Spring Message in the Snow – CH 075

Chapter 75

Everything inside the house was ready. Jiao Yue and the others had returned first, scenting the quilts, making the bed, and lighting incense. After they had bathed and changed, the maids who served them withdrew to the side rooms, leaving only the young couple in the main room. Since there was only one bed in the room, they would undoubtedly sleep together tonight.

The south-facing sliding window was half-open, with a narrow crack. Helian Song went over and quietly closed the window. Turning around, he saw Surou had taken off her outer robe and was already sitting on the edge of the bed. He hesitated slightly, but to avoid being too hasty and making a scene, he casually paced around the room a couple of times with his hands behind his back.

“This is my first time in your inner chamber. Indeed, a young lady’s bedroom is exquisite in every detail.” He turned and smiled slightly, displaying the detached elegance of a scholar, commenting on her boudoir as if he were admiring a landscape painting.

Surou sat on the bed, the quilt neatly covering her legs. Looking at his feigned profundity, she asked him directly, “Do you not want to sleep?”

He paused, knowing that if he continued to play along, she would probably suggest he sleep on the chaise longue in the outer room again. So, disregarding any pretense of modesty, he quickly went over, blew out the candle, and lay down beside her.

Rain pattered against the windowpane, adding a touch of autumnal melancholy. He said, “Five days off; tomorrow’s the last day. Time flies.”

She hummed in response, her voice drowsy. Strange, did she fall asleep the moment her head hit the pillow at home? Did she not care at all about having him beside her?

He was a little persistent. He turned to face her and whispered, “My wife, our wedding is over, and you’ve returned to your parents’ home today. Everything is complete, except for one thing. Guess what it is?”

Surou ignored him, turning her back to him. She murmured, “I do not want to guess. Since everything is complete, let’s just live peacefully. I have been exhausted these past two days. Stop nagging and go to sleep.”

“But…” He moved closer, pulling her into his arms, his feet rubbing awkwardly against her calves. “I think tonight is our wedding night; do you not think?”

Surou’s ears burned. She knew exactly what he was up to, but she was annoyed by his wicked sense of humor. She twisted her body, trying to break free from his embrace, and said in a low voice, “This is my parents’ home. Get rid of those filthy thoughts in your head. If you act recklessly, I will kick you out.”

He felt wronged but did not speak, silently tugging at her sleeve again and again, endlessly.

Surou exclaimed, “Oh dear!” and turned to scold him, but he quickly leaned in and kissed her on the lips, silencing her. She could only mutter, “How old are you? Why are you still clinging to me like a child!”

He had long since abandoned his pride and seized the opportunity to sigh, “I am a pitiful man, still chaste after twenty-four years, and my wife does not want me… If you want me to stop clinging to you, fine, my wife, call me ‘My Lord’ instead. I want to hear you call me that, alright?”

“It’s just a form of address; why are you so stubborn?” she muttered, unable to bring herself to say it.

Helian Song said, “If you call me that, we will be like an ordinary married couple. You always call me ‘Your Highness’; it sounds like you are addressing a stranger.”

Surou could not get past this, and after thinking about it, she realized he was right. Now that she was married, she should adapt to her new identity as soon as possible. Why argue with him over such a small matter? So she said seriously, “Listen carefully, I am going to call you…” She mustered her courage for a long time, but for some reason, she could not bring herself to say it. Under his eager anticipation, she managed to squeeze out two words, “My Lord.”

His heart burned. He held her shoulders and said, “I did not hear you clearly; say it again.”

Surou hesitated for a moment. “My Lord.”

He laughed. “Say it again.”

Surou started to find him nagging, thinking this man was being too fussy. Annoyed, she cupped his face in her hands and shouted, “My Lord! My Lord! Have you heard enough of this?!” But before she could finish speaking, she found him flipping over and sitting on top of her.

Her heart pounded. She was not some naive young girl; even if she had not eaten pork, she’d seen pigs run. Of course, she knew his intentions and understood what would ultimately happen. At this moment, any further words seemed superfluous. If their marriage did not involve that, future crises were inevitable. So, after he apologized and resolved her inner conflict, she was not entirely opposed to physical intimacy with him.

He slowly descended, his gentle weight covering her. He lowered his head and kissed the corner of her lips, then his kisses traveled to her earlobe and neck.

Surou realized that a man’s body was very different from her own. Through the soft silk fabric, she felt his back, his palms revealing taut muscles and a burgeoning, untamed power.

Breathing was a little difficult. Her mind was not entirely blank. He pulled open her clothes, but she pressed his hand down. “Did we not discuss this last night…”

He said, “Afraid of choking, you will not eat?” His fingertips roamed freely, traversing mountains and valleys, breathtakingly.

Something hard was pressing against her waist. She’d been too embarrassed to say anything, thinking it might be one of his special abilities—after all, that was how it was depicted in sketchbooks. But then he reached out and pulled it out, placing it in her palm. He gently stroked it; it was the miraculous medicine he’d obtained.

Was this like someone offering a pillow when she was sleepy? She exclaimed in surprise, “You actually carried this with you?”

He was a little embarrassed. “It’s called being prepared, just in case I need it someday, so I will not panic.” His heart pounding, he asked her again, “Wife, are you… planning to try it tonight?”

She did not speak. Her hand, holding the medicine bottle, seemed unable to bear its weight, and it fell limply to her side. Some things were unspoken. If a wildfire were burning, let it burn, let it burn until the world was ablaze, and forget everything else.

He moved his hand up her slender arm, gripping the medicine bottle tightly. He had carefully studied how to use it, but being a first-timer, he was inevitably a bit clumsy. He asked her to wait a moment while he hurriedly prepared himself before tenderly leaning down to meet her.

The girl’s embroidered bed in her boudoir was not luxurious; simple four pillars supported a silk canopy, appearing plain and solitary. Slowly, ripples appeared on the canopy, swaying gently like spring water.

The light rain outside the window grew heavier as the night deepened. Accompanied by the wind rustling through the treetops, bursts of rain lashed against the windowpanes, almost soaking through the paper.

The lanterns keeping watch under the eaves finally went out, leaving only the incessant howling of the wind. After a long while, the rain gradually subsided, most of the clouds in the sky dissipated, and under the hazy light, fallen petals covered the ground, leaving only the red-lacquered swing, swaying back and forth with the lingering sound.

The next day, at daybreak, the maids outside were already preparing. Quelan, through the beaded curtain, announced that the Prince and Princess should rise, as they would later pay their respects to the Grand Madam.

The two in the inner chamber had long since woken but sat facing each other, staring blankly at the small bloodstain on the bed.

Surou blushed. “What should we do… It’s your fault.”

Helian Song nodded. “Yes, it’s my fault. I caused this mess.”

If this were in the Prince’s Mansion, at least there would be preparations every night, with handkerchiefs placed by the bedside for emergencies. Unlike now.

Fortunately, the bloodstain was not conspicuous. Following Helian Song’s suggestion, they should simply roll up the bedding and take it back to the Prince’s Mansion, but Surou refused. “Is this just making things more obvious? Is it not embarrassing enough already?”

Helpless, she called to the maidservant outside to bring in a basin of water. Surou picked up the sheet and began washing it herself, while Helian Song stood nervously watching. After washing for a while, a faint stain remained. Surou sighed, “It’s not clean.”

Helian Song said, “How could that be? It’s much lighter now; let me do it.” He rolled up his sleeves and took over. Being a man, he was strong and skilled with swords, and in no time, he tore a large hole in the sheet.

Now it was all over. The two stared at each other, Surou shaking her head and sighing, “You’ve really made things worse. How are we going to explain this?”

Actually, as servants, they should be used to the head of the household’s affairs, but the two of them were newlyweds and felt embarrassed.

Helian Song awkwardly wrapped the sheet up. “Just say I ruined it, it has nothing to do with you.”

But could he have made that bloodstain by himself? Surou glanced down at him. “So you said you had a nosebleed last night?”

Unfortunately, the location was wrong; the blood was flowing from there, making it even harder to explain.

The two stood facing each other, helpless. After hesitating for a while, they casually leaned against the backs of chairs. Helian Song was concerned about something else, gently stroking her waist and asking if his wife was still in pain.

This was something that made him unhappy. He had repeatedly said that the medicine would not cause pain. Although no one had been killed, there was blood, indicating that the medicine only worked on men and was not so friendly to women.

What was there to say now? Surou turned her face away. “I just hope it’s as miraculous as the legends say.”

Having experienced the happiness of marriage, Helian Song was decisive. “It does not matter if you are pregnant. We will think of other ways.”

There were always ways, but they would require a lot of effort, and besides, he was the eldest son; the Forbidden City would not be so easily fooled.

A little apprehensive, but seemingly without regret, the two exchanged embarrassed glances, straightened their clothes, and then called for servants to come in.

Fortunately, the maids were well-trained, and no one questioned the mess on the bed. Jiao Yue silently went forward to remove the torn sheets, while Quelan took out a silver basin. The servants for the groom were already waiting outside. Helian Song followed them to a side room, where Jie Lu helped Surou to her dressing table, helped her wash and comb her hair, applied a thin layer of powder to her face, and then brought her a jewelry box. She chose a gold and agate hairpin from the box, dressing herself up to celebrate her newfound marriage.

After both had finished washing and dressing, they went to the Grand Madam’s garden to pay their respects. Because of the late hour last night due to Zhang Zhi’s concubine giving birth, Shangrou had not returned home and rested with An’er in her old courtyard. In the morning, everyone met in their grandmother’s garden and ate breakfast together, and then the sisters went to their uncle’s courtyard to visit their newborn brother.

The old woman, Concubine Lu, had just given birth and was still in bed. Seeing the sisters arrive, she smiled and said, “How rude of me; I could not get up to greet you ladies.”

Shangrou said, “Auntie, you’ve had a long and tiring time; you should take care of yourself. We are all family; no need for formalities.”

Turning back to look at the baby, everyone gathered around to examine him. The newborn looked like a little mouse, his eyes still closed, but his features were clearly visible, showing the bearing of a member of the Zhang family.

Surou asked, “Has Uncle named the little brother yet?”

Concubine Lu replied, “His name is Xunzhi. The Master said he hopes he will be well-behaved and obedient to his older brothers.”

Xunzhi, what a lovely and obedient name! The family originally had four brothers; now there were five, though their ages were quite different. With his older brothers’ support, the younger brother would surely be alright.

After exchanging a few more auspicious words, not wanting to linger and disturb the new mother’s rest, they told Concubine Lu to take good care of herself and left the small courtyard.

Looking at the sky, it was time to go home. Shangrou went straight to say goodbye to her grandmother and sisters and returned to the Marquis’s residence with An’er.

Upon entering, Shangrou saw that Madam Chen looked rather displeased. “You did not say you were going to stay at your parents’ house yesterday. I waited for you all day, but you did not return. It’s not a big deal that you did not come back, but why did you not send someone to let me know?”

Shangrou smiled. It turned out they had deliberately not sent word; playing the dutiful daughter-in-law and grandson for too long had become tiresome.

However, she did not want to offend her mother-in-law for the time being, so she simply said, “Mother, please do not be angry. It was just a coincidence yesterday. My second sister was returning home after her wedding, and then my uncle’s concubine went into labor. We waited until the baby was born, and it was already late. Afraid of scaring the boy if we traveled in the dark, I decided to stay overnight at my parents’ house. Everyone was waiting for news of the birth, so we did not have time to send anyone back to inform you. I thought it was just a trip home, not a trip outside, so you would not be angry that I did not return in time.” She paused and glanced westward. “I was not here yesterday; did Sheniang return?”

Madam Chen frowned and said no. “She’s been gone for almost seven or eight days. She should have returned by now, even from Weizhou, let alone Youzhou. I wonder why she has not come back yet.”

Shangrou pondered. She paused, then muttered to herself, “This is rather strange. Even if she were only staying with her aunt for a couple of days, it should not have taken this long.”

Madam Chen glanced at her, her resentment evident. “You usually trust her implicitly, entrusting her with all the household management. Now she’s gone and not coming back. Are you not making any plans?”

Shangrou hesitated before replying, “Perhaps something has held her back. Sheniang is very reliable.”

She said that, and Madam Chen snorted, adding, “I heard Yu Bo is ill. She’s been having physicians examine her and prescribe medicine these past few days. You should keep an eye on things. If it really does not work, find a more skilled physician to examine her.”

Shangrou agreed. In her mother-in-law’s heart, everyone was more important than her. Whatever went wrong, it was always her fault.

It did not matter; there was plenty of time. She had come to terms with it. After returning from the front courtyard and settling Ze’an in, she said to Nanny Zhu, “Send a few people to search Sheniang’s room.”

Nanny Zhu received the order and led her trusted maids through Sheniang’s small courtyard.

Originally, Sheniang only had Zisun as her closest confidante; the other maids were merely hired temporarily, only responsible for daily cleaning and tidying, and did not concern themselves with anything inside the room. Therefore, when the young mistress sent people to search, they simply stood in the courtyard, peeking and watching.

Nanny Zhu, accompanied by several people, entered the house and devoured everything in a flash. The young woman, not expecting to never return, had not hidden her valuables and jewelry; they were quickly found after a thorough search of the chests and cabinets.

Nanny Zhu gestured for everyone to tuck the items into their bosoms, making sure no one saw them. She searched again, finding her old slave registration document in a small drawer under her makeup box. She clicked her tongue and said, “She still kept this? Was it to remind herself to climb the ranks step by step?”

She folded it up and stuffed it into her sleeve pocket, then searched the room again, even shaking out each piece of clothing.

At this moment, Shangrou invited Madam Chen over and said to her, “The more I think about it, the more uneasy I feel. She’s definitely with someone else. She said she’d be back in four days, but now several days have passed. I do not know what she’s planning. She was managing the household accounts before; since she has money coming and going, she might have had second thoughts. I asked you to come and take a look, Mother, so we can decide what to do…” Seeing Nanny Zhu come out with her people, she asked, “How is it? Are the things still there?”

Nanny Zhu presented the account book to Shangrou. “Young Madam, please take a look. There are only one hundred coins left in the account. I searched the house with my people, and all the valuables and jewelry are gone. It seems that Sheniang intended to leave the Marquis’s Mansion this time. Young Madam is still waiting for her. I’m afraid she will never come back in this lifetime.”

Madam Chen, her face grim, said, “Fine,” her anger now directed at Shangrou. “You were the one who brought her back, you were the one who put her in charge of the household, and now she’s run away! How can you face Chengchuan?”

Shangrou blinked, puzzled. “I bought her with my own money. Even though I manage the inner courtyard’s accounts myself, the monthly surplus is not much. I guess she felt there was no profit to be made, so she could not stay in this house. Clearly, it’s my husband who cannot satisfy her appetite. What have I done to wrong my husband?”

Madam Chen was speechless. She realized her daughter-in-law had recently changed. Before, she was meek and submissive, never uttering a word, but now she knew how to talk back.

She was furious. “Do not argue with me. She’s gone now. Just tell me what to do.”

Shangrou thought for a moment, then turned and instructed Nanny Zhu, “Tell the gatekeeper that if Sheniang returns, immediately take her to the county office. I want to question her about embezzling family property. But if she does not return…” She said helplessly to Madam Chen, “I think it’s best not to make a fuss, lest a runaway concubine appear in the house, ruining the gentleman’s reputation.”

Madam Chen was naturally displeased, vaguely sensing something amiss, but unable to pinpoint the problem. She huffed, “I do not care about that. Wait until Chengchuan returns, then you can tell him yourself.” Then she turned and left.

Shangrou watched her walk away, then turned and led Nanny Zhu and the others back to her courtyard.

After closing the courtyard gate, the items taken from Sheniang’s room were placed on the table. A woman who had come from a brothel in the market had accumulated some jewelry and money over the years; all added up, it was probably enough to cover the cost of redeeming her. Shangrou told Nanny Zhu to put everything away, waiting for Chen Ang to return so she could tell him about it. But she waited and waited until nightfall, and no one appeared. Growing impatient, she washed up and went to bed. Just as she was about to rest, she heard footsteps outside. Ignoring Nanny Zhu’s attempts to stop him, he barged into the inner chamber.

“Master, the mistress has already gone to sleep…”

Nanny Zhu could not stop him and was pushed back by Chen Ang, who pointed at her nose and cursed, “You old hag, if you dare to say another word, I will sell you to a brothel!”

Nanny Zhu was over fifty and had lost her charm; no one would want her in a brothel, but Chen Ang did not care. This was the only way he could think of to deal with a woman. After his tirade, he glared at Shangrou with red eyes. “You jealous woman! You’ve driven everyone else away from the courtyard, leaving only you. Are you happy now?”

He was drunk, his breath reeking of alcohol. Shangrou frowned. “What are you saying, My Lord? Most of the maids and concubines in the courtyard were bought by me to serve you. If I intended to get rid of them, I would not have bought them in the first place. Whose instigation have you taken this time, to blame me without even asking why?”

Chen Ang was simple-minded. He only knew that now only his principal wife and that untouchable Yu Bo remained in his courtyard. The room was empty; how could he live like this!

He and Sheniang had only had a brief affair, a brief infatuation, before he redeemed her and kept her in his room. It had become commonplace, but at least she was a person of flesh and blood, willing to try to please him, unlike the cold and aloof Zhang Shangrou. Now that even Sheniang was gone, it must be Shangrou who mistreated her. It was not that he was particularly reluctant to part with her, but he was using this opportunity to cause trouble, hoping Shangrou would bring in a few more new women so the household could continue to be lively.

In any case, ultimately, it was all Zhang Shangrou’s fault. Chen Ang’s sleeves swung loudly. “You do not need to refute me. I understand now. Now that your second sister has married the heir apparent, you are increasingly disrespectful. Let me tell you, this is the Marquis of Xingyang’s residence, not the heir apparent’s. Do not try to bully others.”

Shangrou initially argued with him, but hearing this, she felt it was unnecessary. She said indifferently, “Sheniang absconded with the money; I did not instigate it. If you want to pin the blame on me, I have nothing to say. I think you’ve had too much to drink. This commotion is unbecoming. You should go back to your room and rest. We can talk about it tomorrow.”

Her disgusted look and dismissive tone, as though speaking to a beggar, completely enraged Chen Ang. He grabbed a vase from the incense table and smashed it into pieces. “You think you can rule the world just by getting rid of all those women? Let me tell you, do not dream! The more you try to suppress me, the more I will make you suffer. Tomorrow, get the courtyard cleared out. I am going to buy some women!”