Chapter 2 The Marriage Fails
Ruan Bichong smiled brightly at her and said, "Why are you suddenly angry, Master?"
Master Ziying ignored her and pretended to sleep with his eyes closed. Having clashed with her many times, he had long witnessed her shamelessness and eloquence. He was neither as thick-skinned as her nor as good at arguing with her; he was truly helpless.
“Real person, look outside.” Ruan Bi pushed her and pointed out the car window.
The Great Zhou Dynasty was a thriving commercial center, with shops and vendors carrying loads of goods lining the streets, both men and women. Noble families valued the elegance and chastity of their women, keeping them confined to their homes and never venturing out in public. Even when they did, they wore veils and hats, never showing their faces in public. Ordinary people, needing to make a living, naturally had fewer such restrictions. It was not uncommon for couples to do business together. Many also strolled and shopped together, though unlike in later generations where they walked hand-in-hand, the husbands usually led the way, with the wives trailing half a step behind.
Following Ruan Bi's pointing finger, Master Ziying saw a couple selling sugar figurines. They were probably in their early twenties, of ordinary appearance, dressed in coarse brown cloth. The man was intently blowing sugar figurines, while his wife sold them. If no one bought any, she would tenderly watch her husband blow the figurines. It was very hot, and the man's forehead was covered in glistening beads of sweat. His wife tenderly took out a handkerchief and, standing on tiptoe, gently wiped his forehead. The man turned to look at her, his gaze so tender it seemed to drip with tears… Master Ziying was slightly moved.
The carriage rumbled forward, leaving the exonerated couple behind. Master Ziying withdrew his gaze and looked thoughtfully at Ruan Bi. "What does the young lady wish to say to me?"
"What I'm trying to say, hasn't the real person already seen it? Living simply like this isn't bad either."
Master Ziying said sarcastically, "If the girl says she wants things to be simple, everyone in the world will probably laugh."
Ruan Bi gave a bitter smile and said, "Why would I want to be scheming and busy with chores? I just don't want to become someone else's prey. Please don't blame me, sir."
Master Ziying was speechless for a moment. She really had no reason to blame her; it was he who had always wanted to use Ruan Bi. Taking her as a lay disciple was also to make it legitimate to bring her into the palace. "Enough, enough. Since you are of no benefit to wealth and honor, I will not force you."
Who doesn't love wealth and status? But if life were only about wealth and status, how desolate it would be. These words only lingered in Ruan Bi's mind. "Thank you, Master."
Master Ziying curled his lip and said, "Even now, you still call me Master?"
Ruan Bi smiled brightly again and said, "Thank you, Master."
Master Ziying frowned slightly and said, "It sounds awkward. Never mind, when no one is around, just call me Master."
Ruan Bi chuckled, her eyebrows and eyes relaxed, showing no trace of scheming, just like any ordinary thirteen-year-old girl.
Seeing her radiant smile, Master Ziying's mood brightened as well. Although he couldn't match her shamelessness, cunning, or debate skills, he still deeply admired her. If they had met in a different way, without their respective stances and selfish motives, they might have become close friends despite their age difference.
However, Empress Zhao...
Thinking of Empress Zhao's predicament, Master Ziying's good mood vanished. After all, she was his only relative, how could he watch her struggle every step of the way in the palace? If he hadn't praised her back then, saying that "her face is of immeasurable nobility," the late emperor and empress dowager would not have chosen her as the crown princess. Her temperament was not suited to the palace, and in the end, it was he who had harmed her.
"Fifth Miss, isn't it time for you to fulfill your terms?"
Ruan Bi said, "No rush, it will be fulfilled on the Empress Dowager's birthday."
Master Ziying frowned.
Ruan Bi said softly, "Haste makes waste. The Empress Dowager's birthday is only a month and a half away, so please wait patiently. Besides, didn't I tell you that if my method doesn't work, I will leave myself to your disposal?"
Having said that, Master Ziying had no choice but to nod and say, "Alright, I'll wait."
As they spoke, the carriage left the noisy street, turned into Locust Tree Lane, and stopped in front of the Ruan residence.
Ruan Bi and Master Ziying alighted from their carriage and first went to Xihe Courtyard to see the First Madam. Accompanied by the First Madam, they sat in the Old Madam's room for a while, drank some tea, and chatted. Then Master Ziying said that she was worried about the affairs of Yuxu Temple and had to rush back. The First Madam and the Old Madam tried to persuade her to stay, but seeing that she was determined to leave, they had no choice but to give in.
The First Madam and Ruan Bi personally escorted Master Ziying to the gate, exchanging a few more reluctant words. Only then did Master Ziying, along with several Taoist priests from Yuxu Temple, board their carriages. Watching the three carriages disappear into the distance, casting long, slanted shadows, Ruan Bi felt a sense of relief, as if the dust had settled.
"What are you still standing there for?" The First Madam turned back after taking a few steps, looking at her with displeasure. She had known Master Ziying for over ten years and had always wanted her to put in a good word for the Second Miss, but to no avail. She never expected that Ruan Bi would benefit from it in the end. Just thinking about it made her feel incredibly aggrieved. Moreover, her marriage to her eldest nephew had fallen through, and her elder brother hadn't even replied to a letter yet; he must be furious. And then there was the change in Qi'er's marriage, all because of her… The First Madam grew angrier the more she thought about it, her temples throbbing incessantly.
Ruan Bi quickly went over and followed her into the side hall of Xihe Courtyard with her head bowed.
The First Madam sat down, and Bao Li, noticing that she didn't ask Ruan Bi to sit down, guessed that she was about to give a lecture, so she only served a cup of tea. The First Madam picked up the teacup, lifted the lid with her right hand, and slowly stirred the tea leaves, being extremely focused. In the blink of an eye, half an incense stick had passed.
Ruan Bi knew that she was subtly setting rules for herself, so she had no choice but to stand still with her hands clasped.
The First Madam, fiddling with her tea leaves, thought to herself, "Even if you become Master Ziying's disciple, so what? It's just gaining a good reputation outside. Within this Ruan mansion, you won't escape my grasp." A short while later, she took a sip of tea, looked up, and said in surprise, "Why are you still here?"
Ruan Bi said calmly, "My daughter is waiting for her mother to speak."
The First Madam scrutinized her face, finding not a trace of impatience. When had she become so composed? Qi'er had said her personality had drastically changed and she shouldn't be underestimated; it was true. She had been careless, allowing her to act so arrogantly. With a cold laugh, she said, "Now that you are Master Ziying's disciple, how dare I speak?"
This was a huge trap; no matter how she responded, it wouldn't be a good answer. Ruan Bi hesitated, when suddenly she heard hurried footsteps approaching, and a maid's voice called out urgently from outside: "Madam, the Second Miss is here!"
The second young lady flung open the curtain and rushed in, her eyes slightly red. She took three quick steps towards Ruan Bi and slapped her hard across the face. Ruan Bi wanted to stop her, but then remembered the First Madam was still there and quickly turned her face away. The slap grazed her cheek. She took a step back, feigning panic, and said, "Second sister, what did I do? Why did you hit me?"
The second girl was unwilling to give up, so she stepped forward and waved her hand again.
Ruan Bi quickly took another step back, but Bao Li, who was standing next to her, suddenly kicked out and shouted, "Oh dear, Fifth Miss, there are chairs behind you, be careful not to trip!"
Ruan Bi tripped and fell to the ground, glancing quickly at Bao Li.
Bao Li felt as if a cold light had pierced her eyes, and her heart involuntarily clenched.
"Nonsense!" Seeing that the commotion had gone far enough, the First Madam slammed her teacup down. "Chunyun, why aren't you stopping the Second Miss?"
Chunyun pulled the second young lady aside and said, "Miss, Miss, calm down. Don't let someone you don't want to be angry ruin your health."
The second young lady shook off Chunyun's hand, pointed at Ruanbi's nose, and said, "It's all your fault, it's all your fault."
Ruan Bi stood up, dusted off her sleeves, and asked in a deep voice, "What do you mean by 'it's all me'? Please enlighten me, sister."
The second daughter was too embarrassed to say it was because the marriage had failed; she just glared at her angrily.
Seeing that the second young lady was only angry, the first lady frowned and said, "Alright, fifth young lady, you must be tired today. Go back and rest."
After Ruan Bi left, the First Madam dismissed everyone else and glared at the Second Miss, saying, "Look at yourself! What kind of behavior is this?"
"Mother, I feel so much hatred in my heart."
"Don't say you hate it, I hate it too. What was supposed to be a perfect marriage was ruined by Fifth Sister."
"Then why is Mother still protecting her?"
"I'm not protecting her, I'm protecting you, silly girl. If word gets out that you beat up your own sister because your marriage fell through, what family would dare to propose to you?"
The second girl wept uncontrollably, her body swaying unsteadily.
The First Madam was heartbroken. She pulled her into her arms, took out a handkerchief to wipe away her tears, and said, "Don't cry. If Xie Mingyue isn't enough, there are others. Pan Shunmei from the Marquis of Dongping's mansion, Gu Xiaobai from the Duke of Dingguo's family, and isn't the Emperor also choosing a consort for the Prince of Jin?"
The second daughter choked up, "Mother, I just can't accept it..."
"Mother knows, Mother knows, my good daughter, Mother will definitely find you the best one." The First Madam said softly, patting her back. Seeing that she had gradually calmed down, she called Baoli and Chunyun in to help her lie down on the couch inside. She also instructed them to keep an eye on her and not let her run around.
Looking at the water clock, it was time for the evening greetings, so he took Baozhen to the old lady's room.
From afar, they could hear cheerful laughter. Entering the inner room, they found everyone else had arrived, each looking at Ruan Bi with a smile. The First Madam asked with a laugh, "Oh, so lively! What are you talking about?"
The old lady said, "Fifth Miss is talking about going to the palace. Hmm, why isn't Second Miss here?"
"She wasn't feeling well and was asleep in bed."
The old lady knew it was because the marriage had fallen through, so she nodded slightly and didn't ask any more questions.
The second wife asked curiously, "I saw her strolling in the garden with Miss Xie at noon. How come she fell ill in the blink of an eye? Is it serious?"
The First Madam patiently said, "I just had a bit of heatstroke from walking around the garden for too long. It's nothing serious, I'll be fine after a nap."
The second wife said, "I also suffered from heatstroke a couple of days ago. I still have the medicine the doctor prescribed for me. I'll have someone send it over to Second Sister in a little while."
"Then thank you, sister-in-law." Afraid that she would pester her any longer, the First Madam quickly said to the Old Madam, "Mother, there are still some things to take care of at today's banquet. I'll go check the accounts with the accountant and take my leave first."
The old lady nodded and said, "Alright, everyone disperse, but Fifth Sister stays."
The others left one after another, and after a moment, only Ruan Bi remained.
The old lady patted the edge of the couch and said, "Fifth girl, come and sit down."
Ruan Biyi walked over and sat down. The old lady scrutinized her for a long time, her eyes like blades, and it was unclear what she was looking at.
"Tell me the truth, what were the attitudes of the Empress Dowager, the Empress, and Consort Xie when you went to the palace today?"
What do you mean? Ruan Bi was startled and said vaguely, "Perhaps it's because of Master Ziying, they all treated me very kindly, especially the Empress Dowager, who was really peaceful."
The old lady corrected her displeasedly: "What Master Ziying? He is my master."
"I'm used to calling it that, and I can't change it all at once."
"You should be more careful in the future." The old lady asked again, "You said Consort Xie was also kind to you? Did she mention that incident from before?"
Ruan Bi hesitated for a moment, then said, "I did say that."
"What did you say?"
Ruan Bi then recounted how Consort Xie had brought up the past, and her own response.
The old lady broke out in a cold sweat and said, "You are truly audacious to dare to contradict her. Fortunately, the Empress Dowager liked your answer this time; otherwise, you would have been in trouble. You must never be so reckless again, understand?"
Ruan Bi disagreed, but still said, "Yes."
The old lady pondered for a moment and said, "Fifth girl, there's something... that's somewhat related to you. Listen to what it is."
Ruan Bi said respectfully, "Grandmother, please speak."
"Our Ruan family has always had a good relationship with the Xie family of Marquis Yanping, and we have been planning to arrange a marriage between our children. Although we haven't made it public, there's been an unspoken understanding, namely, Second Miss Ruan and Xie Mingyue. But today, the Lady of Marquis Dongping came and said..." The old lady paused, then repeated the Lady of Marquis Dongping's words from noon, "...Old Madam Ruan, I am truly ashamed and have failed in my duty. A few days ago, I met with the Lady of Marquis Yanping. She said that she has always liked Second Miss Ruan and was thinking of betrothing her to Second Young Master Xie, but given the rumors surrounding Second Young Master Xie and Fifth Miss Ruan, it would be very inappropriate to betroth Second Miss to her. If the Ruan and Xie families are to form a marriage alliance, then Fifth Miss is the only option."
Ruan Bi suddenly realized why the second young lady had hit her and why the first lady was so angry.
After thinking for a moment, she said, "Grandmother, please forgive my bluntness, but these words are just an excuse from the Xie family. They are afraid of being accused of breaking their promise, so they are pushing the matter onto our Ruan family. If it were really a marriage proposal, Consort Xie would not have specifically brought it up in front of a group of prominent families when you and the others came to pay your respects. If she hadn't brought it up, the matter would have been over long ago. It's clear that they had already harbored the idea of breaking their promise back then."
A hint of approval flashed in the depths of the old lady's eyes as she asked, "Good, good, you have indeed improved. No wonder Master Ziying took you as his disciple. Come, let's go to the ancestral hall to offer incense to the old master."
“Yes,” Ruan Bi said softly.
The ancestral hall was located in a small, secluded courtyard next to the old lady's courtyard. It was dimly lit, and rows of memorial tablets were displayed on the altar, which looked rather unsettling at first glance. The old lady lit two sticks of incense, one for Ruan Bi and the other she held in her palm. She clasped her hands together, closed her eyes, and murmured something.
Ruan Bize knelt on the cushion, clasped her hands together, and kowtowed three times. Then she stood up and, together with the old lady, placed the incense sticks in the incense burner. This stick of incense was something she had mentioned lighting since returning from Yuxu Temple, but she had kept putting it off until now.
It seems that the old lady has finally accepted her this time.
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