Lady Kelpi Translations

Chapter Fifty-Four:
Advancing Marriage (Part 2)

Four or five days later, Madam Xiao finally recovered from her illness. She brought her daughter to the Lou family’s house as an invited guest, and let all the female family members of the Lou family visit Shaoshang, especially the current clan wife, Madam Lou ­– it was impossible for Lou Yao to go to Cheng’s house three times a day, get drunk, and give food and medicine for the sick, but the Lou family still didn’t know whether Shaoshang was round or flat.

The Lou Mansion covered an area about the same size as the Cheng Mansion, but its location was only one lane away from the palace. The population in the mansion was as prosperous as that of the Yin family. However, the strictness of Madam Lou’s family governance was far greater than that of Yin Xu’e’s mother. Shaoshang came all the way and saw the maidservants and servants coming and going, bowing their heads in deference, but couldn’t hear a word. When she finally paid a formal visit, she thought she would meet a serious and thin, powerful mistress. After meeting, she realized that Madam Lou had a full moon face, a kind heart, and looked like a good-tempered housekeeper aunt.

Madam Lou carefully examined Shaoshang’s hand with an indescribable emotion in her hands. She turned her head and smiled at Second Madam Lou, “Sister-in-law, you have chosen such a good bride.”

Second Madam Lou was proud and said, “That’s right! I also liked her as soon as I saw her, and compared her to all the newlyweds and daughters in our family! It’s rare to be filial and kind, and I can’t be happier for A’Yao!”

Madam Lou, who was sitting next to Second Madam Lou, covered her sleeves and smiled softly with a respectful expression. “You and A’Yao are both pleased, so I can rest assured.”

“Do you agree, Sister-in-law?” Second Madam Lou asked happily.

As soon as this was said, Madam Xiao and Shaoshang, who were sitting next to each other, frowned and glanced at each other. The Lou sisters-in-law didn’t notice, and Madam Lou said, “If I don’t agree, A’Yao would never speak to me again. Tomorrow I will find Wu Zhu to divine the auspicious day and make a decision.”

Madam Xiao, who was unwilling to suffer losses, smiled as well. “Don’t worry about it,” she said. “Take your time. My husband and A’Yao’s father are both faithful men. They exchanged the engagement tokens months ago. Before I left Yanzhou, I heard that many people from Dongjun and Shanyang Commandry had congratulated them. What could not be determined was that they were all modest gifts.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Lou’s expression changed slightly, and Second Madam Lou seemed puzzle as to why her sister-in-law would react like that.

“I know that the jade pendant that A’Yao’s father used was still in my dowry when I got married. It’s great to give it to Shaoshang now!” Second Madam Lou smiled innocently.

“That jade pendent has been worn by my second younger brother for many years,” Madam Lou said. “Now it has been used as a token for the Cheng family. Be careful, I’ll tell the second wife that you favor one over the other.”

“Sister-in-law, don’t say anything,” Second Madam Lou hurriedly said. “It was me who spoke too much…” She looked anxious and panicked, as if she was very afraid that the new wife might be dissatisfied.

Madam Lou smiled and caressed her sister-in-law’s back, comforting her. “Alright, I’m making you anxious. When did I say such provocative words to the eldest bride? Don’t worry, don’t worry.” The tone seemed to be that of coaxing a child.

Only then did Second Madam Lou feel relieved.

Madam Xiao frowned slightly.

This kind of technique of combining kindness and power was what she used to use when she was outside the city to win over people. She didn’t expect to see such a scene in the Lou Mansion today. She was reassured that Lou Yao’s mother’s frankness was easy to deceive, and worried that Madam Lou would be difficult to deal with.

Moreover, in this hall, except for the maidservants, there were only five of them talking and eating. In the future, if the bride of the Second Young Master was unhappy about this matter, would it not be related to them? She was unhappy in her heart, but decided to leave it because this matter would be a big deal. She had the intention to verbally retaliate, but this kind of convoluted internal argument was the most unbearable for her, so she stayed silent.

“Aunt, you don’t have to worry. I’ll bet you that Second Young Madam won’t care about the jade pendant,” Shaoshang suddenly said.

Second Madam Lou paused for a moment and said incredulously, “Shaoshang, are you serious?”

Young Madam Lou looked over in surprise.

Shaoshang forced a smile. “A’Yao told me that Second Young Madam met Second Young Master while traveling in Jiaodong, and was the apple of the eye of the local residents. At that time, Second Young Master was out of town, and although he had a handwritten letter from Uncle Lou, he had no belongings. He personally polished a silver mirror to make it a decision, symbolizing ‘this heart is like a mirror, and pure heads do not doubt each other.’ I’m afraid that all the jade pendants in the world cannot compare to this mirror in the heart of the Second Young Madam.”

Second Madam Lou was both surprised and pleased. “You’re right! I’ve forgotten about that.”

Young Madam Lou looked a little envious. Afraid of being seen by the madam, she quickly got up and asked the maidservant to add fruit juice and snacks.

Shaoshang smiled and lowered her head – nonsense, with the days and nights of being with Lou Yao, how was it possible that love was in the air the entire time? There were so many ideal stars and moons in life to talk about, so naturally they needed to clarify the interpersonal relationships of the Lou family down to every plant and tree!

Madam Xiao was satisfied with her daughter’s gentle but firm response. She thought to herself, ‘The marriage of the second young master was arranged by Lou Ji himself, surpassing the main wife.’

Madam Lou also smiled slightly, seemingly not all displeased, and immediately instructed the maid to call in Lou Yao from outside.

Lou Yao had been waiting in the courtyard outside and when he stepped into the hall with joy, he nearly forgot to take off his boots.

Madam Lou smiled as she watched her nephew hurriedly kneel down. “A’Yao, your bride is really impressive. Just now…” Before she could finish her words, the young man looked foolish and said, “Yes, Aunt, you’re really discerning. Shaoshang is so smart and capable, she knows everything! Father has praised her several times!”

Madam Lou’s expression stagnated.

Shaoshang pretended she was unhappy and whispered softly, “A’Yao, why are you doing this? Madam hasn’t finished speaking yet. If you do that again, I’ll tell my elder brother to catch you up with reading and writing, too! Aunt, keep talking, don’t pay attention to A’Yao…” She then turned her head and smiled. “Don’t blame A’Yao. He is very polite every day. He doesn’t treat his aunt as an outsider in his heart.”

Second Madam Lou smiled happily. “What you’re saying is that A’Yao understands etiquette very well, but our own children are better off being cautious towards their elders outside.”

Lou Yao scratched his head and giggled. He felt that even when his fiancé blamed him, she appeared gentle and lovely, purely out of concern for him.

Shaoshang smiled amiably, but in her heart, she disdained Madam Lou. She was not as good as Director Xiao. She had at least real achievements in fighting with real swords and could talk circles around her. The one in front of her could only secretly put in eye drops!

Madam Lou was silent for a moment, then she smiled again. “There is nothing to say. A’Yao, hurry up and bring your uncle back. Engagement is not a small matter, and there are many things he needs to do.”

Lou Yao’s eyes lit up and he smiled at his fiancé, then bowed and quickly retreated.

After saying a few more words, Madam Lou asked the eldest daughter beside her to take Shaoshang to the side hall. Their sister-in-law was about to start discussing engagement matters with Madam Xiao. Shaoshang slowly stood up, with a gentle and pure posture (thanks to Madam Sang’s emergency training). Second Madam Lou was satisfied with it and could hardly close her mouth with a smile.

Halfway through the inner corridor, they moved in and saw a group of women in the side hall, including those who dressed up as young women and those who would dress up in the boudoir. They were all the newlyweds of the Lou family and unmarried young ladies. The offspring of the two houses in the Lou family were average, both of whom have four men and four women, with half of them legitimate and half concubine-born. The lowest overall ranking was Lou Yao from the second family and Lou Li from the first family.

Following the introduction of Young Madam Lou and met everyone one by one. Her behavior was appropriate and her words were humble. When it was Lou Li’s turn, she glared at Shaoshang for a while and turned her head angrily, refusing to greet her. Young Madam Lou gave an embarrassed smile, then asked Shaoshang to sit down and everyone began to gossip.

The women present had a gentle conversation, and even if there was something in their hearts, they would never reveal it. They could talk, joke, or gossip, but they were very congenial. Shaoshang noticed a young woman sitting on the right side, with slender eyebrows and a solemn expression. She was the second daughter-in-law of the Lou family, the eldest daughter-in-law of the second branch of the Lou family, and the heroine of the silver mirror story just told.

Shaoshang felt strange when she saw her. She thought to herself that this unsmiling woman should be the bride of Madam Lou, and the pleasant and even timid eldest daughter-in-law should be in the room of Second Madam Lou.

Lou Li endured for a long time, but when she heard Shaoshang’s beauty and tranquility being praised for the eighteenth time, she couldn’t help but sourly say, “I really didn’t expect it. Madam Cheng was so fierce towards Sister Ling of the Wang family that day. Today, she’s disguised as serious.”

“A’Li!” Young Madam Lou exclaimed; her eyes wide.

The women in the hall either quietly stopped drinking, or remained silent and watched the scene unfold.

“Yes, I didn’t expect it either.” Shaoshang didn’t even raise her eyelids. This was fighting with a young girl in the first year of junior high school.

Lou Li saw that Shaoshang had no response and continued. “It’s great fortune that you can marry into our family. If it weren’t for Sister Zhaojun marrying someone else, where would you get to? You don’t know this, but my mother loves Sister Zhaojun…”

“A’Li! If you say one more thing, I’ll call my aunt to come and tidy you up!” Lou Yao’s sister got angry and stood up with a gesture.

Lou Li was also furious. “Cousin, you actually helped her scold me!” Because she was the youngest, her brothers and sisters were very tolerant of her, especially this cousin, who was particularly affectionate every day.

Shaoshang smiled slightly and turned her gaze towards the Lou family, indicating that it was okay. She turned her head back and said, “What did A’Li just say? Your mother really loves He Zhaojun? Then I don’t understand. Your brother, Seventh Young Master, is only two years older than A’Yao and three years older than He Zhaojun. Why didn’t you let them get married in the first place?”

As soon as this statement was uttered, a young woman with a light crimson train on the left side of the hall blushed, while the rest of the audience looked different. The Lou family’s eyes all lit up, as if they didn’t dislike having a shrewd mistress.

Lou Li chocked half to death and exclaimed, “That’s because… because…” How did she know the reason at such a young age? Since she became sensible, He Zhaojun had been engaged to her cousin. “It’s because my aunt loves Sister Zhaojun more!”

“Oh, really? So – it’s – like – that.” Shaoshang elongated her voice, looking like she was being educated, with a half-smile.

Lou Li’s face turned red and she felt guilty about this. Not to mention the interior of the Lou family, there were many people outside who knew that the Second Madam of the Lou family was dissatisfied with General He’s arrogance and his arrogant only daughter. But, then again, which mother-in-law would like a bride who shouted and shrieked at her son, and would not hesitate to bully her fiancé.

“Alright!” Young Madam Lou stopped at the table and said, “A’Li, shut up! Hurry up and apologize to Shaoshang!”

“I won’t!” Lou Li’s face turned bright red. “Sister-in-law, you don’t know how despicable Cheng Shaoshang is. Sister Wang Ling has told me…”

“What are you talking about?” With a sharp shout, Madam Lou led numerous maidservants into the side hall, followed by Second Madam Lou and Madam Xiao.

Madam Lou’s stormy gaze swept over everyone’s faces one by one as she passed by. When the women saw that she was angry, they all bent down, while Young Madam Lou hesitated and dared not speak.

Only Second Young Madam Lou stood up leisurely and said, “Aunt, you’ve come at the right time. A’Li was just talking about the dispute between Young Madam Cheng and Young Madam Wang of the Wang family that day. A’Li just said that Shaoshang is a disgusting person.”

Now Madam Xiao and Second Madam Lou’s faces were both unsightly. Madam Lou’s eyes were sharp, and she caught a glimpse of Madam Xiao’s lips moving. She quickly took a few steps forward and slapped her daughter’s face with a ‘smack.’

Lou Li covered her face. “Mother… you… how dare you?” Although her mother was strict, she was always quite lenient towards her. At that moment, she even beat her in front of everyone! The more she thought about it, the more upset she became, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Madam Lou made a decisive decision and said in a deep voice, “A’Yao has already been engaged to Shaoshang. Today is her first time coming to the Lou family, but you humiliated her like this! Do you still have the face to see your cousin in the future? It’s useless for A’Yao to treat you kindly all day long.”

Listening to her mother’s resolute words, there was a hint of fierce action, which gave Lou Li some fear. She dared not speak, but her heart still refused. She could only look at Shaoshang with a hateful gaze.

Lou Li’s dissatisfaction was evident to everyone.

Second Madam Lou smiled lightly and slowly took a few steps forward. She bowed and said, “Madam Xiao, I am sorry. Don’t worry that your daughter won’t be married because of A’Li. Besides, A’Li will marry sooner or later, and they won’t see each other much in the future.”

The statement was bold and explicit, Madam Lou looked awestruck. Young Madam Lou quickly said, “A’Yan, why do you say that? A’Li is young and doesn’t speak well, it’s all…”

“You won’t say ‘it’s all unintentional,’ will you?” Second Madam Lou’s eyes were scornful.

Young Madam Lou was speechless, her face flushed.

“Aunt, I understand,” Second Madam Lou sneered coldly. “Just now, A’Li told Madam Cheng how much her mother loved Sister Zhaojun. I know you love the younger generation, but I don’t know how much you love Sister Zhaojun. If I had known that, I wouldn’t have let A’Yao take advantage of her beauty. It would be better to have Seventh Brother marry Zhaojun two years earlier.”

The seven young ladies kneeling behind looked embarrassed and trembled with anger. Second Madam Lou felt awkwardly embarrassed. Madam Xiao’s face was cold and when she went to look at Madam Lou, her eyes clearly wanted an explanation.

Madam Lou suppressed her anger. “What are these words?” she said. “A’Li, it seems that you haven’t shut them down enough in the past three months and are still talking nonsense. Then you can continue to think about it in front of the wall!”

Lou Li was crying and about to speak when she was pushed and caught by four maidservants.

Madam Lou turned her head and repeatedly apologized to Madam Xiao and Shaoshang, promising to discipline Lou Li well.

While the elders were speaking, Second Young Madam Lou suddenly turned to Shaoshang. “I don’t like to call you Younger Sister-in-law. In the future, I will call you Shaoshang, okay?”

Shaoshang looked back and their eyes met. Although it was the first time they had met, smart people understood each other’s intentions without speaking much. She smiled brightly. “Okay,” she said. “Then I’ll call you Sister Yan.”

Second Young Madam Lou smiled and shook Shaoshang’s hand. At some point, the newlyweds of the other two concubines in the second family quietly gathered around them, standing beside them, and forming a harmonious atmosphere.

Madam Lou saw this situation and looked at her gentle and kind eldest daughter, feeling a wave of irritability in her heart.

…

“What’s wrong with trivial matters? Nowadays there is no such thing as a family who doesn’t want to save face.” There were also fathers, sons, and brothers fighting in the Imperial Court.

“What are you saying?!” Madam Xiao felt flustered.

“Mother,” Shaoshang said with a serious expression, “it’s common for people to have twists and turns in life. Qiqi told me the story of Uncle Wan choosing a son-in-law for more than a dozen of his daughters. Those with good family background are shallow and romantic; those with outstanding character have too many burdens in the family; those with a good family background and good character often have no talent or ambition, and they spend their entire lives leisurely and moderately under the shadow of the family. Mother, look at A’Yao. He has a good family background, is loyal and honest, and has no habit of being a promiscuous child. Although his talent is not currently evident, he has an upward mobility and is willing to work hard. Mother, can you tell me if this marriage is very good?”

Madam Xiao thought to herself, ‘Could you just say that Lou Yao is both obedient and willing to work? His family is okay.’

“My brothers in the family have all been taught very well by you. You don’t know, but many families with daughters outside are secretly thinking about my brothers.” Shaoshang smiled and fluttered her sleeves, as if a little bird was flapping its wings.

Madam Xiao didn’t know that. She waved her hand and became numb to her daughter’s whims, saying, “…Talk about your own business, don’t ramble on.”

Shaoshang was silent for a moment. “In fact,” she said with a smile, “Third Aunt asked me before. For a person like me who is impatient with rules, wouldn’t it be annoying to face a room full of sisters-in-law and brothers after marrying to the Lou family? Won’t it be long waiting for A’Yao to get an outside government official position? I said, it won’t take long. By then the sky will be high and the ocean will be wide. Even if it isn’t as comfortable and exquisite as in the capital, it will be much more comfortable.”

“How can you make that assertion?” Madam Xiao secretly admired that Madam Sang’s consideration of wealthy families was indeed much more subtle than her own.

“On that day when I recovered from my illness, A’Yao came to see me and said that he would become one parent in the future. At first, he casually said it, but after we got along for a long time, I realized that if he had his own temperament, he would prefer to lead a small team of people in his father’s footsteps. So, who taught him the phrase ‘for one parent?’” Shaoshang laughed mischievously. “You have already seen A’Yao’s mother, and that is definitely not what she would say. I guess that was what Lou Jun said to his son.”

Madam Xiao looked at her daughter for a moment. “General He sacrificed his life to save Old Master Lou. He had two sons, Lou Jing and Lou Jun, under his knee. Later, General He proposed to marry a daughter. I thought the Lou elders had deliberately given up such a powerful in-law relative as the He family to the second branch, but later on, I heard of He Zhaojun’s various arrogance and I also expected…”

“As long as the two families are not separated, even if A’Yao marries He Zhaojun, the eldest can also receive the assistance of General He.” Shaoshang sneered. “Third Aunt once told me that since the usurpation of the throne by Emperor Li of the previous dynasty, the height of the living temples of the same family has become a great taboo. Even the great contributions of Marquis Yu’s family, except for the marquis himself, His Majesty only grants wealth and does not allow heavy power. Moreover, the person who made great contributions to His Majesty in the first place was not Old Master Lou, but the deceased Old Master Lou. After he passed away, Old Master Lou inherited the title and was promoted by His Majesty. A’Yao’s father didn’t want to be a petty official in the capital city, so he went to another state to become an official.”

“Your aunt tells you everything,” Madam Xiao sighed.

“Outsiders say that Master Lou is capable, but my uncle said that, in fact, A’Yao’s father is not inferior to his brother,” Shaoshang continued. “He just looks gentle and doesn’t argue. In a few years, he will soon be promoted to the rank of county magistrate. Alas, the bad thing about this is that the two brothers are evenly matched, the temple is high, and the emperor is an important minister. Could you do that? I couldn’t do that.”

“There’s even worse,” Madam Xiao nodded, trying to get used to the seemingly eerie situation of discussing politics with her daughter. “Although the brothers of the Lou family are equal, they can still help each other and be humble to each other. But in the son’s generation, the weakness of the first house can no longer be concealed. A’Yao’s brother, who is the first in the Lou family, can be called a man with both civil and military skills. There are also two common brothers of A’Yao, who have gained some reputation.”

“A’Yao has boasted to me… Ah, no, he praised his younger brother,” Shaoshang said with a nod. “Such a powerful person, but he has never been an official.”

“Second Young Master Lou is ambitious and doesn’t want to become an official in the local area,” Madam Xiao said. “He has spoken more than once about joining the main center and is now traveling around the world. Although others are far away from court, his writings about local experiences, customs, military and food accumulation, and even policies can often be read by His Majesty.”

“Could Grand Servant Lou suppress his nephew? A’Yao told me that his uncle treats his nephews like his own sons.”

Madam Xiao shook her head. “Grand Servant Lou wouldn’t. They are all the children of the Lou family, and the more promising their peers are, the better. It was Grand Servant Lou, that year Second Young Master Lou could have entered as a high official, but was forced to appoint officials for his two sons. There is no family where all sons are appointed officials. Second Young Master Lou couldn’t bear this anger and left.”

“Your elder brother helped me find out that some of the sons of the Lou family do have a scholarly reputation. But two of them didn’t go to the Imperial Academy and said they wanted to find famous teachers outside. The other two, they really know how to read, but they are pedantic and honest, and don’t know how to adapt. They are only suitable for proofreading. The emperor would not let such people be local officials…”

Shaoshang smiled and clapped her hands. “Let me guess,” she said. “Madam Lou must have said this, ‘My nephew, you have such skills and will definitely be able to become an official on your own in the future, but your cousin can only rely on holding an official position. You’ll let them take it!’ But in the end, did he also fail to hold an official position?”

Madam Xiao wanted to laugh but held it in. “I heard that Master Lou is constantly urging his nephew to come back.”

“A’Yao’s younger brother is also too arrogant,” Shaoshang said. “As the saying goes, too hard is easy to break. If the eldest aunt is unhappy, make her unhappy. The prosperity of the family is great, how can ignorant women be allowed to cause trouble?! Ah! Mother, I’m not talking about you. You are the great hero of the prosperity of the Cheng family!”

Madam Xiao frowned and instinctively wanted to scold her daughter for being disrespectful to her elders. However, she intellectually felt that her daughter was right, so she had to say, “Madam Lou was not like this before. The Lou family was in turmoil and very difficult. A’Yao’s mother was not reliable at all. In order to support the family, Madam Lou was extremely capable and wise.”

Shaoshang thought it over and then suddenly said, “Is it because Mother has learned the lesson and used it as a warning? As a family wife, you must not be partial to your own children. You must consider the overall situation and select the best children from the family to be able to fight for the family.”

Madam Xiao was shocked and looked at her daughter in a daze.

Shaoshang saw the gaze and quickly coughed before returning to the main topic. “So, you see, the sons of the eldest lady wanted to hold positions but couldn’t, but the eldest aunt hasn’t given up yet. She’s still hoping that one day her son will have a chance to become an official. A’Yao’s younger brother avoided going out due to the face of the eldest brother. Isn’t that our timing?”

“It’s indeed a good time,” Madam Xiao said as she nodded. “Firstly, A’Yao doesn’t plan to enter the court, but he’s trying to find a job at the local level. Secondly, Master Lou is ashamed and will definitely strongly recommend him. Lou Jun is even more happy than he can be.”

“Mother’s prediction is divine. I admire you!” Shaoshang quickly praised.

Madam Xiao looked at her daughter. “Did you come up with all these things yourself?” she asked with determination.

“Yes.”

Madam Xiao’s mood fluctuated. “So, what do you think will happen to the Lou family in the future?”

Shaoshang looked solemn, then said, “Hurry up! Grand Servant Lou has already passed the year of his destiny, and even if he wants to wait for the promotion of his son, the Lou family will not agree. Like the marquis who passed away a few years ago, his descendants are all incompetent, and there is no material in the family to build. Even if there’s a title, the family can only retreat to a place. If Madam Lou intervenes again, the ancestors of the Lou family may have a seizure. Second Young Master Lou will not continue to endure it. Therefore, A’Yao must hurry up before the situation is broken and accept an official position quickly.”

“Are you so confident that A’Yao will be like the second son of Madam Lou, who was refuted when summoned by His Majesty to respond?” Madam Xiao asked.

“I have confidence,” Shaoshang said with a straight back and firm gaze. “I have enquired about it. Although His Majesty loves those who are knowledgeable, he also values those who are practical. Although A’Yao has poor knowledge, his martial skills are not bad, and I will tell him how to dig ditches, build deep walls, store water and divert floods… A’Yao is very smart. He not only remembers what I say, but also adds his own observations and feelings. He is also sincere. I think His Majesty will like him and be willing to give him a chance.”

“You’ve thought of everything.”  Madam Xiao felt both proud and bitter in her heart.

Shaoshang remained silent for a moment. “I’ve always thought things for myself,” she said.

She had always planned her life on her own, whether to study in a mixed society or a university, whether to choose humanities or sciences, how to allocate her study time, and how to fill out her own preferences.

…

I love this little bit of reconciliation between Madam Xiao and Shaoshang! It’s progress!!

Next Chapter: You Won’t Like Me (Part 1)