Spring Message in the Snow – CH 031

Chapter 31

Nanny Fu and Madam Jiao exchanged glances. Nanny Fu said, “Madam, do not be in such a hurry to refuse. Although my brother and sister-in-law are ordinary farmers, my sister-in-law’s family has an official in the court; I think it’s a sixth or seventh rank. With the Second Young Master’s education and with the help of relatives, it will not be difficult for him to get a job in the government.”

Madam Ye scoffed, replying insincerely, “That’s true. With relatives helping out, there’s hope of getting a government job in the future. But my young man… isn’t he betrothed to the county princess…?” She then wiped her nose with a handkerchief and turned to ask Madam Jiao, “Didn’t you explain our situation to this lady in detail?”

Madam Jiao was about to speak when Nanny Fu interrupted her, saying in surprise, “The county princess? Your second son is going to marry the county princess? This… this… It’s good that young people have lofty ambitions, but life is not like a story; it’s better to be down-to-earth.”

Upon hearing Nanny Fu’s words, Madam Ye immediately felt looked down upon, frowning and saying, “What I said is all true. The county princess is eager to marry my young man. You can ask Madam Jiao if you do not believe me.”

Nanny Fu turned to look at Madam Jiao, “Is that really true…?”

Madam Jiao touched her nose and said, “I… I thought this would not work out, so I did not tell you. I heard that Second Young Master and the county princess were getting close, but I have not heard of them getting engaged or exchanging betrothal gifts for so long, so I figured they’d probably broken up. Since they’ve broken up, let’s come and talk things over. If it works out, would that not be a good match?”

Madam Ye frowned upon hearing this. “To be frank, even if you’d get angry, it might not be a good match. My family is a family of scholars and officials; both my brothers have achieved academic success. We need to marry someone of equal social standing. Marrying a girl from a peasant family would be a real injustice. But I am not saying peasant families are bad; there are always learned men and uneducated women. There’s nothing to say if we put them together, is there not?” She smiled after saying this. “I am a straightforward person, so please forgive any rudeness, sister.”

Nanny Fu waved her hand. “Not at all, not at all. People strive for higher positions, water flows downhill—that’s human nature. I just did not expect that this discussion would escalate into a conflict with the county princess. We are just a small family; we do not have that kind of courage.” She then put on a fawning smile, earnestly flattering, “Oh dear, today I can still grace your family with my presence, but in the future, I will not even dare to step foot inside. Once you marry the county princess, your family will be royalty! Goodness, how enviable!”

Madam Jiao, having accepted Nanny Fu’s money, naturally, was a key factor. “The engagement is not finalized yet, so those noble families might not be so easy to approach.”

Madam Ye, always preoccupied with her own concerns and struggling to find a way to elevate her status, seized the opportunity presented by Madam Jiao’s words. “Although we are not from a high-ranking family, matters of the heart should not be judged solely on social standing. The county princess has taken a liking to my young master; their affection is deep, and they’ve already discussed formally proposing marriage. It’s our family that’s hesitant now. After all, a marriage with a noble family requires the elaborate betrothal gifts and formalities that could bankrupt a family. I cannot very well sell my house and land to fill that hole.”

These words left Nanny Fu and Madam Jiao exchanging glances. They exchanged glances. “Since a marriage is being arranged, it’s only right to exchange gifts; after all, it has to be respectable.”

Madam Ye lowered her eyes and blinked a few times arrogantly. “Actually, in the end, it’s the county princess who’s not understanding enough. Since she’s so determined to marry my young master, she should not be haggling over the betrothal money. The princess and her husband only have her as their daughter; everything will be passed down to her. If she just cries and makes a fuss with her parents a couple of times, she will be able to let go of everything. At the very least, she could use her own savings to get by. What could be more important than marrying a good husband? Instead, she’s seriously discussing the betrothal gifts. Young girls really do not have the brains to think straight. It’s a pity she does not have anyone around to guide her.”

Madam Jiao glanced at Nanny Fu. Being from the same humble background, she too found the lady’s scheming somewhat unbearable. “I think the County Princess is quite polite,” she said. “Did she not always send you fabric and tea cakes?”

Madam Ye smiled and said, “My parents-in-law died early, and I raised my young master single-handedly. I imagine the County Princess will be grateful to me on his behalf.”

Nanny Fu quickly fanned the flames. “Madam Ye is truly blessed to have raised such a promising young man. When he achieves great success, he will surely repay her kindness.”

“How would I know?” Madam Ye said bitterly. “He’s forgotten his mother now that he has a wife. Besides, I am just his sister-in-law. Whether he’s good or bad depends entirely on his conscience.”

“What about the betrothal gifts? How do you plan to handle that?” Madam Jiao asked. “In my opinion, even if you have to sell everything you own, you should raise the money for him. Once you get through this, your whole family can expect to enjoy a life of luxury.”

But Madam Ye had more to consider. If she really put all her savings on her brother-in-law, what if he became powerful and looked down on everyone? Would she not lose everything? The benefits she had previously gained from the county princess were essentially free; they were icing on the cake, but she would not be poor even if they disappeared. So whether her brother-in-law would rise in status because of his wife or remain mediocre was irrelevant to her. The most important thing was that he did not try to take her savings.

“I also want to help him, but we do not have any extra money. The family needs to eat and drink, and the two children need to go to school. How can we let a marriage cause us to starve?” Madam Ye sighed. “I prepared eighty taels for his wedding before, and it’s still there, untouched even during the most difficult times.”

Nanny Fu almost laughed, then quickly cleared her throat casually. “To be honest, eighty taels is indeed enough to marry a girl from an ordinary family, but if he uses that money to enter the Princess’s door, I am afraid…that’s not quite…suitable.”

“That’s exactly what I mean,” Madam Ye sighed. “So whether this marriage goes through or not ultimately depends on the county princess. If she can reciprocate a little, since it’s all being offered to her family anyway, she will not lose out.”

Madam Jiao could not help but laugh. “She will not lose out? Eighty taels for a county princess—there’s probably no such market price anywhere else in the world.”

Madam Ye put down her fan and looked up, her foxy, upturned eyes full of amusement. “You said there’s no such market price. A dignified princess, a relative of the current Emperor… Why bother with all this? This is about finding a husband for the county princess, not selling a daughter. The intention is what matters.”

She almost shook her head, but Nanny Fu sighed inwardly. She then forced a smile and said, “This is a small investment with a big return. Madam, you should try to scrape together some money.”

But Madam Ye glanced at her. “How can we scrape together that much? It’s not just ten or eight taels. Even if you scrape together twenty more, it will only be one hundred taels in the end. Can one hundred taels really be enough to marry off the county princess?” She then adopted a resigned tone: “We are a small family; we only have such ability. If we really cannot secure this marriage, it’s simply not meant to be. I think we should just let it go.”

Madam Jiao was bewildered. “That’s practically in-laws with the Princess! Do you not want to reconsider?”

Madam Ye said, “Thinking about it is useless. Our young master is too honest. If he were more cunning and made it a fait accompli, the Princess might even be pressuring us to marry her.”

This truly revealed the ugly face of a common woman. She wanted everyone to know that it was not her brother-in-law who was greedy for wealth, but rather that the county princess was eager to marry into their family. However, a man always needed to marry. If they could find a way to get the county princess pregnant, then this marriage, which cost nothing, could be accepted with a smile.

Nanny Fu and Madam Jiao exchanged a glance, gave a dry laugh, exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then left the Ye family.

Standing in the alleyway of the courtyard, Nanny Fu gave Madam Jiao a string of coins, shaking her head and saying, “I originally thought the second son of the Ye family was learned and handsome, a perfect match for my niece, and I wanted to arrange this marriage. Unexpectedly, he already has a powerful suitor; all my efforts were in vain.”

Madam Jiao, holding the coins, smiled broadly. “Indeed, I was also happy to have the marriage arranged, and then I’d treat the matchmaker to a big braised pork knuckle. Now it seems impossible. But elder sister, do not be discouraged. You heard what Madam Ye said; it’s like this…” She shook her head, pursing her lips. “Not being able to marry might not be a bad thing. Your niece has actually escaped a disaster.”

Nanny Fu sighed and agreed, thanking her repeatedly before parting ways with Madam Jiao.

Then she went straight to the Duke of Wen’s mansion, where her mistress was waiting for news. She was led into the back courtyard by a servant at the gate to report. The second young lady inquired, and she recounted everything she had heard in detail. Her mistress at most frowned, but the county princess behind the screen became furious, smashing the Jianzhan cup in her hand to pieces with a loud crash.

Nanny Fu was startled and looked at Surou in alarm. Surou told her to leave first, then went behind the screen to comfort Sujie, speaking gently, “Do not be angry. That’s what they always thought; they just never said it aloud. Now that you know the truth and have your own plans, you will not be deceived.”

But Sujie still could not let go of Ye Fengshi and lowered her head to defend him. “These words, I am sure Young Master Ye does not know either. He always told me that his sister-in-law was wholeheartedly planning for him, never imagining that she was this kind of person.”

Surou was momentarily at a loss for words. If she mentioned that the Ye family was very likely colluding, would it provoke Sujie’s resentment?

At this juncture, the matter should have been told to the Princess, but Sujie was unwilling, so there was nothing she could do. She thought for a moment, then reluctantly went along with Sujie’s suggestion, nodding and saying, “That’s true. Young Master Ye is a scholar, deeply understanding of righteousness, and certainly would not be as short-sighted as a common woman. However, as the old saying goes, you can know a person’s face but not their heart. It’s always good to be cautious. Perhaps you should see Young Master Ye again and test him…” As she spoke, she leaned close to Sujie’s ear and whispered her advice.

Sujie blinked her large eyes in surprise. “Really, we should test him like this?”

Surou nodded seriously. “Success or failure hinges on this. It will reveal whether he truly loves you or is only after your family’s status. My humble opinion is that if you cannot marry someone you truly love, then ensure a stable life for yourself. It’s better to accept your parents’ wishes and marry someone of equal social standing than to be stuck in a quagmire, wasting your life and money.”

Sujie hesitated for a moment, seemingly having made up her mind, and gritted her teeth, saying, “Tomorrow we will intercept him outside the academy and get things cleared up, so I can give up.”

Surou agreed, “It’s a deal. If the outcome is not good, you cannot go back on your word, alright?”

Sujie nodded solemnly. “I am not going to be like his sister-in-law says, stubbornly insisting on marrying into the Ye family.”

With this promise, Surou felt relieved, knowing that Ye Fengshi would definitely not pass this test. Sujie was downcast, and Surou comforted her a few more times, finally helping her resolve her inner conflict. After sitting for a while longer, she finally left the Duke of Wen’s residence.

Stepping out of the threshold, just as she was about to board the carriage, she caught sight of someone rushing towards her from inside the Prince’s residence. The servant, hands clasped in a gesture of respect, called out, “Lady Zhang, please wait.”

Surou stopped and glanced back.

The servant, panting, approached her and said, “Lady Zhang, our master is ill. Please come and see him.”

Surou hesitated. “Is he ill? Should we not call a physician? I do not know medicine; what use would I be?”

Perhaps her words were a bit harsh, for the servant had not expected such a response. He choked for a moment, then finally said, “We’ve called a physician, but he’s still not better. There’s no lady in the household to make decisions, and is Lady Zhang not engaged to our master…?”

The nearby Nanny Fu also advised, “Since Lady Zhang knows, she should go and visit him.”

Surou had no choice but to take Quelan and Nanny Fu with her to the Prince’s residence. Upon entering, she saw a well-dressed woman approach, smiling and bowing respectfully, saying, “Greetings, young lady. I am the head of the household; my name is Wu Luolan. From now on, please call me Governess Wu.”

Seeing her enthusiasm, Surou returned the smile. “I’ve heard the Prince mention Governess Wu before. When he came to the capital, was it not Governess Wu who accompanied him?”

Governess Wu replied, “Indeed, I am. I was the Prince’s wet nurse. At that time, our Lord and Lady were worried about the Prince leaving his hometown alone, so they specially sent me to take care of his food and daily life.” She then led him to the back courtyard and said with great comfort, “Our Prince has always been alone, and there’s no one in his room who cares about his well-being. We servants can only take care of his food and clothing at most, but there are always many inconveniences in the details. Now that a young lady has been engaged, with her here, I feel much more at ease.”

Surou walked with her along the wooden corridor. Due to the difference in their ranks, the Prince’s residence was larger and more imposing than the Duke of Wen’s. She had initially thought that people from Longyou, being somewhat bold and rugged, might retain some Western Region influences in their homes’ decor, but there were none. Artificial hills and flowing water, bamboo curtains and moon gates—everywhere exuded elegance. Only in the southeast corner of the courtyard stood a target, indicating it was a small training ground.

Governess Wu eagerly led her into the garden. Surou asked, “What did the physician say was the illness?”

Governess Wu replied, “The physician took his pulse and said it was wind-heat. He prescribed medicine to relieve summer heat and dampness; a few doses should cure him. However, the Prince refuses to eat anything while ill, and I really have no choice. Knowing that you, young lady, were visiting the Duke of Wen’s residence today, I took the liberty of having someone wait for you when you came out. Please come inside so you can offer a few words of advice to the Prince.”

Surou was surprised. “The Prince refuses to eat while ill?”

Governess Wu said, “That’s always how it is. He just goes hungry until he recovers.” She then gestured for the young lady to enter the main room.

Surou stepped inside and saw that the room was exquisitely furnished. Behind the couch was a round screen made of light gauze, partially revealing a neat lattice window behind it. A fine bamboo blind hung at varying heights beneath the floor-to-ceiling canopy, and thin incense sticks burned by the window, their faint, cool fragrance carrying the quiet, serene scent of spring amidst the snow.

“Please, young lady,” said Governess Wu, leading her around a three-panel screen depicting eighteen scholars, behind which lay Helian Song’s bed.

Surou looked over and saw the man on the bed lying peacefully, seemingly oblivious to the commotion outside. His cheekbones were flushed from a fever, like a slight tipsiness.

Governess Wu was about to go and wake him, but Surou stopped her. She had no intention of lingering; a quick look was enough. If he were awake, a few words would not be a problem; if he was not, it was inappropriate to disturb his sleep, and she could excuse herself and leave.

However, plans often went awry. The eyes of the person on the bed fluttered slightly, seeing her through the sliver of light that pierced the darkness. Surprised by her arrival, he propped himself up and asked, “Second Young Lady, what brings you here?”

Governess Wu hurriedly replied, “Young Lady just came from the Duke’s Mansion, so I took the liberty of inviting her. Since Young Master is ill, he should be more accommodating. While the Young Lady is here, please have something to eat.”

Helian Song still declined, wearily leaning against the railing and saying apologetically to Surou, “It’s just a minor illness. I am truly sorry that my servants have disturbed the Young Lady.”

Surou had served in the Forbidden City for ten years and was adept at observing subtle changes in people’s expressions. Although he tried hard to appear normal, the signs of illness could be detected in a person’s eyes and even in the tone of their voice.

The maid moved an embroidered stool to the front of the couch. She sat down, adjusting her skirt, and said gently, “Governess Wu told me earlier that the Prince has not eaten or drunk anything for several meals, which worries her greatly. I thought that even though he’s ill, he should eat something so he can recover faster.” Then, turning to Governess Wu, she said, “When I was in the palace, whenever noble ladies caught a fever, they would drink lentil and lotus leaf porridge. Cook rice and lentils into porridge, then pour it into a bowl, cover it with a lotus leaf, and wait until the steam permeates the lotus leaf and the porridge turns a pale green color. Please prepare a bowl, Nanny.”

Governess Wu said yes, accepted the order, and went outside to relay the message.

Helian Song raised a hand to his forehead, letting out a soft breath, and said, “I am sorry to trouble you, young lady, but I really have no appetite.”

Surou said, “Even if you have no appetite, you should eat something. If you are sick for three days, you should not go without food for three days. You will be starving when you recover.”

Helian Song looked up at her, paused for a moment, and said, “I am not eating because I am afraid someone might poison me while I am sick.”

Surou was startled. “Your Highness…”

He had initially remained serious, but seeing her alarm, he suddenly laughed, “Did I scare you? It was just a joke; do not take it seriously.”

This joke, half-serious and half-joking, was actually quite intriguing, but Surou did not want to pry further. She simply sat by his bedside for a while and said, “Your Highness is ill; you should lie down.”

He shook his head. “I am already being quite impolite; how can I lie down?” He paused, then asked, “The young lady said she wanted to open a girls’ school; how’s the location coming along?”

Speaking of this, Surou seemed somewhat wistful. “There are not many suitable courtyards in the city right now; I need to look around some more.”

Helian Song seemed thoughtful and, after a long pause, said, “My suggestion, young lady, you may consider it further. The courtyard near Genyue is quite suitable; thanks to the terrain, it’s warm in winter and cool in summer. With the weather so hot now, why not use what’s readily available instead of running around outside?”

Surou politely declined, saying, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I will look around some more; there’s no rush.”

She always maintained a detached demeanor, never speaking harshly to him despite past grievances, but she kept her distance, unappreciative of his kindness and even seemingly unwilling to acknowledge him.

He leaned on one hand, a hint of disappointment on his face. “Young lady, are you afraid of getting too involved with me, so you are unwilling to accept my offer?”

Surou did not say anything aloud but inwardly thought, “Yes, since you know about this, can you please not trouble me with things like being sick and not eating?”