Chapter 81: A Lesson
At the end of the first lunar month, a heavy snowfall arrived.
The snow came swiftly and fiercely, accumulating knee-deep within a day and night.
Zheng San and A Sen were sweeping snow in the courtyard with brooms and shovels when they saw the personal housekeeper of Wang Furen, the wife of the garrison commander Wang Yi stationed at Zhuanglang Garrison, passing by the gate, accompanied by two young maids.
Both men had good memories and greeted them from afar with a respectful bow.
Wang Furen's housekeeper politely exchanged pleasantries: "How has Miss Fu been these days?"
"Thank you for your concern, she's doing well!" Zheng San replied with a smile. "Where are you coming from? The weather is so cold—why not come in for a cup of hot tea before you go?"
"Thank you!" the housekeeper said with a smile. "I just came from the home of Chen Limu at the Garrison Office. On our madam's orders, I still have to visit Wang Taitai." Seeing Zheng San's puzzled expression, she added, "Wang Taitai is the wife of the wealthy merchant Wang Laoye from Zhangye. Since she shares our master's surname, she and our madam have become sworn sisters. Many people in the city have frozen to death, so our madam plans to distribute cakes in the western part of the city and has invited Chen Taitai and Wang Taitai to discuss the matter."
"That's truly a virtuous and noble act!" Zheng San, who had once been a famine refugee, knew that even a single meal could save a life at such times. His praise was heartfelt, unlike the superficial courtesy of some.
Wang Furen's housekeeper was pleased by his sincerity and chatted with Zheng San for a while before leaving.
When Zheng San returned, he told Zheng Sanniang about it. Later, while doing needlework with Fu Tingyun, Zheng Sanniang couldn't help but sigh: "Thank goodness we met you, miss. Otherwise, we might have been among those freezing in the snow."
Outside, dark clouds loomed, and the howling north wind rattled the window frames.
They sat on the warm, heated kang, cozy and comfortable.
Fu Tingyun asked her what had happened.
Zheng Sanniang recounted Zheng San's encounter with Wang Furen's housekeeper.
Fu Tingyun's expression gradually grew solemn, and she instructed Sanniang: "Take ten taels of silver to Wang Furen as our donation. Though it's a small amount, it's a token of our goodwill. Please ask her not to disdain it."
Helping others within one's means was a joyful thing, especially for Zheng Sanniang, who had known hardship and poverty. Overjoyed, she repeatedly praised Fu Tingyun for her kindness, adding, "I'll donate five taels as well!"
Fu Tingyun naturally agreed.
Zheng Sanniang happily weighed out ten taels of silver and, despite the renewed snowfall, braved the weather with an umbrella, trudging through the snow to Wang Furen's residence. She didn't return until nightfall.
"I saw a frozen body on the street!" she said, shaking snow off her clothes, her face pale. "A child, about the same age as our Linchun." Tears welled up as she spoke.
Fu Tingyun's heart grew heavy. That evening, she wrote to Zhao Ling, asking about the weather in his area.
The snow lasted seven or eight days before finally clearing. The streets were muddy, and when Zheng San returned from buying lamp oil, he told Fu Tingyun: "They've started distributing cakes in the western part of the city."
After some thought, Fu Tingyun sent Zheng Sanniang to Wang Furen: "See if they need help. If they're short-handed, stay there and assist for a few days."
Zheng Sanniang readily agreed and went to Wang Furen's place.
As it turned out, they were in need of someone to knead dough.Zheng Sanniang rose early every day to prepare breakfast, keeping it warm in the pot before heading to the west side of the city to help out.
Qi Taitai came by for a visit and noticed A Sen serving tea. She inquired about Zheng Sanniang, asking, “Has she caught a chill? The physician at Returning Spring Hall on our street corner, Zhu Langzhong, is quite good. If you go to get medicine, just mention my husband’s name—he’ll surely give you extra licorice or honeysuckle.”
Fu Tingyun smiled and thanked her, then explained that Zheng Sanniang had gone to the west side of the city to assist with distributing cakes.
This matter was well-known among the wives of the officials. Qi Taitai, being habitually frugal, felt that donating money without recognition was worse than burning more incense at the temple. When Wang Taitai had asked about it, she had hemmed and hawed, brushing the topic aside. Afraid of losing face if others questioned her, she reasoned that since Zhao Ling wasn’t part of the General Military Headquarters and Fu Tingyun was an unmarried young lady, they surely wouldn’t know about it. That’s why she had come to visit. To her surprise, not only did Fu Tingyun know about it, but she had even sent her servant to help in the west of the city. Qi Taitai immediately felt embarrassed and said awkwardly, “You know how things are in our household—four or five children to feed, and we rarely even get to eat meat… Well, I suppose I could donate five fen of silver!” As she spoke, she watched Fu Tingyun’s expression closely.
Everyone has their own choices. Acts of kindness should come from the heart, not out of reluctance.
“Many hands make light work,” Fu Tingyun said with a smile. “Every little bit adds up!”
“Yes, yes!” Seeing no trace of disdain in Fu Tingyun’s expression, Qi Taitai immediately brightened and said cheerfully, “It’s just that our family is truly struggling…” She went on at length about her difficulties.
Fu Tingyun glanced at the bright red all-over gold vest Qi Taitai was wearing but said nothing, merely smiling.
Lu Shi, noticing the clear weather, also came by with Xuemei in tow.
Seeing Qi Taitai seated there, her expression instantly cooled. She gave a slight nod in greeting, then pointed to the food box in Xuemei’s hands with a smile. “With all this heavy snow the past couple of days, I haven’t been able to visit you, Miss Fu. Since I had some free time, I made some smallpox buns. Would you like to try them?” As she spoke, Xuemei had already placed the food box on the side table.
Fu Tingyun thanked her warmly and asked A Sen to take them to the kitchen to steam. “Let’s all have a taste!”
Qi Taitai chuckled and agreed, but Lu Shi was annoyed at her lack of tact, deliberately bringing up topics Qi Taitai wouldn’t know about. Qi Taitai’s face darkened as she listened. After eating the buns, she stood up with a forced smile and said, “These warm buns have really heated me up, and now that the sun’s out, I think I’ll go see where Wang Furen is distributing cakes and donate some silver while I’m at it.” Then, turning to Lu Shi with a smile, she added, “I heard General Mo also donated quite a bit. Would you like to come along, Madam Concubine?”
For such an important matter, it was unheard of for a concubine to take part.
“You—” Lu Shi gritted her teeth, taking a long moment to compose herself before replying coldly, “The snow is deep and the ground slippery—I’d hate to break a leg.”
Qi Taitai’s face flushed red with anger, but before she could retort, Fu Tingyun stood and took her arm. “Qi Taitai, it’s getting late. If you don’t go to Wang Furen’s soon, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow.” Qi Taitai shot Lu Shi a frosty glare before finally following Fu Tingyun out the door.When Fu Tingyun returned, Lu Shi was sitting there with her head bowed, weeping quietly. Seeing Fu Tingyun enter, she looked up with tear-filled eyes and poured out her grievances: "She just flaunts her status as the principal wife to look down on me. If it weren't for the fact that we're neighbors, I'd lodge a complaint with the general, and their family's Qi Limu would be in serious trouble..." It took Fu Tingyun quite some time to console her before she finally wiped her tears and left, supported by Xuemei.
These people paid no regard to time or place, even daring to quarrel in her home.
Lying in bed, Fu Tingyun felt as though she had stepped into a muddy pond, her steps heavy and sluggish.
In the evening, Zheng Sanniang returned, beaming with joy as she told her: "Marquis Yingchuan has reached an agreement with Wang Laoye, who will take charge of providing relief to the disaster victims. Starting tomorrow, I won't need to go anymore."
In the late Spring and Autumn period, Tian He, Duke Tai of Qi, served as the chief minister of Qi. The Tian family often lent grain with large measures and collected repayment with small ones to win over the people's hearts. Later, they deposed Qi Kang Gong and established themselves as rulers. Since then, successive dynasties have prohibited merchants from privately repairing roads or distributing grain. With Marquis Yingchuan's approval, Wang Laoye could now act without restraint.
Fu Tingyun was overjoyed to hear this.
Relying on women and children to distribute cakes and save lives had its limits in terms of resources and manpower. It was best for the authorities and capable merchants like Wang Laoye to take the lead.
"Let's just pray to the heavens that it doesn't snow anymore."
Zheng Sanniang nodded repeatedly.
Over the next few days, not only did it stop snowing, but the north wind also died down, and the weather gradually warmed.
Fu Tingyun and Zheng Sanniang took the bedding out to the courtyard to air. Unexpectedly, Wang Furen came to visit her, accompanied by two trusted housekeepers.
"I've long heard everyone praise your virtue and kindness, but never had the chance to meet you. Seeing you today, the reputation is indeed well-deserved." Wang Furen took a sip of tea and smiled as she observed Fu Tingyun.
She wore a plain white coarse cotton jacket and a deep blue horse-face skirt, her jet-black hair neatly tied up in a bun, revealing a smooth forehead. Her clean and tidy appearance made Wang Furen nod slightly in approval.
Fu Tingyun sat respectfully beside Wang Furen and modestly replied, "Thank you for your praise, Madam." Meanwhile, she discreetly observed this Wang Furen she was meeting for the first time.
She appeared to be just over thirty, of medium height, slender and dignified, wearing a sapphire-blue Treasure Vase Decorative Vest, which gave her a somewhat delicate and scholarly air.
Hearing Fu Tingyun's words, Wang Furen smiled slightly, her expression softening considerably: "They all know I'm not one to give praise lightly. I invited you to the spring banquet, but you declined out of filial piety for your elders. When you heard of people freezing to death in the city, not only did you donate silver, but you also sent your attendants to help... You truly live up to the words 'virtuous and kind'!"
Was this praise or criticism?
Fu Tingyun hadn't expected Wang Furen to speak so pointedly and immediately steeled herself to respond: "You flatter me, Madam. I merely follow the lead of others in my actions."
"Yet some aren't even willing to follow others' lead!" A hint of coldness flashed in Wang Furen's eyes. "Zhangye is becoming more chaotic by the day!"
The implications of this statement were too broad, so Fu Tingyun smiled without comment.
Wang Furen, however, had no intention of changing the subject. "What does Miss Fu think?"
Naturally unwilling to engage in verbal sparring, Fu Tingyun replied with a smile, "I'm new here and still in mourning, so I rarely go out. I haven't noticed anything amiss.""Is that so?" Wang Furen raised her eyebrows with a smile. "I heard General Mo's mistress has been learning etiquette from you?" Her tone carried a hint of disdain.
Fu Tingyun froze.
Wang Furen continued, "Though you're engaged to Centurion Zhao, you're still an unmarried maiden. Having a mistress—someone who trades on her charms—constantly coming and going from your place, even if people know she's learning etiquette from you, will inevitably invite whispers: What could a seductress possibly learn from an unmarried girl? You should think carefully about such matters." Her words took on a grave tone by the end. "Though General Mo has old ties with your family, ultimately, you must live your own life!"
The speech left Fu Tingyun drenched in cold sweat.
※
End of the month—pink votes please... O(∩_∩)O~
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel