Chapter 42

Prefect Jie, already past his sixtieth year, still dared not put on airs in front of his son-in-law. Yan Yingqi appeared very respectful, even performing the disciple's courtesy, speaking sincerely about hoping that the Jie family could accompany Prefect Jie on his new assignment for a year, as a way to take their minds off things and also show filial piety to his in-laws.

For Prefect Jie, securing the position of Prefect in Kaifeng was largely due to his son-in-law. His own abilities were limited; if he had been assigned to Suzhou or Yangzhou, although those places were prosperous, they were also highly competitive, with the risk of civil unrest if not handled carefully.

Moreover, the presence of the Yan family’s Third Elderly Patriarch as the Director of River Management provided an additional layer of protection.

Officially and personally, Jie was his precious daughter, whom he had held on his lap while reading since she was little. Now that she needed a place to stay, he felt it was his duty to provide it without hesitation.

Thus, Yao Niang and Jie, who had originally planned to return to Jin Ling by water, now had to travel overland to Henan, Kaifeng.

This journey also brought new insights to Yao Niang. She had always thought her mother had a good temper, but now, traveling with her grandfather, she realized that her mother could be temperamental too.

Perhaps being around parents turns even grown-ups into children.

Prefect Jie had previously served as a magistrate and vice-magistrate in humid regions like Huguang, which had turned him into an old smoker. Yan Yingqi had given him plenty of high-quality tobacco, and now the journey was filled with smoke. Jie directly hid his pipe, saying, "Your health isn’t great, you often cough, and now you’re smoking without any limits, day and night."

Prefect Jie, with a good temper, merely smiled bitterly, "You naughty child, watch out, your son-in-law might scold you."

Prefect Jie was elderly, and Jie’s biological mother had passed away years ago. Now, Jie’s birth mother, Lady Xu, and two younger maids attended to him.

Interestingly, Jie and Lady Xu seemed distant. Jie had even said she didn’t know Lady Xu was her mother until she was older. Lady Xu, fearing that Jie’s background would make her look down upon, was strict with her, teaching her embroidery and other skills.

Even now, Lady Xu was kind to Yao Niang, but Jie couldn’t get close to her.

Leaving the capital, passing through Hebei, the journey from Hebei to Kaifeng was about eight hundred miles. A carriage could cover at most one hundred fifty miles a day, but more realistically fifty miles a day, taking about half a month.

Yao Niang had mostly seen prosperous areas like Jin Ling and the capital, rarely encountering such impoverished regions with dilapidated villages and ragged passersby, some barely recognizable.

These were considered better conditions. Prefect Jie had a fellow official serving as a vice-prefect in Baoding, who warned him about refugees on the road.

Prefect Jie couldn’t help but ask, "Didn’t the Emperor send aid? Why are there refugees in Baoding? If they reach the capital, what will happen?"

"The Yellow River flooded this year, which is why the Henan Left Governor, Mr. Yan, was promoted to Director of River Management. He’s known for being strict. The river management issues are deep," the vice-prefect privately explained.

Prefect Jie asked, "Does this mean there will be a crackdown on corruption this year?"

The vice-prefect hesitated, then reassured him, "You’re related to them, so why worry?"

Indeed, the Yans’ rise in power was due to their individual talents. Yan Yingqi was adept at understanding the emperor’s intentions and maintaining good relations with both the ruling party and the opposition. The Third Elderly Patriarch was known for his strict governance and fearlessness in making bold suggestions.

After passing the imperial exams, he initially served in the Office of Envoys, later rising to the Censorate, where he impeached the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, causing a stir.

Later, he was sent to minority-populated regions like Yunnan and Guizhou, where he still achieved significant accomplishments.

Prefect Jie had hired a Shaoxing advisor, and now had another renowned advisor from his son-in-law. He first sought their opinions.

The advisor suggested conservatively, "Sir, before taking office, any previous issues are not your responsibility. Your first task should be to settle all matters properly."

Meaning, any previous mismanagement was not his concern.

Prefect Jie nodded, "I agree."

The other advisor smiled, "Sir, don’t worry. This year, the priority will likely be river repairs. As the capital prefecture, ensuring the well-being of the people is paramount."

Prefect Jie nodded in agreement.

As they traveled from Hebei to Henan, Yao Niang saw many refugees along the way. She and Jie gave away their money to buy food for the refugees, though it was just a drop in the bucket.

"Mother, if we hadn’t come out, we wouldn’t have seen these refugees. They are truly pitiful. Some have land to survive, but disasters and misfortunes have left them destitute. Local officials aren’t helping either," Yao Niang sighed.

Jie agreed, "Should we buy more bread and dry food for them?"

Yao Niang shook her head, "Mother, though we can help, the refugees are desperate. If someone leads them to attack us, what then? It’s better to reach Kaifeng soon and tell Father about what we’ve seen."

"Alright," Jie agreed.

Yao Niang explained, "Five years ago, when Grandfather and Grandmother took me back to Jin Ling, I saw a wealthy family sympathizing with refugees and distributing food. In the end, their wealth was stolen, and their family members were killed. We are not the government; the deeper we go, the fewer officials there are. If we’re not careful, we might harm ourselves."

In Yao Niang’s mind, she was strong, while her mother was delicate. She needed to protect her mother.

Because of Yao Niang’s advice, Jie stopped providing aid, and Prefect Jie breathed a sigh of relief.

Sure enough, they saw a luxurious carriage overturned by the roadside, its valuables stripped, and naked bodies lying on the ground, a stark reminder of the desperation.

Meanwhile, Yan Yingqi was having a hard time. He had been with Jie for years and felt lost without her.

Zhen thought Jie was returning to Jin Ling, but instead, she went to Henan. Yan Yingqi explained at dinner, "They are going to Luoyang to see the peonies and relax. The eldest maid will take her back to Jin Ling after this year, and everything will be calm again."

Ying Niang envied them, "Father, why can’t I go see the peonies too?"

Yan Yingqi smiled, "If you want to, go with your mother."

Ying Niang had an uncle who was a county magistrate in Pengze six years ago and is now a vice-prefect in Jiangzhou. Unlike Yao Niang, who could find joy anywhere, Ying Niang was prone to complaining. Yan Yingqi understood his daughter well and responded accordingly.

"Fourth girl, don’t talk nonsense," Zhen interjected.

Regardless of Jie’s departure, Zhen was planning how to secure a marriage for her daughter with the Shen family next year. Qian Niang was beyond her control, but Zhen believed she had treated Qian Niang well.

She ensured Qian Niang had the same clothes, jewelry, and attendants as her own daughter, and even social advantages. As a stepmother, she felt she had done enough.

Everyone has their biases, and favoring her own daughter was understandable.

Zhen kept her plans secret, knowing her daughter’s straightforward nature could cause trouble if revealed prematurely.

Qian Niang, unaware of her stepmother’s intentions, felt dejected, thinking about the effort she had put into earning the title of a talented woman, only to lose it because of her elder sister.

After dinner, she retired to her room. Fortunately, Aunt Yin visited, having just helped Zhen rest. With Jie gone, the benefits would shift to the concubines of the main house.

Madam has always been generous. Today, she even specially sent An'er to deliver a late-night snack to the study, or had Concubine Feng serve dishes, and even her personal attendant Le'er. These past few days, she's also been wearing much lighter clothing.

She has no one to talk to, and it's not appropriate to discuss matters of gaining favor with her daughter. She just vents by cursing Yan Ningxin: "That woman is truly harmful. If she had married into the Shen family properly, there wouldn't have been any problems. A mongrel can never grace the main stage. I heard that that Wei fellow was also exiled."

"Concubine, please stop. I don't want to hear it." Qian Niang covered her ears, unsure of what to do next.

Third Sister went to Henan with her maternal grandfather, and Third Uncle serves as the Chief River Commissioner. Perhaps he could find a good match for her. She has a way out, but what about me? Am I just going to drag this on? I'm already fourteen years old. This year should have been when I started discussing marriage. I've been most affected by Yan Ningxin's situation; how could I not be troubled?

Concubine Yin said, "This is the most vexing matter now. Your eldest brother hasn't been affected much. Lady Guan came over yesterday, seemingly wanting to propose a match with her niece, not knowing that Madam might have the same idea. I saw Madam talking to Lord about bringing her niece from Jiangzhou, saying she feels sorry for her. Who knows if this is really for Eldest Brother?"

"You mean Madam wants to marry her niece to Eldest Brother?" Qian Niang was surprised.

Concubine Yin sneered, "With Second Madam leaving, the opportunity is here. Eldest Brother is very decisive. If he likes someone, Lord and Madam will definitely agree."

Qian Niang thought, in this household, one loses in one place but gains in another.

Madam was angry for several days because of Yan Ningxin, but due to Eldest Sister's situation, Second Madam and Third Sister left the capital, inadvertently giving Madam another chance.

I can't keep being so dejected. Originally, my standards were high. With my father's current position, finding a good match shouldn't be difficult. I need to think of a way; otherwise, I'll be fifteen next year, and preparing for marriage takes at least two to three years. Even with a good family background, an older girl would still be looked down upon.

Right, the Zhao family. The Zhao family could be a way out.

Although Zhao Xian didn't pass the imperial exams last time, his father is highly regarded by my father, who recommended him to serve as a co-magistrate in Shuzhou. I might as well use Zhao Fang's name to contact them more.

If the Zhao family is interested, they'll naturally come to propose. When I have a good match, I won't marry into the Zhao family, but if I continue to be affected by Eldest Sister's situation, the Zhao family might not be bad. One must always have a backup plan.

Unlike Yao Niang, who relies on her mother, brother, and prominent background, or Ying Niang, who has Madam to rely on, I have to figure things out myself.

I won't tell Concubine Yin these plans. I just calculated the days and said, "I heard that traveling from the capital to Henan takes half a month at the fastest, or over a month at the slowest. By now, Third Sister should have arrived."

**

At the Kaifeng Prefecture Government Office

Yao Niang was arranging the bedding with her attendants. This time, she only brought half of her clothes from the capital. Since the Jie family is not ordinary, even when Jie Shi married Yan Yingqi, she brought a large shipload of dowry. Not to mention, her maternal uncles have been managing the family for years, and her maternal grandfather has served as an official for over two decades.

"In the future, you mustn't reveal that I am the daughter of the Minister of Appointments, understood?" Yao Niang instructed.

Nanny Gu, folding clothes, asked in confusion, "Why, Miss?"

"Being low-key isn't a bad thing. Moreover, Grandfather has been serving as the Governor here for several years. Who knows if he has offended anyone? Generally speaking, being too high-profile makes it harder to accomplish things." Do you think people won't scheme against you just because of your status? Use your status only when necessary; otherwise, there's no need to flaunt it constantly.

Nanny Gu, Qingdai, and Hongxiu agreed wholeheartedly.

Tonight, there is a welcoming banquet. All the officials and their families will attend, but this is a men's affair. In the back courtyard, Jie Shi is helping with the arrangements. Her current identity is not the wife of the Minister of Appointments but simply a daughter-in-law taking care of her parents.

Yao Niang accompanied Jie Shi to greet the guests. Most of the ladies present were the wives of co-magistrates and prefects. The three co-magistrates' wives were all in their forties, while the wife of Chen Tongzhi seemed to be around Jie Shi's age. She had a daughter named Chen Shuyi, who was a year older than Yao Niang but very shy.

Mrs. Chen spoke to Jie Shi about her daughter, helpless: "My daughter is too well-behaved and shy. I hope you don't mind."

Everyone admired Jie Shi's elegant demeanor and refined speech. She wore a light blue cloud-patterned dress, exuding a unique charm yet remaining approachable. Jie Shi introduced her daughter: "Our daughter is quite mischievous and often gives me headaches. If you don't mind, let them play together."

Yao Niang greeted Chen Shuyi. Shuyi, usually terrified in crowded places, found Yao Niang's presence calming.

Mrs. Chen was impressed by Yao Niang's beauty and praised her: "Truly a great beauty, just like you."

Yao Niang led Chen Shuyi to a small table and introduced herself: "May I ask your name, Sister?"

Perhaps feeling more comfortable with fewer people, Chen Shuyi smiled back, amazed by the instant connection. Some people take time to bond, while others feel like old friends right away.

"My surname is Chen, and my given name is Shuyi. I am the only daughter," Chen Shuyi said.

Yao Niang smiled, "I am Yan, ranked third in the family. I have an elder brother. You can call me Yao Niang."

Chen Shuyi followed suit, "Yao Niang."

They exchanged ages. It turned out that Chen Shuyi's father passed the imperial exams eight years ago and served as a county magistrate for six years before becoming a co-magistrate in Kaifeng, indicating some connections.

But Yao Niang didn't pry into details. She said, "Jie Futi is my maternal grandfather. I came here with my mother to visit our relatives. If you ever need company, feel free to visit me."

Though shy, Chen Shuyi noticed that Yao Niang mentioned only her maternal grandfather, guessing that they had come here for support. She didn't ask further.

Both spoke well, discussing books they read. Chen Shuyi studied for three years and wanted to join a private school but was too shy, so she hired a tutor instead.

"I always get nervous around many people and avoid socializing," Chen Shuyi admitted, embarrassed.

Yao Niang smiled, "It's nothing unusual. Many girls feel shy when they go out less. I used to hide behind my mother whenever I saw crowds. No matter how much she pulled, I wouldn't come out."

"Sister, you were like that too? But how do you seem so...?" Chen Shuyi was surprised.

Yao Niang laughed, "Sister, have you considered that others might be nervous too? When you see someone calm, maybe they're just pretending. Pretend enough, and you'll become more confident. Think this way when talking to others, and you'll be like me soon."

"Really? That's a great idea. Thank you, Sister," Chen Shuyi felt relieved, remembering how she cried after hearing others criticize her.

Yao Niang sipped tea, "If you find it helpful, that's enough. If you really want to thank me, show me around since I'm new here."

Chen Shuyi readily agreed.

Even when Yao Niang complimented her bracelet, Chen Shuyi took it off and gave it to her, surprising Yao Niang but making her happy. She told Jie Shi, "Though it's early to say, I think Kaifeng might be our lucky place. In the capital, I didn't make any close friends, but here, I've found a kindred spirit in Sister Chen."

"Silly girl, perhaps they already sensed our status from our demeanor and clothes," Jie Shi joked.

Yao Niang smiled, "Mother, what do I lose? Whether she genuinely likes me or not, it's fine. If she turns against me, I'll do the same. Mother, thinking positively is best. Father can't do anything about us, but he understands our resolve."

Jie Shi nodded, "True. You're wiser than me at your age."

"Mother, Father once said something right: why should women care so much about reputation and just wait for others to give us everything? We need to fight for ourselves. No one speaks for us; we must do it ourselves," Yao Niang said.

Then, she rolled her eyes, "Look at me, daydreaming again. We came to Henan to escape trouble, yet I keep dreaming."

"No, my daughter has extraordinary insights," Jie Shi praised her.

The mother and daughter were sleeping together tonight. Yao Niang held onto Jie's arm and said, "Daughter has long wanted to sleep with Mother."

At the Chen Prefect's residence, Lady Chen had never seen her daughter so happy before. She stroked her daughter's hair and said, "It seems our Shuyi has made a good friend."

Lady Chen only had this one daughter, and she had been strict with her since childhood, which led to her developing a cautious, shy, and introverted personality. Some families of lower status deliberately befriended her to take advantage, while those of higher status looked down on her. It was rare for someone like Miss Yan, who looked like a celestial being and seemed to have a good character.

Shuyi nodded. "Yes, Yao Niang is very kind. She knows I love reading and said she has a few new books in her trunk that she can lend me."

"That's good." Lady Chen noticed that Jie's attire and speech did not resemble those of an ordinary official's wife, yet she was alone with her daughter at her maternal home. Perhaps her husband had died, and she had come here for support.

Thus, Lady Chen asked, "Did this Miss Yan mention anything about her father or brother?"

"Not really, she just said she ranks third in her clan and has an older brother, but didn't say much about him."

Lady Chen imagined a dramatic story. Seeing that Jie was in her early twenties, she must be quite young, having married an elderly man of high rank as a second wife. After his death, she was forced to return to her maternal home with her daughter.

Thinking about it, she felt some sympathy. Jie must have been married to a powerful old man, otherwise, she wouldn't be using such fine silk handkerchiefs. Despite her modest appearance, she couldn't hide her elegance.

Suddenly, Lady Chen thought of the current Inspector Shen, who is now forty-one years old. At thirty-eight, he was already a Deputy Judge of the Ministry of Justice, and now he is a provincial inspector. It is said that he has six sons, and his wife passed away two years ago.

Last time, the Lady of the Transport Commissioner mentioned wanting to arrange a marriage for Inspector Shen with a girl from the wealthy Peng family in the province, who is sixteen years old and very lively. It is rumored that Inspector Shen thought she was too young and wanted someone more suitable.

Lady Chen felt that Jie would be perfect. If she could arrange this marriage, her husband's career would be secure, and Jie would also get a good match. Although Jie is not young, she has an extraordinary aura and is the daughter of an official, which makes her superior to the Peng girl.

Yes, tomorrow I will sound her out.