With the crucial matters discussed, the female members of the Fifth branch had no reason to linger. After all, they were eager to rush home and deliver the tidings to the men. On their way back, their faces shone with such unrestrained excitement that curious servants couldn’t help but wonder: why had the Fifth branch suddenly grown so intimate with Dongyuan? Such frequent visits, and now departing with beaming smiles—had the Fifth branch somehow reaped some benefits from Dongyuan?
This question, a whisper among the servants, soon reached the ears of the Third branch, sparking suspicion among them. Especially to Erlang’s wife, Madam Guan , known for her sharp mind, who now confided in Sanlang’s wife. “Have you heard? The people from the Fifth branch went to Dongyuan again . When they came out, their heads were practically in the clouds! What do you think the people from Dongyuan fed them? They’ve suddenly become so… agreeable?” Though she and Sanlang’s wife had recently clashed over Siniang’s marriage predicament, they ultimately shared the same roof. And if Sanlang’s wife was willing to yield, Erlang’s wife saw no reason to cling to past grievances. Now, united in their ambition to send Siniang into Prince Min’s palace, a united front was crucial for them .
Sanlang’s wife, too, sensed something amiss in this situation. The people in Dongyuan had always been reclusive, rarely involving themselves in external affairs of the extended family. Especially the Eldest Sister-in-law, Madam Liu, who typically shunned contact with the Third and Fifth branch as if they were venomous serpents. Why the sudden shift in demeanor now ? Could it be that the Sixth brother sought to unify the family, beginning with the Fifth branch?
“Second Sister-in-law,” she mused, “it’s not simply that the Fifth branch has dealings with Dongyuan, which explains their newfound intimacy.”
Erlang’s wife, ever alert, raised an eyebrow, a flicker of suspicion in her eyes. “Is it possible that they also knew about the affairs of Prince Min’s Mansion?” If the Jia family had access to this information, then surely the Du family, with their greater wealth, would know as well. A wave of unease washed over both Erlang’s wife and Sanlang’s wife. No one wanted to relinquish the coveted wealth they had finally glimpsed upon . Outwardly, they were all relatives of the Duke of Guo, basking in the Duke’s Palace’s glory. But within the walls, each family lived by its own rules. They didn’t believe the Fifth branch would share any newfound fortune from the Fifth branch’s newfound influence with them , just as they wouldn’t share their own with the Fifth branch if they got any . It was the age-old adage: one might not share hardships, and certainly not blessings, yet when feasting on others’ food, sharing chopsticks, one cared little for tainted saliva.
This thought festered, darkening Erlang’s wife’s expression. “No, this matter must be thoroughly investigated. If Fifth branch and Dongyuan truly join forces in this regard , what will become of Si Niang?” Originally, Shang Siniang’s prospects were already dim compared to Shang Qiniang’s. If the Fifth branch genuinely intended to vie for this opportunity, wouldn’t the position of official concubine be snatched away from them? She would not allow it.
Sanlang’s wife, who had always harbored reservations about this entire endeavor, said little at this moment , seeing her second sister-in-law’s fervent determination regarding it . She longed to tell her that if Shang Qiniang was willing, she could seek her own fortune. But she was not foolish enough to utter such words a second time, so she remained silent, refraining from the discussion. After a while, she excused herself and departed.
Once alone, Erlang’s wife summoned Mama Qin, her trusted confidante, and issued a grave instruction. “Go and uncover what has transpired in this household recently. Especially the Fifth branch , keep a close eye on them. Discover if they know about the affairs of Prince Min’s Mansion.”
“Yes, this old slave understands,” Mama Qin replied.
Even after Mama Qin left, the worry gnawing at Erlang’s wife’s heart refused to subside. “It’s best if you don’t know ,” she murmured to herself, “otherwise, don’t blame me, your ruthless second sister-in-law, for ruining your marriage.” Though spoken to herself, her unspoken threat to Shang Qiniang was painfully clear.
In stark contrast to the Third branch’s growing alarm, Du Jingyi luxuriated in a warm bath within Xitang Courtyard. Having dispatched the Fifth branch’s demanding guests, a thorough cleansing was in order; as her journey had left her weary. Maidservants Yingying and Lizhu attended to her, meticulously washing her hair while massaging her stiff shoulders. Du Jingyi was felt so content by this, that she almost drifted to sleep in the tub.
Seeing her mistress’s carefree demeanor, Lizhu couldn’t help but voice her lingering irritation. “Young Madam, the people in the Fifth branch are so opportunistic! They’re clearly making clothes for the Seventh Lady, yet your Fifth sister-in-law is so eager to replace all the clothes in the Fifth branch . It’s truly infuriating!”
“It’s alright,” Du Jingyi replied calmly. “Let them take measurements. It’s a simple task. She wants me to worry about the furs and fabrics. Besides, winter clothes take a long time to tailor; I doubt she’ll even get the opportunity to wear them.” Hearing this, Lizhu remembered the “medicine” they had given to the Fifth branch . It had been mere days since its administration, and it was almost time for it to take effect. A sliver of her resentment dissipated.
Yingtao , meanwhile, gently applied a soothing balm to Du Jingyi’s skin. “Young Madam as you ordered I have arranged for the information to be released. I expect Mama Qin will soon discover what she seeks.”
“That’s good,” Du Jingyi agreed. “We don’t need Madam Wei giving us trouble every day. We had to repay her ‘kindness’ once. It’s a fool’s errand to cling to this relationship.” Hearing their mistress’s words, Yingying and Lizhu nodded vigorously. They, too, held little fondness for Madam Wei, especially to Mama Jiao, her personal attendant. Every encounter with Mama Jiao left them simmering with irritation; her sharp tongue was enough to provoke anyone. So the thought of the impending turmoil in Yunjinyuan brought a smile to their faces. Humming a cheerful tune, Du Jingyi continued her bath.
As expected, the “news” that Du Jingyi had meticulously orchestrated was swiftly intercepted by Mama Qin. She likely never dreamt that the decades-long power dynamics within the Duke’s Mansion had already shifted dramatically. She harbored no doubts about the information she had acquired. Thus, she hurried toward Erlang’s wife’s room.
“What should It say? Do they truly know?” Erlang’s wife, seeing the grim set of Mama Qin’s face, knew something was amiss. She pressed for answers before Mama Qin could even speak. Mama Qin, her expression grave, then relayed the intelligence she had gathered. “Young Madam, we must be careful, otherwise, we may truly be outmaneuvered by the Fifth branch . I spent some money to discover that the Fifth Old Master took the Fourth Master and the Fifth Young Master to Yunjin Courtyard half a month ago. I heard it was quite noisy at that time . The maids who listened closely overheard some words, saying that it was Madam Wei who gave the Fifth branch the idea, asking them to approach the General and his wife of Dongyuan to arrange a way out for Seventh miss.”
“What ‘way out’?” Erlang’s wife demanded, her voice tight with apprehension.