Spring of the Blade - Chapter 95

Chapter 95

Old Madame Xie had no reason to refuse at this moment. She hurriedly said, "We are all family; what is this talk of buying? They were meant to serve you all along. When you were married off, they should have gone with you as part of your dowry. It was my lack of foresight at the time; I didn't think of this layer." As she spoke, she sent people to call Chuntai and Nanny Tao over. "Just take them back with you to serve; I will also have someone send that cosmetic box over to you."

Qingyuan said there was no need. "Old Madame knows my temper. I never take advantage of people for nothing. That money is strictly for buying them back. If Old Madame refuses to accept it, then I will not take them."

Old Madame Xie could not prevail against her, so she had no choice but to agree for the time being.

It was only then that the three wives of Zhengze’s generation entered. They said timidly, "Fourth Sister, we have all been thinking of you. We don't know how you have been faring since your grand wedding."

"We are family, after all. We should keep in close contact in the future. Don't take past matters to heart. Old Madame was just worried about you; she was anxious and listened to Nanny Sun’s instigation..."

"Sister, you lived at home for half a year after all. Having lived under the same roof and eaten at the same table for these six months, there is surely some affection, is there not?"

No matter how eloquently they spoke, Qingyuan only smiled and paid them no mind.

She had seen through this Xie household long ago. They were greedy for gain and petty to a fault; there was nothing more snobbish in this world. This was clearly because she had married Shen Run, and they were desperate to claim the connection. Had she married a commoner, they would have likely let the relationship wither away years ago. She still remembered when the Old Madame discussed her marriage; there was not a hint of protection in her words. She used her mother as an issue, claiming she was only fit for a minor family and that a high official's master should be reserved for Qingru. And now? What about these sisters-in-law? Which of them had ever looked at her with kindness? When she went to pay her respects, they would turn their bodies away and pretend not to see her. Now they came to cozy up to her; truly, they had one face for today and another for tomorrow.

She sat here with patience only to take Chuntai and Nanny Tao away. Otherwise, she would have found every extra moment in this filthy place nauseating. Let them talk their fill; she turned her head to look out the door, her heart filled with concern. She wondered what Shen Run was doing, if the charcoal brazier in the government office was sufficient, and if he felt cold sitting there while handling business. She only hoped for the New Year to arrive quickly so they could settle the matter of Haoxue. She could not wait for spring to arrive and the weather to warm up; she wanted to move to the residence in Shangjing so she could see him every day.

She did not catch a single word of what the Old Madame said afterward. Finally, she saw someone enter through the moon gate. She stood up to greet them. Chuntai and Nanny Tao ran over, grabbing her hands with tears and laughter. "My Lady! We finally see you again!"

The reunion of mistress and servants was a joyous occasion. Qingyuan felt nothing was lacking now, so she turned and bowed to the Old Madame. "I will be taking them now. Many thanks for your leniency, Old Madame."

Just as she was about to leave, Old Madame Xie hurriedly asked, "Fourth girl, will you come back again?"

Qingyuan smiled. "We shall see." She gave an ambiguous answer and left through the hanging flower gate with Chuntai and Nanny Tao.

Although they had only spent half a year together, it was enough to establish a deep bond. Chuntai sniffed and said, "My Lady, we thought we would never see you again. After you left, the Madame sealed the Danyue Pavilion and sent us back to our original quarters. The things in the courtyard must have been stolen by thieves, and she had them clean it all out. And then there was Xiaoxi; the Madame caught her, and rumor has it she was whipped until she lost a layer of skin. Later, she was married off as a wife to a mangy-headed servant. We don't know if she is dead or alive now."

Qingyuan sighed upon hearing this. "She was the Madame's person from the start. Once she turned against her and fell back into the Madame's hands, there was surely no good outcome for her. I cannot look after her now, but in a few days, I will send someone to inquire about her and send her a few taels of silver. After all, she listened to me; if it weren't for that, the Madame wouldn't have made things so difficult for her."

The others agreed. By this time, the carriage had arrived at the gate of the Commandery Commander's residence.

Chuntai and Nanny Tao marveled as soon as they entered. "Goodness, is this the Lady's home?"

Baoxian laughed. "From now on, you can only call her 'My Lady' in private. In public, you must call her 'Madam.' The Madam has only just taken over the household affairs. We are people brought by the Madam, so we must not disgrace her."

Chuntai and Nanny Tao nodded obediently. Seeing the maids lining up in the corridor to offer greetings, they realized that the rules of the Commander's mansion were quite strict—even more so than the Xie residence. Furthermore, everyone was respectful and polite to their Lady, and they finally realized that she had truly found a good home and become the mistress of someone else's household.

Qingyuan had been running about for the past two days and had not been able to rest well. Only now did she relax, kicking off her shoes and reclining on the couch. After resting for a short while, she had Hongmian fetch Nanny Zhou to ask if there had been any movement from the Western Mansion that day.

Nanny Zhou said, "Miss Yao has not come for two days. I don't know if your analogy with the tea the other day made her decide to withdraw."

Qingyuan scoffed. "There is no such easy thing in this world. If she had decided to withdraw because of those few words, she wouldn't have spent months of such ruthless effort."

If her guess was correct, this Miss Haoxue was deliberately leaving Fangchun hanging, waiting for her to grow impatient and invite her again. Since that was the case, she couldn't let Fangchun sit idle. After some thought, she said, "Later, Nanny, make a trip over and say that the Second Madam's small kitchen should rest tonight; tell her to come eat with me. I will have the chef prepare our Southern-style snacks to treat her."

Nanny Zhou agreed and went to deliver the message. Qingyuan thought Fangchun might not have the heart to come, but to her surprise, she agreed immediately. Thus, she busied the kitchen with preparations. Before long, Fangchun arrived, sitting on the couch to chat with her and asking how the trip went and if the Xie family had given her any trouble.

Qingyuan ate candied fruit with her, shaking her head to say no. "Instead, they tried to use a different strategy to win me over. It was truly embarrassing. What about you? What did you do today?"

Fangchun said, "There is nothing to do. It keeps snowing, and you aren't at home; everyone is frozen stiff."

Qingyuan wiped her mouth with a handkerchief and said, "The New Year is almost here. Everything that needs to be prepared in the mansion is mostly ready, except for the new clothes for the New Year. You know the Master; he is fastidious about everything, and I fear he won't like what others make. Let's do it ourselves tomorrow. Let's make one for the Master and one for the Second Master; it is our sentiment, and they will feel comfortable wearing them."

Fangchun looked at her in surprise. "You know how to make clothes?"

Qingyuan said she did. "I started learning needlework at six. Every year for the New Year, I made the new clothes for my grandfather and grandmother."

Fangchun felt completely ashamed upon hearing this. "Compared to you, I am like a man. I only know how to embroider and sew shoe soles. The only thing I have ever given our master is a beast-claw pouch."

Qingyuan felt a bit sorry for her. Although she had lost her mother, she had been carefully taught by her grandmother. She had inherited all the crafts and qualities a young lady must possess from her grandmother. But Fangchun was different; because of her father's favoritism, her stepmother dared not and had no heart to teach her. If you let her swing a sword, she was proficient, but as for tasks like measuring and tailoring, she was incapable.

But she had to focus on encouragement. Qingyuan said, "The beast-claw pouch is very good; it can hold an official seal and a fish tally. I always see the one with the embroidered lion hanging at the Second Master's waist; that was your gift to him, wasn't it?" She smiled lightly as she spoke. "You see, the Second Master has always kept you in his heart. Otherwise, given our household expenses, there would be no reason to use a single object for years."

Fangchun paused, looking thoughtful, and murmured in response, "That much is true..."

Qingyuan then said, "Oh! Even in this, I am not as good as you. Originally, the Master forced a jade he carried with him onto me, yet I have never given him anything. Thinking about it carefully, I have really failed him."

Fangchun became interested. "Then let us make the clothes first, and then you can embroider beast-claw pouches for him as well—embroider two, so he can alternate wearing them." She giggled. "Big Sister-in-law, truly, from the moment I saw the eldest brother, I felt he was like the sun in the sky, and I dared not look directly at him. I never expected he would want to marry you later. He was so anxious and kept discussing it with Cheng Bing. I overheard him from outside the window, listening and laughing at the same time. Only then did I realize that while he puts on a serious face, he is actually very vulnerable."

Qingyuan blushed and lowered her head, smiling sweetly.

Fangchun nudged her with her shoulder. "Do you miss him? You have only been married for five days and are already separated; you must miss him very much, right?"

Qingyuan became even more embarrassed and replied vaguely with a smile, "I do miss him... What are you saying? You and the Second Master have been married for almost three years; don't you miss him now?"

Fangchun had a straightforward nature and did not hide her feelings. She twisted her handkerchief and said, "How could I not miss him... but I feel I have let him down. I am a hen that cannot lay eggs; if I continue to follow him, I will ruin his entire life."

Only now did Qingyuan hear her true feelings. She had previously only guessed, but it turned out she really felt this way. She took her hand and said, "Is it because someone has been whispering in your ear that you have developed this concern? You are afraid of ruining the Second Uncle and are acting on your own to seek a separation, but have you asked for the Second Uncle's opinion? Sister, when a couple spends little time together, it is naturally difficult to conceive. When we all move to Shangjing next year, what will you have to worry about? Even if we take a step back and say you truly cannot bear children, as long as the Second Uncle doesn't dislike you, you should occupy him with a clear conscience. In our dealings with the world, while we should think of others, worrying too much will only add to their troubles. You must not let those who love you suffer while your enemies rejoice. Do you know who will be the first to fill the position of the Commander's wife if it becomes vacant?"

Fangchun stared at her, stunned. "You mean Haoxue? Actually, I don't understand why none of you like her."

If none of them liked her, it meant she had malicious intentions and wanted to tear this family apart. But if she told Fangchun these things now, she wouldn't listen at all. Instead, she would think they were deliberately targeting Haoxue and would be even more inclined to protect that cousin from her mother’s side. Qingyuan smiled. "We have no enmity or grievances with her; how could we have any trouble with her?" She diverted the topic. "The court will go into recess on the twenty-fifth of the twelfth lunar month. I plan to host a banquet before the New Year—first to thank the guests who came or didn't come to our wedding, and second to help the two masters win over their colleagues so they face fewer obstacles in their official careers."

Fangchun said that was good. "I am glad you are so thoughtful."

Qingyuan intentionally sought things for her to do and said solemnly, "The banquet must be prepared in advance. I am afraid I won't be able to handle it alone, and I really need your help."

Fangchun, of course, agreed immediately. People without scheming minds have this one advantage: their grievances and frustrations do not last long. If she stayed with dark people, she would be stained black; staying with bright people, she would also shine brilliantly.

The two sisters-in-law thus became companions and began to prepare wholeheartedly for the upcoming holiday.

Fangchun was not skilled in tailoring, so Qingyuan taught her step-by-step. As the sun rose, the two sat under the eaves, basking in the sun while doing needlework. When the clothes were finished, they each put them on and examined them carefully, guessing what the men would look like wearing them, and their hearts leaped with joy.

Qingyuan was very happy. Her efforts to guide her had not been in vain. Fangchun’s thoughts were gradually being turned around; with work to do, she no longer thought of Haoxue.

After about ten days, Haoxue could no longer contain her anxiety and came to visit. Seeing them writing invitations in the flower hall, she said slowly, "Is the residence hosting a banquet?"

Qingyuan said yes. "I wasn't able to host the guests properly on the day of the wedding and missed a good opportunity to get to know the various ladies. I hope to make up for that regret with this banquet." She added, "You must come that day, Haoxue. The Yao household is Fangchun’s maiden home; if you don't come, the banquet won't be complete."

This newly appointed Commander's wife had a pretty and innocent face that was gentle and lovely in the rising sunlight, enough to make a man intoxicated. Haoxue secretly marveled at her appearance and intelligence; she had only turned sixteen at the New Year, yet she handled her role as a titled lady with such finesse that she seemed as if she were in her element. It was truly a lesson in how high office, though empty, was meant for the capable.

As for the banquet, how could she miss it? Haoxue smiled. "Madam's kind invitation is overwhelming; we will inevitably have to come and disturb you."

Fangchun was still defenseless against her. She blew on the invitation she had just finished writing to let it dry and took the opportunity to say, "By the way, you said my fox fur coat looked good last time. I happen to have a piece of skin left; it was sent by Secretary Liu last year to Cheng Bing. You take it back and have it made up. It is top-quality fur, much better than anything sold on the market."

These had been words Haoxue had spoken to Fangchun in private, but unexpectedly, she had spoken them loudly in front of the people from the East Mansion. Haoxue felt somewhat embarrassed and replied awkwardly, "Since it was something brought back by the brother-in-law, how can I take what others love?"

Qingyuan smiled and said, while holding a brush, "We are all family; a piece of fur is nothing. Just accept it."

When the invitations were mostly finished, Fangchun left to lead her back to the Western Mansion to retrieve it. Haoxue followed behind her and asked softly, "Is the banquet hosted by Madam Chen meant only to treat the various titled ladies?"

Fangchun said, "It is not just those titled ladies. With the court in recess for the New Year, the officials will bring their inner female family members along. The men will be seated in one place, and the women in another. Since she has just been granted her title, it is essential for her to make more connections."

Haoxue nodded, then smiled. "You said the brother-in-law would be promoted after the New Year. When the imperial decree is issued, you will also be a proper titled lady, sister."

She mentioned this only to see if Fangchun still had any thoughts of separation. As expected, Fangchun did not relent; instead, she pondered, "If he is to be promoted this time, it should be to the fourth rank!"

Later, when she left the Commander's mansion, her heart was in turmoil and filled with oppression.

Her personal maid, Que'er, who shared her feelings, said indignantly, "This Commander's wife is truly an 'A Dou' who cannot be helped. At first, she was clearly determined to separate from the Commander; now, seeing that he is on the rise, she actually sets her sights on becoming a titled lady and never mentions the matter again."

Haoxue’s expression was calm; compared to Que'er’s gnashing of teeth, she was clearly much more composed.

The piece of fox fur lay squarely across her knees. She raised her hand and stroked it slowly. The things used in the Shen mansion were indeed all top quality. What virtue or merit did Fangchun have to deserve such things! After the New Year, they would move the whole household to the residence in Shangjing. This banquet was her last chance; once this village was passed, there would be no such shop.

Cheng Bing... liking someone truly had no logic. She knew she shouldn't, but she could not restrain her heart, which was desperate to possess him. Shen Che was handsome, and his future was limitless. With such a person for comparison, no matter who she married in the future, she would never be happy.

As for Qingyuan, she arranged her banquet at a leisurely pace. Three days before the banquet, she rode in a carriage with Fangchun, delivering invitations from house to house.

Fangchun was not very familiar with the customs in the capital region. Since marrying Shen Che, she had never hosted a banquet at home. The only one was held in the Hongyan Pavilion, and Shen Che had arranged everything. She only needed to show up on time. Thus, she was confused by Qingyuan’s practice of sending invitations three days in advance.

"Is there a reason for this?" she asked, clutching her hand warmer.

Qingyuan delivered the invitation to the gatekeeper of the Infantry Commander's residence and whispered to her, "There is a rule in the capital: three days for an invitation, two days for a reminder, and the same day for a 'pick-up.' To show respect, we must send the invitation three days in advance so the guests can arrange their household affairs and attend the banquet at their leisure."

Fangchun said "Oh." She felt more and more that she was living like a wooden stick. This girl, three years younger than her, was not just a sister-in-law but a mentor; not only had she not helped her with anything, but she was also a burden in everything.

Just as she was feeling ashamed, the wife of the Infantry Commander came out to greet them personally, her face full of smiles. "Oh my, why bother with such formalities, Madam Shen? You could have just sent someone; why take the trouble to come yourself?"

Fangchun peeked at Qingyuan. She was smiling, walking toward Madam Han, who had extended her hand, with graceful and elegant poise.