Chapter 64: Regretting Becoming a Secondary Wife...

The Mid-Autumn Festival passed quietly, with no one in the mood for celebration. Noble families refrained from banquets due to the Empress’s passing. For Li Niang’s daughter’s birth ceremonies, She Niang merely sent gifts, not attending in person.

Before they knew it, She Niang’s twentieth birthday arrived. Li Ju privately presented her with two sets of head ornaments—one of jade, the other gold inlaid with precious stones—all purchased with his personal funds.

She Niang promptly wore the jade set at home, showing Li Ju his thoughtfulness wasn't wasted, which pleased him immensely.

For She Niang, this wasn’t a calculated move; it was simply about nurturing affection between husband and wife. In a marriage, expecting feelings to deepen without effort is pure fantasy. While one shouldn’t entirely depend on a man, neither should one be disingenuous.

Li Ju’s words were sweet: "Knowing your love for magnolias, I had them specially carved in jade. Wearing them now, you exude an even richer magnolia fragrance."

"Then I must thank my husband. Only you always remember my birthday," She Niang teased, curtsying playfully.

Li Ju quickly helped her up, gently tweaking her nose. "Let’s go boating later and bring A Heng along."

"That sounds wonderful. I’ll have the servants prepare some snacks and preserved fruits so our family can relax for a while." She Niang wasn’t the type to be solely engrossed in household management; she also sought relaxation and leisure.

Only when well-rested could she be energetic.

Constant fatigue would sour her mood, and for a woman, an unhappy mood could easily disrupt qi and blood flow. She briskly instructed the servants, and soon the family of three set off on the lake. She Niang sat by the boat’s edge, enjoying the gentle breeze in silence.

Such moments of quiet contemplation were among life’s greatest pleasures. Knowing his wife enjoyed this, Li Ju actively played with A Heng, keeping him from being disruptive.

A Heng, now a year and a half old, had grown taller since his first birthday and spoke much more clearly. He could even sing many songs and eagerly performed them for Li Ju.

"Little boat, rowing in the water..."

"Baby, where did you learn this song?" Li Ju asked.

A Heng pointed at She Niang. "Mom taught me. Mom also taught me to sing 'Brother Moon Follows Me.'"

She Niang, who had been lost in thought, couldn’t help but laugh at A Heng’s words. "This child can sing anything. He learns after just a few repetitions."

A maid brought warmed wine. She Niang and Li Ju shared two cups, careful not to drink too much.

After disembarking, She Niang drank two cups of tea to dispel the alcohol’s scent. She then heard that the Princess had returned home. Mama Xia remarked, "Could it be that the Princess knew it was your birthday and came back specially?"

"Wishful thinking. She probably has other matters," She Niang said, not out of prejudice against the Princess, but simply because the Princess had always been thoughtless, knowing someone would always support her.

As for the Princess of Qing, she had her own affairs—a wedding in the Wang family required her to send gifts, and news had arrived that a concubine had died in the Prince of Zhao’s residence yesterday. Moreover, with the Prince of Lin’an dying without a male heir, his title was revoked, raising the issue of providing for the female dependents.

Though happy about her daughter’s return, the Princess of Qing worried something might be amiss. "Didn’t your husband return? Why didn’t you bring him along?"

"He went straight to his study upon returning. How could I possibly see him?" the Princess sulked.

The Princess of Qing admonished her daughter, "That’s your fault. During the national mourning period, even your brother and sister-in-law shouldn’t share living quarters, let alone you two."

The Princess actually wanted to say that she felt Wu Ting didn’t like her—no matter how polite he seemed, she sensed something was off. Yet, she couldn’t pinpoint anything wrong with his behavior.

Even her own mother didn’t understand.

The Princess of Qing might have understood, but she also had to maintain appearances. She couldn’t very well tell her son-in-law or the Marquis of Shouning’s family to make him love her daughter—who could possibly ensure that?

Such marital matters had to be understood and nurtured personally. Even she had used every means to win the Prince of Qing’s heart back in the day.

After a moment of silence, the Princess of Qing asked, "It’s your sister-in-law’s birthday today. Did you prepare a gift?"

The Princess had long forgotten, so the Princess of Qing had to compensate by sending a gift to She Niang and urging the Princess to go speak with her.

After marriage, the Princess felt that even though her mother loved her, she was much more polite to her sister-in-law. People were strange—clearly, a daughter was of the same blood, yet they treated outsiders like family.

Unconsciously, she seemed to understand many things.

By the twelfth lunar month, news came that the Princess had fallen ill. The Princess of Qing asked She Niang to visit. Upon arrival, the Marchioness of Shouning personally received her and said, "We’ve already summoned a royal physician for a prescription. It’s said she caught a cold."

"Where else could one find a mother-in-law as kind as you? The Princess is truly fortunate to have married into your family. I remember you enjoy bird’s nest, so I specially brought some high-quality blood-red bird's nest," She Niang had her servants present the gift.

The Marchioness of Shouning smiled. "The Princess Consort is truly thoughtful, even remembering what an old woman like me enjoys eating."

"Since we’re all family now, it’s only natural," She Niang patiently engaged in pleasantries with her.

After conversing, she went to see the Princess, who greeted her like a close relative upon sight. "Sister-in-law, since I caught this cold, I’ve had headaches and a stuffy nose. Why didn’t you summon Physician Wang?"

She Niang replied, "If we summoned Physician Wang, how would the Marquis of Shouning’s family take it? They might think we don’t trust them."

"You’re all too overcautious. Are we, a house of a prince, afraid of others?" the Princess retorted.

She Niang shook her head. "Everything must be done with reason. If you were home for treatment, you could summon any physician. But the Marquis of Shouning’s family has already called for a physician. You’ve only taken one dose of medicine, and without seeing any effect, you’re already asserting that their physician is no good?"

"Sister-in-law..." The Princess felt She Niang wasn’t on her side. If She Niang were truly so upright, why had she aided her deception by sending the landscape painting back then? Now that She Niang had secured her position, she was lecturing about propriety.

The sisters-in-law fell silent for a moment. She Niang carefully inquired with Nanny An, the Princess’s nanny, and learned her illness was due to exposure to cold wind at night. "You must take good care of her daily and not cater to her every whim too much."

Nanny An replied, "Yes, I will follow the Princess Consort’s instructions."

As She Niang was leaving, she encountered Wu Ting, who promptly bowed and greeted her. She Niang said, "Brother-in-law, there’s no need for such courtesy."

"Thank you, Sister-in-law, for visiting my wife. How is her condition? I just returned from the military camp this morning," Wu Ting said.

As the Marquis of Shouning's heir, even upon returning from Liaobei, he didn’t rest but instead trained with the soldiers in the camp, showing his commitment.

She couldn’t help but remark, "Brother-in-law, your diligence and dedication are truly admirable. The Princess has just taken her medicine and needs to perspire to release the illness. Colds can be minor or serious, but with your family’s attentiveness, we are reassured."

Wu Ting quickly replied, "Sister-in-law, you are too kind. This is what I ought to do."

"There are many things one ought to do in this world, but not everyone does them. Anyway, I won’t keep you any longer. I’ll take my leave," She Niang said. Seeing his response was acceptable, she thought that given time, their marital relationship might improve slightly.

However, she had no intention of intervening deeply in others’ affairs. Even with someone like Li Niang, she might offer a few words but wouldn’t say much, let alone with the Princess. Above her were the Dowager Consort, the Princess of Qing, and even Li Ju—it wasn’t her place to interfere.

This was Wu Ting’s first proper conversation with She Niang. He found her perceptive; she clearly knew his relationship with the Princess was strained yet praised him highly. She was either genuinely kind or exceptionally clever.

Entering the room to visit the Princess, he found her inwardly delighted to see him but pretending indifference. "My illness is just a minor cold. Why did you come? Who asked you to come?"

Nanny An thought to herself that the Princess clearly adored her husband but was acting coy. She smiled and said, "Son-in-law, the Princess just took her medicine. It was very bitter, and she has a bad headache. Please don’t mind her."

Wu Ting wasn’t so petty and responded gently, "Why would I mind? What did the physician say?" He asked in detail, instructed the servants to take good care of the Princess, and even had someone bring sweetmeats. If She Niang were there, she might have coquettishly persuaded him or tried to keep him longer, but the Princess, having been pampered since childhood, didn’t think that way.

After Wu Ting left, she lapsed into sulking.

She Niang naturally couldn’t manage all this. As the year-end approached, Li Ju and the Prince of Qing registered the produce from their manors and stored it in the treasury. Li Ju also distributed rice and meat to less fortunate royal relatives.

Some royal families had many children and struggled financially. They maintained appearances outwardly but were impoverished inside. Prestigious households like the Prince of Qing’s, with few members and no shortages, would provide assistance annually.

The Duke of Fuguo’s household also fared well this year. With few family members and a frugal Duchess, along with Yang Mo’s similar habits, they even had surplus funds to purchase another estate.

She Niang hadn’t yet accessed the full extent of the Prince of Qing’s properties; she only handled internal affairs. Managing a household didn’t require any special tricks—just leading by example and being meticulous. A skilled warrior leaves no trace of their achievements. By setting clear rules and enforcing them effectively, she ensured nothing major happened throughout the year.

During the year-end festivities, Li Ju spent more time at home. This year, there were no operas or festive parties; everyone simply relaxed at home.

Before marriage, she always thought staying at home doing needlework and reading got boring, but after marriage, she truly hadn't had a moment of leisure—there was so much to worry about both inside and outside the household. Yet, she was willing to take on these worries; at least everything she did felt worthwhile.

In the evening, Li Ju said, "I asked the kitchen to prepare a bowl of lotus seed soup for you. The bitter cores have been removed, and it’s made with just a bit of rock sugar—very refreshing and good for cooling you down."

With all the rich meat and fish we eat in winter, it’s easy to get overheated. She Niang knew he was being thoughtful of her, so she had someone bring another small bowl: "You have some too. Let’s drink it together and enjoy the treat."

Li Ju was amused by her words and added, "The Emperor’s health has been improving lately, but there are more people in the court targeting the Prince of Jin."

"That’s only natural. How can one tolerate someone else sleeping soundly right by their bedside?" In her previous life, the young crown prince couldn’t overcome his uncle, the Prince of Jin, but the current Emperor is the Prince of Jin’s older brother and is by no means incompetent—he will naturally clear obstacles for his heir.

Hearing She Niang say this, Li Ju remarked, "I’ve also planted informants in the palace."

She Niang thought Li Ju’s approach was right—at least it allowed him to stay informed immediately. She expressed her understanding, which of course pleased Li Ju. His wife always supported him, unlike some ignorant women who would overreact.

However, She Niang tapped him lightly on the nose and said, "The Prince of Jin currently holds no military power or authority, and his faction is being dismantled. I’ve heard that even Old Master Chu has been forced to resign—it speaks volumes. The more critical the situation, the more you should avoid taking sides hastily."

Generally, She Niang didn't usually offer opinions. Although she was well-read and believed herself knowledgeable, she wasn’t directly involved and didn’t want to misjudge the situation.

On the second day of the new year, Princess Qing returned with Wu Ting. Li Ju took Wu Ting to the front hall to chat. Wu Ting observed that although Li Ju was a member of the imperial clan, he was both scholarly and martial, a man of honor and charismatic—truly an outstanding figure of the time. His wife, Lady Pei, was also talented and beautiful. How then did his own sister turn out so…

Not wanting to criticize someone’s sister in front of her brother, he simply asked, "What has elder brother been busy with lately?"

"Just matters related to the Imperial Clan Court." Li Ju wouldn’t reveal the whole truth to Wu Ting. Aside from his father and his wife, he rarely spoke candidly with others.

As they were talking, a servant entered and said, "The young master is asking for you to hold him."

There was no such title as "young master," but people used it flatteringly for A Heng in private. Li Ju didn’t stop them—after all, once he became prince, the title would undoubtedly go to A Heng.

Wu Ting was quick to catch on. He brought up how Pei Ji, Li Ju’s brother-in-law, had passed the military exams and was now in the Five Military Commissions. Wu Ting had seen to his promotion directly, adding, "I initially thought this man was highly skilled in martial arts and hardworking—a real talent. I had no idea he was actually family."

"Oh, is that so? I only knew my brother-in-law passed the military exams—I wasn’t aware of the details," Li Ju genuinely didn’t know much about it.

Wu Ting laughed. "Elder brother is busy every day—how could you know such minor matters?"

After exchanging a few light-hearted words, A Heng came over. A Heng looked very much like She Niang, especially in his good health. Not even two years old yet, he walked very steadily and quickly made a beeline for his father.

"A Heng, call him your uncle," Li Ju said, looking down at him.

A Heng glanced at Wu Ting and immediately said, "Uncle Wu."

Wu Ting found it strange. "How did you know I’m Uncle Wu?" It wasn’t odd for him to say "uncle," but how did he know the surname?

"Mother taught me. Uncle is from the Pei family, Uncle Wu is from the Wu family, Fourth Uncle is from the Wang family, Little Uncle is from the Xiao family," A Heng recited as if from a script.

Wu Ting immediately took off the jade pendant he was wearing and insisted on giving it to A Heng, but A Heng refused. "Mother said I’m not allowed to accept valuable things from others."

His demeanor even softened Wu Ting, who was accustomed to military life. "Uncle is family, not outsiders. Take it to play with."

A Heng looked at Li Ju, and only after Li Ju nodded did he take it and hold it in his hand.

Seeing this, Wu Ting said, "The young master has dignified features and a clever disposition—he is surely no ordinary child."

"Thank you for your kind words," Li Ju also thought highly of his son.

On the way back, Wu Ting mentioned A Heng to the princess, praising his intelligence repeatedly. The princess had hardly spent time with her little nephew and assumed her husband was hinting at wanting a child.

But after more than a year of marriage, she was very different from before. Knowing Wu Ting was in high spirits, she didn’t dampen his mood and simply said, "I heard from Mother that the child looks a lot like my brother and has a similar temperament."

"Many of his words and actions seem taught by the heir’s wife. I’ve heard the wife of the Marquis of Xinan’s heir is also dignified and elegant," Wu Ting held a rather favorable impression of She Niang.

The princess shot him a glance. "Since when have you been paying so much attention to the ladies?"

In truth, Wu Ting was warm-hearted. Because the Prince of Qing’s household had treated him so well, he felt like sharing his thoughts openly. He hadn’t expected her to pour cold water on his enthusiasm.

In contrast, there was Li Niang. When She Niang returned with her husband and son, Li Niang and Wang Pan were getting along much better than before. She Niang quickly asked why: "How come you two are so inseparable now?"

"I gave birth to a daughter, and he treasures her like a jewel. He doesn’t go to his concubines or maidservants anymore and even brought back forty boxes of face powder for me. It made me really happy."

She Niang thought to herself—only Li Niang would do something like this. She’d been obsessed with beauty her whole life.

The two sisters chatted about their children for a while when word came that Shun Niang had returned. The sisters greeted each other, and Shun Niang, feeling she and She Niang were of the same status, immediately sat beside her. Hearing the servants refer to A Heng as "young master," she remarked, "Our A Heng is so fortunate."

She Niang, hearing this, said, "Why bring that up? They’re just saying it playfully. I don’t let them call him that openly."

Shun Niang merely smiled without responding.

Meng Shi tried to show off her daughter: "I heard you hired a female tutor for Qian Jie? May I ask where she’s from?"

"She’s the wife of former Grand Academician Ding. She’s immensely learned, and I went to great lengths to invite her—it was like making three visits to the thatched cottage," Shun Niang said.

Yu Shi chimed in supportively, "Many birth mothers wouldn’t go to such lengths for their daughters."

Li Niang curled her lip. How fake! She couldn’t see that Shun Niang cared much for Qian Jie—she was just good at putting on a show. How could someone be so hypocritical? She had a daughter too—if her husband treated another woman’s child well, she’d make a scene every day without fail.

To interrupt Shun Niang’s performance, Li Niang pulled She Niang aside to gossip: "Did you know? People say your sister-in-law looks down on her husband’s family."

"People don’t need to say it—I already know," She Niang replied.

Li Niang continued, "Even though you used to be her study companion, now you’re her sister-in-law. I bet you’ve had to put up with a lot from her."

"Putting up with her is one thing—it’s cleaning up her messes that’s really tiresome," She Niang shook her head.

Li Niang whispered, "Let me tell you, during the Lantern Festival this year, try ‘beating the villain’—it’s guaranteed to work. If that doesn’t help, I’ll get you a talisman from Taoist Master Zhang."

Aren’t you just full of ideas!

She Niang quickly declined, "No need, I don’t believe in those things."

As the two sisters whispered, Shun Niang found it dull and went to confide in Old Madam Pei: "No matter how good my son is, the title will still go to Mao Geer. Grandmother, what should I do? Every time I see Mao Geer now, I feel inexplicably irritated…"