Chapter 8: Coming Out on Top

After Qiu Ju bought the yellow silk fabric, she skillfully cut it out. Mama Xia proudly remarked, "Our young lady is truly clever and deft. She remembered everything after I taught her just once."

She Niang said, somewhat guiltily, "That's also because you taught well."

Needlework, of course, could only be done after school. Apart from the maids who served closely in her room, even the lower-ranking maids serving outside had no idea what she was doing.

Success lies in secrecy, failure in leakage.

Although she was reborn, she couldn’t rely entirely on her past experiences and knowledge. Some things taught her that tugging one hair affects the whole body, so she couldn’t assume that just because Old Master Pei was nearing his end, she could disregard him.

Such an opportunity to gain recognition was taken very seriously throughout the entire household. The young ladies all presented various needlework, but the adults couldn’t just offer needlework alone.

Pei Sixth Master was consulting with his wife: "Last year, for the old master’s sixtieth birthday, we gifted a screen. This year isn’t a significant birthday, so it doesn’t need to be too grand."

Yu Shi suggested, "Among my dowry, there is a pair of crane-handled wine cups made of green jade. Why don't we use those and just find a box for them?"

In the Pei family, Yu Shi had always been generous, especially toward Pei Sixth Master, truly devoted to him.

Pei Sixth Master waved his hand: "Keep your dowry safe; no need to take everything out. If our gift is too extravagant, some might think we’re showing off our wealth. I think the old master has always liked scriptures. How about I personally transcribe two volumes of sutras to present as a congratulatory gift?"

"Let’s add one more thing," Yu Shi said.

Pei Sixth Master then said, "Then we’ll gift a set of lacquerware."

After the couple settled on it, Yu Shi stood up and said, "I still need to go to eldest sister-in-law’s place."

"What for?" Pei Sixth Master asked, puzzled.

"Aunt Meng is here; I’m going to make up a table for cards," Yu Shi said with a smile.

Pei Sixth Master pointed outside: "I’ll go to the study."

As Yu Shi was leaving the courtyard, she happened to see Third Miss Yi Niang passing by. Yi Niang had naturally been busy with important matters these days, and she thought differently from everyone else. Others believed that currying favor with Old Master Pei was useful, but since Old Master Pei didn’t handle internal household affairs—those were managed by Old Madam Pei—she had recently been visiting the old madam more frequently. Especially after learning that Old Madam Pei was preoccupied with grief over her son’s death, she even specially copied a blood scripture to present.

So, when Yu Shi saw her pale face, she asked with concern, "Third Sister, what’s wrong with you? If you’re tired, go back and rest quickly."

"Thank you for your concern, Sixth Aunt. I’ve just caught a slight cold these past few days," Yi Niang managed a weak smile, barely having the strength to speak.

But she had no other choice. Although her circumstances were pitiable, many only offered sympathy in words, while few truly stood by her side.

Seeing her unsteady, Yu Shi didn’t want to keep her talking and quickly instructed Mama Chang: "Help your young lady back."

Mama Chang hurried forward to support her. She hadn’t expected this young lady to be so harsh on herself. The original Third Miss used to take things as they came and wasn’t so goal-oriented.

But because of this, Mama Chang and Sui Sui also had hope; at least they wouldn’t be sent away to a temple as before.

Sometimes, if you don’t fight, even those below will bully you and spread rumors, leaving you speechless against the accusations.

Meanwhile, Old Madam Pei looked at the blood scripture in her hand with mixed feelings. Nanny Xiang, her long-time attendant, said, "Old Madam, Third Miss is truly thoughtful."

"I’ve heard that those who are harsh on themselves are even harsher on others. I’ve shown her no particular kindness, yet she uses her own blood to show filial piety. I wonder what she seeks?" Old Madam Pei said.

After a moment of contemplation, Old Madam Pei turned to Nanny Xiang and asked, "Has the Fang family agreed to the marriage proposal I mentioned for Third Madame’s niece?"

Nanny Xiang smiled: "The Fang family is just a merchant. Since you personally spoke, they’ve already sent matchmakers to propose."

"That’s good. Lu Shi is a widow without means and probably can’t offer much. Pick some things from my storage and send them to Miss Song. Have Cao Shi help arrange things, and Yu Shi will act as matchmaker," Old Madam Pei instructed.

Nanny Xiang sighed: "You’re so kind to Third Mrs. Pei."

With that, she left to carry out the orders.

Cao Shi listened with a smile on her face, but as soon as Nanny Xiang left, she muttered in displeasure: "Nonsense! We’re all Pei family daughters-in-law. Are we just destined to do all the work? Are we all just extra baggage?"

Cao Shi’s confidante, Shun Er, said: "It’s not just you. Sixth Mrs. Pei is also going to be a matchmaker."

"Usually, I see the old lady treating Sixth Sister-in-law indifferently, but now that there are tasks that require running about, she doesn’t want her own people to run around and makes others do it," Cao Shi complained.

She wouldn’t have dared say such things before, but now that she managed the household, she had confidence, and her temper was naturally different.

When Nanny Xiang arrived at the sixth branch, she found that Yu Shi had gone to the main branch. In the courtyard, she saw She Niang jumping rope and smiled: "Fifth Miss, why are you playing here alone? Why not go find Sixth Miss to play? As sisters, you should be closer."

She Niang thought that although Shun Niang was younger than her, she put on airs. Why should she go find Shun Niang? Why couldn’t Shun Niang come find her?

In her previous life, it was the same. Clearly, they were all sisters, but Shun Niang seemed to stand above the rest.

But now, saying these things in front of a servant like Nanny Xiang was pointless. She smiled and said, "Alright, in the future, you can call Shun Niang over, and we’ll jump rope together."

Nanny Xiang smiled in agreement.

After jumping rope, She Niang cleaned up and changed into everyday clothes. There was no other way—by November, the weather would turn cold, making it impossible to play outside due to the biting wind and coming snow.

It wasn’t until Yu Shi returned that She Niang learned Song Xianhui’s marriage had been settled. The whole family was eating at the table when Li Niang, chewing on a bamboo shoot, reddened eyes: "Will Sister Song be leaving us then?"

"Silly girl, why are you crying? It’ll be quite some time before the wedding, at least a year or two," Yu Shi said, handing a handkerchief to Li Niang through a maid.

Although Li Niang usually spent time with Shun Niang, Shun Niang was younger, and she had to coax her. She was closer to Meng Jilan and Song Xianhui. Meng Jilan got along with everyone but could be rather cutting at times, while Song Xianhui was genuinely kind. So, Li Niang truly would miss Song Xianhui dearly.

Noticing She Niang’s indifferent expression, she couldn’t help but say, "Aren’t you sad?"

She Niang looked at her and said, "I’ve noticed that whatever you do, you always want others to feel the same as you—to share your joys and sorrows. I say I’m afraid of dogs, and you insist I must like dogs. Your friend is getting married, and you’re sad, so you want to drag me into your sadness. You’re not the emperor, so why always demand that others obey you in everything?"

Before Li Niang could respond, Mama Chen quickly said, "Fifth Miss, Fourth Miss didn’t mean it that way."

"Then stop forcing others to be like her, alright? I’ve never demanded that she do everything I do. After all these years studying together, has she ever waited for me once? Even a clay figure has its temper."

She Niang’s words were clear and logical, like large and small pearls falling on a jade plate. She didn’t vent emotionally but made her points methodically.

Hearing this, Li Niang mumbled under her breath, "If you want me to do something, just say it. It’s not like I won’t help you. Why say such things? If I’m wrong, I’ll apologize."

As the sisters clashed, Pei Sixth Master and Yu Shi pretended not to hear, as taking sides wouldn’t be appropriate.

After Li Niang finished, Mama Chen inwardly cheered. Fourth Miss showing vulnerability like this would surely gain sympathy.

Unexpectedly, She Niang smiled and said, "I never demand others to do anything. I respect everyone’s freedom to act as they wish. I just hope you can respect others too."

"Alright, alright, everyone, let’s say less and eat," Yu Shi stepped in to mediate.

She Niang calmly ate most of her bowl of rice and returned to her room as if nothing had happened to continue her needlework. Li Niang went back and inevitably cried. Mama Chen comforted her: "Fifth Miss is just jealous of your popularity. The Sixth Master and Madame saw everything, and they probably think she disrespects you as her elder sister."

Li Niang was furious and said angrily, "From now on, I won’t acknowledge her as my sister."

"Yes, yes, you’re right," Mama Chen soothed.

Pei Sixth Master and Yu Shi, however, were troubled by their daughters’ relationship. Pei Sixth Master said, "Look at She Niang’s way with words, while Li Niang is much clumsier with words."

Such a temperament is truly likely to backfire, as it comes off as arrogant.

Yu Shi hurriedly apologized, "It is all my fault for not teaching them well, always causing discord between the sisters."

"Please don’t say that, it’s not your fault. You nearly lost your life giving birth to She Niang." Pei Sixth Master reflected that he always held some reservations toward She Niang, likely because when she was born, his relationship with his wife was at its most intimate, yet his wife almost died because of their daughter.

Deep down, Yu Shi felt immense guilt. She had once nearly abandoned her youngest daughter, especially recently as she noticed her little daughter was no longer as clingy toward her as before.

Having experienced living under someone else's roof, familial estrangement, and the complicated palace life in her past life, She Niang had grown pretty cold to familial bonds. After all, even imperial fathers and sons could turn against each other, and sisters who were fellow imperial consorts would scheme and fight amongst themselves. Sometimes, merely someone blocking your path was enough reason to take them out without a second thought.

Thus, She Niang had been quite polite to Li Niang, simply preferring to ignore her. When Li Niang provoked her, She Niang’s retorts were already an act of extraordinary leniency.

By the early winter, She Niang had finally finished the amber raincoat for Old Master Pei. When it was time to present the gift, she brought it to Yu Shi’s quarters, even taking care to put a label on it for fear someone might claim it as their own.

Pei Sixth Master praised, "What really clever work."

Though he doesn't do needlework, Yu Shi remarked, "You’re only nine years old, how is your embroidery so fine? The stitches are even, and the patterns are beautifully executed."

"I worked on it for several months, and with guidance from Mama Xia, it turned out decent. I only hope it doesn’t bring shame to Father and Mother," She Niang said modestly.

Li Niang thought to herself, wondering who had helped She Niang with it. Why didn’t she have a maid skilled in needlework?

Pei Sixth Master personally delivered the gift from the sixth branch. Not long after, a servant attending Old Master Pei brought a set of jewelry for She Niang, saying he was very pleased with the "amber raincoat" she had made.

She Niang opened it and couldn’t help gasping—it was a full set for a hair bun, consisting of eight pieces: a gold hairpin inlaid with ruby and sapphire flame patterns, a gold filigree hairpiece with phoenix designs and gemstones, two hair ornaments with gemstone inlays, a pair of floral hairpins, and a pair of small peony inserts.

It wasn't a huge set, but the gemstones were finely cut and of excellent quality.

Li Niang was green with envy, and she muttered, "Why did Grandfather only give it to you? What about the rest of us?"

She Niang replied, "When the Marquis of Dingbei’s mother and wife gifted you so many presents last time, did I make a fuss? If you want something, go ask Grandfather yourself."

Li Niang turned to Yu Shi, "Mother, I’m so envious, I want it too…"

Unable to withstand her pestering, Yu Shi followed She Niang’s example: "Why don’t you go ask your grandfather for it yourself?"

Li Niang backed down, but Mama Chen sensed something unusual.