The autumn sky was clear and crisp. Sheniang was kicking a shuttlecock in the courtyard while Lanruo counted for her: "Eighty-seven, eighty-eight… ninety-six."
The shuttlecock finally fell to the ground. Sheniang pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve to wipe her sweat and said, "Let's go outside and jump rope in a bit. You two hold the ends, and I'll jump in the middle."
Madam Yu, however, sent someone to call her inside for tea and said, "Aren't you tired? Have some snacks and rest for a while."
"I'm not tired. I was planning to go out and jump rope later anyway." Sheniang said with a grin.
Madam Yu had suffered a difficult labor when giving birth to Sheniang, and her body had never fully recovered over the years. But seeing her daughter like this, she felt quite envious: "Your mother never liked to exercise, which is why I'm so frail. You're just fine the way you are."
Sheniang said, "As long as the rope doesn't stop, I can keep jumping without tripping. But Mother, you can't just stay cooped up in the house like this all the time. You should take walks now and then. It's like this with people—the more you think you're frail, the frailer you become."
She truly loved jumping rope, and it kept her in excellent health. Even after being drenched in a heavy rain, she wouldn't catch a cold. In fact, after childbirth, she'd had persistent menstrual bleeding that wouldn't stop. The imperial physician said she had a polyp and that the blood-activating medicines wouldn't help. Then, on a whim, she took up rope jumping, and one day the polyp actually came out on its own—and all her problems vanished.
No matter what others said, she always felt that the more she moved, the more energetic she became.
Madam Yu looked at Sheniang's rosy little face and added, "Your elder sister isn't like you. She's always so lazy—if she can lie down, she absolutely won't sit."
"Mother, don't praise one while putting down the other. Everyone has a different temperament." Although Sheniang harbored grudges from her past life, she felt that parents shouldn't behave this way. It was merely a difference in lifestyle habits, with no inherent superiority or inferiority.
After chatting with Madam Yu for a while, Sheniang ran back out to jump rope. She jumped for about the time it takes to burn one stick of incense before having the servants prepare her bath. When she came out of her bath, Nanny Xia announced that Eldest Miss had returned to her natal home for a visit and that all the young ladies were to gather at Mingyuan Hall for a chat.
Eldest Miss had been raised at Old Madam Pei's knee for a few years as a child, so the grandmother-granddaughter bond was very close. This time, Liniang wasn't as dawdling as before and came over together with Sheniang.
Sheniang wore a cherry-red long robe with orchid patterns and pipa sleeves, paired with a jade-white horse-face skirt. Liniang wore a bright red Shu brocade short jacket with cloud-crane patterns, paired with a pearl-white brocade skirt, and her cloud-patterned shoes were adorned with a single pearl.
On ordinary days, Liniang mostly played with the two cousin-misses, Meng and Song, or spent time with Shunniang because of their shared interest in dogs. She rarely played with Sheniang. Especially in the past month, Sheniang had been constantly snapping at her, so naturally they had nothing to say to each other. Moreover, when Liniang acted coy and reached for others' hands, they would play along with her, but Sheniang didn't like being touched and didn't enjoy listening to others being clingy.
For this reason, the two walked to Mingyuan Hall in complete silence.
Eldest Miss was seventeen this year and had been married for just one year, already having given birth to a daughter. She sat there serenely, like a lilac after rain—refined and tempered. The one who usually seemed like an orchid in a secluded valley now carried a hint of delicate allure.
"Eldest Sister," Sheniang called out.
Nianniang smiled and said, "It's been a few days, and Fifth Sister has grown even taller."
Old Madam Pei added, "Her father is tall, so all the sisters are tall."
"I think so too," Nianniang said softly.
Sheniang and the others weren't the focus of the room. Old Madam Pei and Nianniang exchanged a few pleasantries with them before turning to their own conversation—about the engagement between the son of Academician Gao, a Hanlin reader in the capital, and Miss Bai, the daughter of Commandery Princess Qinghe.
"The Princess has invited my mother-in-law to serve as the auspicious matron for the ceremony. But our household has been so busy—Second Master is heading to the military, my sister-in-law is about to give birth, and I'm the one managing the household now. I'm young and haven't experienced any major affairs. All at once, I feel a bit flustered, so I thought I'd ask Grandmother what I should do?" Nianniang said.
Old Madam Pei smiled and replied, "Since your family has entrusted the household to you, that's a sign of their trust. Why let yourself get flustered? In my opinion, as long as you conduct yourself properly and handle matters according to the rules, you can't go wrong."
Nianniang nodded obediently: "You're right."
Madam Lu, who was nearby, said, "When you're managing the household, you're often away from your own quarters. Your little girl is still so young—it's worrisome not having a proper mistress to keep an eye on things. Why not have your Second Sister go over and help you look after her for a few days?"
Nianniang thought for a moment before agreeing.
With the conversation winding down, they began arranging the banquet. The old lady had a dedicated kitchen, and the dishes were all first-rate. Since Sheniang had been kicking shuttlecocks and jumping rope, her stomach was already growling with hunger. When the food arrived, she buried her head in eating.
These days, she wasn't very concerned about anything else—her focus remained on her mother.
As soon as the banquet ended, she returned to her quarters first. Unexpectedly, Yiniang was pulled aside by Madam Lu: "Good child, you're more steady than your Second Sister. Originally, I was thinking of sending you instead."
Yiniang thought to herself, Why is Madam Lu telling me this? If you want to send your own daughter to help, I wouldn't say anything about it. But aloud she said, "Second Aunt flatters me—your niece doesn't deserve such praise."
"There's nothing to be afraid of. In a few days, it will be your mother's death anniversary. Alas, speaking of it, your mother got along well with everyone when she was alive, but she left too early. Fortunately, you're still here, so at least there's something to remember her by." After saying this, Madam Lu patted her shoulder and slowly walked toward her own courtyard.
Yiniang never expected Madam Lu to say such things. She looked at Nanny Chang: "Is my mother's death anniversary in a few days?"
Only then did Nanny Chang remember: "This old servant recalls now—the nineteenth of September is the late First Madam's death anniversary."
Yiniang didn't blame Nanny Chang, though. These past days they had traveled a long distance to return, still had to adapt to the household's rules, recover their health, and deal with Madam Cao's occasional interrogations—naturally, such things slipped their minds.
But she wouldn't directly bring it up either. Not only was her position too insignificant now, but directly offending Madam Cao would be unwise.
So she asked, "Which of my aunts was close to my mother when she was alive?"
Nanny Chang knew this well: "She was very close with Sixth Madam. I remember they entered the household around the same time and even went together to pray for children. Coincidentally, after they visited Xuandu Temple together, our Madam conceived first and gave birth to you. Sixth Madam conceived a month later and gave birth to a son, and from then on her status in the household became elevated."
"Is that so?" But Yiniang didn't feel any special bond between Sixth Madam Yu and her mother. Even after she returned, Madam Yu hadn't shown her any particular care.
Meanwhile, Sheniang returned from Jingyuan Hall and went straight to the main room to tell Madam Yu about the day's events. Madam Yu knew Sheniang was clever and often brought her bits of news—she had been good at relaying information since she was very young. After listening, Madam Yu nodded to indicate she understood.
"Mother, I'll return to my room now." Sheniang quickly took her leave.
Madam Yu smiled: "Go on, then."
These matters she would naturally tell her husband when he returned: "Our Sheniang isn't old, but she worries a great deal about household affairs. Liniang, on the other hand, just plays around carelessly and never thinks about such things."
Sixth Master Pei shook his head: "Liniang is more simple-minded. She hasn't woken up to such matters yet."
"That's not quite it either. Sheniang is still a child too—she just worries that I might not know these things." Madam Yu was simple by nature. She didn't have Madam Huo's far-reaching influence, nor Madam Cao's boldness and daring to fight anyone. Instead, she felt that although Sheniang wasn't as innocent and adorable, she was the most reliable.
Sixth Master Pei, however, was naturally shrewd. He was born of a concubine—his mother had been a favored mistress, but after she committed an offense, she was cast out. Thus, he had grown up surviving in the cracks of the household alongside his brother, and he favored someone like Madam Yu who would give everything for him and was a bit simple.
His eldest daughter, Liniang, was like that—without much cunning, always putting on a clever air, when in truth her cleverness was plain for all to see.
His second daughter, Sheniang, had been sharp and quick-witted since childhood. From his observations these past few days, she wasn't one to be taken advantage of either. So he didn't worry about his second daughter—he worried more about his eldest.
Sheniang might well know this—parents always dote on the weaker child, and husbands always favor the more delicate concubines.
But she disdained to feign weakness just to win so-called favor. If her life depended on it, she might pretend for a while, but a person lives only a brief few decades—to suppress one's true nature just to get by would hardly be worth it.
If her parents treated her poorly because of this, then they weren't good parents to begin with, and she needn't regard them as such.
The Pei family all revered Neo-Confucianism, but she personally leaned more toward the School of the Mind, especially the unity of knowledge and action.
The next day, Yueniang went to the Marquis of Xin'an's residence. The school was considerably quieter. When classes ended, Sheniang was about to head back when she saw Yiniang walking ahead, pulling Liniang along. She said to Qiuju, "Why do I feel like Third Sister is being especially warm toward Fourth Sister today?"
She had even followed them all the way to the Sixth Branch!
When Sheniang and the others returned and paid their respects, she heard Yiniang directly ask Madam Yu: "Sixth Aunt, a few days ago Second Aunt mentioned that my mother's death anniversary is approaching. I heard that you and she were closest when she was alive. I'm young and inexperienced—I don't know how to conduct the memorial rites. Would you be willing to teach me?"
Clearly, Madam Yu was taken aback. She had never been good at thinking on her feet, and this sort of matter was a trap. Madam Cao was deeply scheming—no ordinary opponent. Madam Yu had been treading carefully in the Pei household ever since the old affair of the Yu family, and besides, she now had sons and daughters. Why should she get entangled in someone else's family affairs?
Just as she was fretting, Sheniang spoke up: "Third Sister, how muddled of you! Yesterday was the Double Ninth Festival—the proper time for honoring the departed—and you said nothing then! Now there are only a few days until Fifth Aunt's death anniversary, and you come visiting without even knowing. You should hurry and discuss this with Fifth Uncle and Fifth Aunt. Besides, Fifth Aunt is the one who properly manages the household—if you delay, there won't be enough time to prepare anything."
In the inner quarters, common tactics were to kill with a borrowed knife or watch the fire from across the river.
But if you simply stated things plainly—this dynasty rules by filial piety—surely Madam Cao wouldn't refuse openly, would she?
If she were truly filial, what harm would a few cutting remarks from Madam Cao do? Yet she still wanted to drag others down with her to shield herself from trouble. What if Madam Yu refused to help her? Wouldn't her mother's death anniversary then be neglected?
Yiniang was taken aback. Seeing Sheniang state the matter so plainly, as if speaking on her behalf, Madam Yu quickly added, "Yes, child, why didn't you say so earlier? There's no need for you to prepare any of this—just speak to your parents about it."
"Oh, alright." Yiniang wasn't sure of Madam Yu's true nature, but seeing Sheniang seethe with resentment at these words, and Madam Yu watching coldly from the sidelines, she inwardly lamented that her mother had chosen her friends poorly.
With that, she took her leave.
Sheniang, however, turned to Madam Yu: "Mother, were you closest to Fifth Aunt when you were at home?"
"Not particularly. We simply married into the family around the same time. I have my own close friends—the mangoes you all ate the other day were a gift from my dear friend Madam He," said Madam Yu.
Sheniang smiled. "She wants to use a pretext to attack through another's territory, deliberately dragging you into it. But I have no intention of being a docile Gong Zhiqi who merely nods along."
As the daughter of a Hanlin academician, Madam Yu naturally understood what Sheniang meant. The allusion came from the Zuo Zhuan, Duke Xi's second year, roughly meaning to harm someone under the guise of seeking their help.
It was only then that Liniang, still confused, asked everyone: "What's going on? What does it all mean?"
Madam Yu glanced at her. "Nothing."
"Sister, you usually do so well in your studies—how is it you don't understand now?" said Sheniang.
Liniang hastily explained, "I just don't know what you two are talking about."
Even Madam Yu was a bit exasperated. "Just eat your meal properly."
Sheniang ate in silence as well. After finishing, she did her lessons as usual, then went out to jump rope. This age was when a person had the most vitality—otherwise, once menstruation came, there would be several days each month when one couldn't move about freely.
She simply wanted to be strong and robust, sharp-tongued, and someone no one dared to provoke.
Liniang took a different path. After her meal, she went to find Shunniang to walk the dogs together. Shunniang was now as close to her as a sister, and Shunniang's quarters were near Old Madam Pei. Liniang only returned near nightfall, just before the gates were locked.
Nanny Xia hurried over to say, "Fifth Miss, the old lady has bestowed a pair of tasseled necklaces on Fourth Miss. I heard from the servants across the way that tomorrow she'll be accompanying the old lady back to the Marquis of Dingbei's residence for a visit."
"That's to be expected. She has her path, and I have mine."
Just like Eldest Miss Nianniang of the second branch—how else could she have married into the Marquis of Xin'an? It was because Madam Lu was very close to Old Madam Pei, and they were even relatives. Otherwise, with Second Uncle being only a purchased student, how could his daughter marry into a marquis household? Her grandfather was one reason, but on the meritorious nobility side, it was naturally Old Madam Pei who exerted her influence.
In her youth, Old Madam Pei had deep friendships with many people. She had saved the life of the old Marchioness of Xin'an. Her sister-in-law from her natal family, the old Marchioness of Dingbei, was her bosom friend from girlhood. Even the current Noble Consort—mother of Prince Jin—when she was merely a female official in the prince's household and Old Master Pei was a staff officer there, Old Madam Pei had dealings with her and their relationship was quite good.
As it turned out, Liniang's move was indeed the right one, because in her previous life she had married the youngest son of the Marquis of Dingbei—that counted as married.
Of course, at this point, things hadn't reached that stage yet.
Over at Madam Yu's quarters, Nanny Chen was reporting: "The old lady says our Fourth Miss is to accompany her to the Marquis of Dingbei's residence as a guest. She asks if you have any instructions, Madam?"
"Just prepare some clothes for her. As for Third Miss, well, it's understandable—with her mother's death anniversary approaching, it's not appropriate for her to go out. But why didn't the old lady mention Sheniang?" asked Madam Yu.
Nanny Chen couldn't help but purse her lips inwardly. Fourth Miss was beautiful and kind-hearted, naturally endearing to everyone. How could Fifth Miss compare?