The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 29
Had it not been for the Third Young Madam of the Xie family, Madam Zhou would never have learned of his identity.
Ever since the incident at the armory, the Jing Wang Mansion owed the Yang family a favor, and this time, they were able to repay it.
In addition to the grain donated by Wen Shuse, Madam Zhou also provided fodder for the horses. With tens of thousands of supplies, the few soldiers Supervisor Wei had brought would never have been able to transport everything to Luo’an.
Madam Zhou personally mobilized half of Fengcheng’s troops, assembling them at the city gates to assist with the escort.
Although the Eastern Province fell under the Crown Prince’s jurisdiction, once the flames of war spread, it would be the people of Great Feng who suffered. Delivering these provisions would alleviate the immediate crisis. As for the future, they could wait for the Prince to return and discuss matters slowly with the court.
The convoy was ready to depart. Every moment of delay meant further suffering for the soldiers at the front. Without detaining him for a lengthy conversation, Madam Zhou urged him into his carriage. “You must set off at once.”
Supervisor Wei had just climbed into the carriage when Zhou Kuang arrived with Xie Shao and Pei Qing, coming straight toward Madam Zhou. Seeing the convoy slowly begin its journey, the three dismounted. Zhou Kuang stepped forward, a puzzled expression on his face, and asked his mother, “What is all this about?”
Madam Zhou also saw the three of them, though her gaze lingered longest on Xie Shao. Though it was already midnight and the group was weary from their journey, Xie Shao’s expression remained firm and steady.
She knew the reputations these young men held in Fengcheng, but who hadn’t been wild and unruly in their youth?
She and Jing Wang had long seen that the Third Young Master Xie was no ordinary man. They had even tried more than once to persuade him to accept an official appointment in Fengcheng, yet he had refused every time, saying he was too used to living freely and could never be an official.
She had also once asked Chancellor Xie for help, but he could only reply helplessly, “When we left the Eastern Capital, I made an agreement with him that from then on, he would be free to do as he wished. I would not interfere.”
Madam Zhou had an inkling that the father and son had once quarreled over the matter of resigning from officialdom. At that time, the young man was still full of ambition and passion, as if he could tread the vast mountains and rivers beneath his feet. Then, suddenly, came Chancellor Xie’s resignation, the family’s withdrawal back to Fengcheng… it was like a flourishing young sprout being cut down midway. Who wouldn’t be struck hard by that?
As for why Chancellor Xie had resigned back then, even she and Jing Wang had never understood. It was the Xie family’s private matter, and she couldn’t ask too much.
She had always felt regretful about it, but seeing things now, but now it seemed that fate had its own plans. No matter how one tried to escape, fate would always guide one back onto the proper path through twists and turns. Hearing Zhou Kuang’s question, she answered, “The fighting between Luo’an and the Western Capital has dragged on, yet the Crown Prince’s provisions still haven’t arrived. The soldiers at the front, left with no choice, have been begging for grain along the roads. Yesterday, General Yang’s grandson arrived in Fengcheng.”
Zhou Kuang paused in surprise. “General Yang?” He turned to look toward the line of carriages.
The incident at the armory had been resolved entirely thanks to the Yang family’s intervention. Offering support this time was only proper, but even the Prince Mansion couldn’t produce this much grain. “All this grain… was it donated?”
Madam Zhou lifted her gaze toward Xie Shao behind him. “We have your Third Young Master Xie to thank. He donated the grain.”
The moment Xie Shao saw that mountain of grain, suspicion had already stirred in his heart. He had long known that Second Wen was stockpiling food, and judging from what was loaded onto these carriages tonight, at least eighty percent of Fengcheng’s grain had been taken away. Second Wen’s hidden stock must surely be among it.
Madam Zhou’s words confirmed his guess, but Xie Shao showed little reaction. Having just returned from Qingzhou, Xie Shao was well aware of the severity of the situation in Luo’an.
Donating some grain was only right. What truly surprised him was how that penny-pinching miser, who was just as money-grubbing as Cui Yan, had been willing to part with so much this time.
After paying his respects to Madam Zhou, Xie Shao planned to return home, but Zhou Kuang was still stunned. He asked Madam Zhou, “All of this was donated by Sister-in-law?”
The Third Young Madam had just bought those official posts; they were still warm in her hands. If anyone had objections, the family ought to sit down and talk it through. Not wanting to draw trouble to herself, Madam Zhou ignored Zhou Kuang and changed the subject, asking with feigned curiosity, “And where have you all run off to this time?”
Since they were already back safe, Zhou Kuang didn’t bother hiding it. “Qingzhou.”
Madam Zhou shot him a dagger-sharp glare. “Are you tired of living? And dragging your brothers down with you? Anyone who ends up stuck with you is truly unlucky.”
For once, Madam Zhou had spoken fairly. Xie Shao and Pei Qing were thinking exactly the same thing at that moment. Unfortunately, Zhou Kuang’s hide was as thick as a wall, and he felt not the slightest hint of shame.
Madam Zhou then asked, “Has there been any news of Wangye?”
Xie Shao finally spoke. “Pei Qing and I happened to encounter His Highness on the road. Three days ago, His Highness was hurrying to the Eastern Capital to request an audience with His Majesty. He asked us to bring a message to Madam. There is no need to worry.”
He had likely heard about the armory incident, and with the situation in Luo’an worsening, he must have gone to the capital to report in person.
Madam Zhou already knew the outcome of the depot incident and felt no concern. Her gaze swept gently over Xie Shao and Pei Qing. In a warm tone, she said, “You’ve both endured a long journey. Go home and rest.”
It was indeed very late, so Xie Shao and Pei Qing bid her farewell to Madam Zhou.
Zhou Kuang’s mind was still stuck on the grain he had just seen. “Mother, was all that grain really from sister-in-law…?” Madam Zhou grabbed him by the arm and pulled him toward the carriage up ahead. Zhou Kuang grew even more confused. “What’s wrong, Mother?”
Fearing he might make more of a scene, Madam Zhou lowered her voice. “The Third Young Madam Xie used that grain to buy an official post for your Brother Xie.”
Zhou Kuang gasped loudly. “Bought a post?! For Brother Xie?!” He twisted around to stare at Xie Shao, who had just mounted his horse.
Madam Zhou swiftly pulled him back and pushed him into the carriage before releasing him.
Zhou Kuang couldn’t hold back any longer. He looked at Madam Zhou in bewilderment, yet couldn’t suppress his excitement. “Did Sister-in-law really buy an official post for Brother Xie?”
Knowing her son had always been impulsive and that no amount of scolding would change that, Madam Zhou simply gave up and replied, “A Senior Deputy.”
Zhou Kuang’s eyes went wide with shock.
In the past, no matter how much he had tried to persuade him, offering to secure him an official position so he could rightfully advise the Prince Mansion, Xie had refused every time, absolutely unwilling.
And now look at this, his own wife had used grain to exchange for a minor deputy official post.
Such a position was largely nominal, but ever since the Emperor ascended the throne, it had been incorporated into the official registry. Though barely hanging at the very bottom, it still carried a ninth-rank title.
Seeing her son’s jaw nearly about to fall off, Madam Zhou added, “And concurrently appointed as Military Judicial Officer.” Though still only a ninth-rank post, the advantage was that it was a real position; he could participate in handling military cases and assist in administrative affairs.
It took Zhou Kuang a long moment to process this. A low rank didn’t matter, as long as he was willing to serve, he could be promoted gradually in the future.
But the problem was…
“Would he be willing?”
Madam Zhou smiled faintly. “The Third Young Madam made the decision. I’m afraid this time, his willingness is beside the point.”
Zhou Kuang: ……
So, it seems, once a man takes a wife, his life is bound to be full of unexpected twists.
—
By the time the grain at the mansion had been fully moved, it was already deep into the night.
After washing up, Wen Shuse lay down on the bed and once again took out those official documents to read.
Nanny Fang knew she had sold grain today. Though she didn’t know the exact price, judging by the young lady’s expression, it must have been a good deal.
Seeing her tossing and turning in bed, clutching those papers and unable to sleep, Nanny Fang couldn’t help but tease, “Madam, what treasure are you holding so close that she can’t even close her eyes?”
Wen Shuse didn’t answer directly. Instead, she turned over and asked, “Nanny, when will my husband be back?”
Before Xie Shao left, he had informed both Wen Shuse and the Old Madam that he needed to travel far for a few days. It had already been seven or eight days since then. Nanny Fang didn’t know exactly when he would return, but she didn’t want to disappoint the Third Young Madam, so she replied, “Soon.”
Wen Shuse didn’t press further. She instructed, “When he returns, let me know immediately. I have a surprise for him.”
They had been married for nearly a month. Although things were far more harmonious than she had expected, the two of them usually lived their own lives, neither distant nor especially close. Hearing Wen Shuse suddenly say such words, Nanny Fang felt a burst of joy and quickly responded, “Yes, madam, I’ll remember.”
Xie Shao returned home when the entire mansion was already silent. Wen Shuse had eventually tired herself out and fallen asleep.
That night, it was Nanny Fang’s turn to keep watch. Hearing movement in the courtyard, she immediately got up and went out.
Seeing that it was Xie Shao, she finally let out a breath of relief. After offering her greetings, she reported, “Third Young Master has been gone quite a while this trip. Third Young Madam has been thinking of you every single day. Tonight, she even stayed awake waiting for you and refused to sleep until just now.”
Xie Shao looked genuinely surprised. She… thought of him?
On the day he left, he had gone to say goodbye to her. She was sitting at the round table, focused entirely on the abacus in her hands, and had only responded with a vague “Mm,” without even looking up.
It must be about the grain donation. She probably wanted to report it to him. Since she was already asleep, it could wait until tomorrow.
Qingzhou had suffered from drought and natural disasters, and with the war in Luo’an, the road from Fengcheng was crowded with refugees. Many shops and inns along the way had closed, fearing looting and chaos by the displaced people.
Over the past few days, he and Pei Qing had practically endured harsh conditions, eaten wind, and slept under the open sky. Now that they were back, it was time to treat themselves properly. After washing up, he instructed Minzhang, “Tomorrow, reserve a private room at Drunken Fragrance Pavilion and invite Pei Qing as well.”
It had been days since he last enjoyed the wine from Drunken Fragrance Pavilion, and his stomach had grown rather weary of the blandness.
Minzhang acknowledged the order.
He was utterly exhausted and fell asleep as soon as he touched the bed. By daybreak, he still hadn’t woken, only faintly hearing the young woman’s voice through his drowsiness.
“Is he still asleep?”
“He didn’t return until midnight? Then I’ll wait a little longer. Let me know when he wakes up.”
Without opening his eyes, Xie Shao continued to sleep. It wasn’t until the sun was high in the sky that he finally rose from bed and called out to Minzhang outside. As he bent down to put on his shoes, the door to the outer room suddenly swung open, and the young woman’s voice drifted in. “Husband…”
Seeing she was about to walk past the screen, a rare panic shot through him. He was wearing only an inner robe, chest gaping open, thin as cicada wings. In a rush, he pulled both feet back onto the bed and yanked the covers up over himself.
The little lady quickly reached the bedside. Seeing her husband half-reclining there, she didn’t look the least bit embarrassed. In a gentle voice, she asked, “Husband, you’re awake?”
Xie Shao lifted his eyes.
She always seemed brimming with energy; her eyes bright and lively. Both hands were tucked behind her back, and she was smiling at him as if she had some tremendous piece of good news she couldn’t wait to share.
Xie Shao couldn’t help inwardly grumbling; hadn’t Madam Zhou said last night that the grain was donated? Could they have actually given her money in return?
Suspicion flickered in his mind as he looked at her, puzzled.
But she only teased him instead. “Husband, I have one good piece of news and one bad piece of news. Which one do you want to hear first?”
Xie Shao: ……
Refusing to play along, he asked directly, “The grain is gone?”
The young lady wasn’t surprised. With such a huge commotion from moving all that grain, he would naturally have heard something when he returned last night.
Since he clearly wanted to hear the bad news first, she could only say it. Her expression showed genuine distress. “Husband, you didn’t see it… Those soldiers were pitiful beyond words. For just a mouthful of grain, Great Feng’s iron-blooded soldiers actually knelt before common folk. And even then, they couldn’t get so much as a single grain of rice. As a subject of Great Feng, I truly couldn’t bear to watch. I thought, even if I starved myself, I couldn’t let our soldiers’ hearts freeze in despair.”
Her sudden speaking with such lofty righteousness caught him a little off guard.
Then she continued, “So… I donated all the grain.”
After saying that, she glanced at him. He didn’t seem to react, most likely, he hadn’t fully processed what she meant by all.
Admittedly, it was a bit hard to accept, so she added, “Marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog. No matter what happens from now on, I will never look down on you, Husband.”
…What on earth had he done that required her not to look down on him?
He wasn’t even wearing proper clothes yet and couldn’t argue with her like this, so he asked directly, “And the good news?”
At that, the little lady’s troubled expression vanished without a trace. The corners of her mouth slowly lifted, and she even stepped forward, walking straight toward his bed.
Xie Shao instinctively recoiled, but the young lady showed no trace of reservation. She plopped herself right down on his bed. Before he could say a word, she brought her hands from behind her back and presented him with a sheet of xuan paper.
“Husband, open it and look.”
She offered it to him as though it were some rare treasure she had specially prepared for him.
Xie Shao was still clutching the quilt, suspicion written all over his face. But her eyes shone with such earnest anticipation, clearly waiting for him to open it himself. Finally, he tucked the quilt around himself, freed his hand, took the paper, untied the red silk cord binding it, and slowly unrolled it.
“Appointment Letter”
Xie Shao’s eyelid twitched. His pupils narrowed gradually as his gaze swept over each character. The young lady leaned close to his ear, explaining softly, “Senior Deputy, ninth rank.”
“I even asked Madam Zhou specially. She said it’s an established post with a salary. Though it’s only five strings of cash a month, they’ve also offered an additional appointment, Military Judicial Official, which brings in another ten strings monthly. If you perform well, you can even be promoted to an advisory position…”
A throbbing began in Xie Shao’s head, a faint pulse beating at his temples. He lifted his gaze and stared at her for a long moment. “Who gave this to you?”
Wen Shuse did not see the joy she had expected on his face. Her expression flickered in surprise.
He… didn’t like it?
Of course, she thought, a pampered young master like him, used to a life of silks and satins, probably what slipped through his fingers in a single day was worth far more than this. Guessing he must be looking down on the meager salary, Wen Shuse did her best to offer encouragement. “Husband, please don’t dislike the low pay. At least we have an official post. From now on, you are an official! With your capabilities, I truly believe you can climb even higher…”
He finally understood what she meant by ‘good news’. It was a blessing he couldn’t stomach. Cutting her off before she could finish, he stuffed the document back into her arms, his manner dripping with lofty pride. “I have plenty of silver. I don’t need to be an official.”
Wen Shuse was stunned, gaping at him in disbelief. He probably hadn’t realized the current state of their household.
How should she put this?
Forget it, better to tell him the truth. “Husband… we don’t have any silver left.”
The man across from her froze for a moment, still not understanding.
Wen Shuse looked genuinely apologetic and began from the beginning. “That day, Madam Gu came to tell me that Qingzhou’s drought was severe and Luo’an was going to war, and she advised me to stockpile grain. I asked Husband, and Husband agreed. Since we were going to stockpile, then for a household like ours, what’s the point of storing just a few dozen dan or a few hundred dan? If we were going to do it, we should stockpile properly. So, on impulse, I used all the money from the Xie and Wen households to buy grain, even adding my own dowry, and emptied the Cui family’s entire granary. I thought we would earn a fortune. And a few days ago, when prices shot up, we truly did earn a fortune.”
“But who knew Luo’an would suddenly be short of provisions and come all the way here asking us for grain? What else could I do? The Xie family is a house of meritorious officials. Your grandfather once held the honored post of Left Chancellor and cared for the common people. The Wen family is a scholarly lineage; my grandfather once served as the emperor’s tutor. Both families have taken stipends from the court. Now that the nation is in trouble, how could we sit and do nothing?”
She took a breath. “So… I donated it all.”
Then she continued, “Since ancient times, there have been precedents of donating grain in exchange for official posts. Our grain is gone, our silver is gone. We couldn’t just end up with nothing and starve to death, right? So, I pleaded and reasoned with Madam Zhou, and managed to secure three official posts: one for Husband, and one each for my father and brother. From now on, the three of you are all deputy officials. Each month, you’ll receive a fixed stipend of fifteen guan. An ordinary family’s monthly expenses are about three thousand coins… one guan is a thousand coins…”
She counted on her fingers, and before she finished, her own brows had already furrowed. Her voice grew smaller and smaller, “Actually… if we’re frugal… we can still live.”
Xie Shao: ……
So, all that grain hauled out of the city last night… was donated by her?
Only then did Xie Shao’s expression finally change. He suddenly threw off the quilt and sat upright, not caring in the least that he was wearing only a thin inner robe, nearly transparent, nor whether the young lady might take advantage of the view. He shouted loudly, “Minzhang!”
Master and servant each grabbed clothing, one handing, one putting it on. Neither spared the young lady behind them a glance. Once he was dressed, he hurried straight out the door.
Wen Shuse lifted her skirt hem and followed right behind him with quick little steps.
The group went directly to the storeroom and stopped before the door. The man in front turned back to look at her. Before he could speak, the ever-perceptive young lady quickly pulled out the keys to unlock the door.
The storeroom door swung open, revealing an interior that had been swept completely bare, leaving nothing but empty space.
The last time he had come here, how much silver had there been? Just the gold alone… weren’t there more than a dozen chests? That should have been at least twenty thousand taels. Plus the silver ingots, the silver notes, all the miscellaneous valuables…
Altogether, there should have been several hundred thousand taels.
And now it was empty. Completely empty. Even the chests were gone. His vision darkened; he staggered back a step. Minzhang quickly caught his arm, calling anxiously, “Young Master, please stay calm.”
Don’t speak. His head was splitting.
“Husband…”
“You don’t speak either.”
Wen Shuse closed her mouth. After a moment, she couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “Last time, you said… If it’s all lost, then it’s lost. We can just earn it back.”
That was only because he’d been out of his mind, blind in judgment!
Who would’ve guessed this young woman, barely grown, would have such nerve, even bolder than he was, and spend hundreds of thousands of taels in one sweep…
Xie Shao gritted his teeth. After weathering the initial, dizzying blow, he gradually steadied himself.
The goods were already gone. What could he do now? He couldn’t very well go and demand the grain back. Forget it. At least Second Madam still knew how to make money. If the silver was gone, it was gone. From now on, they could rely on those rogue and cosmetic shops to keep them afloat. Making a comeback wasn’t entirely out of the question.
Helplessly, he turned his head. The little lady stood behind him, not daring to meet his eyes. She bowed her head in a fluster, looking utterly guilty.
He had been the one to ask her to manage the accounts. She had reported the grain purchases to him. The grain hadn’t been squandered, it had been donated to the troops. Her righteous heart was as clear as the sun and moon. What was it there for him to blame her for?
His head was spinning. All he wanted was to go out, walk around, and clear his mind.
Seeing his unsteady steps, Wen Shuse tried to comfort him. “Don’t worry, Husband. You are a man destined for wealth and prosperity. I’m sure you will rise in rank and become rich in the future. As long as you’re willing to work hard…”
His footsteps quickened… faster and faster toward the exit.
The young lady craned her neck, still cheering him on from behind. “Even General Yang of our dynasty once lived in poverty and despair, yet look at him now, a pillar of the court! Thus, a gentleman strengthens himself day by day, aspires to improve day by day, and grows all the more vigorous with each passing day…!”