Many of the Sheng household servants had been purchased locally. Those reluctant to leave their hometown and relatives were released with severance pay, earning widespread praise for Lord Sheng's benevolence. Sheng Hong selected an auspicious travel date and departed early morning with his entire family. Dozens of household members and their luggage filled seven or eight boats. Fearing excessive display, Sheng Hong dispatched trusted stewards ahead with several baggage boats to prepare the northern residence in advance.
Yao Yiyi stayed with Madam Wang on the starboard side, surrounded by new maids and matrons whose names she couldn't be bothered to memorize. Her days revolved around eating and sleeping—eating little but sleeping excessively. After initial seasickness subsided, she watched her travel companion, young Sheng Rulan, enthusiastically observe river scenery while bouncing around to chatter with her "mute, simple-minded sixth sister."
The seldom-traveled Rulan grew excited over everything, even crows, waving chubby fingers with exaggerated astonishment. When Madam Wang scolded her antics, the dejected child would abandon the porthole to chatter at Yao Yiyi, who responded with weak grunts or nods.
"Mother, Sixth Sister truly is simple—she can't even speak," six-year-old Rulan complained about her new companion.
"Fourth Sister, don't speak nonsense," countered twelve-year-old Sheng Changbai, reading by the window with his clear-eyed, upright posture. "Minglan is ill. I heard her speak yesterday. She's over a year younger than you and just lost Consort Wei—don't bully her."
"But she only said four words yesterday—'I need to pee.' Eldest Sister heard it too!" Little Rulan tugged Yao Yiyi's braid, but the latter remained motionless on the couch as if asleep.
"Enough, Rulan," interjected thirteen-year-old Sheng Hualan, blossoming like a pristine magnolia. Leaning over embroidery patterns, she chided, "Must you fuss? Your noise lacks propriety. If Father hears, he'll make you copy texts until you lose interest in bothering others. Go play by yourself."
Pouting under her elder sister's authority, Rulan hopped off the couch to play cat's cradle with a maid, sticking her tongue out at Hualan's back when passing.
Soon, Hualan's chief maid entered. Setting aside her patterns, Hualan asked, "Well?"
The maid smiled. "Just as you predicted—quite the scene over there. The boat confines the drama to tears now. I tried gathering more details, but Aunt Liu shooed me away."
Hualan smiled in satisfaction. Changbai set down his book, frowning. "Spying again? Father forbade inquiries. Must you disregard propriety like some common gossip?"Hualan shot her younger brother a glare and said, "Stop nagging. My affairs are none of your concern—just focus on your studies." Then she murmured softly to herself, "...She truly angered Father, but why exactly? I must ask Mother tonight... Serves her right!"
Yao Yiyi feigned sleep with half-closed eyes. As the only person present who knew the truth, she felt the drama inside the ship these past few days was far more intriguing than the scenery outside. Just ten days after setting sail, Sheng Hong had dismissed two or three stewards at supply docks—notably, all of them shared the surname Lin.
These men were impoverished relatives who had come seeking refuge with Consort Lin. Over the years, they had become her right-hand men, managing shops and estates externally while monopolizing procurement duties internally, swaggering with authority both openly and discreetly. When Sheng Hong decided to dismiss them, they naturally resisted and pleaded with Consort Lin. She was startled. Being shrewd and perceptive, she sensed something amiss and immediately went to Sheng Hong to intercede. Yet this time, regardless of her pleas or reasoning, he remained cold and unresponsive. Compounded by the close quarters on the ship where masters and servants could easily overhear each other, she couldn’t employ her usual tactics of playing the zither, flute, or weeping like the tragic beauty Xishi. Helplessly, she watched as her allies were stripped away.
Madam Wang was inwardly overjoyed but dared not show it, struggling to maintain a stern expression and conceal her delight in public—a taxing effort. In her buoyant mood, she became more generous, treating Yao Yiyi with increasing affection, providing food and clothing on par with her own daughter. At every stop, she summoned physicians to examine Yao Yiyi, checking if she had truly lost her wits. Unfortunately, Yao Yiyi didn’t cooperate, remaining listless, eating little, and spending her days in heavy slumber.
Sheng Hong frequently visited Yao Yiyi, each visit deepening his concern. Every time he lifted his daughter to gauge her weight, his frown tightened. He urged the boatmen to hasten, eager to reach Dengzhou quickly, settle down, and arrange proper care for her.
With the strong southerly winds of early summer, the northward journey proceeded smoothly. Upon reaching the Beijing-Tianjin area, Sheng Hong disembarked with several advisors to travel overland to the capital’s Ministry of Personnel to complete his promotion formalities, express gratitude to the emperor, and pay respects to mentors and colleagues. The rest of the family, led by the eldest son, continued northward to Shandong.
After Sheng Hong’s departure, Consort Lin grew even more subdued, scarcely showing her face and dedicating herself to educating her children in her cabin. Servants, boatmen, and passengers from other vessels often heard the clear sound of reading emanating from her quarters, praising the Sheng family for their scholarly heritage and profound learning. This reignited Madam Wang’s frustration, who pressured Changbai to read aloud for others to hear. Changbai, being a reticent and steady young man, flushed crimson at his mother’s demand, his pale face turning into a stammering eggplant.
Yao Yiyi remarked, "Eggplants are even less capable of reading."Yao Yiyi slept in a daze, completely unaware of how much time had passed. By the time little Rulan grew weary of the boat journey, elder brother Changbai finished reading three volumes of books, and eldest sister Hualan completed embroidering four handkerchiefs, they finally docked. Stewards and servants were already waiting at the pier to receive them. The dust-covered land dwellers and the dizzy boat passengers had little to say to each other, directly transferring to carriages for several more days of bumpy travel. Fortunately, Dengzhou was also near water. Just as Old Mrs. Sheng felt her bones were about to be jolted apart, they finally arrived.
Being southern-born, Yao Yiyi didn't get seasick much but suffered terribly from carriage sickness. She vomited yellow bile for days, nearly bringing up her very innards. This time it wasn't feigned sleep - she genuinely passed out in the arms of a sturdy maidservant who carried her into the new residence. She remained completely unaware of what their new Dengzhou home looked like. When she finally regained some consciousness, she found herself already lying on a kang bed. Each time she opened her eyes, she would see a physician shaking his head beside her. The first was an uncle around forty, the second a gray-haired elder, and the third an old man with completely white hair and beard. Following the traditional Chinese medicine principle that a physician's skill correlates with age, these doctors should have been progressively more skilled.
Three physicians consecutively expressed concern about the Sheng family's youngest daughter's condition. The problem wasn't with the medicine's efficacy but with Yao Yiyi herself - she completely lacked the will to live. Seeing the little girl reduced to skin and bones, Madam Wang grew increasingly uneasy. Her relationship with Sheng Hong had just begun to improve recently, and Sheng Minglan had been personally entrusted to her care by Sheng Hong himself. If Sheng Hong returned to find his youngest daughter dead from illness, Madam Wang would have gained nothing while adding to her troubles.
When Sheng Hong returned and saw his daughter in such a frail state, his anger toward Consort Lin intensified. He handled official business during the day and disciplined servants upon returning home each evening. As the Sheng family had newly arrived in Dengzhou, any buying or selling of servants appeared to outsiders as normal adjustments under a new official's administration. Nursing his anger, Sheng Hong avoided Consort Lin, dismissing several of her capable maids and older servants over two consecutive days - demoting some, expelling others, selling still others. He spent every night in Madam Wang's quarters, making her practically bloom with joy. The ginseng roots she produced to nourish Yao Yiyi grew progressively larger, each piece as thick as radishes that made Yao Yiyi inwardly shudder.
While one side enjoyed spring's brilliance, the other suffered autumn's bitterness. Though Consort Lin repeatedly sought to see Sheng Hong, servants consistently barred her way. However, she was no ordinary woman. One evening after dinner, while Sheng Hong and Madam Wang were discussing Sheng Minglan's condition with all other children returned to their rooms and only the unconscious Yao Yiyi lying on the kang bed by the window, the couple sat on either side of the kang table. Their conversation eventually turned to acquiring property in Dengzhou when sudden commotion erupted outside accompanied by maids' scolding voices. Just as Madam Wang sent her attendant Liu Kun's wife to investigate, the lake-blue soft silk curtain was swept aside as someone burst in - none other than Consort Lin herself.She wore no jewelry, her dark hair simply coiled into a bun without a single pearl or jade hairpin. Her face was free of makeup, yet her innate grace and charm shone through. The dark blue, plain garment she wore made her skin appear as fair as frost and snow, while her delicate, crescent-shaped brows seemed slightly furrowed. Her waist was so slender it seemed she had grown noticeably thinner that day, presenting a truly pitiable sight.
From outside came the sounds of maids and matrons jostling and shoving—evidently, Consort Lin had brought a troop of women to force her way in. Sheng Hong turned away, refusing to look at her. Madam Wang, enraged, slapped the kang table and shouted, "What is this ghastly appearance for? Who are you trying to impress? I told you to stay in your room—why have you barged in? Disturbing everyone in the house! Do you think others are as shameless as you? Quickly, drag her out!"
At her command, several maids moved to push her out.
"Don't touch me!"
Consort Lin struggled free and immediately knelt before Sheng Hong with a resolute thud, her voice sharp as metal striking an anvil, her expression determined: "Master, Madam, today I am resolved. If you won't let me speak, I will dash my head against the wall and die here—better that than suffering piece by piece!"
Sheng Hong coldly retorted, "There's no need for such dramatics. Do you think because I've treated you well in the past, you can act like a common market woman, putting on this show of weeping, wailing, and threatening suicide for everyone to see?"
Tears streamed from Consort Lin's eyes as she pleaded mournfully, "These past days, my heart has been simmering like boiling oil, and I have so much to say. Yet you, Master, have avoided me and refused to see me. My heart has died over and over. But Master, you are a parent to the people. Even when dealing with a petty thief, you allow them to plead their case—how much more should you hear me, who has served you all these years and borne you a son and a daughter? If you must have me die, at least let me understand why!"
Remembering Consort Wei's death, Sheng Hong flared up and smashed a teacup on the floor. "Think of the fine deeds you've done!"
Consort Lin's tears fell like pearls as she choked out, "...Hong Lang!" her voice filled with sorrow.
Madam Wang, furious, leaped down from the kang and roared at the maids and servants, "Are you all lifeless? Dead people! Why haven't you dragged her out yet?"
Consort Lin lifted her head defiantly. "Madam, why are you so unwilling to let me speak? Are you afraid of what I might say?"
"What nonsense are you spouting? How dare you spew such lies here! What do I have to fear?"
"If you're not afraid, then let's settle this today, word for word, and lay everything out clearly. The master will discern right from wrong."
Madam Wang's chest heaved with rage, while Consort Lin continued to weep silently. For a moment, the room fell into silence. As an official, Sheng Hong knew it was best to clarify everything now. He ordered a maid to fetch the steward, Laifu. Liu Kun's wife, ever sharp-witted, ushered all the maids and servants out of the room. Soon, Laifu entered, and Sheng Hong gave him quiet instructions. Laifu acknowledged the order and returned with several stout matrons to keep all the servants outside the main courtyard.
Only five people remained in the room: Sheng Hong, Madam Wang, Consort Lin, Liu Kun's wife, and Laifu. Oh, and Yao Yiyi, still unconscious on the couch—probably forgotten by everyone at this point. Yao Yiyi once again swore to the mudslide that she had no desire to stay and listen to this three-way confrontation, but... it was best to continue feigning unconsciousness.Consort Lin gently wiped her tears and said sorrowfully, "I don't know what I've done wrong these days. Not only has the master been ignoring me, but he's also been punishing those around me one after another—first the two relatives who came to seek refuge with me, then two of my maidservants, and just the day before yesterday, even the nanny who has served me since childhood is to be driven out! I dare not question the master's decisions, but there should be some explanation given!"
Sheng Hong spoke coldly, "Fine! I'll give you an explanation today. Let me ask you, how did Consort Wei really die?"
Consort Lin didn't seem surprised but instead gave a mournful smile. "Ever since Sister Wei passed away that day, I knew this day would come. Back in Quanzhou, the maids and matrons in the residence were vaguely gossiping, saying that I was the one who caused Consort Wei's death. I thought it was just a few ignorant servants spreading rumors. Since the master was about to be promoted, I didn't dare trouble him with trivial matters, so I quietly endured it, believing that the truth would prevail and the rumors would eventually fade. But I never thought... never thought that even the master would suspect me!"
As she spoke, tears streamed down her face uncontrollably.
Sheng Hong angrily retorted, "Do you think I've wronged you? On the day Consort Wei went into labor, why did you delay in sending for the midwife? Why was there no one available to assist in her courtyard? Why were none of the household's experienced midwives present? That day, Madam and I had gone to the Wang family, leaving only you at home. If it wasn't you, then who was it?"
Consort Lin wiped her jade-like fingers across her cheeks and said pitifully, "Master, do you remember what Madam said years ago when Third Young Miss passed away? She told me to meddle less in the affairs of the other concubines and focus on my own matters. After you and Madam left that day, I stayed quietly in my own courtyard. Master, please consider this: with both heads of the household away, the servants naturally thought they could relax and take it easy. Many matrons slacked off and went home, not just the midwives! I've only been here a few years, while those matrons have been in the household for decades. How could I possibly command them?"
Sheng Hong snorted coldly but said nothing. Madam Wang turned to look at Liu Kun's wife, a hint of anxiety in her eyes.
Consort Lin continued, "Later, when a servant reported that Consort Wei was in pain and going into labor, I immediately sent my maid to inform the gatekeepers to fetch a midwife. But who would have thought that the matrons at the inner gate and several gatekeepers were drinking and gambling? My maid begged and pleaded for a long time before they sluggishly went off. That trip took several hours. Afterwards, I questioned those gatekeepers, and they claimed that the nearest midwife wasn't home, so they had to travel several miles to the west of the city to find one, which delayed Consort Wei's delivery. Master, Madam, I swear by heaven and earth that every word I've said is true. If I intentionally harmed Consort Wei, may I be struck by lightning and die a terrible death! If you still don't believe me, you can ask the matrons and gatekeepers from that day what time I sent for the midwife. There are witnesses who heard it!"
She began weeping again.
Sheng Hong turned and gave Madam Wang a deep look. Her heart skipped a beat, and she glanced at Liu Kun's wife, who frowned back at her. After all, most of the experienced midwives were part of Madam Wang's dowry entourage, and the inner gate matrons and gatekeepers had always been under her management. Even if Sheng Hong didn't suspect her, she couldn't escape the charge of lax supervision and indulgence of her subordinates."So you claim to bear no responsibility at all? What a clever tongue!" Madam Wang couldn't say too much, as appearing overly informed about the details wouldn't be appropriate.
Consort Lin crawled forward on her knees, approaching the heated brick bed. Her delicate face, now streaked with tears, shone like the bright moon as she spoke haltingly: "It's not that I'm completely without fault. I'm timid and afraid of trouble, unwilling to shoulder responsibilities. Had I personally accompanied Sister Wei that day and directed the maids and servants, perhaps Sister Wei wouldn't have passed away so young... I was merely afraid of being held accountable and becoming the subject of gossip. I was wrong, but if anyone says I intentionally caused Sister Wei's death, I would protest even before the King of Hell! Having been educated since childhood, how could I not understand the gravity of matters concerning human life?"
Sheng Hong felt a stir in his heart but remained silently seated.
Madam Wang was furious and about to erupt in anger when Liu Kun's wife stopped her with a meaningful look, forcing her to restrain herself. Consort Lin sobbed twice more, her mournful voice trembling as she pleaded: "Master, Madam, I am but a helpless woman who depends entirely on the master for survival. If the master were to cast me aside, I might as well die right now. I originally came from a respectable family. When Old Madam wanted to arrange a marriage for me, it was I who shamelessly insisted on staying with the Sheng family, all because I admired the master's character. I've endured everyone's mockery and the servants' disdain—I accept it all, for it was my own choice... I know I've angered my elder sister, causing her unhappiness. I understand her resentment toward me and dare not defend myself... I only hope Sister can forgive my foolish devotion to the master. Treat me like a little cat or dog, grant me a corner in this vast Sheng residence to curl up in, with just enough food to survive. As long as I can occasionally catch sight of the master, I'll bear any amount of scorn and condemnation without regret!... Madam, before Steward Laifu and Sister Liu today, I kowtow to you—please have mercy on me!"
With that, she truly began kowtowing, each thump resonating loudly. Sheng Hong's heart ached, and he quickly jumped down from the kang, pulling Consort Lin up: "What are you doing, when everything is perfectly fine?"
Consort Lin raised her head, gazing at Sheng Hong with tear-filled eyes—a thousand tendernesses and ten thousand grievances contained in her look. After a moment of silent contemplation, she turned and threw herself at Madam Wang's feet, weeping and begging: "I beg for Madam's compassion. You may beat or punish me as you see fit, but please don't regard me as some evil schemer... If I act improperly, summon me for reprimand—I'll obey Madam in everything... My feelings for the master are completely genuine..."
Her cries grew hoarse and desperate, her eyes swollen and red, until she finally collapsed exhausted against Sheng Hong's leg. Unable to bear it any longer, Sheng Hong was visibly moved and gently supported her.
—So impressive!!!
Yao Yiyi finally couldn't resist peeking through slightly opened eyes. Sheng Hong's face showed overwhelming pity, while Madam Wang trembled like a leaf, her face pale with rage, unable to utter a word. Laifu stared in stunned silence, and Liu Kun's wife sighed in admiration of Consort Lin's performance.Madam Lin's astonishing talent miraculously roused Yao Yiyi, who had been determined to sleep herself to death. Yao questioned herself inwardly: a young lady born into an official's family—though fallen into decline—had been pampered for over a decade. Yet this lady possessed the courage to declare her resolve and devotion before servants, kneeling when necessary, begging for mercy when appropriate, weeping when needed, and fighting when called for. Why was she herself so cowardly, unwilling to face reality? Hadn't she merely been reborn into an unsatisfactory life?
On one cool summer night, a highly skilled professional mistress ultimately ignited Yao Yiyi's will to survive.
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