Chapter 59

Seeing Yan Jingzhao return, Yao Niang hurriedly got up and walked over: "Brother, did he say anything after eating?"

Yan Jingzhao feigned ignorance: "He? Which he?"

"Brother, you know exactly who I'm talking about," Yao Niang stomped her foot.

Seeing his sister's reaction, Yan Jingzhao couldn't help but say, "Princess Yan, I must remind you that men are different before and after marriage. Don't lower yourself too much."

Yao Niang glanced at Yan Jingzhao: "If I didn't ask you, would you still come to tell me? Now that I ask, you act coy and even lecture me. Give me back my paintings of the Peony Fairy and the Lotus Fairy."

Hearing about the paintings, Yan Jingzhao quickly held back his angry sister: "Dear sister, of course he said it was good. He ate everything."

Seeing her brother apologize again, Yao Niang softened: "Brother, I know you mean well. I also know that once something is in hand, it's not as precious anymore. I understand all this."

Yan Jingzhao, seeing his young sister, smiled and said, "I meant that most frivolous young men are like that, but Shen Linfeng isn't. Only those with loose morals would be promiscuous."

"Brother, thank you," Yao Niang said.

Yan Jingzhao waved his hand: "It's nothing. By the way, Shen Linfeng said you shouldn't cook anymore. His family has many cooks."

"Alright," Yao Niang smiled and went back.

Though cooking is a valuable skill, Yao Niang really didn't enjoy it, especially the chopping and tending to the stove, which was smoky and hot. It wasn't a place she liked to stay.

But she wasn't one to give up easily. Though she didn't need to be an expert, she thought if she could learn to cook, at least she wouldn't starve when times were tough.

However, following Shen Linfeng, she probably wouldn't go hungry. Shen Linfeng looked quite wealthy.

Thinking about this made her laugh. The heat of late summer still lingered, so Yao Niang didn't return to her room but went straight to the garden to cool off. Unexpectedly, she saw Ying Niang there.

"Fourth Sister, why are you sitting here alone?"

Ying Niang looked up and saw Yao Niang. She naturally knew that Yao Niang was now favored by the Shen family, more so than her elder sister Yan Ningxin. Knowing Yao Niang's fondness for shrimp and crab, they often sent them over, and even they benefited from it.

Xu Gongzi wasn't bad to her, but he wasn't as attentive.

This was what annoyed her, but she couldn't say it out loud, as it would admit her inferiority.

Seeing Yao Niang so composed, she said with a hint of jealousy, "Third Sister, I'm just sitting here playing. Why did you come over? I heard the eldest daughter of the Shen family is going to attend a polo match. You don't know how to play, so how will you socialize with them? I heard the bride-to-be of the second branch of the Shen family is also a skilled polo player."

The Yan family generally focused on literary pursuits, and they had grown up in Jin Ling. After moving to the capital, their parents didn't think playing polo was necessary. Now, only Yan Jingzhao knew how to play, but he was busy with his duties at the Imperial Academy and had no time to teach her. Her father was also busy, and Yao Niang didn't dare to disturb him.

But she wasn't as fearful as she imagined, saying, "Let them play. I can ride and enjoy the breeze without having to join the game."

Playing polo could easily injure one's body and face, and it wasn't something achieved overnight. If she tried to excel in everything, wouldn't she be living a very exhausting life?

Ying Niang didn't expect Yao Niang to be so indifferent and doubted her sincerity: "Third Sister, you're usually competitive. Why are you so calm now? Aren't you afraid your sister-in-law will surpass you?"

"Fourth Sister, why do you worry so much about me? Worry about yourself instead," Yao Niang replied. She knew these women in the inner chambers well. Her mother, for instance, used to read and do flower arrangements, but after marriage, she focused on household chores, serving her in-laws, and raising children. How many could remain carefree? Even Shen Linfeng, now at the Imperial Academy, couldn't maintain his previous lifestyle.

Ying Niang waved her fan: "I was just joking, Third Sister. No need to get upset."

Yao Niang coldly hummed: "I'm not upset. It's just that neither you nor Second Sister knows how to play polo. Many people in the capital don't either. If I really want to learn, someone will teach me eventually. Why should I be afraid?"

Worst case, she could ask Shen Linfeng to teach her. The tutors she hired might not be as good as him.

The two sisters parted on less than friendly terms.

As Ying Niang returned, she met Zhen Li. Zhen Li's marriage prospects were also difficult. Her family had several matters to attend to and paid little attention to her. Zhen Li was in a precarious position.

People feel at ease when they have a place to belong.

Zhen Li, however, showed genuine concern for Ying Niang, smiling, "Cousin, I noticed it's still quite hot these days, so I made some incense pills. I was planning to send them to you."

"Thank you, Cousin Zhen," Ying Niang maintained a polite facade.

Zhen Li said, "I've been eating a lot of shrimp and crab lately and encountered pollen, causing some rashes on my face. I was hoping to get some medicine from you."

"I haven't had any rashes this year, so I don't have any," Ying Niang replied. She usually went to Yao Niang for such things, as Yao Niang made some every year, though not much. Servants and others with rashes would go to her for a pack.

But she wouldn't tell Zhen Li that Yao Niang made them, only saying she didn't have any.

Zhen Li had no choice but to leave and went to Qian Niang instead. Qian Niang said, "My third sister made a special powder called 'Yu Nü Tao Hua' to remove facial spots. You should ask her for some."

Zhen Li thought to herself that it made sense why Fourth Cousin didn't say much earlier; she got everything from Third Miss.

This was a clever move by Third Miss, a form of social networking. But the more perfect a person is, the higher the expectations. Zhen Li heard Fourth Cousin talking about Third Miss not knowing how to play polo and how the Shen family's gifts were a form of condescension.

But Zhen Li thought, despite Third Miss's high status and beauty, people still unconsciously sided with men, a misfortune for women.

Zhen Li personally came to the third branch to find Yao Niang. Yao Niang smiled, "You could have sent someone to fetch them. There's no need for you to come yourself. Qingdai, give Cousin Zhen two packs."

As the saying goes, one should not reveal deep feelings to a shallow acquaintance. Zhen Li thanked her and left with the medicine.

Yao Niang sat in her room, lost in thought. Aunt Gu asked, "Miss, is something wrong?"

"Nothing," she replied. She was thinking that since the Shen family had a polo match but didn't invite her, perhaps they had some grievances against her.

It wasn't impossible. Although the incident with Yan Ningxin seemed to have faded a year ago, everyone knew about her elopement. They just didn't mention it due to the Yan family's status.

The Shen family indeed had some reservations, especially after Lady Shen's niece, Han Ruohua, joined her household. Yao Niang increasingly felt she had made the wrong choice.

Lady Shen's second wife whispered to her, "If not for our son Bangyan being already betrothed, we would have definitely chosen Han Girl."

The Han family was also a prominent family in Jin Ling, known for raising virtuous and talented daughters. Lady Shen said, "Sister-in-law, don't praise her too much," but she felt regretful.

"How am I praising her? I'm being sincere," Lady Shen's second wife said, putting down her teacup.

Mrs. Shen smiled but said nothing: "Ruo Hua's parents are both going to take up posts outside the capital. I kept her here in the city to spare her the hardship of travel."

Lady Shen Er couldn't help but ask: "Sister-in-law, Linfeng is no longer young. The relatives have been asking when he will be getting married. Since both our families are in the capital, why not have the wedding here and save everyone the trouble of traveling?"

"I would like to, but the Yan family says their daughter is too young and hasn't reached the age of marriage yet," Mrs. Shen replied, not without some regret.

Lady Shen Er took a sip of tea, a smile playing on her lips: "Sister-in-law, I'm not saying this to be critical, but the Yan family has had its issues before, which disgraced our entire clan. I do think their third daughter is quite suitable, but many things can change over time. Besides, it's also a bit of my own selfishness. Our Bangyan is only a few months younger than Linfeng, and his side is also urging for an early marriage."

Mrs. Shen found some sense in these words. Among the three brothers of the Shen family, only this second sister-in-law had always respected her since she entered the household. Though they were sisters-in-law, their relationship was closer than that of sisters.

"You're right. She is fourteen now, and I remember I was also fourteen when I got married. I think the girl is already quite mature and ready for marriage," Mrs. Shen agreed.

Lady Shen Er smiled: "If so, that's even better. With Fengge's wife helping you, the main house won't need me to come over anymore. You know me, Sister-in-law; I hate worrying about things."

Regarding the choice for the wedding, Mrs. Shen had previously trusted her son too much, leading to Shen Linfeng kneeling to beg for this marriage. This had already taught her a lesson. Now, by arranging the wedding earlier, she wouldn't need to consult her son again.

Thinking this way, she naturally went to discuss it. When Lady Jie heard these words, she was somewhat displeased, but she always maintained her composure and only said she needed to discuss it with Yan Yingqi. However, she didn't expect Yan Yingqi's reaction to be surprising.

"Actually, even if the Shen family hadn't come, I was planning to have them marry sooner. This suits my intentions perfectly," Yan Yingqi said.

In fact, Lady Jie had been saving dowry for Yao Niang all along, but she never expected Yan Yingqi to say such a thing, which made her furious: "Are you crazy? What kind of situation is this? Yao Niang is only fourteen years old."

Yan Yingqi shook his head: "I know my daughter is young, but she can get married first without consummating the marriage. It all depends on her own abilities. Let me tell you the truth, my father won't last past the end of this year."

Lady Jie was taken aback: "Then why... why did you still compete for that position?"

Yan Yingqi straightened Lady Jie's clothes: "I have to compete. Even if I lose, I'll still be among the candidates, and people will remember me. Right now, I have a sure win. When the time comes, I'll deliberately let Du Xueshi have it, earning a favor. Although Du Hongchen is from a humble background, he is related to the Dus of Jingzhao, but the main branch of the Du family is no longer strong. He has always been alone in the bureaucracy. If I give him a push, when I return, I can use this favor. You don't know that although Prime Minister Wen has been reappointed, in two or three years, he may be too old to continue. If Vice Premier Gong can become the Prime Minister, that's great. If not, I'll bet on Du Hongchen being nominated in the court selection."

"Lord, this..." Lady Jie was surprised by Yan Yingqi's deep thoughts.

"By the way, wasn't Lady Liu invited for the eldest daughter's Quanfu ceremony? We should invite her again for Yao Niang's wedding. It's best to see things through to the end. Besides, she is Du Xueshi's daughter, after all," Yan Yingqi said calmly.