Shang Liu Niang, ever the pragmatist, wasted no time in getting straight to the point with her second sister-in-law. Yet, with their third sister-in-law present, a veneer of politeness was still required.
Sanlang’s wife, however, listened with a growing look of disapproval. Queen Zhou, she reasoned, had remarried thrice because her own family wielded significant power, enabling her to stand on her own feet. But their fourth sister, timid and easily exploited, was a different story entirely. She had suffered immensely in her previous marriage, and now, even after escaping, seemed more fearful than ever. To thrust her into the public eye now, Sanlang’s wife thought, was reckless. Would any worldly prince truly be interested? And more importantly, would Si Niang herself even agree to step outside? She wanted to protest, to argue, but then she caught sight of the undeniable interest sparking in her second sister-in-law’s eyes. At that moment, she knew. Further words were futile.
Her second sister-in-law, a woman not bound by convention, was clearly desperate. Money was scarce, and she was undoubtedly seeking any avenue to bolster their family’s dwindling finances. The allure of marrying into princely nobility, of elevating their entire clan and shedding a burdensome sister-in-law, was too strong to resist.
Regret gnawed at Sanlang’s wife, but she understood her powerlessness. She couldn’t bear to sit and listen as they conspired to throw Si Niang into what she saw as a “fire pit.” With a quick excuse, she rose. “I’ve been out for a while. Sister Qing also mentioned wanting to pick a pattern, so I’ll head back now. Second sister-in-law and Sixth sister, please continue your discussion at leisure. We can meet again another day.”
Both women understood her unspoken message: she wanted no part in this “muddy water” and preferred to leave before tensions escalated. It spared Shang Liu Niang the tiresome task of explaining and enlightening someone unwilling to be swayed. So, Shang Liu Niang’s smile became genuinely warmer as she offered, “I happened to bring back a few pieces of fine material. Third sister-in-law, please take two for the children’s clothes. They’re all the latest styles favored by the ladies and gentlemen in Sui’an City; truly beautiful.”
“In that case,” Sanlang’s wife replied, “I thank Sixth Sister on behalf of the children for her kindness.”
“Sister-in-law, you’re too polite,” Shang Liu Niang demurred. With that, Sanlang’s wife departed.
Normally, the second sister-in-law might have pressed her to stay, but her mind was now consumed by Shang Liu Niang’s words. She moved closer to Shang Liu Niang, a keen interest in her eyes. “Third younger sister truly doesn’t understand the cost of living, the price of firewood, rice, oil, and salt. But Sixth sister, you can speak freely with me. After all, this is Si Niang’s life-long matter, and we must discuss it with utmost care.” Her words spoke of discussion, but her intent was clear: she wanted to swiftly marry off Si Niang. The only question was to whom, and that answer lay with Shang Liu Niang.
Seeing her eagerness, Shang Liu Niang beamed. “Second sister-in-law, you are truly kind-hearted, always looking out for Fourth sister’s future. As her sister, I would never truly send her to her doom just to climb the social ladder, so please don’t worry.” Her words were deliberately vague, naming no specifics.
Erlang’s wife, now utterly impatient, practically bounced in her seat. “Good girl, tell me quickly, who are you thinking of? A prince? Or…?”
Shang Liu Niang, having sufficiently piqued her curiosity, finally spoke, slowly drawing out her revelation. “Second sister-in-law, do you recall His Majesty’s younger uncle, who just celebrated his sixtieth birthday a few days ago?”
“You mean King Min?” Erlang’s wife questioned, her voice laced with dawning realization.
“Yes, that’s the old prince,” Shang Liu Niang confirmed.
“But… his age…” Erlang’s wife faltered, “He’s almost as old as Grandfather , isn’t that… INappropriate?” Erlang’s wife, for all her desire to be rid of her idle sister-in-law, wasn’t entirely heartless. When ShangLu had acted so recklessly, King Fu was only in his early thirties, in the prime of his life. But King Min? He was so old, Si Niang would likely be a widow within days of marriage. She shook her head, trying to dismiss the idea. “No, no, if Madam. Wei next door found out, she’d simply laugh us out of town.” The Wei family, whom they used to ridicule, would now turn the tables, perhaps even worse. Erlang’s wife valued her reputation and was unwilling to entertain such a prospect.
Shang Liu Niang, however, remained unperturbed, her calm demeanor suggesting an unshakeable certainty. She picked up her teacup, took a slow sip, and then spoke again. “Second sister-in-law, don’t assume that King Min, despite his age, won’t bestow affection. I have inquired meticulously. Princess Min is elderly and has long lost her beauty. She is no longer favored in the inner quarters. Yet, after so many years, she still holds significant authority. The news she’s put out is that she’s seeking a beautiful and well-behaved concubine for King Min.”
“With her protection, what could Fourth sister possibly suffer? All she needs to do is serve and win over King Min. As for endless glory and wealth, it is said that if that girl truly enters the King Min’s palace, the bride price alone could be as much as ten thousand taels.”
Ten thousand taels of silver! For their impoverished third branch, it was a fortune, a divine gift. But a “noble concubine” held little true power. Ultimately, she would still be dependent on others. Erlang’s wife knew little of the intricacies of Prince Min’s household, but the terms offered were undeniably generous. She couldn’t help but be swayed.
Shang Liu Niang watched her second sister-in-law’s silence, completely unconcerned. To hook the fish, one had to give it time to nibble. Only when it truly bit and refused to let go, would she reel it in. So, she waited patiently.
As expected, just as her teacup was drained, Erlang’s wife spoke, a desperate urgency in her eyes. “You must allow me to inquire about this matter thoroughly. If it is as Sixth sister says, then it would indeed be a good thing for Fourth sister to go.”
“Precisely, precisely!” Shang Liu Niang exclaimed, her words dripping with manipulation. “Even if she is just a concubine now, she’s only one step away from becoming a side concubije (Qiefei), or even the main concubine(Ce Fujin). If she’s clever and wins over the prince and princess, imagine the immense power that would fall to Fourth sister! Wouldn’t that be a direct ascent to the heavens?” Shang Liu Niang was clearly trying to deceive her. Even if the prince and princess were gone, the prince’s heirs would still manage the palace; it would never fall to a mere noble concubine. But Erlang’s wife, fixated on the ten thousand taels, completely missed this crucial detail. She simply smiled and nodded.
“That’s what Fourth sister needs,” she agreed.
“Many in Sui’an City know about this news now, and quite a few are planning to send their unmarried daughters there,” Shang Liu Niang continued, laying it on thick. “If my husband’s family hadn’t had some connections with the prince’s household, I might not have been able to discover this opportunity myself.”