Chapter 263: Departure
Yu Jingxiu returned from Grand Secretary Yu's residence and noticed several brand-new winter garments placed on the kang table as soon as he entered. The patterns were unfamiliar to him, and judging by the colors, they were clearly meant for a man. He couldn't help but take a closer look.
Fan Shi felt a pang of irritation.
Why hadn’t she remembered to put these away?
Instinctively, she didn’t want Yu Jingxiu to know that these clothes had been made by Fei Shi—lately, she had been so preoccupied with caring for Zhen Jie'er that she hadn’t had time to do any needlework for him herself.
"With the weather getting colder," Fan Shi said with a smile, "I thought you might need a few extra winter garments." She then shot a glance at Mo Zhuan, signaling her to put the clothes away.
Mo Zhuan moved to gather the clothes with a smile.
But Yu Jingxiu stepped forward and ran his fingers along the hem of one garment. "Your needlework has improved—the stitches are so fine and even." He looked up at Fan Shi. "But don’t trouble yourself with this anymore. It strains your eyes, and you already have your hands full with Zhen Jie'er. What’s the point of keeping seamstresses in the household if not for this?" His gaze was tender.
Mo Zhuan froze, glancing at Fan Shi.
Fan Shi didn’t even look at Mo Zhuan. Instead, she smiled and asked, "What did Father want to discuss with you?" deftly changing the subject.
That evening, while Yu Jingxiu was in his study handling correspondence, Mo Zhuan approached Fan Shi. "Madam, what should we do with these clothes…?"
"Give them to the servants," Fan Shi replied darkly.
Mo Zhuan obeyed and left.
Two days later, Yu Jingxiu finalized his departure date. Madam Yu, accompanied by Housekeeper Shu, came to inspect the trunks Fan Shi had prepared for her son. Coincidentally, Yu Jingxiu returned from the yamen just then. Knowing Fan Shi had never handled such tasks before and fearing his mother might find fault, he quickly interjected, "With the weather turning cold, Fan Shi was worried I might catch a chill and even made me a few winter garments herself."
Fan Shi stiffened in alarm.
Madam Yu let out an intrigued "Oh?" and asked, "What kind of fabric did you use? What styles?"
Fan Shi cast a panicked look at Mo Zhuan.
Mo Zhuan inwardly sighed in relief.
The winter garments were not only made of fine fabric but also in the latest styles. Such high-quality items naturally deserved to be given to the maids and matrons who treated her with respect! However, she hadn’t yet decided whom to reward, and with Madam Yu’s sudden visit, the clothes hadn’t been distributed.
She gave Fan Shi a subtle nod, assuring her it was fine, then went to retrieve the clothes made by Consort Fei.
Madam Yu flipped through them and, seeing the careful needlework, nodded approvingly at Fan Shi. "You’ve worked hard!" She seemed thoroughly pleased.
Fan Shi exhaled in relief.
Mo Zhuan, meanwhile, wiped sweat from her brow.
Yu Jingxiu took his mother’s arm and grinned. "Mother, now you can rest easy!"
Madam Yu patted her son’s hand affectionately and, without further inspection, offered Yu Jingxiu a few parting words before returning to the main house with Housekeeper Shu.
But Fan Shi couldn’t shake her resentment toward Fei Shi and began frequently assigning her tasks, leaving her with no free time at all for a while.
Fei Shi couldn’t help but complain to Consort Wu: "...Had I known it would turn out like this, I wouldn’t have bothered. My efforts only backfired."
Consort Wu laughed at her words.
Fei Shi then asked, "How do you stay cooped up in your room all day? What do you do to pass the time?""I'm doing some needlework," Consort Wu said with a smile. "My father has taken a new wife and had another son, and my sister married a scholar who tutors. I'm using some leftover fabric to make small things for them, to help out a little."
Fei Shi asked curiously, "But they're all the way in Zhoushan!"
Consort Wu replied, "People often come from Nanjing, and the Wu Family's stewards frequently visit the capital. I can just ask them to deliver the items."
Fei Shi then remarked, "Madam Wu doesn't seem to treat you as an outsider!"
Consort Wu smiled but said nothing.
The two often spent time chatting together, though Fei Shi did most of the talking while Consort Wu mostly listened.
On Laba Festival, the Wu Family sent over Laba porridge, with a portion specifically designated for Consort Wu. Naturally, she had to return the gesture with gifts. After rummaging through her belongings, she found a few pouches and handkerchiefs to give to the Housekeeper to take back.
The Housekeeper then asked with a smile, "Do you have anything for Madam Zhao? I can deliver it along with these."
Consort Wu was taken aback.
The Housekeeper continued, "Madam Wu said that since Lord Zhao isn't home, Madam Zhao has been keeping to herself and rarely receives visitors. If you can see her, she must hold you in high regard. If you have anything for Madam Zhao, I can take it back for you."
She probably wants to use me to get to Madam Zhao, Consort Wu thought.
If Madam Zhao wasn't receiving guests, there must be a reason. Her previous unannounced visit had already been impolite—how could she trouble Madam Zhao again?
"No," Consort Wu replied with a smile. "As a concubine, it wouldn't be proper for me to send gifts to Madam Zhao. Please convey my thanks to Madam Wu when you return." With that, she stood to see the Housekeeper out.
Seeing Consort Wu's firmness, the Housekeeper left awkwardly and reported back to Madam Wu.
Madam Wu frowned and summoned her personal Housekeeper. "Has there been any news from the Zhao household lately?"
The Housekeeper replied, "Madam Shen has returned! She brought many things for Madam Zhao and is still there."
Madam Wu's face brightened. "Let's go visit Madam Zhao."
The Housekeeper agreed and, seeing the heavy snow and wind outside, helped Madam Wu into a gray squirrel-fur cloak and handed her an oil-paper umbrella before escorting her to the Zhao residence.
Yue Chuan was somewhat reluctant but had no choice but to inform Fu Tingyun.
Fu Tingyun was sitting by the window in the inner room with Third Sister when she heard of Madam Wu's arrival. She rubbed her temples in exasperation.
Third Sister, however, laughed. "Let her in. Though she enjoys gossip, since you've been staying indoors, you haven't heard much about the outside world. Having her around to chat might save you the trouble of sending someone to gather news."
"No need to worry about that," Fu Tingyun said. "Though I stay inside, A Sen talks to me every day. I just don't like Madam Wu's prying eyes." Still, she invited Madam Wu in.
Madam Wu brought up the same topic again—hosting a welcome banquet for Third Sister and asking Fu Tingyun to accompany them.
Since the invitation was for Third Sister, Fu Tingyun deferred to her. Third Sister replied cheerfully, "That sounds lovely! I'll wait for your invitation then. But with the New Year approaching and this being my first time celebrating in the capital, and my husband newly appointed to the Ministry of Personnel, we have many social obligations. I'll return the favor with a banquet of my own come spring."Madam Wu was naturally overjoyed to hear this and promptly set the date for the tenth day of the month.
After seeing Madam Wu off, Fu Tingyun couldn't help but smile and ask Third Sister, "What scheme are you brewing this time, sister?"
Third Sister pursed her lips in amusement and replied, "This was your Third Older Cousin's Husband's idea—Official Wu is connected to Hao Jianfeng, who in turn is linked to several former third-rank officials who once followed Grand Secretary Shen. Right now, Grand Secretary Qian and Grand Secretary Chen are having a hard time in the cabinet. The Emperor might inquire once or twice, but he can't intervene in everything. Hao Jianfeng and the others aren't trying to challenge the Emperor; it's just that Grand Secretary Qian and Grand Secretary Chen lack seniority, making it difficult for them to switch sides immediately without a proper excuse. If Hao Jianfeng could establish contact with Mr. Zhao, wouldn't that be a perfect opportunity? Hao Jianfeng and his associates care about face—they don’t want to back down in front of Grand Secretary Qian and Grand Secretary Chen. But Mr. Zhao was the Emperor’s strategist back when he was still a prince. In terms of seniority, Mr. Zhao was a Presented Scholar in the Bingchen year of the Xiping era’s twenty-third year. Bowing to him wouldn’t be considered shameful!"
Fu Tingyun widened her eyes in surprise. "These days, Third Older Cousin's Husband has been visiting frequently to check on the children’s studies and even took time to mentor A Sen. Why didn’t he mention any of this to me?" She then asked, "Is he trying to act as a bridge for Hao Jianfeng?"
"With Ninth Master away, how could he discuss such matters with you directly?" Third Sister covered her mouth with a laugh before lowering her voice. "Your Third Older Cousin's Husband believes Hao Jianfeng has deep connections after years in the Ministry of Personnel. If he can’t reach you, he’ll find another way. Rather than that, why not do him a favor while he’s in a tight spot? He also said that with Hao Jianfeng’s abilities, even if he doesn’t make it to the Grand Secretariat, securing a stable second-rank position is guaranteed. Zhao Ling is stationed outside the capital as a general—matters like provisions, military pay, and battlefield merits all require deliberation by the Grand Secretaries. With someone like Hao Jianfeng assisting, wouldn’t things go twice as smoothly?"
Fu Tingyun began to consider this seriously.
Zhao Ling had won several more victories in Guizhou, and even Madam Mo had personally visited to congratulate her.
Back in Xuanfu, Zhao Ling had repeatedly returned to the capital to negotiate with the Ministry of War over provisions and military pay for the General Military Headquarters. Having someone influential in court to speak for him would save Zhao Ling a great deal of trouble. Third Older Cousin's Husband’s seniority was too limited—reaching the third rank in ten years was already an achievement. Relying solely on him would take far too long. If things were as Third Older Cousin's Husband said, helping Hao Jianfeng would not only ease the Emperor’s predicament but also forge a valuable connection—a win-win situation.
"This matter still needs to be discussed with Ninth Master," she said cautiously. "Affairs of the court are best understood by men."
"Of course," Third Sister agreed with a smile. "But it’s best to act before or after the New Year. Delaying too long might invite complications."
Fu Tingyun nodded. Realizing this wasn’t something to be rushed, she changed the subject and asked about Third Sister’s return from Huayin. "Didn’t you say you’d return after the seventh-week mourning period? Why did it take so long? How are Fifth Sister and the others?""Ah!" Third Sister sighed with a bitter smile upon hearing this. "It's fortunate you didn't return. If you had, you'd probably feel ashamed too!" Then she began recounting the events in Huayin, "...Before even the first seven-day mourning period had passed, Aunt and Fourth Aunt were already quarreling over expenses. After the forty-nine-day mourning period, I finally convinced Mother to move to the side residence to observe filial mourning and stay out of the main household's affairs. But then Sixth Uncle, who never involved himself in household matters, suddenly stepped forward demanding the family divide its assets... We married daughters were caught in an impossible position—speaking up would be improper, but staying silent felt wrong too. Before the evening lamps were lit, we all hurried back to our marital homes. But Aunt detained me, insisting I mediate fairly. Only when Mother feigned illness was I able to escape. Tell me, what kind of situation is this?"
Fu Tingyun was shocked: "Why would Sixth Uncle propose dividing the family? Doesn't the Shu family have any say in this?"
The Shu family was Sixth Aunt's maternal family. Besides her full brother Shu Ming who had entered official service, they had produced several Presented Scholars in recent years.
Third Sister gave Fu Tingyun a peculiar look and said, "It seems it was precisely Uncle Shu who advised Sixth Uncle and Sixth Aunt to separate from Aunt and the others!"
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Happy weekend to all!
PS: Noticing some readers' comments about Zhao Ling's limited appearances recently—this can't be helped. Zhao Ling needs time to establish himself before he can remain in the capital as an influential figure, right? This period allows me to detail the Yu Family's situation... This long-distance separation won't last much longer. Rest assured, I'm a benevolent author... O(∩_∩)O~
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(End of Chapter)
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