Jiafu hurried back to Rongfang's place and sat down. When Rongfang asked about her earlier visit to the front, she only mentioned the part about meeting guests, skipping over her encounter with the old madam. She didn't step out again for the rest of the afternoon.
As dusk fell, guests and clan members arrived, filling Duke Wei's Mansion with brilliant lights. Pei Xiuzhi, Second Master Pei Quan, Third Master Pei Xiuke, Fourth Master Pei Xiumacro, and several respected elders from the clan welcomed guests before the longevity hall. Madam Xin, Second Madam, and other women from the clan entertained the visiting ladies. When Jiafu followed her mother to the hall, the birthday greetings were nearly over, with only the younger female relatives remaining. Standing in a corner among a crowd of elegantly dressed women, she looked up to see a grand longevity plaque hanging at the center, inscribed with Pei Quan's golden calligraphy: "Shining Star." On the prominently displayed longevity table, an imperial gift rested on yellow satin—a pair of long-handled Ruyi scepters flanked by towers of longevity peaches and cakes, with various celebratory gifts arranged on either side. The opulence was overwhelming, radiating prosperity and wealth. Old Madam Pei, now adorned with a pearl crown and dressed in her Imperial Mandate robes, looked entirely different from when Jiafu had seen her earlier. Leaning on her Dragon Head Cane carved from agarwood, she sat regally at the center, her face glowing with health and vigor, smiling and nodding as she urged the bowing well-wishers to rise.
As a junior relative, Jiafu stood at the back. Following the ceremonial guide's lead, she joined the others in paying respects to the old madam. Beaming, Old Madam Pei invited everyone to the rear hall for Longevity Wine. Amidst the boisterous laughter and chatter, the crowd dispersed from the hall.
By now, the marriage arrangement between the Pei and Zhen families was common knowledge among the clan. Madam Meng and Jiafu became the center of attention, with female relatives eagerly engaging Madam Meng in conversation and praising Jiafu's gentle beauty. Jiafu kept her head demurely lowered, playing the part of a proper young lady, all while discreetly watching Quan Ge'er.
A single encounter days earlier wasn't enough to confirm that she and the boy were fated to clash. In her plan, tonight was another opportunity.
Though Quan Ge was unbearably mischievous, he possessed a child's innate cunning. Knowing Duke Wei's Mansion wasn't as permissive as his maternal grandmother's Song Family, and somewhat intimidated by his great-grandmother, he clamored to join his grandmother, Madam Song.
Madam Song, surrounded by flatterers, even overshadowed Madam Xin. Unwilling to let her grandson leave her side, Madam Xin had him firmly held beside her, refusing to let him stray. As the banquet neared its end and guests began departing, Jiafu grew anxious, unable to find a chance to approach the boy.
With the wedding imminent, she couldn't afford to delay. Tonight should have been ideal. Finally, when Madam Meng and Madam Xin sat together and Quan Ge grew drowsy, Madam Xin sent him to bed, and he was carried away.
Realizing her chance had slipped, Jiafu suppressed her disappointment and continued socializing with her mother.
By the middle of the Hai hour (9-11 PM), the banquet concluded, and the remaining guests gradually departed. The Duke Wei's Mansion, lively all evening, slowly quieted down.Madam Meng had been bustling about since her arrival and was now quite exhausted. Since her son had already left earlier, she took Jiafu to bid farewell. Madam Xin expressed her gratitude, saying she had been of great help today and had saved her much effort, insisting on personally seeing her out. Knowing Madam Xin had other matters to attend to, Madam Meng firmly declined. As they spoke, a neatly dressed, beautiful oval-faced maid in her twenties approached with a smile and said, "Madam, the Old Madam requests your presence. She has a few words to share with you."
This maid was named Yuzhu, the same one Jiafu had encountered earlier in the day accompanying Old Madam Pei.
Madam Xin acknowledged her and turned to call for a trusted stewardess to take inventory of the valuable utensils being prepared for storage in her stead. However, the stewardess was not nearby, and a maid said she had gone to the front courtyard on some business. Frowning in annoyance, Madam Xin complained, but Madam Meng interjected, "Since the Old Madam has summoned you, it must be important. If you trust me, I can take care of the inventory for you."
Delighted, Madam Xin thanked her profusely, gave a few instructions, and hurried off.
Madam Meng turned to Jiafu. "A'fu, if you're tired, I can have someone take you home first. It’ll still be a while before I finish here."
Jiafu knew her mother was going to such lengths to maintain good relations with Madam Xin entirely for her sake and said tenderly, "Mother, I’ll stay with you."
But Madam Meng refused. Jiafu understood it was because there were servants moving things about, and her mother likely worried she might be jostled, so she didn’t insist further.
Yuzhu said, "Auntie, why don’t I take the young lady to the Old Madam’s quarters to wait for you? It’s warm there, and no one will disturb her. You can fetch her once you’re done."
This Yuzhu had originally been the daughter of a well-to-do family. When she was eight or nine, her family fell into ruin, and she entered Duke Wei's Mansion. Due to her striking beauty, literacy, and efficiency, she became Old Madam Pei’s trusted maid. Now twenty, she had yet to marry, and the Old Madam had kept her by her side. With Yuzhu’s assurance, Madam Meng felt at ease and urged Jiafu to go rest.
Jiafu followed Yuzhu to Old Madam Pei’s main courtyard, where she saw faint silhouettes against the windows of the main hall and heard murmurs of conversation. Yuzhu whispered, "The Old Madam has also summoned your uncle and aunt from the second branch. They must all be inside. Let me take you to the side room."
Jiafu said, "Thank you, sister."
Yuzhu smiled. "You flatter me, young lady. Just call me by my name. Please follow me."
Jiafu was led to a side room, bright and warm. Yuzhu guided her to recline on a daybed, propping a pillow behind her waist and draping a fur blanket over her legs. "If you’re sleepy, young lady, you may rest here. No one will disturb you. I still have some clean Sweet Maple Tea—I’ll fetch a pot for you."
Tanxiang thanked her on Jiafu’s behalf. "I’ll go get it."
Yuzhu nodded with a smile and led Tanxiang out. Just as they stepped outside, they encountered a nursemaid and a maid carrying Quan Ge, who was wrapped in a cloak. The nursemaid explained that Quan Ge had just woken up crying, insisting on going to the Song Family, and she couldn’t calm him, so she had brought him to Madam Xin.
Yuzhu frowned and hushed her. "Madam is with the Old Madam right now! Take him back and try to soothe him." She pulled the oblivious nursemaid away.The nursemaid said with a bitter expression, "I can't soothe him. You know how it is—when the young master throws a tantrum, only the Old Madam can handle him..."
Before she could finish, Quan Ge'er had already wriggled out of her arms and dashed toward the unfamiliar Tanxiang.
Yuzhu exclaimed and hurried after him, calling out, "There's no one in that room, young master, don't go in!"
The door opened from inside, and Jiafu peeked out, saying, "Let him come in. It's fine with me."
...
In the main hall, Old Madam Pei sat on a chair, having already removed her jeweled headdress but still wearing her Imperial Mandate robes. Her gaze swept over the sons and daughters-in-law standing before her as she said, "These past few days, you've all worked hard to celebrate this old woman's birthday and make me happy."
Pei Quan quickly replied, "Mother, why say such things? There's no hardship at all. Besides, it's our duty."
Madam Xin and Meng Shi also nodded in agreement.
Old Madam Pei smiled faintly. "Our family has had much good fortune lately. My birthday is trivial, not worth mentioning. But Xiuzhi has secured a post, and Luo'er's studies are outstanding. I am truly pleased."
In recent years, Old Madam Pei's health had been poor, and she had lived a reclusive life, rarely gathering her sons and daughters-in-law like this. Seeing her solemn expression earlier, they had feared she was displeased with the birthday celebrations and had been uneasy. Now that she spoke words of praise, they relaxed and chimed in, "It's all thanks to Mother's blessings and dignity."
Old Madam Pei said, "What dignity does an old woman like me have for you to rely on? If you don’t secretly resent me as a muddle-headed old crone, I’d be content."
Her words were unusually harsh, especially on the day of her grand birthday celebration. Madam Xin and Pei Quan were taken aback, their faces filled with unease. Pei Quan said, "Mother, such words make your son unworthy. If I’ve done anything wrong to upset you, please scold me. Even if you beat me to death, I deserve it. How can you curse yourself like this?"
Old Madam Pei remained silent. Pei Quan grew increasingly uneasy.
Originally, Pei Quan had hoped the hereditary appointment would fall to him, allowing him to advance in his long-stagnant official career. But due to the Song Family's influence, it went to his nephew Pei Xiuzhi instead. Naturally, he was disappointed. Hearing from Meng Shi that the eldest branch had spent nearly two thousand taels only deepened his resentment—though he maintained a cordial facade. Now, right after the birthday celebrations, he had been summoned and confronted with such words, leaving him too afraid to speak.
Madam Xin and Meng Shi exchanged glances.
Old Madam Pei slowly exhaled and continued, "Today should be a joyous occasion, and I shouldn’t dampen your spirits. But there are some things on my mind, and if I don’t say them now, I don’t know when I’ll have another chance."
"Mother, please speak freely!" Pei Quan urged hastily. Madam Xin and Meng Shi also voiced their agreement.
"Then I shall speak. Today, I stepped out and accidentally overheard some servants gossiping behind my back. The words were vile enough, but what troubles me more is how the Duke's household has fallen to such laxity that servants dare behave so shamelessly. After much thought, I can only conclude it’s a case of 'like master, like servant.' When those in charge set no proper example, those below naturally grow worse."
Meng Shi stayed silent, while Madam Xin's expression shifted slightly. After a pause, she said hesitantly, "It’s entirely my fault for failing to discipline the servants properly..."Old Madam Pei waved her hand dismissively. "I know you're all busy. Calling you here to say these words isn't to hear anyone admit their faults, but merely because I have many reflections in my heart. Life passes like a fleeting white horse glimpsed through a crack. When I was young, I watched your late father risk his life to build this family fortune. Now in the blink of an eye, I already have great-grandchildren."
"Since ancient times, few among the wealthy have known contentment. As for restraining oneself to return to propriety, or remaining without resentment in poverty—these are rarer still. The Pei family's circumstances these past years haven't been what they once were. But there's one saying I must remind you of: earth piled together makes walls, people supporting each other make a home. If family members fight among themselves, we won't need outsiders to intervene—in just a few years, the Pei family will collapse from within."
Beads of sweat appeared on Pei Quan's forehead, while Madam Xin and Meng Shi kept their heads lowered in silence.
Old Madam Pei shook her head. "Nor can I blame you entirely. Truth be told, the first one at fault should be me. These past years I've been too negligent, failing in my duty as the family elder..."
After a pause, she looked at Madam Xin. "I know the household income has decreased, and each of you faces difficulties. The money Zhi'er used for his official appointment will come from my personal savings..."
Madam Xin started in surprise, about to speak, when the old madam turned to Pei Quan and Meng Shi. "Nor should the second branch suffer losses. When Luo'er marries, the expenses will surely be considerable. Whatever amount I give the main branch now, I'll match for you then. This is all I can do. If there's still unfairness, I hope you'll bear with me and let the matter rest, allowing no discord to grow from it. What face would we have if outsiders learned of such quarrels?"
Pei Quan stepped forward and knelt with a thud, kowtowing. "Mother, your son absolutely cannot accept this money. This was entirely my foolishness, that I would quarrel with my nephew. Please don't distress yourself. Your continued health is the Pei family's greatest blessing."
Madam Xin and Meng Shi likewise offered self-reproaches.
Tears glistened faintly in Old Madam Pei's eyes. "To be frank with you, this grand birthday celebration matters little to me. I agreed to receive guests only to accommodate you, to make you happy. I hope you can similarly understand my intentions. Fortune and calamity come not through gates, but are summoned by people themselves. Having lived to this age, I've witnessed countless rises and falls of wealthy houses. So long as a family remains united in heart, today's adversity may yet become tomorrow's triumph. These are all my words. If you find them reasonable, remember them when you return—this will bring me more blessing than a hundred birthday celebrations."
Pei Quan kowtowed again, while Madam Xin and Meng Shi murmured earnest assurances.
Old Madam Pei looked at Madam Xin. "Quan Ge is no longer small—he'll turn five after the new year. He should be properly taught manners, and henceforth not casually taken to the Song family."
Madam Xin hesitated. "But they come themselves to fetch him..."
The old madam snorted, fixing her with a stare. "Is his surname Pei or Song? You think only of your son—why not consider your grandson?"
Blushing crimson, Madam Xin lowered her head in embarrassment.
...
Late at night, at the hour of zi, Pei Quan, Madam Xin and Meng Shi departed from the northern quarters.
After they left, Yuzhu entered to assist with washing up and retiring for the night. But the old woman seemed not to hear, remaining seated as she gazed at the water clock in the corner.
Less than one ke remained—this day would soon be over.It was so late, yet the old madam still hadn't retired. Yuzhu was puzzled but dared not ask. After keeping her company for a while, she suddenly remembered what had happened during their outing that day and had an epiphany. She said, "Old Madam, Miss Zhen is in the side room right now. If you're not sleeping yet, shall I call her over to keep you company?" Seeing that the old madam neither nodded nor shook her head, seemingly lost in distant memories, Yuzhu quietly slipped out.
Jiafu entered the room and greeted the old madam.
The old madam turned her head and smiled faintly upon seeing her. "Yuzhu is being meddlesome. It's so late and she still called you over. You must be exhausted from today's activities. There's nothing here requiring your attention—you may retire for the night."
Earlier, Yuzhu had hinted to Jiafu that she hoped she would come and say a few comforting words to cheer up the old madam.
It was clear that neither Yuzhu nor the elderly woman before her expected the eldest son of the main branch, who had left the capital years ago, to return tonight.
But Jiafu had a recollection. In her past life, he had indeed returned this very night—only very, very late. As for exactly how late, she couldn't quite remember.
Looking at the old woman's lonely figure, stripped of her jeweled headdress and fine robes in the lamplight, Jiafu felt a fleeting moment of regret for her earlier scheming.
If Quan Ge had an episode, the old woman naturally wouldn't get a wink of sleep tonight.
In truth, her own matter could wait another night. She should have let the old woman properly celebrate her sixtieth birthday.
Taking a slow breath, she said, "Old Madam, Eldest Cousin will return."
The old woman smiled faintly and nodded. "Good child, go and rest."
Jiafu bit her lip but ultimately held her tongue. She curtsied and turned to walk slowly toward the door.
"Old Madam—Old Madam—"
Just as she reached the doorway, a voice suddenly rang out from the courtyard, piercing the silence of the late night.
Jiafu paused mid-step at the threshold.
Yuzhu hurried out and scolded the approaching servant woman, "Have you gone mad? Shouting like this in the middle of the night—what's happened?"
"The young master has returned!" The servant gasped for breath, her expression strange as she gestured wildly.
"I almost didn't recognize him!"
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