Quanzhou, situated in southern Fujian, was a land of abundance and prosperity. Sheng Hong had served as a deputy prefect here for several years, assisting in the management of local affairs such as salt distribution, grain storage, river works, irrigation projects, military census registration, and pacifying the populace. His administrative achievements were considerable. Over these years, three prefects had come and gone, yet he had been promoted in rank while remaining in his post. Sheng Hong was a man who knew how to navigate social circles, maintaining good relations with local gentry and officials. Upon hearing of his impending promotion, everyone vied to host farewell banquets for him in recent days. Unable to decline easily, Sheng Hong attended these social engagements day after day, entrusting the packing and relocation of the entire household to his wife, Madam Wang.
For several days, maids and stewards shuttled like a school of fish through the eastern compound where Madam Wang resided. Shedding the gloom of the past few years, she threw herself into the bustling activity with great enthusiasm. One afternoon, after roughly organizing the affairs, she tasked her personal maids with tallying the remaining items and retreated to the inner chamber with Liu Kun's wife for a private conversation.
Against the wall inside stood a large square couch, spread with finely woven rush mats and piled with brocades and thin silks. Two girls of about five years old lay side by side in deep slumber. Two senior maids sat on small stools beside the couch, gently fanning the children. Upon Madam Wang's entrance, they hurriedly rose to greet her. With a wave of her hand, Madam Wang signaled for silence to avoid disturbing the napping girls. She approached the couch to look: one girl was plump and rosy-cheeked, sleeping with an adorable innocence that eased Madam Wang's furrowed brow and brought a smile to her eyes. The other, though delicate and pretty, was pale-faced—clearly deficient in vitality—and appeared frail and sickly. Even in sleep, her small brows were knitted. Madam Wang sighed softly, tucked the thin brocade quilt around both girls, then moved to recline on a rattan chair.
Liu Kun's wife dismissed the two maids to keep watch at the door and approached Madam Wang, fetching a small round stool for herself. But Madam Wang pulled her by the hand and invited her to sit on the adjacent rattan chair instead. After a polite refusal, Liu Kun's wife acquiesced and took the seat.
"You've worked tirelessly these past few days, madam, managing everything inside and out. It seems most belongings have been packed. This morning, a message came from Dengzhou stating that the official residence there has been prepared and awaits your arrival. Truly, though Master Wei and our master are merely cousins, they are closer than most biological brothers. Who knows how much silver Master Wei has spent—such generosity is remarkable," Liu Kun's wife said warmly.
"Master Wei's father and my late father-in-law were brothers. Our master and Master Wei are similar in age. They studied together in the family school of the Duke of Lingguo and later became disciples of Grand Academician Yang—oh, that was when Yang was still a Reader in the Hanlin Academy. At that time, the elder uncle was doting on a concubine and paid no heed to the hardships faced by Master Wei and his mother. Our Old Madam took great care of her sister-in-law and nephew. Since our master was originally a child of a concubine and had endured difficulties before being raised by Old Madam, he and Master Wei shared similar hardships. That's why they became so deeply attached. Though Master Wei never entered officialdom, he manages his household excellently and possesses considerable wealth. Money means little to him. With our master and my elder brother both serving as officials, we can look after his descendants in the future. So, his spending a bit of silver is of no great consequence," Madam Wang remarked with evident satisfaction."Madam may think this way, but you mustn't speak like that in front of the master. Be sure to express gratitude for Master Wei's kindness, and don't keep mentioning your maternal family. Don't forget how Consort Lin stirred up trouble back then." Seeing Madam Wang falling back into old habits, Liu Kun's wife quickly reminded her.
Madam Wang said displeasedly, "That slanderous vixen!"
Liu Kun's wife found it awkward to respond, so she changed the subject with a smile: "How is Liu Guniang doing with Madam? When I heard that the master personally carried her all the way from the lotus pond that day, I knew Liu Guniang was destined to be with Madam."
Madam Wang glanced at the girl on the couch and said, "This child has lost her birth mother, so she was bound to come to me eventually. I know that well enough, but I just can't swallow this injustice. When that wretched Lin gave birth to children, why didn't the master consider me as the legal wife? Why didn't he assign the children to my care? He claimed he couldn't bear to separate them from their mother, so he let Consort Lin raise them herself. Now that Consort Wei has died, he suddenly remembers I'm the legal wife. I originally intended to make him wait and delay for a few days, but who knew that right after the Imperial Edict was issued, the master stormed into my room carrying this child. Without a word, he put her down. I was so startled that I didn't dare say much and took the child in."
Liu Kun's wife chanted a Buddhist phrase and said smiling: "Madam's compassion is the right approach. No matter how many concubines the master has, Madam will always be the legal wife - this status cannot be overstepped. Previously, it was Consort Lin who bewitched the master and confused the proper order. Madam should focus on managing the household and raising children properly. I suspect the master intends to discipline Consort Lin this time. Madam must remain steady and demonstrate the dignified bearing of the principal wife, without losing composure."
"Discipline what? It's all thunder but little rain. That wretched servant is his heart's treasure - how could he bear to?"
"Madam really shouldn't say that. This time feels different to me." Liu Kun's wife shook her head and leaned closer. "Does Madam remember Die'er who served Consort Wei?"
Madam Wang nodded: "That girl was quite fierce, daring to confront Consort Lin directly. She stood up for her mistress like that, truly worthy of her sisterhood with Consort Wei. I wonder what became of her later."
Liu Kun's wife lowered her voice: "My husband learned from outside that right after Consort Lin expelled Die'er to the manor, Laifu from the master's side took her away and placed her in the west courtyard. When the master had time, he questioned Die'er in detail for a full half-hour. Afterwards, Old Madam took charge and sent Die'er away somewhere unknown."
Madam Wang showed great interest: "Is this true? If so, why hasn't the master taken any action?"
Liu Kun's wife stood up, fetched a fan, and stood beside Madam Wang gently fanning her: "I'm afraid Consort Lin might use her silver tongue to soften the master's heart again. But even if he just sells off a few servants, it would still diminish Consort Lin's arrogance. This would be a good opportunity for Madam to take action."
Madam Wang remained silent, secretly calculating in her heart. Seeing her expression, Liu Kun's wife hesitated before speaking: "There are some things I don't know if I should say. I'm afraid Madam might scold me for being improper if I speak, but I'd feel guilty towards the old madam's instructions if I don't."Madam Wang quickly grasped Liu Kun's wife's hand and said gently, "What kind of talk is this? We grew up sharing the same wet nurse, already as close as sisters. You married a few years earlier than I did, and I originally intended to bring your entire family as part of my dowry entourage. But your in-laws were capable stewards serving Mother, which is why we were separated these past few years. Whatever you have to say, you may speak freely."
Liu Kun's wife smiled and sat back down beside Madam Wang. "Look at what you're saying, Madam. The Old Madam has always cherished you most. When you married, how many capable people were sent along as part of your dowry? It's just that my father-in-law was an old retainer the Old Madam had grown accustomed to using, so he remained at the Wang residence to enjoy his retirement. That year when the Old Madam heard Consort Lin had given birth to a son, she was so anxious she couldn't sleep all night. She summoned me immediately and gave detailed instructions for half the night, then sent our couple along with our children here. For what reason, doesn't Madam understand? Wasn't it precisely because she feared you might be bullied in your marital home, and afraid Brother Bai might be neglected? Truly, a mother's compassionate heart knows no bounds."
Madam Wang sighed. "It's all my unfilialness, causing Mother worry at this age. Fortunately, you came and advised me daily, helping me rein in my stubborn temper and reconcile with the Master. You also taught me to find a concubine for the Master to dampen Consort Lin's arrogance. Speaking of which, Consort Wei was also someone you found. Your judgment of people is excellent - beautiful yet incapable of causing trouble. Since her arrival these past few years, Consort Lin has indeed quieted down considerably. This time especially, it's all thanks to you that wretched maid has been caught in her wrongdoing."
"This is all Madam's good fortune, what does it have to do with this servant? But with Consort Wei's death, we've only completed half the task - there's still the other half remaining. How the Master will deal with Consort Lin remains unknown - perhaps he'll be coaxed into letting it pass. We mustn't let our guard down," said Liu Kun's wife.
"Hmph! If the Master doesn't punish that wretched maid and continues to indulge and protect her as before, then I won't care about face anymore. I'll simply expose the matter and have the censors impeach the Master for favoring a concubine over his wife and disregarding human life. Let's see how he can continue as an official then!" Madam Wang slapped the table and snorted coldly.
"Aiyo, my dear Madam! This is exactly the stubborn temper that kept the Old Madam awake all night! You mustn't speak such angry words - this would harm others while damaging yourself even more!" Liu Kun's wife quickly waved her hands, urgently advising. "If you do this, how will you continue as husband and wife with the Master? What will become of Brother Bai's future prospects? How will you live in the days to come?"
Madam Wang immediately deflated, gritting her teeth. "Then what do you suggest? Before marriage, Mother only taught me how to manage household affairs, but never how to deal with concubines. And this Consort Lin isn't an ordinary concubine - can't be beaten or sold, and she came from the Old Madam's quarters. This is truly suffocating me!"
"Madam, have a cup of tea to calm your anger and listen to me slowly," said Liu Kun's wife as she poured a cup of warm tea and handed it to Madam Wang. "While the Master certainly hasn't acted properly, the Old Madam says you also have your faults."
"What faults could I possibly have? Unless it's considered a fault that I haven't hired actors or bought courtesans for the Master?" Madam Wang still fumed.Liu Kun's wife smiled and said, "Look at you, Madam, speaking in anger again. That day at the Master's residence, the Old Madam asked in detail about the senior maids by your side, then told me that you have three faults, Madam, and instructed me to relay them to you. I am bold enough today to act as this messenger. Think back to when you first married—without a word, you dismissed the two bedroom servants by the Master's side. Neither the Master nor the Old Madam said a single word about it. In those years, you alone held sway. Not only did the Old Madam treat you with respect, but the Master and you also treated each other with courtesy. Your first fault, Madam, is that life was too smooth for you, leading to arrogance and forgetfulness. You wanted to manage both internal and external affairs, controlling the Master's finances and personnel matters. In daily actions and speech, you insisted on having the final say, constantly mentioning how things were done in the Wang family or how the Old Master and the Master's brother handled matters. How could this make the Master feel at ease? What man doesn't prefer a woman who is humble and submissive? Who doesn't want a gentle and pleasing wife? The Master is not a useless or cowardly man. Outside, everyone says our Master has great prospects. Yet you, Madam, repeatedly gave him a cold shoulder and often undermined his dignity. How could he be close to you? How could he not look elsewhere?"
Madam Wang slumped back in her chair, recalling the tender and glorious days of her newlywed life, and couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow. Back then, which of her sisters in the inner chambers didn't envy her for marrying well? Though her husband's family wasn't highly powerful, they were wealthy and of respectable lineage. She didn't have to stand on ceremony with her mother-in-law, nor were there any concubines to trouble her. Her husband was handsome, talented, and successful in his career. Becoming an Imperial Mandate Lady in the future wasn't an impossible thought.
At some point, the Master grew increasingly distant from her, no longer sharing intimate words. And she, too, became solely focused on asserting control, wanting to grasp everything inside and out, firmly holding the Sheng household in her hands. Just as she was at the height of her influence, Consort Lin unexpectedly emerged from the sidelines. From then on, she made one mistake after another, allowing Consort Lin to grow stronger day by day.
Liu Kun's wife observed Madam Wang's expression and, seeing signs of realization, continued, "The Old Madam said that since ancient times, women have relied on their husbands after marriage. Instead of focusing on winning the Master's heart, you, Madam, were preoccupied with money and personnel matters. This is putting the cart before the horse."
After a long pause, Madam Wang nodded and slowly took a sip of tea.
Liu Kun's wife felt reassured and picked up the fan beside her, gently fanning herself again. "Madam, you are straightforward by nature and unaware of the cunning tricks of those vixens. You remained oblivious to the secret affair between Consort Lin and the Master. If you had discovered it earlier, before the matter escalated, and secretly reported it to the Old Madam to have Consort Lin married off immediately, the Master would have been unable to object. Instead, you waited until the situation became irreparable. By then, no matter how much you protested, it was useless. This is your second fault."
Madam Wang smiled bitterly. How could she not regret this back then? She only blamed herself for being careless and never paying attention to matters on her mother-in-law's side.
Liu Kun's wife continued, "Lastly, and most importantly, the Old Madam said that you yourself, Madam, lack strict discipline and proper etiquette, so you cannot speak out against the Master on these matters."Madam Wang was indignant and immediately wanted to argue back, but Liu Kun's wife gently pressed her shoulder and soothed, "Don't be hasty, Madam. Let me explain slowly. Old Madam said that as a daughter-in-law, not only do you not observe proper etiquette before your mother-in-law, but you also neglect morning and evening greetings, visiting only two or three times a month at most. Each time you go, you wear a cold expression and barely speak a few words. Your mother-in-law manages her own food, clothing, and daily necessities without any concern or arrangement from you. If this were known to others, it would be considered gross unfilialness. Even if you had a hundred reasons to justify yourself before the master, this single fault would leave you speechless. No matter how aloof Old Madam may be or how she dislikes being disturbed, you must still fulfill all rituals and filial duties."
Madam Wang fell silent, as these words struck right at the core of the issue. In truth, many in Quanzhou had privately discussed their mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship. Several close friends had also advised her to show more filial respect to her mother-in-law to avoid criticism, but she had paid no heed at the time. Since Old Madam had exempted her from daily greetings, she was only too happy to comply.
Seeing the flickering uncertainty in Madam Wang's eyes, Liu Kun's wife knew what she was thinking and said leisurely, "Being filial to one's mother-in-law always brings benefits. The first is your reputation. In the past, the father of Elder Wei caused a scandal by favoring a concubine over his wife, but Elder Wei's wife served her mother-in-law so devotedly that all of Jinling knew of her filial piety, and Elder Wei's father could do nothing about it."
Madam Wang found this reasoning compelling and remained silent. Liu Kun's wife continued, "Secondly, there are matters where the master acts against propriety, and you cannot admonish him, but Old Madam can freely speak her mind. When the master wanted to grant manors and shops to Consort Lin, if you had spoken up, people would have accused you of jealousy and intolerance. But if Old Madam had been willing to say a few words back then, things wouldn't have come to this."
Madam Wang slapped the armrest of her rattan chair and exclaimed softly, "Exactly! At that time, I was so foolish, only knowing to quarrel and make a scene with the master and Old Madam, but I failed to strike at the vital point. All my fuss was in vain, letting that wretched servant profit from it for nothing. Thankfully, you've enlightened me today, and now I understand the real reason. All these past incidents were indeed my fault."
Liu Kun's wife quickly added the final push: "It's good that Madam has come to realize this today. Let's not dwell on what's past, but from now on, we must plan carefully and not be muddle-headed, allowing others to scheme against us again."
Madam Wang let out a long sigh, grasped Liu Kun's wife's hand, and said tearfully, "I've always been focused on flaunting my authority and capabilities. I never expected to reach such a state over these years. From now on, you must continue to support me."
Liu Kun's wife quickly turned aside, saying she didn't deserve such gratitude. As the mistress and servant were exchanging courtesies and gratitude, one of the little girls lying on the square couch stirred slightly. Yao Yiyi shifted her numb legs, opened her eyes a slit, and glanced at the little girl sleeping like a log beside her—young Miss Sheng Rulan, who was softly snoring, clearly fast asleep.
Yao Yiyi swore by the mudslide that she hadn't meant to eavesdrop. She had woken up long ago but was too lazy to move or speak, so she kept lying there with her eyes closed. Who would have thought these two aunties would treat the place like a chat room, talking everything from moving and raising daughters to love and hatred, growing more excited and immersed in the drama as they went on. Yao Yiyi, in turn, felt too awkward to wake up.Just then, Liu Kun's wife could still be heard saying: "...Our master is no fool. He's had a smooth sailing in his official career and knows exactly what he's doing. Madam, you mustn't try to play mind games with him, or you'll only make things worse. You're a straightforward person—how could you compete with Consort Lin's twisted, seductive tricks? What's most important for you now is to be virtuous and gentle. Upwards, you must dutifully serve Old Madam. I've noticed how deeply Master respects her. Even if you can't attend to her morning and night, you should visit her every few days to inquire after her well-being. Even if it's just for show, make it convincing. Downwards, you must carefully raise Liu Guniang. Master carries much guilt over Consort Wei. The better you treat Liu Guniang, the more it will remind him of how Consort Wei died, while also showcasing your virtue and maternal kindness. Over time, Master's heart will surely return to you."
Yao Yiyi felt Liu Kun's wife had a real art to her speech. The gist of her advice boiled down to: Madam, take a good look at yourself in the mirror. We must be down-to-earth and realistic. If you try to compete with Consort Lin in feminine charm and... ahem... certain skills, you basically stand no chance. But don't worry—if you can't be Andy Lau, you can still be Bobby Au-Yeung. Just focus on serving your mother-in-law and raising the child. We'll play the family card and the virtue card, taking the nanny route—that still gives us a good chance of winning.
Liu Kun's wife hadn't finished: "...Liu Guniang hasn't been eating much or speaking these past few days. Madam needs to pay more attention. After all, she's just a girl who won't inherit any family property. Eventually, we'll just prepare a dowry and marry her off. She won't cause you any trouble, and she can keep Fifth Miss company, right?"
Yao Yiyi shut her eyes tightly. She was even more unwilling to wake up now. To think that a promising young woman like her had fallen to such a state—how utterly humiliating! Moreover, this skin didn't seem to harmonize well with her, leaving her constantly sickly and barely feeling hungry. Still refusing to accept reality, Yao Yiyi continued her passive resistance.
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[Author's Note]
During both the Ming and Qing dynasties, concubines were divided into noble concubines and base concubines. Noble concubines typically included: accompanying nieces or younger sisters brought by the wife during marriage (the highest status, though this practice had largely faded during the Ming and Qing periods), freely registered women properly taken as concubines (second highest status), and concubines who had borne children (third highest status). Sometimes this category also included women gifted by elders or superiors (relatively less noble). Such concubines generally couldn't be arbitrarily sold or beaten—at most, they could be expelled if no longer wanted, usually without requiring a formal divorce document, though sometimes a separation agreement might be written. However, maidservants with signed contracts, women from brothels, or purchased concubines were considered base concubines who could be bought, sold, beaten, or subjected to even harsher punishments.A maid must first have her face formally adorned before she can be considered a bedroom servant, eligible to be addressed as 'Miss.Only after being elevated to the status of a concubine can she be considered a proper concubine (secondary wife). Therefore, even if Miss Xiren had intimate relations with Bao Yu, without any formal procedures, she would not be considered anything at all. This is why Qingwen mocked her, saying, "You haven't even earned the title of 'Miss' yet, but you're already going around saying 'we' this and 'we' that." However, even if Xiren were elevated to the status of a concubine, without bearing children, she would at most be considered a low-ranking concubine. Concubine Zhao may seem pitiable, but in reality, she is a high-ranking concubine. As for my favorite, Sister Ping'er, she remained merely a bedroom servant until Gao E's continuation of the story. Wuwuwu...
(Approximately so, please do not scrutinize too deeply. If you must scrutinize, please remain calm.)
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