Where the Mask Ends - Chapter 14

Chapter 14

"Traveling by carriage all this way is tiring enough. Rao'er, you should go and rest first."

After admiring the hunting results of her little granddaughter, Old Lady Wei smiled and gave the order.

Wei Rao lived in the backyard of Zhengchun Hall and could see her grandmother whenever she pleased, so there was no need to linger at that moment. She smiled and took her leave.

The expressions of Lady Guo and Wei Chan were not very pleasant.

Wei Rao had a sharp tongue; for the past two years, they had tried to embarrass her, but they had never once managed to gain the upper hand.

Old Lady Wei set down her teacup and called her head maid, Jade, to stand guard outside the hall, forbidding the younger maids from eavesdropping.

Lady Guo and Wei Chan looked at the Old Lady in unison.

The smile on Old Lady Wei's face vanished before anyone noticed. Glancing at Wei Chan, she coldly questioned Lady Guo: "This gossip just now—when did you hear it, and from whose lips did it come?"

Lady Guo twisted her handkerchief and smiled apologetically: "A few days ago, I had an appointment with Lady Li to burn incense together, and she told me. It wasn't just Lady Li; when I took Chan-jie'er to Zhencui Tower to pick out jewelry, I encountered several ladies all discussing this matter. They only stopped when they saw me. Only those who are usually on good terms with me privately advised me, as an aunt, to restrain Rao'er, lest she cause trouble outside and implicate the reputation of our Wei family."

Old Lady Wei stared sharply at her daughter-in-law: "Is that so? When they were spreading rumors and slandering Rao'er, did you, as an aunt, ever stand up to clear her name?"

Lady Guo understood what her mother-in-law meant. She lowered her head and whispered a rebuttal: "I didn't see with my own eyes that Rao'er didn't go, so how could I prove it for her? You know how Rao'er is, she runs to the leisure estate every few days..."

"Sophistry! You didn't see Rao'er go, yet you believed the idle chatter of outsiders. Rao'er is your own niece; you also didn't see her go, so why didn't you believe Rao'er?" Old Lady Wei interrupted Lady Guo sternly.

Lady Guo's face turned pale from the scolding.

She felt guilty.

In truth, Lady Guo had heard the gossip from several circles, mostly centering on Zhou Huizhen. Her own sister-in-law from her maiden family had said she hadn't seen Wei Rao with the other girls. However, Lady Guo was unhappy that her mother-in-law favored Wei Rao over her own daughter, so she deliberately stirred up trouble. She never imagined that her mother-in-law wouldn't even go outside to verify the facts, but would instead continue to believe whatever Wei Rao said.

As a daughter-in-law, Lady Guo did not dare to argue further, but in her heart, she resented Old Lady Wei for being biased—too biased!

"Grandmother, my mother is only doing this for Fourth Sister’s own good. The Zhou family’s reputation is terrible; that is recognized by the entire capital. If Fourth Sister were truly sensible, she shouldn't frequent that side so often," Wei Chan could not help but interject.

Old Lady Wei sneered and looked at Wei Chan: "If your mother were truly doing this for Rao'er’s good, she would righteously rebuke those who speak ill of her. Chan-jie'er, your surname is Wei, and your Fourth Sister’s surname is also Wei. You are sisters bound by blood. If you allow others to gossip about Rao'er, once her reputation is ruined, don't think you will be able to stand apart unscathed."

Wei Chan bit her lip, lowered her head, and said: "Grandmother only knows how to lecture me; why don't you manage Fourth Sister? If she didn't go out, there wouldn't be so many issues."

Old Lady Wei laughed in anger: "That's right. If Rao'er didn't go out, she wouldn't be splashed with cold water, and if the two of you didn't go out, you wouldn't have become fools who follow the trend of spreading rumors. Fine, I won't favor anyone. Starting today, you are all grounded for a month. Don't go anywhere; stay home and reflect on your mistakes!"

Lady Guo was shocked and looked up: "Mother, this won't do. April 15th is the Princess Consort’s birthday, and I have already promised to take Chan-jie'er there."

The eldest son of Emperor Yuanjia, Prince Duan, was married to Lady Guo’s eldest daughter, Wei Shu.

At the mention of the Princess Consort of Duan, the look Old Lady Wei gave Lady Guo became even more mournful: "Back then, Rao'er’s father was determined to investigate corrupt officials for the Emperor, and he was murdered by treacherous men, dying in the prime of his life. The Emperor, remembering the integrity and loyalty of Rao'er’s father, specially bestowed a marriage between Shu-jie'er and Prince Duan. That Shu-jie'er can be a Princess Consort, and that you can be related to the Emperor, depends entirely on Rao'er’s father. Now, you want to step on Rao'er at every turn. How can you face your late brother-in-law?"

By the end, tears were already welling up in Old Lady Wei’s eyes.

Having raised such a daughter-in-law and granddaughter, what sort of successful housekeeper was she? Her virtuous name had been paid for with the life of her second son; it was something the Emperor had specially praised and promoted to soothe the families of loyal and honest officials! Her second son was so good, so what if she favored Rao'er a little? Her Rao'er had such a bitter fate; her father died, her mother ran off, and she was almost murdered by the Empress Dowager because her mother was an eyesore. She had nearly died right in front of her as a small child. Why shouldn't she favor her?

"Retire."

Old Lady Wei lowered her head and waved her hand.

Lady Guo and Wei Chan saw the Old Lady’s distress and wanted to soften their stance and say a few kind words to make amends, but they were unceremoniously escorted out by the loyal and protective Jade.

Old Lady Wei missed her late son and had no appetite; she barely ate any lunch.

Wei Rao sensed something was wrong and secretly inquired with Jade, only to learn that her grandmother had been angered by Lady Guo and her daughter.

Wei Rao felt her heart ache.

Her aunt and cousin at the leisure estate were often foolish, but her maternal grandmother, Old Madame Shou’an, was broad-minded. If she couldn't manage them, she simply wouldn't; out of sight, out of mind. Her grandmother’s temperament was different; the more she cherished her reputation, the more she cared about these things, never able to find a moment of peace.

Ordering Jade and Bitao to stand guard outside, Wei Rao went in herself to coax her grandmother.

Old Lady Wei was lying on the bed, feeling spiritless; she knew who it was the moment she heard the footsteps.

"Did Jade tell you again?" Old Lady Wei sighed helplessly.

Wei Rao smiled and sat at the edge of the bed, picking up the Old Lady’s hand and rubbing it gently: "If Grandmother eats so little, isn't it just to make my heart ache? I’ve already come to pamper you; why do you have to pretend to be annoyed with Jade?"

Her delicate, tender voice was like raindrops pattering against a jade plate—pleasant to the ear and carrying a sweet clarity that dissolved agitation.

Old Lady Wei shook her head, sat up, and leaned against the headboard to talk to her granddaughter: "I’m fine, I’m just used to it."

Wei Rao looked at the strands of white hair at her grandmother’s temples, and her eyes reddened: "Grandmother, I want to get married. You tell me: if I begin today to conduct myself properly, learn to be a dignified and gentle young lady, and never run around again except to accompany you, with my qualifications, can I still marry into a high-ranking family?"

Old Lady Wei said with surprise: "You’ve truly thought it through?"

She had long ago taught her granddaughter the logic that to marry well, she had to be an admired young lady of a prominent family. Even though the granddaughter had the drag of the Zhou family, she had other advantages that other young ladies didn't possess: a father praised by Emperor Yuanjia as an honest and loyal official, an uncle with a noble title, and beauty that topped the capital. Among ordinary official daughters, who could compare to Rao'er?

If it weren't for the fact that Rao'er was still very young when her second son died, the position of Princess Consort of Duan should have been Rao'er’s.

Wei Rao was well-versed in the way of coaxing elders and said listlessly: "I have thought it through, I’m just afraid it’s too late to change now."

Old Lady Wei immediately said: "It’s not too late, it’s not too late. You spend a month preparing at home first. There are several banquets in the capital’s mansions coming up, and when the time comes, Grandmother will take you along. I guarantee I will pick a good marriage for you."

Wei Rao blushed and said: "Then Grandmother must take care of your health. You must be robust so you have the energy to plan for me."

Old Lady Wei naturally complied.

However, one still had to act the part. The next day, Old Lady Wei claimed her feet and legs were uncomfortable; she couldn't move from bed and required her daughter-in-law and granddaughters to serve her morning and night. Because Lady Guo had to be filial to her "ailing" mother-in-law, she had a reason not to go to the Princess Consort of Duan’s minor birthday celebration on April 15th.

Unable to show off at the Prince Duan’s mansion, Lady Guo was very depressed. That night, she complained to her husband, the Earl of Chengan: "Mother did it on purpose. She blames me for refusing to speak up for Rao'er, so she is using this method to punish me."

The Earl of Chengan was soaking his feet. Upon hearing this, he slanted a look at his wife: "Mother is still soft-hearted; the punishment wasn't severe enough."

Wei Rao’s eldest uncle did not have the talent of the Second Master Wei, but he was upright, kind, and filial, and rarely listened to whispers in his ear.

Lady Guo was so angry she glared at him: "Wasn't I doing it for Chan-jie'er? Both granddaughters are the same age and should be discussing marriage. Look at our mother; her heart is entirely on Rao'er. Does she think Chan-jie'er was picked up from the street?"

The Earl of Chengan said: "Chan-jie'er has you and me. Who does Rao'er have? You, the older you get, the less reasonable you become."

Lady Guo’s face instantly stretched long: "Who did you say was getting old? Concubine Qiu is young, why don't you go find her!"

The Earl of Chengan’s brows locked into a 'chuan' shape: "Qiu’er is a maid from your side, and you were the one who told me to take her in all those years ago. It’s been nearly twenty years; why are you eating such jealousy?"

Lady Guo cried: "Who told you to say I was old?"

The Earl of Chengan had a headache: "Alright, alright, you are young, and I am the old man, is that enough?"

For the sake of peace in the household, that night the Earl of Chengan could not avoid holding Lady Guo and saying some improper words that he only spoke when they were young.

Even knowing it was fake, Lady Guo loved to hear it. Since her husband treated her well, she didn't feel as miserable when she went to serve Old Lady Wei again.

Throughout that month, watched by Old Lady Wei, Wei Rao spent her time either reading and practicing calligraphy or practicing needlework.

Wei Rao truly had little to show for the things that noble young ladies were usually adept at. It couldn't be blamed on her, really; after a major illness at eleven, she was nearly ruined and spent every day taking medicine after medicine—she had no strength to learn those things. Later, when Emperor Yuanjia sent a master to her, Wei Rao developed a strong interest in martial arts. By the time she had fully restored her health, horse riding and hunting became her new hobbies, and she had no desire to make up for the poetry and needlework she had missed.

"Is temporary cramming going to be of any use?" Wei Rao muttered softly.

Old Lady Wei: "Learning a little more is never wrong, especially in writing and needlework. Once you marry, you will need to use them often."

Wei Rao pouted, holding up her sleeve with one hand as she continued to practice her calligraphy.

"This girl’s handwriting looks quite good to me," Bitao said while grinding ink, trying to flatter her mistress: "It’s like that Yunwu Mountain, uniquely elegant without losing its beauty. It has the loftiness of the mountains, and the gentleness of the water."

Old Lady Wei: "I didn't realize it; you know more about appreciation than your own young mistress."

Bitao’s face flushed; she focused on her work and remained silent.

"Old Lady, an eunuch has been sent from the palace." A little maid ran over, her cheeks flushed red because the weather was growing warmer.

Old Lady Wei hurriedly took Wei Rao, Lady Guo, and Wei Chan to the front courtyard to receive the decree.

The Earl of Chengan was working at the Ministry of Revenue, and the heir, Wei Zizhan, was studying at the Imperial Academy; neither was home.

The visitor was a young eunuch from the Empress Dowager’s side. With the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, the Empress Dowager had issued an oral decree inviting Old Lady Wei to the palace to watch the dragon boat race, allowing her to bring two relatives.

The Dragon Boat Festival race was one of the annual highlights.

There were dragon boat teams sponsored by merchants and nobles participating, but in the palace race, the contestants were all elite soldiers and fierce generals selected from the Imperial Guard. It appeared to be just a competition, but in reality, it was an opportunity for the Emperor to inspect the strength of the various military branches. The excitement of the race far exceeded those among the common people, and usually, only imperial relatives and high-ranking officials of the fifth rank and above, along with their families, were invited into the palace.

The Earl of Chengan was only a sixth-rank capital official; the fact that the Wei family could obtain the qualification to enter the palace was the face Emperor Yuanjia was giving Old Lady Wei.

Although it was an invitation from the Empress Dowager, it was, in fact, the Emperor’s will.

After the eunuch who delivered the message left, Lady Guo and Wei Chan were overjoyed and looked at Old Lady Wei in unison.

Old Lady Wei called Wei Chan and Wei Rao to her side and asked with a smile: "Are the two of you willing to accompany me into the palace?"

Wei Rao did not want to see the Empress Dowager, but this year’s Dragon Boat Festival was a great opportunity for her to show her face. If she wanted to marry into a high-ranking family, she had to make the effort.

"I am willing. I have never seen the palace’s dragon boat race before," Wei Rao said.

Three years ago, the Wei family had received an invitation, but at that time, she was still weak and had stayed home.

Upon hearing this, Wei Chan looked at her mother, Lady Guo, in embarrassment.

Lady Guo struggled to maintain her smile, blaming herself for being careless. The last time her mother-in-law took her into the palace, it was because Wei Rao was sick. Now that Wei Rao was well, how could her mother-in-law slight her favorite heart and soul?

"Still not thanking the Old Lady? Our whole family is basking in the Old Lady’s glory," Lady Guo said, forcing herself to look happy.

Wei Chan smiled and offered her thanks, then, while Old Lady Wei was not paying attention, she quickly shot a glare at Wei Rao.

As far as Wei Chan was concerned, Wei Rao was entirely superfluous. If it weren't for Wei Rao, her family wouldn't have been gossiped about, and her mother wouldn't have had to give up her spot.

Of the entire Second Branch, only the Second Uncle was a good person, but it was a pity that good people didn't have long lives, leaving all the benefits to those two disasters, the younger Lady Zhou and Wei Rao.