Spring Message in the Snow – CH 034

Chapter 34

Yanglou Street was located in the northern part of the city, between Wazi and Genyue, and was named after the Yang Tower’s main restaurant.

The carriage slowly followed the broker northward, passing through West Ji’er Lane, and not far ahead lay Genyue. Genyue was the closest royal garden to the Forbidden City. When Surou was in the Forbidden City, she would accompany the noble ladies to Genyue every year for a summer retreat. It was just a few miles from the Gongchen Gate, requiring no carriage. It was a massive, meticulously crafted artificial mountain complex, with caves within, using calamine to gather mist, thus perpetually shrouded in fog, giving it a serene, otherworldly appearance from afar.

However, coincidentally, Helian Song had mentioned a courtyard near Genyue. She had been somewhat suspicious along the way, worried it might be his villa. But then she thought, there were many private residences in that area, and Helian Song should not be short of money; why would he ask the broker to help rent or sell a house? With that thought, she felt at ease.

Ya Lang, mounted on his horse, cracked his whip forward. “Almost there, just ahead.”

Surou opened the carriage door and looked out. At the foot of Genyue Mountain stood a secluded courtyard with white walls and gray tiles, larger than the one she had seen before but also more dignified and elegant. A path in front of the gate was lined with lush bamboo, carefully enclosed by a fence; walking through it felt like stepping into a rustic farmhouse.

The broker was still boasting, “Such a superior place, such a brand-new courtyard—it’s not the person choosing the house, it’s the house choosing the person! I only brought you here because you seem so distinguished, young lady. Anyone else would be too lazy to travel in this heat. Look, young lady, the courtyard faces south, with a mountain behind and flowing water in front—a perfect feng shui arrangement, ideal for living in or for leisurely gatherings with friends.”

Just then, the carriage arrived at the courtyard. Surou alighted and looked up at Wansui Mountain in the distance, memories of the past flooding back.

Quelan, being so close to Genyue for the first time, sniffed deeply and asked, “What’s that smell?”

Surou replied, “Sulfur, used to repel insects in the mountains.”

“Young lady, you are quite knowledgeable; it is indeed sulfur,” Ya Lang said with a smile. “The noble ladies from the Forbidden City often visit Genyue. If snakes, insects, and rats were rampant, would that not frighten them? Genyue uses a lot of sulfur; there are no mosquitoes or other insects within a five-mile radius. Young lady, renting here will save you the trouble of dealing with insects—truly a win-win situation.”

As he spoke, he unlocked the courtyard gate, pushed it open, and led the way inside. “The head of this household trusts me and entrusted me with the key. Anyone who comes to look around can enter directly. Young lady, please wander around. Look how beautifully this garden is maintained. The tables and chairs inside have not been used much since they were set up, so they look very new. With a little embellishment from you, young ladies, it would be a veritable paradise.”

Surou looked around, listening to the broker’s incessant explanations. Even by domestic standards, it was a very satisfactory place. Especially the main house—bright and spacious. It had straight-lattice doors on both the north and south sides; in summer, if the bamboo blinds were drawn, one could almost imagine the elegant and carefree atmosphere of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove drinking and conversing.

Quelan looked around and said happily, “It’s a good place, young lady. What do you think?”

Surou nodded and turned to ask the broker, “Can we finalize the deal today?”

The broker calculated for a moment and said, “I am afraid not today. Renting a house requires signing a contract, and the landlord is usually busy and might not be available. How about this: tomorrow before noon, I will trouble you to make another trip, young lady. I will go to the landlord’s house afterwards to arrange for both parties to be present at that time to sign the contract, and then the matter will be settled.”

Since it was tomorrow again, Surou was already a little apprehensive because of the breach of contract she had suffered a few days ago, so she confirmed with the broker, “I like the house, but can you guarantee I can rent it tomorrow?”

The broker said yes, “I am quick to act…; it’s one, it’s two, I never do business by playing tricks on people, please rest assured, young lady.”

“Then how much is the rent? Let’s settle it today to avoid trouble tomorrow.”

The broker blinked and said, “A courtyard like this will cost at least forty or fifty taels a year. Of course, we can discuss it with the owner later, and I can mediate and get another three or five taels down, no problem.”

Surou said, “Alright, as long as the lease can be signed, I certainly will not shortchange you on your hard work. But if it cannot be signed…”

The broker gritted his teeth and stamped his foot. “Then I will compensate you ten taels, young lady. How about that?”

Surou said it was a deal; with such a guarantee, the matter was almost settled.

Having settled things, they returned to Old Caomen Street with peace of mind. On the way, Quelan clicked her tongue. “This courtyard is better and more magnificent than the one we looked at before. The young lady is thinking that since she will be teaching noble ladies from the capital, the previous courtyard might not be enough if the number of students increases. This one is much better; it’s right at the foot of Genyue, bright and free of mosquitoes and flies, perfect for teaching the young lady. As for the slight sulfur smell, burning incense will dispel it.”

Surou was also very satisfied but still had some concerns: “The courtyard the heir apparent mentioned last time is also near Genyue.”

Que Lan wasn’t worried at all. “Where would the heir apparent’s courtyard be rented out by a broker? He’s only willing to lend it out because of the young lady. Besides, there’s no such thing as a coincidence in the world.”

Indeed, Surou quickly felt relieved, realizing there was no need to worry about such unfounded matters. She went home and told her grandmother, who was also pleased. “I’ve remembered all the families who inquired before. Once everything is prepared, I will have someone inform them one by one.”

Surou understood that from the beginning; those wealthy families valued her because she came from the Forbidden City, was familiar with its rules, and could cultivate an elegant demeanor in a young woman. Later, because of her engagement to the heir apparent, her status was further elevated. Now, as her student, a young lady would become the disciple of the heir apparent’s wife. She considered these noble ladies as connections, and they considered her as well. People should exchange things like this. Although the engagement would be called off later, she could build her career herself. Two months were enough to show her ability. Even if she did not become the heir apparent’s wife, she was still qualified to be a reliable tutor.

With things outside settled for now, all that was left was the leisurely life at home. The Grand Madam had ordered some fine satin to be purchased these past few days and had Xianchun send someone to the young madams and ladies’ rooms to let them come and choose.

The grandmother and granddaughter sat by the moon-shaped window, drinking mung bean water. Cherry omelets had just been made in the kitchen, and the Grand Madam urged Surou to try some. She had just taken a bite when she heard laughter and chatter coming from the garden. Peeking through the sparse bamboo blinds, she saw her aunts and sisters bursting in like a field of blooming flowers; the girls’ lightheartedness and radiance were delightful. Upon entering, Mianmian quickly went to pay her respects to the Grand Madam. She handed Surou a newly made round fan, exclaiming with pride, “Look! Superior silk tapestry! It will swirl around like a cool breeze!”

Surou examined it closely. No wonder she said “swirled around”—the fan was not taut enough, and the silk flapped back and forth when she waved it. Everyone else was holding her handmade fan; it was practically an obligation for them to use it. Under Mianmian’s expectant gaze, Surou smiled graciously, “Very well done, thank you for your trouble, cousin.”

Meanwhile, Nanny Feng called out, “Young madams and ladies, come and see! The newly arrived Hangzhou silk and Xiangyun gauze have all been carefully selected by the Grand Madam.”

Everyone crowded around to look. The colors and patterns were truly complete, with all the latest styles available. They pulled up pieces of satin and held them up to themselves. The two daughters-in-law chose peony and crabapple blossom brocades, Mianmian chose “Full Pond Beauty,” Zhirou chose “Emerald Pond Lion,” and Jirou, who liked the flame pattern, presented Yingrou with a roll of lark brocade. Qingrou, being slow-paced, chose a roll of grapevine brocade from the remaining pieces. Surou, who disliked overly intricate patterns, had long desired the “Falling Flowers and Flowing Water” brocade, and seeing that no one else had chosen it, she was happy to have her own.

The Grand Madam watched with a smile, a slight sigh in her heart. She wondered how long this family reunion could last. Why did every family love having sons? Having sons added to the family, and they could bring them home later—how wonderful it would be for the whole family to be lively and bustling! Those who had daughters would eventually marry out, a painful decision involving both parting with their loved ones and anxieties about their future in their husband’s family—no matter how favored the husband’s family may be, it could never compare to the comfort of their own family.

Just as this lamentation was unfolding, a messenger from the outer corridor announced that the wife of He Jing, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, had sent a visiting card to pay her respects to the Grand Madam.

The Grand Madam smiled and bowed slightly. “I wonder who she’s arranging a marriage for today.” She then called out, “Quickly, invite her in.” She instructed Cichun to prepare the finest tea.

Since it was a female relative visiting, there was no need for avoidance. A servant led Madam He into the main room. Madam He glanced around and saw the room full of young girls and immediately smiled, saying enviously, “Grand Madam is truly blessed. In all of the capital, how many families can be as lively as yours?”

The Grand Madam smiled and agreed, leading the children to greet Madam He. It was inappropriate for the younger generation to eavesdrop on the elders’ conversation, so after exchanging greetings, everyone withdrew from the main room. Madam He’s gaze lingered on Zhirou for a moment, then turned to the Grand Madam, and asked, “Where is Lady Pan?”

The Grand Madam understood; this time, it was about to be a matchmaker for Zhirou. She quickly sent someone to Lady Pan’s courtyard to fetch her. While attending to her, she inquired about the old lady’s well-being. Madam He said sadly, “My mother’s legs are weak; she is bedridden every day.”

The Grand Madam shook her head. “At her age, this is what I fear most. Please convey my message to the old Lady Feng, asking her to take good care of herself.”

Madam He nodded, about to speak, when a maid announced that the Second Madam had arrived.

Lady Pan, never one for warm hospitality, forced a smile upon seeing the guest. After exchanging greetings and sitting down, Madam He began to speak softly, “Today I’ve come on behalf of my elder brother and sister-in-law to request an audience with the Grand Madam and the Second Madam. My eldest brother’s fourth son is of marriageable age, and the family has been busy searching for a wife. When he mentioned it to me last time, I immediately thought of the young lady from the Grand Madam’s household.”

The Grand Madam said, “Oh, is your eldest brother the Duke of Fufeng?”

“Indeed,” said Madam He. “My brother served in the same court as your esteemed masters, such as the Grand Secretary and the Commander-in-Chief. If you were to mention him to them, they would surely know him well. Our fourth young master passed the imperial examination last year and is now a Censor. Although his rank is not high, he has a promising future. It is precisely because our young master is doing well that I dared to come to your esteemed household to make this arrangement. If our young master were not up to par, I would not be able to bother the Old Madam and the Second Madam.”

The Grand Madam nodded slowly, calculating in her heart. The Duke of Fufeng held the same rank as Zhang Lu. One family had a title, and the other was honored with a place in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. The two families were quite compatible, and there was no question of one being above the other.

Turning to look at Lady Pan, she asked, “What do you think?”

Lady Pan considered for a moment before replying, “The Duke of Fufeng’s family thinks highly of our fourth young lady. She is indeed of marriageable age. To be honest, Madam, many people have come to propose marriage these past few days, and my family is considering them. I am very pleased with the marriage you have arranged, but you do not know our fourth young lady’s temperament. She has been spoiled by me since childhood, and she speaks frankly and has her own opinions. I am afraid she might act rashly and not be liked by her in-laws.”

Madam He immediately picked up the conversation, smiling as she said, “I understand what you mean, Madam. You’re worried that the child might be mistreated in her husband’s family, with her in-laws deliberately making things difficult for her. I can’t guarantee anything else, but I can assure you that my brother and sister-in-law are both very good people. Once a daughter-in-law enters the family, she becomes their own child. If they were suspicious and ostracized, they wouldn’t have come to this marriage.”

Lady Pan and the Grand Madam exchanged glances. Actually, they had inquired about the other families that had approached them before, and they found that either the families were complicated, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law did not get along, or the families were not as prestigious as the Zhang family. As for Zhirou, out of pity for her having lost her father at a young age, the Grand Madam and Lady Pan had never considered letting her marry below their station.

Now, this marriage seemed quite good. The families were well-matched, the young man had a promising future, and if the in-laws were reasonable and would not mistreat newcomers, it could not be better.

Seeing the satisfaction in Lady Pan’s eyes, the Grand Madam smiled at Madam He and said, “Lady Meng has come all this way; since she thinks highly of the child, we have no reason to refuse. However, ultimately, we must ask the Fourth Young Lady’s opinion. Our elders never make decisions for the children on their own; everything must be to their own liking.”

Madam He repeatedly agreed, “Your family’s strict traditions are well-known in the capital. I’ve heard that several young ladies in your household are of marriageable age, and suitors have practically worn down our doorstep. If we do not hurry and visit, we might miss a good opportunity. Therefore, I await good news from the Grand Madam and Second Madam. Please remember our family first; while our child may not be perfect, he is certainly of upright character, and everyone speaks highly of him.”

After everything was settled and a few more pleasantries were exchanged, Madam He took her leave.

When it was time for dinner that evening, Lady Pan called Zhirou over and told her about Madam He’s visit. Zhirou acted as if nothing had happened, simply saying, “When you reach a certain age, you have to get married. I just cannot bear to leave you, Mother. If possible, let me stay a couple more years.”

Lady Pan felt comforted. It was not that she truly wanted anything from her child; it was just that her daughter had this intention, and she felt that raising her had not been in vain.

“Good marriages do not come often. Do not miss the opportunity when it comes your way,” Lady Pan said calmly. “What do I have to worry about at home? With Grandmother here, and your elder sister and Jiezhi, even without you by my side, I will be fine.”

These words made Zhirou look discouraged. “Mother is always like this. I say I cannot bear to leave you, so what?”

Of course, she was reluctant to part with her, but she could not give up a good marriage just because she was reluctant. Lady Pan ignored her and turned to the Grand Madam, saying, “Mother, I think we should settle it.”

The Grand Madam agreed. She had inquired with Suizhi and Jiangzhi; they were the same age as the young man and had studied together at the Imperial Academy. They both said he had a very good reputation, so there was no need for further hesitation.

Thus, all the girls of marriageable age were engaged, and Jirou was also betrothed to the son of the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. The Grand Madam ate a meal tinged with a touch of melancholy, but she was also genuinely happy. From now on, apart from Surou and her youngest young lady, Yingrou, there was nothing to worry about. Every bit of burden on her shoulders was a relief; she could live happily and peacefully, waiting to find a husband for her granddaughter.

After dinner, Zhirou and Surou walked together along the garden path. Zhirou said, “Sister, you said you’d let me take care of Mother and Brother, but it seems that will not be possible now. I might even get married before you.”

Surou smiled. “It’s alright. Whoever stays home will take care of the family. I heard Grandmother and Mother talking about the Duke’s family earlier, and I am happy for you; it’s truly a good marriage.”

Zhirou sighed, “No other family is as open-minded as ours. Our elders are upright, and the siblings have such a good relationship.”

Surou comforted her, “With time, things will get better.”

Anyway, she went to embrace her new life with some positive expectations. However, Zhirou was a little afraid of marriage and said awkwardly to Surou, “I am so impulsive at home, but I cannot let loose outside. I do not know how to get along with people.”

Surou had previously dealt with strangers almost daily; she was quite experienced in this area. She told her, “Remember four things to avoid: First, do not be too open with casual acquaintances. Always keep things to yourself with strangers; do not confide your innermost thoughts. Second, do not always be at their beck and call. Being too easily swayed will make others think you are easy to manipulate. Third, do not constantly talk about your husband. Too much talk about family matters will annoy people; you must be good at concealing your true feelings. Fourth, do not try to climb the social ladder. A respected person’s appreciation is far better than someone you desperately try to curry favor with. Friendships gained through coercion will not last, and friends who do not last are a waste of time.”

Zhirou listened with great pleasure but also sighed, “Sister, how much hardship must you have endured to develop such insight! Do not worry, I will remember all these words. Having such an elder sister, I must also reflect on myself and not embarrass you.”

The two sisters chatted and laughed for a while longer, then parted ways to return to their own courtyards.

The next day, Surou instructed Jiao Yue to prepare the banknotes. After lunch and a short rest, she set off by carriage for Yanglou Street.

Passing through the Old Caomen Street, the carriage chugged along the sparsely populated road. In this sweltering heat, people were listless at midday. Occasionally, one would see vendors selling melons, pears, and water chestnuts, their own vendors languidly fanning themselves with banana leaf fans, half-closing their eyes, and dozing.

Surou lifted the curtain to look around. She had retraced yesterday’s route, and the courtyard still seemed to suit her taste. Though she did not say anything, she was still somewhat worried, fearing that things might turn out badly again. She could not very well let the broker lose ten taels of silver.

Finally arriving at the courtyard, the broker arrived just in time. He dismounted and stood before the carriage, greeting, “Young lady, you’ve come at the perfect time. The master of the house is already here, waiting inside. Please follow me.”

Surou stepped down from the carriage on a footstool and entered the courtyard. Looking towards the main house, she saw the straight-lattice door wide open, half-concealing the master’s figure. Only a glimpse of the fluttering hem of a honey-colored robe could be seen. The master turned and walked away.