The Spring Examination, usually held in mid-February, was postponed to early March this year due to the emperor's poor health. Changbai and Qi Heng departed in mid-February. After her son's departure, Madam Wang began burning incense, worshipping Buddha, and sponsoring Taoist ceremonies every day, filling the residence with such thick smoke that outsiders nearly mistook the Sheng residence for being on fire, almost prompting the water brigade to intervene. Each time Minglan went to pay respects to Madam Wang, she emerged with reddened eyes from the smoke. Initially, Sheng Hong chastised his wife with quotes like "The master did not speak of ghosts and gods," but reliable sources revealed he had secretly offered a few prayers himself.
The examination spanned three days, each session an ordeal that left successful candidates physically drained. Qi Heng was carried out horizontally by servants from the Marquis of Qi Manor the moment he exited the examination hall. Changbai, showing greater fortitude, walked to the carriage on his own feet before being taken to rest by Changwu, who served as an instructor at the Capital Guard Military Academy. Consequently, the joyous news arrived ahead of the candidates: Changbai had passed as a Jinshi, ranking fifth in the second tier.
Overjoyed, Madam Wang immediately wanted to set off firecrackers and distribute money and rice, but Sheng Hong urgently stopped her—Qi Heng had failed the examination.
Minister Qi took it rather well, acknowledging that candidates like Changbai who passed on their first attempt were rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Most examinees succeeded only on their second or third try, with some taking over a decade. However, Princess Pingning's face turned as dark as a pot bottom.
With the Qi family's extensive connections, they sought clarity even in defeat. The old Marquis of Qi consulted the chief examiner, who stroked his beard and spouted a few literary phrases, roughly meaning: While other candidates lived austerely for the Spring Examination, studying behind closed doors since the Autumn Examination, the Qi family had returned to the capital for New Year celebrations, keeping Dengzhou lively. Qi Heng had spent nearly two months drinking, attending banquets, and sightseeing, only cramming at the last moment—how could he possibly pass?
Princess Pingning was filled with regret, while Minister Qi slapped his thigh in sudden understanding: No wonder the Sheng residence had been so quiet during the New Year! If only they had let their son celebrate in Dengzhou. He began viewing Sheng Hong in a new light—after all, as a seasoned examination candidate, he certainly had experience.
A few days later, after another round of examinations at the Hanlin Academy, Changbai was selected as a Shu Jishi and appointed as a compiler, scheduled to assume his post after the New Year. Along with this news came the announcement of Changbai's engagement: he was betrothed to the second legitimate daughter of the Hai family patriarch from Jiangning, a scholarly clan of esteemed reputation with her father and brothers serving as court officials. Sheng Hong and Madam Wang reacted to these two developments like fire and ice.
"Why must our Baige'er, having excelled in the exams, endure hardship in that desolate Hanlin Academy instead of taking an external post?" Madam Wang wept bitterly, blaming Sheng Hong. "Didn't you promise to have several senior officials mentor him and help secure a position? Now he's gotten this low-ranking Shu Jishi role!"
"Foolish woman! What do you know? The Hanlin Academy holds unparalleled prestige! Baige'er is still young—taking an external post would diminish his prospects!" Furious that his efforts were being disparaged, Sheng Hong nearly choked with anger.
Madam Wang failed to see what was so prestigious about the Hanlin Academy, knowing only that Hanlin scholars led lives of genuine austerity, hardship, and poverty. Still, she recognized Sheng Hong's greater expertise in such matters and held her tongue. Yet another matter weighed even heavier on her heart."That's all well and good. We womenfolk may not understand such matters, but Bo'er is my own son after all. Shouldn't I have a say in choosing his wife? Yet now the master didn't even consult me before inviting Uncle Geng to propose marriage on our behalf. As the birth mother, I only learned at this late hour which family's daughter is to be my daughter-in-law! What position does the master think I hold?" Madam Wang felt increasingly wronged, constantly bowing her head to wipe tears.
Sheng Hong sat beside the kang table, picked up a Doucai-style famille-rose teacup from the Chenghua period with pea-green background, took a sip, and sneered, "Don't think I don't know - you've taken a fancy to your elder sister's daughter. Had I not acted first, you'd probably have invited your niece to stay with us this very month!"
Having her intentions exposed so directly, Madam Wang simply threw her handkerchief onto the kang and glared: "What's wrong with Yun'er? She's cultivated and virtuous, beautiful inside and out, and being Bo'er's cousin, they know each other thoroughly. I couldn't imagine anyone better!"
"Exactly! Thoroughly known indeed!" Sheng Hong slammed the teacup heavily on the kang table. "Leaving aside other matters, despite your brother-in-law's excellent family background, his official rank is now lower than mine. A few years ago during his father's mourning period, he actually produced several children! The censorate impeached him for taking concubines during filial mourning, resulting in his dismissal. Instead of seeking ways to restore his position, he spends his days chanting poetry and criticizing court affairs with those so-called literary companions! Is this the kind of in-law family you want?"
Flushed with shame and anger, Madam Wang retorted sharply, "Even if the master dislikes the Kang Family's current decline, you shouldn't have sought the Hai Family instead! Their family rules explicitly forbid taking concubines unless a man reaches forty without an heir. While being their daughter-in-law would be wonderful, how could we possibly take such a family's daughter? I've heard the Hai Family's eldest daughter, after marriage, constantly defies her mother-in-law and forbids her husband from taking concubines. With the Hai Family's high status, inviting such a living bodhisattva into our home - how does the master expect me to act as a mother-in-law?"
Sheng Hong scolded, "Nonsense! If not for these circumstances, how could our family ever form ties with the Hai Family! As long as you don't cause trouble by forcing maids into Bo'er's chamber and properly fulfill your role as mother-in-law, there will be no issues!"
The couple quarreled fiercely and parted unhappily.
Feeling deeply resentful, Madam Wang went crying to Old Mrs. Sheng, begging the old madam to support her.
Old Mrs. Sheng reclined on her soft couch, eyes slightly closed. After listening to Madam Wang's tearful account, she gently patted her back and sighed, "The master doesn't act without cause. What exactly has become of the Kang Family nowadays? Although the Kang Family is related to us by marriage, Bo'er's future should take precedence. You must consider this carefully, madam."Madam Wang knew that although Old Mrs. Sheng appeared detached from worldly affairs, she was actually quite perceptive. Feeling dizzy from crying, Madam Wang decided to speak frankly: "...My elder sister’s husband is utterly incompetent. Now, the illegitimate sons and daughters around my sister number over a dozen. Who knows what kind of disreputable women he’s been with—children popping up here and there, crowding the entire household! Each one requires my sister’s care: sons need betrothal gifts for marriage, daughters need dowries for weddings. My brother-in-law only knows how to be an official, not how to generate wealth. Who knows how much of my sister’s dowry has been drained away? If my sister refuses, those idle uncles and elders in the clan who do nothing but eat will accuse her of being unvirtuous. Now, the Kang Family is likely an empty shell. Fortunately, my sister’s son is somewhat promising—he was appointed as a Secretary in the Ministry of Rites a few years ago. As her younger sister, I must lend a hand. Besides, the Kang Family’s status isn’t exactly beneath ours, is it?"
Old Mrs. Sheng watched the smoke from a floral-patterned gold incense burner scatter aimlessly on the table and sighed softly: "You have a kind heart, Madam, but to speak bluntly, no sister is closer than one’s own son! Ah... As a mother-in-law myself, I understand your concerns. You’re afraid that the Hai Family’s influence is too great, and you won’t be able to control your future daughter-in-law, hmm—?"
Old Mrs. Sheng’s clear, sharp gaze swept over her, and Madam Wang felt a pang of guilt. In truth, she hadn’t been particularly close to her elder sister—they had quarreled and bickered even in their youth. But later, as the Sheng and Kang families’ fortunes shifted, her sister began writing frequently, lamenting her hardships. For years, she had been persuading Madam Wang to arrange a marriage alliance, flattering and pleasing her immensely.
Seeing Madam Wang’s unsettled expression, Old Mrs. Sheng gently patted her shoulder: "Back then, the Xu Family also had relatives proposing a marriage for the master, but I declined them all. Your Wang Family had no prior ties to ours, yet I still sought you as our daughter-in-law. Initially, the master’s smooth official career owed much to your father. You’ve borne children, managed the household—I dare say today: I’ve never regretted choosing you! A mother’s heart is pitiable indeed. Which is more important: Changbai’s future or your peace of mind?"
Madam Wang flushed crimson, recalling her own shortcomings as a daughter-in-law, and felt ashamed. She tucked her handkerchief away and gently dabbed the corners of her eyes.
Old Mrs. Sheng continued: "There’s no need to worry. Kong Momo once told me about the character and conduct of the Hai Family’s second daughter—both are excellent. She will surely get along well with you. As for the Kang Family’s young lady, she is your own niece. Could you truly play the stern mother-in-law and discipline her harshly? When Changbai achieves success in the future, an Imperial Mandate and titles will surely be bestowed upon you. Wouldn’t that be better?"
Madam Wang was swayed by these words and pondered carefully. Thinking of Sheng Hong’s blunt and rough communication style, she complained resentfully: "I’m not an unreasonable person." If the master had spoken to me as kindly as you have, why would I have come to embarrass myself before you?... But what about Yun'er? She’s already seventeen. With her father currently without an official post, she’s in an awkward position—too high for some matches, too low for others. We mustn’t let this child’s prospects be ruined."
Old Mrs. Sheng smiled slightly and affectionately took Madam Wang’s hand: "What do you think of Wu Ge'er from the collateral branch?"
Madam Wang was taken aback: "Old Madam, what do you mean...?"Old Mrs. Sheng spoke coolly and calmly: "Although the Kang Family is an old established family, currently only your nephew holds an official position. As for the thickness of their family assets, Madam knows better than I do. Your elder cousin-in-law's family may not be extravagantly wealthy, but they are comfortably well-off. With only two brothers in the family, even if Wu Ge'er eventually sets up his own household, he would have more than enough. As his aunt, you know best what kind of person Wu Ge'er is. All these years alone in the capital, he has been honest and diligent, without any cunning schemes. This would be a good match that strengthens family ties."
Madam Wang hesitated: "But... after all, they're merchants..."
Seeing Madam Wang's expression, Old Mrs. Sheng's lips curled slightly. She wanted to make a sarcastic remark but restrained herself, saying directly: "Wu Ge'er has already been recommended for the position of Zhenfu in Zhongwei Guard and will take office soon. With both an official position and good character, plus substantial family wealth - if not for his unfortunate luck in marriage matters, my old sister-in-law wouldn't have come to me. If Madam truly finds this unsuitable, then forget it. I'll inquire about other young ladies elsewhere."
Upon hearing this, Madam Wang grew anxious and quickly said: "Old Madam, don't be hasty. I'll write to my sister immediately. This is indeed an excellent match, and I believe my sister will understand too."
With that, she hurriedly took her leave. Watching Madam Wang's bustling retreating figure, Old Mrs. Sheng sighed leisurely. Suddenly hearing the curtain rustle behind her, she said without turning her head: "Little thing, heard enough, haven't you? Come out now!"
Minglan emerged rubbing her eyes, her small face flushed and lovely from sleep, with faint pillow marks still visible on her cheeks. Wearing only a pink jacket embroidered with jasmine flowers in silk thread, she padded out from the inner room and threw herself into the old madam's arms. Wriggling like a little squirrel, she squirmed her way onto the kang. Old Mrs. Sheng quickly embraced her granddaughter but said sternly: "I told you to go back for your nap, but you insisted on staying here. Now you've been woken up, haven't you?"
Minglan wrapped her arms around her grandmother's neck and said in a soft, sticky voice: "Grandmother, am I getting a new sister-in-law?"
"Little girl, stop pretending! Didn't you hear everything?" The old madam gave Minglan a firm pat on the back.
Minglan blinked mischievously: "Grandmother, actually, you were the one who found that Miss Hai, weren't you?"
Old Mrs. Sheng shot Minglan a look and glanced toward the doors and windows. Understanding, Cuiping immediately went to check around. The old madam stroked Minglan's hair and said: "It's your father making unnecessary trouble. Finding a daughter-in-law should be the mother's responsibility, yet he bothers your grandmother with it. Well, since Brother Bai is after all the family's eldest son and legitimate grandson, we can't treat this lightly."
Minglan looked up with an innocent smile: "Father and mother are so harmonious and respectful toward each other. They must be very satisfied with Grandmother's matchmaking skills."
Old Mrs. Sheng tried to maintain a stern expression to scold her, but couldn't help laughing first. She only pinched her granddaughter lightly a couple of times and shook her head: "Your eldest brother is much better off now than your father was back then. He has a father who just got promoted to the fifth rank, a brother-in-law from the loyal and diligent earl's household, and a respectable maternal family. Even a scholarly and prestigious family like the Hai family shouldn't be underestimated."In truth, the Hai family hadn't thought highly of Changbai initially, considering the Sheng family's background somewhat modest. But Old Mrs. Sheng was quite confident. Back when the Wang family had hesitated over Sheng Hong's marriage proposal, Old Mrs. Sheng brought Sheng Hong for a visit. The moment Old Mrs. Wang laid eyes on the elegant and refined Sheng Hong, she immediately agreed—as the saying goes, a mother-in-law often grows fonder of her son-in-law the more she sees him.
Old Mrs. Sheng handled this with experience. This time, she had Aunt Geng take Changbai to deliver the betrothal letter. The moment Mrs. Hai saw Changbai's upright demeanor and tall, straight posture, she was half-convinced. It's unknown whether the Hai family's young lady peeked at him from behind a curtain, but if she did, she likely would have been smitten too.
Of course, Minglan was unaware of all this. Old Mrs. Sheng continued, "The Hai family's young lady was recommended to me by Kong Momo a few years ago. Her virtues, appearance, speech, and skills are all quite commendable. The only drawback is that the Hai family men do not take concubines, so their daughters have been raised to be intolerant of them. That's why Hai family daughters are hard to marry off. But your eldest brother isn't concerned about this. Over the years, he's only had one bedroom servant, named... hmm..."
"Goat Hair," Minglan supplied.
Old Mrs. Sheng gave a slight smile. "This one's acceptable. The other dreadful names your eldest brother came up with—calling decent girls after pigs, wolves, chickens, and rats... Goat Hair is just average-looking and knows her place. Whether she stays or is sent away later doesn't matter."
Hearing Old Madam so casually decide a girl's fate, Minglan's eyes gradually dimmed. For girls like Goat Hair, who had been intimate with their masters but held no formal status, the future was truly precarious. Their best outcome was to be elevated to concubine. If the master's favor remained after the main wife had children, they might bear a child. If the master and his wife were harmonious, they would become mere ornaments, slowly withering away their youth. If the mistress couldn't tolerate them, they would be sent away—either freed or married off.
But what kind of good match could they hope for? At best, they'd wed a servant from the estate, a rogue from the streets, a woodcutter from the mountains, or a farmer from the fields. Any capable man with means to marry would not want a woman who was no longer a virgin.
Yet one couldn't always be lenient. Minglan knew that the tragedy of Old Madam's youth was largely due to the scheming of Sheng Old Master's bedroom servants and concubines. These maids who had served the young master since childhood were familiar with the household and shared a deep bond with the male master. Often, they had secured their positions even before the new mistress arrived, sometimes even setting traps or creating obstacles for her.
Minglan asked herself: When the time came, would she be able to deal with her rivals without hesitation?
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[Author's Note]
In Dream of the Red Chamber, there are a few lines: "The Elder Master is too lustful; he doesn't let any presentable maid in his household escape... Instead of taking good care of his health, he keeps taking one concubine after another... When he couldn't have Yuanyang, he bought a seventeen- or eighteen-year-old girl named Yanhong..."
—In ancient times, as bonded servants, maids couldn't resist if the male master wanted to take them to bed. I often wonder, with Jia She being so old, how did these girls spend the rest of their lives?
...Incidentally, regarding Elder Brother Changwu's dismal marriage prospects—in ancient times, due to poor information flow and the inability to conduct background checks, blind marriages were often unavoidable. Matchmaking typically expanded outward from one's immediate circle of relatives and friends, precisely to ensure familiarity and avoid marrying daughters into unsuitable families or bringing domineering women into the household.
However, relatives and friends might not always have children of marriageable age, necessitating the expansion of social networks to find suitable matches.
The Sheng family had limited connections in the capital. Unwilling to make a rash match, Sheng Wei had no choice but to seek help far and wide.
Aunt Xue bore significant responsibility for the decline of the Xue family. As a widow, she failed in her duties—not only did she neglect to discipline her son, but she also did not take charge of the family business (as an elderly matriarch, Aunt Xue managing affairs would not have been criticized, whereas Baochai, as an unmarried woman, could not overstep). Worse still, she failed to secure a virtuous daughter-in-law to help revive the family fortunes. The entry of Xia Jingui into the household only exacerbated the Xue family's decline.
All of this resulted from Aunt Xue's passive acquiescence. Unlike the Jia family, which was large and mired in deep-rooted problems, the Xue household was smaller. Had she been slightly more resolute and responsible, the Xue family could have at least preserved some assets for their daughter, avoiding total ruin. It is worth noting that Aunt Xue was also a daughter of the Wang family of Jinling—how could she be so ineffectual?
Thus, it is clear that choosing a daughter-in-law is of utmost importance.
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