Chapter 26: Two Chapters Combined

Pei Yiqing ultimately consented to the marriage. Though not entirely pleased, he understood that the dynasty was governed by filial piety. As an official, any hint of disobedience, if publicized, could tarnish his reputation. Moreover, the Marquis of Dingbei's Residence was, nominally, his maternal family.

Li Niang was oblivious to the complexities among the adults. At thirteen, she was blossoming into a young woman. Upon learning she was betrothed to Wang Pan, the Marquis of Dingbei's son, she was so thrilled she couldn't sleep a wink all night.

To her surprise, this long-awaited betrothal had finally materialized, and it was for her.

For three consecutive days, she was radiant with joy. She Niang playfully teased her, "I must congratulate you, sister. The wish you made at Yanqing Daoist Temple has finally come true."

Li Niang simply laughed, "Are you making fun of me too?"

As she spoke, she turned to her younger sister and added, "You should also spend less time on essays and more on socializing. You're a girl; no matter how many essays you write, it's futile. Ultimately, marriage is paramount."

"I know," She Niang replied, understanding that Li Niang's words weren't malicious, merely a reflection of her limited worldview.

Even becoming an empress might not bring complete fulfillment, let alone being an ordinary man's wife. Wasn't it all the same? In She Niang's view, no one in the world was entirely dependable; even a husband or son could betray you.

But these were thoughts she couldn't share with someone Li Niang's age, so she simply assented.

Li Niang was so elated she practically tiptoed. Upon returning to her room, Nanny Chen and the servants offered another round of congratulations. Old Madam Pei also discreetly gave her some silver, crediting her for facilitating the match.

Xia Mama secretly whispered to She Niang, "That Chen woman ordered a lavish meal in the kitchen yesterday and conspicuously invited everyone from the old lady's quarters. It just goes to show she still remembers her former mistress."

"She's banking on Fourth Sister becoming even more dependent on her in the future. That's just how it is. Let them be. Fourth Sister's marriage is settled, and we'll divide the household next year. The old lady won't have a say in my affairs then," She Niang stated.

Xia Mama nodded in quiet agreement.

Nanny Chen was openly inviting people from the old lady's room because Li Niang's marriage was finalized, giving her a chance to assert herself. But She Niang knew her father had long desired to divide the household. If Old Madam Pei were truly reasonable, why would he constantly contemplate separation?

People often lose their bearings when triumphant. She Niang recalled how Nanny Chen had previously stirred discord between her and Li Niang and saw no reason to remind her now.

As for Li Niang's marriage, the entire household rejoiced, save for the Fifth Branch, who felt awkward. Cao Shi remarked to Yi Niang, "You're both young ladies of the same family, and you're even older than her. At least show some initiative for yourself. What does this mean? Others have the old lady arranging their marriages and adding to their dowries, but what about you?"

After her outburst, Cao Shi left. Yi Niang listened with her head bowed, while Sui Sui, beside her, grew increasingly anxious. How could their young lady compare to Fourth Young Lady? Fourth Young Lady's father was a *jinshi* degree holder, serving as an official in the capital, and her mother was the daughter of a Hanlin Academy scholar, with a substantial dowry. Their young lady had returned from a nunnery, barely literate, with no dowry to speak of. Her monthly allowance was barely enough for herself. How could Fifth Mistress say such things without a shred of conscience?

After Cao Shi departed, Sui Sui, thinking Yi Niang was crying, prepared to offer comfort. To her surprise, her young lady smiled at her, leaving Sui Sui both amused and exasperated.

"Young lady, I thought you were crying!" Sui Sui exclaimed.

Yi Niang stood up, pointed to the roasted goose on the table, and smiled. "This is the life we could only dream of in the nunnery. Being scolded a few times is nothing. Even the elder nuns at Shuiyue Nunnery sometimes bullied me. This is nothing. At least I have enough to eat and wear."

Sui Sui sighed. "As long as you have food, you don't worry about anything. That's a truly good temperament."

Even when her maid complained, Yi Niang wasn't particularly annoyed. She recalled how she had once seen Pei Lingrong and Mo Yun sneaking around and wondered why bad people never faced consequences. But soon enough, Pei Lingrong's retribution arrived: she was humiliated on her wedding night, and the next day, her husband took two concubines to spite her.

It seemed that karma always delivered retribution, without fail.

By the twelfth lunar month, Pei Yiqing had penned several letters to his former teachers and acquaintances. While he didn't explicitly mention seeking reinstatement, his letters were replete with subtle hints.

In his view, securing a position in the capital would be ideal. If not, a provincial appointment would also suffice; he had no objections.

Otherwise, he wouldn't even have a say in his daughter's marriage. This was utterly stifling. Who knew if the old lady would also try to arrange marriages for Ji-ge and She Niang without consulting them? It was infuriating.

Old Madam Pei cared little about offending anyone. After settling Li Niang's matter, Shun Niang's future would be easier to arrange. Of course, her ultimate goal was for her eldest son to serve as an official in the capital, which would facilitate arranging a suitable marriage for Shun Niang.

However, she overestimated her influence. With Old Master Pei's downfall, as the saying goes, "When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter." Even those with good connections had already allocated desirable positions to more important people. She was no longer worth their consideration.

The following spring, after the Pei family completed their mourning period, Eldest Master Pei was appointed Prefect of Weihui Prefecture. He had previously served as Prefect of Jinan, so this was effectively a reinstatement.

Pei Yiqing was appointed Vice-Prefect of Quanzhou, a sixth-rank official.

In this lifetime, with Yu Shi still alive, their family didn't have to remain in their hometown as in the previous life. Naturally, the Pei family also began dividing the household. According to the household laws of Great Qi: "Among legitimate and illegitimate sons, except for those who inherit official titles, the eldest legitimate grandson takes precedence. When dividing family property and land, regardless of whether the mother is a wife, concubine, or maid, it shall be divided equally among the sons."

Originally, according to custom, Old Madam Pei could have retained a portion as her retirement funds, to be redistributed after her passing. However, she chose to forgo it entirely, declaring that all movable and immovable assets from the communal property would be divided equally. This earned her widespread praise from the clan.

The Pei family were local landowners, but with six branches, the clan elders favored the more accomplished eldest and sixth branches, suggesting they receive larger shares. However, Eldest Master Pei and Pei Sixth Master declined special treatment, insisting on equal division.

Even the county magistrate overseeing the division remarked, "Truly worthy of the Hedong Pei family's eastern branch. Such harmony among brothers is rare."

This came as a relief to widows like Lu Shi and those with ailing husbands, as they would have been unable to compete with the other branches if disputes arose. They weren't even permitted to be present during the division.

When Second Old Master divided the family with Old Master Pei, he knew the latter's assets weren't substantial at the time. But over the years, as Old Master Pei's official career flourished, his wealth had grown significantly.

Yu Shi didn't seem overly concerned about the amount of silver they received. She was busy directing the packing for their move to Quanzhou. They would travel by land first, then by water—a long and arduous journey requiring many servants. It seemed overwhelming.

The division of assets took three full days. She Niang listened as Pei Yiqing said, "The family has fifty *qing* (approximately 825 acres) of land. Our sixth branch received ten *qing* (approximately 165 acres)."

One *qing* was equivalent to one hundred *mu*, so ten *qing* meant one thousand *mu* of land—a decent share.

"We also received the west annex and the seven *zhang* (approximately 23 feet) of land behind it. I plan to have it enclosed with a wall so it can be integrated. Besides that, we received three thousand taels of silver, along with some servants, utensils, carriages, fabrics, and so on..." Pei Yiqing explained intermittently.

She Niang listened carefully and had no objections to the division of assets. It was better than in her previous life. Moreover, as the saying goes, "A good man doesn't rely on inherited wealth; a good woman doesn't depend on her dowry." As long as her father's official career progressed, there would be more income.

This division naturally brought mixed feelings—some were pleased, others discontented. The sixth branch was satisfied, and the eldest branch was content too, relieved to be free of burdens. Her daughter's future was secure, as the old lady had explicitly promised to find Shun Niang an ideal husband.

The second branch, however, felt shortchanged, receiving only six *qing* of land. It was said that Yue Niang's dowry had previously used funds from the communal assets, so it was deducted. But Lu Shi knew better—it was because she had no sons. Why did the fifth branch get eight *qing*? The third branch also received eight *qing*, while the eldest and sixth branches got ten *qing*?

The three thousand taels of silver had to fund her daughter's dowry and her own retirement. How could it be enough?

But whether it was sufficient or not, she didn't dare protest openly. With no male heirs in the family, her eldest daughter needed support from her natal family, and her younger daughter's marriage would require help from the clan.

She could only accept the situation quietly.

The fourth branch was also dissatisfied. Having no sons, they received only six *qing* of land. Many felt they shouldn't have received anything, arguing that without sons, it was a waste.

On the surface, they were given a larger courtyard but less land. The courtyard was indeed larger, but it was not suitable for living—it was where the rockery garden was located.

Huo Shi asked her husband, "Wasn't it supposed to be divided equally?"

"What equal division? It's just thinly veiled favoritism," Fourth Master Pei, who lacked confidence due to having no sons, replied.

Huo Shi suggested, "I've heard that caring for a child might lead to conceiving one. I have a niece in my natal family. Why not have her come live with us under the pretense of visiting? If it helps bring a child, I’ll have done my duty to the Pei ancestors."

After discussing, Fourth Master Pei and his wife prepared a substantial parting gift for the sixth branch. After all, the sixth branch was his own brother. Although Quanzhou Prefecture in Fujian was remote and troubled by pirate incursions, it was also a prosperous region, especially with its port.

They also planned to hold their land under the sixth branch's name to reduce tax burdens.

She Niang, occupied with her studies, paid little attention to these matters. After the Qingming Festival, the family hurried to Quanzhou for his new post, even missing Yue Niang's wedding. Fortunately, Yu Shi had prepared a wedding gift in advance. She Niang bid farewell to Miss Duan and the other members of the Pei family.

This journey by carriage was different from when they accompanied the funeral procession home. Her father needed to reach his post quickly, so they traveled relentlessly, covering one to two hundred *li* (approximately 40-80 km) per day with minimal rest. The carriage ride was so bumpy that She Niang and Li Niang's hair ended up looking like bird's nests.

When She Niang tried to speak, Li Niang covered her mouth and said, "You haven't even gargled."

"Look who's talking," She Niang retorted, taking a sip of cold tea. "You only washed your face, not your body."

Li Niang had her own flawed reasoning: "I'll have you know, no matter how fragrant you make your body, it's useless. People only look at your face. When they see my face, they think I'm well-groomed."

She Niang shook her head: "I don't even want to talk about you."

The two sisters squabbled for a while, but soon they didn’t even have the energy to argue. They drifted off to sleep, waking only to eat dry provisions, pickled vegetables, and pastries when hungry.

Ten days passed in this manner, and by the time they reached a post house within Henan territory, their clothes had practically turned into dried pickles.

Both sisters couldn’t wait to have hot water brought for bathing and changing. Once their hair was half-dry, they ate their meal right in their room. Li Niang, who had always loved eggs, ate an extra bowl of rice upon seeing soy-braised eggs on the table. She Niang, on the other hand, focused on eating vegetables. Throughout the journey, they had mostly consumed dry provisions, meat, or pastries, with very few vegetables, so she dug into the greens.

Over the years, Xia Mama, who managed the kitchen, had greatly improved her culinary skills. Seeing how Chen Mama had networked to help the Fourth Miss secure a marriage into a marquis’ household by winning over the old lady, Xia Mama felt her own connections weren’t as strong. Still, she believed that enhancing her young lady’s appearance might someday lead to a good marriage.

That night, she brought over a bowl of rock sugar snow fungus and lotus seed soup. She Niang said, "I’ve already cleaned my teeth; I won’t eat anymore."

Xia Mama hurriedly replied, "This soup is excellent for clearing the lungs and reducing internal heat. You’ve been eating dry food all day; you really should have some. I stewed it myself—it’s not too sweet."

Only then did She Niang drink a bowl. Perhaps the lotus seeds had a calming effect, as she soon grew drowsy and fell asleep.

They stayed an extra day at the post house. Pei Yiqing had the steward hire a boat to take them to Zhejiang, from where they would transfer to another vessel bound for Fujian.

This was She Niang’s first time traveling by boat since her rebirth, and the novelty swept away her fatigue. The boat was already flying an official insignia to deter any trouble on the river. Still, Pei Yiqing warned that even official boats could be targeted, so they had to remain cautious.

Just as they were boarding, Pei Yiqing ran into a fellow imperial examination candidate, Vice-Prefect Zhang, who was on his way to Zhejiang to take up his post with his family.

She Niang knew of this Vice-Prefect Zhang not for his official prowess but because of his son, Zhang Shijun, who in her previous life had been her son’s tutor—a brilliant, hot-tempered but remarkably upright man.

Vice-Prefect Zhang was around forty, slightly older than Pei Yiqing. His wife, Madame Fang, also around forty, stood beside him with their two sons: one a youth of about eighteen or nineteen, Zhang Shijun, and the other a boy around She Niang’s age.

After everyone exchanged greetings, Madame Fang’s eyes lit up at the sight of Li Niang and She Niang. The elder sister had the complexion of apricots and peaches, radiant and beautiful, while the younger had a jade-like elegance and an ethereal grace.

"Madame Pei’s two daughters are truly unmatched under heaven," Madame Fang couldn’t help but praise.

Yu Shi, though proud of her daughters, modestly demurred. Madame Fang gifted each sister a jade clasp.

Since both families were heading south, they decided to travel together on their boats.

Pei Yiqing’s impression of Vice-Prefect Zhang was lukewarm, but he greatly admired Zhang Shijun. He said to Yu Shi, "I’ve heard that the Zhang family’s eldest son is not yet betrothed. If only our Li Niang weren’t already engaged—She Niang is still too young."

Their eldest daughter, born in June, was already fourteen, while the younger would turn twelve in November.

Still, Pei Yiqing smiled and said, "It’s fine. We’ll be traveling together for several months. Let Ji-ge stay close to him and learn. Ji-ge has grown up in luxury and lacks even She Niang’s drive. It’ll be good for him to mingle with such talented young men—it puts my mind at ease."

Yu Shi naturally deferred to Pei Yiqing.

Unaware of her father’s thoughts, She Niang only knew that Xia Mama now managed the kitchen and was an excellent cook, especially skilled at stir-frying carrots with beef.

She Niang usually disliked carrots, but somehow Xia Mama’s version was delicious.

On the boat, the sisters finally had their own rooms instead of sharing. She Niang learned that Zhang Shijun already held the title of provincial graduate and planned to take the imperial examination in the capital in three years. Since both he and her brother studied the Spring and Autumn Annals, She Niang copied the essay topics Zhang Shijun assigned to Pei Ji and worked on them during the voyage.

It was clear that a young provincial graduate was different—no wonder he later became a prince’s tutor. His essay topics were exceptionally insightful.

She Niang spent three days writing her essay. Just as she finished, Pei Ji came by and said, "You’ve finished too, sister? Let me take it along and ask Brother Zhang to review it for you."

"Is that really alright?" She Niang was eager.

Pei Ji laughed. "Why wouldn’t it be? Brother Zhang is immensely talented—someone I deeply admire."

She Niang said, "Then you should learn from him properly and try to take the exam next year."

She hoped her brother would study hard and build his own career someday. She disliked the idea that women were born merely to bear children and continue the family line, their minds filled only with matters of romance and intimacy. She constantly sought to learn more and wished the same for her brother.

Pei Ji scratched his head. "I’ll try, but I don’t know if I’ll pass. If I fail, Father will surely scold me."

Pei Yiqing was gentle with his daughters but strict with his son’s studies. Li Niang often took pride in this, but She Niang knew it reflected their father’s higher expectations for her brother.

She cherished her identity as a woman but envied men’s opportunities to achieve greatness in officialdom and beyond.

Throughout history, only Empress Wu had broken the mold, but her reign led to stricter controls against women in politics. As empress, She Niang had never colluded with court officials, ensuring the emperor’s trust.

Yet, she refused to do nothing simply because she couldn’t pursue certain paths. She still wanted to prove herself, even if it yielded no tangible rewards.

While waiting for Zhang Shijun’s feedback, She Niang worried he might dismiss her work because she was a girl or offer only perfunctory comments.

To her surprise, when Pei Ji brought back the essay, it was covered in detailed notes—more thorough than even Pei Yiqing’s critiques, filled with genuine insights.

After reviewing the comments, she wanted to express her gratitude. Giving handmade needlework to an unrelated man was improper and frivolous, while expensive gifts felt too excessive. After some thought, she decided to gift him a wolf-hair brush that Madame Duan had given her, asking Pei Ji to deliver it as a token of thanks.

Zhang Shijun had initially reviewed She Niang’s essay on a whim but noticed her writing was sharper than her brother’s, though lacking systematic training. Her arguments also weren’t incisive enough, often glossing over key points.

That was the biggest issue.

He didn’t expect the girl to send someone to thank him. "This is too kind," Zhang Shijun said hurriedly.

Pei Ji smiled. "Although my sister only writes for amusement in her chambers, she benefited greatly and felt she should thank you."

Zhang Shijun knew that women’s writings, especially eight-legged essays, rarely circulated outside the inner chambers. "It was nothing," he said. "Please don’t mention it again."

"In that case," Pei Ji said, "I’d be grateful if you could continue reviewing my sister’s essays in the future."

Zhang Shijun was taken aback. He found Pei Ji transparent and reliable—not particularly shrewd but earnest. That Pei Ji prioritized his sister’s studies over his own was rare and admirable.

So, Zhang Shijun agreed.

She Niang also sought her father’s approval: "Since Young Master Zhang has agreed, may I continue writing the same essays as my brother?"

Pei Yiqing saw no issue. Having a talented daughter would bring honor to the family, and if both siblings persevered, it would be beneficial. He didn’t object.

Li Niang, however, wondered if She Niang had taken a fancy to Zhang Shijun. She asked privately.

She Niang scolded her thoroughly: "Your mind is filled with nothing but romantic nonsense! I haven’t even met him—I just asked for feedback on my essays. Instead of praising my diligence, you spout such rubbish."

Knowing she was in the wrong, Li Niang muttered, "If not, then not. Why are you so worked up?"

"What? If I accused you of something shameful, you’d just accept it? You’ve read too many of those scholar-beauty romances. If you keep spouting nonsense, I’ll take your books like *The Romance of the Western Chamber* and *The Foolish Old Woman* to Father and Mother and make them public." She Niang wouldn’t let her off easily.

Li Niang muttered a few defiant words but didn’t dare provoke She Niang further, retreating to her room sulkily.

Chen Mama, observing this, comforted Li Niang: "I’ve never seen a younger sister so harsh to her elder sister. But don’t mind her."

In Chen Mama’s view, even if the Fifth Miss fancied a young talent, so what? Provincial graduates and imperial scholars often spent years reaching sixth or seventh-rank positions. Someone like Master Wang, who inherited his official post, had a secure position and wealth—far better.

…

She Niang paid no mind to such trivial matters. Every few days, she wrote an essay for Zhang Shijun to review, then made revisions based on his feedback, gaining immensely from the process.

By the time they reached their destination a month later, She Niang still felt eager to continue, while Zhang Shijun breathed a sigh of relief—he could finally relax for a few days.

That Pei family’s Fifth Miss was a tough nut to crack. After he reviewed her essays, she’d cover her next submission with dense questions, disregarding whether he needed rest, solely focused on understanding everything. Zhang Shijun had no choice but to grit his teeth and correct them. Thankfully, they’d reached Zhejiang, and he wouldn’t need to find excuses to refuse anymore.