Spring Message in the Snow – CH 038

Chapter 38

Surou was stunned again, completely bewildered by his reaction.

She did not know what was wrong. Had she mistaken him for someone else? Surely not. Helian Song was taller and more slender than most people from the Central Plains, but not in a burly manner; he was easily distinguishable in a crowd. She was not short either, barely reaching his shoulder. That person must have been him.

Puzzled, she glanced back at the pavilion door, wondering if he would come over to greet her, but nothing happened. She was increasingly confused, wondering why this man was behaving so strangely today. But it was better he did not show himself; these were all women, and if he barged in, she would find him frivolous again.

Turning to the east, she saw a full moon just rising, hanging brightly in the sky like a newly polished bronze mirror. She then remembered that today was the sixteenth, the moon at its fullest and brightest. The pavilion was in a good location, next to a tall hibiscus tree, its sparse branches and leaves adding a poetic, hazy touch to the moonlight. Her earlier hesitation vanished without a trace, and she went back to admiring the night view.

From inside the pavilion, Zhirou called out, “Sister, come in and have a cup of Orange Jade.”

Surou returned to the pavilion and saw the fruit being served. The oranges had been hollowed out and filled with dice-sized pieces of pear, pleasingly arranged on the table. Everyone took a cup to enjoy. The pear chunks were soaked in sweet and sour orange juice, chilled beforehand in an icebox, making them refreshingly cool. At home, this was not allowed; they were told it was not good for girls to crave cold things. Only when they were out could they indulge themselves, secretly from their elders.

The sisters held their small orange cups, their eyes crinkling with smiles. Such happy times in their youth were rare. As they grew up, married, and moved on, these memories would become warm and cherished recollections.

However, they could not linger too long; if they returned late, the adults at home would worry. After enjoying themselves, Mianmian sent a servant to pay the bill, and the group happily prepared to go home.

As they stepped into the passageway, Surou glanced casually at the adjacent wine pavilion. Through the half-open door, she saw a figure leaning against a low table, long fingers holding a wine cup of clear blue wine, the movement exuding a touch of languor.

The head courtesan tapped her red ivory clappers and softly sang, “In early March, the sun shines brightly; everywhere spring is blooming fully; a beautiful woman holds a fan in hand, watching flower dust fall to land.” Her flowing gaze was like rippling spring water. After a series of melodious tunes, the crowd cheered.

This was the evening life of the nobles in the capital: hosting banquets and inviting courtesans to perform—a very elegant pastime in these decadent times.

Surou withdrew her gaze, followed her sisters out to the carriage, and quickly forgot everything that had happened in Yang Tower, her mind preoccupied with the novel trinkets sold at the stalls. The person in the wine pavilion went back to the terrace to look down, watching her get into the carriage without turning back, then she lifted the curtain to reveal a radiant smile. Suddenly, he realized with sadness that she truly did not care about his feelings, did not care why he had ignored her earlier, and did not care whether he had turned to look at her while engrossed in the music.

A bitter smile tugged at his lips. Their understanding of this marriage had indeed never been aligned. Zhang Surou was a clear-headed and resolute person; she continued to dislike and ignore him as always. Even with the engagement, her heart remained unbound, and she still greeted Fourth Young Master Wang with a smile and returned his greetings.

“Jie Ran, why are you out cooling off again?” The people in the pavilion, oblivious to his restlessness, noisily called him in, teasingly adding, “Is it really too hot? Then have a cup of chilled wine from Mistress Xia to cool down.”

Today was a gathering of old friends for someone’s birthday, so as usual, they had reserved a private room to while away the time. The courtesan sitting atop the lotus-shaped lichen in the center of the pavilion was the most renowned courtesan in the northern part of the city, not someone anyone could just hire, usually only accepting invitations from high-ranking officials. Today, with the heir apparent present, she naturally went to great lengths to please him, offering a cup of wine with a slender, fair wrist, smiling, and saying, “Please, Your Highness, do me the honor of drinking this cup to the brim.”

Helian Song, mindful of the large group, did not want to spoil everyone’s enjoyment, so he reached out to take the cup. Unexpectedly, Mistress Xia exclaimed, “Ai!” and then, after pushing his hand away, offered it again, indicating she wanted him to feed her.

The crowd cheered loudly, “Good, good… the beauty is interested; Your Highness cannot refuse!”

Helian Song gave a helpless smile and indeed took the cup from Mistress Xia’s hand, letting her drink the wine.

The crowd’s excitement grew even higher. One of them, shamelessly, also tried to ask Mistress Xia for a drink, only to be gently pushed away. The beautiful woman glanced at the heir apparent and said shyly, “My wine is not for just anyone.”

The meaning was clear: she was devoted to the heir apparent today and would not bother with anyone else. Frankly, this heir apparent was the strangest passerby in the world of pleasure, only socializing, not truly interested. The courtesans had their own circles, often exchanging favors and comparing patrons, yet no one had ever entertained the heir apparent. The more this was the case, the more interested everyone became in him—partly because they admired his talent, looks, status, and money, and partly out of a competitive spirit, they were eager to see if they could win him over.

Now that the beautiful woman had expressed her feelings, the other guests, naturally understanding the situation, were happy to oblige. After a few rounds of drinks, they all rose to leave, each one pressing down on Helian Song’s shoulder as they went, making him sit back down.

Now only he and Mistress Xia, the head courtesan, remained in the wine pavilion. Mistress Xia, her eyes filled with affection, whispered sweetly, “I have the honor of performing for Your Highness today. There were too many people earlier, so I could not properly serve you. Now it’s finally quiet. May I perform another piece for Your Highness? I wonder what tune Your Highness prefers?”

Helian Song was always impatient with such matters, and given his bad mood today, he said in a low voice, “No need. The wine pavilion is filled with the sounds of sheng and xiao; it’s giving me a headache. Let’s leave it at that for today. I will have someone reward you later. You may go home.”

He stood up to leave, but Mistress Xia, anxious, quickly called out, “Your Highness, how can you be so unromantic? I have admired Your Highness for a long time and wish to invite you into my bedchamber. I have some influence in the capital… I have a small reputation, and countless scholars and poets have fawned over me, but I’ve ignored them all. Today, I wish to share a beautiful story with Your Highness. If word gets out, the world will only say that Your Highness is dashing and romantic, and I will not have disgraced you.”

Upon hearing this, Helian Song simply displayed his utter lack of romantic understanding. He looked down at Xia Xingshou, the lamplight illuminating his face, making him appear as cold and stern as a demon. “Your Highness’s dashing and romantic nature does not need your proof. I am getting married, and the Princess Consort is very strict. From now on, you need not offer me your kindness, lest I be unable to explain myself to the Princess Consort.”

Without blushing or panting, he finished speaking and turned and left, leaving Xia Xingshou in the wine pavilion utterly shocked. She thought to herself, “There are still such people in the world, so openly henpecked. Other men, to demonstrate their masculinity, would still linger outside even with beautiful wives and concubines at home. This man, before his wife has even entered the house, is already acting like a paragon of virtue.”

Meanwhile, Surou had no idea of ​​what was happening in Yang Tower, nor could she imagine that rumors of the heir apparent using his fiancée to conceal a hidden illness would spread throughout the brothels of the capital. She and her sisters had happily strolled through the Zhouqiao night market before returning to the Zhang Mansion. After washing up, she went to bed.

The next day, she summoned Nanny Fu, carrying a pair of Mo He Le ^{(toy figurines)} bought the previous night, instructing her to deliver them to An’er and check on her elder sister’s well-being.

Nanny Fu accepted the order, picked up the two brocade boxes, and had Si’er drive the carriage to the Marquis of Xingyang’s residence.

Upon arriving at the gate, she reported that the Zhang Mansion had sent her to deliver a gift to the young master. She was told to wait a moment, and upon entering the young mistress’s courtyard, she was greeted shortly by Nanny Zhu, who stood smiling on the veranda, saying that the young mistress had invited her in.

Nanny Fu followed her into the garden, asking Nanny Zhu along the way, “Our Second Young Lady has been thinking of the First Young Lady. How has the First Young Lady been lately?”

Nanny Zhu replied, “How has she been? Usually, when the concubines cause trouble, the gate keeps them from reaching the First Young Lady. But yesterday, that little woman Nian’er, taking advantage of the First Young Lady’s return with An’er from paying respects, blocked her in the garden, threatening to complain to the First Young Lady. Her voice was urgent, and she was gesticulating wildly, startling An’er, who then had a fever all night. The First Young Lady was furious and gave Nian’er a severe beating. And yet, Marquis’s Son sided with that little harlot, not even caring about his own son’s life! Can you believe there are fathers like that in the world?! The First Young Lady was so angry that she did not eat for two meals. Today, she feigned illness and refused to see anyone. It was only because she heard that her family had come that she allowed you to come in.”

Nanny Fu listened with sorrow. “Our young mistress’s situation… alas!”

The two chattered amongst themselves as they finally entered the inner courtyard. The servants there were now all former members of the Zhang family. Upon seeing Nanny Fu, they all greeted her with a respectful bow from afar.

Nanny Fu reached the corridor, put on a smiling face, and carried the box inside. She saw Shangrou sitting on the couch by the moon-shaped window. Because Nanny Fu was a servant of Surou, she treated her with great courtesy, saying, “Thank you for your trouble, Nanny. Please sit down and rest.” She then instructed Nanny Zhu to serve tea.

Nanny Fu presented the box to Shangrou and opened it to reveal a pair of exquisitely crafted golden boy and jade girl figurines. Smiling, she said, “Yesterday, the young ladies went to the market in the north of the prefecture. They encountered a vendor selling Mohele toys on the way, and Second Young Lady was thinking of buying a pair for her nephew. She sent me here early this morning to deliver them.”

Shangrou smiled and touched the Mo He Le’s fair face. “Second Sister is so thoughtful, always thinking of An’er. Yesterday I heard that the Jin family had visited and exchanged gifts. I originally wanted to go back to congratulate Jirou, but unfortunately… it was not convenient; I could not go out.” She paused and asked, “How is Grandma at home? Are my younger siblings all well?”

Nanny Fu said yes and leaned into the armchair. “Everything at home is fine; Grand Madam also often thinks of Madam, and she’s always been worried about her. The Second Young Lady sent me here to comfort Madam. Although things are tough right now, everything will be alright once it passes. Please, Madam, do not be anxious.”

Shangrou nodded. “I’ve always remembered Second Sister’s words. I will endure it even if it hurts.”

Nanny Fu asked, “Is the young master feeling better? Has his fever gone down?”

Shangrou said it had. “At first, he did not seem to be getting better. But I heard from an older person that if you cut two threads from the person who scared him and soak them in water to drink, he will be better this morning.”

Nanny Fu sighed, “Poor An’er.”

The household was in turmoil; the adults were constantly in chaos. How could a child bear it? Shangrou also sighed. Just as she was about to speak, she heard someone outside report that Sheniang had come to pay her respects to the Lady.

Shangrou now refused to see anyone else in the garden, except for this young woman, whom she treated with exceptional deference, allowing her to come and go. This young woman was currently very obsequious, always subservient to Shangrou, never taking advantage of her favor. She had not shown herself after yesterday’s incident; her arrival today must mean she had something to discuss.

Shangrou sat upright at the head of the table, closed the lid of the Mo He Le, and invited her in.

A moment later, footsteps were heard on the veranda. Nanny Fu turned and saw a young woman enter. She was not particularly beautiful, but some women possessed a certain allure that made men unable to resist. This young woman was such a woman.

The observant young woman, noticing Nanny Fu sitting there, hesitated slightly before asking, “Does the Lady have guests today…?”

Shangrou replied, “They are from my family.” She gestured with her hand, “Please sit.”

The young woman thanked her and sat down. Knowing they were from the Zhang family, she did not stand on ceremony and began to recount yesterday’s events with Shangrou, saying indignantly, “That wretched Nian’er is getting more and more insane! She even offended An’er! Luckily, An’er is well today. Fortunately, An’er is well today. If he hadn’t recovered, I would have given her a good beating to avenge the Lady.”

Shangrou, already weary from the experience, said listlessly, “You’ve only been here a short time; you do not know the situation here. Nian’er is an old friend of the master; he gives her face.”

Sheniang sneered, “Master is too kind. Even with old ties, one should still distinguish right from wrong. An’er is such a precious person; to be degraded by someone like Nian’er, does Master not feel any pity?”

Shangrou shook her head. “I do not want to get involved in that matter anymore,” she said. “From yesterday to today, I’ve had enough of being beaten and humiliated. If my husband wants to protect Nian’er, let him. I might as well go back to my parents’ home for a few more days and find some peace and quiet.”

Sheniang’s face showed difficulty, and she said sadly, “My Lady, please do not have such a plan. If you leave, the household will become even more disrespectful. Would that not suit Nian’er’s wishes? I was bought by you, My Lady. You saved me from dire straits. We are of one mind. You are too noble to stoop to Nian’er’s level, but I am just a nobody. I will stand up for you!”

Shangrou raised her eyes, hesitatingly asking, “What do you plan to do?”

Sheniang said, “Our underhanded methods would not dare offend Your Highness’s ears. Your Highness, just wait and see. If the young master wants to protect Nian’er, let’s see how long he can keep it up.”

Shangrou secretly sighed. Indeed, women from brothels were far more capable than those from respectable families. Even if Nian’er was unruly, she was still a servant girl raised in the household; in terms of ability, she might not be able to surpass Sheniang. However, having learned her lesson from Pan’er’s actions last time, she had mastered the art of playing dumb. She gave a vague, perfunctory reply, saying only, “I have not been feeling well lately, so I cannot worry about much. I just hope to live a peaceful life, and that no one will bother me. I will be grateful then.”

Sheniang, being a clever woman, understood the implicit agreement in the Lady’s words. She said nothing more, telling the Lady to take good care of herself, and then bowed and left the main room.

Nanny Fu, who had been watching for a while, said to Shangrou after Sheniang left, “You should keep a close eye on this concubine, Madam. She seems to be no simple character. Let’s see how she handles things this time. Give her a push when the time is right. She will hold back when working for others, but if she’s working for herself, it will be a different story.” She then smiled and bowed again, “It’s dry and hot, Madam. Please rest well. I will head back now.”

Shangrou said, “Oh,” and added, “Give my regards to Grandmother.”

Nanny Fu said yes and followed Nanny Zhu to the front courtyard.

Shangrou watched her walk away, her gaze blankly falling on the courtyard, her mind empty, unwilling to think of anything more. An unhappy marriage was enough to destroy a person’s will. Although she no longer interfered in everything, the occasional mishaps were still disgusting. Fortunately, she still had Sheniang in her grasp; if used properly, she could save herself a lot of energy.

She stood up, dragging her lazy steps to check on An’er. She touched the child’s forehead; seeing nothing wrong, she was relieved. Later, she rested when necessary, patiently waiting until evening. Suddenly, she heard that Chen Ang was vomiting and having diarrhea at Sheniang’s, completely exhausted. Left with no choice, she left her own courtyard to go and check on him.

Before even entering, Shangrou heard Sheniang’s cries, one moment crying “My Lord!” and the next “My life is so bitter!” Shangrou stopped on the veranda and gestured for Nanny Zhu to find the old woman in the courtyard for questioning.

The old woman approached, bowed, and said with her hands tucked behind her back, “Nian’er and our mistress usually do not get along. Today, for some reason, she sent someone over with a bowl of bird’s nest soup, saying it would help our mistress recover. Since our lord was there at the time, our mistress took the opportunity to offer it to him. But within fifteen minutes, our lord was vomiting and had diarrhea, almost dying. He’s a little better now and is interrogating Nian’er inside.”

Shangrou understood. Sheniang had started to deal with Nian’er. But this Sheniang was truly ruthless; to control Nian’er, she even harmed her lord. With such a ready-made teacher before her, she really needed to learn from her.

Having learned the details and prepared herself, Shangrou strode into the room with her chest out. She saw that both Sheniang and Nian’er were weeping uncontrollably, while Chen Ang lay slumped on the couch, even breathing laboriously.

As soon as Sheniang saw Shangrou, she burst into tears again. “My Lady has come… My Lady, that vile woman Nian’er pretended to be kind, sending the maidservant to deliver a bird’s nest to me, but she actually wanted to poison me! Today, it just so happens that the Master is here, and he has suffered in my place. Even a strong man like the Master was drugged and left dazed. If it were me, would I still be alive?” She knelt at Shangrou’s feet, looking up and pleading, “Please, My Lady, do me justice! I want to report this to the authorities! I want to get an explanation for myself. I can’t let this go on like this, not even knowing how I died in the future.”

Before this was finished, Nian’er retorted in a shrill voice, “You whore, you are wronging me! When did I ever send you bird’s nest soup?! What are you? You’re as lowly as dust! Don’t mistake me for someone who’s fawning over you like some other people!”

These words were clearly a veiled attack on her. Shangrou, hearing this, straightened her face and scolded, “Family harmony is called currying favor? You certainly have a silver tongue! Calling others as lowly as dust, have you not even looked in the mirror? You were also promoted from a lowly maid. Since we are all under the same roof, why can you not speak properly?”

Nian’er remained defiant, muttering, “I will not accept this injustice. Who knows if you are all conspiring to frame me…”

Before she could finish, Nanny Zhu loudly rebuked her, “Nian’er, be careful what you say! Your good deeds have implicated the Lady. A slap would not be too much.”

Nanny Zhu was a respected elder, and her words silenced Nian’er. Retorting, seeing no hope, she threw herself at Chen Ang and wailed, “My Lord, others may not know my temper, but you do. Since everyone says I am spoiled, and the whole family knows I do not get along with Sheniang, why would I send her bird’s nest soup? My Lord, this is clearly Sheniang framing me! You see it clearly; you must seek justice for me!”

Chen Ang, lying on the bed, had already judged the case; both sides had their own arguments, and he could not reach a conclusion. Seeing his two concubines arguing so fiercely, and lacking the energy to deal with it himself, he said irritably, “Fine, fine. I am still alive; at least no one died. Let’s just let this matter drop. No one is allowed to cause any more trouble.”