The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 3
If it were a regular bride getting married, just bathing, changing clothes, and dressing up would take up most of the day. Now, in a rush, everything can be done in an hour.
The bride has changed, and the dowry must be handed over.
Upon hearing that the maid from the eldest madam’s side had come to deliver the list, Xiangyun hurried out to receive it. As soon as the person arrived, she shoved the list into Xiangyun’s arms, raising her chin with a haughty look, “The list specifies one hundred and twenty-eight chests, but the Second Young Lady knows well that the Old Madam has only allowed sixty-four chests. It’s a pity, but the Second Young Lady will have to redo the list herself. The Eldest Madam has already sent people to move the items to the front yard. Please have someone from the Second Young Lady’s side go and check them to avoid any misunderstandings later and to prevent any blame from falling on the eldest branch.”
If it weren’t for the fact that her own young lady had gained an advantage, Xiangyun would have really liked to throw the list in her face.
The eldest young lady lost her marriage to over sixty-four dowry chests, but whose fault is that?
After the New Year, the Second Master sent back a batch of chests. Everyone knew they were meant for the eldest young lady’s dowry, but they all treated her young lady as an inexhaustible gold mine.
On the Old Madam’s birthday, the Eldest Madam, to show her filial piety, took the credit in front of all the noblewomen from Zhongzhou, saying she would prepare a courtyard for the Old Madam to escape the summer heat. Then she turned around and approached her young lady, saying easily, “The Eldest Madam Lady has already had the room cleaned. The Second Young Lady just needs to add some furnishings.”
The courtyard was being vacated for the Old Madam’s use, so it was only right to add furnishings, and her young lady was willing.
No sooner had the eldest madam’s maid left than the maid from the eldest daughter-in-law arrived.
She brought in a plate of dry pastries, claiming they were made by the eldest daughter-in-law herself. “The lady plans to return to her maiden family tomorrow.”
Since the Second Master and the Third Young Master were often away from home, the financial matters naturally fell into her young lady’s hands. She had seen this situation many times and immediately understood the implication. “What does the eldest sister-in-law lack?”
The maid curtsied to her, her expression both aggrieved and pitiful. “The eldest young master has been away in the capital with the master for half a year now. The eldest daughter-in-law has been silently enduring her loneliness. In her letters, she only shared good news and never complained or asked for anything. Today, she mentioned wanting to visit her maiden family. When I went to pack, I realized that the eldest young madam hadn’t even bought any decent jewelry.”
It was just a few pieces of jewelry, and Wen Shuse was not a stingy person. She told the maid to pick a few items as she pleased. The maid, however, was not shy and ended up selecting three whole boxes of jewelry.
No sooner had the items been carried away than the Second Sister-in-law’s servant rushed in, bustling with urgency.
Wen Shuse was sitting on the daybed, holding the list of items the Second Master had sent back. She was just about to replenish the items that had been taken when she heard the commotion. Slapping the list down on the bed, she flared up in anger. “There’s only so much to go around, and everyone keeps coming to ask for things. Who am I supposed to give them to? Their eyes are so sharp, only seeing the gold and silver, but they’re blind to everything else. The last time Father came back, his face was peeling, and none of them showed any concern. And my brother, if he keeps getting this tanned, how is he ever going to find a wife?”
“Since everyone wants a piece, let’s save them the trouble of coming to ask. Xiangyun, divide up the dowry. Send three boxes to each household and exchange the rest for silver. We’ll spend it ourselves.”
When pushed to the limit, was her young lady someone to be trifled with?
The Old Madam’s daily necessities and comforts were all personally overseen by Wen Shuse, and not a single detail was neglected. The golden nanmu wood the Second Master had sent back was perfect for her.
That very day, Wen Shuse had the items moved to the Old Madam’s quarters. She later reported the matter to the Eldest Madam, and everything was settled properly. If the Eldest Madam had bothered to check even once, how could she not have noticed what was going on?
As for the jewelry taken by the eldest daughter-in-law and the second daughter-in-law, didn’t anyone ever suspect anything?
They just assumed her young lady had plenty of money and thought they could squeeze as much as they could from her.
On this joyous day, especially since it was her young lady’s own wedding day, it wouldn’t be good to cause a scene. Xiangyun suppressed her anger, snatched the list, and called a few people to go with her to the front courtyard to take inventory.
The eldest daughter-in-law thought sixty-four dowry chests were too few, but her young lady didn’t mind. After marrying into the family, with the Second Master’s properties in Zhongzhou, her young lady herself would be a living dowry.
Just as Xiangyun left, Aunt Cao entered the room, followed by a servant.
By the time they walked in, Wen Shuse was already sitting on the bridal bed, listening to the nanny giving her last-minute instructions.
“Be gentle and obedient, respect your elders, support your husband, raise your children…” and so on. Wen Shuse didn’t absorb a single word. When she saw Aunt Cao, it was as if she had seen the Old Madam herself. Her eyes fixed on her with a pleading gaze.
Aunt Cao still remembered what the Second Madam looked like back in the day, but the Second Young Lady resembled the Second Master more.
With her oval face, cherry-like lips, and a floral design between her brows accentuating her dark, lively eyes, it seemed as if all the vitality of the world was contained within them. Her exquisite wedding dress shimmered like a glorious light embedded in fine jade.
The radiance etched into her appearance was visible, flowing like light.
She had always been a beauty, raised with great care by the old madam for many years. The blessings and fortune had seeped into her bones, and every movement of hers exuded nobility and grace.
Just by looking at her, even Aunt Cao felt as if she had committed some great sin. She hurried forward and spoke softly to comfort her, “The Old Madam has always had a keen eye for people. Today, she was willing to bear the criticism to secure this marriage for you, Second Young Lady. So, please rest assured and prepare for your wedding. Don’t let the Old Madam’s efforts go to waste. As for other things, the Old Madam truly has nothing more to give.” She then called the servant behind her forward. “From now on, Aunt Qing will accompany you, Second Young Lady.”
Aunt Qing was also one of the old madam’s trusted attendants. She had watched Wen Shuse grow up, and with her accompanying the bride, the Old Madam could finally rest easy.
Earlier, the eldest young master and the eldest young lady had already met. The sudden change of bride from the Wen family carried some risk, but as long as the ceremony was completed and the marriage was sealed, the Xie family would have no choice but to accept it.
The only worry was that something might go wrong midway, making it difficult to handle.
Knowing that there was no hope of changing her grandmother’s mind, Wen Shuse resigned herself to her fate and began giving instructions. “In my room, there are a few boxes of ambergris and plum-scented incense pills in the pearwood cabinet. Take them to Grandmother. She enjoys making her own incense, so I’ve left all of it for her.”
As for the rest…
Last time, she had sold off things she shouldn’t have, and she usually didn’t keep much in reserve, so there really wasn’t much else.
After racking her brain for a while, she remembered, “On the carriage, there are a few baskets of fresh cherries I picked at the estate. I haven’t had the chance to give them to her yet. Make sure they don’t spoil, Auntie.”
Aunt Cao felt a pang of emotion in her heart. “Don’t worry, young lady.”
Wen Shuse fell silent.
There had been no warning beforehand. The marriage had suddenly been thrust upon her, and she had to marry without any preparation, leaving her feeling dazed and panicked.
As she gradually calmed down, she realized that she was truly about to be married. It was only then that she seemed to come to her senses, beginning to feel the nervousness and reluctance that a bride should feel before her wedding.
Her mother had passed away during the years when she needed her most. When she cried for her mother, her grandmother would hold her at night and tell her stories.
In front of others, her grandmother was always stern, and everyone in the mansion feared her, but when facing her, her grandmother would always smile warmly.
When she was a child, her aunt and cousins, too afraid to approach the Old Madam directly, often used her as a go-between. Though her grandmother knew what they were doing, she never failed to give Wen Shuse a face.
Later, her grandmother said to Aunt Cao, “If she sees me as something to show off, I should be happy about it.”
Wen Shuse grew up under such indulgence, but unexpectedly, she didn’t turn out the way her grandmother had hoped. Instead, she developed a stubborn streak that refused to bow to anyone.
Every time she saw her grandmother rendered speechless by anger, she secretly vowed to correct all her flaws.
But putting it into practice… was truly too difficult.
Her grandmother had always loved her as if she were her own life. How could Wen Shuse not understand her grandmother’s painstaking efforts? Even if it meant tarnishing the reputation of kindness she had built over decades, her grandmother was determined to secure a good marriage for her.
This time, she absolutely could not let her grandmother be angry again.
She would marry.
A deep, aching sorrow tightened around her chest like a string, and the more she tried to untangle it, the messier it became. She didn’t know what to think or what to do. Staring blankly at the passing time, she finally couldn’t sit still any longer. She suddenly stood up, lifted her skirt, and rushed toward her grandmother’s courtyard.
Behind her, Aunt Cao and the others quickly reacted and hurried to catch up. “Young Lady…”
Wen Shuse paid no attention. The delicate tassels of her phoenix crown swayed before her eyes, jingling with each step. Holding her skirt with both hands, she moved like the wind.
A trail of people followed behind her.
The quiet corridor outside the main courtyard once again echoed with noise. The previously open lattice doors were now tightly shut, and the room was devoid of any light, save for the gradually brightening blue light of dawn.
Wen Shuse’s footsteps came to a halt at the door.
Aunt Cao caught up and gently urged, “Time is tight, young lady. Please go back. Before the Old Madam rested, she specifically instructed that you need not come…”
Before she could finish, Wen Shuse took two steps back and knelt straight down outside the threshold, raising her voice to say, “Grandmother, your granddaughter has come to pay her respects.”
The Old Madam, who had been sitting in an armchair lost in thought, immediately stood up upon hearing the voice.
“Your granddaughter has been disobedient and often makes you unhappy. Today, I kneel and kowtow to apologize for my lack of filial piety.” Wen Shuse bent forward and knocked her head on the ground, the phoenix crown on her head clattering against the bluestone tiles with a crisp sound.
The Old Madam’s lips trembled, and she shakily took a step toward the door.
A maid beside her supported her, saying, “Old Madam, take it slow.”
“Your granddaughter is about to be married, and my heart is reluctant to part with you. I just wanted to see you one more time.” Her voice paused. “After I leave, Grandmother, you must take good care of yourself. I’ve already made a wish before the Bodhisattva, praying for your health and longevity. The Buddha will not deceive me.”
The night passed in the blink of an eye. At sunrise, the first light of dawn suddenly fell, stretching across the threshold in a long, golden path.
The light filtered through the lattice doors, casting a hazy beam into the room. The Old Madam’s vision blurred as the light struck her eyes, and she hurried forward, calling out, “Gao Xian…”
Suddenly, a series of firecrackers erupted in the front courtyard, their thunderous noise shaking everyone to the core.
“The groom has arrived.”
Everyone knew what the firecrackers meant, and chaos ensued. Aunt Cao quickly helped Wen Shuse to her feet. “Young Lady, we can’t delay any longer.”
Wen Shuse was practically dragged to her feet while the maids behind her quickly straightened her wedding dress.
Aunt Cao handed her a round fan to cover her face and instructed, “Young Lady, remember, don’t look around carelessly. Hold the fan steady and keep your face covered. Keep your head down, and don’t let anyone recognize you.”
The group of people pulled her toward the door, and as they reached the corridor opposite the main hall, Wen Shuse turned her head once more.
The doors behind her had been opened at some point, and the golden morning light now illuminated the Old Madam’s face inside.
Wen Shuse’s nose tingled with emotion, and she called out softly, “Grandmother…”
Aunt Cao also saw this and, fearing the Old Madam might be overwhelmed, quickly pulled Wen Shuse away. “Young Lady, we must go.”
The sound of firecrackers from the front courtyard echoed inside, showing no signs of stopping. Everyone’s hearts remained suspended, unable to settle.
Wen Shuse was led forward in a daze. As she stepped over the threshold of the main hall, she asked Aunt Cao softly, “Will I be able to come back in the future?”
Her gentle, tender voice was almost heartbreaking.
Aunt Cao finally understood why the Old Madam hadn’t wanted her to kneel and kowtow earlier. She forced a smile and said, “Second Young Lady, you’re getting married, not climbing a mountain of knives. You’ll be able to return in two days for the homecoming visit.”
Wen Shuse seemed to calm down a little. She turned her head, holding the fan to cover her face, and kept her head down, no longer looking around.
To be safe, the Old Madam had specifically assigned a personal maid from the eldest young lady’s side to accompany her. Along with Aunt Qing, they flanked Wen Shuse, shielding her from the gazes on either side.
Wen Shuse’s maid, Xiangyun, was assigned to the procession transporting the dowry at the back.
Wen Shuse and the eldest daughter-in-law were the same age, and their figures were quite similar. With the strings of pearls and tassels on the phoenix crown and the round fan in her hand, to outsiders, they seemed indistinguishable. Unless someone deliberately got closer to take a look, it was impossible to tell the difference.
The decorations in the courtyard had been prepared the day before. After Wen Shuse left the courtyard, instead of taking the long corridor, she walked through the main hall. Red silk had been laid out from the inner courtyard all the way to the entrance.
A crowd of curious guests had gathered in the front courtyard. Aunt Cao led the way, while Aunt Qing and the maid closely guarded Wen Shuse, not allowing anyone to get too close.
The Xie family’s wedding procession had already arrived and was quietly waiting outside the entrance. The two doors of the mansion, decorated with auspicious symbols, were wide open. After the firecrackers had ceased, the noise from the outside was not as chaotic as expected.
Aunt Cao had wanted to catch a glimpse of the groom’s impressive appearance today, but when she looked up, she saw an unfamiliar face.
The man was strikingly handsome, wearing a golden crown and a crimson robe. Tall and straight-backed, he sat on horseback, silent and composed. His expression carried a hint of lazy weariness, even bordering on arrogance.
Wasn’t the Xie family’s eldest son?
Aunt Cao had met the Xie family’s eldest son before, and he was nowhere near as striking as this man. She was momentarily stunned and turned to exchange a bewildered look with Aunt Qing, who was equally confused, unsure of what was happening.
At that moment, a servant standing in front of the young master’s horse stepped forward. Just then, a few loud suona horns drowned out the noise around them.
Only Aunt Cao, standing closest, heard the servant’s explanation clearly, “The eldest young master was suddenly called away on urgent business today. To avoid missing the auspicious hour, he sent the third young master to escort the bride back to the mansion in his stead.”
It turned out it was the third young master.
He truly lived up to his reputation, elegant and refined, but not someone with an approachable personality.
Everyone has moments of haste and being overwhelmed, especially those working in official positions. When urgent matters arise, it’s completely understandable.
It was not unheard of for a brother to stand in for the groom in the bridal procession.
On her end, with a guilty conscience, there was no time to suspect others. Aunt Cao instead breathed a sigh of relief. Since it wasn’t the eldest son, the chance of recognizing the groom was even smaller.
“Many thanks for your trouble, Third Young Master.” Aunt Cao returned the courtesy politely, then exchanged a glance with Aunt Qing behind her.
Seeing her reaction, Aunt Qing likely guessed that one of the young masters from the Xie family had come to take the place of the eldest son. She subtly stepped forward, and together with a maid, they supported Wen Shuse into the bridal sedan outside.
The man, Xie Shao, on horseback, didn’t even glance in their direction.
The moment the bride was seated in the sedan, he turned his horse and left without delay.
By the time the sedan had nearly exited the alley, Eldest Master Wen finally rushed out in a fluster, still adjusting his hat and robes. Realizing he was late, he quickly handed a scroll of paintings to Xiangyun, who was about to get into the carriage. “This is a painting of the Eastern Capital’s bustling market. Please give it to Wen Shuse. Uncle couldn’t see her off, and I apologize for that!”