Chapter 53: Two Chapters Combined

When Yang Mo arrived at Princess Qing’s residence early that morning, She Niang had already been there for a while, chatting animatedly with the Princess. Princess Qing showed She Niang considerable deference, despite harboring some resentment. She worried that since She Niang had entered the household, she had so captivated her son that he might eventually be exhausted.

However, she had already reprimanded She Niang once and couldn't keep dwelling on it. Besides, being too harsh would also embarrass her own son.

Aside from this issue, She Niang managed the heir’s residence impeccably, often accompanied Princess Qing’s daughter, and even engaged her in conversation. Her demeanor and disposition were excellent, beyond reproach.

In contrast, due to the matter involving Li Qiong, Princess Qing was somewhat displeased with Yang Mo. Seeing her approach, she merely feigned concern, saying, "The Dowager Consort has been thinking of you all. Go pay your respects to her."

With that, she summarily dismissed Yang Mo.

Seeing this, She Niang smiled faintly. After becoming familiar with the people from Prince Chongning’s household, someone naturally informed her of Yang Mo’s words. "If you play fair, I will play fair; if you stab me in the back, I will return the the favor."

It was She Niang who instigated the matter with Li Qiong. Li Ju, having heard her account, naturally deemed Li Qiong incompetent and feared that if something happened to Li Qiong later, the blame would fall on others. Thus, he spoke to Prince Qing, and coupled with the Duke of Fuguo’s household’s ingratitude, Prince Qing simply cast Li Qiong aside.

No matter how benevolent the Dowager Consort was, she was still Prince Qing’s mother. While outwardly amiable, she undoubtedly favored her own kin—she simply concealed it well.

Yang Mo was unaware of all this. She sat with the Dowager Consort, drank a cup of tea, and found the Dowager Consort’s attitude pleasant. She was even asked to help copy scriptures, which at least gave her something to do.

At noon, the Dowager Consort invited her to stay for a meal, saying, "The heir’s wife offered a few dishes today. You should try them too."

Women in the inner courtyard excelled at making others uncomfortable. Yang Mo indeed found the food tasteless and returned home in tears.

Meanwhile, She Niang had just finished dining with Li Ju and remarked, "You’ve been busy at Prince Zhao’s residence these past few days, but you mustn’t skip meals. While others’ matters are important, you must also prioritize your own health."

"I know, don’t worry," Li Ju replied with a smile.

She Niang couldn’t help but ask, "Do you know what Prince Zhao’s heir is like? I met his principal wife last time, and she seemed to be at odds with Princess Zhao."

The inner courtyard’s perspective differed from the outer court, but one could always glean insights into the household. Li Ju explained, "Prince Zhao’s heir is very open-minded and generous. He is also one of the rare imperial clan members who understands military affairs."

"Mm, I was just asking casually." She helped him fasten his pouch and saw him off.

Mama Xia brought over some ginseng soup: "Heir’s wife, this is a specially prepared ginseng soup I made myself. You’ve consumed too much cold food this winter, which has weakened your vital energy and blood. You need to restore balance. Tomorrow, we’ll have angelica and mutton soup—it will surely restore your vitality."

She Niang now had her own private kitchen and Mama Xia, who was skilled at cooking. With proper dietary care and good sleep, and her daily morning and evening greetings serving as exercise and rest for her eyes, her complexion had noticeably improved.

"Mama," She Niang asked, "it’s been about a month now. Who in our courtyard has been frequently visiting the Princess?"

Mama Xia shook her head: "As you instructed, I’ve been watching closely. Usually, it’s the same few young maids who handle messages and errands. The older maids sometimes go out, but not that far—mostly they laze around in the bamboo grove up front."

She Niang smiled: "It seems this person is well hidden. No matter, keep watching, but don’t reveal yourself."

Mama Xia promptly assented. After She Niang finished the ginseng soup, she took the pot away, and Qiuju entered, smiling: "As you instructed, I delivered the gifts. The Sixth Young Lady there rewarded me."

Although the Marchioness of Xinan’s birthday wasn’t suitable for a grand celebration, many relatives by marriage were invited. She Niang couldn’t go herself, so she sent Qiuju with gifts.

Then she asked, "How is Shun Niang doing at the Marquis of Xinan’s household?"

Qiuju thought for a moment and said: "From what I saw, she seems to be doing well. Although they say the Xiao heir is promiscuous, he respects proper hierarchy. The Sixth Young Lady manages everything in the inner courtyard."

"Mm, it’ll be better once she has a child. But the eldest sister ahead of her already has a son. If she remains content with her position, it might be fine, but if she seeks power and position, it might be difficult." By the time Shun Niang’s child is born, the older child will already be quite grown.

This was why she had been unwilling to become a secondary wife. Status could indeed bring honor, but if given a choice, this was much better.

After Prince Zhao’s remains arrived, Princess Qing and She Niang went over again. She Niang stayed to help. Guan Shi was now the newly appointed Princess Zhao, and her demeanor had changed. She managed the entire household and was unwilling to let outsiders interfere, saying: "I’ve already arranged for people to handle matters outside. It’s just that our Dowager Princess isn’t doing well. Could you please help look after her?"

"Of course," She Niang said, just in time wanting to go to the inner courtyard, wondering if she might run into Guo Xianzhu.

A young maid led them to the inner courtyard. She Niang had someone reward her and inquired: "Your new Princess seems quite formidable. Why don’t I see anyone else helping?"

"Everyone is busy elsewhere. Our Prince has three brothers, and the other three ladies are all over there." The young maid, thinking that this Princess Qing’s heir’s wife was generous and had no direct connection to their household, spoke without much caution.

She Niang smiled: "I see. Does your Princess have children?"

The young maid hesitated at this question and shook her head: "Not yet. But Lady Guo has given birth to a son."

Lady Guo—finally, she had found out.

"Is she a lady? Since she’s given birth to a son, shouldn’t she be a concubine?" She Niang wondered, as she had previously heard that Guo Xianzhu was a concubine.

The young maid shook her head; she didn’t know.

What was going on? She Niang didn’t understand.

Of course, she didn’t see Guo Xianzhu that day either. She sat for a while with Dowager Princess Zhao, helped entertain a few guests, and then returned home. Only after arriving home did she piece it together: first, they let you marry willingly under the title of concubine; then, after you have a child and pass the age of twenty-five, they apply for the position if the principal wife has no offspring.

Dowager Consort Hua had given birth to three sons before being named a concubine, and that was many years after Prince Xiang inherited the title.

Fortunately, she hadn’t agreed; otherwise, she would have had no proper title or standing.

Back then, she was chosen as Prince Jin's concubine because Prince Jin was already a prince, had no sons at the time, and was over twenty-five. So that was how it worked!

It took three days of visiting Prince Zhao’s household before she finally saw Guo Xianzhu. This Guo Xianzhu was completely different from the one in her memories. The remembered version was a spirited beauty, but now, worry clouded her brow.

"Sister Guo," She Niang called out, not pretending not to know her.

If they had known each other before and pretended not to, that would have been suspicious.

Guo Xianzhu also saw She Niang. With people around her, it was hard to speak freely, so she only said: "Younger Sister Pei."

She Niang glanced at the servants around her and couldn’t very well use her status to throw her weight around in someone else’s household. So she said: "Back when my father was assigned to Quanzhou, I was fortunate to meet you. I never thought we’d meet again after all these years, here at Prince Zhao’s household."

"Yes, why don’t we go sit up front?" Guo Xianzhu said, glancing at the servants around her.

She Niang nodded and walked with her. The servants listened to their conversation, so She Niang only brought up past poetry gatherings and flower banquets, avoiding other topics.

She added: "I haven’t seen Sister Zhao since the Japanese pirate unrest."

Hearing this, Guo Xianzhu sighed: "Yes, I don’t know how she’s been either. In the blink of an eye, so many years have passed."

They went to a guest room where Guo Xianzhu ordered tea and had everyone wait outside: "Let us speak freely."

One of the matrons seemed about to say something, but after a glance from Guo Xianzhu, she reluctantly left. Once they were gone, She Niang said: "It’s so good to see you. I’ve been asking about you."

"Shh, keep your voice down. The people around me are all the Princess’s. Don’t let them hear," Guo Xianzhu warned.

She Niang widened her eyes: "Why is she monitoring you?"

Guo Xianzhu shook her head: "Originally, I was more favored than her and had a child earlier. So she spread rumors that I drugged her to secure the concubine position. Somehow, cold-inducing medicine was indeed found in her food. I clearly didn’t do it, but everyone suspects me. With my son, no matter what happens in the future, I’ll eventually be named a concubine. Why would I do such a thing?"

This was a common tactic among women in the inner courtyard, but Guan Shi was truly ruthless—daring to drug herself.

"Now my son is being raised by her, and I’m at her mercy. I don’t know how I’ll endure the days ahead," Guo Xianzhu said, even thinking that if she died, things might improve.

Seeing her like this, She Niang advised: "In ancient times, there were people like Su Wu, who tended sheep in exile. Even many imperial concubines who were cast into the cold palace eventually found a chance to turn things around. Sister, as you said, you have a child—there’s always hope, especially since you’re still young. If you die, you’ll have nothing left. Your child could be beaten, scolded, or harmed, with no one to protect them."

Guo Xianzhu wiped her tears: "Things are really tough for me right now."

"It's always darkest before the dawn. Even if you have lost favor, would the prince allow his eldest son to be born to just a concubine? Once the old prince's mourning period is over, things will become clear. Alright, I see someone looking in from outside, so I won’t say more to avoid raising suspicions," She Niang said.

Hearing this, Guo Xianzhu felt greatly encouraged. Yes, she had been feeling sorry for herself over losing favor. But the prince only had this one son. She Niang’s words truly reminded her—no wonder she directly became the consort of the heir.

She instantly cheered up.

She had no idea this would provoke Guan Shi. She Niang, of course, would not deny her former friend out of fear of Guan Shi. One can seek advantage and avoid harm in life, but one cannot do so in all matters—that would be without honor or backbone.

She did not hide this matter from Li Ju either and told him during dinner: "Although it’s a dispute between wife and concubine in another household, and we need not interfere, thinking of our childhood connection, I went over and spoke a few words with her."

"Fortunately, it was you. If it were someone else, even if they saw her, they would only exchange a few polite words," Li Ju, being a man who was big on loyalty himself, had no objections to She Niang’s actions, especially since she informed him afterward.

Hearing this, She Niang felt better and added: "Luckily, the funeral at Prince Zhao’s residence is tomorrow, so there’s no major issue. I wonder if the people from Prince Xiang’s residence have arrived?"

Li Ju smiled: "Soon, it should be in the next few days. They must attend the Crown Prince’s wedding."

After one or two years of selection, the Crown Prince had finally chosen a virtuous and capable Crown Princess. The Crown Prince’s marriage was, of course, a major event. However, She Niang had not expected it to involve her.

Princess Qing said to her: "For the Crown Prince and Crown Princess’s grand wedding, noblewomen will be selected to serve in the palace that day. Our family has always enjoyed imperial favor, so you will enter the palace then."

She Niang had not expected Princess Qing to choose her, not realizing Princess Qing had her own agenda. Princess Qing had seen the Crown Princess’s appearance—aside from a better family background, she looked rather plain next to her daughter-in-law, with a round face and a tall but not slender figure.

It was said that Prince Chongning was jealous of Prince Qing, but Princess Qing sometimes thought that if her father-in-law had not relinquished the throne, she would now be the empress. What was she lacking compared to others?

But these were her deepest, most private thoughts, something she could not even share with her husband or her family back home.

Having been an empress in her past life, She Niang knew that for royal weddings, specially chosen noblewomen would assist in the bridal chamber during the Hejin and sitting-on-the-bed ceremonies.

However, older women were usually chosen for such roles, so she said: "Mother-in-law, I dare not refuse your command, but I am neither a woman with all blessings nor young in age. If I were to assist during the Hejin ceremony for the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, it would already be very dark by then, and staying overnight in the palace might not be appropriate."

Unexpectedly, She Niang would say this. Princess Qing glanced at her: "You’re right."

Seeing Princess Qing drop it, She Niang smiled: "Now that the funeral at Prince Zhao’s residence is over, the heir need not go there often and can instead spend time with you, Mother."

Once a son grows up, how could he often stay by his mother’s side? Princess Qing looked at She Niang and said: "Honestly, what worries me most now is your sister’s marriage. Originally, the palace intended to find her a consort, but there’s been no word since. Unless the palace gives the word, we cannot seek one ourselves."

In truth, this was just changing the subject. She Niang casually replied with a few words and later discussed it with Li Ju: "Although entering the palace would be fine, I think I’m too young and don't have the experience. Moreover, with how things are, it might not be appropriate."

If one senses risk in a matter, it’s best to refuse upfront. The worst is to be wishy-washy and regret it later.

Li Ju thought to himself that in his previous life, his mother had never suggested sending Chu Shi into the palace. He didn’t know what she was thinking this time, but since She Niang had refused, it was for the best.

Meanwhile, Prince Xiang’s household indeed arrived before the Crown Prince’s wedding. Prince Xiang’s residence was the former mansion of a general from the previous dynasty, with over 170 rooms. The Ministry of Rites had long begun preparations for renovations.

After arriving in the capital, Princess Xiang went to pay her respects to the Empress Dowager in the palace and personally visited Prince Qing’s residence. Since Prince Qing was the Imperial Clan Superintendent, she came over and saw She Niang, looking slightly surprised. She truly hadn’t known that Li Ju had married She Niang, and Dowager Consort Hua would not complicate matters.

She Niang stepped forward generously and bowed: "Your niece-in-law pays respects to the Princess."

"Good child, rise quickly. What a beautiful young woman," Princess Xiang said. She hadn’t managed to marry the daughter of a prince but had taken a girl from the Chu family instead. Chu Shi was virtuous and gentle, but her reputation was so impeccable that it overshadowed her mother-in-law, which Princess Xiang wasn't happy about.

Chu Shi had also come along. She Niang had known her before, so when no one was paying attention, she gave her a wink, and Chu Shi smiled back.

Princess Xiang stayed only briefly before leaving. Princess Qing asked She Niang to walk them out. Along the way, Princess Xiang looked at She Niang and said: "I never expected you to have such fortune. I’m truly happy for the Dowager Consort."

"It’s just my luck," She Niang replied.

Princess Xiang took her hand and said: "We’re not outsiders. Your uncles are all family. We should stay in touch often."

"Of course, you can rest assured. Please also let Dowager Consort Hua know that I’ll visit her when I have time," She Niang said with a smile.

Princess Xiang readily agreed.

But soon, She Niang received a letter from Dowager Consort Hua. She wrote that she was accustomed to a quiet life now. After a lifetime of bustle and strife, she longed for peace and disliked socializing. Knowing that She Niang was doing well was enough; there was no need to meet.

Reading the letter, She Niang was surprised but felt that Dowager Consort Hua was truly wise.

Most people, upon reaching the status of Dowager Consort with several ennobled sons, would be really full of themselves. Yet she always knew that peace and well-being were what mattered most.

Having lived a second life, She Niang thought she should learn from Dowager Consort Hua’s mindset.

Not only did Dowager Consort Hua not wish to meet She Niang again, but she also felt the same toward Yu Shi and others. She had no intention of seeking revenge. For her, she had lost fairly back then and had started anew. There was no need to entangle herself with Old Madam Pei again.

Yet Old Madam Pei was still holding a grudge. On the anniversary of Old Master Pei’s death, she said in the prayer room: "The great kindness you showed me ended like a great enmity. You resented me for driving away Hua Yiniang and blamed me all your life. But you didn’t know I had no affection for you either. All I wanted was to survive. If you had held your ground, I would never have forced you. You were willing to marry me, yet after marrying me, you resented me…"

Outside, Meng Shi was busy with matters concerning her son and, remembering her father-in-law’s death anniversary, said to Nanny Xiang: "Now that the sixth girl has married out, the old lady’s place has become much quieter. Today is the old master’s death anniversary. Take good care of her."

"Her mood is never good around this time every year. Please rest assured, Madam, I will take good care of her," Nanny Xiang said.

Hearing this, Meng Shi left and went to the sixth branch to inquire about Huang Shi. Yu Shi had been thinking about Dowager Consort Hua’s refusal to allow visits. Seeing Meng Shi, she collected her thoughts: "It should be in the next few days. The midwife and wet nurse have been hired. How is the sixth girl doing?"

"Getting by. She’s so young yet has to face a household of women. It’s hard on her. Fortunately, her grandmother advised her to be easygoing. As long as a woman is broad-minded, she can get through life," Meng Shi said, knowing from experience. The eldest lord also had several concubines, and she herself was a second wife. How could she not understand her daughter’s feelings?

But after three to five years, once she endured it, bore a child, secured her position, and shifted her focus from her husband to her child, she would have something to live for.

Besides, did first marriages not take concubines? It was all the same.

The sisters-in-law inevitably spoke of Yue Niang. Meng Shi said: "That child has such bad luck. Mo Yun used to be fine, but now he’s a follower of Jia Ping. Recently, it was he who had Minister Pan dismissed. Our lord is very worried after hearing this."

Yu Shi thought to herself that Mo Yun wasn’t merely going to extremes; to gain trust, he had to act outrageously. But this might lead him to a tragic end with no burial place.

She had heard Pei Yiqing say that Mo Yun had a mindset of "A true man either dines from five tripods or is boiled in them." He was already obsessed, unwilling to let go of the little power he had, and could only continue down this dark path.

But Yue Niang was now pregnant. Meng Shi wanted to send her some tonics, and Yu Shi added some as well. She knew that Yue Niang was, after all, Xiao Tang’s sister-in-law. Meng Shi was doing this for her own daughter, who had taken the place of Yue Niang’s sister. She had to treat her well.

After Meng Shi left, Pei Yiqing returned from outside. Yu Shi showed him Dowager Consort Hua’s letter. After reading it, he said: "This is for the best. She doesn’t wish to bring up old matters. Let’s each live well; that’s what matters."

"But isn’t this unfilial of us?" Yu Shi felt uneasy.

Pei Yiqing said: "She now has three sons, and Prince Xiang’s household is fully provided for. Everyone knows she is the old prince’s concubine and the birth mother of Prince Xiang and his brothers. That’s enough. There’s no need to bring up old matters and let everyone know she was remarried. It does her no good."

Before, in the fiefdom, it was remote and far from the emperor’s reach. Now, in the capital, the situation was different.

Yu Shi had no choice but to drop the matter.

Many feudal princes had already arrived in the capital. Quite a few stayed in the inner city, so Li Ju was kept busy. Prince Qing’s residence was also very lively, and She Niang had to go to the front frequently. Her period was already about eight days late.

Today, Li Ju’s maids, Cui Lan and Xue Ji, were serving. Cui Lan was steady-natured, while Xue Ji often felt discontented. She Niang had originally been wary of Xue Ji but hadn’t expected Cui Lan to be the informant.

Such a spy could not be kept. She needed to find the right opportunity to deal with it.

Today, Li Ju returned early, his face as cold as ice. She Niang quickly asked: "What’s wrong? Did something happen today?"

"Prince Qin has rebelled, and Prince Ning is also in chaos. They took advantage of the foreign enemy to cause trouble now," Li Ju said. He suddenly felt that no matter how gentle the methods, some people would rebel regardless.

In his previous life, it was from this point that the court became overwhelmed and full of holes, leading the emperor to die of depression.

She Niang looked at him and asked, "Is the court sending troops?"

"I have volunteered to follow General Wang Youting to persuade them to surrender. If persuasion fails, we will have to resort to war." After saying this, Li Ju glanced at She Niang apologetically.

She Niang stood on tiptoe and whispered a few words in his ear. Li Ju said, surprised, "Really?"

"I'm not entirely sure. Please call for a doctor to examine me," She Niang said.

Li Ju immediately sent for a physician. After the pulse diagnosis, it was confirmed that she was indeed pregnant. Overjoyed and relieved, he thought that with his wife now carrying a child, his mother and the Dowager Consort would likely no longer oppose his decisions.

Both Princess Qing and the Dowager Consort were delighted and sent people to check on her. Cui Lan was happy about it too, thinking that with the heir's wife pregnant, her own chance to move up would come soon. However, in her excitement, she fell ill the very next day.

In the past, when maids fell ill in the courtyard, they would either call for a physician or stay in their rooms until they recovered. This time, however, Mama Xia said, "Miss Cui Lan, now that the heir's wife is pregnant, and you have caught a cold, you cannot stay in the courtyard. Please leave and return to serve only after you have fully recovered."

Cui Lan was clever—otherwise, it would not have taken She Niang months to discover that she was the one secretly reporting every detail of the heir's residence's affairs to Princess Qing.

As soon as she heard Mama Xia's words, she understood that once she left, it would be difficult to return.

At this realization, she collapsed weakly onto the bed.