Mo Sang – CH 154

Chapter 154. A Little Thing That Makes You Happy

Fourth Old Master Liu’s family was moderately well-off, owning a large carriage, but it was only a slightly worn one.

When going to the Imperial Secretariat, Shi Jingyao gave Liu Rui a ride on the way, while Grandma Sun and Lady Wu went in the same carriage.

On the return trip, Lady Zhong and Lady Qian gave up their carriage for Grandma Sun, taking the three of them home.

The large carriage, bearing the Prime Minister’s insignia and seal, stopped at the entrance of Fourth Old Master Liu’s alley. From the idlers in the teahouse at the alley entrance to the neighbors, everyone craned their necks to watch the spectacle.

The prominent Prime Minister’s insignia was incredibly eye-catching.

Lady Wu got out of the carriage first and helped Grandma Sun down, and then, seeing her daughter Liu Rui, also got out, hurried into the courtyard.

At this moment, she could not care less about the peeking neighbors; the plaque bearing the Emperor’s own calligraphy, inscribed with the words “Suitable for Home and Family,” was about to arrive, and she had to prepare quickly!

Lady Zhong said, “Prepare as if you are receiving an imperial decree.”

She had been married into the Liu family for over twenty years, and this was her first time receiving an imperial decree.

“Mother, I’ve never received an imperial decree before. I will need your guidance later,” said Lady Wu, helping Grandma Sun into the courtyard.

“Our family has never received an imperial decree before. I cannot give any guidance. This matter needs to be handled by Rui’er’s grandfather. Where is he?”

“Eldest grandson! Go find him quickly and tell him to come back immediately. Tell him the imperial decree is arriving soon and to hurry!” Grandma Sun tapped her cane, instructing her eldest grandson, who had come to greet her.

The eldest son said, “Yes,” stepped aside to let his sister Liu Rui pass, jumped over the threshold, and hurried to find his grandfather.

Lady Wu helped Grandma Sun into the house and sat her down, waving her hand and instructing Liu Rui to quickly tidy herself up. Her daughter was the main character in receiving the imperial decree!

Lady Wu went out into the courtyard and directed the old servants to sweep the courtyard again, sprinkling it with clean water at least twice.

“Madam! It’s the Prime Minister Wu’s residence! They’ve come to see you!” The old woman who had just swept out of the courtyard gate rushed in, broom in hand, to report.

“The Prime Minister Wu?” Lady Wu was startled for a moment, then hurried out to greet her.

Outside the courtyard gate, Fourth Madam Wu née Wei had already gotten out of her carriage at the alley entrance and was heading towards their house.

Seeing Lady Wu come out to greet her, Fourth Madam Wu née Wei quickly smiled and greeted her, “Do not blame me for being abrupt; I rushed over right away. I was really urged to come.”

“Please come in quickly!” Lady Wu hurriedly ushered Fourth Madam Wu née Wei inside.

“Rui’er, Fourth Madam Wu née Wei has arrived; quickly make a bowl of tea,” Lady Wu called out to Liu Rui as she ushered Fourth Madam Wu née Wei inside.

“Greetings, Old Madam. I am bothering you again. Please do not be offended,” Fourth Madam Wu née Wei greeted Madam Sun with a smile.

“Please sit down,” Eldest Lady Wu said, gesturing for Fourth Madam Wu née Wei to sit.

Liu Rui brought over tea, which Fourth Madam Wu née Wei accepted, smiling and gesturing to Liu Rui. “Good child, sit over there and listen to my conversation with Grandma and your mother so they will not have to repeat themselves.”

Eldest Madam Liu née Wu’s heart skipped a beat upon hearing Fourth Madam Wu née Wei’s words.

“The imperial decree will arrive soon, and we have a lot to attend to at home. I will not waste time with pleasantries and will get straight to the point. Please do not be offended, Madam and Grandmother,” Fourth Madam Wu née Wei said, bowing slightly.

“Please speak frankly, Fourth Madam Wu née Wei. This old woman is quite straightforward,” Grandma Sun said, bowing slightly with a smile.

“It’s like this… my Second Sister-in-law has taken a liking to our Rui’er.” Fourth Madam Wu née Wei’s words caused all three people in the room to widen their eyes.

“My Second Sister-in-law’s youngest son, the ninth in his family, is twenty this year. They’ve been trying to find him a wife for three or four years, but the difficulty lies with this ninth nephew. He insists on finding someone he can get along with.

This ninth nephew of mine is a bookworm. Every time he goes on a blind date, he starts lecturing on his books and academics. Every time, he complains about the woman, and the woman complains about him, too, so it’s stuck here.

A while ago, my Second Sister-in-law met our Rui’er for the first time and felt an instant connection. She felt an instant affinity, like she was her own daughter.

At that time, we were all busy preparing for today’s big event, and my Second Sister-in-law said she did not dare to cause any trouble.

Just now, after everyone had left, my Second Sister-in-law grabbed me, looking incredibly regretful. She said she should have told the old lady and the eldest mistress beforehand; she had not, and now she had to hurry and grab her, urging me to come over immediately.

I had no choice but to come immediately. Please forgive me, Old Madam and Eldest Madam,” said Madam Wei, laughing as she spoke.

Madam Liu née Wu and Old Madam Sun exchanged glances, utterly incredulous.

“This is a big deal! My Second Sister-in-law has been watching closely for a while now, weighing the options carefully. The old lady and the eldest mistress have not even met my ninth nephew yet.

I am here today to get there first.

Old Madam and Eldest Madam, please start by choosing a husband for our Rui’er.

If you think he’s suitable, we can pick a date and a place so the two young people can meet and exchange a few words.

Marriage is a lifelong matter. It’s not enough for just my ninth nephew to like our Rui’er; she also needs to like him. That would be perfect.

I will not bother you any longer. The old lady and the eldest mistress can discuss it. If they think it’s appropriate for the two young people to meet, just send someone to the Prime Minister’s residence to let me know. I will arrange the rest!”

As she spoke, Lady Wei stood up and bid farewell to Grandma Sun and Lady Wu.

Lady Wu saw Madam Wei off to her carriage, then ran back into the house, her skirt billowing. From Grandma Sun’s gaze to her daughter, Liu Rui, then back to Grandma Sun, she exclaimed, “Mother, how could we possibly be worthy of the Wei family? We…”

“Our Rui’er, the Emperor himself bestowed upon her the title ‘Suitable for Home and Family,’ and while we cannot match her social standing, she’s certainly not begging for his attention!” Grandma Sun declared confidently.

Lady Wu looked at Liu Rui, whose eyes shone brightly at her.

“What does Rui’er think?” Lady Wu asked, looking into her daughter’s sparkling eyes.

“I want to see,” Liu Rui said, her face flushing crimson.

……………………

The four women—Old Lady Jiang and her daughters-in-law—returned to the mansion. They busied themselves setting up the incense table, accepting the plaque inscribed with “Suitable for Home and Family” by the Emperor, and then distributed reward money throughout the house.

Old Lady Jiang did not feel tired at all. She sat with her three daughters-in-law, recounting the day’s events and commenting on each family’s affairs. Just then, a servant announced, “Lady Zheng, wife of the Vice Minister of Revenue, has come to pay her respects.”

Old Lady Jiang looked at Second Madam, Lady Zhong, in surprise. Lady Zhong quickly stood up. “I will go greet her. We were just together, and now she’s here again; it must be urgent.”

“I will go too.” Lady Tian hurriedly stood up.

“Let Second Sister-in-law go. We can hide in the back. She’s come in such a hurry; this urgent matter might be something that should not be known by many,” Old Lady Jiang beckoned to Lady Tian.

Lady Tian agreed and hid behind the screen.

Second Madam, Lady Zhong, smiled and led Lady Zheng to the entrance of Old Lady Jiang’s main room. Third Madam, Lady Qian, greeted her at the door, personally lifting the curtain to let Lady Zheng in.

“I apologize for the intrusion…” After a few pleasantries, Lady Zheng got to the point but seemed quite embarrassed.

“What is it? Just say it. We are all family,” said Old Lady Jiang with a smile.

“Then I will be frank,” said Lady Zheng with a wry smile. “It’s about Ah Yao. Ah Yao is not young anymore. As soon as we returned to Jianle City, I started arranging marriages for her. We’ve been discussing the Fang family.

Old Madam knows that compared to the Fang family, our family is far inferior. This marriage has been discussed for two or three months, but there’s still no definite answer.

Just today, after leaving the Imperial Secretariat, Third Madam Fang came to me and complained endlessly, saying I was not honest. She said that after two or three months of discussing marriage, I had not once mentioned that Ah Yao was learned. She said that the Fang family’s first requirement for a daughter-in-law is education, and she had been hesitant because she was worried that Ah Yao’s education was not up to par.”

Third Madam, Lady Qian, raised an eyebrow and glanced at Second Madam, Lady Zhong, whose lips twitched downwards.

They all knew the third wife of the Fang family well. She was not bad, just a bit petty and occasionally annoying.

“When I chose the Fang family, it was not because of their social standing. I was drawn to the young man; he had a good temper and was open-minded and cheerful—truly rare.

The old lady knows that I’ve been traveling around with Ah Yao’s father in Jianle City. I know almost everything about the ladies and mistresses there—their temperaments and dispositions.

The third wife of the Fang family complained like this…” Lady Zheng smiled bitterly. “The old lady knows that when we women marry, we marry into a family. A good wife is important, but good in-laws are even more crucial, do you not think?

Ah Yao, that child, had been clever since she was little. Of all the children, her father and I love her the most. She’s hardworking and resilient, but she cannot stand being mistreated. The Third Madam of the Fang family had such a temperament…

I’ve thought it over and over, and I dare not agree to this marriage with the Fang family. Not for any other reason than the Third Madam’s temper. I cannot let Ah Yao suffer that injustice.

But now, if I go back, what will the Third Madam of the Fang family think? What will outsiders think? I’ve thought and thought. Sigh, it’s all my fault!”

“You came all this way just for this?” Old Lady Jiang laughed and, seeing Lady Zheng nod, continued, “You are overthinking it.

First of all, our child, approved by the Emperor himself as a suitable wife and mother, has a status that is naturally very different from before. Those who were once good enough for our child are no longer so. Is that not only natural?”

Lady Zheng, taken aback by Old Lady Jiang’s words, stared wide-eyed for a moment before letting out a soft “uh.”

“Secondly, the temperament of the Third Madam of the Fang family is unknown now that she’s just returned to Jianle City, but everyone knows it. Understandably, you do not approve of her,” Old Lady Jiang continued with a smile.

“Old Madam, what you are saying is truly…” Lady Zheng did not finish her sentence before laughing.

“Just after leaving the Imperial Secretariat, Fourth Madam Wu née Wei was grabbed by her Second Sister-in-law, who forced her to go to Fourth Old Master Liu’s house immediately. Her Second Sister-in-law has taken a liking to Rui’er, saying that her ninth nephew has also taken a liking to her.

Fourth Madam Wu née Wei was so anxious that she did not even have time to say much to me; she just wanted to hurry, or else she would not be able to snatch her away.” Third Madam, Lady Qian, looked at Lady Zheng and smiled, “That’s what you call a hundredfold increase in value.”

“I’ve met the Ninth Young Master of the Wei family. What a wonderful child! He’s handsome, has a good temper, and is very learned.” Lady Zheng looked a little envious.

“If you do not mind, I’d like to act as a matchmaker,” said Lady Zhong, smiling at Lady Zheng. “My nephew is currently being considered for marriage. He’s good in every way, but in terms of education, I am afraid he cannot compare to our Ah Yao.”

“Do not be picky about education. If you are picky, she will never get married.” Lady Qian raised her chin, speaking without any politeness.

Lady Zheng chuckled.

……………………

Li Sangrou watched the spectacle until the imperial plaque for “Suitable for Home and Family” was brought out with great fanfare. She followed behind the procession, watching the plaque being carried inside, before turning around and slowly walking back amidst the bustling street.

At this moment, she thought a little of that Shizi.

If he were in Jianle City, he would surely have enjoyed this spectacle immensely. Ru-Yi would definitely be coming to find her by now.

She loved hearing him talk about things that made him happy, things that made her happy too, even though his happiness was different from hers.

Li Sangrou strolled halfway down the street, bought a jar of wine, and headed towards Zhang Mao’s house in Shima Lane.

It was already slightly dark when Li Sangrou pushed open the courtyard gate, and bright lights streamed out.

“Who is it?” Zhang Mao’s voice called out from the kitchen.

“It’s me,” Li Sangrou responded and stepped over the threshold.

“It’s Auntie!” Cui’er cried out in surprise, rushing out first.

Guo’er followed closely behind. “Auntie, Auntie!”

Dazhuang and Guo’er squeezed out together. Guo’er made it through, but Dazhuang tripped on the threshold and fell.

Xiu’er picked up Dazhuang and pushed him out to greet her.

Zhang Mao lifted her apron and wiped her hands, coming out of the kitchen to greet them. “Has the boss eaten? What would you like to eat?”

“I want dumplings,” Li Sangrou said bluntly.

“I want dumplings too! I’ve wanted them for ages, but Mother will not make them, and neither will my eldest sister!” This time, Dazhuang was the first, jumping up and down as he shouted.

Hearing that they wanted dumplings, Zhang Mao raised an eyebrow, then glanced at the wine jar Li Sangrou was carrying, and chuckled, “Dumplings are easy to make; we have meat and vegetables at home, all ready-made.

Xiu’er, go to the street corner and buy some snacks to go with the wine. Old Wang’s wife, get some pickled cabbage; we will make dumplings.

Where should the boss sit? In the main room, or on the veranda?”

“On the veranda, it’s not too hot or cold right now; it’s comfortable sitting outside,” Li Sangrou said, putting down the wine jar.

“Alright.” Zhang Mao hung two more lanterns under the eaves, brought over a wine pot and cups, grabbed a small basket of peanuts in their shells, and even brought out the kitchen cutting board to knead dough.

Li Sangrou sat down, and Cui’er and Guo’er each carried a small stool and sat down beside her on either side. Dazhuang, knowing he could not squeeze in, paced anxiously. Li Sangrou stepped aside and pulled Dazhuang to sit with her on a stool, giving each of them a peanut.

Li Sangrou opened the wine jar and poured some wine, and Guo’er offered a peeled peanut to Li Sangrou’s lips, saying, “Auntie, Auntie, have some.”

“Alright.” Li Sangrou ate the peanut from Guo’er’s hand, then picked up her wine cup. “Guo’er, have you had any wine?”

“No, there’s no wine at home!” Guo’er peered into the wine cup.

“Then try some.” Li Sangrou handed the wine to Guo’er, who carefully sipped it and smacked her lips.

“I will try some too!” Cui’er called out, leaning forward.

“Me too! Auntie, eat my peanuts!” Dazhuang chimed in.

Li Sangrou smiled as she served the wine to Cui’er and Dazhuang.

“Dazhuang cannot drink!” Zhang Mao called out loudly.

“Do not worry, he’s been taught; he will only pretend,” Li Sangrou replied with a smile.

“Thank you for your kind words, Boss. Are you so happy today, Boss?” Zhang Mao kneaded the dough vigorously.

“Yes, something happy happened today,” Li Sangrou said cheerfully.

“It’s rare for Boss to be this happy.” Zhang Mao looked up, carefully examining Li Sangrou, and smiled. “What’s making you so happy?”

“Nothing much, just a small thing.” Li Sangrou smiled.

“The boss would not be happy over such trivial matters. If the boss says so, then it must be something that makes her happy. I would not understand even if you explained it to me. That’s what Uncle Blind said,” Zhang Mao said, laughing.

“They are all small things. For example, Xiu’er, Cui’er, and Guo’er can all go to school now. And now that you are managers, you earn quite a bit of money. That’s all.”

“By the way, I heard that the Evening Post Women’s Army and the Hanlin Academy had a knowledge contest at the Imperial Secretariat today. Who won?” Zhang Mao looked up and asked.

“The Women’s Army won!” Xiu’er, who had already returned from buying groceries, exclaimed loudly, “Mother made a lot of money again!”

“The Women’s Army?” Li Sangrou’s voice rose.

“That’s what everyone calls them, the Women’s Army! How impressive! How wonderful!” Zhang Mao clicked his tongue.

Li Sangrou laughed as she looked at Xiuer and asked. “Mother always bets on the right things?”

“The first time, Mother bet on the Hanlin Academy not fighting, a mistake. Another time, Mother bet a hundred taels of silver on the Hanlin Academy surrendering without a fight, a loss. Everything else was right. Mother just bet randomly; she’s lucky.” Xiu’er’s voice was clear and cheerful.

“How can you call that random betting? I bet on the Women’s Army to win! Look, they won, right? What was the score?” Zhang Mao beamed.

“Three wins out of three, made a lot of money!” Xiu’er gave her mother a thumbs-up.

“See? I told you, all that talk about women being incapable is nonsense! If the court opened up the examinations for scholars and officials, regardless of gender, I bet at least half of them would be women!

You and Cui’er, and Guo’er, study hard, and Dazhuang too!” Zhang Mao kneaded the dough and slapped it hard.

“You have to read it properly every day! Every single day! It’s so annoying, so incredibly annoying! Right, Guo’er!” Cui’er exclaimed.

“Mmm, mmm, so annoying!” Guo’er mumbled, gnawing on a chicken leg, nodding in agreement with everything Cui’er said.

Ever since Xiu’er returned, Guo’er had taken her chopsticks and bowl and moved closer to Cui’er.

“Auntie, you know, there are a lot more female students in our school.

We used to sit in the front row, but now there are too many people, so our teacher’s wife moved us to the west wing.

The other day, when the Women’s Army came out in the Gossip Evening Post, our teacher was teaching and said something about being immoral and indecent. He only said a few words before the teacher’s wife called him away, and we all went to eavesdrop.

Our teacher’s wife was furious! She scolded the teacher: ‘What nonsense are you talking about! Do you not know that girls’ schools earn more money than boys’ schools? You’ve chased all the girls away, so give me that money back!'” Xiu’er said, hands on her hips, mimicking her teacher’s mannerisms.

Li Sangrou laughed heartily.

“The teacher’s wife is so fierce! But she’s so good to us! She makes soup for us, one bowl each, and Guo’er drank two!” Cui’er, next to Guo’er, shook her and laughed along.

“I am so busy that I am never home. The other day, my jacket got a tear, and I have not had time to sew it up for days; it’s just been hanging there.

The neighbors and the women in the workshop, whenever they see me, they nitpick at that tear.

They say I should take Xiu’er home and keep her around as a helper for a few years; then, after Xiu’er gets married, I can use Cui’er, and after Cui’er gets married, I can bring in a wife to serve me.”

“I’ve calmed down a bit, so I did not spit in their faces, but I made my point to them.

I said I am going to get a wife, and her education cannot be any less than Dazhuang’s.

I said the dowries of my Xiu’er, Cui’er, and Guo’er will be the same as Dazhuang’s entire fortune! My fortune will be split into four!

I’ve shut them all down!” Zhang Mao chopped the filling with two knives, smugly.

“Mother’s amazing!” Li Sangrou gave Xiu’er a thumbs-up.

“Everyone in the neighborhood, even our school, knows how fierce and powerful Mama is!” Xiu’er gave her mother a thumbs-up.

“That escort agency near the West Gate has some female escorts, and they also run a martial arts school. You can send Xiu’er and the other two to practice,” Li Sangrou suggested, looking at Zhang Mao.

“Ah?” Zhang Mao was stunned.

“The girls in the family all have strong tempers. A little martial arts training will give them confidence,” Li Sangrou said with a smile.

“I want to practice! I want to practice! I want to be invincible throughout the school!” Cui’er immediately became excited, and Guo’er shouted after her, “I want to practice too!”

Xiu’er’s face was flushed as she looked from Li Sangrou at her mother.

“Sigh! The boss is really… Alright, I will go ask about it tomorrow!” Zhang Mao sighed, then laughed.