Chapter 46 Time to Work, Time to Work! : "Is Second Aunt asking me?" "Who else would she ask if not you?" ...
"Is my second aunt asking me?"
"If I don't ask you, who else can I ask?"
Seeing the faint anger on Shumulu's face, Shen Wanqing felt that the plot was not going quite right. This child wasn't hers, and she shouldn't be questioning her own conscience.
"I don't know how to answer your question, Aunt. If you're pregnant, you're pregnant. There's no question of whether you should or shouldn't. If you're going to follow Aunt's logic, I should ask you if you still want to keep the baby."
Shen Wanqing could roughly guess what Hesheli was thinking. Her two sisters-in-law were too close to her, and they must want the best for Shumulu. But the closer they were, the more entanglements and constraints they would have. They certainly couldn't offer any opinions or suggestions right now; all they had were a basket of comforting platitudes.
"Dr. Peng said last night that if you want to keep the baby, it's best not to get out of bed from today until the baby is born, and just lie down to protect the pregnancy."
Shumulu recalled what happened last night. After examining her pulse, Doctor Peng said that she needed to stay in bed to protect the pregnancy. If she stayed in bed for a year, even if the child was born, her body would probably be severely damaged. She would definitely not be able to recover without a year or two of recuperation. In that case, it would be a pipe dream to want to go to the post with He Yi.
If the child wasn't going to be born, a bowl of medicine would be given to terminate the pregnancy, and the matter would be resolved in a month or two. But He Yi disagreed. Last night, as soon as Shumulu asked Doctor Peng if it would be better not to keep the child, He Yi smashed the teacup before she could finish speaking.
The peace that had been maintained after the falling out was completely shattered. He Yi refused to accept that Shumulushi didn't want the child, while Shumulushi repeatedly pressed her husband to tell her who he wanted to take with him if she didn't go to her post.
Who will handle the social interactions between the inner quarters and the officials' wives? If she really takes two concubines with her to her post and lets them manage the household affairs, Shumulu Shi is so angry at the mere thought of it that she wants to kill herself.
"Why didn't you say so sooner?" Shumulu sent someone to her parents' home to deliver a message, saying everything except this. "Are you crazy? The child is your own, the man..."
The older woman, who appeared to be more outspoken, exploded upon hearing her sister-in-law's words. Had it not been for Shen Wanqing's presence, the latter part of her statement would have been much harsher.
"What are men anyway? Second Aunt is clearly a smart person, why did she have to make such a stupid mistake?" Shen Wanqing glanced at the lady who was so angry that her chest was pounding and she wanted to roll up her sleeves and hit her, and simply picked up what she hadn't finished saying.
She felt that Shumulu was currently possessed, and if she didn't get some things straightened out to her, she was afraid she wouldn't be able to get over this hurdle, and might even lose her life.
“If the child is born, you are his biological mother. If the child cannot be born, it means that you two are not destined to be together. This is not the same as asking Doctor Peng for a bowl of medicine to abort the child. Second Aunt, are you really sure?”
“A child is born with only one father and one mother, but a man has more than one woman. Not to mention the concubines and maids in every household, my second aunt never thought that if she really held on to her last breath and went to her second uncle’s post, what would happen if she died outside?”
In less than a year, or perhaps just three to five months, matchmakers will come to propose marriage, and within a year or two, a new wife will take her place in the West Courtyard. Shumulu always says she must keep her position as the second wife for the sake of her two children, but she never considers that she must first save her own life before she can even talk about anything else.
This woman is too greedy, and the reasons she gives herself are so plausible that they not only fool others but also make her believe it herself. This isn't something I can convince her of in a few words, and she doesn't need to invite trouble upon herself.
I was already being nosy today, but seeing her holding back so much information and not even asking her two sisters-in-law, yet coming to ask me, I couldn't help myself. Perhaps Yu Lang is right, I am indeed a person who is stubborn but soft-hearted.
"My second aunt asked me this, and I can't make any decisions. So, second aunt, you shouldn't ask others. Think about what you can and should do, and maybe you'll find the answer."
Shen Wanqing deliberately didn't say what she wanted, because given her personality, she wanted everything. But could she just get what she wanted? It was only because the children in the west courtyard were still young; if the other children were older, Shen Wanqing wouldn't bother arguing with her.
"Yulang has gone to see Tunan and Huizhong. If you need anything, Second Aunt, just send Huamei and the others to the East Courtyard. I have already had two rooms prepared in the East Courtyard. If it is inconvenient for you here, you can send the children to my place for the time being."
Given Shumulu's current physical condition, Shen Wanqing dared not be careless; whether the child could be saved was a major hurdle for her. Not to mention, there was He Yi, who could drive anyone crazy, constantly poking at her; even if she didn't die, she would be skinned alive.
"Okay, once I feel better, I'll let them stay for a couple of days."
Shumulu understood Shen Wanqing's words, but once a person's temperament is formed, it's not so easy to change. Even though she knew Shen Wanqing meant well, she still spoke with a stiff tone, reverting to the Second Madam who never showed any sign of dejection.
How she chooses to live is her own business, and Shen Wanqing doesn't care. Seeing her like this, she smiled and said that this person is not simple. Her greed is also the driving force that keeps her going. As long as she has this breath, she won't fall.
However, the two sisters-in-law, after hearing what Shen Wanqing said, felt that she was not the cunning and treacherous person that the old woman who went back to report the news had described. When Shen Wanqing was about to leave, one of the younger ladies even got up and followed her out.
“You’re a good girl. Anyone who isn’t kind-hearted wouldn’t have said those things to her. My sister-in-law is too stubborn. Once she’s made up her mind, no amount of persuasion will change her mind. If there are any conflicts between you two in the future, please bear with her.”
“Auntie, you’re exaggerating. The family matters have been circulating outside for the past few years, but it’s really just the same old stuff. Even if I don’t tell you, Auntie knows the gist of it. Besides, Second Master is going to take up a post outside the area, and Second Auntie still wants to go with him. If they’re far away, there won’t be any conflicts, and she might even think about it during holidays.”
Shen Wanqing neither said she would take responsibility nor that she wouldn't. Shumulu's maternal uncle's wife was a relative by marriage, and there was no need to lose her temper in front of guests over anything, no matter how big the matter was.
"If you ask me, it's better not to go with her. If she doesn't go to the west courtyard, someone will be watching her. She's gone out of the capital with your second uncle. We can say we won't care about things at home, but when things come to a head, we'll still have to take care of them."
These words were so honest that Shen Wanqing couldn't understand why Shumulu Shi, who clearly had truly intelligent people around her, kept doing foolish things. However, the two weren't very familiar with each other, and after exchanging a few perfunctory words, they parted ways.
Shen Wanqing came out even faster than Yu Lang. Yu Lang went to Tu Nan and Hui Zhong's courtyard and gave all the servants there a verbal warning. He also had his two young cousins, who were still too young to understand, brought over.
After carefully examining the two children and confirming that they did not appear unhappy or cry, and after repeatedly instructing the nanny who was taking care of them, he finally came out.
If something happens to the adults in the family, the children will suffer as well. Yu Lang understood how Tu Nan and Hui Zhong felt. Yu Lang, who had been less resentful after thinking that his second uncle had used all his connections to get that official position, felt indignant again.
What a perfectly good family! They've turned into this mess over a little bit of money and who has the power to manage the servants. And to make matters worse, that money is still in Guangyuan Bank, and they don't even know if they can get it back. I don't know what all this fuss and trouble is all for.
"What do you mean by 'for what'? We women can't go out, we can only fight in the inner quarters for who manages the servants and who manages the money. You men can go out and go to the imperial court, but you still fight like chickens. In the end, what you're fighting for is still people and money."
"It's not fair that you think you're so great just because you have more people competing, while we think it's meaningless because we're only competing for a small amount of money. If you say that again, you'll be in charge of all the holiday gifts next time. I'll be a carefree, unassuming old lady, not caring about anything."
No matter how obedient a local dog is, it's still born and raised here, and there will always be times when it says something unpleasant. Shen Wanqing remained calm inside, but put on an unhappy expression, and said a barrage of words that made Yu Lang bow repeatedly and swear that he would never say such things again.
"You go back first, I have something to do at the old lady's place."
"What is it? I'll go with you to pay my respects to the old lady."
The old lady had the two housekeepers fetch water back and forth, and she had always been good to her eldest grandson, Yulang. When he said he wanted to pay his respects, Chen Wanqing naturally didn't stop him, and the two walked side by side into the main courtyard, leaving only the two dumbfounded gatekeepers behind.
"Did the elderly couple almost have a fight just now?"
"What's all the fuss about? It's clearly Grandma scolding Grandpa."
"The old man will just listen to this."
"That's exactly what we'll do."
Hearing the clicking sounds behind him, Yu Lang felt his ears burning. "That's it, the matriarch only remembers her own power and forgets about me. Before tomorrow, everyone in the house will know that this old man is afraid of his wife."
"Then you should have gotten angry just now, preferably jumped up and scolded me for being insolent and rude. Then you wouldn't have to wait until tomorrow for the whole family to know that I, the eldest daughter-in-law, have offended the eldest son and will soon be disliked by him."
The two bickered as they walked into Tongjia's courtyard. Their smiles hadn't faded by the time they entered, which made Fuxuan, who happened to be on Tongjia's side, feel like her eyes were about to burst.
Despite her disapproval, Fu Xuan surprisingly refrained from making any unpleasant gestures. Shen Wanqing, seeing her timid and submissive demeanor, knew that when she and Yu Lang returned to the Shen family, Madam Tongjia must have already disciplined her daughter.
Ultimately, the old lady is the most shrewd person in the family. She follows the wind wherever it blows, and only in this way can she live a comfortable and happy life no matter how old she gets.
"Greetings to the old lady. I hope you have been well while Yulang and I were away from home these past two days."
"It's all good, it's all good. But why are you being so polite, in-laws? It's rare for you to come back, and you've brought back so many things."
"I didn't stand on ceremony with the old lady. Those ginseng and mountain delicacies were all sent by my uncle. My uncle, sister and brother-in-law all have caravans that travel from Liaodong to the capital. They have ginseng permits, so it's easier for them to get these things than for us."
Ginseng is also known as soft gold. This business has always been monopolized by the imperial court. Only people from the Imperial Household Department, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ula Animal Husbandry Office can make a living from it.
The remaining few scattered households were also from the Eight Banners, those who obtained their censure certificates from the Shengjing General, the Jilin General, and the Imperial Household Department. Among them, the majority were from the Manchu Eight Banners, while the Han Banner and Mongol bannermen were fewer. The Shen family obtained their censure certificates because they had lived in Liaodong for generations, and Shen's eldest uncle was a Zuo Ling (military officer) in the Shengjing Han Banner.
Tongjia knew that the Shen family was well-off, but she was still surprised to hear Shen Wanqing say that her uncle had ginseng tickets.
The eldest branch of the Shen family already held a hereditary position as a Han military banner commander in Shengjing. Many members of the Shen family also lived in Shengjing. In addition, they had ginseng permits and could dig ginseng and trade on their own. Over the years, they had made a fortune.
“It’s not about the price of the item, but the sentiment behind it. This is your mother’s sentiment, which cannot be compared to any amount of money. I know how good you are.”
"It's good that the old lady knows my heart."
Shen Wanqing smiled naturally, but couldn't help but admire how shrewd and experienced she had become. Look how quickly she adjusted her mindset; in less than two days, she had already found her place.
Now that things were settled, Shen Wanqing stopped being so polite and pretentious. Tomorrow, she would be going to worship Buddha and admire the autumn leaves with Akdun, Fuchang, Eshan, and their families. Among them were Yulang's colleagues from Yuqing Palace and his deputies from the Zuoling.
This means that these three families are related to her, but they don't really know each other. Shen Wanqing knew that Yu Lang was trying to develop a clique for her, both for networking and to win people over. Since that was the case, she, as the wife of a military officer, had to treat everyone well, at least to get the women of the three families acquainted.
"Yulang told me that Akedun's father and Fuchang have been friends with our family for decades. I wonder what their wives' habits, preferences, or favorite foods are, so I can prepare in advance. Since we're going out to play, everyone should have a great time."
Upon hearing this, Madam Tongjia sat up straight. She carefully examined Shen Wanqing before reaching out to take Shen Wanqing's hand: "You are someone who can distinguish between what is important and what is not. I'm sure you can manage this household well in the future."
Niohuru was too proud and aloof. Even when her eldest son was alive, she did not do a good job as the wife of the Zuo Ling (military commander). She was always fawned over by the people in the Zuo Ling, and she rarely took the initiative to plan for the relationships between so many people in the Zuo Ling.
Back then, Lady Tongjia wasn't as old as she is now, and her eldest son was still alive and well. Since her eldest daughter-in-law wasn't doing a good job, she, as the mother-in-law, helped with many things. Anyway, after managing the household for so many years, the people within the banner respected her more as the old lady.
After her son passed away, her daughter-in-law was observing mourning while also giving birth to a posthumous child. The household affairs were left to Shumulu, and the banner affairs were handled perfunctorily, with no real effort put into them.
Shumulu's mind was entirely focused on her family's small plot of land. Besides, the military command belonged to Yulang, so it was illegitimate for her, as his second aunt, to manage it. It was one thing for her to be on good terms with the women of some families in private, but when it came to formal occasions, she dared not overstep any boundaries.
I initially thought that Madam Shen was short-sighted, focusing solely on managing the household affairs from the moment she entered the family. Now it seems she simply wanted to quickly and decisively resolve the domestic matters before freeing up her hands to handle the banner affairs.
“Akedun’s wife has a sweet tooth, so bring her an extra snack box tomorrow. Her family has been practicing martial arts for generations, and even the girls are skilled in staff fighting. She’s a bit rough around the edges but not a bad person. She’s the kind of person who says what she thinks, so I think you’ll like her.”
“Fuchang is not young, and his wife is only a few years younger than me. Most of the time, when he has to go out, it is his eldest daughter-in-law who takes his granddaughter-in-law to social events. His granddaughter-in-law married into the family two years earlier than you, and she is about the same age as you, maybe a year younger.”
"I don't remember any particular preferences when it comes to food and drink, but his eldest daughter-in-law is extremely clean. She always wants to put a handkerchief under her seat wherever she goes, and she washes her hands several times before eating. I just can't stand that."
Got it. One loves sweets, the other is a germaphobe, and there's a young wife who's about her age. She doesn't know what she likes or dislikes, but that doesn't matter. Plus, E'shan's wife really likes the floral dew and jade powder she sent over. Shen Wanqing basically had a general idea of what was going on.
The situation in the west courtyard still has a long way to go, and the lives of such a large family must continue as before.
That evening, Yulang went to the West Courtyard again and told He Yi, who had returned from Shumulu's house, everything Shen Hongshi had told him. He then stopped worrying about it and went back to prepare for his trip the next day.
"Why did you bring so much stuff? The vegetarian food at Xiangshan Temple is delicious. We'll have lunch there. Why did you bring wine and meat?"
"We're going to admire the autumn leaves, but are we just going to stand there and look up at them like idiots? There will be a time when we sit down and rest. What's the point of having nothing to eat?"
It used to be just a short drive to Fragrant Hills, but now it takes two hours by horse-drawn carriage, which wobbles along. A round trip would take four hours, or eight hours in total. If you wanted to do it in one day, it would either be impossible or too tiring; you'd need an iron butt.
Shen Wanqing was afraid of accidentally shaking her hemorrhoids out, so she readily agreed to Yulang's arrangement: to go to Xiangshan Temple to worship Buddha the next day, find a village at the foot of the mountain to stay overnight, and then climb the mountain to admire the autumn leaves the following morning. Xiangshan Temple is close to the royal palace and is an ancient temple, and there are many families running inns at the foot of the mountain, so she could stay comfortably.
Seeing Shen Wanqing's enthusiastic expression, Yu Lang stopped asking questions and went back and forth to help his mistress, packing the thick clothes she would wear to admire the moon at night and asking Niohuru for a sachet to hold donation money.
After finally managing to put the donation money into various sachets, Shen Wanqing sent her to the main kitchen to have the chefs work overtime to prepare vegetarian snacks for tomorrow's Buddhist worship, as well as various savory and sweet pastries and dried fruits for the families to eat over the next two days.
"You're that happy? It's just a trip to Xiangshan Temple."
"Why would I be unhappy? I haven't left the house in ages."
"From now on, whenever I have time off, we'll go out and have some fun."
"Okay, it's settled then."
There's no time for that much fun, but Shen Wanqing just listened to what Yu Lang said. At least at this moment, his feelings weren't fake, and that was enough.
The entire East Courtyard was bustling around until late at night before finally settling down. Yu Lang, who had unknowingly been instructed by Shen Wanqing to prepare for an autumn outing, was unusually innocent, lying in bed with his wife, not wanting to do anything. Before Shen Wanqing could even remember if he had forgotten anything, he was already fast asleep, snoring softly.
Shen Wanqing poked his waist twice with her elbow but he didn't move. She just tightened her arms around him, so she knew he definitely wouldn't get out of bed tonight, and she drifted off to sleep.
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Today's version is a shorter version of the two-in-one.
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