The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 22
If the second branch no longer maintains a shared accounts office… does that mean, from now on, the main branch will have to cover its own expenses?
Like a sudden clap of thunder on flat ground, the shock left everyone speechless.
Before Biyun could respond, the Eldest Young Lady recovered first. Forgetting her tears, she demanded, “I’d like to know, is this your idea, or Third Brother’s? Third Brother…”
Wen Shuse cut off her hope. “Don’t count on him. The money is in my hands. I eat his food and live under his roof. I can’t just stand by and watch you all take advantage of him.”
Xie Shao: “…”
Having listened for so long, Xie Shao had a fair understanding of the situation. These messy accounts in the household weren’t a new problem. It had been rotten to the core for a long time. But compared to the money itself, he dreaded trouble even more. His father and mother hadn’t straightened it out when they lived here either. With plenty of wealth to spare, they chose to turn a blind eye. As for him, he’d always been the same: take whatever you want, it makes no difference.
But now, looking at the young woman beside him, sitting straight with her chest puffed out, fiercely protective like a guard dog, indignant on his behalf… if he continued to be indulgent and voiced any disagreement now, it would seem utterly ungrateful.
So, Xie Shao remained silent, tacitly endorsing his little wife’s words.
The Eldest Young Lady was taken aback by the unexpected lack of support from her Third Brother. Only then did a faint sense of foreboding begin to dawn on her.
Biyun also sensed that the situation was turning against them. Having lived more years than the younger ones present, she knew that pressing charges now would be useless. Stepping forward, she softened her voice toward Wen Shuse and said, “Third Young Madam, you’ve only just married into the family, so perhaps you don’t yet know the Xie family’s circumstances. The Eldest Master, because of the family’s financial struggles in his youth, never had the chance to study or sit for the examinations. Second Master has always kept this in mind and once said, whenever the Eldest Branch is in need, they should simply turn to the Second Branch…”
“Well, that’s strange.” Wen Shuse knitted her brows. “Forgive me if Aunt Biyun laughs at me, but my father also never studied in his youth. Everyone said the Wen family was too poor and that Grandmother had no silver to send him to school. But in truth, only he knew that he simply had no interest in the imperial examinations. The sight of books gave him a headache and made him sleepy. If he’d really had the will, even by borrowing light through a wall crack, he could have made something of himself. Study has its way among the poor and its way among the rich. Throughout the dynasties, many of the court officials came from impoverished families. My father often told me that every man has his own fate. You cannot blame Heaven for your misfortunes, much less push them onto others. For fear of dragging down his elder brother, he not only never asked him for money, but also relied on his own two hands to support the Wen family…”
The Wen family was considered a scholarly household in Fengcheng, and most of the townsfolk knew their circumstances.
Which was to say that the Eldest Master of the Xie family simply did not measure up to her father in breadth of heart.
Aunt Biyun was deeply disdainful of her comparing the Eldest Master to a mere merchant. “The Eldest Master is the Deputy Commander of Fengcheng! How could he ever be likened to Second Master Wen, who lives at ease as he pleases? When Second Master Xie returned to Fengcheng with his family and fortune, countless eyes were watching. It was thanks to the Eldest Master’s protection behind the scenes…”
“What was there to protect?” Wen Shuse looked genuinely puzzled. “Isn’t the realm, under His Majesty’s rule, one of national peace and prosperity? Who would dare come to the mansion to rob a man of his fortune? And if I’m not mistaken, Grandfather’s wealth originally came from a reward bestowed by His Majesty himself. Is Aunt Biyun implying that His Majesty has failed in governing the land, or that there are those who disregard His Majesty entirely and intend to cause trouble?”
At hearing her drag the emperor into the matter, Aunt Biyun froze, her expression stiff. “This old servant would never dare mean such a thing…”
“So that means Aunt Biyun is overthinking. No matter how bold an outsider thief might be, they would never dare break into our mansion to rob us. Otherwise, the laws of Great Feng would never let him off. But there is an old saying: guard against thieves by day, guard against thieves by night, yet it is hardest to guard against thieves within the family.”
These words were sharp mockery wrapped in courtesy. Not a single foul term was used, yet the entire main branch was dragged out and displayed before all. Biyun dared not go further. If she said another word, she might well be skinned alive by Wen Shuse’s words.
The Second Young Lady, however, couldn’t swallow her pride. Hearing that phrase “thieves within the family” made her so furious that she immediately stepped forward two paces. “You!”
Wen Shuse’s expression remained unchanged. “Does Second Young Lady have more to say?”
Seeing her arrogant demeanor, the Second Madam was choked with anger, unable to get out a single word for half a day.
In truth, it wasn’t as if life had to become unbearable. Wen Shuse even offered advice in good faith, “The Eldest Master is the Deputy Commander of Fengcheng, his monthly stipend is not low. As long as you don’t spend extravagantly and practice a bit of frugality in daily life, you’ll certainly have more than enough. From now on, with each branch managing its own affairs, you won’t have to exhaust yourselves scheming or even resort to tarnishing your reputations just to scrape by. Wouldn’t it be more reassuring to spend your own money?”
Her words fired shots in all directions, sparing no one.
She clearly meant to hammer down the decision to abolish the shared accounting office. Seeing that Xie Shao still hadn’t reacted, the entire group stood anxiously under the blazing sun.
After stewing for a long while, the Second Young Lady’s gaze happened to fall upon the batch of goods Wen Shuse had just bought today. Among them were several boxes she recognized at once.
Weren’t those items from the Cui family’s cosmetics shop?
Last time, when her mother had asked her for money for cosmetics, she had spun a tale about the Cui family being all hype and deception. Yet here she was, buying their products herself.
Finally, having found a leverage point, the Second Young Lady let out a cold laugh. “Third Brother, you mustn’t be fooled her. She says one thing to your face and another behind your back. She simply can’t stand to see us doing well and wants to monopolize your family’s wealth herself.” Afraid Xie Shao wouldn’t believe her, she pointed at the pile of boxes that hadn’t yet been moved inside. “She certainly preaches frugality. Just the other day, she told Mother that the Cui family’s cosmetics are all about the packaging, that we shouldn’t be fooled. But look, Third Brother, what are those…?”
Xie Shao’s interests lay only in horses and strong liquor. Even if he glanced over, it would be a wasted effort, just a pile of boxes to him. How should he know what they were…
But Wen Shuse knew very well.
She had indeed said that about the Cui family’s cosmetics being all about the packaging. But the truth was, they were genuinely appealing. So, she asked the Second Young Lady, “Do you know why the Cui family built that lake by the moat?”
How would she know? The Second Young Lady wasn’t in the mood for riddles.
Hearing her question, Xie Shao turned his head to look at the young lady beside him.
The lake the Cui family had built was less than half a mile from the city moat, serving no apparent purpose. It was utterly superfluous, like taking off your pants to fart, completely unnecessary. They must have had too much time and money on their hands. He was curious to hear what reason she would come up with.
Then he saw the young lady before him purse her lips into a faint, dimpled smile. With a light tap of her gauzy fan against the table, she said cheerfully, “Because the money is theirs, and they felt like it.”
Xie Shao: “…”
The Second Young Lady didn’t immediately catch on. When she finally did, she burst out angrily, “So now the Xie family’s silver has become yours…”
Wen Shuse gave her no chance to argue. She lifted her head and called, “Uncle An, check for me—since I came to the Xie family, have I ever withdrawn a single coin from the Xie accounts?”
No need to check. Uncle An shook his head. “You have not.”
Wen Shuse smiled. “Our Wen family’s Second Branch is not crippled. We have sound in body and mind, capable of earning money ourselves. Since we don’t spend others’ money, naturally we spend as we please.”
Having said this, the young lady tilted her head back slightly, sweeping her gaze across the people before her. “If anyone else has doubts, don’t be afraid, speak them out.”
Though the spring air was pleasant, the noonday sun beat down mercilessly. Standing for too long left sweat running down their backs.
The young lady, meanwhile, sat straight-backed in the shade of the tree, gauzy fan in hand. Her cheeks were faintly flushed from the long battle of words, her jet-black eyes shining bright with spirit and vigor.
Opposite her stood a crowd of masters and servants alike, heads drooping, faces all ashen.
They had cried, raged, and flailed, but they simply couldn’t win the argument.
With nothing but her own sharp tongue, the young woman had single-handedly triumphed in a war of words against several people. Xie Shao’s earlier drowsiness had vanished without him noticing, replaced by a sudden sense of relief. Instead, a surge of gratitude rose in his heart, gratitude that this fierce young lady was on his side, part of his household. He silently warned himself to avoid provoking this young lady whenever possible in the future. Compared to the verbal onslaught she had just unleashed on the others, what she had said to him earlier had already been merciful.
“No objections, then? Very well, it’s settled. The second branch will no longer maintain an accounting office. Once you return, pass the word around so no one wastes a trip.” At last, she remembered the true master sitting beside her, who hadn’t uttered a word from beginning to end. The young lady turned back to solicit his opinion. “Husband, do you have anything to add?”
She lifted her eyelids just so, making her eyes shine even brighter. Her face carried a gentle smile, but within those pupils, she held the weight of heaven and earth.
It was as if the moment he dared contradict her, she had a thousand sentences ready to unleash upon him, and with a single misstep, he would end up lumped together with that defeated crowd opposite them.
Given his reputation as a frivolous wastrel, if he brought trouble upon himself now, this young woman would certainly not let him off easily today.
His head began to buzz again.
But upon careful thought, what she said was quite reasonable. Spend only what one has. He couldn’t allow indulgence to go unchecked anymore.
He was the one who had asked her to stay, the one to whom he himself had handed the household keys. She was managing the household so diligently on his behalf, he ought to be grateful, and more than that, he ought to give her full confidence. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he decided to back her up. “The Third Young Madam has the final say.”
A cause for celebration indeed, he was not beyond saving after all. Otherwise, all her effort today would truly have been wasted. To reward him, Wen Shuse picked up a piece of rice cake from the table and leaned over to feed it to him with her own hand. “My husband is most wise.”
This intimate gesture finally made everyone present understand the situation clearly.
The Third Young Master was no longer the man he once was. He had already been utterly bewitched by beauty.
____
The Eldest Madam was growing anxious, waiting for Biyun to return with a message, when instead she saw the First Young Lady, Second Young Lady, and Second Young Madam all crowd into the room with ashen faces.
They relayed every detail of Wen Shuse’s actions in the garden, word for word, without missing a single point.
Their descriptions were vivid, and the Eldest Madam listened with sharp intakes of breath, her blood surging until sparks seemed to shoot from her eyes. Especially when she heard the Second Young Lady say, “It’s as if Third Brother has been bewitched. Whatever she says, that’s what it is.”
“Old Third agreed to abolish the accounting office?”
The Second Young Lady pouted at the corners of her lips. “Exactly. Third Brother said that from now on, everything in the second branch is to be decided by Third Young Madam.”
This was outrageous.
That Old Third had always been the easiest in the household to deal with. He spent money lavishly and was a thorough spendthrift, but because of this, he was also exceptionally generous. Almost every time they asked, he would fulfill their requests.
When she had heard earlier that the Second Master and Second Madam were returning to Quanzhou, the Eldest Madam had breathed a sigh of relief. She had enjoyed only a few days of peace, and now the accounting office was to be abolished.
Abolished? Then where would the main branch’s expenses come from?
The Eldest Madam’s temple throbbed violently.
As for that Second Young Madam of the Wen family… The Eldest Madam had often overheard the Eldest Madam Wen complaining behind her back, saying that she, too, was a spendthrift who tossed silver around recklessly. Initially, upon learning that the Old Madam had gone so far as to feign death only to end up with such a daughter-in-law, her heart had felt satisfied. Now, however, she realized she hadn’t fully grasped the implications. The reason the Eldest Madam Wen complained was precisely because Second Young Madam Wen didn’t spend her money on them.
By the time this dawned on her, it was already too late.
As for that Old Third… The Second Young Madam Wen’s beauty had always surpassed that of the Eldest Young Lady. When it came down to it, men were creatures swayed by physical charm. To please a woman, what wouldn’t they agree to?
The money was in their hands. If they said they wouldn’t give it, then they wouldn’t. The Eldest Madam’s temples throbbed incessantly. She felt as if all the energy had been drained from her, and she slumped on the couch, trying to figure out how to salvage the situation.
At that very moment, the Eldest Master sent a servant to ask her for silver. “The Master is hosting a banquet at White Pavilion tonight to entertain several subordinates and colleagues. He sent me to ask you for some silver to cover the expenses.”
Fury surged through the Eldest Madam. “Where would I get silver? Tell him that from now on, our main branch has no silver! Old Third has been bewitched by that fox spirit. The Xie family’s coffers have all been carried away by that fox spirit!”
The servant, bewildered by what had happened, stood dumbfounded for a moment before having to return empty-handed.
____
After sending off Lord Pei that day, Eldest Master Xie went to Jing Wang Mansion. Knowing Zhou Kuang was bound to make a scene, he first reported to Madam Zhou, “We’ve already searched the carriage; no one was inside. If we keep pushing, we’ll only provoke him. Forcing a direct clash won’t benefit His Highness. I believe, since a night has already passed, the person must have been sent out long ago…”
“Deputy Commander, that is not so.” Before he could finish, Zhou Kuang stormed in from outside, cutting him off. “The moment the incident happened yesterday, I had the city gates sealed. Every passing carriage was searched. We pursued them through the night, right up to Fengcheng’s borders. I questioned the locals there, but none saw a suspicious carriage. It’s obvious that the person must have been hidden in Pei Yuanqiu’s carriage.”
Madam Zhou sat upright on the couch. Though her brows carried traces of worry, there was no great panic. She turned to glance at Zhou Kuang, who had barged in recklessly, and said irritably, “You’ve got some nerve to speak. Who caused this mess in the first place?”
Zhou Kuang, deeply displeased that Deputy Commander Xie had let Pei Yuanqiu go, ignored Madam Zhou’s rebuke and pressed on, “Pei Yuanqiu abandoned his first wife years ago to marry a highborn lady of the Wang family in the Eastern Capital. Through that advantageous marriage, he climbed his way to the post of Assistant Minister of Justice. Everyone knows his wife is the own sister of the Right Chancellor’s wife, and the Right Chancellor’s daughter is now Taizifei, wed to the Taizi himself. The ties are plain to see. The downfall of several surrounding uncles already makes it clear His Highness Crown Prince intends to strip the vassals of their power. Now it’s our turn. Pei Yuanqiu’s return this time is precisely to seize upon our weakness. Even without the armory ruse, he would have devised another. Deputy Commander, you should understand this better than I. To rashly let him go today, this was most unwise.”
Since Jing Wang had come to Fengcheng, he had favored the Elder Master Xie, promoting him from a guard all the way up to Deputy Commander.
All these years, he had never once been spoken to harshly. Yet today, in front of Madam Zhou, he was rebuked by the Shizi. Deputy Commander Xie’s face could not help but stiffen.
Madam Zhou noticed and scolded, “Nonsense! If we didn’t let him leave, were we supposed to detain him here?”
“What’s so impossible about that?” Zhou Kuang grew heated. “This land is Father’s fief. If he truly harbors ill intent, then with one stroke of the blade I’ll slit his throat, and he’ll never make it back to the Eastern Capital.”
The Wangfei gently countered, “And if you take his life, wouldn’t that hand others the perfect proof to frame your father?”
“If that were our plan, there would always be ways to cover it up.”
Seeing his unyielding stance, Madam Zhou could only turn to Elder Master Xie. “Deputy Commander, you’ve worked hard today. Go back and rest.”
Deputy Commander Xie did not linger further. Bowing, he said, “This subordinate takes his leave.”
No sooner had he stepped out than Zhou Kuang dropped himself heavily onto the seat beside Madam Zhou, his face full of indignation. “Deputy Commander let himself be fooled by Pei Yuanqiu’s words today. It’s like keeping an eye on the pot while eating from the bowl. Whenever the Eldest Young Master is mentioned, it’s as if a snake has seized him by the throat. Are the officials of the Eastern Capital really so enviable? Has Father treated him poorly, or given him too little silver? Compared to Chancellor Xie and Brother Xie, this Elder Master Xie is truly unworthy of the stage…”
Madam Zhou let him finish venting before she replied, her tone even, “That is human nature. To stand in this world is to be driven by interest. Where is the fault in that?”
Zhou Kuang drew a deep breath, calming himself only after a long moment. “Thanks to Brother Xie’s reminder, I immediately sent men toward the Eastern Capital, to plead guilty before His Majesty. What does Mother think?”
He had returned precisely to consult with Madam Zhou on who would be the most suitable person to send.
“Of the few of you, only Xie Shao is the most reliable. With your rash and reckless nature, you could never have thought of such a plan.” Madam Zhou warned him in advance. “I already have arrangements for this matter; you need not worry further. With your father absent, others are surely waiting for us to make a misstep. Without an imperial summons, no vassal prince may enter the capital. If you set foot in the Eastern Capital, not only your life, but your father’s and the entire Zhongzhou Prince Mansion would be implicated.”
That much he knew, but Zhou Kuang still felt uneasy and asked, “Then whom does Mother plan to send?”
“At such a critical juncture, anyone sent from our mansion to the capital would only alert the enemy.” Madam Zhou’s eyes suddenly lit up. “What a coincidence, I’ve heard the second young master of the Ming family is heading to the Eastern Capital.”
Zhou Kuang froze.
“Very well, you go and see your future wife,” Madam Zhou continued, pulling a letter from her sleeve and handing it to him. “Tell her we’d like to trouble her to give this to the second young master Ming, and have him deliver it to Consort Yang in the palace.”
Zhou Kuang stiffened like a stone pillar, unable to utter a word.
He had thought that after the Eldest Young Lady Ming set her dogs on him last time, leaving him injured, his mother would surely abandon the idea. But instead, the very next day, she went to the Ming family to propose the match.
Now the two were already formally betrothed, their wedding date set for this autumn.
Unable to prevent it, he had no choice but to accept.
Seeing his face flush red, Madam Zhou feigned ignorance and asked deliberately, “What’s the matter?”
“I… I don’t think it’s very proper for me to go. For such an important matter, it would be better if Mother handled it herself.” Turning his head, he spun on his heel and left. “Since Mother already has a plan, I won’t trouble you further.”
___
After leaving the Prince Mansion, Deputy Commander Xie was in a foul mood. Thinking of how, over the years, he had nearly run his legs to the bone serving and cleaning up after Jing Wang, and how in the future he would still have to wipe up the messes of such a wastrel successor, he felt utterly hopeless.
So, he gathered a few of his men and went to the White Pavilion to drink.
Everyone under him knew he was wealthy and generous, especially with his brothers. Every time he went to the White Pavilion, he would head straight to the second or third floor.
Amidst rare delicacies and fine dishes, each man had a beautiful companion by his side. Listening to soft melodies, they drank wine fed to them by slender, jade-like hands, as if sipping celestial nectar. It was like ascending to an immortal abode, leaving them feeling utterly euphoric and lightheaded.
The White Pavilion was unlike other places. They never allowed credit. Deputy Commander Xie, intent on buying joy that day, gave out even more reward money than usual. But when it came time to settle the bill, he discovered he didn’t have enough silver on him, so he sent a servant boy scurrying back to the mansion to fetch it.
Who could have expected that the boy would return empty-handed? The moment Deputy Commander Xie saw him, his face darkened. The boy quickly repeated the Eldest Madam’s words, word for word. Deputy Commander Xie’s brows drew together in a hard frown. With all his men around him, it wasn’t the time to erupt in fury, so he called over the shopkeeper and, relying on his position as Deputy Commander, guaranteed the debt would be paid later. But his mood was ruined. He downed one last cup in silence, dismissed his men, and returned home.
The Eldest Madam still had no idea what had happened outside. When she saw him come back, she immediately launched into a tirade, her face a picture of displeasure, scolding in a torrent, “So you do remember to come home! Any later, and you’d find yourself with nowhere left to set foot.”
Eldest Master Xie, having failed to get any silver and with his belly full of anger, shot back, “What now? Is the mountain about to collapse, the earth about to crack open?”
The Eldest Madam snorted coldly. “I’d say it’s about that bad.”
Having heard the servant’s account earlier, Eldest Master Xie had a rough idea of the situation. Seeing her like this, he knew something must have happened. He asked her directly, “What’s wrong with Old Third?”
“Bewitched by a fox spirit, he’s lost both his money and his senses!” she blurted out.
Eldest Master Xie detested her mannerisms. He took a deep breath. “Can’t you speak properly?”
Now truly enraged, the Eldest Madam snapped, “And how am I not speaking properly? Your precious nephew has married a fine wife indeed. They plan to abolish the household accounts starting tomorrow. From now on, all the household expenses will be up to you, Eldest Master!”
Her words were dripping with sarcasm. Lord Xie knew better than to expect a clear story from her. He summoned Biyun and asked, “Tell me what happened.”
After Biyun finished recounting the events, Eldest Master Xie clenched his jaw, remaining silent for a long while.
The Eldest Madam started her taunts again. “Well, Eldest Master, what brilliant solution can you possibly come up with now…?”
“You have the face to say that?” Eldest Master Xie suddenly roared, turning to glare at his wife, his expression one of utter frustration. “How many times have I told you? Act with discretion, don’t just chase petty, immediate gains! You never listen. How can someone with such short-sightedness handle major responsibilities? Regardless of how Second Miss Wen entered the Xie family, the fact that Old Third allowed her to stay proves he had already accepted her in his heart. She is the Third Young Madam of the Xie family! Was it necessary for all of you to go and provoke her one after another? Smashing your own foot with a stone! Did you gain any advantage from it? You’re as foolish as swine and dogs!”
The Eldest Madam was stunned into speechless silence by this torrent of scolding.
“Do you even know what the situation in Zhongzhou is right now?” Elder Master Xie’s head had been pounding these past two days. “The movements in the palace are already clear. They want to weaken the feudal lords. Among the surrounding princes, has any of them had a good end? As for Jing Wang, his fate will surely be grim. The eldest son’s transfer order will arrive any day now. At such a critical juncture, if you cannot share our burdens, fine, but instead, you throw the household into chaos. Look at yourself, what part of you looks like someone fit to manage and take charge?”
Elder Master Xie was thoroughly incensed. This was a matter of utmost importance.
The Eldest Madam froze, then finally calmed down. Forgetting all about silver and accounts, she quickly asked, “What exactly has happened?”
Elder Master Xie let out a long breath before replying, “Pei Yuanqiu’s return this time was to seize Jing Wang’s weakness. And sure enough, that useless Shizi got himself entangled with an armory, caught red-handed. Witnesses and evidence have already been sent out of the city today. It won’t be long before Fengcheng is finished…”
The Eldest Madam was terrified. “And Jing Wang? Has he no way to resolve this…”
“Qingzhou has suffered natural disasters, its people rioting everywhere. Wangye was now trapped in Qingzhou, and messages could not reach him”. Taking a deep breath, she suddenly realized, “So this was all arranged from the very start.”
“What should we do then?” Seeing his expression, her scalp prickled with dread. “We cannot just sit here waiting for death.
Eldest Master Xie recalled the scene he witnessed on the streets earlier and realized Minister Pei’s words had been deliberately spoken for his ears. Had he truly confronted Minister Pei today, once his eldest son assumed office in the Eastern Capital, Pei Yuanqiu needed only to lift a finger to make it impossible for the young man to gain a footing there. It was even possible that the appointment order wouldn’t reach his son before the transfer.
He had long known Fengcheng was no place to settle permanently. Fortunately, his eldest son had proven capable, earning the Jinshi degree through his own merits.
No matter what, before chaos engulfed Phoenix City, he must send his son away.
“As soon as the transfer order arrives, send him immediately to the Eastern Capital,” he instructed. “Start making preparations now. Find a way to acquire property there and gradually transfer our wealth. We’ll need resources for networking and securing favors in the Eastern Capital…”
Round and round it went, and in the end, everything still came back to money.
The Eldest Madam looked utterly dejected. “What funds? The little silver you bring in each year has all been squandered on banquets and drinks. Buying property in the Eastern Capital? Easy for you to say. Just the other day, I heard Old Madam Wen mention that a single residence there costs no less than fifteen hundred strings of cash. Add in living expenses, and if the second branch refuses to contribute even a single coin, then forget buying property; even renting a decent courtyard will be difficult…”
“Tomorrow, go and offer an apology,” he said. “We’re all family; words spoken in anger shouldn’t count. Give it a couple of days until Third Young Madam cools off; a few kind words then will mend things. Surely we won’t end up with a lasting grudge over one night’s quarrel.”
But the Eldest Madam, remembering the younger ones who had come home crying earlier, was far less optimistic. “You’re thinking too simply, my lord. That Second Lady Wen is not someone who can be appeased so easily.”
Eldest Master Xie’s brow furrowed. “What about the Old Madam? Does she know?”
At that, the Eldest Madam’s anger flared again. Everyone liked to say that a mother loves all her children equally, that they’re both flesh of her flesh, but their Old Madam Xie was nothing if not partial. “Of course, she knows. She’s busy burning incense right now!”
___
With such a commotion in the mansion, how could the Old Madam Xie possibly not know?
The day before, when the Eldest Madam had come to complain about not getting her share of the silver, and even having the shopkeeper come knocking to demand repayment, the Old Madam Xie had been so agitated she couldn’t sleep. She kept muttering to Nanzhi, “Well, isn’t this a stroke of luck! The ancestors of the Xie family must be smiling on us—we’ve somehow married ourselves a real iron lady.”
Nanzhi could tell how pleased she was. “Old Madam, you can set your heart at ease now.”
Ever since this branch of the Xie family separated from the main clan, the Old Madam had only her two sons by her side. The eldest had been of mediocre talent since childhood and was quick to anger; fortunately, the younger was gifted and steady, and by his own ability had risen to become the Left Chancellor of the Eastern Capital. His success had elevated the Xie family into the ranks of the noble houses. Once honor like that was attained, it must not be lost—one might give up official rank, but the family’s legacy must never be broken.
Old Madam Xie had always been an excellent judge of character. Among all the younger generation of the Xie family, the one with the greatest potential was not the Eldest Young Master, but Xianwei.
Unfortunately, because of his father’s circumstances, he had been forced to return to Fengcheng.
Gold will always shine, but it can’t endure being treated like common metal by those who see it only as something to exploit. The Old Madam saw clearly all the scheming that went on in the eldest branch. Everyone wanted to find some way to profit from the young man.
She had assumed he would exercise discretion, but instead, he drifted through each day in languid carelessness, deaf to all advice, perpetually convinced his wealth was boundless and inexhaustible.
What he didn’t understand was that, in this world, the thing that slips away the fastest is silver.
If he continued this aimless existence, once she passed away and his parents followed in due time, the family fortune would likely be squandered to nothing.
Back then, she had willingly borne the scolding and accusations of favoritism when she abruptly switched the groom at the last moment, all because she had been drawn by the reputation of the Eldest Young Lady Wen for managing households skillfully. When she learned on the wedding night that the Wen family had sent the Second Young Lady instead, the blow was severe. She felt dizzy, the world spinning, nearly fainting on the spot, and lay bedridden for days to recover. She resigned herself to fate: if it was to be the Second Young Lady Wen, so be it. She held no further expectations. Yet, the Second Young Lady Wen ended up surprising her.
Fearing the young bride might be intimidated by the eldest branch and struggle to hold her ground, Old Madam Xie had specially instructed Nanny Fang to support Third Young Madam at critical moments.
But Third Young Madam never gave Nanny Fang a chance to intervene.
Once might have been a coincidence, but repeated successes revealed true capability.
The next day, Nanzhi recounted in detail how Third Madam had argued circles around everyone, even scolding several of the other ladies to tears. Old Madam Xie sat on her couch, listening with her ears pricked and her eyes growing brighter and brighter with every word.
When she finally heard that Third Young Madam planned to dismiss the accounting office, Old Madam Xie was so overjoyed that tears streamed down her aged cheeks.
She murmured a prayer to the Bodhisattva, then hurriedly instructed Nanzhi, “Go, gather some tonic supplements, pick the finest ones, and deliver them to Elder Sister Wen. Raising a young lady hasn’t been easy for her. Since she enjoys incense, take those several boxes of scented tablets from my room and give them to her. That Elder Sister Wen is truly a remarkable woman…”
Yet even after all this, she couldn’t calm the excitement in her heart. Rising to her feet, she directed her maid, “Prepare the altar and light the incense. Let’s make an offering to the Bodhisattva.”
When the Eldest Madam arrived with several young ladies in tow, the Old Madam was indeed burning incense with fervent gratitude before the altar.
Seeing the old woman glowing with vigor, the Eldest Madam suddenly remembered how biased this old matriarch had always been. Still, clinging to a sliver of hope, she laid out the difficulties faced by the eldest branch one by one.
To which the Old Madam retorted sternly, “What? Is your husband’s salary not enough for your expenses? Have you grown too comfortable with an easy life, itching to toss silver away? The second branch may have money to support you now, but what about the future? Do you plan to marry your daughters into wealthy merchant families for their fortunes?”
The Eldest Madam’s breath caught in her chest, fury rising upon fury, until the pain in her heart made her dizzy. When she got back home, she grabbed a teacup to smash it, but then remembered that she would still need to rely on that same silver later. Her hand trembled, and she set it down again, feeling only more stifled and powerless. When Eldest Master Xie returned, she was in no mood to greet him kindly.
After hearing her out, Deputy Commander Xie fell silent.
He had long known that his mother favored his younger brother. To say he felt no resentment would have been a lie, but since it hadn’t caused him any real loss, he’d chosen not to dwell on it.
This time was different. It concerned their eldest son’s future. “Everyone’s tempers are running high right now; talking won’t help. In a couple of days, I’ll send for Chengji to return, and I’ll speak with the Old Madam myself.”
___
Following Xie Deputy Commissioner’s instructions, the eldest young master, Xie Heng, personally escorted Pei Yuanqiu and his party out beyond the city gates. Just as he was about to turn back, Pei Yuanqiu pushed open the lattice window beside him and offered his thanks. “Many thanks for seeing us off, Young Master Xie.”
Xie Heng reined in his horse, his expression calm. “I saw you off today, Lord Pei, not for any formal duty, but because you and I are both from Fengcheng. I hope that no matter where your future path leads, you will not forget the elders and people of Fengcheng.”
Pei Yuanqiu laughed. “I hadn’t expected the Eldest Young Master Xie to be so sentimental. You are still young now, but one day, when you have traveled across the vast rivers and mountains and beheld all the exquisite scenery, you will find that anywhere within Great Feng can be home.”
Without further delay, he turned back and let the carriage curtain fall, saying to the coachman, “Let’s go.”
As the carriage behind gradually drew nearer, Xie Heng stood motionless, lost in thought with a furrowed brow. His gaze inadvertently fell upon the carriage in front.
The straight-barred window of the carriage was not fully closed. A gust of wind lifted the white gauze curtain at the window, revealing the person seated inside, the Eldest Young Lady of the Wen family.
Xie Heng was slightly taken aback. The young lady across the way seemed to sense his gaze and turned her head, but their carriages had already passed each other by. He couldn’t tell if she had seen him or not.
Qiuying, sharp-eyed, remarked, “Miss, the Eldest Young Master is outside…”
The young lady’s face showed little emotion. After a moment, she said softly, “He is but someone with whom I share no fate.”
____
The procession set off, slowly making its way toward the Eastern Capital. As soon as Pei Yuanqiu let the curtain fall, the attendant beside him said, “My lord, you can set your mind at ease now.”
“What ease is there to speak of?” Pei Yuanqiu uncorked his waterskin and took a few gulps.
Having stood under the sun for a while earlier, his back was damp with sweat. He hadn’t expected that Shizi Zhou would prove to be no fool and even go so far as to suspect him. If Xie Daoyuan hadn’t had a weakness to be exploited, he might not have escaped so easily today.
“The struggle is far from over,” Pei Yuanqiu handed the waterskin back to his attendant. “When His Highness first proposed reducing the feudal powers of the princes, the Emperor neither agreed nor objected to the ones in the surrounding regions. But in the case of Jing Wang, His Majesty was firmly opposed. No one knows why. Once this piece of evidence is placed before His Majesty, if he still insists on defending Jing Wang, then His Highness truly has reason to be wary.”
The retainer found it absurd. “His Highness is the Emperor’s legitimate eldest son. Jing Wang is merely an adopted son who is being kept in Fengcheng out of sentiment, so he may live out his years in peace. Would His Majesty truly show such favoritism in matters of grave importance?”
Pei Yuanqiu gave a faint, cold smile. “If the goal was a peaceful retirement, why not send him to Shuzhou or Jiangnan? Why assign him as the military governor of Zhongzhou, the one closest to the Eastern Capital?”
The attendant was startled, his expression growing solemn.
Pei Yuanqiu continued, “Back then, Minister Xie was the Left Chancellor of the court, his official career at its peak, when he suddenly resigned and returned to Fengcheng. Looking back now, it seems it may not have been so simple.”
“My lord suspects that Minister Xie’s resignation was a pretense, and that in truth, he received a royal decree to protect Jing Wang in Fengcheng?” The attendant was perplexed. “He’s merely an adopted son. Why would the Emperor show him such favoritism…”
“What’s so hard to understand about that?” Pei Yuanqiu tilted his head back against the cushion, his tone cool and measured. “Isn’t the Wen family behind us a prime example?”
“The imperial household can hardly be compared to ordinary families,” the attendant protested softly.
“Who can say whether Jing Wang is truly an adopted son or not? Everything depends on how His Majesty acts this time.” Pei Yuanqiu exhaled deeply as the thought of his own rebellious son crossed his mind. Closing his eyes, he said, “Before chaos breaks out in Fengcheng, find a way to bring that unfilial son to the Eastern Capital, by force if necessary.”
He had been married to Madam Wang for many years, yet she had borne him no children. Now, only this son left by his first wife remained under his name.
Whether the boy acknowledged him or not. He was still his own flesh and blood, the very root of his life.
“And that Third Young Master of the Xie family,” Pei Yuanqiu added suddenly, opening his eyes, which now gleamed sharply. “With Shizi Zhou’s wit, he wouldn’t have thought to search my carriage today on his own. That idea must have come from him. I’ve tried to sound him out several times before, but each time he deflected me with ease. His vigilance is high; by no means does he resemble a mere wastrel.”
The attendant’s expression turned grave. “If the Xie family truly stands with Jing Wang, it will be difficult to handle.”
As a former Left Chancellor who has been active in the Eastern Capital for so many years, his hidden network of connections must run deep and wide.
Pei Yuanqiu let out a low, disdainful snort. “Chancellor Xie may be as hard as an ironclad fortress, but even an iron egg can be cracked if you strike it right. Once we reach the Eastern Capital, send someone to inquire about the transfer order for the Eldest Young Master. Expedite its issuance.”
____
Today, Wen Shuse had taken on five opponents single-handedly without showing the slightest trace of fatigue, and if anything, her energy only seemed to grow sharper with each passing moment. No one dared stay any longer to risk further scolding; one by one, they slunk away in shame.
The young gentleman beside her was just as quick to move. The round stool beneath him might as well have been on fire. He shot to his feet and made to leave in haste.
But after only a few steps, the young lady called out to him, “Husband.”
His legs seemed to move against his will, stopping him in his tracks. For once, he even turned back to answer her, “What is it, wife?”
In the past, it was always “Second Wen” or simply “you.”
This sudden “wife” felt unfamiliar to Wen Shuse, but then she reflected that she had just resolved such a major problem for him; he must be overflowing with gratitude.
After all, doing things for others loses its satisfaction without their appreciation. Wen Shuse pointed to a grain of rice cake crumb clinging to the corner of his mouth and asked him gently, “Was the rice cake delicious?”
Heaven knew what that rice cake had tasted like. When she stuffed it into his mouth, his senses were filled entirely with the fragrance of her fingertips. He had chewed a couple of times and swallowed it whole; by now, it had probably already passed through his system, leaving not a trace of its flavor behind. But faced with the sudden concern from the young lady who had been all sharp claws and teeth just moments ago, his heart was thrown into turmoil. He could only nod against his conscience and say, “It was delicious.”
Afraid she might keep him talking any longer, he quickly said, “You’ve had a long day, get some rest early.”
Wen Shuse thought to herself that indeed, one had to do something useful before getting along peacefully with others. With that in mind, she spoke earnestly, “Please don’t worry, husband. I’ll make sure to manage the household properly for you.”
The gentleman opposite her tugged faintly at the corner of his mouth and replied dryly, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way. Wife, do your best.”
––––
That day, Wen Shuse’s brilliant wit and sharp tongue had made her famous in a single battle. Yet, when she woke the next morning, she felt her throat somewhat dry.
Aunt Qing and Xiangyun attended to her washing, while Nanny Fang came in carrying a round, floral-patterned porcelain bowl. She called out toward the inner room, “Third Young Madam, Old Madam had bird’s nest soup prepared early this morning. Nanzhi just brought it over. Once you’ve tidied up, come out and have it while it’s still hot. It’ll soothe your throat.”
The Old Lady was truly thoughtful.
Yesterday, everyone had witnessed Third Young Madam’s skill with their own eyes. When had the second branch ever held their heads so high? Nanny Fang had been too excited to sleep half the night, and even now her spirits were still brimming with energy that morning.
She passed along Old Madam Xie’s message, “Old Madam said that for the Third Young Master to have married such a capable wife. It must be thanks to the good fortune of the Xie family’s ancestors.”
The last two days had been chaotic, and Wen Shuse knew the people from the eldest branch would surely have gone to complain before Old Madam. Secretly, Wen Shuse hadn’t been entirely confident, but now, hearing those words was like swallowing a calming pill.
Praise is always hard to resist. Wen Shuse replied modestly, “It was nothing but my duty. How could I possibly deserve such praise from Grandmother?” Yet she couldn’t help adding boldly, “Rest assured. As long as I’m here, no one will ever dare lay a hand on the storeroom again.”
True to her word, that very day, Wen Shuse had Steward An dismissed the accounting office and took all the account books into her own hands.
She had fully expected several more rounds of trouble and was thoroughly prepared for visitors to come knocking. Yet, surprisingly, two peaceful days passed, leaving her almost unable to believe it was truly over. “Are they just letting it go like that?”
Xiangyun laughed. “After that battle the other day, your formidable reputation has surely spread far and wide. Who would be so foolish as to come seeking a scolding?”
That made sense, come to think of it, she hadn’t seen Third Xie around these past two days either.
Each morning when she rose, the west wing was already empty, as if he held some official post and had left for duty.
With no one to disturb her, she moved back outside to sit beneath the pear tree.
This very pear tree had been planted by the Second Madam herself after they returned to Fengcheng. Now it was in full bloom, clusters of snow-white petals weighing down the branches.
It seemed she was only noticing the beauty of spring in this spot today. Wen Shuse tilted her head back, slowly savoring the view.
Last time, when Nanny Fang heard her say she couldn’t smell the flowers, she had someone pick several peonies and arrange them in a ceramic vase, which now sat on the wooden table before her.
The sun lingers over mountains and rivers, splendid and bright;
The spring breeze carries the fragrance of flowers and grass.
A subtle fragrance drifted around her, and before her eyes lay the rich, dense beauty of spring.
Just as she was reclining in her lounge chair, soaking in the boundless spring scenery, Xiangyun suddenly hurried in from outside. “Third Young Mistress, the Eldest Young Master has returned.”
Wen Shuse’s closed eyes snapped open instantly.
“I heard the Old Madam has arranged a banquet today and summoned all the family members, young and old. You’ll be attending too, Miss.”
Before the words had even settled, Nan Zhi entered the courtyard to relay the official message. “Third Young Madam, the Old Madam is hosting a banquet and requests your presence at Ningxin Hall for the family banquet.”
The invitation came so suddenly that Wen Shuse stood there, momentarily dazed.
A few days ago, Third Xie had repeatedly tried to prevent her from seeing the man. But now, it seemed, the whole family was bound to meet eventually.
She hurriedly rose from her lounge chair and glanced down at her attire. Having sat for so long, her robes were somewhat wrinkled, hardly presentable. “Then let me go change my clothes first.”
Xiangyun followed her into the room. After a flurry of dressing, combing, and countless checking the bronze mirror, she was finally satisfied. With her hair swept up into a high bun, she emerged. Nanzhi was still waiting outside.
As the party left the courtyard, Wen Shuse’s steps were unusually light. Recalling the tall, straight-backed figure she had seen on horseback that day, and then that voice, her mind had already conjured an image of a face of unparalleled elegance, gentle and refined.
But the path seemed endlessly long, and she still couldn’t catch a glimpse of him. Unable to contain herself, she turned to Nanzhi and asked, “Wasn’t the Eldest Young Master busy with official duties? Why has he returned so suddenly?”
Nanzhi, however, wore a hesitant expression, as if struggling with something difficult to put into words. This only piqued Wen Shuse’s curiosity further. “Has something happened?”
“I won’t hide it from you, Third Young Madam,” Nanzhi replied. “If nothing changes, the Eldest Young Master’s transfer order will arrive before the end of this month. Once it does, he’ll have to depart for the Eastern Capital to assume his new post. Today, the Master and Madam went to speak with Old Madam about purchasing a residence in the Eastern Capital for him…”
It felt like a bucket of cold water had been dumped over her head without the slightest warning, drenching her to the bone and chilling her to the core.
The spark that had been flickering so brightly in her heart was instantly snuffed out, the faint sizzle, sizzle almost audible in her ears.
The peerless face she had conjured in her mind instantly twisted and warped. The ethereal immortal who had once dwelled beyond the mortal realm came crashing down from the highest clouds, transforming into a crafty, calculating old schemer.