After Entering a Jian-si Marriage with My Late Husband’s Older Brother / By Cen Qingyan
Exclusive Publication / 2026.2.6
In early March, the sudden rain in Yuhang County had just ceased.
The accumulated water weighing down the plants in the courtyard had not yet dispersed; reflections of light flickered everywhere amidst the pervasive mist.
As dawn broke, the Pei Residence was draped in colorful silk. As Sang Wu walked along, she could faintly hear the music of silk and bamboo instruments drifting from the front of the house.
From the servants’ gossip, she learned that Pei Silang, who served as an official in Chang’an, had returned.
A man who hadn’t been home for years and was the most promising scion of the Pei clan, it was said he would be staying in Yuhang for a short while this time. The Old Madam had begun arranging a welcoming feast early in the morning, and everyone in the Pei Residence, from top to bottom, had received reward money.
But that excitement did not belong to Sang Wu.
In the courtyard of the Third Branch, the atmosphere was one of utter gloom.
Third Madam’s personal Mammy came out to accept her greetings and instructed, “Today the residence is holding a banquet to welcome Silang. Young Madam should be mindful and avoid wandering about.”
That person was as precious as jade and gold; given Sang Wu’s status, she needed to keep her distance.
There were already slight movements inside the room, indicating that Third Madam was awake but simply did not wish to see anyone. Sang Wu understood that the other woman was moved by the scene to grief, remembering her own son who had passed away early.
She lowered her head obediently. “It just so happens that the rain these past few days has made it hard to sleep, and I’m not in the best spirits. I will wait a couple of days before going to give my greetings to Grandmother.”
Her voice was soft and ethereal. As she spoke, the sun happened to break through the clouds, casting a layer of pale golden radiance over her bright and beautiful face.
With a powdery face and vermilion lips, she was as lovely as a peach blossom; she didn’t look the least bit haggard.
Seeing how sensible she was, the Mammy’s expression softened slightly. She said, “Young Madam should go back and rest well. Madam has also been tired these past few days, which is why she said to excuse your morning and evening greetings. You needn’t come for the evening meal either.”
Sang Wu’s eyes curved slightly as she said softly, “Then I shall return. Mammy, please take care of your health as well.”
After watching her figure disappear from sight, the Mammy turned and went back into the main room.
Inside, it wasn’t so much that Third Madam had risen early as it was that she hadn’t slept all night. When the Mammy entered, she was sitting alone, weeping, her brow filled with sorrow and frustration.
The Second Sister-in-law’s son had returned home in glory, receiving rewards from the Emperor and bringing honor to the family, while her own son would never return.
Third Madam felt a bitter ache in her heart, which manifested as resentment toward her daughter-in-law, Sang Wu.
After all, the reason Pei Liulang had secretly gone out with several cousins to suppress bandits back then was that he wanted to earn an official title to marry Sang Wu with even greater prestige. Who could have known he would never return from that journey?
Sang Wu was actually unaware of this, and while Third Madam knew she couldn’t blame others, she simply couldn’t get over it. Coupled with the agitation from the front courtyard today, she had sent her personal Mammy to dismiss the girl.
Seeing the Mammy now, she recovered her senses. “Has Wu Niang returned?”
“She has,” the Mammy advised. “Since Madam is up, why not go to the Old Madam’s for a while? With Silang back, as an elder, you should offer a word of greeting regardless.”
At a time like this, one should certainly be circling Pei Silang with compliments. Since her only son was gone, she would have to rely on her nephews in the future.
“No,” Third Madam’s expression grew even colder as she turned her face away. “My son’s bones are barely cold, yet they are celebrating so grandly. It’s clear they never held my son in their hearts at all.”
The Mammy stamped her foot. “My Madam!”
She lowered her voice. “It’s fine to say such things to this old servant, but you must never complain in front of the servants. Liulang was raised under the Old Madam’s watch, but Silang is also the Old Madam’s biological grandson, is he not?”
Silang hadn’t been back in years, and the Old Madam missed him dearly. Besides, what kind of man was Pei Silang? He was the most successful youth in the entire Pei family! In any other family, they would have been out on the streets beating gongs and drums while handing out reward money. If they weren’t being mindful of the Third Branch’s mourning, what else could it be?
After much persuasion, Third Madam dabbed the corners of her eyes and pursed her lips. “I know. Am I such a loose-tongued person?”
The Mammy wanted to say more, but she was interrupted: “Is the Master awake? It’s getting late; it’s time to serve the Master his medicine.”
Third Master’s health had always been poor. Since his marriage, he had been idle at home. He and Third Madam had lived in perfect harmony, a devoted couple for a lifetime, with only Pei Liulang as their sole offspring.
Consequently, the news of Pei Liulang’s death had been a thunderbolt to the couple.
By the time they endured until the funeral was over and Sang Wu entered the household, Third Master’s spirit had mostly collapsed, leading to a lingering illness that made it difficult for him to rise. Now, he relied entirely on medicinal decoctions and ginseng soup to keep him going, barely holding on day by day.
Third Madam was entirely focused on Third Master and didn’t make things too difficult for Sang Wu; it was just that when others made things difficult for her, she wouldn’t stand up for her either.
Sang Wu had always possessed self-awareness. She stayed deep within her small courtyard and preferred to give her greetings early to avoid the crowded hours as much as possible.
But even so, there were still times when luck ran out.
As she passed the path back, the front courtyard grew increasingly lively. The maid, Taozhi, said longingly, “The Second Branch’s display is truly grand. When the Fourth Young Master became the Top Scholar, my older brother at the manor even received a reward! It’s a pity I was still small back then and could only hear others talk about how glorious it was.”
Sang Wu smiled slightly. “That’s for certain.”
She continued, “Who in this world could surpass a Top Scholar? If a family can produce one, it is an immense honor; naturally, it should be well-proclaimed.”
Taozhi’s eyes shifted as she said playfully, “In terms of scholarship, no one can match the Top Scholar, but in terms of painting, no one can match the Young Madam.”
Sang Wu laughed and scolded, “Nonsense.”
Taozhi giggled, the red ribbons on her head swaying. This demeanor dispelled much of the gloom brought from the Third Branch.
The two were chatting while looking down at the slippery bricks beneath their feet when they suddenly heard a cold sneer.
In the next instant, without any preparation, Sang Wu was pushed heavily.
She stumbled a few steps and, in her fright, accidentally stepped on the hem of her skirt.
Her embroidered shoes ground against the slippery green moss in the cracks of the bricks. Losing control, her entire body tilted backward and she fell into the Hanbi Pond beneath the rockery.
The quiet pond water erupted in a large splash. A young girl in a red dress stepped out from the shadows, smiling triumphantly.
Taozhi had tripped, her knees stinging with pain, but she ignored herself and scrambled to the edge of the pond to call for help: “The Sixth Young Madam cannot swim! Someone, quickly, save the Sixth Young Madam!”
“What are you shouting for!” The girl ordered someone to block her mouth. Amidst the muffled whimpering, she leaned down, hands on her hips. “This pond is very shallow; it won’t drown anyone!”
“I intend to teach Sang Wu a lesson today. You little maid are also a member of my Pei family; mind your own business and no one will trouble you… Hey, did you hear me!”
Taozhi was held down by two handmaidens, leaving only her head to shake violently: “Mmph… Mmph!”
In the Hanbi Pond, the water churned for a good while.
Sang Wu finally managed to grab a large rock at the edge and stood up from the water with a “splash,” before leaning against the stone wall, her strength spent.
The pond water reached just below her chest; it wasn’t deep, but she had swallowed several mouthfuls of water, and her chest and nasal passages burned with pain.
Fortunately, it wasn’t that cold in March, but she was dripping from head to toe. Fragments of water clung to the corners of her eyes and brows, making her look quite wretched.
She took a deep breath, frowning as she stared at the girl acting imperiously on the bank. “Ba Niang.”
“Why aren’t you at your brother’s welcoming feast? What are you causing trouble for now?”
Pei Ba Niang was the legitimate daughter of the Second Branch. Not only was she the Top Scholar’s biological sister, but she was also doted upon by the Old Madam. At home, she got whatever she wanted, yet she had always disliked Sang Wu. It could be said that in this residence, the “others” Sang Wu deliberately avoided was precisely her.
The several maids she brought with her stood there, blocking Sang Wu’s path.
She began to speak sarcastically, “A widow shouldn’t be showing her face in public to begin with. Could it be that because you saw the Young Masters were present today, you intentionally rushed over to make a scene?”
“Coming from a merchant family after all, you’ve truly had no upbringing.”
“Look at the occasion—is this a place just anyone can squeeze into?”
Sang Wu gradually realized they had misunderstood her.
She had no intention of attending the damn banquet in the front. Having endured a literal earful of ridicule, a surge of resentment suddenly rose in her heart.
Because the hierarchy among servants was just like that—even if Pei Liulang were still alive, the difference in household status and influence between the family of an ordinary disciple relying on the clan and the heir recognized by two generations of family heads was vast.
Not to mention, Sang Wu was merely a widow living in seclusion, having married into a higher status only to be a gate-watching widow, disliked by her elders.
No one invited her to any elegant gatherings or parties.
This inferior situation and the fickleness of human nature were enough to make one laugh in bitterness.
Being harassed by Pei Ba Niang, even constant submissiveness would be useless.
Sang Wu knew that today likely wouldn’t end peacefully, so she said sternly, “Being from a merchant family, I indeed haven’t heard of an ‘upbringing’ that involves raising a hand against one’s sister-in-law.”
“Eighth Sister is indeed a lady from a great family; you are truly experienced and knowledgeable.”
Pei Ba Niang was stunned by her words, her face slowly turning a deep red. “As if you’re worthy of being my sister-in-law! Clearly, Sister He is the one who was rightfully…”
Sang Wu countered, “May I ask if this Miss He has a marriage contract? Did she perform the bowing ceremony with Xin-lang? If not, where does ‘rightfully’ come from?”
Pei Ba Niang: “If you hadn’t intervened…”
“Eighth Sister, watch your words. Xin-lang has passed away, and Miss He is unmarried. If people hear this, who knows what they’ll think? Smearing someone’s reputation—is that how a friend behaves?”
Pei Ba Niang opened her mouth.
When a person feels guilty, they often fidget. Sang Wu’s words were logical and reasonable, leaving her unable to refute them. Only…
“None of your business!”
“Who do you think you are, trying to lecture me?”
She couldn’t save face, and her slight guilt was entirely overshadowed by anger. She raised her hand to push again.
Sang Wu truly could not swim.
Taozhi was scared out of her wits when she suddenly heard someone shout: “Stop!”
The voice came from the opposite side of the Hanbi Pond.
Everyone turned around. A beautiful maid was walking quickly along the path.
Sang Wu had never seen this person before.
The maid scanned the other servants. “What is going on here? Why hasn’t anyone helped the Sixth Young Madam up yet?”
Seeing her, Pei Ba Niang became awkward. “Sister Linqin, why are you here? Does my brother have nothing for you to do, that you’ve come to interfere with my maids?”
She was actually one of Pei Silang’s people.
As if sensing something, Sang Wu looked toward the opposite side. With that one look, she froze.
Against the clear, elegant, pale blue sky, a trace of morning glow lay across the mountains.
As the morning light spread, the mist in the garden thinned.
By the water’s edge, in a hexagonal stone pavilion half-hidden by pine wisteria and apricot blossoms, stood a man.
Through the thousands of silken strands hanging from the wisteria, amidst the pale and deep greens, the man wore a white robe. He was as cold and clear as the moon, his features vaguely resembling Pei Liulang.
After their eyes met for a moment, the man coolly looked away.
Sang Wu gripped her sleeves tightly.
Linqin smiled. “It was the Young Master who heard the noise and sent this servant to check.”
“As for you, Eighth Young Lady, why are you here instead of at the banquet?” she said. “You should return to Shuhong Garden quickly. If you lose your manners, you know our Young Master’s temperament.”
Pei Ba Niang stamped her foot, but in the end, she could not resist her brother’s command and left in anger.
Linqin turned around. Sang Wu was soaking wet, in a state of wretchedness, yet the maid acted as if she didn’t see it, giving a proper curtsy. “Young Madam has been wronged.”
She promised, “The Young Master knows of today’s events and will discipline Ba Niang more strictly in the future. Please rest assured, Young Madam.”
The woman was dressed brightly and respectably, just like the other senior maids in the residence, yet her behavior was even more proper and her etiquette more graceful, without a hint of a subordinate’s servility.
As expected of someone at the Top Scholar’s side; she possessed true confidence.
Sang Wu lowered her gaze and smiled. “Miss Linqin, today’s matter was of no consequence, and no harm was done. Please ask Fourth Brother to look upon Eighth Sister’s youth and ignorance and not punish her for this. It is rare for Fourth Brother to reunite with family; it wouldn’t be worth it if the sibling bond were damaged.”
Linqin paused upon hearing this, observing Sang Wu in the spring light.
Her thick lashes were lowered, her snowy cheeks vivid.
Her wet long hair meandered from her ears, outlining her graceful figure like thick ink.
In the capital, she had heard that Liulang had caused an uproar at home over a merchant girl. She had expected a beauty, but she hadn’t expected such extreme loveliness.
Although the other woman hadn’t said it outright, Linqin frequently moved through inner chambers and had developed the skill to observe people. How could she not hear the subtle tone in the woman’s voice, indicating she didn’t believe her words?
Ba Niang and the Young Master were biological siblings; such skepticism was only natural.
Linqin knew that this Sixth Young Madam would likely have no further interaction with her master, so there was no need to ask her to change her view.
However, the Young Master never allowed his subordinates to show favoritism. Linqin had developed a fair and upright character under him, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit offended that her goodwill was being doubted.
She smiled slightly. “Our Young Master is most upright. I fear this isn’t something he won’t pursue simply because the Young Madam chooses not to care.”
“Since the Pei family enjoys such prosperity, we must restrain our scions with stricter rules so as not to degrade the family instructions and style. Those were also our Young Master’s original words.”
Before this well-trained senior maid, Sang Wu’s little thoughts had nowhere to hide.
She was silent for a moment before looking up with a radiant smile. “I was mistaken.”
Linqin gave a reserved nod, performed a bow, and departed.
Sang Wu looked over; the stone pavilion was empty, with only the pine wisteria swaying slightly.