After giving that jade peace knot to Pei Xia, Shen Yujiao’s heart was still brimming with tenderness. Only once she returned to Tingyun Pavilion did it gradually settle.
For Pei Xia, who had grown up amidst wealth and splendor, that jade might not count as anything rare. But for Shen Yujiao, it carried extraordinary meaning.
It had been her full-month gift from her grandfather, Chancellor Shen, when she was born.
Along with the jade, her grandfather had bestowed her name, Yujiao.
It came from the line, “At just the tenderest time, tonight the jade moon is full.” It signified both the bright clarity of the full moon, and also implied nobility like fine jade, beauty like spring blossoms. She was the most cherished little daughter of the Shen clan.
Her elders had placed their best hopes in her name, and with the jade peace knot wished her peace and safety all her life.
Now she gave this jade to Pei Xia, hoping that while he was away on campaign, he too would be safe and smooth in all things.
—
After tidying her appearance in the courtyard, Shen Yujiao went to Wende Courtyard to pay respects to Madam Wang.
At the entrance she was told by the old nurse beside Madam Wang: “On account of the young lord’s departure, Madam has not slept well these days. She is now resting in her chamber and will see no one today.”
Shen Yujiao knew well that Pei Xia was Madam Wang’s treasure.
Pei Xia lost his father at five. At that time Madam Wang was still young. Relatives of the Langya Wang clan urged her to return home and remarry, for as the legitimate daughter of the Wangs, she need not fear for a good match.
But Madam Wang refused, and resolutely remained in Wenxi County, raising her son alone and supporting the Pei household.
Pei Xia also lived up to expectations. At eight he composed the poem Spring Harmony, earning fame in the capital. At thirteen, at the banquet in Qionglin Garden, he wrote the Rhapsody on the Qin Palace, which even won over that year’s top scholar, who said outright that if Pei Xia had taken the examination, the laurels might have gone to him instead.
Yet when Pei Xia at sixteen placed first in the provincial exam, he did not proceed to the palace examination. People were shocked and puzzled, for with his talent he could likely have become the youngest top scholar of the dynasty.
Pei Xia only claimed ill health and settled quietly in Hedong, living half as a man of the world, half as a recluse.
Madam Wang likely also understood her son’s ambitions. She did not press him to enter officialdom, nor did she press him to marry,
Even though the betrothal between the Pei and Shen households had been set while Pei Gong was alive, Madam Wang was dissatisfied, always hoping some change would break off the match.
When the Shen family fell into decline, she was secretly delighted. She never expected her son to be so stubborn, insisting on bringing the Shen daughter back.
Each time she thought of this, Madam Wang’s chest grew heavy.
Now, hearing the nurse outside report that the Shen woman had left, Madam Wang asked through the bed curtains embroidered with cloud cranes: “Did she say anything?”
The nurse said, “The young madam asked me to convey her respects, and said she would return tomorrow to pay respects again. If you need her service, she said she would devote herself without complaint or fatigue.”
“She always speaks so prettily.”
Madam Wang gave a mocking laugh, leaning back against the high pillow, hand to her forehead: “I really don’t know what Shouzhen sees in her. This morning when he took leave, of ten sentences, three were about clan affairs, three were reminders for me to take care of myself, and the remaining four all concerned that Shen woman. Saying she would go to Miaoan Hall to pray for him, hah, is it not that he fears I’ll mistreat his darling?”
Since the Shen woman had entered the household, such complaints the Momo had heard countless times. She could only murmur persuasion: “Madam need not let her trouble your liver and heart. She has moved to Miaoan Hall, does this not also grant you some quiet?”
At this, Madam Wang’s mood eased somewhat, but she could not help sighing: “They say once a man takes a wife he forgets his mother, truly, it is no empty saying.”
The Momo bowed her head and said nothing, thinking that the young madam was indeed outstanding in both looks and manners. It was just her misfortune to meet with such a demanding mother-in-law, with no natal family to back her. So of course she could only swallow her grievances.
But then, in nine out of ten households, mother- and daughter-in-law are at odds. Which daughter-in-law does not endure the days in hope of outlasting her mother-in-law, that would be her true relief.
—
The next morning, Shen Yujiao dressed properly again and went to Wende Courtyard to pay respects.
Madam Wang still refused to see her.
Not until the third day after Pei Xia’s departure did Madam Wang recover from her despondency enough to open the gates and receive people.
When Shen Yujiao heard, she did not dare delay for even a moment. She changed into a dignified, plain dress and hastened straight to Wende Courtyard.
Who knew that even though she hurried along, she was still a step too late? When she arrived at Wende Courtyard, the second branch’s Aunt Cui and the third Niangzi Pei Tong were already seated in the side chamber, chatting with Madam Wang.
“…Of course! Tong’er’s marriage is thanks to you, sister-in-law. When she leaves the boudoir on her wedding day, she will certainly offer you the first cup of tea.”
“You exaggerate. A daughter’s first cup of tea goes to her parents, when has it ever gone to her aunt?”
“But marriage is like being reborn a second time. You found her such a fine match, are you not then like her second set of parents? You deserve that cup of tea! Tong’er, don’t you agree?”
“Yes, Aunt. In Tong’er’s heart, I regard you as my very own mother.”
“Such a sweet tongue, you.”
Laughter and cheerful voices drifted from the room. Shen Yujiao hesitated briefly at the threshold before stepping inside.
The maids on either side, seeing her come, bent their knees: “Peace to you, madam.”
With that greeting, the laughter inside abruptly cut off.
Shen Yujiao was already accustomed to this. Her expression did not change as she entered.
The side chamber was richly furnished yet elegant. Madam Wang and Madam Cui sat left and right upon the long couch, while third Niangzi Pei Tong had pulled over a crescent stool to sit gracefully by Madam Cui’s side.
At the sight of Shen Yujiao, the smiles on their faces gradually faded.
She pretended not to notice, and with a pleasant smile, saluted the two noblewomen on the couch: “Your daughter greets Mother with morning peace, and greets Second Aunt as well.”
“You are here,” Madam Wang said listlessly, and signaled to a maid at the side: “Bring another stool.”
The maid obeyed and withdrew. Though Pei Tong was unwilling, propriety demanded she rise and salute: “Good morning, Sister-in-law.”
Shen Yujiao smiled in return: “Good morning, Third Sister.”
When the maid brought in a crescent stool, Shen Yujiao sat down properly and turned to Madam Wang: “Having not seen Mother for several days, I have been worried. Is your health somewhat better?”
Madam Wang looked at that fair, concerned face below her and answered faintly: “It troubles you to think of me. Somewhat better.”
Shen Yujiao said, “Then I can be at ease.”
“Sister-in-law, I heard when Sixth Brother left the residence, you especially went to the front gate to see him off?” Pei Tong asked with feigned curiosity.
Shen Yujiao’s gaze flickered. With the corner of her eye she glanced toward Madam Wang. Seeing Madam Wang remain silent, she lowered her voice and said: “My lord had left something in my chambers. I was anxious to give it to him and, without thinking, went past the second gate.”
Daughters of noble households, raised in the inner chambers, were expected not to step beyond the inner gates unless led by elders.
That day, rushing to deliver the jade, she had gone all the way to the main gate. Later she too had felt it improper, but she had not expected Pei Tong to bring it up.
Now, the Pei family contained three branches.
Pei Xia was the sole legitimate son of the first branch, his status the highest. The other two branches, though born of concubines, each had many children, and under the protection of the first branch, they too lived in comfort and wealth.
Pei Tong was the youngest daughter of the second branch. Last year she had just reached maturity, and through Madam Wang’s arrangements became betrothed to a kinsman of the Wang family in Chang’an. In two months she would marry into Chang’an as his primary wife.
For a concubine-born daughter to secure such a good match, moreover, the groom was handsome, refined, and courteous, naturally both Madam Cui and Pei Tong were overjoyed, and could hardly stop themselves from treating Madam Wang as a living Bodhisattva.
“As the principal wife of the clan, Sister-in-law, your every word and action represents the dignity of the Pei women. Even if it was to deliver something to Sixth Brother that day, you could have sent a maid. Why go yourself?” Pei Tong dabbed her nose with a kerchief, her almond eyes glancing sidelong at Shen Yujiao opposite. “Now that Sixth Brother is away from home, Sister-in-law should all the more be careful with your words and conduct.”
Shen Yujiao’s lips kept their usual curve as she replied, “Thank you, Third Sister, for the reminder.” Then she turned toward Madam Wang: “Before I entered the courtyard just now, I heard such cheerful laughter from inside. May I ask what Mother and Aunt were discussing so happily?”
“What else but Third Girl’s marriage,” Madam Wang said.
“No wonder,” Shen Yujiao said in sudden realization, and with a smile toward Madam Cui: “With the wedding approaching, Aunt must be busy indeed.”
Though Madam Cui did not much care for her niece-in-law, at mention of her daughter’s marriage, her face blossomed again: “We’ve been preparing since last year, and it’s mostly ready now. At the end of this month, Jinxiu Workshop will deliver the wedding robes, then everything will be complete…”
The topic quickly centered on Pei Tong’s marriage. Shen Yujiao sat quietly to the side, sipping tea, pretending to be invisible.
After the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, the sound of drizzle suddenly came from outside the window.
Madam Wang glanced toward the window lattice and frowned.
Seeing this, Shen Yujiao knew it was time to take her leave. She set down her cup and brought up the matter of moving temporarily to Miaoan Hall: “The thirteenth of the fifth month is the holy birthday of the Guardian Bodhisattva. I plan to leave for the temple the day after tomorrow, just in time for the ritual, to pray sincerely for Mother and for my lord.”
Madam Wang, hearing this, cast her a lukewarm glance: “Shouzhen already mentioned it to me. Since it is for his sake, then go.”
Seeing that she was not being made things difficult, Shen Yujiao felt a weight lift from her heart. She bowed her head meekly: “Please be at ease, Mother. I will devote myself wholeheartedly to praying for my lord’s safety, and for the blessing of the Pei clan.”
Madam Wang gave a slight “Mm,” and raised a hand to rub her brow. “If there is nothing else, withdraw for now.”
“Yes. Your daughter will take her leave.” Shen Yujiao saluted Madam Wang, then curtseyed to Madam Cui: “Aunt, your niece-in-law takes her leave.”
Pei Tong unwillingly rose: “It’s raining, the road is slippery, take care, Sister-in-law.”
Shen Yujiao nodded: “Thank you, Third Sister.”
Inside the room, the women’s faces had remained polite, but once Shen Yujiao left, Madam Cui could not help but turn to Madam Wang: “Sister-in-law, you actually allowed her to move out?”
Madam Wang said, “Shouzhen shields her, treating his own mother as if I were a tiger or wolf, fearing I will harm his precious darling. What can I do?”
“This Sixth Lang, good in every way, but far too stiff and unyielding,” Madam Cui crossed her arms and clicked her tongue. “With his talent and abilities, what distinguished lady could he not have? In my view, even a commandery princess or imperial princess would be within reach. And yet for the sake of so-called gentlemanly faithfulness, he went and married such a woman.”
Madam Cui had served at Madam Wang’s side for many years and knew her sister-in-law’s lofty temper inside and out, what words she liked to hear, and what words she could not bear.
Just as now: after listening, Madam Wang’s brows and eyes clouded over, her lips drooping. “She’s already entered the gates, what’s the use of bringing these things up again?”
Madam Cui at once played the role of a soothing flower, comforting: “Sister-in-law, don’t lose heart. That Shen woman at least has some sense of her place, easy enough to keep in hand. When Shouzhen wins a victory in battle, the Emperor will surely reward him. At that time you can choose a few pleasing concubines for him, to bear you several sturdy grandsons. Would that not be comforting?”
Children were indeed Madam Wang’s sore spot. After all, Pei Xia was the sole legitimate heir of the main line. If descendants could be born quickly, she could give some account to the Pei ancestors.
“Those things, wait until Shouzhen returns,” Madam Wang said, glancing at the rain outside the courtyard, which was only falling heavier. She no longer detained her guests: “You should go back as well, lest the downpour soak your shoes and socks.”
At her words, Madam Cui and Pei Tong rose and took their leave.
Once outside, sure enough, the sky was dark and the rain unceasing. A heaviness pressed in their hearts.
This rain fell on and off, continuing all the way until the tenth day of the month. When Shen Yujiao left the manor, it still showed no sign of stopping.
Braving the rain, Shen Yujiao went to Wende Courtyard to bid farewell to Madam Wang. By chance, Madam Cui and Pei Tong were there again,
This mother and daughter’s eagerness was such that one might think they were the ones of the main branch.
Because she was about to leave the household, Shen Yujiao’s mood was more at ease. Even facing those cold faces, she was more open than usual.
After speaking words of farewell to Madam Wang, Shen Yujiao looked at the dim, hazy light inside the room caused by the rainy weather and could not help but remind: “It is only the beginning of summer, yet the rain has gone on for days. I fear it will not stop for a while. Though there are several embankments to the west, Wenxi lies low, water gathers easily and drains with difficulty. If Mother has time in the coming days, you might order the household and the estates to store up more grain, sandbags, boats, sheepskin rafts… Those valuable goods liable to spoil should also be gathered up in advance…”
Before she finished, Pei Tong frowned and cut in: “Sister-in-law means to say that just because it has rained a few days, Wenxi will suffer flooding?”
Shen Yujiao looked at her. “I only thought it best to be prepared. After all, since the start of summer, it has rained off and on for nearly half a month…”
“Summer is always rainy. I recall a few years ago it rained for almost a month, and wasn’t everything fine in the end?”
Pei Tong curled her lip, then gave her a sidelong glance. “And besides, you said yourself there are several embankments to the west. Those were newly built by the court two years ago at great expense. Could it be that those costly embankments, like that Shenghua Tower your father oversaw, will collapse after just a couple of heavy rains?”
At the mention of Shenghua Tower, Shen Yujiao’s face went pale, and her fingers hidden in her sleeve unconsciously pinched tight.
Madam Wang caught her expression, and her brows furrowed.
The Shen family were, after all, their in-laws. To bring up those matters did her own face no credit. She cast a glance at Pei Tong and said sternly, “Enough. Why mention such things out of nowhere?”
Pei Tong closed her mouth resentfully.
Madam Wang looked back to Shen Yujiao. “The Yellow River is over a dozen counties away from Wenxi. Even if there were floods, they would not reach us. You needn’t worry uselessly. Just go up the mountain and pray for Shouzhen’s safety.”
Shen Yujiao’s pale lips moved slightly, but meeting Madam Wang’s stern and dignified gaze, she said no more and only answered softly, “Yes.”
After she withdrew, just as she rounded the screen door, she heard Pei Tong’s indignant voice inside: “She really is unpleasant, about to leave, and still saying such unlucky things…”
Then Madam Cui’s consolation followed: “Enough, enough, what’s there to be angry about?”
Shen Yujiao’s lashes trembled slightly. Her maid Bai Ping came forward holding an umbrella. “My lady, the carriage is already waiting outside.”
“Mm.”
Shen Yujiao stepped forward into the shelter of the umbrella.
Bai Ping supported her, and seeing her mistress’s somber expression, assumed she was still upset over Pei Tong’s complaint. She lowered her voice to comfort her: “My lady, do not take it to heart. You only just entered the household, so you may not know. Third Niangzi was born weak, nearly died in childhood. Later Second Master brought a Daoist priest who said her five elements were unbalanced, lacking fire in her fate, hence her many illnesses. So Second Master changed her name to Tong, and all her furnishings and jewelry were replaced with red. Since ancient times, water and fire oppose each other. She is soon to marry out, and you spoke of floods before her, of course it touched her taboo.”
Shen Yujiao’s brows knit. “So that is the case?”
She had thought Pei Tong was simply looking to pick a quarrel.
“Indeed.” Bai Ping nodded. “So you mustn’t let it trouble you. You are the matron of the Pei clan. She is merely a young girl soon to be married off, what need to contend with her?”
Shen Yujiao had wanted to say she had not taken it to heart, but seeing Bai Ping’s earnest comfort, she instead drew a light smile of release. “Mm, I understand.”
Mistress and maid shared the umbrella, passing through the second gate and reaching the main gate.
In the dim, rain-veiled world, attendants and luggage together filled three carriages, with several dozen armed guards accompanying.
Once everyone was settled, the carriages quickly set out.
Shen Yujiao sat sideways by the window. Her slender fingers pushed open the wooden frame just a slit, peering through at the procession in the drizzle and the soaked streets. Her brows knit unconsciously.
Bai Ping handed over refreshments. “My lady, mind the rainwater blowing in, lest it dampen your clothes.”
“Perhaps it truly is just me worrying too much.”
Shen Yujiao cast one more glance outside before closing the window and sitting upright.
At once she saw the cakes Bai Ping offered. Among them was seven-white cake, Pei Xia’s favorite. Her thoughts could not help drifting far away.
By now he must have already left the boundaries of Chang’an.
She did not know if it was raining outside as well, and whether that endless drizzle had also dampened her husband’s robes.
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