Four Delicate Offenders – CH 023

Chapter 23. The Date Has Been Set; It Will Be The Sixth Day Of Next Month.

In Yunpan’s eyes, Lady Ming’s happiness was like her long-deceased mother suddenly returning to her side, filling her heart with a solid and reliable warmth.

She remembered when she was twelve, attending the first Flower Banquet; her mother led her to greet the noble ladies and young women of the capital, saying, “This is Aunt Chen, this is Elder Sister, this is Younger Sister…” as if everyone in Youzhou was family.

As a child, she was a little naive, looking up and asking, “Do we have so many relatives?”

Her mother smiled and said, “You are just a child; politeness is most important. In this circle, you can pick any two people, and they are all related, albeit indirectly. If you treat others with courtesy, they will treat you with courtesy in return. If you call others ‘sister,’ they will call you ‘sister,’ right? Always be sweet-talking, and do not try to curry favor; you will not lose out.”

Her aunt upheld this principle, taking her to the Prime Minister’s residence and introducing her to everyone: “This is my own niece…” Then she introduced her again: “Si Si, this is the Prime Minister’s wife, Lady Gao, and this is the young lady from the Privy Council’s family, Sister Yu-rong…”

Yunpan smiled and, following her aunt’s instructions, bowed to each of the officials’ wives. Actually, they were all so grown up, and still treating her like a child made her feel somewhat embarrassed. The noble ladies, because her marriage was arranged by the Empress Dowager and her betrothed was the Duke of Wei, were also very polite to her.

Lady Gao held her hand, looking her over again and again, and smiled, “In the blink of an eye, you’ve grown so much! Yueyin and I were close friends; we often played together when we were little. Later, Yueyin married Marquis Jiang and established her residence in Youzhou, a hundred miles apart, making it very difficult to see each other. I still remember when Yueyin gave birth to her; several other wives of high-ranking officials and I went to Youzhou together for her full-moon celebration. More than ten years have passed; everything has changed in the blink of an eye, and Yueyin is no longer here…”

As close friends, their faces showed a touch of melancholy as they spoke of the past.

Lady Gao, knowing it was not appropriate to appear somber on such a joyous occasion, quickly put on a smiling face and said, “Things are fine now. The child is by your side, so you can rest assured. Even if Yueyin is in heaven, you do not need to worry. It’s always her father who’s so heartbreaking; such a good child, yet he’s so cruel to her.”

Lady Ming said, “What father in the world does not love his daughter? Someone can be influenced by the bedmaids and cause a moment of confusion.”

This was Lady Ming’s cleverness. Slandering Jiang Heng in front of outsiders would not benefit Yunpan at all. If her father were so inhumane, she might be criticized in the future for having a corrupt father, which would ultimately harm Yunpan. It was better to blame all the faults on the concubine, preserving Jiang Heng’s reputation and also preserving Yunpan’s. After all, the father-daughter relationship could not be severed yet; if her father was being spoken ill of, how could his daughter’s reputation be bright?

Lady Gao sighed, “It’s all because Yueyin left too soon. If she were still here, how could a mere young woman be controlling others?”

“Fortunately, Si Si has come to my side. Marquis Jiang also entrusted her to me, saying that without someone to manage the household, he fears the child might be neglected after marriage, and he wants me to take care of everything,” Lady Ming said with a smile. “Si Si grew up in Youzhou and knows nothing about the affairs of the capital. In the future, I will have to rely on my elder sister to look after her. Just look after her for her deceased mother. If she behaves poorly in any way, my elder sister can discipline her for me. Just to prevent her from losing face in front of outsiders, that would be my elder sister’s greatest kindness to me.”

Lady Gao readily agreed, saying, “Do not worry, Yueyin’s flesh and blood is no different from my own children.” She then looked at Yunpan with a gentle smile, “Besides, I think Si Si is very well-behaved. Her every move is just like her mother’s. I like her so much; why would I need to discipline her?”

These were all polite formalities. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Lady Ming led Yunpan to meet the wife of the State Counsellor in the Imperial Secretariat. This woman was a true member of the family, someone she had met at her mother’s funeral last year. Lady Ming pushed her forward, saying, “Call her Aunt. We are from the same clan, sharing the same surname.”

The wife of this State Counsellor was the niece of the Grand Princess’s husband. Even after her uncle’s death, she maintained contact with the Grand Princess’s household. Later, the sisters married, and she followed her husband to another city for several years, only returning to the capital two years ago when her husband was promoted to State Counsellor.

Having a blood relative was different from empty words. Yunpan bowed respectfully to her, and the State Counsellor’s wife embraced her tightly, whispering, “My child, you’ve suffered so much. Your aunt only heard about your plight a few days ago, and I truly hate your father; I am seething with hatred. Now that you’ve come to the capital and found such a good marriage, it’s finally a way out…” She suddenly thought of Meifen and turned to ask Lady Ming, “What are Meifen’s plans for the future? Her illness just will not get better; is it getting worse?”

Lady Ming’s face darkened. “What else is there to say? It will not kill her, but it will kill me. You see, she’s perfectly fine normally, but the moment you mention marriage, she starts making a scene. Where in the world is there a girl like that? I am so worried. This time, it’s thanks to the Empress Dowager’s matchmaking that we’ve been saved from this urgent situation; otherwise, how could we explain ourselves to the Duke of Wei’s family, who wanted her?”

The State Counsellor’s wife echoed her melancholy, “The child does not want to, and we cannot force her. We can just keep her at home.”

Lady Ming smiled bitterly. “We cannot worry about our reputation now. If people find out our son has such a troublesome sister when he gets married, who knows what they will think?”

It was indeed a difficult matter. If things went wrong, it could really jeopardize Xiang Xu’s marriage. But there was nothing they could do in the moment; they could only wait and see.

The State Counsellor’s wife turned and beckoned, “Nianzi, come and greet your sister.”

Yunpan listened quietly to their conversation for a while before finally looking up, following the State Counsellor’s wife’s gaze to the girl laughing and talking with someone not far away. She was a tall young woman, always seemingly radiant, with deep-set eyes and a natural air of heroism. Perhaps because she had been raised in a foreign land in her early years, she was used to the vastness of the world and was not as timid as the girls in the noble circles.

She approached and bowed to Lady Ming, saying, “Aunt.” Then she turned and exchanged greetings with Yunpan, asking, “Are you Si Si?”

Yunpan smiled shyly and nodded. Nianzi said, “I heard my mother mention you a few days ago, and I’ve been looking forward to today’s banquet so we can meet.”

The State Counsellor’s wife looked at her beloved daughter, her eyes filled with doting affection. “I told you not to go far, but you went off to make friends with others again, leaving your sister here without even saying hello.” She then added, “Your sister is new to the capital and does not know anyone. Introduce her to your friends; it will not hurt to meet more people.”

Nianzi responded brightly, smiling. “I am very good at making friends. In the past two years, I’ve interacted with all the noble ladies in the capital.” She then took Yunpan’s hand. “Come, let me introduce you to my two closest friends.”

The State Counsellor was essentially a Deputy Grand Chancellor; his family was of high status, so his friends were naturally all prominent noble ladies.

Nianzi first introduced her to the eldest granddaughter of the Grand Secretary of the Yankang Hall. She was a round-faced girl with round eyes, small in stature, and as lovely as a honey apple. Upon seeing Yunpan, she exclaimed in surprise, “She’s so beautiful!”

Nianzi smiled and introduced her to Yunpan. “Your two names are somewhat similar. Her maiden name is Qiaqia, the Qiaqia from ‘The carefree nightingale singing^(qiaqia) sweetly.'”

Fate brought them closer. Qiaqia also had close female friends, and through introductions, five or six girls quickly gathered together, chatting happily.

They talked about what books they read and what they did for fun at home, and eventually, they discussed their marriages. Except for Nianzi and the fourth daughter of the Deputy Transport Commissioner, almost everyone else was engaged.

As they were laughing, laughter came from behind a painted screen not far away. In the flickering lamplight, only half a body could be seen, half-hidden. A moment later, the exposed, folded skirt turned, and two young girls emerged hand in hand. One was delicate and frail, with a pale face and light lips, resembling a sickly beauty.

Qiaqia immediately became interested. “Is this not the third daughter of the Da Zi family? Si Si should have heard of her.”

Upon hearing “Da Zi,” Yunpan knew what was going on. The Second Prince Li of the Duke of Dongchang’s family had broken off his engagement because of the third young lady of the Grand Secretary of the Zizheng Hall ^{(Grand Secretary = Daxueshi + Zizheng Hall ⇒ Da Zi)}.

A girl without a matchmaker or betrothal, entangled with a man already engaged, was destined to be the subject of gossip. Although, to preserve their reputation, the Founding Marquis’s family had broken off the engagement first, the reasons behind it were already common knowledge.

Nianzi felt indignant for Yunpan. If the engagement with the Li family had not fallen through, that concubine in the Marquis’s Mansion would not have dared to treat Si Si so poorly. She then took Yunpan’s hand and led her to the Third Young Lady of the Yan family, forcing a smile.

“What a coincidence,” she said, “you are not at home preparing for your wedding but instead have time to attend this banquet.” As she spoke, she intentionally introduced her to Yunpan. “This is the noble granddaughter of the Da Zi family; her courtesy name is Jiaorui. Look at that name, and look at that bearing—is she not more beautiful than a flower?”

Yan Jiaorui immediately felt awkward. She had only learned of the Founding Marquis’s daughter’s attendance at the banquet after visiting the Prime Minister’s house, and she had felt uncomfortable at the time. However, she could not go back, so she could only try her best to navigate the situation.

She had thought she could avoid the situation and not have any contact with the others, but unexpectedly, the meddlesome Yu Nianzi appeared. This time, there was no escaping it, and she had no choice but to confront her head-on.

Yan Jiaorui forced a polite smile. “My grandfather gave me this name; I dare not compare myself to a delicate flower.” She then turned her gaze to Yunpan. “So you are the young lady from the Jiang family? I heard from Jibai last time that you met with misfortune; it was truly heartbreaking. Seeing you safe and sound today, thank goodness, good people are indeed blessed.”

As soon as she mentioned Jibai, someone nearby laughed. “You are betrothed to the second son of the Duke of Dongchang, and Si Si is betrothed to the Duke of Wei. So you are all family, are you not? Although the Duke of Dongchang is from a collateral branch, he and the Duke of Wei are of the same generation. So, to the Second Young Master Li, the Duke of Wei is like an uncle!” Then, exclaiming, “When you are married, you will have to distinguish your seniority when you meet again. Si Si is even younger than you; she’s really got the better end of the deal this time.”

Everyone laughed, largely because the Duke of Dongchang’s family had not wasted time finalizing the engagement with the Da Zi family as soon as news of Yunpan’s death broke. In such a situation, most families would wait until the mourning period was over before proceeding with the next betrothal proposal. But the Duke of Dongchang’s family was in such a hurry; it was unclear whether the Li family was naive or the Yan family was pressuring them too much. In any case, it was a ridiculous affair. If the person had truly died, it would have been one thing, but instead, she came back to life and suddenly became an elder, which was sure to infuriate Yan Jiaorui.

Embarrassed in front of everyone, Yan Jiaorui blushed. Seeing her unease, Yunpan tried to smooth things over, saying, “There are many families in both the capital and Youzhou who are related; it’s just a coincidence.”

But Yan Jiaorui did not appreciate the gesture. In the gentlest tone, she uttered the most hurtful words: “This time, the Young Lady’s dowry will likely be substantial, considering the betrothal gifts from the previous marriage.”

Yunpan, remaining calm, murmured, “Could it be that because of the previous engagement, the Duke’s Mansion withheld the Young Lady’s betrothal gifts? Young Lady, you are from a wealthy family; the Duke’s Mansion should have provided more, so the betrothal gifts should have doubled. In that case, Young Lady Yan’s dowry should be even more generous!”

If it had not doubled, then Yan Jiaorui was worthless. Having finished speaking, she seemed somewhat disheartened and unwilling to argue further, so she tugged at Nianzi’s hand. “Sister, let’s go somewhere else.”

The five or six people then pretended to move away. Behind them, Yan Jiaorui gritted her teeth in anger, complaining to her cousin beside her, “What’s so great about her? She’s just someone else’s leftovers. In my eyes, she’s no different from a concubine, yet she acts all high and mighty in front of me! I really despise her!”

Her cousin seemed somewhat bewildered. “Since she was not married before, she… cannot be considered a concubine, can she?”

“Why not?” Yan Jiaorui retorted angrily. “Knowing full well that the eldest daughter of the Duke of Shu was ill, she still eagerly went to the Duke of Shu’s mansion. Who knows if she was not aiming for a substitute marriage!”

Now, even her cousin showed disapproval. Yan Jiaorui suddenly realized that, given her own situation, she could not mock others. Her face flushed red and then pale, and she clutched her chest, panting heavily.

Yunpan and several noble ladies took their seats. A maid served tea, and Yunpan said, “Thank you all so much today, Sisters. I am new to the capital, and it’s thanks to you all that I have not felt lonely.”

Girls from well-to-do families were generally very kind-hearted, and those who could become friends with someone as cheerful as Nianzi were simple and honest people.

Qiaqia said it was nothing. “Since you will be staying in the capital, we can hang out together. It’s more fun with more people.” As she spoke, she noticed the small walnut with delicate tassels hanging from her waist and pointed to it. “I’ve been looking at it for a while now. What exactly is this?”

Yunpan brought the Qiankun walnut here to test how the noble ladies of the capital, accustomed to fine things, would react to such a handcrafted object. On a small scale, it could be used to make new friends; on a larger scale, perhaps one day it could even open a shop. Today, she could mix plaster with stone pigment to make houses, cattle, and sheep; tomorrow, she could cast tables, chairs, and decorations from gold and silver.

She took off the walnut pendant, unfastened the small clasp, and showed it to them. “It’s a little trinket I made casually, just to pass the time.”

People had carved boats from walnut shells before, but no one had ever seen a dressing table, embroidery stool, or screen inside a walnut shell.

Everyone exclaimed in surprise, “This is so interesting!”

Yunpan smiled shyly, watching them pass it around. The six of them could not get enough of it and took it elsewhere to show other noble ladies. Soon, the news that the young lady of the Jiang family could make Qiankun walnuts spread far and wide. This girl, newly integrated into the circle of nobles, suddenly found her future brighter.

Jiang Yunpan became a celebrity, attracting even the attention of several princesses and the Prime Minister’s wife. Yan Jiaorui curled her lip. “Just some fancy tricks to please women.”

Yan Jiaorui’s cousin disagreed, clinging to her shoulder and standing on tiptoe, wanting to join in the fun, muttering, “We are all women; women love making those strange things… Oh, those walnuts are really fun; I could never make one…”

Yan Jiaorui, annoyed, shoved her away.

“When will you make another one, Sister? I will trade you my homemade rouge.” The seventh young lady of the Pacification Commissioner’s family was only thirteen or fourteen, the age when she loved such things most.

Yunpan handed the Qiankun walnut to her, saying, “No need to exchange it, you can have it if you like. There are a few more at home; if you and your sisters also like playing with them, I will send someone to deliver them to you later.”

Once this started, the girls all became interested, each saying they wanted one, then covering their mouths and laughing, “I am afraid that’s too abrupt, and the young lady might laugh at us.”

Lady Ming, watching from afar, could not help but sigh, “I did not know Si Si had this skill. Look at them, all crowding around her asking for one.”

The Counsellor’s wife smiled and said, “The mirror in that Qiankun walnut is covered with foil, and even the edges of the screen are delicately carved. Let alone girls liking it, I would not have the nerve to ask for one myself; otherwise, I would have wanted one too.”

“Then let Si Si make one for you too, a whole bunch of pastries, with your favorite sour lotus root and jade pillar candy,” Lady Ming teased with a smile, feeling reassured. Seeing the child’s abilities, she did not need to worry about her in the future.

Previously, she had been somewhat apprehensive, fearing that the distasteful reputation of the Founding Marquis’s Mansion would implicate her and that if she replaced Meifen, those haughty noblewomen would gossip behind her back. Now, however, things seemed far better than expected. She was not worried about the news reaching the Duke of Wei’s mansion anymore; Old Lady Hu might not be unwilling to have a grandson’s wife she could easily befriend. Although she had only used a small walnut to break the ice, as long as she could win people’s hearts and gain a foothold in the capital’s circles, that was her skill.

Comparing her to Meifen, her daughter was indeed at a disadvantage, but Lady Ming was happy with this situation. Si Si was like her own daughter; as long as she was doing well, she could face her deceased sister with a clear conscience.

Sure enough, the efforts of the first day were not in vain; the next day, the chief clerk of the Duke’s Mansion paid a visit to the Duke of Shu’s mansion.

Lady Ming returned to the back courtyard and sat in her armchair, saying, “The date has been set; it’s the sixth day of next month. Nanny Yao and I consulted the almanac and determined the sixth day to be extremely auspicious, perfectly matching your birth chart—like adding fuel to the fire.”

She then had a maid bring a set of pearl jewelry to Yunpan. “This was sent by the Princess of Liang. Although she did not attend the banquet at Minister Han’s residence yesterday, she has many spies. Everyone was watching your every move, and it reached her ears. The fact that she sent jewelry means you are very much to her liking.”

Yunpan listened and simply smiled quietly.

She glanced down and calculated—the sixth day of next month… only a dozen days away. This marriage, originally arranged by Meifen, had been completely prepared by the Duke of Wei’s mansion. Now, it seemed the marriage was truly happening.