NOVEL NEXT Quan Prefecture was located in Mingnan [1] and was a place abundant with wealth and content citizens. This was also where Sheng Hong had been assigned a governmental post for the past few years. He was to manage the division of salt, food, flood management, irrigation works, as well as tidy up military records and pacify the people.
In the past few years, he had gained a lot of achievements. Even when there had been three shifts in power, he still continued to rise in rank. This was only possible because Sheng Hong knew how to conduct himself with integrity and get along with the local officials. That was also why, when news came that Sheng Daren [2] had been promoted, everyone tried to invite him to banquets, with underlying intentions these past few days. Unable to reject the offers, Sheng Hong had no choice but to face them head on. The matter of preparing the family for travel was entrusted to Madame, Wang shi.
These past few days, the household’s servants and housekeepers were bustling around Wang shi’s residence in the east courtyard. Wang shi’s previously melancholic mood was swept away by the pleasure she found in such hard work. This afternoon, Wang shi roughly arranged some matters and called some personal servants to check on the remainder of the list before going inside the inner side room to speak with Liu Kun’s wife.
In the inner room, there was a big couch against the wall. Spread on top of it were a lot of delicate weaves and a thin silk brocade. Sleeping on the weaves and silk were two girls, both around five years old.
Two first class maids were sitting on a low stool, near the couch, gently fanning the two sleeping girls. Upon seeing Wang shi enter the room, they immediately stood up and greeted her. Wang shi waved her hands, signaling to remain silent to avoid disturbing the two girls’ afternoon nap. Walking to the couch, she saw a very likeable round and plump girl, looking so lovely and innocent while sleeping. Wang shi couldn’t help but relax her brows and turn to look at the other girl. Her features, in stark contrast, were elegant, even if her face was a little too pale. It was quite obvious that she was suffering from a deficiency in energy and blood, resulting in an utterly frail body. The pale girl was wrinkling her brows in her sleep. Wang shi lightly sighed and tucked the two girls in the thin brocade blanket before she took a seat on a rattan chair.
Liu Kun’s wife ordered the two maids to go outside and watch the door before walking to stand in front of Wang shi. She searched for a round stool to sit on but halted on Wang shi’s invitation to sit down beside her on the rattan chair. Liu Kun’s wife declined at first but with Wang shi’s continued invitation, she had no choice but to sit down beside her.
“These past few days, Madame has been busy and thanks to that, things are now more or less packed. This morning, a letter from Deng Prefecture arrived saying that the household has been tidied up, only waiting for Master and Madame to move in. I must say, First Master Wei and my family’s Master, although cousins [3], are actually closer than blood brothers. I don’t know how much money First Master Wei has spent, but the sentiments have been greatly expressed.” Liu Kun’s wife said with enthusiasm..
“Master Wei’s father and my family’s late father-in-law [4] were brothers, born to the same mother, and were of a similar age. In the past, they both studied together at Duke Ling Households’ private home-school [5]. After graduating, they were both accepted under Cabinet Yang, who, at that time, was still a scholar at the Hanlin Academy. Old Master Uncle Wei [6], during that time, was pampering a concubine and was completely ignorant about the misery that his parents were going through… Old Madam could only watch over her sister-in-law and nephew. Because our Master was a child of a concubine, he wasn’t raised by Old Madam and had suffered during that time as well. This caused him and Master Wei to empathise with each other, as fellow sufferers. The two brothers’ bond cannot be broken. Although Master Wei has not taken up an official post, he is able to manage the house appropriately. He even managed to increase their wealth without getting attached to money. Now that Master Sheng Hong and my older brother are officials, it will be easier for both of them to look out for each other and his (MW) descendants. That’s why Master Wei shouldn’t mind lending us this sum of money,” Wang shi said, sounding pleased with the thought.
“Madame, you may think like this, but no matter what you must not say such words in front of Master. You should be extremely grateful towards Master Wei’s generous intentions and avoid mentioning Madame’s maiden family. Don’t forget the last time Concubine Lin managed to fan the flames and stir up trouble.” Liu Kun’s wife saw that Wang shi’s old weakness was acting up, and hurriedly reminded her.
Wang shi, in a displeased tone, said, “That hateful, slanderous, seductive fox!”
It wasn’t good for Liu Kun’s wife to continue so, she changed the topic. While smiling, she said, “How’s Sixth Young Lady doing at Madame’s place? I heard that Master personally carried her all the way from the lotus pond that day. I immediately knew Sixth Young Lady would be sent to follow Madame.”
Wang shi glanced at the girl on the couch, “This girl just lost her biological mother and, therefore, sooner or later, must be taken care of by me. I know this, but I still can’t accept it. That time, when that lowly Lin gave birth to her children, why didn’t Master think of me as the legitimate mother [7]? Why didn’t he let the children be raised at my place? What did he mean, affection of blood relations are hard to give up? Why did he allow Concubine Lin to raise her children?? Why was it that only when Concubine Wei died, he remembered that I am the legitimate mother? Originally, I wanted to hold him off. Delay for a few days before taking the task. Who knew that the day after the decree was passed, Master would overbearingly bring this child into my room and, without a word, put the child down. I was scared and did not dare to say anything, unwillingly accepting this child.”
Liu Kun’s wife recited a few scriptures before she smiled and said, “Madame’s heart is merciful. This is the rightful thing. No matter how many concubines Master has, Madame will always be the legitimate mother. This status can never be climbed over. Previously, Concubine Lin used her seductive charms to deceive Master, which is why the rules were disregarded. Madame only needs to manage the house and children. I can tell that this time Master wants to correct Concubine Lin. Madame, you must be sure to take charge on your end of things and keep it all under control. You must behave in a manner fit for a legitimate madame and must not allow yourself to be wrong-footed.”
“Correct what? It’s all just talk and no action as that lowly wenchis his treasured darling. How could he bear to…?”
“Madame must not say that. I see that this time it’s really fishy.” Liu Kun’s wife shook her head, then moved her body forward, closer to Madame’s side, “Madame, do you still remember Die’er, Concubine Wei’s close aide?”
Wang shi nodded, “That maid was unexpectedly strong and actually dared to interrogate Concubine Lin. She stood up for her master even when things became like this, Concubine Wei’s sisterhood with her was not in vain. I do not know what happened afterwards.”
Liu Kun’s wife said in a low voice, “My people tried to get information about what happened to her. They said that Concubine Lin exiled Die’er to a village. But then, Master’s aide, Laifu, took her away. He put her in the west courtyard and, when Master was free, he thoroughly interrogated Die’er for a whole hour. Afterwards, Old Madam took charge of the affair and I don’t know where she was finally sent.”
Wang shi was very interested and asked, ” Is that so? If that’s true, then why has Master not made any move?”
Liu Kun’s wife rose to get a fan. Then she stood beside Wang shi, lightly fanning her while saying, “That’s what I’m afraid of. Perhaps Concubine Lin, with her gift of gab, has managed to coax Master into giving her a light punishment. However, even if the punishment is just selling off or killing several of Concubine Lin’s servants it would be fine. It’d be enough for Madame to seize this opportunity to be regarded.”
Wang shi did not speak as she had already starting planning in her mind. Liu Kun’s wife saw Wang shi’s look and hesitantly opened her mouth, “This servant has a piece of advice, just doesn’t know whether it is appropriate to say it. I’m afraid that Madame would blame me for not having proper etiquette if I were to say it. But if I don’t speak of it, I would feel uneasy and be ashamed of failing the task that the Old Madam [8] has entrusted me.”
Wang shi hurriedly held onto Liu Kun’s wife’s hands, softly saying, “What are you talking about?”
Liu Kun’s wife smiled and sat before Wang shi, “Listening to the words of Madame, Old Madam Wang loved Madame the most. When Madame got married, how many capable people were sent over as a dowry? If my family’s father-in-law wasn’t an treasured elderly helper of the Old Lady who retired to the Wang Household, I would have also come with you. That year, when Old Lady heard that Concubine Lin gave birth to a young master, she was unable to fall asleep, due to worrying, the entire night. Instead of sleeping she searched for me and gave me a long, detailed instructions. Afterwards, she sent us, husband and wife, along with some small ones over to you. For whose sake do you think it was, Madame? Wasn’t it precisely because she was afraid that Madame would be bullied by the husband’s family and that Young Master Bai would be treated coldly? Truly, the heavens should have pity on the heart of every caring mother on earth..”
Wang shi sighed, “This is all because I am unfilial and still worry mother at such an age. If it wasn’t for you coming and giving me advice everyday, I wouldn’t have been able to sort out my bad temper and make peace with Master. You were also the one who taught me to take in a concubine for Master, obstructing Concubine Lin’s arrogance. Speaking of which, Concubine Wei was also found by you, you have a good eye for people. Pretty, yet not to the point of seductive. For the past several years ,since she entered the house, Concubine Lin was considerably stopped. This time, it’s still thanks to you that that lowly wench has been caught on a fault.”
“This is all because of Madame and has nothing to do with this servant. Concubine Wei’s death also had nothing to do with us. It was all because in her eight characters of birth [9], only the first stroke had been written and it was still missing the second stroke. That is why she had such misfortune [10]. How Master will punish Concubine Lin remains unknown, for the time being. Perhaps being coaxed over is not unprecedented but we must certainly not let our guard down. We must not relax this time.” Liu Kun’s wife said.
“Humph! If Master doesn’t punish that lowly wench and still pampers and protects her like in the past, then I also don’t want to face this anymore. Might as well disclose this matter outside and ask the imperial censors to file a case against Master under ‘favoring the concubine and neglecting the wife’, we can even add ‘abusing human life’ with Concubine Wei’s death [11]. Let’s see how he would still be an official!” Wang shi slapped the table and coldly humphed.
“Old Madam Wang was so afraid of this tenacious temper of yours, she could not sleep the whole night! You must not say these kind of words out of rage or else you’ll be injuring a thousand yet losing eight hundred [12]!” Liu Kun’s wife frantically waved her hands as she worriedly continued, “Such manners! Do you still want to be a married couple with Master? Have you thought about what will happen to Young Master Bai’s future prospects? Or how you would have to live in the future?”
Wang shi immediately despaired. Then she clenched her teeth and said, “What is to be done then? When I was still unmarried, mother only taught me how to manage the house. She never taught me on how to treat the concubines. And this Concubine Lin is not just any normal concubine. I can’t beat her or sell her, since she’s from Old Madam’s place. This is truly, suffocating me to death.”
“For the time being, Madame, drink this cup of tea and cool down. Listen to me as I slowly explain.” Liu Kun’s wife poured a cup of warm tea and placed it into Wang shi’s hands, “It’s true that Master’s conduct is inappropriate but the Old Madam said Madame, too, has points of blame.”
“What faults do I still have? Could it be that I must book a songstress [13] and buy a prostitute for Master so I can be considered as having no faults?” Wang shi said in anger.
Mrs. Liu smilingly said, “See? Madame is speaking in anger again.. That day, in that Grand Official’s residence, Old Madam called Madame’s most trusted, first-class maids and made a detailed inquiry into this affair. Then she told me that Madame has three faults and wants this servant to return and tell them to Madame. This servant is going to be bold and informal. Think back to that time when Madame first got married and, without a word, right away sent away two of Master’s Tong Fang [14]. Master and Old Madame didn’t even say a word about this. Those early years were to Madame’s advantage, yet you just wasted them. Not only was Old Madam courteous towards Madame, there was also mutual respect between you and Master. Madame’s first fault is, during those satisfactory days, you inevitably became conceited and neglectful. You not only wished to govern the inner affairs, but also wished to govern the outside affairs. On all of Master’s money and affairs, you wanted to make decisions. Usually one should restrain their conduct and speech, yet whenever you spoke it was about how the Wang family was or about how Old Master and Master Uncle were. How did you expect Master’s heart to be at ease? Which man doesn’t want their woman to be submissive? Who doesn’t wish for a gentle and satisfying wife? Master is not a useless good-for-nothing man. Doesn’t everyone say that our Master has prospects? Madame, you repeatedly threw your temper at Master and embarrassed him in public. How was Master going to be intimate towards you? How could unfaithful intentions not arise?”
Wang shi disappointedly leaned against the back of the chair and started reminiscing their time as newlyweds. Those days which were filled with tenderness and bliss and couldn’t help but feel sad. At that time, which sister in the boudoir was not envious of her marrying well? Although the husband was not a high or important official, he had a lot of wealth and a pure and noble family background. Her mother-in-law wasn’t strict with rules. There were no concubines to be vexed over. Her husband was not only very handsome but had outstanding capabilities and insight, making his career path smother; which would increase the likelihood of earning an honourable title.
Yet, slowly and unknowingly, she and Master became more and more indifferent towards each other. Soon, he no longer spoke intimately with her, and she only cared about excelling at household matters. Having all Sheng household affairs tightly controlled in the palm on her hand. She only cared about going out her way to excel by catching hold of the matters in the household, both inside and out, firmly kneading the Sheng household in her palms. Around at that time, Concubine Lin suddenly came around. After that she went wrong at every step, letting Concubine Lin get more and more influential.
Mrs. Liu coldly looked at Wang shi’s expression, knowing that she’d finally started to realize her mistake, and then continued to say, “The Old Madam also said that since ancient times, all married women should adhere themselves to their husbands. Madame did not gather Master’s heart and only looked at the money and affairs. This is putting the cart before the horse.”
After a long time, Wang shi nodded while slowly drinking the tea.
Mrs. Liu felt relieved. She held up the fan by its side and slowly continued fanning. “Madame is originally a straight-forward person. Who knows what were the evil schemes of that vixen that allowed her and Master to have an affair, without the Old Madam and Madame knowing anything? Had you discovered the affair earlier, you could have taken advantage of the matter that was still small, and secretly reported it to the Old Madam. She would have immediately married Concubine Lin out and Master would not have been able to flare up. Unfortunately, Madame waited until this matter became big to make a fuss, when that was no longer useful. That is Madame’s second fault.”
Wang shi forced a smile. This matter, how could she not regret that state of affairs? The blame could only lie with her and her carelessness for never once being bothered about things regarding her mother-in-law.
Mrs. Liu continued, “Lastly, also the most crucial, the Old Lady said – Madame, you, yourself, are also not strict with rules, and thoughtless with etiquette. As a result, you are unable to speak up in Master’s place.”
Wang shi refused to accept this and immediately wanted to refute but was lightly pressed on the shoulders by Mrs. Liuas she pacified her, “Calm down, Madame, listen to my explanation. Old Lady said that as a daughter-in-law, setting aside the fact that you neither serve your mother-in-law, nor do the morning greetings or attend to her before she sleeps, which is all in accordance with the rules of propriety, you only visit her two or three times a month. Every time you do go it is with a cold face and you do not speak much. Mother-in-law’s food and clothing, expenses and living are all provided by herself, you did not have to be worried about taking care of her. When this becomes known outside, it will be greatly unfilial. Madame, even if you have a hundred truths before Master, only this truth you cannot refute. No matter how cold the Old Madame is, or how much she dislike others that disturb her, you must still continue your etiquette and give the utmost filial piety.”
Wang shi no longer spoke, these words had hit the nail on the head. Actually, within the Quan Prefecture circles, there were many who secretly discussed relations between mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relations. A few close madames had also told her such things before, advising her to show more filial piety to her mother-in-law, lest she be criticised by others. At that time she didn’t take it to heart and when Old Madame excused her from paying respects every morning and evening, she happily complied.
Mrs. Liu saw Wang shi’s vague expression, and knowing her thoughts, she unhurriedly said, “Filial piety to the mother-in-law is always good. First, it is for Madame’s reputation. When First Master Wei’s father caused trouble by spoiling concubines and neglecting the wife, Old Madame Wei still served her mother-in-law. All of Jinling knew of her filial heart and even Old Master Wei couldn’t do anything about it.”
Wang shi felt that that this was all true but still remained quiet. Mrs. Liu said continued, “That time, Master had done some things that were not according to etiquette. Indeed, you can’t say that directly to him but the Old Madame certainly could have. That day when Master wanted to give Concubine Lin a farmhouse and shops, if you had opened your mouth, then others would say you were jealous and intolerant of people. But if the Old Madam was willing to say a few words back then, then it would not be as bad today.”
Wang shi slapped the armrest of the rattan chair, and lightly exhaled, “This is precisely the case! At that time, I was also really confused and only knew how to get angry and make noise with Master and Old Madam. Yet, I wasn’t able to achieve anything, only becoming a worthless nuisance. I even allowed that lowly wench to take advantage of the situation. Luckily, you reminded me today, and now I know that everything that happened in the past, was indeed my fault.”
Mrs. Liu hurriedly added the last fire, “It is good that Madame has figured things out today,but we shouldn’t just discuss things of the past. We must really plan for the future properly. We can’t be muddleheaded again and allow others to scheme against us.”
Wang shi took a deep breath, relaxing herself, while holding onto Mrs. Liu’s hands. She was choked with emotions as she said, “Usually, I only know how to act impressive and flaunt my capabilities. These past few years, I have unknowingly reached this stage. You still have to assist me in the days ahead.”
Mrs. Liu promptly stood up and said that she did not deserve this honour. While these two master and servant were being courteous and grateful to each other, one of the girls lying on the square couch moved slightly. Little Yao Yiyi relaxed her numb legs, before she opened her eyes to see the girl beside sleeping like a pig, Young Lady Sheng Rulan. She was snoring a little bit, and seemed to really be sleeping.
Yao Yiyi swore at the landslide. She had absolutely no intention to eavesdrop. She was already awake, only lazy to move, and did not wish to speak, thus, continued to lie down with her eyes closed. Who knew that these two aunties would actually treat this place as a chat room. From moving house to adopting a daughter, to discuss about love and hate, passion and enmity. The more they discussed, the more excited they became and became even more engrossed in their discussion. Yao Yiyi felt embarrassed to wake up.
Then she heard Mrs. Liu saying, “…our Master is also not an idiot. Do you think his path in officialdom would be smooth if he wasn’t aware of everything? Madame definitely cannot act as if you’re more clever than him. On the contrary, you’ll just ruin things. You’re a straightforward person, how would you be able to compete with Concubine Lin’s confusing foxy charm and tricks? To the current you only two things are important – just virtuous and sweet-tempered. Bring the two together and show filial piety to the Old Madam. I see that Master still treats Old Madame with such reverence. Even if you cannot pay your respects everyday, still you must pay your respects every few days. Ask about her health, even if just to keep up appearances you must still keep it up thoroughly. This time, you must also properly nurture the Sixth Young Lady. Master feels very guilty towards Concubine Wei and the better. you treat Sixth Young Lady, the more it would allow him to think of how Concubine Wei died. This would also make you appear to be virtuous and affectionate, with the passing days, Master’s heart would also be brought back.”
Yao Yiyi felt that Mrs. Liu’s words were very skilled. Her advice in summary was nothing but: Madame, ah, take a mirror to reflect yourself. We must be realistic and be practical. If you compete with Concubine Lin using your female charm, then there’s probably no chance for you to win, but don’t worry. If you can’t be Andy Lau, you still can be Bobby Au-yeung [15], – just properly serve your mother-in-law and raise the children. Let us play the affection card, and moral character card, walking this old maid’s itinerary, that still has many drops of profit.
Mrs. Liu still had not finished, “Sixth Young Lady these few days does not particularly eat or speak, Madame must be more careful. This Sixth Young Lady is a silly girl, we need not split family property with her. Later on, purchasing a dowry and sending her out will do. If she doesn’t bother Madame, then it’s fine keeping her beside you, as Rulan’s companion…no?
Yao Yiyi closed her eyes tightly, even more unwilling to be awake. Thinking that she, a promising youth, was reduced to such a situation. How would she endure this? Moreover, this body and herself didn’t seem to be harmonious; always sick and hungry. Yao Yiyi, unable to accept reality, was presently pessimistic and lazy.
[1] Check glossary
[2] 大人 (Da Ren): adult / grownup / titleof respect toward superiors.
[3] 堂兄弟 (Tang Xiong Di): More specifically cousins from the paternal side.
[4] by father-in-law she meant Sheng Hong’s father.
[5] 家学 (Jia Xue): Learning handed down in a family, there was no established school at that time among the nobility so usually what happens is that usually only the influential families will hire a teacher for their sons and the other boys will join in the class
[6] 伯老太爷 (Bo Lao Tai Ye): Wang shi’s father-in-law’s brother; Master Wei’s father
[7] Because in this era, it’s supposed to be the legitimate mother taking care of the children.
[8] 老夫人 (Lao Fu Ren): Old Madame Wang; Wang shi’s mother.
[9] 四柱命理 (Four Pillars of Destiny): the ‘Eight Characters of Birth belonging to the male and female parties that’s needs to be checked for compatibility.
[10] 不过八字才一撇 , 且还差着一捺呢: Literally translated as: “Only the first stroke of the character ‘eight’ has been written, it’s still missing the second stroke” What it means is: nothing has been cast in stone yet. The word for eight is 八, and it’s made up of two strokes. Was originally used to refer to marriage.
[11] These are offences one can be accused of and be punished for.
[12] Adapted from Sun Tzu’s Art of War 伤敌一千,自损八百 (Shang Di Yi Qian, Zi Sun Ba Bai) which means although you killed thousands of enemies, yet you also lose eight hundred of your people. In other words, a pyrrhic victory.
[13] A songtress usually works at prostituting house.
[14] 通房 (Tong Fang): They are the lowest rank of concubines and essentially still a maid
[15] They are both famous Chinese Hong Kong celebrities, but with Andy Lau being a more famous one than Bobby Au-yeung. So like, don’t worry if we can’t be the best of them all, we can still be one of the good ones.