“A coincidence?” Madam. Wei, ever the astute strategist, rarely believed in such convenient alignments. She harbored a persistent suspicion that something deeper was at play. But with Du Jingyi gone, there was little she could do as of now.
In the ensuing days, the fifth branch found themselves met with a barrage of rejections. Shang Ji, perpetually occupied with troop training, remained elusive, never returning home. Du Jingyi, off inspecting the Zhuangzi, offered no indication of her return. The fifth branch, consumed by anxiety, developed blisters on their lips from constant fretting, yet their efforts bore no fruit for them . Since direct appeal to Dongyuan proved fruitless, their focus inevitably shifted back to Yunjinyuan.
First, the Fifth Old Master instigated chaos in there , followed by the Fifth Old Lady’s tearful lamentations and complaints, transforming Yunjinyuan into a veritable battlefield. After a few days, Shang Yukuan could bear it no longer and sought refuge outside, claiming he needed to socialize with friends. Madam Wei, however, saw through his pretense; he had no such friends. So, following Dongyuan’s example, she simply shut the doors, refusing to see anyone at all.
The fifth branch dared not escalate this matter publicly, fearing that news might leak and others might seize this opportunity. Particularly the third branch! Heaven knew what malicious schemes they might concoct if they learned of this. It would be disastrous if their efforts to gain something resulted in utter ruin.
But some secrets simply cannot be kept. While the fifth branch fretted, Baotaoyuan, separated by a mere wall from there own courtyard , was also engulfed in a commotion, all for the very same reason. The two households, ever suspicious of each other, kept their secrets close, never imagining that the other already knew about it .
Erlang’s wife, after a few days of deliberation and inquiries outside, decided to break the news while everyone was at home within the third branch . Compared to the fifth branch’s unbridled pursuit of profit, the third branch presented a more nuanced picture. Sanlang and his wife, for instance, vehemently opposed sending Siniang to be a concubine for old King Min . This was likely due to Sanlang’s wife’s upbringing in an official household; though not wealthy, she possessed the ingrained etiquette and integrity of a scholarly family. Sanlang himself, serving in the Ministry of Rites, shared this very sentiment. Despite his humble position, he conducted himself with utmost respect and propriety. In his view, this entire endeavor was utter nonsense.
He erupted in anger before everyone. “Fourth Sister has only known a few days of peace now ! Is Second Sister-in-law so eager to drive her away? If it were truly a good match, I wouldn’t stop her, but how old is she? And in the King’s palace? Can she truly enter and emerge unscathed?” He continued, his voice rising in indignation, “Don’t you even consider it? If such a good thing existed, why wouldn’t the Jia family send their own daughter ? This is clearly a plot to harm our family, using our own kin to pave the way for their wealth! Are you all celebrating here, one by one? You’ll have to sell them and then pay for the privilege!” Having been the one to fetch Shang Siniang and Li Qie back in the first place, his distress was palpable. He spoke with such fervent “justice.”
However, his opponent was the second son’s wife, arguably the most diligent housekeeper in the third branch. Upon hearing Sanlang’s accusations, she instantly feigned innocence, her eyes welling with tears. “Third Brother, you are unjustly condemning me! Did I marry into this house and toil day and night over household affairs just to harm you, my brothers and sisters? When Fourth Sister reconciled and divorced, I gave her money to help her. But now it seems you think I want to force her to her death?” As she spoke, she gestured wildly. A merchant’s daughter by birth, she displayed a shameless willingness to cause a scene.
Sanlang was utterly flummoxed by her counterattack. His handsome face was etched with helplessness and lament. After all, Erlang’s wife’s contributions to the family were undeniable; much of the third branch’s financial woes had been remedied by her dowry, giving her a formidable stance in the family . Neither the Third Old Man nor the Third Old Lady spoke at this time , remaining silent, their usual arrogance replaced by a quietude never seen before . Shang Yurong, , possessed a volatile temper. He was fine for stirring up trouble on a daily basis, but when a truly challenging situation arose, he dared not even make a sound. Otherwise, Erlang’s wife and Sanlang wouldn’t be in such direct opposition.
Their household consisted of two son’s and two daughter’s . The sixth daughter had married into the Jia family, and the Fourth daughter had recently got divorce and returned home. Most of the time, only Erlang’s daughter-in-law held sway in the back house. Even her mother-in-law, The third old lady , found it difficult to gainsay her. Sanlang’s wife tried to speak up for Shang Siniang, but she saw her sitting there, utterly defeated, like a clay or wooden statue. There was no reaction at all, as if what was being said had nothing to do with her. Seeing this, Sanlang’s wife could only sigh softly. What good was it to rely on them to help this person if she wouldn’t help herself? She had already offended her second sister-in-law once for her , and living under the same roof would be difficult in the future if she do it more. So, she too fell silent, subtly tugging at her husband’s sleeve, signaling him not to be too forceful.
Seeing the atmosphere freeze, Shang Erlang stepped forward to break the tension. Alas, his words lacked any grace or wisdom. He chuckled, “Are you all finished? Can I leave? I have things to do outside. How about I go first?” He lived a carefree, joyful life, taking nothing at home seriously. His only thoughts revolved around drinking and gambling, and if he ran out of money, he would simply accrue debt. Someone would always settle his affairs, and the worst he’d face were a few scoldings and beatings—something he had been accustomed to since childhood.
Seeing him speak thus, even the Third Old Lady, who doted on him, couldn’t help but scold him. “Worthless scoundrel! I haven’t seen you all day. Now that the children are older, you refuse to be a role model! for them ” Hearing this, Shang Erlang seized the opportunity to make a shamelessly quick exit. “Then I’ll leave first. You all can discuss it slowly, and we can do whatever you decide!” It was as if he hadn’t spoken at all, yet Erlang’s wife was even more infuriated.
As soon as Shang Erlang left, Erlang’s wife’s voice grew louder. “Look! Is this the man who’s in charge of the house? He only runs away when something happens, leaving a woman like me to be embarrassed here. In this case, I won’t care. Third Brother, you can see what happens. Anyway, Liu Niang, I’ve already brought this news to you. As for whether Si Niang should go or stay, or anything else, you can handle it as you see fit.” She finished, gesticulating wildly, preparing to leave.
How could Sanlang’s wife possibly take over this mess? She immediately rose, pulling Erlang’s wife back, attempting to soothe her. “Second Sister-in-law has misunderstood us. No one is more dedicated than Second Sister-in-law when it comes to managing the household. Sanlang merely spoke rashly for his sister’s sake. Don’t worry too much about this .”