Spring Message in the Snow – CH 043

Chapter 43

So this was where Helian Song’s brilliance lay. Not only could he skillfully find a perfect solution to his own goals, but he could also understand others’ urgent needs and kindly help them solve their problems.

Surou lowered her head and ate a mouthful of rice, afraid that if she did not eat a few more bites, she would be too angry to finish.

Grand Madam Zhang seemed somewhat moved by his persuasion, even turning to advise Surou: “That’s what I think too. At this critical juncture, it’s best to slow things down a bit. Especially since the Emperor came to see you again today, I was very worried. After all, this matter does not just concern you; it concerns the whole family. Everyone says the Emperor is a benevolent gentleman, but who can guarantee that even a benevolent gentleman will not be angered? A man’s heart can be vast, encompassing the whole country, or it can be so small that it cannot even hold a sesame seed. The Emperor is also a man; we cannot treat him like Confucius.”

Surou nodded. “The Emperor’s sudden arrival today truly frightened me. I always thought that after the engagement, the Emperor would not bother me anymore, but I did not expect him to come again so suddenly.”

The Grand Madam Zhang pondered carefully for a moment and said, “The facts are now before us. If the Emperor does not relent, you must think carefully about your future. If you do not want to enter the palace, perhaps your only option is to marry the Heir Apparent.” She sighed, losing her appetite, and put down her chopsticks. “From the very beginning of the engagement, I considered that this expedient measure would ultimately have only two possibilities: either the engagement would be successfully annulled, or it would become a real affair. If the engagement cannot be annulled, I will be letting your father down; if it is, and the Emperor investigates, it will be a crime that implicates the entire family. Comparing these two options, I believe you can weigh the pros and cons yourself. You do not need to worry about your stepmother; she’s a reasonable person. If you truly cannot have both, she will not blame you.”

Surou felt a pang of despair. She was caught in a dilemma; any choice she made would be wrong. Remembering what the Emperor had said earlier—that he would visit the garden from time to time—she felt a dark cloud hanging over her, effectively ending any chance of annulling her engagement with Helian Song. Sometimes, she thought it was entirely the Emperor’s doing that this marriage was arranged; without the pressure from the palace officials, she would not be in this situation.

Looking at her grandmother, her face was filled with worry, clearly anxious about her situation. Surou squeezed her hand and said, “Grandmother, do not worry; there are still two months. Perhaps within two months, we can find an excuse to break off the engagement with the Heir Apparent. Even if the Emperor wants to blame us, he will have no legitimate reason.”

She then handed the silver chopsticks to her grandmother and, smiling, changed the subject. “The braised fish today was delicious; Grandmother, please try it. There’s also something about the girls’ school. I have not told you yet. The third young lady of the prefect’s family brought a girl over, saying she wanted to enroll. I found out she’s actually the second daughter of the Marchioness of Xingyang’s family. I always thought my eldest brother-in-law was an only child; I did not realize he had brothers and sisters.”

Speaking of that Marquis of Xingyang’s residence, the Grand Madam Zhang frowned. “Marquis Chen was quite the ladies’ man in his youth, with several concubines who bore him over ten children. However, his lineage was weak; some died, others fell ill, and in the end, only his legitimate son, Chen Ang, and two younger sisters were considered decent offspring. He also had a half-brother, who was born with a disability in both legs. Marquis Chen found him an eyesore at home and sent him to be raised on an estate outside from a young age. His fate is now unknown. In any case, the Marquis’s household only has one son left, which is why he’s spoiled so much; he’s been given everything he wants.”

Surou nodded. “I also inquired with the second young lady about my elder sister’s current situation, but she just shook her head, saying she did not concern herself much with her brother’s affairs in the garden. However, I overheard her hinting that one of her concubines was pregnant, but she did not know which one.”

“That Chen Ang has always favored his concubines over his wife and does not care much about An’er. If the concubine is pregnant, then your elder sister’s and her child’s lives will likely become even more difficult.” Anxious, she quickly called to Nanny Feng, “Tomorrow, go to the Marquis’s residence and inquire about the eldest young lady’s well-being. She loves candied lychees; bring her some and ask if she likes them. Whatever she needs, the family can send it to her. Furthermore, we should find out carefully which concubine is pregnant; the sooner we know, the sooner we can plan our course of action.”

Nanny Feng said, “The eldest young lady hasn’t sent anyone back to ask for advice, so she should be able to handle it. Old Madam, don’t worry.”

The Grand Madam shook her head. “My eldest granddaughter is very soft-hearted. If she finds out that the concubine is pregnant, she’ll probably be foolishly waiting for the child to be born so that the concubine can be on equal footing with her in the future.”

This was indeed quite possible. The eldest young lady grew up in a harmonious family and did not understand that a favored son of a concubine was not good for the legitimate son. In ordinary families, the distinction between legitimate and illegitimate children was clear, but with Chen Ang, things were far more complicated. The second granddaughter was an unmarried girl; she could offer advice on concubines causing trouble, but with a concubine pregnant, she could not easily intervene. Therefore, she reported this to the Grand Madam, asking her grandmother to find a way to handle the situation.

Nanny Feng accepted the order and, as expected, bought two baskets of candied lychees the next day, delivering them all to the Marquis of Xingyang’s residence. This time, she used the Grand Madam’s name to inquire about the Marquis and his wife’s well-being. The Marquis’s wife greeted her warmly, smiling and saying, “Thank the Grand Madam for her concern. Everything at home is fine. The weather is hot, so please also convey to the Grand Madam that she should take care of herself. We will bring An’er to the mansion to pay our respects when the weather cools down a bit.”

Nanny Feng agreed and then added, “Our Grand Madam said she has not seen our eldest young lady for a while. She wonders how she’s been lately and whether she has upset the Marquis and his wife.”

Anyone with a modicum of intelligence would never have answered such a question poorly, even knowing it was just polite talk. Whether genuinely confused or feigning ignorance, Lady Chen chuckled dryly, “To be honest, my daughter-in-law is as docile as can be, but sometimes she’s too virtuous and cannot control the concubines in the courtyard. In my opinion, three concubines are enough for most families, but she’s taken two more into my household. Now there’s an extra one for playing cards, and it’s chaotic every day. While a good reputation is important, a man still needs to be managed. With so many young women, even someone with an iron body could not handle it.”

Upon hearing this, Nanny Feng thought to herself that this mother-in-law was truly unfair. Her own son had concubines left and right, yet she did not blame him but instead complained that her daughter-in-law could not control him. Indeed, one’s own flesh and blood were the only ones who truly cared; other people’s daughters were like those picked up on the street, and their families did not know how to cherish them.

Now that someone had come to inquire after her well-being, and she was expected to hear her sarcastic complaints, Nanny Feng, not one to be trifled with, seized the opportunity to say, “What did the Marquis’s wife say earlier? I did not quite catch it. Was she saying that the two newly acquired concubines were from the Marquis’s household? Since they are from her mother-in-law’s household, our eldest mistress cannot really discipline them; she has to give way to her mother-in-law’s face.”

She then smiled. “Our eldest young lady is usually very gentle. Back home, the old lady always said she’s easily swayed, that she listens to whatever others say. Now that she’s in the Madam’s household, the old lady asked the Madam to consider this. If our eldest young lady is easily swayed again, the Madam must not go along with her wishes; it’s best to be decisive.”

This was a resounding counterattack. The fact that her own first- and second-class maids were having an affair with her son was her own fault for not disciplining them properly; she had no right to blame others. It was precisely because of mothers like this, who lacked moral integrity, that they raised sons who strayed onto the wrong path. The Marquis’s wife should reflect on her own conduct before reprimanding her daughter-in-law, lest she utter words that invite retaliation. She could only swallow her pride and accept the reprimand.

Sure enough, Madam Chen was speechless, her expression somewhat embarrassed. She quickly summoned Nanny Fan and reluctantly instructed Nanny Feng, “Since Nanny Feng is here, please go and see Shangrou and her son in her courtyard. I will keep you company a while longer.”

Nanny Feng stood up, bowed to her, and said with a forced smile, “Please rest well, Madam. This servant will take her leave now.”

Nanny Fan led her westward for a while, through a path surrounded by roses, to the courtyard where the young madam usually resided.

As usual, two old women guarded the door like two guardian generals. Normally, Nanny Fan was not allowed to enter, but today she had the imperial sword, so she had a legitimate reason to come. She announced loudly, “The Zhang family has sent Nanny Feng to the mansion to pay her respects to the young madam.”

The old woman guarding the gate was a servant of the Zhang family and naturally recognized Nanny Feng. She quickly greeted her, “Nanny’s here,” and ushered her into the courtyard.

Nanny Fan, still shamelessly, led the way, leading her to the main room. Shangrou, who had just come out of the inner chamber, smiled upon seeing Nanny Feng and said, “Why have you come on such a hot day, Nanny?”

Nanny Feng placed the red box she was carrying on the table, opened the lid, and said, “The Grand Madam knows that the Eldest Young Lady loves sweet lychees, so she specially sent me to deliver them to the Eldest Young Lady and to inquire after the well-being of the Eldest Young Lady and An’er.”

Shangrou said everything was fine. “Nanny, please tell Grandmother for me that she need not worry about me.”

Since her family had sent someone, she naturally wanted to exchange a few intimate words, but Nanny Fan stood aside, showing no intention of leaving. Shangrou glanced at her, knowing she was Madam Chen’s personal maid and not wanting to offend her, so she smiled and asked, “Would you like to sit down and try some lychees, Nanny?”

Nanny Fan hurriedly waved her hand. “Young Madam, please do not be so polite. Young Madam, please eat…”

But Nanny Zhu, being more perceptive, interjected, “Lychees taste best when soaked in an ice jar. Did the kitchen not buy a block of ice this morning? I do not get along with the old woman in the kitchen. Nanny, come with me to get a piece.” Without further ado, she pulled Nanny Fan outside.

Now that there were no more informants in the room, Shangrou invited Nanny Feng to sit down, turning slightly to ask, “Grandmother sent you here. Nanny, is there something you wish to instruct me on?”

Nanny Feng replied, “Yesterday, Second Young Lady heard that one of the concubines in the household was pregnant. The Grand Madam sent me to inquire with the First Young Lady about which one was pregnant.”

Shangrou looked somewhat disappointed, lowering her head and saying, “It’s Nian’er. She’s always been spoiled, and now she’s even more demanding.”

Nanny Feng hesitated for a moment, then asked, “Is it the remaining concubine?”

Shangrou confirmed, “Yes, it’s her. She had a miscarriage before… She’s pregnant again, and the master is very happy. He even told me to take good care of her and make sure her supplies are not lacking.”

Nanny Feng chuckled, “That’s true. It’s only right that the mistress of the house takes good care of her now that her concubine is pregnant. The eldest young lady should send someone over often to inquire after her, and when she does send something, make sure to make a big fuss so the whole family knows. Besides, it’s taboo to send food; if something goes wrong with something that’s ingested, it’s hard to explain. Sending some necessities is better than giving her a reason to frame you. The old lady’s point is that we should not do anything immoral, but…everyone has their own destiny. Madam, you should continue living your life as before, and just take good care of An’ge’er. If Nian’er can safely give birth to the child, Madam, you can take him to your own courtyard and have two wet nurses raise him. Nian’er will be wary of the child being in your hands, so she will naturally be obedient, and Madam, you will have more control over her then. As for the child, whoever raises him will be closer to him. Madam, you are the legal mother; raising a concubine’s child will win you favor and earn you a good reputation. Even your mother-in-law will not be able to find fault with you.”

Shangrou hesitated again. “Raising a child is quite… It’s easy, but what if something happens to the child? Would the blame not fall solely on me?”

Nanny Feng said, “Old Madam also said that raising a child is not easy. Who can guarantee that the child will live to be a hundred years old without illness or disaster? If something really happens, and the Marquis and his wife come to question you, then Madam can ask them in return why only four of their ten children survived.”

Shangrou thought about it and realized it made sense. Previously, she was only saddened by Nian’er’s pregnancy, but now her grandmother had given her a solution. She could do this as a last resort—hold on to the younger one, and the older ones would be at her mercy. She nodded to Nanny Feng and said, “Nanny, please tell Grandmother that I understand. Please rest assured.”

Nanny Feng smiled and said, “Madam, there’s no need to worry right now. While you may be anxious, others are even more so. There are five concubines in the courtyard now, and Nian’er has just become pregnant. There’s a long road ahead.”

Some things did not need to be said outright; a few words were enough for a wise person to understand. For example, in a family with many wives and concubines, no one would resent the principal wife for giving birth to a son; instead, they would be jealous of other concubines who stand out. With four pairs of eyes watching, if Nian’er knew how to restrain herself, things would be better. But if she continued to be so arrogant, it was uncertain whether she could successfully give birth to the child.

Having finished giving her instructions, Nanny Feng, noticing Nanny Fan rushing in, stood up and smiled, saying, “It’s hot; Madam, please take good care of yourself. The eldest son’s birthday is in a couple of days. The old lady said she will send someone to fetch Madam and An’er back then; I am sure the Marquis’s wife will not refuse.”

Shangrou agreed, stood up, and instructed her maid, “See Nanny Feng out.”

Nanny Feng bowed again, turned, nodded to Nanny Fan, and followed the maid out of the courtyard.

Nanny Fan returned late. Seeing that they had finished their business, she forced a smile and said to Shangrou, “Young Madam, Madam said she has prepared a delicious meal this evening and invites Young Madam to join her for dinner.”

Shangrou was impatient to dine with them, but since they had been invited, she could not refuse and casually agreed.

As night approached, she and a maid went with her mother-in-law to the front hall. Upon entering, she saw the table set with dishes, but only her parents-in-law and two of her husband’s sisters were present; Chen Ang was not seen. Her sisters-in-law pulled her aside to talk. The eldest sister-in-law was born of a concubine and was already betrothed, while the second sister-in-law was preparing to enter the palace and had been studying incense making and flower arranging at Surou’s girls’ school these past few days. Girls had things to talk about, and sitting together, they could exchange incense recipes and insights.

Madam Chen, still anxiously awaiting her son’s return, stood at the door, frowning. “Why has that wretched child not come back yet? He’s kept his father waiting.” She then dismissed her maid. “Go check at the door. If he does not return, send someone out to look for him.”

The second daughter muttered, “My eldest brother spends his days drinking and making merry. Why does Mother not do anything about it?”

Madam Chen, hearing this, retorted with a long face, “His legs are his own flesh and blood. What can I do?”

The second daughter, knowing her mother’s doting on her brother, complained, “Does he not spend money going out to seek pleasure? If Mother does not give him money, let’s see how he will face others when he goes out socializing. Mother’s personal savings have almost been depleted over the years. When will this hole be filled?”

As a result, Madam Chen glanced at her sideways and said, “Is this not what we’ve been hoping for? As long as you enter the palace and gain favor, you can get a powerful official position for your brother in the future, which will fulfill your wishes as siblings.”

These few words made the second daughter sullen, and she turned to the side, no longer speaking.

However, she did not have to wait too long. Chen Ang returned, and the family sat down to eat together. Shangrou remained silent throughout the meal, only listening to the conversation between the mother, son, and father.

Marquis Chen was always scolding his son, but Madam Chen was definitely a loving mother to him, even able to laugh and talk about interesting things happening outside.

Chen Ang, remembering something, said to Shangrou, “I heard your second sister is going to break off her engagement with the Heir Apparent. Is that true?”

Shangrou did not even look up. “I have not been back to my family for a long time. How would I know about my family’s affairs?”

Chen Ang ignored her and continued, “Today, a group of people placed a bet on whether this marriage would go through. I bet they will not break it off. Go back and talk to your second sister. Tell her not to break off the engagement. She has to get married no matter what, so I do not lose everything.”

Shangrou pretended not to hear him. Chen Ang was no longer a normal person; his words were utterly absurd. To insist on marriage just because he could not lose a bet? If she listened to such talk, she would be just as foolish as he was.

Madam Chen chimed in, chattering, “Why break off such a good marriage! The Heir Apparent of Wukang is a prince, after all; she will be his consort as soon as she marries him. What’s wrong with that? Your second sister… is she not just a former palace attendant? She served as a lady-in-waiting for a few years, not exactly a dragon among men. She refuses to enter the palace and will not marry the Heir Apparent; does she want to marry the Jade Emperor? The marriage with the Kong family before was, frankly, a bit beneath her. Now that she’s engaged to the Heir Apparent, what’s the point of all this fuss? After all, Shizhong Zhang is the Heir Apparent’s savior; he will not mistreat her. Even if the household grows larger in the future, the principal wife will always be the principal wife; she will always be the most favored.”

Shangrou chuckled inwardly. So this was the current state of the Chen family: as long as the principal wife remained in power, it did not matter if the concubines piled up like a mountain.

The second daughter, always one to contradict her mother, said, “The Heir Apparent of Wukang is too old to be discussing marriage now; he certainly will not take a concubine later.”

Madam Chen raised her eyebrows. “Who knows? A late marriage does not necessarily mean there are no suitable women in the family. Men are prone to being fickle; it’s not unusual.” She glanced at Shangrou as she spoke, subtly criticizing, “Second Young Lady Zhang runs a girls’ school; she must be very broad-minded. As long as her position is not threatened, let the man do what he wants. She will not be short of food or drink; she will still have servants at her beck and call. Why make things difficult for herself?”

Shangrou, tired of these sarcastic remarks, did not take them to heart. She put down her chopsticks and said, “I am full. Father and Mother, please continue your meal.”

Madam Chen looked away with utter disdain.

While they were waiting there, they suddenly heard a loud commotion outside again—the familiar cries and shouts. Marquis Chen frowned.

Madam Chen, weary of the commotion, slammed her chopsticks down and exclaimed, “Nanny, what’s going on now!”

A servant woman rushed in from the courtyard gate, bowed at the steps, and reported with a troubled expression, “It’s terrible! Concubine Gao and Steward Zhou’s son… were having a secret rendezvous behind the artificial hill when they were caught by the maidservant of Yu Bo.”