Today, Mu Shi was dressed in brand new attire, wearing a sapphire blue straight-collared robe with gold-threaded cloud patterns and clustered flowers. As it was his wedding day, the collar was a vermilion red standing collar embroidered with cloud motifs.
Yun Niang was adjusting the standing collar, redoing the knot that Yuping had just tied. She leaned in very close, so close that Mu Shi could even catch the faint, delicate fragrance emanating from her. Her clothes were not scented with incense, so it must have been her natural scent. Perhaps because she was too close, he found himself momentarily lost in thought.
After Yun Niang finished, she smiled and said, “Let’s go. We need to serve tea to Die and Niang. We mustn’t be late.”
Mu Shi nodded, walking side by side with Yun Niang, followed by a long line of maids and elderly servants.
The Jianguo Houfu was originally the former Prince Pingnan’s residence. Although some walls and pathways that violated regulations had been demolished, it remained exceptionally large. They even had to take a carriage to travel within the estate.
No wonder people said that entering a noble household was like stepping into a deep sea. If nothing else, the sheer size of the place was overwhelming.
Upon reaching the second gate, they switched to sedan chairs. When the sedan chairs stopped, several mamas dressed in pale purple satin were waiting. Their hair seemed to have been slicked with pomade, gleaming and smooth. The one at the front even wore three gold hairpins.
Their attire was no less extravagant than what her Niang wore, a testament to the Houfu’s wealth and status.
“Third Young Madam, I was sent by Lady Hou to escort you and Third Master.”
Yun Niang pursed her lips into a shy smile, clearly still not entirely accustomed to the title “Third Young Madam.” Without asking further, she simply said, “May I ask how to address you, Eldest Sister?”
“You may call this servant Yuegu.”
“Greetings, Yuegu. These are some local specialties I brought from my hometown, including wedding candies. Please accept them, Yuegu. In the future, if there’s anything I don’t understand, as someone serving by Lady Hou’s side, I hope you’ll offer guidance.”
Yuegu felt the pouch handed to her—it was clearly a gold ingot. What “local specialties”? This Third Young Madam was truly a modest person, unlike those upstarts who openly handed out rewards as if giving alms to beggars.
“Thank you for the reward, Third Young Madam.”
Yun Niang then turned to Nanny Hu and said, “We’ve brought some wedding candies for everyone to share in the joy. May you all be safe and happy.”
As she spoke, Mu Shi realized that in his haste, he had completely forgotten to prepare wedding rewards. But seeing Yun Niang smiling gracefully and holding Yuegu’s hand as she entered, she was anything but foolish.
Their destination was Rongrui Hall, where Lady Hou resided. At the entrance, three or four maids in watery red attire were holding up the curtain. They wore their hair in twin buns and were quite young. After stepping onto the crimson felt carpet, they passed through two doors and a hall before arriving at a spacious area.
Inside the room, it was not as crowded as she had imagined. Seated at the head was a middle-aged woman with two strings of sandalwood beads wrapped around her wrist. Her skin was fair, her face oval-shaped, and she exuded an air of authority without even speaking.
Yuegu quickly said, “Third Young Madam, this is Lady Hou.”
A maid brought over a cushion. Yun Niang composed herself and, together with Mu Shi, paid their respects to Lady Hou. This woman was much as she had imagined—commanding great authority, reserved in speech, yet profoundly shrewd.
Lady Hou, née Lu, took a sip of tea and did not make things difficult for them. Instead, she said, “Third Son, we heard about what happened yesterday. You did well, but you must not let momentary anger lead to conflicts with Princess Shumin and the Marquis of Changfeng.”
“Yes,” Mu Shi replied, bowing his head obediently before Lady Hou, the very picture of a dutiful son.
Lady Hou continued, “The new bride is Madam Xia, correct?”
From these words, it was clear that Lady Hou had no concern whatsoever for this daughter-in-law born of a concubine. Yun Niang, however, remained completely unaware. “Yes, your daughter-in-law is Madam Xia.”
“Do not take offense at why you have not seen the Marquis. He had to attend the morning court today, as did the Heir Apparent. If it weren’t for Third Son’s wedding, there would have been a grand court assembly.”
Yun Niang feigned apprehension and said, “State affairs take precedence. Our matters are truly insignificant.”
Lady Hou said nothing further. Then, a round-faced woman seated below her smiled and remarked, “Eldest Sister-in-law, this daughter-in-law of yours seems quite good.”
Lady Hou offered no comment.
Soon, several young married women entered. Leading them was one adorned with a pearl hairpin featuring nine phoenixes holding pearls in their beaks. Her appearance was elegant, and her attire was luxurious. She cast a somewhat scrutinizing glance at Yun Niang. Mu Shi promptly called out, “Eldest Sister-in-law.”
So this was Madam Lin, the Shizi Furen of the Marquis of Jianguo. Her sister’s letter had mentioned that this Madam Lin also hailed from the meritocratic nobility and was the eldest legitimate daughter.
Yun Niang hurriedly greeted, “Eldest Sister-in-law.” Madam Lin smiled and nodded. She appeared far more amiable than Lady Hou. “I am your Eldest Sister-in-law. From now on, we are family.”
She then introduced the other two sisters-in-law to Yun Niang. Second Sister-in-law, Madam Yao, like her, was a daughter-in-law born of a concubine. This Madam Yao wore a golden-brocade heart-neckline garment, which accentuated her oval face, lending her a more delicate and pitiable air. Yet, as soon as she spoke, her words were laced with barbs.
“Third Younger Sister-in-law, we’ve been eagerly awaiting your arrival for so long. Finally, you’re here. From now on, our household will surely be livelier. We were initially worried that Third Son wouldn’t return from suppressing the bandits and might miss the wedding. Thankfully, he made it back. Then, we heard something about encountering a wedding procession on the road. Truly, it’s been one obstacle after another. However, good things often come with trials. If Third Son doesn’t treat you well, you must tell me. I’ll speak to him on your behalf.”
Yun Niang pretended not to understand any of the implications, merely smiling in response.
As for the other young married woman, she wore a full headpiece of kingfisher feathers, and her moon-glow skirt shimmered with hidden patterns. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a Lingbo skirt. Her good friend Zhou Yun’s relative worked in the Jiangnan Weaving Bureau. According to Zhou Yun, who had once visited their residence, such Lingbo skirts cost a fortune and were exceedingly rare. To think she would see one on this person.
Mu Shi personally introduced, “This is Younger Sister-in-law, also Princess Duanmin, the legitimate daughter of Prince Qinghe.”
Yun Niang was about to perform a formal greeting when Madam Lin, the Shizi Furen, stopped her. “We are all family. There’s no need for such formalities.”
Princess Duanmin’s expression was indifferent, clearly just going through the motions without much to say.
It was mentioned that Eldest Miss had matters to attend to and couldn’t come, and Second Eldest Miss was unwell, so Third Young Madam should not take offense. As for the Third Young Miss of the household, she was still studying in the women’s school and hadn’t come either.
Among the elders, only the Second Madam of the residence was seen, but since they did not live in the main residence, she could be disregarded.
From Yun Niang’s own perspective, it seemed they truly didn’t care much. This sufficiently revealed that Mu Shi’s standing within this household was not favorable. Everyone was merely going through the motions, and some couldn’t even be bothered to put on a show.
No one was willing to explain the household rules to Yun Niang either. After the greetings, they were dismissed.
At no moment did Yun Niang understand more profoundly the saying, “Are kings, marquises, generals, and ministers born to their stations?” Clearly, she herself wasn’t lacking, yet as a living, breathing person, it was as if her presence made no difference. This was truly terrifying.
It seems Niang’s advice was completely impractical. The traditional notion of currying favor with one’s mother-in-law and getting along with sisters-in-law to lead a better life was far less effective than building a good relationship with Mu Shi himself. After all, she interacted more with Mu Shi, and he was more accomplished. A husband’s success leading to his wife’s honor was the most achievable path.
So, just as Mu Shi was about to part ways with her, she quietly leaned close to his ear and whispered something. Only then did Mu Shi’s ears turn slightly red. He paused for a moment before striding away.