Marrying The Imperial Elder Chapter 28

Zhen Yiyun had been born with memories from a previous life and had been clever and intelligent from childhood. She was the treasured pearl that Madam Pei and her husband had raised in the palms of their hands. Never once had she been beaten or scolded; in the past, they had not even been willing to speak harshly to her.

Thus, Madam Pei’s slap completely stunned her.

All she could hear was a buzzing in her ears, while her mind went blank.

She stood there dazed for a long while before finally looking at Madam Pei with misty eyes and crying out in disbelief: “Mother… Mother, what’s wrong with you?”

For the sake of her eldest daughter’s dignity, Madam Pei had restrained herself outside. Even after entering the room, she had continued holding back because servants were still present. Only after all the maids and old women had withdrawn, leaving just mother and daughter alone, did she finally let her anger erupt.

Perhaps because she had suppressed it for so long, Madam Pei felt a throbbing pain in her forehead. Naturally, her voice was cold as she said: “What? You still don’t know why I hit you?”

Zhen Yiyun’s face was covered in tears, her expression innocent and bewildered.

Madam Pei truly could not help being angry. Gritting her teeth, she asked: “Have you already forgotten everything I told you with all my heart last night?”

Only then did Zhen Yiyun begin to understand. Yet she still bit her lip and stubbornly defended herself: “As for Wei Momo’s matter, your daughter truly didn’t know…”

“Enough!” Madam Pei cut her off decisively. Taking a deep breath, she said coldly: “What’s the point of telling me such excuses now? While searching your sister’s maids’ belongings may indeed have been Wei Momo acting on her own initiative, she led a whole group of maids and old women and made such a spectacle in the courtyard. Are you telling me that, as their mistress, you truly knew nothing about it? You were simply thinking that Tingyun happened to be away, so you let Wei Momo have her way. In front of all the servants in the courtyard, it would highlight your status and dignity as the Eldest Miss and suppress Tingyun’s presence. It was precisely because you indulged and tolerated her that Wei Momo became smug and emboldened, growing more and more outrageous and improper in her actions.”

Thinking of how effortlessly Zhen Tingyun had handled the situation, then looking at Zhen Yiyun’s inability to grasp the lesson, Madam Pei grew angrier the more she thought about it.

At the same time, she felt discouraged. Still, she refused to admit that in raising children she might have done worse than Old Lady Zhen, that spiteful old woman. Because of this, the disappointment and displeasure in her eyes became even more apparent.

“For more than ten years, your father and I taught you to read and write. We instructed you by word and example and never neglected your upbringing for even a moment. We raised you like a precious jewel. You even had a renowned teacher like Master He personally guiding you. So how have you still ended up this foolish and shallow-minded? I can see through these little schemes of yours. Your sister can see through them too. Do you think other people can’t? If word gets out, what will people think of you?”

Seeing Madam Pei so severe and sharp, each sentence harsher than the last, even Zhen Yiyun became flustered and panicked.

For all these years, Madam Pei and her husband had only one daughter and one son.

People of the time often said, “One dotes on grandchildren, not sons.” Since their son would inherit the family, they naturally held him to stricter standards. Toward their daughter, however, they had only boundless affection.

Zhen Yiyun had been intelligent and sensible from childhood. Later she studied under Master He and gained admission to Yuhua Women’s Academy. Both her father and mother had always been proud of her and held great hopes for her future. Naturally, they had never beaten or scolded her. 

Therefore, this was the first time Zhen Yiyun had ever seen Madam Pei this angry.

At once, she could no longer care about her pride. Clutching her jade-green skirt, she dropped to her knees and hurried forward on them to embrace Madam Pei’s leg. Crying uncontrollably, she pleaded: “Your daughter knows she was wrong. Mother, please take care of yourself. Don’t damage your health because of me.”

Madam Pei lowered her head and looked at her daughter’s beautiful young face covered in tears. The knot of anger in her chest loosened somewhat. After all, she still loved her daughter. Collecting herself, she sighed and spoke more gently: “Silly child. Though you and your sister weren’t raised together, you are still blood sisters. You share the same bloodline. You should be closer than anyone else. How did things come to this?”

“I truly never imagined things would turn out like this…” Zhen Yiyun whispered.

They were only a few maids. How could she have known that Zhen Tingyun would make such a huge issue of it?

Upon hearing this, Madam Pei’s voice became stern once more. “That’s not the issue! Why must you, as the elder sister, compete with her over these things? How many times have I told you that you and your sister are different? She can never surpass you! Which is exactly why you should show the generosity and grace befitting an elder sister!”

Madam Pei spoke each word slowly, each one seeming to carry enormous weight.

At this moment, Zhen Yiyun truly felt remorse. She wiped away her tears and quickly said: “Mother, I’ve remembered everything you’ve said. It won’t happen again.”

Hearing this, Madam Pei’s heart softened. She raised her hand and gently wiped away the tears on her daughter’s face. Her voice became warm and tender. “You… you’ve had too smooth a life. You’ve never truly suffered hardship. That’s why you’ve developed this competitive nature and this inability to tolerate others. You don’t understand the pains I have taken for your sake as your mother.”

Zhen Yiyun widened her eyes. Her dark lashes were damp with tears as she stared blankly at Madam Pei.

A bitter smile appeared on Madam Pei’s face. In a low voice, she said: “You probably know a little about your grandfather’s affairs, though not much. But I remember them very clearly. Back then, because of the matter involving Princess Ningguo, your grandfather submitted a memorial criticizing the court. As a result, he angered Emperor Xiaozong and was dismissed from office on the spot. At that time, your eldest uncle had only recently become engaged to your eldest aunt. Your eldest aunt was the legitimate daughter of the Zhongshun Marquis’s household. She was already marrying beneath her status. Then this incident occurred, and the marquis’s family naturally regretted the match even more. Fortunately, your eldest aunt was righteous and honorable. She insisted that an engagement could not be broken and married into our family anyway. Your grandfather could no longer remain in the capital, so he had no choice but to take the entire family back to our hometown. I was also raised in the capital. When I was young, I even wondered whether I would one day attend the Capital Women’s Academy or Yuhua Women’s Academy. Who could have imagined that once we left, there was no going back? In the end, I could only attend the Xidu Women’s Academy.”

“Of course, Xidu Women’s Academy was a good school too. After I enrolled, some families came to propose marriage.” At this point, Madam Pei sighed. “But what sort of families were they?” She gently stroked her daughter’s smooth cheek and continued softly: “Your eldest uncle married the legitimate daughter of the Zhongshun Marquis’s household. Your second uncle married the younger daughter of an ordinary Hanlin scholar. Even that match was only possible because your grandfather relied on old friendships with his former classmates and swallowed his pride to seek the marriage on your second uncle’s behalf. What a world of difference. And when it came to me, even though I had passed the entrance examinations and attended a women’s academy, what good family could possibly have wanted me?”

Madam Pei’s voice was gentle, but from her words Zhen Yiyun could already imagine the hardships the Pei family had endured back then. At the time, Grandfather Pei had truly enraged Emperor Xiaozong. It was even said that Emperor Xiaozong had written Grandfather Pei’s name on a screen as a reminder to himself that this man was never to be employed again. Naturally, respectable families wished to protect themselves and had no desire to risk attracting Emperor Xiaozong’s displeasure by associating with the Pei family.

“So, after discussing it with your grandfather, I married your father.” As though recalling those old days, Madam Pei’s voice grew even softer as she continued word by word: “At the time, there were many men who sought my hand. Some were more handsome than your father. Some had higher family backgrounds. Some possessed greater wealth…”

“But I chose only your father.”

“Because he truly had talent. Otherwise, your grandfather would never have made an exception and accepted a poor scholar’s son as a disciple. As long as I endured a few years beside him, waited for him to pass the imperial examinations and become an official, then endured a few more years after that, he would eventually earn me an honorary title through his rank. My blessings would come in time.”

Zhen Yiyun was nearly stunned speechless.

Madam Pei smiled again. “Of course, it also helped that your father and I had known each other since childhood and already had feelings for one another.”

“Your father has spent many years serving in provincial posts and has achieved outstanding results. His evaluations from the Ministry of Personnel have been rated excellent year after year. Now that he has been transferred back to the capital and entered the Ministry of Works, your grandfather has already given me some indication of the situation. Chen Shilang of the Ministry of Works is no longer young. In another few years, he will likely retire. It is entirely possible that by then your father may advance another step and fill the position of Shilang of the Ministry of Works… Though these years have brought many hardships, I have endured them all. From now on, life should only improve day by day.”

At this point, Madam Pei lowered her eyes to her daughter and asked: “Do you know why I’m telling you all this?”

A trace of confusion appeared on Zhen Yiyun’s beautiful face.

Holding a handkerchief, Madam Pei gently supported her daughter’s delicate face. Looking at the swollen red handprint she herself had left there, she could not help feeling distressed. Using the handkerchief, she carefully wiped away her daughter’s tears bit by bit. Her voice was low and gentle. “As for myself, I no longer have much to worry about. The only things that concern me now are you children. Your brother is fine. He still has many years ahead of him. By the time he earns his own scholarly distinction and your father’s rank rises further, there will naturally be plenty of good families from which I can choose a wife for him. Besides, he will be bringing a wife into our family. That is not something I need to worry much about. But you and your sister are different. You will be marrying into other people’s families. That is a matter that will affect your entire lives, so naturally I must think more carefully on your behalf.” 

“I’ve told you before: when great families choose a bride, they look first at family background, second at talent and beauty, and third at character. Your circumstances today are already far better than mine were back then. You have a grandfather who serves as a Grand Secretary. Your two uncles are both successful and influential. You are also the Pei family’s only… well, one of only two granddaughters. Your grandmother, your eldest aunt, and the others all adore you. Naturally, you benefit from that affection. Furthermore, your father is capable and upright. Anyone with eyes can see that his future prospects do not end here. Our family background can at least be considered respectable and distinguished. As for talent and beauty, you are every bit as lovely as I was in my youth. Since childhood you’ve been exceptionally intelligent. You studied under Master He and entered Yuhua Women’s Academy. Now you already enjoy a reputation for talent within the capital. With such beauty and accomplishments, even in a city filled with gifted people, you would not necessarily lose to anyone. As for character…”

At this point Madam Pei sighed again. “We have only recently arrived in the capital and have not yet established our social circle. We know very few people. For now, we still cannot quite reach those truly great and powerful aristocratic families. And those great families have always carried themselves with reserve. They place particular importance on character. When selecting a daughter-in-law, they are certainly cautious, observing and listening carefully before making any decisions. Although quite a few families have come proposing marriage for you, none of them are truly among the highest-ranking noble houses. I imagine they are still watching and evaluating. At such a crucial moment, how could you damage your own reputation?”

At last, Zhen Yiyun understood. She bit her lip and said shamefully: “Your daughter was foolish. Fortunately Mother reminded me.”

“It’s enough that you understand.” Madam Pei smiled and said softly: “Your father and I have worked hard our entire lives for no reason other than you children. You are our legitimate eldest daughter. In my heart, I wish only for your happiness. When one day you marry into a great family and have a daughter of your own, you’ll understand how I feel.”

After a pause, Madam Pei raised her elegant brows and lifted her chin slightly. In a tone almost like a joke, she said: “Don’t you often tell me about the wealth and splendor enjoyed by the young county princess of Yan Wang’s household? Who is to say that one day you won’t enjoy such splendor yourself?”

In Madam Pei’s mind, she and her husband had struggled for half their lives. If fortune favored them, perhaps her husband might one day become Shangshu of the Ministry of Works. That would likely be the limit of his career.

If their son worked hard and succeeded, he could maintain the family’s status.

But it was their eldest daughter who possessed the greatest potential. 

If she could marry into the household of a duke, marquis, or other high noble family, then beyond mere wealth and privilege, her children would be born into even greater opportunities. Perhaps the daughter herself could not reach the very highest heights. But step by step, generation by generation, the family could climb higher. 

Who knew? Perhaps one day a promising granddaughter might even marry into the imperial family or a princely household.

Hearing these words, Zhen Yiyun felt as though a needle had pierced her heart. Suddenly her heart began pounding. A surge of hot blood rushed upward from her chest, flooding her face with heat.

Under the lamplight, she tilted her head slightly and gazed at Madam Pei. Color returned to her pale cheeks, flushing them rosy red. Her face seemed almost intoxicated, and her already elegant, ethereal beauty now possessed a startling brilliance.

At this moment, Zhen Yiyun finally understood completely. She could now see the road she wanted to walk.

That’s right.

She had always disliked the way Zhen Tingyun lived entirely by good fortune.

In the end, Zhen Tingyun had merely been lucky enough to marry their eldest cousin and gain a First-Rank Honorary Title through her husband’s status.

But Zhen Yiyun was a modern person.

She understood that close relatives should not marry. Naturally, she would never follow Zhen Tingyun’s old path by marrying her eldest cousin. However, that did not mean she could not choose someone better.

If she could marry into the imperial family and pass down her own bloodline together with the empire itself, that would be true glory, wealth, honor, and lasting prosperity for generations.

After all, she was a transmigrator who knew the plot. She had worked hard for so many years. Could it really be possible that she would still lose to someone like Zhen Tingyun, who relied only on protagonist luck and good fortune?

***

Zhen Tingyun had no idea what Madam Pei and Zhen Yiyun discussed that night.

In any case, after that evening, Wei Momo was sent away.

Madam Pei assigned a new Momo to serve at Zhen Yiyun’s side.

As for Zhen Yiyun herself, she became noticeably calmer and more composed. She no longer constantly competed with Zhen Tingyun or tried to outshine her. Instead, both in public and in private, she consistently played the role of a caring and virtuous elder sister.

As early as the eighteenth day of the first month, the birthday of the third young lady of the Pei family, Zhen Yiyun had even spent her own money to buy a jade carving. Smiling, she said to Zhen Tingyun: “Although Mother has already prepared a gift, we sisters ought to add a little present of our own as well. Let’s count this as something you and I bought together. It’s just a token of our feelings.”

Zhen Tingyun: Fine then. As long as I’m not the one paying, do whatever you want.

Naturally, in order to maintain her image as a good elder sister, Zhen Yiyun repeated those words once more in front of Madam Pei.

Madam Pei was very pleased. Looking gently at her two daughters before her, her eyes were filled with gratification. Then, as though remembering something, she turned to speak to Zhen Tingyun, her voice warm and gentle: “Your elder sister has probably already told you about your maternal family, so I won’t say much more. These days, Lin Momo should have taught you some rules and etiquette as well. A small banquet like this should pose no problem. There is only one thing, this is your maternal family’s home. Treat it as though you were in your own home. There is no need to be afraid, and you absolutely must not appear timid. When dealing with others, be neither servile nor arrogant, that is the bearing of a young lady from a distinguished family.”

Listening from the side, Zhen Yiyun covered her lips with a handkerchief and laughed. “Mother, just rest assured. I’m here for everything. I’ll be by Second Sister’s side, so I certainly won’t let her suffer any disadvantage.”

“True enough.” Madam Pei nodded slightly. “With you sisters together, looking after one another, I can be at ease.”

Only then did the mother and daughters board the carriage.

They traveled all the way to the Pei residence. Madam Pei first led her two daughters to pay their respects to Old Madam Pei, Eldest Madam Pei, and Second Madam Pei.

Old Madam Pei had only one daughter, Madam Pei, and she was also her youngest daughter. Thinking of how, back then, her daughter had suffered greatly because of her husband’s dismissal from office, and how it had even delayed her marriage prospects, she naturally doted on her more than most. Now, seeing Madam Pei arrive with her two daughters, she smiled so broadly that her eyes nearly disappeared.

Eldest Madam Pei had always been close to this younger sister-in-law and could not help teasing: “You’ve finally come, Sister. Mother was just talking about you. She said she hadn’t seen you for many days and missed you terribly.”

Madam Pei brought her daughters forward to pay their respects and explained: “My mother-in-law came to stay recently, and there have been many matters at home. I truly have been rather busy these past few days and couldn’t come to pay my respects to Mother. That was my fault. I only hope Mother, Elder Sister-in-law, and Second Sister-in-law won’t blame me.”

“Who would blame you? I certainly wouldn’t be the first!” Old Madam Pei laughed like a blossoming flower. Pulling her daughter to sit beside her, she scolded affectionately, “Why didn’t you bring Heng Ge’er with you? He’s my only grandson through my daughter. How could I not miss him? You rarely come, yet you didn’t bring him…”

“He is my only son as well, so naturally I wish him well,” Madam Pei replied softly. “But he’s still a child. The most important thing for him now is studying. I dare not indulge him. Yesterday he failed to finish his lessons properly and was punished by his father to copy texts. He still hasn’t finished, so I didn’t bring him.”

Old Madam Pei sighed. “You children are all more ambitious than the next. My poor Heng Ge’er has to endure such hardship at such a young age. Just don’t let him wear out his health…”

She then instructed Eldest Madam Pei to prepare bird’s nest, red ginseng, and other nourishing supplements so that Madam Pei could take them back later for Zhen Hengzhe.

Madam Pei repeatedly declined. “That really won’t do. He’s just a child. How could he need such heavily nourishing things?”

But Old Madam Pei insisted, and Eldest Madam Pei also joined in persuading her: “That’s right. Mother has only one grandson through her daughter, and my younger sister-in-law and I have only this one nephew. There’s no such thing as doting on him too much. Besides, aren’t there also these two delicate granddaughters? Even if Heng Ge’er can’t consume much of it, Yi Jie’er and Ting Jie’er can. Girls should nourish themselves properly too and take good care of their health.”

As she spoke, Eldest Madam Pei called the two nieces forward. Taking one by each hand, she looked them over carefully, praised them repeatedly, and then ordered servants to bring over the gifts she had prepared long ago.

These were meeting gifts prepared for Zhen Tingyun. However, since Zhen Yiyun was also present, it would have been inappropriate to give something only to Zhen Tingyun. Thus, she had specially prepared two sets: each girl received a set of hair ornaments and two strings of eighteen-bead fragrant wrist bracelets. Since this was Zhen Tingyun’s first visit, the set given to her was more exquisite and valuable.

Upon seeing this, Second Madam Pei naturally had servants bring gifts as well, likewise divided into two portions.

Zhen Tingyun was quite overwhelmed by the favor shown to her. While thanking them aloud, she was already calculating the value of her personal savings in her heart.

Even Zhen Yiyun was delighted. Acting spoiled, she said: “Today I’ve benefited from Second Sister’s good fortune. Both Aunts truly dote on me.”

Eldest Madam Pei tapped her lightly with a finger and pretended to sigh. “Look at this little monkey, acting so sweet! It’s her sister’s first visit. The moment I saw her, I liked her and naturally had to prepare a gift. If I weren’t afraid this smooth-tongued girl would get jealous and accuse me of favoritism, why would I have prepared two sets of gifts?”

Everyone burst into laughter.

Old Madam Pei looked kindly at her two granddaughters, especially Zhen Tingyun, whom she was meeting for the first time. After laughing, she beckoned to her. “Ting girl, come closer. Let your grandmother take a good look at you.”

Zhen Tingyun paused briefly, then stepped forward. Her expression remained calm, respectful, and cautious.

Old Madam Pei still wore a smile. Narrowing her eyes slightly, she fixed her aged yet still sharp gaze upon Zhen Tingyun and examined her carefully from head to toe.

Zhen Tingyun’s conscience was clear, so she naturally felt no fear. She simply stood there, allowing herself to be scrutinized, poised and graceful.

After a while, Old Madam Pei’s gaze fell upon the tourmaline bracelet on Zhen Tingyun’s wrist. Pressing her lips together, she raised a hand and gently stroked the girl’s cheek. “You look very much like your mother when she was young. To me, you’re practically the image of her in those days… Ah, you don’t know this, but your mother suffered greatly when she was young, following the family through many hardships. Seeing you reminds me of those days, and my heart aches.”

After a pause, Old Madam Pei smiled again. “Look at me, getting old and muddle-headed! Why am I talking about these things to children like you? Since your mother has given you this tourmaline bracelet, then as your grandmother, I ought to give you a meeting gift as well.”

After thinking for a moment, Old Madam Pei simply slipped a jade bracelet off her own wrist. It was imperial-green jade. Even beneath the lamplight, its emerald color seemed like flowing water, clear, luminous, and obviously a truly precious treasure.

She personally placed it onto Zhen Tingyun’s wrist and said warmly: “I only hope that your life will be like this bracelet, complete, reunited, and filled with happiness and fulfillment.”

Zhen Tingyun was also deeply moved by her words and hurriedly lowered her head in a bow. “Thank you, Grandmother.”

“Alright, we’ve met and that’s enough.” Old Madam Pei waved her hand with easy grace. “Today is Third Girl’s birthday. She specially came to tell me that she’s set out a banquet in Zhenfang Pavilion, and all her little sisters and friends are there. There’s no reason for you two young girls to stay here keeping an old woman like me company while I ramble about the past. Off you go now…”

Zhen Yiyun had always been greatly favored in the Pei family, so she could not help acting spoiled. “Grandmother is so biased! The moment you see my little sister, you stop doting on me! I was even thinking of staying to chat with you, but who knew you’d be in such a hurry to drive me away?”

Old Madam Pei was amused by her. “You troublesome girl. You have no other talents, but your jealousy and sweet-talking skills are first-rate.” Thinking that it seemed somewhat unfair to have given only Zhen Tingyun a meeting gift, she simply took advantage of the moment and removed a white jade pendant, handing it over. “You two are loved equally by me.”

Delighted, Zhen Yiyun reached out and accepted the jade pendant. She spent quite some time acting spoiled and saying flattering things to Old Madam Pei, coaxing her into constant laughter until the old lady held her close and called her “my precious darling.”

Only after a while did Zhen Yiyun lead Zhen Tingyun away and take her leave.

Once they had gone, the smile on Old Madam Pei’s face faded somewhat. She glanced at Madam Pei and said softly: “Your second daughter is a good child indeed… I heard your mother-in-law brought her back to the capital. These past few days, every time I thought of you, my heart grew anxious. I was afraid that old woman would start tormenting you again!”

Over the years, Old Madam Pei had occasionally regretted things. If only she had delayed her daughter’s marriage by a few more years, until Emperor Xiaozong had passed away and her husband had been reinstated, perhaps her daughter could have married into an even better family. Unfortunately, foreknowledge was worth more than gold. Thankfully, her daughter had eventually weathered those hardships. The only pity was that the old woman of the Zhen family had lived so long and had now returned to the capital once again.

Remembering the suffering her daughter had endured under that old woman’s hand, even someone as good-tempered as Old Madam Pei could not smile.

With a cold expression, she said: “For a family like the Zhens to earn your father’s approval and have you marry into their household, that was a favor as great as the heavens. I thought they were sensible people who understood gratitude and loyalty and would treat you well. Who could have imagined that old woman would dare torment you like that? If not for the fact that your husband was capable, sensible, and wholeheartedly devoted to you, then when you came to the capital carrying Yiyun in your arms all those years ago, I would have made you divorce him.”

Back then, Father Zhen had merely been a newly graduated jinshi, while Old Master Pei had already been reinstated. He enjoyed an excellent reputation among scholars and was highly favored by the new emperor, with an immensely promising future ahead of him. Had her daughter divorced at that time, marrying another jinshi would not have been impossible.

Still, a first marriage was always the best marriage, and there were children involved. Moreover, the son-in-law had always stood on her daughter’s side, so the Pei family had ultimately endured it.

Madam Pei pressed a handkerchief to the corner of her eye, concealing the emotions within, and smiled as she persuaded her mother: “Mother, please don’t say such things anymore. My husband understands now. In the end, husband and wife are the people who spend a lifetime together. Through all these years, I’ve accompanied him through wind and rain, and he knows that clearly in his heart. Besides, times are different now. With Father, Mother, and my two brothers here, no one will allow me to suffer any grievance again. Even my mother-in-law is much older now, and her temper seems to have improved considerably.”

“That’s good.” Old Madam Pei felt somewhat reassured. She comforted her daughter further. “You’ve finally endured through it all. Your children are all so promising. In the future, blessings will naturally be yours to enjoy.”

“No matter how blessed I may be, I’m afraid I still can’t compare to Mother,” Madam Pei replied with a smile, deliberately flattering her.

Hearing this, Old Madam Pei looked at her daughter and finally smiled.

Eldest Madam Pei and Second Madam Pei, who were sitting nearby, both breathed a sigh of relief and quickly joined in with some playful remarks. Gradually, the atmosphere in the room relaxed again.

Author’s Note:

Madam Pei: I think we should look further into the future. Perhaps my granddaughter might even marry into the imperial family?

Zhen Yiyun: I think I can give that a try!

Zhen Tingyun: …

Fu Changxi: I think the person above can do it! Keep it up! I’ll even open the back door for you!