“The cooks at my father-in-law’s house are all exceptional,” Shang Ji responded, his voice calm, “but your son-in-law is accustomed to living in Cezhou, so these two familiar dishes simply appeal to me.” Everyone glanced at the plates and saw that they were indeed breakfast items typical of Cezhou.
Master Du nodded with a knowing smile. “I understand, I understand. When you move, a cook specializing in these dishes will be sent with you.” Du Jingyi felt a slight loss for words. Last time, it was a cook skilled in Jinling cuisine; now, one who mastered Cezhou fare. She had to admit, her parents possessed a particular knack for providing such conveniences. Shang Ji’s usually stern face softened, a subtle upward curve of his lips betraying his contentment. “Father-in-law is too kind; your son-in-law will not decline this offer .”
“Don’t be polite with us ,” Master Du insisted, “we are all family.”
He Shilin, sitting nearby, couldn’t help but touch his nose. Pingzhou, where he was from, wasn’t far from Cezhou, and he too favored the Cezhou dishes cooked by this very chef. But his father-in-law had already spoken, and he couldn’t possibly steal his “favor.” So, he secretly resolved to enjoy Cezhou cuisine to his heart’s content before the cook was dispatched. It would be a fine way to satisfy the greedy pangs in his belly.
After a delightful breakfast, Shang Ji, his intention being for Du Jingyi to have a peaceful reunion with her family, excused himself early, citing military duties. As he prepared to leave, Du Jingyi questioned, “Perhaps the General will be able to return this evening? If so, why don’t we have dinner together before returning to the Duke’s residence?” Shang Ji considered it, found it agreeable, and nodded. “Everything I need to attend to today is within the city. I will come back later. Around the same time?”
“Oaky ,” she confirmed, “the family and I will await your return to share a meal.”
“Good,” he affirmed. With everything settled, Shang Ji, accompanied by Luo Yuan, departed swiftly.
Watching his effortless stride, Master. Du couldn’t help but pat his own round belly. “When can a father take such steps? Now that is a majestic thing.” His words were filled with envy, but not for Shang Ji’s authority, rather for his dignified bearing. Master Du, Du Jingyi mused, truly had a unique perspective. Du Jingyi tilted her head, feigning a thoughtful gaze, then sighed dramatically. “Well, that’s impossible.”
Master Du, feigning offense, playfully slapped her arm. “You cheeky girl! You’re truly one who, once married, throws water on her parents. Aren’t you afraid of your mother’s wrath for saying such a thing to your father?”
“Mother is too fond of me to hit me, right~” Du Jingyi, knowing her mother’s affection, sought immediate refuge, dissolving into playful coquetry.
Madam Du glanced helplessly at the father and daughter, then chided them gently, “Enough, your brother-in-law is still here. Don’t let him witness your antics.” The father and daughter, long accustomed to their playful bickering, had forgotten the presence of an “outsider” – their eldest brother-in-law. Yet, both Mr. Du and Du Jingyi possessed remarkably thick skins and remained unbothered. Their laughter and chatter continued unabated.
He Shilin, burdened by the upcoming Chunwei exam, stayed for a while longer before retreating to the study to resume his rigorous studies. Thus, only the four members of the Du family remained in the main room of Mingse Courtyard. This was their first such reunion since both daughters had married, and they cherished the moment deeply.
The conversation naturally began with Madam Du, whose primary concern was always her daughters’ well-being. Her face grew serious, tinged with worry, as she asked, “A few days ago, was there trouble in the Duke’s Mansion?”
Du Jingyi was momentarily perplexed but quickly understood. “Are you referring to the death of Fifth Branch’s steward a few days ago?”
At the word “dead,” Du Jingxiang involuntarily stiffened, raising her handkerchief to cover her mouth. She was timid, usually terrified of such matters. Noticing her sister’s discomfort, Du Jingyi immediately patted her arm, offering a reassuring smile. Madam Du, though not fearful, looked considerably grimmer than before. “Yes, I heard his surname was Qi, a distant relative of the fifth wife in the Duke’s Mansion. Wu Lang in your mansion has been gossiping about it outside, but I sent someone to inquire carefully. Since they said nothing ill of you and your husband, I didn’t send you news.”
Upon hearing this, Du Jingyi couldn’t help but laugh. Even Yingying and Lizhu, standing behind her, struggled to contain their giggles, echoing their young lady’s mirth. The trio’s strange amusement left the Du couple and Du Jingxiang bewildered. At this point, Du Jingyi recounted the events concerning Steward Qi Er, including how he had provoked Shang Ji before being beaten, how the Fifth Branch had attempted to stir up trouble, and, naturally, how she had retaliated.
The three members of the Du family exchanged shocked glances. Du Jingxiang was still reeling from the fact that Shang Ji had killed a slave, but what stunned Master Du and Madam Du even more was that their daughter had actually used the medicine. That was a precious item Master Du had painstakingly acquired from the Western Regions. It had been their desperate measure, a last resort to secure Du Jingyi’s freedom. Once administered, the drug’s symptoms would manifest in about a month, varying by individual. Initially, one would experience bodily aches, progressing to weakness, even vomiting and dizziness. Following that, red rashes would appear, sometimes accompanied by severe itching. It looked terrifying but was, in fact, not contagious. Yet, everyone feared epidemics. Naturally, anyone potentially afflicted with the “epidemic” would be removed from the household. This would provide the Du family with an opportunity to request Du Jingyi’s divorce, granting her freedom.
What the Dus had not anticipated was that their own daughter would not need to use the medicine on herself, but on someone from the Fifth Branch. Master Du lowered his voice and inquired, “Did you secure the antidote?”
“Father, don’t worry,” Du Jingyi replied confidently, “Yingtao handled it. Are you still concerned about her competence?”
Yingtao , equally composed, added, “Rest assured, Master, I did not touch it at all. Even the tray was properly disposed of after use. It will never be discovered by others and affect the Young Lady.”
“That’s good,” Master Du affirmed. Neither Master Du nor Madam Du were saintly figures, and the unsavory relatives in the Duke’s Mansion were hardly better than their own. Hence, their daughter’s use of the medicine to deal with them seemed entirely justified. If one could be eliminated, then so be it. Why keep them around, to be revered like ancestors? Du Jingyi clearly shared this sentiment, leaving little room for alternative action.