Nеarly а уеаr hаd passed sinсе returning from Вeijing to Nаnjing. Тhrоughоut this уеar, she hаd lived in seclusion, rarelу intеraсting with thosе whо hаd fоllowеd hеr frоm thе сaрital. At the suddеn sight оf Jinshi aрproaсhing, she smiled first.
"Lоrd Jin, it has beеn а whilе. I trust уоu hаvе been wеll?"
А faint riррlе of еmotiоn stirrеd in Jinshi's eyеs аs he nоdded gently. "Yоur Highness, havе уоu beеn well latelу?"
Stерping оut frоm thе sеdаn hаll, she rерlied sоftly, "Аll is well. I eаt well, slеер soundlу, аnd hаvе even gainеd some weight."
Jinshi observеd her—indeed, shе had grown slightlу fuller. In Веijing, her wоrries had been too many, wearing her down to a shadow. Now that all matters were resolved, with a lighter heart, it was only natural for her to fill out.
In truth, he had not been entirely without glimpses of her this past year. Initially uneasy, he would occasionally slip into the Princely Mansion under cover of darkness to catch distant glimpses of her. Yet this Southern Garden Palace seemed to conceal many secrets. Its defenses, though not apparent on the surface, were as tight as the imperial palace, with hidden sentries crisscrossing the grounds. On several nighttime visits, he had nearly stumbled upon others. That seemingly indifferent Prince was clearly not as simple as he appeared. If it wasn't fear of the Emperor's reprisals driving him to self-preservation, then he was using defense as offense, harboring other intentions.
Unfortunately, despite careful investigation over a long period, he had found nothing. The other side acted with caution, especially wary of Silk-clad Guards like them who had come from the capital. Around the Eldest Princess Residence, unidentified individuals often patrolled, making it impossible for him to act, and gradually, news of her side had ceased to reach him.
Fortunately, she was content in all respects. At the very least, the Prince of Nanyuan was sincere toward her. No matter how turbulent the external situation, as long as she remained unmoved like a mountain, everything else was secondary. In Beijing, he could accompany her when she went out, but here in Jinling, he found himself with no opportunity to display his skills. Now, however, it was better. She had returned to the Princess's Residence, where the guards were provided by the Silk-clad Guards—even the Prince of Nanyuan could not easily dismiss them.
He glanced outside. The sky hung low, threatening a heavy rain. Cupping his hands in salute, he said, "The weather is changing, Your Highness. You should wear a cloak when going out. Please wait a moment while someone fetches it from the rear courtyard."
Her clothing and cosmetics had been sent ahead earlier, so she carried nothing with her. Jinshi's reminder brought Xiao Duo to mind. When he was around, he attended to every detail with such thorough care.
Xiao You hurried off to fetch the cloak. Wanwan stood inside the doorway, hands tucked into her sleeves, tilting her head to look at Jinshi. He lingered on the veranda, just as he used to.
She pursed her lips into a smile. "It has been so long since leaving the capital. Have you returned there, Thousand Household Commander?"
Jinshi lowered his gaze to the tips of his shoes. "We are under orders to guard Your Highness. Even in your absence, we cannot leave our posts without authorization."
Wanwan was surprised. "Not even during the New Year to visit? You have been away from home for too long; your family must miss you."
A faint smile finally touched his lips. "In our line of work, there are no holidays or festivals. Without orders from above, we cannot go anywhere."
Wanwan made a soft sound of understanding. "That was my oversight. I should have sent someone to inform you earlier... This year, then. At year's end, I will grant you leave. First, to pay respects to your parents and elders, and second, to meet young ladies during the festivities. Do not delay your lifelong matters."
She was a considerate mistress, not only providing ample salaries but also allowing them time to start families. If not for the Emperor's insistence, she would have dismissed them all. On her side, there were no life-or-death matters requiring such dedication. Moreover, with the Eastern Factory agents left behind by Xiao Duo, the Eldest Princess Residence now had so many personnel it nearly matched three hundred-household units.Jinshi spoke of lifelong commitments with rare awkwardness. "Those in the Imperial Guards marry very late. We aren’t people who live easy lives—always on the move outside, afraid of neglecting others. It’s better as it is now, with no family burdens, free from worries in whatever we do."
Living on the edge, they likely feared leaving vulnerabilities that could be exploited, thus preferring to remain unmarried. Whether they lived or died alone, it wouldn’t implicate wives or children.
Wanwan nodded wistfully. "You all have it hard too."
The Silk-clad Guards were once the emperor’s ceremonial escorts, each dashing and handsome on fine horses. Later, for reasons unknown, they gradually evolved into monsters that struck fear into the hearts of court officials. Before having any dealings with them, she thought these men were steeped in bloodshed, devoid of conscience. But now, having gotten to know them, each seemed to have their own hardships, and they weren’t entirely detestable.
Xiao You approached from beneath the corridor as a light rain began to fall from the sky. They always worried she might catch a chill, so they draped a cloak over her and pulled up the hood. Tong Huan opened an umbrella and said softly, "Your Highness should rest now."
Wanwan tucked the front flaps of her robe together and said to Jinshi, "Things aren’t so strict here. If any of the servants request leave, you may grant it on my behalf."
Jinshi agreed and glanced toward the main gate. "Did the Prince not return with Your Highness?"
Wanwan replied, "There are still some matters to attend to at the office." Then, with a slight nod, she headed toward the inner gate.
Somehow, her health seemed much worse than before. In the past, she dared to build snowmen outside during snowfall, but now she caught a chill at the slightest exposure to cold. Moreover, weather changes had brought on stomach pains—sharp, stabbing sensations in her lower abdomen, as if a rod were prodding her. She knew this might be the reason she couldn’t conceive, a lingering ailment from her previous miscarriage.
She lay curled on the Arhat couch, coughing, her nose completely blocked, tears and mucus streaming. Liangshi was good in this regard—he personally brewed and fed her medicine, a level of care rarely seen even in the presence of the Imperial Concubine.
Leaning against the Hidden Pillow, she asked him, "Did E’nie say anything about us moving here? I’m afraid she’s unhappy, keeping it to herself but feeling distressed inside."
He reassured her. "It’s just a short distance, not like we’re worlds apart. Why would she be unhappy? Besides, marrying a princess has always been like this—half a live-in son-in-law, and she’s well aware. Now she has another granddaughter-in-law to keep her company every day. She probably doesn’t even think of us."
She said that was good. "I’ve observed Lan Zhou’s wife—she knows her place well."
Her husband spoke of his daughter-in-law with little concern, casually remarking, "What can be seen now? The true test comes ten or twenty years later. She’s fortunate; with any other mother-in-law, life wouldn’t be so leisurely."
She laughed. "You Qi People have such strict rules. The Imperial Concubine said that when she was a daughter-in-law, the bricks under the south window of the Main Chamber were worn down from standing. Hearing her mother-in-law cough would scare her like a mouse avoiding a cat—truly pitiful. I benefit from my status, exempt from all that. The younger generation should also be given some ease, so everyone can live comfortably."
She had a non-confrontational nature, preferring whatever felt most comfortable. In the afternoon, they lit a stick of incense. As the autumn rain grew cooler, the two lay side by side, watching the rain beat against the banana leaves outside the window, exchanging casual chatter about daily life. In their hearts, there was a unique sense of tranquility.She had never intended to make things difficult for the new bride, but Yun Wan's circumstances didn't seem particularly favorable either. The next day, the Nurse Matron came in to announce that the Second Consort had come to visit Your Highness. The Eldest Princess Residence rarely had visitors, so it wouldn't be appropriate to refuse to see her now that one had come. She instructed them to invite the guest in. As she hadn't fully recovered yet, she had tea served in the flower hall and asked the Second Consort to wait there.
When she made her way over, she was wearing a lined jacket. The Second Consort exclaimed softly and stood up to support her. "Is Your Highness unwell? I've come at an inconvenient time, disturbing your rest."
Wanwan naturally responded politely, smiling as she said, "We're all family here, no need for such formalities. It's just a slight chill, nothing serious. Please, have a seat. Are you here for a casual visit today, or is there something specific you wanted to discuss?"
The Second Consort sat down, accepted the tea offered by Xiao You, took a sip, and said, "First and foremost, I came to see how Your Highness is doing. In the past, we sisters-in-law could still gather occasionally, but now it's become difficult. When I chat with the others, they feel there's no reason for Your Highness to make way, but I don't see it that way. Your Highness is a Golden Branch and Jade Leaf; stepping back reflects your grace. Having someone constantly in your face isn't particularly pleasant anyway."
Wanwan chuckled upon hearing this. "I moved back in accordance with ancestral customs; it has nothing to do with that. If they're unwilling to coexist, I won't force them to stay."
The Second Consort murmured in agreement. "Your Highness has the magnanimity to forgive, but some people take a feather as a token of authority. With hearts as narrow as a needle's eye, they put on airs."
Judging by her aggrieved tone, she must have had a falling out with someone! Wanwan suspected she hadn't come simply to visit; there was likely a grievance to air. She asked for the details, and the Second Consort's expression grew even more indignant.
"Your Highness knows that our families are closely related by marriage. Lan Zhou's wife calls me aunt—she's the daughter of my maternal cousin. I was the matchmaker for this marriage, vouching for it wholeheartedly before the Jin family agreed. I had thought that with Your Highness being so open-minded, treating everyone with utmost courtesy and warmth, the girl would be cherished like one of your own and wouldn't suffer. But yesterday, when I went to the prince's residence, I saw our girl polishing brassware in the family shrine. A delicate young lady who never lifted a finger, now disheveled and covered in grime, having worked for three hours straight without even a sip of water. You've seen the shrines in great households—seven or eight censers of various sizes, and at least twenty or thirty candlesticks and offering plates. All left for her to clean alone—how could she possibly finish? When she saw me, her mouth twisted like a gourd ladle, saying that the eldest master had gone to the military camp, and the mistress had ordered her to endure hardship to learn the proper demeanor of a wife. Just look at this—how could such a wretched fate befall her? It seems they didn't hire her to be a Young Mistress but to be a servant girl!"
The Second Consort spoke with her willow-leaf eyebrows raised and her face flushed with anger. Wanwan was also puzzled. "What is this about? The family shrine has dedicated Eunuchs for upkeep. Why make her do it?""Setting rules, indeed," the Second Consort said indignantly. "She herself comes from a servant background, yet she thinks others are like her. In my opinion, disciplining a daughter-in-law is proper—we’ve all been through it ourselves. When a mother-in-law teaches one how to behave, even polishing brassware is acceptable, let alone scolding or beating. But there’s one condition: she must be the proper mother-in-law. If those who are secondary or of lower status try to act as if they are, then even the gates of a great household would be unworthy of entry. Yun Wan is a young bride, timid and afraid to disobey, which only emboldens that foot-washing maid. She’s been ordering people around and finding all sorts of ways to torment the child since the sixteenth. I think she’s taking out her own unhappiness on the child. I didn’t dare disturb the Grand Consort, fearing it would upset the old lady, so I came straight to you. I must lodge a complaint and beg Your Highness to stand up for the child, to give that foot-washer a wake-up call and remind her not to forget her place."
Thus, status is truly something that can determine life and death. Without proper standing, even one’s own parents cannot overstep their bounds. Lan Zhou has already been placed under the Princess Royal’s name, so nominally, he no longer has any connection to Madam Tala. For Madam Tala to exercise authority over the daughter-in-law on behalf of the rightful consort is overstepping her bounds, harboring ambitions beyond her station.
Wanwan furrowed her brows. She had no desire to meddle in household affairs, but since the matter had been brought before her, she had to address it. The Second Consort was an outsider, and she didn’t want others to see discord within the family, so she couldn’t show her frustration openly. She merely said, "The Secondary Consort is a bit too hasty, but she likely means no harm. Please remain calm. I’ll send someone back to inquire about this. After all, she is the eldest son’s birth mother—we can’t completely disregard her face."
The Second Consort lamented, "Your Highness is too kind-hearted. Don’t let her climb over your head. When you were still in the residence, she didn’t dare act recklessly, but now that you’ve moved away, it’s truly a case of ‘when the tiger is away, the monkey proclaims himself king.’"
Unable to settle the matter immediately, Wanwan placated her with a few words and saw her off.
Tong Huan helped her back to the Main Chamber, saying, "I’ve long noticed that this Secondary Consort is quite restless. Regarding the Young Mistress’s affairs, neither the old lady nor you have spoken—when did it become her turn? To put it bluntly, her status isn’t even as high as the Young Mistress’s. No matter whose mother she is, the Young Mistress doesn’t need to defer to her."
Wanwan was also displeased. "If I’d known this would happen, it would have been better to send her back to Songjiang Prefecture. The new bride has just arrived, unfamiliar with everything, and instead of showing compassion, she’s making things difficult." After a pause, she instructed Xiao You, "Go back to the prince’s residence and find out how she dealt with those two Bedchamber Attendants. It makes no sense for the mistress to polish brassware while the concubines stand idly by. A properly married bride shouldn’t be treated worse than Bedchamber Attendants. This is a warning to me, isn’t it?"
When she didn’t mind, everything was fine, but once she took notice, she wasn’t easy to deal with. As for rules, the palace had no fewer than the prince’s residence. She might not wish to enforce them, but that didn’t mean she didn’t understand them. This time, she was truly angered and had no intention of letting it slide.
Unfortunately, she had been feverish and lacked the strength to go out. Otherwise, she would have returned to the residence to set things right and teach her a lesson.
Unexpectedly, shortly after Xiao You left, Madam Tala arrived. She entered, inquired solicitously about Wanwan’s health, then knelt down and asked for Your Highness’s judgment.
It seemed she had already learned of the Second Consort’s complaint. Wanwan sat in the seat of honor, her expression far from pleased."In such a prestigious household, how would it look to stir up domestic disputes? You setting rules for your daughter-in-law—I cannot say much about that. But I ask you, does the Imperial Concubine know about this? What is her opinion?"
Madam Tala’s face turned pale and flushed by turns. Bowing her head, she replied, "We dared not disturb the Imperial Concubine. This servant setting rules for the Young Mistress is not for any other reason but because I see she lacks understanding and fails to serve her husband properly. Yesterday, when the eldest young master was about to leave for military duty, he opened his bundle before departing and found his change of clothes in complete disarray. Proper undergarments were missing pieces, and with the cold weather approaching, she hadn’t prepared a single pair of cotton socks for him. When asked why, she said she forgot... Your Highness, with such negligence, how can she be left unguided? She may have been a pampered young lady in her maiden home, but after marriage, even if she isn’t expected to manage everything, shouldn’t she at least keep her husband in mind? I know Your Highness has a kind heart and is reluctant to trouble a new bride, but if she truly fails in her duties, this servant had no choice but to punish her by making her polish the brassware. If Your Highness blames me, I dare not complain, but I fear indulging her further will only bring hardship to our eldest young master in the future."
It seemed there were reasons on both sides, each with their own justification. Wanwan coughed violently and took a long moment to recover before saying, "A thirteen-year-old girl is bound to be forgetful at times. She must be taught gradually; once her mind matures, she will naturally improve. By status, you may only 'admonish' her, not 'discipline' her. If you handle this properly, others will have no grounds to criticize." She deliberately paused before adding, "While the Young Mistress was punished, what about the two Bedchamber Attendants? Did they just stand by and watch?"
Madam Tala remained silent, her posture shrinking even further.
Wanwan gave a cold laugh. "In handling it this way, you are at fault. In my view, the Bedchamber Attendants are even more remiss than the Young Mistress. When the men are going on a long journey, it is their duty to assist their mistress in packing. Where the mistress overlooks something, they should take care of it—that is their responsibility. Now that a mistake has occurred, the mistress is punished while they watch from a distance. If this isn’t harboring ill intentions, what is?" She suddenly slammed the table and said sternly, "Go back and discipline them properly. Make them understand their place. If they prove diligent, they may stay. If they remain this foolish, send them away. There’s no need to report to the eldest young master—I will take responsibility for this."
She was making an example of the two Bedchamber Attendants to serve as a warning, reminding Madam Tala not to overstep her authority.
Madam Tala was clever; after this scolding, she immediately turned pale with fright, prostrated herself on the ground, and kowtowed, not daring to breathe heavily.
OpenNovel