reached out, finding warmth, finding her hand, and interlocking his fingers tightly with hers.
"Are you afraid?" he asked in her ear, his voice low and hoarse, with a hint of seduction.
Her toes curled, pressing against his calf, and she opened her eyes slightly to say she was not afraid.
Not far from the bed, an incense burner was lit; the hollow patterns cast waves of light that stretched long and short. His hair was disheveled, and his deep-set features had a unique beauty in the dim light. He had a soul that flickered like a raging fire, and later she learned that the fire was not the only thing about him that burned.
With the thunder and lightning of the night, she felt as if she would shatter, but he had such clever hands to piece her back together. The long night stretched on; she did not feel it was arduous, nor did she feel weary. She simply welcomed him with a heart full of joy, and she loved this feeling of being above the clouds.
When he buried his face in the crook of her neck, she hugged him tightly, "Shouya, we must be like this forever until we grow old."
He chuckled softly and said okay, "Every day like this... forever until we grow old.”