Spring Message in the Snow – CH 070

Chapter 70

Every word was filled with filial piety and gratitude, but ultimately it boiled down to one sentence: the proper mistress of the house had arrived, and it was time for her to relinquish power.

Hearing her son say this, Governess Wu could not help but feel a pang of sadness. People said that once a son grew up, he was no longer under his mother’s control. Here, was it not the same? She had abandoned her husband and daughter to come to the capital to take care of him. For twelve years, she had poured all her heart and soul into this son. Although their status was that of master and servant, her heart was truly that of a mother to a son. Of course, she hoped he would be well, that he would get married and have children, so he would have a companion. But who knew that only two days after his new wife entered the house, his heart had completely turned to his new wife, which made her feel a little sad? In the end, she had become an outsider, a disposable old woman who was just there to eat.

No one else came to suppress this wet nurse, but Helian Song, trying to please his new wife, had already put her in her place, which was truly disappointing. What could she say? She could only laugh and say, “This old woman is not too old to be idle yet. You two just got married, and you’ve already become a hands-off husband. People who know the situation say the master is considerate, but those who do not think I am just enjoying a leisurely life in seclusion.”

So she still intended to interfere. It seemed that even Helian Song’s words could not stop this wet nurse’s determination to control the situation.

Surou was not in a hurry. She turned her gaze to Governess Wu and smiled. “Nanny, you are an old hand in the household, so you are always more efficient than others. The Heir Apparent was worried about your age and wanted you to enjoy your retirement, but since you’ve gone to such lengths, I will have to rely on your guidance in the future.”

Governess Wu gave a forced smile and a slight curtsy, saying, “I raised the young master since he was little, and I’ve gotten used to taking care of him. The Princess Consort has just taken over the household, so it’s not good to dump everything on her… Household affairs are numerous, and I think the Princess Consort should spend more time with the young master. Why waste time on trivial matters? What does the Princess Consort say?”

So, it was truly the first time she’d encountered a head maid openly vying for control of the household with the mistress. However, since she said this in front of Helian Song, it saved her the trouble of personally mentioning it to him, which would seem like a complaint. Surou merely smiled faintly and stopped arguing with her. She rose and moved to the flower hall on the east side, near the water, intending to light incense and read for a while, trying to while away the uneventful second day of her marriage.

In any case, she did not establish her authority, nor did she immediately take over the household affairs. She did not even bother to identify the servants and maids working in the house. She simply led her entourage and leisurely went about her business.

The maids who had retreated from the main room were somewhat unsure of what was going on. They glanced at Governess Wu, who was still displeased because of the young master’s words and had lost face. Therefore, she did not linger and led her servants towards the courtyard gate.

Those who were slower to follow, including Nanny Dou, glanced at Zhu Bai as they emerged from the doorway, subtly beckoning, “Boy, come here! Come talk to me!”

Zhu Bai was the young master’s closest servant, always taken along on errands. Nanny Dou had secretly remembered his smug smile earlier and thus secretly summoned him to inquire about the young master’s movements.

Zhu Bai, with his sleeves tucked in and craning his neck, called out, “Nanny, is there any instruction?”

Dou Mama sighed, “You are the young master’s favorite; would we order you around? We just wanted to ask you something…” Her voice trailed off, “I saw the young master serving the princess her meal earlier. What’s going on? It’s like the order of things has been turned upside down.”

Zhu Bai disliked these shallow old women. He glanced back towards the flower hall and saw the young master fawning over the princess. He knew from then on who was superior and who was inferior in this household.

Zhu Bai knew perfectly well the young master’s journey to winning his wife’s heart, which was why he wholeheartedly supported the princess, unlike these wavering old women.

“Does marriage even need to concern itself with righteousness? Do you ladies not have your husbands fetch water for you to wash your feet at home? I’ve been with the Master these past few days, and I’ve seen everything he does for the Princess. Let me tell you…” He licked his lips, “This is not an arranged marriage, not a matchmaker setting up a wedding on the appointed day. Our Master has given her his heart. Who do you think will be in charge of this household from now on? Besides, what is the Princess’s background? The Zhang family are high-ranking officials in the court; her father is even enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, receiving offerings from the Emperor. Do you think she comes from a humble background, unworthy of our Master’s favor?”

Of course, everyone knew the Princess’s background, but what the Master was really like outside the home was something these women in the inner quarters had no way of knowing. Now that they heard he had already poured his heart out, it was astonishing. They’d thought that even if they married, things might not be harmonious. Now it seemed she’d won the groom’s heart, and the royal palace would ultimately be in her hands. What were they waiting for? Were they going to help Governess Wu and the princess in their rivalry?

Zhu Bai, of course, knew they were bullying newcomers. He thought to himself that these old women were scoundrels, assuming she was young and inexperienced, trying to use their seniority to put on airs. Now that they’d come to him directly, he naturally wanted to seize the opportunity to wake these old women up. So he said, “Do you know the history between the Prince and the Princess’s father? Shizhong Zhang died protecting the Heir Apparent; he was the Heir Apparent’s benefactor. Now that his benefactor’s beloved daughter is married, guess how the Prince feels? Naturally, he will cherish her like a precious gem. If anyone dares to oppose the Princess, not only will she mind, but the Prince will be the first to punish them.” His words silenced the old woman completely.

Standing to the side, Nanny Qiao pondered for a long while, then stammered, “The Princess’s family has been kind to the young master, and Governess Wu knows this best. She accompanied the young master all the way from Longyou, so why now…”

Zhu Bai’s understanding was that Governess Wu was a wet nurse worried about her child. After all, the Zhang family had always felt that the young master owed them something, and they feared that their benefactor’s daughter, after entering the Prince’s Mansion, would become arrogant and suppress the young master, causing him to suffer. But the Princess was not that kind of person; having agreed to marry into the family, she naturally intended to treat the young master wholeheartedly.

There was another matter. Zhu Bai smiled subtly. “This old minister cares deeply for the world, and I, too, am unwilling to retire to my hometown. Governess Wu is the Prince’s wet nurse; her status is different. The other wet nurses are different; they are paid to work. Do not worry about those things. Just serve the Prince and the Princess well. If the Princess is happy, she will give you a raise. That’s like having a good meal and a good soup—what’s wrong with that?”

It turned out that this older woman was less insightful than a young boy.

Nanny Dou and the other old women exchanged glances, then, without lingering, headed towards the gate, whispering amongst themselves, “Governess Wu is hogging the reins, leaving the Zhang family’s servants waiting to greet the guests and give gifts. Is she perhaps trying to prevent the Princess from supporting her own family?”

Someone laughed upon hearing this, “The Zhang family is not impoverished. With such a large household, what do they need to support? I think Governess Wu is unwilling to relinquish power and is deliberately challenging the Princess…” They walked away, their voices fading into the rustling wind.

Surou was sitting by the window reading. Helian Song wanted to talk to her, but she was engrossed in her book, and he felt he could not get a word in edgewise. Just as he was scratching his head in frustration, a maid brought in almond milk. He quickly took it and offered it to her, saying softly, “Please, My Lady.”

She turned a page with a swish, ignoring him.

Later, the strong plum blossom incense burning on the table finished burning. The maid came to serve her, but he took the tinderbox, waved for her to leave, and personally lit the incense, placing it diagonally on the small, boat-shaped incense table. He propped his chin on one hand and fanned himself in her direction with the other, asking ingratiatingly, “My Lady, smell this fragrance; how is it?”

Surou glanced at him indifferently from above her book. “Your Highness, please go to your study. I will have someone invite you after lunch.”

But he would not agree. “What will I do in the study? Read again? I cannot concentrate on a single word right now, because I have something on my mind.”

He still had something on his mind? Was he still upset about not settling accounts?

Surou gave a wink to the attendants standing nearby, signaling them to leave. She closed her book and asked, “Does Your Highness think I’ve been unfair? Let me tell you, I’ve already restrained myself this time. If the wedding date were not so close and could not be changed, I absolutely would not have married you.”

He asked, somewhat desperately, “Just because I like you so much and used a little trick to marry you, you cannot forgive me?”

Surou did not like hearing his vague words. “Used a little trick? Is this what you call using a little trick? You even fooled Grandmother!”

He choked and, after a long pause, said, “I will explain to Grandmother on the day of your return visit… I beg for your Grandmother’s forgiveness. But my lady, please believe me, if I had any other means, I would never have alarmed the Emperor. I only hope you can gradually accept me. If I did not care about your feelings, why go through all this trouble? Would not it have been easier to just ask the Emperor for a marriage decree?”

Surou snorted, “So this is already giving the Zhang family face? You orchestrated this censor, scaring everyone at the Golden Duck Banquet away from proposing to me—it’s all your doing!”

A hundred families sought her hand; she would never experience that glory again. In her old age, she would not be able to proudly tell her granddaughter, “Your grandfather fought tooth and nail to marry your grandmother.” Perhaps in his mouth, it would become, “From beginning to end, only I proposed to your grandmother, and then she married me…” It was so humiliating. A girl’s most precious time had ended just like that. Looking back, all she felt was loneliness and desolation. Even her appearance at the Golden Duck Banquet was in vain.

Who orchestrated all of this? It was this man right in front of her!

She glared at him fiercely, her heart filled with resentment and unwillingness.

He, however, was still preoccupied with the details. “That censor was not arranged by me. A true man takes responsibility for his actions. I will not admit to something I did not do.”

Did it matter? Whether he arranged it or not, it resulted in nobody caring, especially since the Emperor had suddenly appeared after the Golden Duck Banquet.

Forget it, there was no point in saying more. She picked up her book again and looked away.

He hung his arms at his sides, looking dejected. “Wife, do not read anymore. Let’s go fishing in the pond, swing in the courtyard, or even just go for a walk. It’s better than sitting here like this.”

Surou slightly turned her body away, indicating she did not want to hear him speak. On the second day of their wedding, fishing, swinging, and shopping were all terrible ideas.

He rubbed his forehead, circling the earth twice. “This is not the married life I imagined…”

Newlyweds should be inseparable, each other’s everything, but instead, it had turned out like this. His wife did not want to talk to him, which tormented him and hurt him deeply.

He leaned closer. “My wife, were we not doing so well before? On Mid-Autumn Festival, you already liked me.”

She called him shameless. “When did I say I liked you!”

But he felt these things did not need to be said; they had to be felt. If she had not committed to him, why would she be so close to him? Her wishes when releasing lanterns, every word she uttered, were all related to him.

But then she was unhappy, and when she was unhappy, she negated everything and wished she could chop off the finger he had once held in his mouth. He dared not anger her further and said softly, “If you are really impatient with me, I will go to the army… Two armies outside the city need to be mobilized; I will go oversee it and return tonight.”

She put down her book, frowned, and asked, “What day is it today? You are going to the army?”

He said, “Did you not say you did not want to see me? I can at least lie low for a while.” But in his heart, he was screaming, “Are you not going to stop me? I will be gone for several hours; I will not be back until dark!”

She sighed and said, “Fine, go ahead. I am tired; I am going to take a nap.”

He immediately looked aggrieved. “I am going to the army camp, and you are going to sleep? You really do not care about me at all.”

Surou laughed in exasperation. “All the things you’ve done, all the scheming you’ve put me through, and you expect me to care about you? How dare you say that?” She stood up, smoothed a strand of hair at her temple, and turned to say, “Your Highness, please go. I am going back to my room.”

She meant what she said and indeed moved across the wooden corridor towards her bedroom. He stood there for a while, feeling desolate but still caught up with her, asking with a forced smile, “Wife, are you hungry? Wife, are you thirsty? I have some fine Miyun Xiaolongtuan tea here; have them fetch it, and I will make you some tea!”

She seemed not to hear him, even glancing outside, murmuring, “I wonder what the county princess is doing, why does she not come to visit…”

Helian Song said, “The county princess is a good girl; she knows we need time alone after our marriage, and she will not disturb us.”

He followed closely behind. Behind her, Surou glanced back at him. “Was Your Highness not going to the army?”

He immediately changed his mind. “I think I should forget it. Going to the army today would cause misunderstandings, making people think we are having marital problems. My wife said she wanted to take a nap; I will sleep with you. Have them bring the food into the inner chamber, and we can sleep until tomorrow.”

Surou knew what he was planning. A man who had spent his wedding night alone on the veranda was always looking for an opportunity to make up for that regret.

She remained silent, so Helian Song decided to brazenly follow her into the inner chamber. However, after only a few steps, she said, “Your Highness, stop!” Her eyebrows shot up, clearly indicating she was determined to draw a line between them.

Caught between a rock and a hard place, he resorted to a feint: “My lady, please do not call me Your Highness anymore. Just call me your husband, or even Jie Ran will do.” He carefully pulled over a round-backed chair and sat down. “I will not go over there. I will just talk to you here; even just looking at you would be enough for me.”

He was usually very sweet-talking, but this tactic was clearly ineffective now. She looked dejected, lowering her eyes and smoothing the unevenness of the sheets. “You seem to have never considered whether I’d even want you to look at me.”

She was frighteningly calm now, possessing a detached air of worldly cares. This calmness made him extremely uneasy. He realized he was doomed; if he did not show sincerity this time, she would not forgive him. So he stood up and called out, “Zhu Bai!”

Zhu Bai answered from under the eaves, “Yes, sir! What are your orders, my lord?”

He took a deep breath and said, “Cut down that rose bush in the garden.”

“Huh?” Zhu Bai thought he had misheard and, clinging to the railing, asked, “My Lord, that rose bush is growing perfectly well; why are you cutting it down?”

Surou was also confused about his intentions and looked at him suspiciously.

His expression was sorrowful, but his tone was resolute. “I am sorry, Your Highness. Today I cut down the rose bush to apologize, because rose bushes have many thorns!”

Surou was stunned. Even Zhu Bai, outside, was somewhat at a loss. Were the young couple going to hurt themselves over a quarrel? Thorns embedded in flesh were no joke; if the lord’s delicate skin were covered in thorns, it would ruin his appearance. Would Her Highness allow it?

Sure enough, Surou frowned and said, “Cutting down the rose bush on the second day of our marriage? Is there no taboo?”

Taboos about this and that? Actually, she still wanted to live a good life with him. Helian Song was secretly delighted, but naturally, he pleaded for forgiveness, saying sincerely, “I’ve made a grave mistake, causing my wife these past few days of distress. It’s all my fault. I do not know how to appease you. I considered following Lian Po’s example, but my wife thinks cutting down the tree is unlucky. What can I do…? Trying to gain your forgiveness without doing anything would seem too perfunctory.”

What a clever trick—getting the benefit while feigning innocence. Surou chuckled coldly, “That’s true. Since the rose bush cannot be cut down, then please, Your Highness, think of another way—one that will not damage the roots of the plants but also fulfills Your Highness’s wish to apologize.”

Then he fell silent, his stubborn lips pressed together, and stormed off.

Good riddance. Peace and quiet. Surou patted the headboard pillow, rolled over, and lay down. The sunlight outside was no longer as glaring as in summer; it slanted in, casting a diamond-shaped shadow on the desk by the window.

A dandelion seed, seemingly from nowhere, drifted in and landed on the windowsill. Its tiny, fluffy seeds rustled gently in the breeze. She squinted at it for a long time, then, feeling drowsy, she slowly closed her eyes.

But soon, a series of hurried footsteps sounded outside, quickly reaching the inner chamber. She lazily opened her eyes and saw Helian Song wearing only an undergarment, bound tightly with hemp rope, and carrying a cluster of cacti on his back.

She was stunned, sitting up abruptly. “Are you out of your mind?” she exclaimed.

He, however, remained righteous and indignant. “I have made a mistake and am willing to accept punishment. From now on, I will never do anything to betray my wife. If I do it again, next time I will strip naked and carry a cactus on my back and wear burrs as shoes. Whatever punishment my wife gives me, I will never utter a sound of injustice.”