Chapter 3: Sisters

She Niang resided in the west wing of the courtyard, a suite of three rooms attended by seven servants: her wet nurse, Mama Xia, four personal maids, and two general maids for heavier tasks.

After offering her morning greetings, she returned to her chambers. Mama Xia bustled in, putting away the jewelry, then instructed the two senior maids, Qiuju and Dongmei, to bring in the meal boxes.

Lunch at the estate comprised sour bamboo shoot soup, a glistening red roasted duck, fragrant fried pork ribs, two seasonal vegetable dishes, and two small appetizers.

Mama Xia explained, "Normally, we dine in the main hall, but the Old Madam isn't feeling well today. Madam specifically arranged for you and Fourth Miss to have your meals in your own rooms."

The Old Madam? She Niang recalled her grandmother. Though her father was not the Old Madam's biological son, she was remarkably fair and just. Her elder sister and she, tutored by their aunts, were never ill-treated, largely because the Old Madam frequently inquired after them.

However, the incident involving Sixth Sister Shun Niang later caused an irreparable rift within the family.

As She Niang ate, her thoughts drifted to family matters. The Pei family comprised six branches. Only the eldest and third uncles were born to Old Madam Pei. The second uncle was the son of Old Madam Pei's accompanying maid. The fourth, fifth, and sixth branches were all born of concubines.

The eldest uncle, now forty, had passed the imperial examination in his youth and currently served as the prefectural magistrate of Jinan, Shandong. His first wife, Lady Kang, bore him no children and passed away early. He later remarried Lady Meng, daughter of the Left Assistant Censor. After several years, Lady Meng gave birth to Second Young Master Pei Zhen and Sixth Miss Pei Shun Niang.

With the eldest uncle away, the second uncle, who held an inherited official title, typically oversaw family affairs. His wife, Lady Lu, also managed household matters. Lady Lu had two daughters: Nian Niang, the elder, who was already married to Xiao Tang, the second son of the Marquis of Xinan; and Yue Niang, the younger, who at fourteen, had just reached the age of betrothal.

The third uncle was said to possess the talent of a royal advisor, having passed the provincial examination at thirteen, but tragically died young. His wife, Lady Lu, daughter of the the Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, fortunately bore a posthumous son, Pei Lin, whom the family called Third Young Master.

Like the second uncle, the fourth uncle was a *Jiansheng* (Imperial Academy student) and was currently studying at the Imperial Academy in Beijing. His wife, Lady Huo, was the niece of a high-ranking eunuch from the Imperial Household Department. However, after several years of marriage, they remained childless.

Then there was the fifth uncle, who had passed the military imperial examination and now served in the Southern Command of the Imperial Guard. His first wife bore him a daughter named Yi Niang, the third-ranked female in the clan. He later remarried Lady Cao, a concubine's daughter from Qingzhou. Lady Cao herself had no children, but her accompanying maid, concubine Gao, bore him a son.

Finally, her own family. Her father, Pei Yiqing, was just thirty. Three years prior, he passed the imperial examination and was appointed county magistrate of Huayang County in Sichuan. His performance review was reportedly excellent, and he was soon to return to the capital for his official report. Her mother, Yu Da, was strikingly beautiful. It was said that her father was initially displeased with the marriage, as the Pei family had always intended to marry the elder Miss Yu. However, at the time, her grandfather had just suffered imperial punishment, and the Yu family became reluctant to proceed, even marrying off Yu Da's elder aunt. Later, when her grandfather was reinstated, the Yu family, eager to secure the alliance, desperately sent their concubine-born daughter with a dowry of five thousand taels.

Mama Xia was her mother's accompanying maid. She Niang once inquired about her parents' past. Mama Xia recounted that after her mother entered the household, her father, resenting the Yu family's underhanded tactics, refused to enter her room on their wedding night. Her mother nearly took her own life. Yet, somehow, they later reconciled. Her mother even gave birth to the Pei family's eldest grandson first, followed by She Niang and her sister.

Recalling her previous life, it was lamentable that her father never remarried after her mother's death.

While the food at home couldn't compare to the palace's imperial kitchen, it possessed its own distinct flavor, especially the fried ribs, which were her favorite.

Mama Xia and the maids observed that Fifth Miss, who used to cross her legs and chatter during meals, now ate silently with impeccable etiquette. This transformation was utterly astonishing.

Lan Ruo brought tea for rinsing her mouth. She Niang gazed at the young Lan Ruo before her, then thought of the formidable chief palace maid in Kun Ning Palace, and couldn't help but smile.

"Miss, what makes you smile? Is it because there's no homework today?" Mama Xia asked, smiling.

She Niang then remembered that at eight years old, she still had lessons to complete! She stood up, looking troubled. "But I've forgotten what homework I have."

Qiuju quickly offered, "Miss, I'll go ask Second Miss for you. Second Miss is currently the class monitor."

"Very well." Indeed, she had lived deep within the palace for a long time. Her mother had died young, and she rarely saw her family. Many events from years past had faded from her memory, only resurfacing when others mentioned them.

Qiuju soon returned. She Niang looked at her assignments: two large calligraphy pieces, four small ones, two essays to memorize, and arithmetic problems. She ground the ink herself, sat at her desk, and quickly completed all her tasks.

Everyone was somewhat astonished. Usually, the young lady was quick at memorizing and writing, but arithmetic always took her half a day, sometimes even until midnight, with Madam having to come and teach her. Now, she could complete it all by herself.

After she finished her homework, someone outside announced Madam's return. She Niang hurried out and saw Lady Yu rushing back with two maids. She stepped forward, and Lady Yu, seeing her younger daughter, quickly took her hand and led her into the main hall. "What's wrong, my little darling?"

"Mother, what happened to Grandmother?" She Niang asked.

Lady Yu exclaimed, "Oh! You usually detest family matters, but today you're asking. Your grandmother fainted at the nunnery. Fortunately, the doctor said it was nothing serious."

She Niang nodded slightly. "That's good. Then why are you in such a hurry?"

Lady Yu sat down, smiling but silent. Cui Lan, standing nearby, said, "Fifth Miss, your father is returning soon. A servant just came back to report the good news."

"So Father is coming back soon." She had only known he was returning, but not so quickly.

Lady Yu stroked her daughter's head and said, "Your father will be back just in time to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with us."

Mid-Autumn Festival? Yes, this would be the last Mid-Autumn Festival the family spent together. Her grandfather would pass away at the end of the year, and her mother the following year. They would then return to their ancestral home from the capital, remaining there until Prince Jin became regent, at which point she would finally return to the capital.

The next day, She Niang gradually grew accustomed to her identity as a child. She rose early, had breakfast with Li Niang at Lady Yu's residence, and then they went together to study at Jingyuan Study.

Jingyuan Study was located at the very center of the estate. It took about fifteen minutes to walk there from the sixth branch.

Li Niang was followed by a thin wet nurse, Mama Chen. When Li Niang was born, Lady Yu's retinue lacked a suitable accompanying maid, so one was chosen from within the estate. Mama Chen's mother was Old Madam Pei's accompanying maid, and her father was the Pei family's second steward, giving her extensive connections.

Li Niang was now very popular and highly regarded by Old Madam Pei, largely thanks to Mama Chen's behind-the-scenes efforts. Even in her previous life, Li Niang's swift engagement was largely due to Mama Chen's influence with the eldest aunt and Old Madam Pei.

One should not underestimate these servants. Sometimes, the masters' well-being depends on these strategists offering advice from behind the scenes.

Lost in thought, she saw Li Niang beside her take out a hand mirror and apply powder to her face. She Niang shook her head and walked straight ahead. "Fourth Sister, hurry up, or we'll be late."

"What's the rush?" Li Niang still moved slowly.

Mama Chen chuckled to Mama Xia, "Look, it's like the eager beaver meeting the slowpoke. Our young lady is just so delicate."

Hearing this, Mama Xia had nothing more to say.

She Niang, walking ahead, glanced at Mama Chen. That move was truly clever. In truth, such incidents were minor. In her previous life, there were many similar situations. When bad things happened, Mama Chen would always say, "Our young lady lacks foresight, unlike Fifth Miss, who is calm. If it were Fifth Miss, this matter would surely be resolved," effectively pushing She Niang into handling it. When good things happened to them, Mama Chen would say, "Our young lady is truly a simpleton blessed with good fortune. She was chosen without even realizing it."

On the way, they encountered Fourth Aunt. She Niang quickly bowed and greeted her, "Greetings, Fourth Aunt."

Fourth Aunt, Lady Huo, was the one who raised her after her mother's death in her previous life. Because Fourth Uncle and her father were full siblings, while her elder sister Li Niang was raised by Lady Meng in the eldest branch. Though everyone now called Lady Meng stingy, she was actually very proper and at least maintained appearances well. Lady Huo was known in the family as a peacemaker. She had a generous dowry and seemed very kind, often saying she felt sorry for She Niang. However, during the years she raised her, aside from food and drink, she only gave her twenty coppers a month for allowance. After She Niang developed, she only provided fabric for an undergarment once.

She also constantly complained that the tuition for calligraphy and studies was too expensive and that the money her father sent was too little.

These were tolerable, but every time Lady Huo's nieces visited, She Niang had nowhere to sleep and had to give up her room. After two or three years of this, Lady Huo became pregnant and gave birth to a son. Old Madam Pei, seeing that Lady Huo was not convenient, called She Niang to live with Shun Niang, and she finally had a few good days.

However, later, because She Niang was suddenly chosen to be Prince Jin's Consort, Old Madam Pei believed she had stolen Shun Niang's position, leading to a fallout between the two branches, who then ceased contact.

Returning to the present, she heard Lady Huo say with a smile, "I was just planning to go with your Fifth Aunt to find your mother. Has your mother eaten yet?"

"Yes," She Niang replied.

Lady Huo said, "Then I'll go over now. You two hurry to the study."

She continued forward, passing through the corridor until she reached Jingyuan Study. She saw Second Sister Yue Niang picking flowers at the entrance, with several young maids covering for her.

Inside the study, two other girls were already seated. She Niang was momentarily stunned but then remembered that these two were not from the Pei family. One was Meng Jilan, Lady Meng's niece, who was around the same age as Second Sister. Her father had inherited a military officer position and went to Dengzhou Guard, while his wife and children lived with the Pei family. The other was Song Xianhui, Lady Lu's niece. Her father had repeatedly failed the imperial examinations and was preparing to return to his hometown. However, Old Madam Pei, seeing that she was Lady Lu's niece and of excellent character and learning, kept her there.

Both were unremarkable-looking. Meng Jilan was slightly plump, very short, and her neck was almost invisible, making her appear somewhat stout. Song Xianhui's appearance was even less remarkable, with slanted eyebrows, narrow eyes, and slightly prominent front teeth.

However, these two were more capable and talented in handling affairs than all the Pei family girls and were even very witty.

Seeing Qiuju skillfully place her books on a desk, she knew where her seat was. She greeted Meng and Song briefly and sat down in her place.

After she sat down, Li Niang finally arrived, complaining to She Niang, "I told you to wait for me, but you rushed off as if you were being chased by a ghost."

"You're too slow. If you keep looking in the mirror on the road every day, I won't come with you tomorrow." She Niang felt exhilarated saying this. Being a child was great; she didn't have to worry about this and that.

When she was the empress, she had to suppress her fiery temper until she developed internal inflammation.

Li Niang, Meng Jilan, and Song Xianhui sat together and often played together. When Yue Niang entered, holding flowers in her arms, she truly was even more beautiful than the flowers. Shun Niang was the last to arrive.

It was said that Mama Hong had insisted she wear a high-collared jacket, which she reluctantly put on. Halfway there, however, she turned back to change before finally coming.

She was indeed a stubborn one.

In the morning, the teacher taught the *Book of Songs*. She Niang followed along, recited it several times, and took detailed notes with great seriousness.

As a child, she often found studying and writing tedious, but growing up made her realize that those days of learning were the simplest times of life.

Lunch at the school was quite lavish, with cut fruit, several delicate side dishes, pastries, and tea. Second Sister Yue Niang took advantage of the meal to share some news: "Did you know? Eldest Sister has already received an invitation. After the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Marquis of Xinan's residence will host a winding stream party. There will surely be a poetry gathering, and I heard the prize is a high-quality jade hairpin. The reward is secondary—what matters most is that we can showcase our talents."

Everyone knew Yue Niang was highly competitive; she loved any activity that involved rankings, and if there weren't any, she would create them just to compete.

She Niang thought to herself that, given their young age, the Marquis of Xinan's event was likely meant for his own daughter. They probably weren't old enough to attend such gatherings yet.

Just as she was pondering this, someone outside announced: "Young ladies, Third Sister has returned."

"Who?" Everyone was momentarily puzzled.

The messenger explained: "It's Third Sister, who has been practicing as a lay Buddhist at our ancestral home. She said a wise person lifted her curse. Originally, she planned to send word ahead, but a fire broke out at the nunnery, so she came directly to the capital with her nannies and maids."

She Niang suddenly recalled a past incident. This Third Sister was exceptionally beautiful—if Fourth Sister was as radiant as peach blossoms, she was as dazzling as roses. She had many conflicts with Fifth Aunt Cao Shi and had many admirers among men in the capital. Though she had no prior connection with She Niang, one particular incident left She Niang uncomfortable.

In her previous life, after the eldest son of the Marquis of Xinan passed away, the second son, Xiao Tang, became the top candidate to inherit the title. Eldest Sister also gained considerable attention during this time but unfortunately passed away soon after due to the loss of her youngest child. The Pei family considered selecting one of the daughters to marry Xiao Tang as a successor wife, and he had initially favored She Niang for her gentle and virtuous demeanor.

However, Third Sister told her that Eldest Sister had been driven to her death by Xiao Tang's mistress. She Niang decided then that whoever she married did not need to be from a noble or prestigious family, but he must have good character. Because of this, she told her father and brother she was unwilling.

Yet, ironically, this same Third Sister ended up marrying Xiao Tang herself. It was said that he changed his ways for her, and the two lived harmoniously together into old age.

She Niang wasn't bothered about missing the marriage itself, but she disliked Third Sister's inconsistency. Even after becoming empress, she never summoned Third Sister for a private audience.

She hadn't expected they would meet again so soon.