Spring Message in the Snow – CH 089

Chapter 89

The Grand Madam exclaimed, “Oh!” and laughed. “What’s wrong? Grandmother is perfectly fine; why are you crying?”

Xianchun and Cichun stepped forward to help her up, smiling and comforting her, “Grand Madam has only caught a cold; she will be fine in a couple of days. Lady Shen, do not worry.”

Mianmian stood up, her eyes red. Seeing everyone laughing at her, she felt a little embarrassed, wiped away her tears, and said, “I only heard that Grandmother was sick, and I thought she was very ill; it scared me half to death. Now that I see Grandmother is alright, I am relieved.” She then gave an awkward laugh. “Eldest Sister and Second Sister are back, too?”

Shangrou and Surou nodded, then listened to the Grand Madam’s sigh. Her gaze drifted to each child’s face, and she said with satisfaction, “That’s the beauty of having so many children and grandchildren. Even if someone falls ill, having all the children around brings joy. It’s snowing today, and it’s rare for all of you sisters to be together. Let’s have a tea party outside, instead of staying in the inner chambers, lest we pass on the illness’s lingering effects.”

Shangrou said, “We came back because we wanted to spend more time with Grandmother. We were afraid she’d be tired, and our presence would only be a bother.”

The Grand Madam said, “I’ve been sleeping for two days, and I cannot sleep now.” She then turned to Nanny Feng and instructed, “Why not bring in a table and place it far away so we, grandmother and granddaughters, can chat?”

Nanny Feng agreed and went out to instruct the maids to set up. Soon, the table, chairs, and brazier were all ready. Everyone turned and sat down, listening to the Grand Madam, who said slowly, “The snow came earlier than usual this year. I hope it does not linger too long and delay Qingrou’s wedding.”

Counting the days, there were only a dozen or so days left until the wedding day. However, Qingrou was the third branch’s illegitimate daughter, so Zhang Zhi would not spend too much time on her. The wedding ceremony would not be as grand as her other sisters’, and would even be somewhat quiet. She wondered how Lady Ling was handling the arrangements.

Qingrou was used to being ignored, so she did not think it was anything to complain about. Perhaps because the engagement had been going on for some time, the anxiety of waiting to be married had long since faded. Hearing her grandmother mention it, she merely smiled faintly, “There are still several days left; it might not be that long.”

Everyone then went to ask Qingrou how her dowry preparations were going. She had received the dowry contributions from her sisters, so at least her dowry would look presentable, not just empty vases and utensils.

Qingrou replied, “My aunt and sister-in-law are also helping with the arrangements; it’s almost done.” Actually, she seemed rather indifferent and not quite used to everyone discussing her marriage.

So the topic shifted again. Surou mentioned meeting the Duchess of Cheng at the palace yesterday and relaying the duchess’s request to the Grand Madam. Finally, she asked, “How is the Fifth Daughter of the Grand Secretary of the Zizheng Hall doing now? Jiezhi said before that he would discuss marriage after he passed the autumn examination. Now that he has achieved academic success, why does he not come to propose marriage?”

The Grand Madam spoke of the marriage with a hint of regret. “Someone beat us to it. The girl we liked, they naturally liked too. I said I’d send a matchmaker to propose first, but Jiezhi was afraid he would not pass and would wrong the girl. Now look what happened; by the time he achieved his goal, the girl had already been betrothed. I still feel resentful about it.” She paused, then asked, “Does the Duchess of Cheng intend to arrange a marriage for her cousin?”

Surou replied, “Yes, it’s the second daughter of the Yongzhou Military Governor’s family. The two families are of equal social standing, but I do not know what the girl is like.”

Before she finished speaking, Shangrou interjected, “The Yongzhou Military Governor is Liu Ji? His wife and my mother-in-law are from the same mother. There’s quite a story behind it. Back then, my mother-in-law was very favored at home and stole her elder sister’s marriage, thus marrying into the Marquis of Xingyang’s household. Later, Madam Liu married Military Governor Liu and stayed in Yongzhou, never returning to the capital.”

Everyone could not help but sigh. No wonder the path to the Marquis of Xingyang’s residence had become so narrow after Chen Ang’s incident. Shangrou had only recently heard the secret behind this. Although Marquis Chen and Madam Liu were not engaged, everyone in the clan knew. In the end, the younger sister took the place of the older sister. While no one said it aloud, they held Madam Chen in utter contempt.

After listening, Grand Madam Zhang, catching her breath, said, “To be honest, I really do not want to have anything to do with the Chen family anymore. Now that the Duchess of Cheng is acting as the matchmaker, and the Liu family and the Chen family have no dealings, if the girl is good-looking and virtuous, it’s not impossible for them to get married. However, we still need to inquire carefully. A girl’s marriage should be a serious matter, and the same goes for a boy’s. Or, after the snow stops and the weather gets better, we can invite the Duchess of Cheng to our home as a guest.” Still slightly out of breath from her illness, Grand Madam Zhang paused briefly before continuing, “The Duchess of Cheng will definitely bring Second Young Lady Liu with her. We can then take a good look at her before deciding whether to proceed with the marriage.”

Nanny Feng sat on the edge of the bed, reached out and stroked the old lady’s back, and said gently, “The old lady’s spirits have not returned yet, so please speak less and listen to the young ladies’ discussion.”

The old lady laughed. “That’s going to suffocate me! I love chatting with the children, and it’s so rare for them all to be back today…” She then asked Mianmian, “How is it at the Earl’s mansion? Do you get along well with your parents-in-law and sisters-in-law?”

Mianmian pouted and said, “My husband is very good to me, and my parents-in-law are quite kind, but I just cannot get along with those sisters-in-law. They all think they are superior, and they are always looking down on others. Even if we do exchange a few words, they all act all high and mighty, as if they don’t care to talk to me.” Naturally, she was indignant and turned to her sisters, asking, “Am I really that uninteresting? Tell me the truth.”

This put them in a difficult position. Finally, Jirou, quick to speak her mind, said bluntly, “When you first came to the capital, we did not get along with you either. You are so scheming and not very likable, and you always monopolize Grandma, acting like she’s yours alone, which made us very uncomfortable.”

Zhirou chimed in, “Besides being scheming, you are also mercenary, materialistic, and self-righteous.”

Mianmian exclaimed in shock, “Ah! Am I really that annoying?” she murmured.

Of course, there was a silver lining. Jirou said, “After spending more time with you, I’ve discovered that you have your good points, cousin. At least you are straightforward, generous, and open. We like you very much now. However, since you are new to your husband’s family, they are unfamiliar with you, so it’s inevitable that they will isolate you a bit. It will get better with time. Even if they do not like you, it’s not a big deal. You can just close the door and live your own life. Do you expect them to befriend you?”

Mianmian, of course, had her own plans. After all, she was living in their family home, and harmony was paramount. Her sisters’ words had hit a nerve, forcing her to confront her shortcomings and strengthening her resolve to play to her strengths and avoid her weaknesses. After all, people were all human; if she treated them well, she could surely warm their hearts.

Later, the Grand Madam asked about Helian Song again, “I heard he went to Youzhou a few days ago? It’s so cold, and it’s snowing… When will he be back?”

Surou said, “It’s not certain yet. They say it could be as short as ten days or as long as a month.”

“A month… the New Year is almost here.”

The whole family now knew about the Heir Apparent’s misdeeds. Everyone felt sorry for Surou; they never imagined that such a thoughtful person would ultimately not escape the fate of having to take a concubine for her husband.

They remembered the Mid-Autumn Festival when several young men came to the mansion to celebrate. At that time, Helian Song was a man of refined character, surpassing all his brothers-in-law in both knowledge and conversation. But not long after, he betrayed Surou, even forcing her to condescend to bring his mistress home to keep her. It was infuriating to think about.

Seeing the various expressions on everyone’s faces, Surou felt somewhat awkward. Just as she was about to say something to ease the tension, she heard a servant announce from under the eaves, “Reporting to the Grand Madam, the Young Madam’s water has broken, and she’s already in labor. The First Madam sent me to convey her message, asking the Grand Madam to remain calm and wait for news.”

Upon receiving the news, everyone stood up. The Grand Madam wanted to get out of bed but was stopped by Nanny Feng, who advised, “From labor to delivery, there’s still some time. This is the Young Madam’s first pregnancy, so it’s bound to take longer. Nanny Cui is experienced; leave everything to her. The Grand Madam does not need to worry.”

The Grand Madam nodded, sat back down, and leaned out to ask, “Has the eldest son been informed?”

The servant in the corridor confirmed, saying, “Someone has already been sent to the yamen to inform the eldest young master; he should be back soon.”

After all, childbirth was a major event, and having Nanny Cui examine the child beforehand would confirm that it was twins. These days, giving birth to twins was very risky; everyone was on tenterhooks. The Grand Madam was ill, and the younger sisters were not yet married, so they were left in the main room. Shangrou, Surou, and Mianmian went first to check on Lady Bai’s condition.

Entering the moon gate, one could see from afar that the corridor was bustling with people. Entering the delivery room, Lady Bai’s contractions had not started yet. She seemed very calm, dressed in simple cotton clothes, simply reclining on the pillow. She smiled when she saw them enter, her eyes full of hope.

Shangrou stepped forward and asked her, “Are you scared?”

She said she was not. “I’ve been waiting for this for years, and finally my wish has come true. Now it’s twins! Even if it kills me, I will definitely give birth to them.”

Shangrou said, “Alright,” gently comforting her. “When I was pregnant with An’er, I always thought childbirth was terrifying. I was afraid I would not be able to bring him into this world. Later, once I was pregnant, I simply stopped thinking about anything and just hoped to see my child soon, and that gave me the strength. Do not worry, Nanny Cui is a famous old midwife in the capital; she will definitely ensure your safety.”

Lady Bai nodded, but her eyes darted outside. “Has Suizhi not returned yet?”

Surou said, “I’ve already sent someone out to inform him; he should be back soon.”

Just as she finished speaking, the clanging of armor reached the door. Suizhi, without even removing his armor, hurried to his wife’s bedside. He wanted to hold her hand, but then remembered he had just come in from outside and feared the chill on his body would affect her. So he held onto the edge of the bed and, like soothing a child, called her by her childhood name, “Baozhuang, I am back. Do not be afraid; I will stay with you. I will not leave your side.”

The three sisters exchanged smiles, realizing it was inappropriate to linger, and quietly left the bedroom.

It was truly cold outside, a veritable snow cave. Walking down the corridor, the icy wind chilled their necks, making them shiver.

Mianmian stamped her foot and said, “Usually, my eldest brother seems like a strict, stern elder brother; I am even a little afraid of him. But seeing him at his sister-in-law’s bedside just now, he showed some humanity, and he knows how to care for his wife.”

Shangrou chuckled, “He’s not a blockhead. How could he not care when his wife is giving birth!” She then sighed, “Women, how wonderful it is to meet a man who cares for you. I remember when I gave birth, Chen Ang was out partying, and it was not until An’er was born that the servants brought him back.”

It was a pity that her lifelong happiness was ruined by that Marquis’s Mansion. She probably would never experience a man’s love again in this life. Seeing Suizhi and Lady Bai’s loving relationship, she could not help but feel envious.

Anyway, that was how things were for her now. She would not think about him. But Surou, the other day, had brought in a mistress, which surprised everyone. But such painful matters were not easy to discuss. She hesitated several times before finally speaking of them herself, laughing, “Everyone in the family must be very worried about me, right? Actually, I did not expect it either. I was even giving my elder sister advice before, and now it’s my turn. But I am doing alright. That concubine is very well-behaved and does not cause me any trouble. Of course, I do not visit her often, so I am not as sad as I was before.”

Mianmian looked at her tearfully. “Second Sister, men all take concubines, right? I thought that since my brother-in-law loved you so much, he would never have another woman. Who knew that in the blink of an eye…”

Surou said no, “There are still good men in this world who are devoted to their spouses. Just look at Elder Brother; he has not taken a concubine.”

Shangrou sighed, “Our family is just an ordinary family. Among the prominent families in the capital, from princes down to dukes and marquises, only the Duke of Wen has no concubines. But who is the Duke of Wen? He’s a prince consort, and his wife is the elder sister of the Emperor. He’s extremely noble. What if it were an ordinary noblewoman?”

It was freezing cold. She held a hand warmer in her hands; her palms were burning hot, but the backs of her hands were icy cold. Shangrou walked slowly forward, her breath forming soft clouds, and said somewhat coldly, “Those noblewomen at the Golden Duck Banquet, all so glamorous, but behind the scenes, which one of them did not have some grievances? At first, when I heard the news, I was saddened for my second sister, but then I thought, marriage is just like that; it’s time to let go.”

Mianmian, however, was terrified. “Then what about me? Must I also let Song Mingchi take a concubine?”

No one could answer this question. Shangrou remained silent, but Surou, still holding onto a hopeful outlook, tilted her head and said, “Men who do not take concubines are rare, but they do exist. If Young Master Song’s feelings for you are deep, what does it matter if he does not take concubines?”

Mianmian, however, was not optimistic. “The Song family has a bad reputation. My father-in-law has four concubines, and my brothers all have three wives and four concubines; they are never idle. I think good bamboo shoots will not grow from bad bamboo; Song Mingchi will eventually follow that path too.”

To say she was completely unprepared would not be entirely naive; Mianmian felt that waiting at least two or three years before bringing up the matter of taking a concubine would not be unacceptable. But seeing her second sister already so disgusted on her wedding night, how long could her own family’s dominance last?

Men, they were truly unreliable!

Everyone walked dejectedly through the wooden corridor into Suihua Garden. Childbirth took a long time, and since it was Lady Bai’s first pregnancy, unlike the previous time with her uncle’s concubine, they waited from afternoon until evening without any good news.

Mianmian, being newly married, could not linger too long. Seeing that it was getting dark, she had to take her leave. Shangrou, still worried about her son because she had not brought Ze’an, was anxious, which Surou noticed and said softly, “Elder Sister, you should go back too. Bring An’er with you tomorrow morning.”

Shangrou had no choice but to say goodbye to her grandmother and return home. Surou did not mind; since Helian Song was not home, she could stay and wait for news.

As night deepened, Grand Madam Zhang, growing increasingly worried, forced herself to go to the Buddhist hall to light incense and murmur prayers, beseeching the Bodhisattva to bless the new mother and child.

“When the moon was born, even the gentle and harmonious mother endured eight long hours of labor until the oil in the bowls nearly dried up. Just imagine the suffering! Baozhuang’s frame does not look large, but I do not know how long this will take. Her water broke, and the longer it takes, the worse it will be for both the mother and the baby.”

So everyone kowtowed before the Buddha, praying for protection, but after a long wait, there was still no news. At midnight, they rose and looked outside; there was no moon or stars, only the north wind whipping up snow, the night terrifyingly dark.

Grand Madam Zhang spoke, saying everyone should go back and rest. “When there is news, have someone pass through your courtyards to inform you.”

Counting the time, almost five hours had passed. Judging from the situation, another five hours might not be out of the question. Everyone was getting restless waiting there, and now that the Grand Madam had spoken, they all rose and returned to their own courtyards.

After everyone had left, Surou stayed behind. “I will stay with Grandmother tonight and wait with her.”

She and her grandmother were always closer than her other sisters, but because the Grand Madam was afraid of passing on her illness to her, she had the servants bring in the chaise longue from the outer room. The grandmother and granddaughter lay down about ten feet apart, chatting as they waited.

The Grand Madam was still worried about her and Helian Song’s marriage. She wondered how much a sudden concubine would affect their relationship, but she did not want to ask directly. Instead, she probed indirectly, “Jie Ran has not come to visit for a while. Was it because we were too harsh on him last time, causing him to hold a grudge? If that’s why he’s distant from us, that’s alright, as long as he treats you well.”

Surou understood her grandmother’s concerns. She actually wanted to tell her the truth, but the matter was of great importance. A mistake could implicate the Zhang family, so it was best to keep it from her; that was the best way to protect her.

The only thing she could do now was to let her grandmother know she was alright, so she turned to her and said, “He swore to me that he would never have anything to do with Zhiniang again, and he would never stay overnight in her room. Grandmother, I believe him. Actually, what others see does not count; only I know how he treats me. People in the capital are all two-faced. If they hear he has a mistress, they might sympathize with me. On the contrary, since he has never taken a concubine, they will say I am jealous and intolerant. So, using this concubine as a cover also protects me. In short, Grandmother, do not worry, I know what I am doing, and I will not suffer any losses in this matter.” She paused, and after a long while, continued, “Now, what worries me is something else. On the day of the Empress’s birthday, I went to the palace to offer my congratulations, and the Emperor secretly summoned me…”

The Grand Madam was startled. Because the Empress’s birthday was not a full birthday celebration, those offering congratulations were all women of the third rank and above. Her two daughters-in-law were fourth-rank officials and not among those going to the palace, so they could not accompany her, and they did not know what had happened the day before. Hearing her mention the Emperor’s summons made the Grand Madam very uneasy. She sat up abruptly and asked, “Why does the Emperor not avoid suspicion? Why summon you alone?”

Seeing her grandmother’s anxiety, Surou quickly reassured her, “Nothing serious happened. He asked about the concubine in the manor and then some nonsense, bringing up old matters…” She did not want to tell her grandmother the details of the Emperor’s inappropriate behavior, but only murmured softly, “Jie Ran asked me if I wanted to go to Longyou with him. Although I agreed, I still hesitated, unable to let go of everything in the capital. Until yesterday… I realized it was inappropriate for me to stay in the capital. If I have to leave in the future, please forgive me for not being able to fulfill my filial duties by your side.”

The Grand Madam, being such a clever woman, could discern the undercurrents in those few words.

Sighing, the Grand Madam leaned back on her pillow and murmured, “I knew that day would come when you two got married. The capital cannot hold back the eagle of Longyou. I think it’s right for you to go back with him, but it’s thousands of miles away. Is it too risky for you to go so far alone, relying solely on a man’s infatuation? Going now means no future; not going means separation from your spouse—it’s a difficult choice. Ultimately, the decision is yours. A person lives once; taking a risk once is nothing. Just follow your heart.”

In the end, the Grand Madam still trusted her. She was not an inexperienced child; she knew what was more important.

Surou was torn. Just as she was about to discuss the matter with her grandmother again, someone announced from outside that the baby had been born. “Congratulations, Madam! It’s a little boy!”

The Grand Madam was immediately overjoyed. She sat up and asked, “The first one is here? What about the second?”

The maidservant on the veranda did not answer immediately. After a slight hesitation, she said, “Nanny Cui said the young mistress was exhausted. The first birth was very difficult. She’s on ginseng soup now, hoping the baby will be born smoothly.”

Now the Grand Madam could not sit still any longer. She quickly put on her clothes and said anxiously, “Let’s go see!”