That day, Qian Liniang did indeed bring her son. A chubby little dumpling of a boy, named Sun Cong, with the nickname Congcong. Around his neck hung a silver collar, and silver bracelets jingled on his wrists and ankles—he looked every bit the child of wealth. Qian Jiaoniang, as always, found children endearing. Following Xing Muzheng’s instructions from the night before, she presented the boy with a longevity gold lock.
Qian Liniang’s eyes narrowed into slits from smiling, urging her precious son again and again to thank his aunt. Qian Jiaoniang said: “This is from your uncle. May our Congcong grow up safe and sound.”
Hearing it was from Xing Muzheng made Qian Liniang’s eyes shine even brighter. Marquis Dingxi was a great general, the lord of Yuzhou City. Her husband had said it himself—the Marquis was like the emperor of Yuzhou! For such a figure to give her son a golden longevity lock—that was a blessing as vast as the heavens.
After her laughter, she glanced cautiously at Qian Jiaoniang and asked: “Then… is the Marquis at home today? Our master is just outside waiting. He wishes to pay his respects to the Marquis.”
“Oh, the Marquis has been busy these past two days. Why, he left again early this morning. Since brother-in-law is here, why not tell me sooner? Please, invite him in.”
Qian Liniang hurriedly waved her hands. “Since the Marquis is not in, it’s not proper for you to meet an outside man alone. Better to wait for another day. Our master also needs to get to the Prefect’s Office.”
“What harm is there in it? Only don’t let brother-in-law be delayed in his duties.” Qian Jiaoniang smiled. “In a few days, the polo field the Marquis built will open. He said the entire city’s people are welcome to join the festivities, and there will be a grand banquet. Sister, come with me, and bring brother-in-law and the in-laws too. You can all meet the Marquis then.” She knew Xing Muzheng’s status was too lofty, but after all he was her husband, and it would not do to make her brother-in-law specially call on his younger sister’s husband. Better to meet at the polo field.
“That would be splendid! I’ll send word to our master right away.” Qian Liniang’s smile grew broader, and she quickly sent a maid to inform Sun Bai.
Qian Jiaoniang pondered briefly, then asked: “And in the Sun household… does brother-in-law treat you well? How is your mother-in-law?” Qian Liniang said that when Sun Bai went to their village to seek the fortune-teller, he had taken a liking to her, and a few days later brought her into the family. But compared to the Qians, the Suns were leagues better off. Having only been reunited with her sister for two days, Qian Jiaoniang noticed her cautiousness, the way her shoulders seemed always a little hunched—as though afraid her sister might be mistreated.
Qian Liniang’s eyes flickered, then she burst into laughter. “Good, of course it’s good! With you as the Marquis’s wife, even the King of Heaven himself would have to give me three points of respect!”
Qian Jiaoniang laughed. “I’ve learned a new phrase recently—it’s called ‘the fox borrows the tiger’s might.’”
Qian Liniang, who could not read a single character, quickly asked: “What does that mean?”
“It means a fox, relying on the tiger following behind it, lifts its head high as it walks through the forest. The other beasts aren’t afraid of the fox itself, but they fear the tiger behind it—so they show respect to the fox too.”
Qian Liniang thought about it, then understood, and laughed heartily.
Qian Jiaoniang said: “I may not be of much use, but if my sister needs it, I can be that fox.” All she wished was for her sister to live well.
Qian Liniang was overjoyed. “Since you put it that way, I also know a saying: ‘When one person ascends to the Dao, even his chickens and dogs rise to the heavens.’ You—you’re the immortal of our family!”
Yanluo, standing nearby, said: “Second Madam, that’s not the proper saying. It should be ‘When one prospers, all prosper.’”
Qian Liniang paused, then nodded and smiled. “Miss Yanluo is the knowledgeable one! As for me, I’ll just follow my sister here and enjoy riches and honor.”
