Spring Message in the Snow – CH 060

Chapter 60

The Grand Madam agreed, saying, “I do not know how your elder sister is doing lately. We have not heard from her in a while. Even when your aunt went back to the capital, she did not come back.”

Surou said, “Grandmother, do not worry. I will go and see her.”

After sitting for a while, she left Suihua Garden. On the way, she met Jirou and Qingrou, who were taking a stroll after dinner. The two sisters were carrying small orange lanterns and had no maids with them. They stopped under an osmanthus tree, looking up at something.

Surou went over to greet them and followed their gaze upwards. She saw a pair of fireflies flickering on and off at the treetop, gradually flying higher and higher towards the other side of the garden.

Only then did Jirou speak: “Second Sister went to the Prince’s Mansion. Did the preparations go smoothly?”

Surou said it was fine, then asked, “Did you have someone calculate your birth charts this afternoon?”

Jirou said shyly, “Grandmother sent one of the servants out to find that fortune teller at the alley entrance to take a quick look. He said there were no major conflicts, and that together they formed a very auspicious chart.”

“That’s wonderful!” Surou said. “I met Fourth Young Master Wang at Yang Tower last time; he seemed like a calm and collected person. You can be impatient sometimes; having someone like that beside you will help you improve.” Turning to look at Qingrou again, remembering her grandmother’s words, she softly asked, “When Young Master Li came to propose marriage that day, did he mention when he would come to see you?”

Qingrou shook her head. “He must have been busy. Actually, I did not really want him to come. We do not have much to say to each other anyway. If he came, we’d just be staring at each other.” She gave an awkward smile. “Everyone knows I am a boring person. I can talk to my family, but with strangers, I simply do not know how to start a conversation.”

But the atmosphere often depended on the man to lighten the mood. She did not know what to say; as long as Young Master Li understood, that was enough. However, since she did not really want him to come, she probably was not upset. Every engaged couple had their own way of getting along; some were fiery like Helian Song, while others were calm and collected like Young Master Li.

The three sisters walked for a while in the garden. The garden at night was different from the daytime; it was quiet and deep, with only the chirping of insects. After walking for a short while, they saw Jiao Yue approaching with a lantern in the distance. They had to part ways, and Surou strolled back to Qiandui Xue Courtyard.

The next day, they went to the garden. The Spring Moon Butterfly Incense, which had been stored away for several days, could finally be used. During recess, everyone moved to the garden, watching the butterflies flitting among the jade hairpin flowers, and lit the incense.

Unfortunately, after waiting for a long time, it seemed no butterflies would come. Surou sighed, “It turns out you cannot always believe everything you read in books.”

Everyone sighed and put away the remaining incense. Since they could not attract butterflies, they would go back and use it to fumigate their houses. The group moved into the hall. Sujie, very interested in the offerings, turned and said, “Mid-Autumn Festival is coming soon. When will you teach us how to make shortbread, Sister? We can show off our skills when we get back.”

Although the recent attempt with the Lantian Jade was a failure, it had not discouraged the young ladies. Seeing their enthusiasm, Surou naturally agreed. Before anyone could speak, a servant’s voice came from outside the door, standing respectfully on the steps, announcing, “The Forbidden City has sent a eunuch to deliver a palace lantern to Second Young Lady.”

Surou paused, about to rise, when Quelan entered carrying the lantern, calling out, “Young Mistress, the eunuch left after putting down the lantern, saying it was delivered on the Emperor’s orders.”

Everyone was secretly surprised, their eyes darting around like arrows. In truth, everyone had heard of the entanglement between the Emperor and the female tutor. They had previously heard that the Emperor had visited the garden, but it had been after school, so no one had had the chance to see him. Today, he had openly sent a lantern, and it did not look as luxurious or exquisite as they had imagined; it must have been made by the Emperor himself!

Since it was made by the Emperor, they wanted to see it. They crowded around to look and saw a line of small characters written on the gauze: “The locust tree’s green is dim by the low window; the pomegranate’s red is bright to the eye.”

The Emperor’s calligraphy was always priceless; his cursive script possessed a boundless, unrestrained power, while his small, regular script was endlessly delicate and graceful. No one could fathom the hidden meaning within, but girls, always particularly sensitive to certain subtle emotions, exchanged glances and giggled softly, covering their mouths. Even though she was already engaged, the Emperor still held a grudge against her, showing that even someone as high and mighty as him could not escape the seven emotions and six desires of mortals.

Surou felt extremely embarrassed, wondering why the Emperor had sent this lantern. She could not fathom the meaning behind the two lines of poetry on the lampshade, so she simply ordered Quelan to take the lantern to the inner room and hang it up again on the fifteenth of the eighth month.

While everyone whispered amongst themselves, Sujie wore a knowing smile, trying her best to smooth things over for Surou. “Sister, you are a former palace lady-in-waiting. It’s nothing unusual for the palace to bestow a palace lantern during a festival. Our family has received them every year. Besides, the Emperor and the Heir Apparent are close friends. What’s so strange about his sending a lantern to a friend to celebrate the festival?”

However, everyone saw through her intentions but did not say anything. If that was the case, the lantern should have been sent to the Prince’s Mansion; sending it to the garden would be odd. Anyway, no one said anything more, and everyone understood without tacit agreement. Seeing that it was getting dark outside, they all curtsied and took their leave.

Sujie stayed last, and seeing Surou looking troubled, she comforted her, smiling, “Sister, do not worry; the Emperor only wants to add to the festivities.” Her words were confident and reasonable.

Surou hesitated for a moment, then turned to ask her, “How do you know it’s just for entertainment?”

Sujie said, “The Emperor visited the Duke’s Mansion a few days ago…” Suddenly realizing she had almost let something slip, she waved her hand dismissively, “Never mind, I should go now. He Shu is waiting for me outside.” After exchanging greetings with Surou, she led her maid to the courtyard gate.

Surou stood in the hall, forcing a wry smile. It was just for fun… Hopefully! The Mid-Autumn Festival had not even arrived yet, but the lanterns had already been delivered. Going around to see them would be too much trouble. She thought for a moment and said to Quelan, “Let’s take a few days off around the Mid-Autumn Festival. We’ve been busy for quite a while now. Let’s relax during the festival and stay home with the elders to enjoy the flowers and the moon.”

Quelan understood her mistress’s meaning. She turned and pointed to the palace lantern in the inner room. “We can hang the lantern under the eaves then, as a way of expressing our gratitude to the Emperor.”

Surou smiled, saying nothing more, but simply ordered them to be packed up and went home.

The next day, having some free time, she got up early, washed up, and went out. Passing by Pan Tower, she stopped her carriage and had someone buy some pastries and candied fruits, which she packed in a food box to take to the Marquis of Xingyang’s residence.

Upon arriving at the gate, she asked Nanny Fu to inform the gatekeeper. Soon, someone came out to greet her. Seeing Surou, the person hurriedly offered a greeting, smiling and saying, “Madam has been missing her family these past few days, but she has not been able to leave due to illness. She was overjoyed to see you, Second Young Lady, and immediately got up to wash her face and comb her hair, telling me to come out and welcome you.”

Surou followed her into the garden, somewhat worried, and asked what illness Surou had contracted. Nanny Zhu replied, “She drank two cups of cold wine the other day, probably catching a chill in her stomach. She had an upset stomach for two days, but she’s feeling better today. Second Young Lady, do not worry.”

As she spoke, she led Surou through the moon gate, across the central garden, and towards the back courtyard. By sheer coincidence, they met Chen Ang, who was just about to leave.

Chen Ang saw her and exclaimed, “Second Sister, you’ve come to see your elder sister?”

Surou curtsied to him and politely addressed him as “Brother-in-law.” Chen Ang grinned and asked her excitedly, “How are the preparations for your wedding with the Heir Apparent going?”

Chen Ang was only worried about losing money on the betting scheme he had started. Although Surou was impatient with him, she had to consider her elder sister’s feelings for the time being, so she replied, “Everything is almost ready. Thank you for your concern, Brother-in-law.”

Chen Ang was even more pleased. After all, making money was a good thing. He treated Surou with great kindness and said with a smile, “I told you, you two are a match made in heaven, destined to get married… Second Sister, it’s rare for you to come. Stay for a meal before you go back, and also try to comfort your elder sister. I see she’s always been a bit melancholic and does not seem like she’s living a fulfilling life.” He then raised his chin slightly and turned to head towards the courtyard gate.

Surou watched him walk away, wondering how someone like him could live so easily. Nanny Zhu sighed softly, gestured towards the courtyard, and said, “Second Young Lady, let’s go. First Miss is still waiting.”

Composing herself, Surou followed her to Shangrou’s courtyard. Shangrou stood on the veranda, looking around. Seeing her, she smiled from afar.

The sisters were overjoyed to see each other. Shangrou took her hand and led her inside, arranging for her to sit down. She then ordered hot water to be brought and asked how her sisters were doing. Surou told her about the changes in Jirou’s marriage. She listened with a touch of melancholy, murmuring, “The marriages of our eldest branch’s daughters are always so fraught with difficulties… But Grandmother arranged the marriage with the Wang family, which is a good match. The Wang family has a good reputation; I visited them with my mother before, and they are just like our family, harmonious from top to bottom.”

Surou agreed, then carefully observed her expression. “I heard from Nanny Zhu that Eldest Sister was unwell these past two days. Is she much better now?”

Shangrou said, “I’m almost fully recovered, but a little dehydrated, and my limbs are weak. I will be fine in a couple more days.”

Surou then asked about An’ge’er. Shangrou quickly instructed Chun Cheng, “Quickly bring An’er to see his aunt.”

A little while later, the wet nurse brought An’er. The boy had recently gained some weight, his skin was fair and tender, and his features were increasingly resembling Shangrou’s. Not shy at all, Surou held him in her arms and rocked him. He just grinned broadly at his aunt.

Surou looked at him with increasing affection, kissing his fair cheek and saying, “What an adorable little one, just like a doll in a New Year’s painting.”

Shangrou teased, “Now I am just looking forward to your marriage soon and having a chubby baby next year so the two cousins ​​can keep each other company.”

Surou blushed, saying, “Elder Sister, please stop teasing me.” She asked someone to open the pastry box and grabbed a peach-shaped pastry for An’er to play with. Remembering her earlier encounter with Chen Ang, she turned to Shangrou and said, “When I arrived, my brother-in-law was just about to leave… How is he now? Still lingering outside; does he not love being at home?”

Shangrou felt nauseous at the thought. “I thought that having several concubines in his room would finally settle him down, but he only quieted down for a short while before starting to go out every day again. I’ve figured it out; this man is inherently restless. Only when he loses his limbs will he be able to settle down at home. Now, I just need to take care of myself. Let him do whatever he wants. As long as his mother has money to support him, why should I worry? I will just be grateful if he does not bother me.”

Surou asked, “What about the concubines? How are they doing?”

Shangrou replied, “Of the two we bought from outside, we sold one. Of the two maids and concubines from my mother-in-law’s courtyard, the disobedient one was sent back. Only Yubo, who we used to trap Nian’er, is left; Sheniang has not touched her yet.”

Surou smiled faintly upon hearing this. “It’s only been a little over a month, but so much has been done. Sheniang has not been idle at all.”

Shangrou put down her teacup and said, “The backyard is noisy and chaotic. Apart from Nian’er from before, the rest are all rather naive. Now, Sheniang is very willing to meddle in household affairs, and I indulge her. She can dismiss whomever she wants, and after doing so many times, my husband has started to complain. But she’s clever and knows how to flatter. Men, you know, a few sweet words and they are all hooked. Now she’s thriving in the garden; I think her ambition to seize power grows ever stronger, and petty squabbles no longer satisfy her.”

As Surou listened to Shangrou, she gently lifted An’er onto her lap and played with him, speaking in a childlike tone, “We must nurture her appetite; let her disregard everyone. The higher she climbs, the harder she will fall.”

Shangrou used to panic in the face of trouble, probably because she still cared about Chen Ang, which often led to anger and put her in a very passive position. Since the incident with Pan’er, she had let go. Now, Chen Ang was merely An’er’s father to her; the affection between husband and wife was long gone. Once a woman lets go of her emotions, she becomes calm, freeing her chaotic mind to focus on more important matters, no longer wasting her energy on that unworthy man.

She breathed a sigh of relief and looked at An’er with a smile. The child was just learning to walk, his little legs incredibly strong, bouncing and laughing on his aunt’s lap. However, because he was teething, he drooled profusely, and when he laughed, it dripped down, soaking Surou’s delicate dress.

Shangrou exclaimed, “Oh dear!” and hurriedly got up to make arrangements. “Quickly, take the boy away and fetch a basin of water.”

The wet nurse stepped forward to take An’er, and Shangrou wrung out a handkerchief to wipe Surou’s face. Surou, however, felt there was no need to make a fuss. “The child is not dirty; why all this fuss?”

Shangrou smiled and said, “It’s just that you, as his aunt, do not mind. His grandmother would not be like this. Last time An’er dirtied her clothes, she did not even finish a word before rushing back to change.”

Surou found this somewhat amusing. A grandmother being so particular suggested that her affection for her grandson was not as deep as she claimed.

Later, when the topic turned to her aunt’s return from Jiangling Prefecture, Shangrou said, “Please apologize to Auntie for me. I have not been feeling well these past two days and have not been able to go back. I will go and pay my respects to her in a couple of days.” She then asked, “When is the turning of the bed date? The sooner it’s decided, the better, so I can start preparing.”

“Let’s wait for the Prince’s Mansion to send someone to choose an auspicious day. I will have someone send An’er’s new clothes over then,” Surou said, then chuckled. “It’s funny; our boy is so young, and his aunt already has a favor to ask of him.”

Shangrou said, “Is this not his good fortune? He’s turning the bed of the Prince and Princess’s residence; if he were to stay with someone of lower status in the future, we would not dare lower ourselves.”

The two sisters sat together, chatting and laughing. Looking at the water clock on the table, Shangrou then ordered lunch to be prepared, insisting that Surou not leave. Surou did not refuse and stayed to have lunch with her elder sister.

Actually, putting aside Chen Ang and the various issues in the inner quarters, everything was quite pleasant. Shangrou was, after all, the Zhang family’s daughter. Even if the Marquis of Xingyang and his wife spoiled their son, they would not do anything to their daughter-in-law. Furthermore, Surou was also getting married soon. Once her younger sister became a princess, Shangrou felt even more secure—she herself lacked power and could only rely on her maternal family.

The two chatted about Qingrou and Jirou’s marriages. Shangrou felt very ashamed and lowered her head, saying, “I thought that once the elder sister got married, she could help her younger sisters, but now that I am in this state, I cannot help them at all.”

Surou gently comforted her, “Everyone has their own destiny. Elder Sister, you are wronged today, but you might have your day. There’s still a long road ahead, so do not rush.” ​​After a few more jokes, seeing that it was almost noon, she bid farewell to Shangrou and prepared to return home.

As usual, Nanny Zhu led her through the courtyards and towards the main gate. The residence of the Marquis of Xingyang was quite exquisitely furnished, with a rockery and pavilion in the center of the courtyard, around which a path circled. They were walking peacefully when, out of nowhere, an alluring woman appeared, seemingly descending from the sky. Surou, unable to dodge in time, bumped right into her.

The maids and servants nearby were startled and rushed to help her up. The woman cried out in pain and immediately scolded, “Who is this? Can you not watch where you are going?”

Nanny Zhu quickly comforted Surou, “Second Young Lady, you’ve been frightened. Did you hurt yourself?” Turning to the woman, she said, “This is the Second Young Lady of the Zhang family, a distinguished guest. How could you not be more careful, Concubine?”

Upon hearing this, the woman’s face immediately lit up with a smile, and she repeatedly apologized, “It’s my fault! I did not know the distinguished guest was the Second Young Lady Zhang. I was so clumsy and bumped into her. Please forgive me, Second Young Lady.”

Surou felt a dull ache in her chest from the impact. Nanny Zhu gave the young woman a scrutinizing look and said, “This is Jiang, a concubine of the young master. Her maiden name is Sheniang. The eldest mistress mentioned her to the second young lady and praised her highly.”

Surou then said, “Oh, so we did not recognize each other until we bumped into each other.”

Sheniang smiled like a flower. “I did not know the second young lady was here; otherwise, I would have gone to the Lady’s courtyard to pay my respects. It’s quite rude of me to meet you on the way and bump into you like that.”

Surou smiled calmly, saying it was fine, and not wanting to get entangled with her any further, she walked past her and continued towards the front courtyard.

Watching her walk away, a hint of disdain flickered in her eyes. She gave a cold laugh and said to the maid beside her, “This is the one who’s going to marry the Heir Apparent. Beautiful, yes, but lacking in spirit. I originally thought someone from the palace would be some formidable character, but it turns out her temperament is somewhat like our Lady’s. Truly, not blood sisters, but closer than blood sisters.”

The maid beside her chimed in, mocking, “They are family after all. Can two flowers grow from the same tree?”

She became even more confident. She had come today to see if the Zhang family had any capable members. She had previously thought that the second young lady of the Zhang family, being knowledgeable and soon to be the Heir Apparent’s wife, would surely be very capable. But after a brief encounter, she seemed utterly spineless, like a clay idol. If such a person ascended to a high position, she would probably be too busy taking care of herself to have time to fuss over her spineless cousin!

T/N: I will look forward to your comeuppance, Sheniang!