Chapter 54 (Combined Chapter)
That evening, when Xiao Jingshi returned from archery, Miaozhen told him about it: "From now on, if I'm not home, you stay here and keep watch. It's always easier to see the King of Hell than to deal with his underlings. People like Xia Shi are never well-intentioned, so we can't let our guard down."
Xiao Jingshi said angrily, "Why don't I just tell my elder brother?"
"As the saying goes, 'Catch a thief in the act, catch an adulterer in the act.' If you don't have evidence, then you're just slandering and defaming. Besides, one shouldn't interfere in family matters. If someone tells me about you, I won't believe them. Let's be cautious for now. Some people will eventually slip up, so we need to be patient," Miaozhen urged him to remain calm.
Upon hearing her words, Xiao Jingshi thought to himself that his wife, who was usually quite unpleasant, was able to control her temper, which was quite remarkable.
A few days later, the patient who had previously suffered from bone steaming at the free clinic sent in a letter. Miaozhen prescribed Baozhen Decoction again because her qi deficiency was too obvious. This Baozhen Decoction was effective. A few days later, the gentry's wife sent six taels of silver for consultation and medicine.
Just as Miaozhen put the money into the box, she saw Wang Xie arrive with her sister-in-law. Wang Xie was her close friend. Last month, on Xu Erpeng's birthday, Miaozhen went back to her parents' home and happened to see her sister-in-law, who was also visiting her parents' home. The two talked for a while.
Upon seeing them arrive, Miaozhen first led them to the main hall for tea. After exchanging pleasantries for a while, she took them to the examination room and, after examining them, said, "This is due to insufficient kidney qi, which has caused heat in the bladder and obstruction of the urinary tract. Is there any blood in the urine?"
The younger sister-in-law of the Wang family nodded: "Doctor, am I going to die?"
"No, it will get better. I happen to have some medicine here. I'll get it for you and take it home. If it doesn't get better, come back." After saying that, Miaozhen got the Five-Ingredient Powder and added two more herbs: Imperata cylindrica root and Cirsium japonicum.
As the saying goes, pain indicates urinary tract infection, while the absence of pain indicates turbidity. Although Miaozhen herself did not suffer from this disease, many people do.
These five drops of blood, which had been scattered for almost a month, were all packed up by her alone, and she quickly tied them with rope and gave them to them. Wang Xie, not wanting to pay for the consultation, sent two bolts of bright red Song brocade and a bolt of burnt cloth instead.
Miaozhen, who used to only care about medical skills, now has other concerns, probably because the children don't need her care anymore. Fu Jie'er and Zhao Ge'er are now six months old and are playing on the bed. They used to whimper, but now they are much better behaved. Sometimes when Miaozhen wakes up from her afternoon nap, the two of them play with rattles by themselves.
Xiao Jingshi doted on the two children, and even his temper changed a lot. Their lives were peaceful and uneventful.
The couple played with the children together. Xiao Jingshi saw that Miaozhen was wearing a silver-red silk robe and a white silk skirt, which made her look even more gentle and lovely. He asked the wet nurse to take the children upstairs to play, while he embraced Miaozhen and made love to her.
"Look at you... be careful people talk about us behind our backs." Miao Zhen said this, but her hand was stroking his ear.
Xiao Jingshi stepped down from the stage, put down the curtain, embraced his beautiful wife, and made love to her. He felt completely relaxed.
Strangely enough, Xiao Jingshi, with his handsome appearance and tall figure, seemed quite dashing, yet he wasn't lecherous. Miaozhen didn't think she was particularly charming, because she wasn't an exceptionally beautiful woman either; all she could say was that he wasn't interested in women.
In fact, Xiao Jingshi felt that he couldn't live without Miaozhen anymore. Before, when he came back drunk, he was just like that, but now he had a special hangover soup to drink. If his eyes were uncomfortable, he would have chrysanthemum and goji berry tea the next day. Naturally, if he liked whoever took care of him, then he should like his old mother the most.
He can sense that genuine care and consideration from her.
At the same time, she had her own ideas, was clever and quick-witted but never showed off, was very capable but very humble, treated her servants with kindness and moderation, and was sincere and passionate to her husband but not blindly obedient.
With that thought in mind, he comfortably lay back.
Seeing that he had lain down again, Miaozhen hurriedly said, "Didn't you say there was a literary gathering at Tiger Hill today? Why are you lying down again?"
"If you don't want to go, then don't go. It's pointless. I prefer staying at home these days. You know, I used to always feel uneasy at home, but now it's much quieter."
Xiao Jingshi quietly switched Miaozhen's pillow with his own. He loved staying in Furongwu. Even though there were several more people now, he felt even more peaceful and serene.
Miaozhen smiled and said, "You must be tired. Why don't you rest for a while? I'm going to the pharmacy. We sold a month's worth today, and I need to ask Ping An to buy some more."
Suddenly, Xiao Jingshi sat up: "Then I'll go with you."
"Okay, but just watch. You don't know how to use it, and it wouldn't be good if you cut or pricked your hand," Miaozhen said with a smile.
Xiao Jingshi indeed went to the pharmacy with her. Seeing the sharpness of the guillotine, he said, "From now on, let the servants do these things. You are not allowed to do them. What if you cut your hand?"
"You cut yourself, just be more careful next time. It's okay, I'll cook it properly." Miaozhen said dismissively.
She also wanted to rub moxa. She originally thought Xiao Jingshi wouldn't be very interested, but to her surprise, he followed her lead. The two of them worked for a while and were covered in the smell of medicine, but they were both very happy.
Miaozhen wrote another list, cut out some silver, and sent Ping'an out to buy medicinal herbs.
After a busy day, both of them had a big appetite for dinner. After dinner, Xiao Jingshi wanted to read a book, so Miaozhen accompanied him. She didn't just read medical books, but also articles, storybooks, and poems.
She was very quiet here, only occasionally getting up to help him put on a coat when the night wind suddenly rose.
In fact, Miaozhen could have followed Lou Qiongyu's example and devoted herself to being a good wife and mother, but she was unwilling to do so. Firstly, she felt she would be letting down her own ambitions, and secondly, she would be letting down her parents who had nurtured her for so many years.
Furthermore, her husband now provides her with a stable life, granting her the high social status of a scholar's wife and a substantial fortune. However, she must also strive to succeed, for perhaps in the future she too can be a pillar of support for her husband.
People say that the economic base determines the superstructure. Only when couples are roughly equal will the other truly respect you.
The next morning, when Renshi got up, she said she wanted to see the two children, so Miaozhen helped them get dressed and had the wet nurse carry them to the main room.
When Madam Ren saw her grandchildren, she smiled brightly: "Quickly bring Fu'er and Zhao'er to me. They are two little darlings. They make my heart melt."
"Has Sixth Sister-in-law not arrived yet?" Miaozhen looked around.
Mrs. Ren smiled and said, "I didn't call her over. I have something to ask you today."
Miaozhen hurriedly replied, "What are you saying? Please just tell me what you need."
It turned out that Ren was asking for her opinion on Suyun's marriage. The marriage that her eldest aunt had arranged for her younger sister last year was now being discussed. "They sent a matchmaker to their door yesterday. What do you think?"
If one thinks this marriage is perfect just to avoid offending the eldest aunt, then one is speaking against one's conscience. However, Miaozhen didn't know much about that family, and simply said, "Logically speaking, marriage is a major event, and it is the parents' decision and the matchmaker's words that should be made. As the sister-in-law, I really shouldn't interfere."
"What's the big deal? I called you here because I think you're different from them and have some knowledge," said Madam Ren.
Miao Zhen thought this was a trap set for her. She then said, "There's a story in the *Analects*, 'Gongye Chang,' about a disciple of Confucius named Zai Yu. Zai Yu was eloquent and impressed Confucius. However, Zai Yu soon revealed his true nature: he was neither virtuous nor kind, and extremely lazy. Therefore, there's the saying, 'At first, I judged people by their words and believed their actions; now I judge people by their words and observe their actions.'"
"Even Confucius had to listen to other people's opinions before he could see if his words and actions matched. I, your daughter-in-law, certainly can't say for sure about this. I've only heard that he's a good person. Whether he is or not, you and my husband have to see for yourselves."
In fact, Ren's question indicated that she was unwilling to deal with the marriage proposal, so Miaozhen told them to consider it themselves.
Hearing her say that, Madam Ren nodded and said, "That makes sense. Let's go and find out more."
If there are any problems, we can simply ignore the marriage proposal; if it's perfect, it's a win-win situation.
Miaozhen breathed a sigh of relief after leaving her mother-in-law's place.
After returning to Furongwu, Lou Qiongyu brought Miaoge'er over, and Miaozhen let the three little children sit together and play. Then, she said to Lou Qiongyu with emotion, "Last year, the two of us were doing needlework for the Dragon Boat Festival together. We had only been married into the family for a short time then, and this year we are both mothers."
Lou Qiongyu paused in her needlework, and after a long while, she said, "Yes, time really flies."
"Has the results of the prefectural examination been posted yet, Sixth Brother?" Miaozhen asked, knowing that Xiao Jingtang had participated in the prefectural examination.
Lou Qiongyu shook her head: "Not yet. I've been worried day and night, just thinking about how I didn't go with you to Woyun Nunnery to offer incense that day."
Miaozhen still hoped that Xiao Jingtang would also pass the prefectural examination, just like her father, and that having an official title would ultimately be good. However, things didn't go as planned, and Xiao Jingtang failed the prefectural examination again. He could only drown his sorrows in alcohol, but Xiao Jingshi said to Miaozhen, "You've been spending all your energy on interpersonal relationships, how can you concentrate on studying?"
This statement is actually quite accurate. Although Xiao Jingshi sometimes goes out for drinks, he spends all his time reading in his study when he's not out, and he's very focused and attentive. Of course, he's not just a bookworm; he's also quite talented.
Xiao Jingtang was indeed clever and quick-witted, and better at interpersonal relationships than Xiao Jingshi. He was very popular. However, studying required perseverance, and sometimes one had to be like an ascetic.
"Sixth brother is still young. My father was twenty-six when he passed the imperial examination," Miaozhen said.
Xiao Jingshi shook his head: "That depends on him. I've talked to him about it several times."
Before he could finish speaking, Qingfeng came over with a visiting card and said, "Fourth Master, Master Dong's family has sent a card, saying it's his birthday and they would like to invite you over."
“Dong Guoguo’s house? Okay, you cover it up yourself and tell him that I will definitely go there that day.”
Dong Guoguo's original name was Dong Jing. He got this nickname because he loved playing with crickets.
After the servant left, Miaozhen discussed with him what gift to send and what clothes to wear. Xiao Jingshi gave a long explanation, and Miaozhen took out a piece of paper to write it down. She was really afraid that she would forget it, so she immediately went to the west room and picked out a piece of satin. She also asked Xiaoxi and Ping'an to tell them to buy two roast geese the day after tomorrow.
Because the two wet nurses lived upstairs with their children, everything upstairs except for the heavy furniture was moved to the west side of the study or to their room.
Xiao Jingtang also received the invitation and was preparing to go himself. After all, he hadn't passed the exam, so his act of putting on such a show would make him a laughing stock. Therefore, he asked Lou Qiongyu to prepare a congratulatory gift.
Madam Lou was there. Although she had retired from her position as the wife of the registrar, she was still obsessed with officialdom. She had originally hoped that her son-in-law would be successful, but he hadn't even passed the lowest level of the imperial examination. She immediately started nagging, making Xiao Jingtang feel ashamed. Lou Qiongyu didn't want to embarrass her mother in front of others, so after everyone left, she asked, "Mother, what are you doing?"
"What I do is all for you. If you're going to focus on your studies, you should drink less alcohol. Your son-in-law is young and doesn't understand these things. Your mother-in-law is a good-natured person, so she has to say a few words." Mrs. Lou looked like she was doing it all for her daughter's good.
Mrs. Lou would never have dared to say such things before. It was only after Lou Qiongyu gave birth that she felt she could stand up straight, and Mrs. Ren was very polite to them, that she dared to say this.
Lou Qiongyu was also unhappy with her mother talking about her husband. She defended herself for a few moments, and the mother and daughter parted on bad terms.
Xiao Jingtang told Xiao Jingshi about his troubles along the way. Xiao Jingshi said, "No matter what, it's not her place to talk about you. Her own son is just a minor official. You don't need to be anxious. I'll help you find another academy to study at. You should also cut back on socializing and make something of yourself in the future."
Xiao Jingtang was deeply moved by these words and addressed them with his old title: "Thank you, Second Brother."
Xiao Jingshi remained silent, because Miaozhen had told him to say the following words, telling him not to speak his mind too freely, lest he offend people. She also said that even if he offended people in the future, he should stick to his opinions in the imperial court.
The two of them drank again at the Dong family's house. The Dong family was known for their heavy drinking; few people could resist getting drunk. Even though Xiao Jingshi was a heavy drinker, he had a terrible headache when he got back. Miaozhen mixed honey with warm water for him to drink, and after he finished it, he fell asleep immediately.
After the Dragon Boat Festival, Xiao Jingtang said he was going to study hard and went to a secluded temple to study. Madam Ren was heartbroken. When Madam Lou heard this, she said, "Qiongyu is still blaming me. See, it's because I spoke well. They will definitely thank me in the future."
Little did she know that young people hate this the most, especially in the eyes of the Xiao family. They originally felt that the Lou family was marrying above their station, and now seeing the Lou family like this, although they didn't say anything, they always felt uncomfortable inside.
Miao Zhen saw all of this and became even more vigilant. She told her parents, but Xu Erpeng waved his hand and said, "To be honest, what does it mean to be recognized and appreciated? It means that someone has given you a chance to rise to a higher level. That is a favor. Unless your brother becomes a Jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations), what right do we have to act arrogantly in front of others?"
"We should learn from the Lou family's mistakes." Miaozhen also constantly reminded herself to avoid arrogance and impetuosity.
Xu Erpeng nodded: "That's right. You're just getting started. To be honest, ordinary wealthy families would be looking for a daughter-in-law like a princess. The Xiao family is already considered quite good. Look at your younger brother. He's studying at the Chao family now. When he first entered, he was ranked last. That's the difference between him and others. Now he's already in the top five. It shows that there are many smart people, but without someone to guide you, you can't reach the next level."
“That’s true. My daughter used to have to give away eggs to get people to come to her free clinics. Now, she just tells Aunt Ding, and a lot of people in the neighborhood are waiting to see her.” Miaozhen thought that this was the importance of the platform.
While listening to the father and daughter talk, Madam Mei played with her two grandsons. It was rare for her daughter to bring her grandsons back, so she had to take a good look at them.
Kun-ge was originally the youngest in the family, but now Fu-jie and Zhao-ge have also come. During lunch, Kun-ge asked curiously, "Sister, why do they look so alike?"
Seeing her younger brother looking at her two little nephews with such curiosity, Miaozhen couldn't help but laugh and said, "I don't think they look alike, but people outside say they do."
Madam Mei urged her son to eat: "Your brother is eating at the Chao family's house, so you should eat at home properly. Only when you have studied well will they accept you as a student in the future."
Miaozhen said, "You don't need to give me such detailed instructions so early."
“We can’t avoid mentioning it. As parents, we can only control them now. If they grow up later, how will they be under our control?” Xu Erpeng shook his head.
After finishing her meal at her parents' house, Miaozhen spent time with Madam Mei, helping with household chores and chatting. In the evening, Xiao Jingshi came to pick them up, and they went home together.
Sitting in the carriage, Miaozhen recalled the local official she had helped treat last month. When she went to see him, he kept saying that he would promote her in the future, and it seemed that he did after she was reinstated.
He probably said that because he was afraid she wouldn't take the treatment seriously.
But she couldn't bring her work emotions home, so she lifted the curtain and spoke to Xiao Jingshi, who was riding a horse outside. Xiao Jingshi nervously said, "Don't let anyone see you."
Anyone who didn't know her would think she was some kind of great beauty.
Xiao Jingshi was genuinely afraid that Miaozhen would be seen by lecherous men. When he first saw her, he didn't find her particularly stunning, but the more he looked at her, the more beautiful she became. Her face and body sometimes resembled a delicate, ripe peach, and every time he saw her, he wanted to take a bite. Naturally, however, he would restrain himself whenever he thought about taking a bite, afraid that Zhenzhen would think there was something wrong with him.
After returning home, the couple spent a long and tender time together, clearly very affectionate.
So much so that when Miaozhen woke up the next day, she was a little lazy and just sat on the bed in a daze. She heard the sound of arrows being shot in the backyard and knew that it was Xiao Jingshi shooting arrows. He could be described as skilled in archery and horsemanship. After what happened yesterday, she didn't expect him to still have so much energy today.
Even when she was enjoying the happiness of having both a son and a daughter, Miaozhen couldn't forget the people around her. After getting up, she found Xiaoxi and said, "You said you would come with me before. Although I'm not doing very well now, I've finally established myself. If you want to stay in the manor, see who you fancy. Send someone to ask. I'll talk to Second Mistress and if you change your mind and want to marry out, I'll ask Fourth Master to help you find some well-off families."
Xiao Xi wondered what kind of lives people outside lived. Being able to eat white steamed buns was considered a good life. She lived a life of luxury in the Xu family, and she was even more luxurious in the Xiao family.
She knew that Xu Si Niang was still the Xu family's aunt, and she had to work every day, doing everything from washing clothes and cooking to taking care of the children. She was already considered lucky to have a mother-in-law to help take care of the children. Xu San Niang was a little better off, but to be honest, she was not as well off as Xiao Tao.
"Miss, I wish to stay in the manor and serve as your stewardess. As for who to choose, you can decide for me." After saying this, Xiao Xi shyly lifted the curtain and went out.
Miaozhen first had Fengniang spread the word that she was arranging a marriage for Xiaoxi. Several families came to her door, but Miaozhen was not very satisfied. Either they were not good-looking, or their character was not good after a few inquiries. However, there was a good candidate, the pageboy from before.
The young man was handsome and had previously worked as a doorman. He was literate and arithmetic, and was also clever. Miaozhen had asked Ping'an and Qingfeng, as well as some of the lower-ranking servants, and they all said that he was virtuous and did not flirt with others like other servants. So she told Han Yueyao that she would allow them to marry.
Ten days later, Miaozhen rewarded the pageboy with two sets of new clothes, two pairs of shoes and socks, four sets of bedding, two silver-gilt nets, and also made six new silk clothes for Xiaoxi, braided a topknot, a set of nine silver-gilt jewelry, twenty taels of silver, a bolt of silk, a bolt of crepe, and two bolts of Songjiang woven cloth.
Xiao Xi had accumulated some savings over the years, which she packed into a trunk and brought with her when she married into the family. Han Yueyao arranged for them to live in the outer room outside the main house, and the page was also transferred to work for Xiao Jingshi. From then on, the couple worked at Furongwu during the day and only went back to rest at night.
Xiao Xi still has that fiery personality. She and Miao Zhen have a deep relationship. They talk about everything during the day, and Miao Zhen will tell her to control her temper: "It's not easy for husband and wife to understand each other."
The maids and servants below all envied the pageboy. After his marriage, he was dressed in new clothes and had become plump. His bride, Xiaoxi, had a dowry of eight loads, including gold, silver jewelry, and clothes. Moreover, she was a favorite of the Fourth Mistress.
Xiao Xi's marriage was over, and it was already the end of June. Old Madam Xiao's birthday had just passed, and everyone was very tired. But there were also happy events. For example, Wu, the concubine of the eldest son Xiao Jingyan, was about to give birth, and Madam Chao specially asked Miaozhen to help her.
The fact that a woman could hide her pregnancy for so long made it impossible for Xia Xianjie to make a move. Moreover, Madam Chao even allocated her a small courtyard, clearly showing her support. Xia Xianjie was utterly disappointed.
Miao Zhen could only imagine Xia Xianjie's despair. With a concubine pregnant and the blessing of her mother-in-law, and the virtuous and capable wife, if she remained childless, she might still have to depend on others for survival.
But Miao Zhen thought that since Xia Xian had slandered her, she was waiting for an opportunity to retaliate. How could she possibly take the initiative to help Xia Xian recover and comfort her?
Especially after the New Year, she had a good opportunity. Huang Jin, the emperor's chief attendant, was appointed as the Vice Director of the Directorate of Ceremonial in the 24th year of the Jiajing reign, and his brother Huang Xiu was appointed as the Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and was serving in Nanjing. This eunuch Huang's niece was said to have fallen ill, and several people could not cure her. Hearing of her name, she specially sent someone to invite Miaozhen to Nanjing to treat her.
Miaozhen readily agreed without hesitation, but she was worried about her children. Xiao Jingshi also said without hesitation, "Why don't we go with you? We have a house in Nanjing, and we also have a boat. It's more comfortable than taking a rented boat."
"Are you really willing to come with me?" Miaozhen was overjoyed.
Xiao Jingshi poked her forehead: "The wife follows the husband's lead, don't you know that?"
Miaozhen chuckled.
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