A simmering resentment brewed within Erlang’s wife towards Madam Wei, who, despite her own comfortable life, had audaciously meddled in the Fifth branch’s affairs. It was infuriating. Sensing an opportune moment, Erlang’s wife stepped forward, her voice laced with fervent persuasion as she addressed Shang Liuniang. “Good girl, listen to your sister-in-law’s advice. If your mother’s family is strong, your future will be bright. If Fourth sister can enter the Prince’s residence, you will gain three points more respect in the Jia family, and our Third branch can also follow suit, basking in your glory. Isn’t this a truly great thing?” She continued, her voice dripping with calculated suggestion, “The girls from the Jia family are so young; why would they want to cause such a stir? I guess…”
Shang Liuniang, playing her part perfectly, sighed dramatically. “What my second sister-in-law said is true. Yesterday, the Jia family’s sister came to me crying, saying she didn’t want to get married. I couldn’t even comfort her, no matter how I tried.”
Erlang’s wife quickly seized the moment. “Just think about it—if our Fourth Sister goes, you benefit, we benefit, and so do the Jia family girls. After all, we’re all one family. If you ever need a favor from your Fourth Sister in the future, do you think she’d refuse you? Honestly, wouldn’t it be wiser for the Jia family to use their daughters to marry into other prestigious families, rather than aiming straight for King Min?”
Shang Liuniang fell silent, clearly considering Erlang’s wife’s reasoning. The third old man and the third old lady watched her closely, their eyes filled with a mix of hope and anxiety, ready to “persuade” her further if she wavered.
But to their surprise, Shang Liuniang nodded with a show of conviction. “Second sister-in-law’s words do make sense. Why don’t we head back and make the necessary arrangements? If we really can enter the palace through the Jia family’s door, then having such backing will make things much easier for us in the future.”
The third old lady beamed with satisfaction. “Ah, Liu Niang always knows what’s right. Without you, how would this family hold together?” She had always favored Shang Liuniang, and now, with her willing support, she was even more pleased. What mattered most now was resolving the matter quickly—before suspense turned into trouble and more unexpected obstacles arose.
Shang Liuniang, never one to arrive empty-handed, turned to her maid, Ruyan. “Take out the banknotes. Since Fourth Sister is entering the palace, we must buy more. We mustn’t let outsiders laugh at our impoverished Third branch .” The maid, a skilled actress, replied with a worried expression, “Madam, this is the money you just received from the accounting office. Didn’t you agree to invest it in a shop for business?”
“Take it out,” Shang Liuniang insisted. “I will make this clear to my husband later. My parents’ family is in a hurry. I can’t live a happy life by myself, can I?”
“Madam…” The simulated conflict between master and servant deeply moved both the third old man and the third old lady. They had intended to offer words of protest, but when the three thousand taels of silver notes were finally produced, both fell silent, awestruck.
Erlang’s wife’s eyes gleamed as she eagerly “picked up” the banknotes. This time, her gratitude was genuinely heartfelt. “Liuniang cares so much about her mother’s family. Even I, your second sister-in-law, admire you. Don’t worry, I will make good use of this money for the Fourth sister ! Even the old King Min won’t be able to turn away from her once he sees her!” She promised with all her heart, and Shang Liuniang, in turn, appeared profoundly touched. The two women, masters of their craft, vied in their display of heartfelt words and convincing acting. This entire scene, word for word, reached Du Jingyi’s ears through the meticulous report of her spies leave by ShangJi.
“If Shang Liuniang put her mind to business outside, she’d be a formidable figure,” Du Jingyi mused after hearinghte report. This was evident in her masterful manipulation of Shang Siniang and her own family, pushing them willingly towards the precipice of becoming a concubine in Prince Min’s Mansion. Shang Liuniang was a double-dealer, playing both sides, extracting advantage from every angle, and leaving those whose blood she drained utterly grateful. Indeed, she possessed a certain undeniable skill.
“I wonder how much she’s truly pocketing,” Li Zhu interjected, her voice edged with suspicion. “I refuse to believe the Jia family would only pay a paltry three thousand taels!” Although she hadn’t personally witnessed the transaction, the Jia family was a prominent, wealthy clan in Sui’an City. To buy a life for merely three thousand taels seemed improbable for them.
“She can even push her own sister into a fire pit, so why would she hesitate to pay so little?” Yingtao’s sharp retort hit home. The bond between master and servant solidified in their shared understanding of Shang Liuniang’s cold cruelty.
Du Jingyi who remained silent just now , simply instruct the spy to continue his observation. After a moment, she called out, “Mr. Liu.” Liu Xun, appearing from seemingly nowhere, materialized in the main room, startling Yingtao and Lizhu into a trembling stance. They instinctively positioned themselves in front of Du Jingyi, Lizhu’s voice trembling as she demanded, “Who are you?”
“I have seen the Young Lady,” Liu Xun replied, his presence calm and unwavering.
“Mr. Liu, no need for formalities, please rise,” Du Jingyi instructed.
“Thank you, Madam.” Seeing this exchange, the two maids realized this man must be a subordinate of the General, and their apprehension quickly dissipated.
“Do you have any means of investigating the Jia family?” Du Jingyi inquired, her tone direct. “You can start with Liu Niang within their mansion.”
“This Subordinate obey the orders,” Liu Xun affirmed without a flicker of hesitation, his immediate agreement showcasing his genuine capability. Du Jingyi was slightly surprised by his reply . Such a man, unwavering in his loyalty to her husband, truly spoke volumes about Shang Ji’s influence. “In that case, I’d like to trouble Mr. Liu,” she said.
Liu Xun nodded, then vanished from the main room as swiftly as he had appeared. His almost supernatural ability left Li Zhu utterly captivated. “Indeed, the people following the General are far more powerful than that Guard Luo!” Her sentiment was echoed by Yingtao. This man, at first glance, possessed immense skill, unlike that Guard Luo, who seemed only capable of eating, talking excessively, and lacking any discernment.
Noticing Li Zhu’s newfound interest, Du Jingyi revealed her previous conversation with Shang Ji. “Li Zhu, do you think Mr. Liu’s skills are great?”
“Mhm,” Li Zhu nodded vigorously, confirming her admiration. Liu Xun’s abilities far surpassed those of the bodyguards who had taught her martial arts in the Du family. Her eyes shone with appreciation and admiration for his skills .
Du Jingyi smiled. “The General means that if you are interested, you can learn some kung fu from Mr. Liu, but I’m afraid you will be very tired. What do you think?”
“Ah? Can I learn from him? Does he accept female apprentices? If I can’t learn, he won’t beat me, right? If I go to learn kung fu, who will take care of the Young Lady?” A cascade of questions tumbled from her lips, eliciting laughter from both Du Jingyi and Yingtao.
“If you want to go, feel free,”Yingtao interjected warmly. “I will take good care of my mistress here.” Yingtao knew that Li Zhu often practiced a rudimentary form of martial arts, but her “three-legged cat skills” were indeed far inferior to Mr. Liu’s demonstrated prowess. This was a rare opportunity for Li Zhu to learn something she truly desired. Seeing the unwavering support from both Yingying and her mistress, Li Zhu pondered for a moment before agreeing. “Don’t worry, Young Lady, I will be able to protect you when I return from my studies.”
Outside, the sun shone brightly, while within Xitang Courtyard, life hummed with an unusual vibrancy.