“So, Second Sister-in-law, you must act swiftly. Opportunities like this are fleeting. If you let this one slip away, there’s no telling if Fourth Sister will ever have such a chance to marry into a distinguished family again.” Shang Liu Niang’s words held a deliberate, almost wistful, longing.
Erlang’s wife couldn’t help but tease, a slight smirk playing on her lips. “If it’s so wonderful, why don’t you marry him yourself?”
“Sister-in-law, you jest,” Shang Liu Niang replied, her hand instinctively touching her still-flat belly, a genuine warmth radiating from her. “I would, but I carry another life within me. No matter how benevolent the people in the palace are, they wouldn’t accept me.”
Erlang’s wife watched, surprised by the sudden tenderness in Shang Liu Niang’s eyes, and then burst into laughter. “You are truly the luckiest among us three. A good life, a good temperament, a good husband, and a fertile womb! Two children aren’t enough; you’re already pregnant with another. This time, do you wish for a son or a daughter ?”
Shang Liu Niang, unfazed, simply smiled. “I initially thought another son would be safer, but my husband said a girl would be lovely too. She’s so caring, and he adores her.”
Erlang’s wife felt a pang of inexpressible jealousy as she watched Shang Liu Niang, seemingly blessed with everything. How true it was, she mused, that comparisons were infuriating. Others had good family backgrounds, good character, and devoted husbands. She, on the other hand, was married to a “fool and idiot,” unattractive and perpetually muddled, utterly useless. As these thoughts festered, Shang Liu Niang’s presence became less pleasant to her.
Shang Liu Niang, perceptive as ever, sensed the subtle shift in atmosphere. Before Erlang’s wife could even hint at her departure, she spoke. “I’ve been out for quite some time. I should return now, lest my in-laws discover my prolonged absence and scold me for always thinking of my parents’ home. Second Sister-in-law, please take care of your health. The bird’s nest I brought this time is excellent. Please try it, and if it suits you, I’ll send more next time.”
“Why trouble Sixth Sister?” Erlang’s wife replied, now eager for her departure. “Very well, then you should go back quickly. We are all daughters-in-law; I understand, I understand.”
They exchanged a few more pleasantries, and then Shang Liu Niang was escorted away. The sun outside had begun to dim, but Erlang’s wife’s mind remained restless. Shang Liu Niang’s news had ignited a furious blaze within her, but now she needed to carefully strategize how to bring this matter to fruition. Her earlier words to Shang Liu Niang had been mere pretense. How could she, a merchant woman from a humble family, ascertain the inner workings of Prince Min’s palace?
Her immediate concern was how her fourth sister could possibly stand out and enter the palace as a concubine. Si Niang was comely, well-behaved, and docile, yet she lacked independent thought, making her appear meek. Could such a person truly capture the attention of the old prince? Could she actually be sent to the prince’s palace? Erlang’s wife worried endlessly. Even if she were to enter, could she truly assert herself and support their family? It seemed unlikely.
Yet, she knew with absolute certainty that if this golden opportunity hadn’t fallen to their third branch, they would have kept it hidden from the fifth branch. After all, there was still Seventh girl in the fifth household, unmarried at the age of eighteen —neither too young nor too old. If one were to truly compare, Seventh girl surpassed Si Niang in beauty, age, temperament, and even ability. If only the fifth branch knew of such a shortcut, they would undoubtedly rush, gongs and drums blazing, to send their own daughter to secure a place in the palace first. Hence, Erlang’s wife was fiercely protective of this secret.
She turned to Mother Qin, who waited nearby, and ordered, “Not a single word of what Liu Niang said today must be leaked, do you understand?”
“Second Young Madam, rest assured, I understand!” Mother Qin replied.
In Baotao Courtyard and Yingjuan Courtyard, each harbored their own devious intentions. And so, these days passed in a rare tranquility, free from major disturbances. As the sun rose and the moon set, a peculiar sense of peace settled over the Duke’s Mansion.
Soon, the twentieth day arrived. It was the auspicious day for Shang Ji and Du Jingyi to return to her parents’ home. Du Jingyi awoke early, her eyes fluttering open to find her husband, Shang Ji, sleeping soundly beside her. Remembering his late return last night, she couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. Shang Ji, ever the light sleeper, stirred at her movement, his eyes opening to meet hers, holding an unknown, dark intensity. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly, and Du Jingyi, understanding, immediately raised her voice, calling out, “Yingtao , come in and help . The General and I must get up and wash.”
“Yes,” came the swift reply. Her voice effectively suppressed the burgeoning thoughts in Shang Ji’s mind.
Shang Ji lowered his voice, deliberately leaning into Du Jingyi’s ear. “Madam, is this intentional?” His warm breath brushed her cheek, causing it to flush slightly.
“General, please rise quickly,” she urged, “Don’t you wish to accompany me back to my parents’ home?”
At her words, Shang Ji let out a helpless laugh . “If I had known, it would have been tomorrow i would’nt miss the chance last night .” He sighed inwardly. God knew, since that night, they hadn’t been intimately close. He’d finally secured a few days off, rushing back to spend his precious free time with his wife. Yet, when he’d arrived home last night, riding hard and whipping his horse, his wife was already fast asleep. It had been impossible to act on his desires then. This morning, he’d woken early, hoping to get some rewrads only to be firmly rejected. There was no other way; Shang Ji could only concede defeat.
Outside the door, sounds began to stir. Hearing them, they knew several maids had come to fetch water and attend to them. Without further delay, they both rose. After a quick wash, Li Zhu began dressing Du Jingyi, while Ying Tao selected several sets of clothes from the cabinet and presented them to Shang Ji. She spoke respectfully, “General, these are the clothes the Young Lady has arranged for you. Would you like to try them on? If anything is unsuitable, we can send them to Lu Ju for alterations.”
Shang Ji’s eyebrows lifted slightly. He remembered it only took a few days to measure for clothes; how could they have been made so quickly? He glanced back at Du Jingyi, then said in a brisk tone, “Let the Young Lady decide. Whatever she chooses, I will wear.”
His simple words brought smiles to the maids’ faces. They felt that the General and their Young Lady were so deeply in love that they even coordinated their attire. Yingtao quickly went to Du Jingyi and said, “What will the Young Lady wear today? The General said he will wear whatever you choose. Please let the Young Lady clearly state her preference.”
This serious demeanor made Du Jingyi a little uncomfortable. Yet, remembering her husband Shang Ji’s presence, she knew she couldn’t simply jest with the maids. She quickly surveyed the options and gave her instructions.