Everyone has something to say
After meeting Yunlu, Shujia immersed herself in preparing for her birthday celebration. Her birthday celebration was already organized by the Imperial Household Department, so she didn't have to do it herself. As for banquets and other matters, the only people she could host were the Grand Empress Dowager and the other concubines and imperial concubines. When the concubines met her, they were no longer just "sisters-in-law."
Birthdays are auspicious occasions, but everyone is still in mourning. Shujia, aside from standard formal attire like ceremonial attire, is forbidden from wearing bright red or other casual colors, opting for shades like moonlight white and azurite. She never wears heavy makeup. She also has to check her daughters' attire and warn her sons not to get carried away.
Fortunately, this string of words was just talk, and she didn't have to worry too much - one of her big tasks now was to build a relationship with her newly "snatched" daughter.
The princesses were already quite old, the oldest being seventeen, and the youngest, Yunzhi's daughter, eleven. They were all quite capable of understanding things and remembering things. For example, the princesses of Prince Yong's mansion would definitely be of marriageable age outside the palace. It would be unrealistic to raise them close to you. If they were, you'd start to wonder: Why doesn't this child recognize her biological parents?
Shujia maintained a "normal," "courteous" mother-daughter relationship with them. She would check on their lives and their homework. In Shujia's opinion, it was very important for them to learn needlework, read, and recognize characters. It would be best if they could also play the piano or paint.
Even without Yinreng's specific instructions, she knew these daughters would be pacifying Mongolia. Far from home, wouldn't they be bored to death if they didn't find some entertainment? Shujia insisted on teaching her daughters Mongolian. First, it would be necessary for communicating with the Grand Empress Dowager, and second, it would be useful for their future marriages.
Of course, only the first one was actually stated: "It's always good to have many skills, especially one that you can use right now. After the Qianqiu Festival, you should start practicing this one. The Empress Dowager has a peaceful temperament and loves the younger generation. It would be good for you to talk to her more often."
The princesses weren't stupid, especially the three older ones. Born as favored concubines, they knew a little about what was going on in the backyard, and their intelligence had been tempered. Even the fourth princess quickly understood: "I will follow your instructions, Mother."
This is the most embarrassing thing at the moment. The princesses are already quite old, and it is really hard for them to call her "mother". Shujia can't say: You are not my biological children, it doesn't matter whether I call you that or not, I will give you the title of princess anyway.
I could only pretend not to hear the pauses between their voices: "Normally, ladies and gentlemen, you don't have to be so formal when you talk. It's not about the surface, but the heart. Remember what I say, it's better than anything else."
Several princesses stood up and responded at the same time, without saying anything more like "Your Excellency".
Shujia said, "Don't think this is just an errand. Zhaoxiang's office is right behind Ningshou Palace, much closer than Kunning Palace. If you have any urgent matters, it's more convenient there than here."
The princesses looked at each other and responded in unison.
Shujia felt relieved to see that they behaved well. It was hard to say anything else, but she could still take better care of them in their daily lives.
When I mentioned this to Yinreng in the evening, he frowned and said, "I have to change my words."
"Of course, I'm just nagging you. They haven't been away from home for long, so I need to teach them a lesson slowly."
Yinreng suddenly smiled and said, "Let's make a bet."
Shu Jiaqi asked, "What are you betting on?"
"Let's bet on when they can break it all over!"
Shujia asked, "What do you mean?"
Yinreng thought about it seriously and said, "From now on, until May Day, I will be able to change everything, no matter the name or the etiquette."
Shujia said, "They already have a foundation, and they're not stupid, but they've been conditioned for over a decade, imbued with these habits since birth. How could they have completely changed in just half a month?"
"Do you want to bet?"
"What's the bet?"
"Whoever loses will copy one copy of the Four Books."
Shujia suddenly said, "That's not right! You're so sure, there must be something fishy going on. Is there something I don't know?"
Yinreng pretended to be mysterious and said, "It's true, but I won't tell you if you don't bet!"
Tsk~ "Isn't it just copying a book? It doesn't say when it's due—Hey, I just thought of this, you can't add it later. Shu%ke)ju*"
"Okay, okay, I'll tell you." Yinreng was just joking with her. Besides, he wanted to share this matter with someone. "It's the Eighth Brother. I saw the memorial submitted by the Eighth Brother today. Guess what?"
Shujia was slightly startled. "What did he say? What could he possibly say?" She hadn't heard anything major happen.
Yinreng shook his head: "You will never guess this—Old Eight's calligraphy has improved greatly!"
"Huh?" Shujia's jaw nearly hit the ground. The Eighth Prince's handwriting had remained the same for thirty years, and now...it had improved?
Yinreng tutted his words twice. "It turns out that nothing in this world is impossible. It just depends on whether you are ruthless enough. Back then... when Khan Ama was alive, he was given so many instructions and even asked to hand in homework after leaving the palace to build a residence, but he was perfunctory. Now, alas."
I originally intended this as a joke, wanting to say, "You're such a jerk! Your own dad coaxed you not to write." But now, you've suddenly made up your mind to write. Why? Don't you think I won't indulge you like that?
Yinreng meant to mock his brother, but it was too obvious to mock his younger brother, so he felt embarrassed to say it out loud. So he went to his wife to complain, but he didn’t expect that after he said it, he would feel sad too. His father was gone, and he no longer had someone like him to protect him. [1]
After more than six months of frustrating government affairs, Yinreng suddenly began to understand Yunsi. Without a backer, he had to shoulder everything on his own. He had to mature, and even if there were no conditions, he had to create them. Otherwise, he would be doomed. During Kangxi's reign, he always presented himself as a kind father. Although there were occasional things that made Yinreng feel a sense of crisis, it was undeniable that he did block many things for him.
Shujia naturally noticed that he was in a bad mood: "Oh, that's fine. Just in time, you and your sons have something serious to do. I'll write with my daughters."
Yinreng forced a smile: "Okay."
He remembered something that was bothering him. The problem was that Shujia didn't know what he was bothered about, so she said, "This shows that he has come to understand things. Isn't it good to understand things?"
"Alright." Yinreng smacked his lips and nodded. As long as he's sensible and understanding, he can be used to do the job.
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The day of Qianqiu Festival can be described as low-key and lively, or to put it more simply, it can be described as reserved and lively.
Shujia rose early in the morning, first paying her respects to the Grand Empress Dowager, then visiting Yinreng at Qingxi Study, and finally accepting her own congratulations. It wasn't a grand ceremony, but everyone who could attend was there. Judging by the attendance list alone, it was no less grand than the New Year's Day celebrations. After Shujia's congratulations, she was given a banquet in the garden. Of course, she couldn't see the officials, though that didn't stop Yinreng from bringing them all to kowtow.
The rules for the banquet were not small, but it was held in an environment surrounded by lush flowers and trees, so it did not feel as grand as a banquet in the palace.
This year, I have four more daughters as my companions, and the gender ratio in my family has reached a basic balance. It seems to be harmonious and prosperous.
At the head of the table was Shujia, who served the Grand Empress Dowager, followed by the Grand Consorts, Grand Imperial Concubines, and the wives of the imperial family. Further down the table were the wives of the imperial clan and the ladies of all ranks. Shujia knew in advance that the Xiluo family mother and daughter, as well as the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, would be kept for a chat after the banquet, and she spotted them—this time, they were seated near the front.
There's a story behind this: the Shi family originally held the title of third-class baron, and now they've added the title of first-class Cheng'en Gong. While Shi Wenbing was alive, all the titles belonged to him; after his death, the title would be divided among his sons. Yinreng discussed this with Shujia, who remained unconcerned, stating that her brothers were quite capable and didn't need to rely solely on this for their livelihood, so it wouldn't matter who got the title.
Yinreng ordered Fu Dali to inherit the title of First-Class Duke, and gave the title of Third-Class Earl to Guanyinbao. Qingde, having earned his own title, would not be given any for the time being. This was also a reference to the nomadic custom of the youngest son taking care of the family. However, Guanyinbao objected and submitted a petition, claiming that his second brother hadn't even received his turn yet, so why was he being targeted?
Fu Dali also refused to do so. As the eldest son of the legitimate wife, it was normal for him to inherit the title, but he thought it would be better for him to become a third-class earl and give the first-class duke to his younger brothers.
After knowing that his younger brother was being modest, Qingde also submitted a petition, requesting that the throne still be given to his younger brother, saying that he was neither the eldest nor the youngest and did not need special care.
The three brothers were being courteous to each other, which was a good thing. It comforted Yinreng, who was currently struggling with state affairs. Then, he rolled up his sleeves and scolded all three of them: "You're looking for trouble! Don't you know I'm already upset? What I say is what I mean! If you keep arguing, I'll pull you down and beat you up!"
The world suddenly became quiet.
On the Qianqiu Festival, a celebration that Yinreng personally attended to, Shujia's birthday was even less free than her birthday in the Eastern Palace. When to stand, when to raise a toast, and what to say at the beginning were all pre-arranged. Talking to her sisters-in-law was also inconvenient. She had to speak to the Grand Empress Dowager, then to the concubines. The sisters-in-law were far away, so she had to shout to chat, which affected her image.
The Empress Dowager was delighted: "Look at all these people! The royal family is truly prosperous!"
Shujia said, "Yes." She wanted to cry in her heart: These people all have to be supported by the country!
Concubine Yi smiled and said, "There are as many descendants of our ancestors outside as there are people here."
The Empress Dowager imagined it and laughed even more happily.
Shujia was rather speechless, but Concubine Yi was happy. She preferred the younger son, and of course, this was also because the ninth son was better at pleasing his mother. Yunlu would sometimes reveal a little about his affairs to Concubine Yi. Concubine Yi knew that Yunlu's relationship with the Emperor had improved through his connections with the Empress's family, and she was naturally relieved.
The last time the Ninth Master was able to stop the Queen, it was partly because of the information from his old spies, and partly because Concubine Yi left the Empress Dowager's residence and he quickly went to inform her.
After hearing what Concubine Yi said, Concubine Hui glanced around, then looked away. What was she looking at? Hongyu hadn't married yet, and he wasn't old enough to attend banquets outside, so she couldn't see him. Feeling a little disappointed, she turned her head and saw Yunsi's mother again, so she could chat with her about the latest news at the palace.
Also searching for her child was the Third Lady. Her daughter had been taken into the palace for adoption, and as a mother, how could she not miss her? As luck would have it, the princess sat near the front, at a table next to the other concubines, allowing the Third Lady to speak with her daughter. The Fourth Lady (according to the order of the palace) said, "Third Auntie," bringing the Third Lady to tears.
The Third Lady sniffed quickly: "You're living in the garden for the first time. Are you used to it?"
After calling "Third Aunt", Si Gege's eyes turned red. She didn't dare to speak, for fear that tears would fall as soon as she opened her mouth - this was a taboo - and nodded repeatedly.
"That's good, that's good." The Third Lady said embarrassedly.
The eldest princesses were also upset when they saw this. Their biological mother was their father's favorite concubine, but she had no official status yet, so she still couldn't receive an invitation to such a gathering. The three of them had their legitimate mothers, but after all, they were not related by blood.
Of the three wives, the Fourth's attitude was the most natural and amiable. Her eyes, too, reddened as she addressed the eldest princess, "Listen to the Master and Madam. Stay put. Everything is fine in the mansion." She then mentioned a few things about Li and Hongshi. The Fifth and Seventh wives' attitudes were more standard, asking about their lives and adding things like, "Your Fifth/Seventh Uncle misses you very much." There was no need to elaborate. Perhaps only when these words were spoken did the two wives feel a modicum of satisfaction. No matter how much their husbands loved their daughter, she was no longer their own.
At a royal dinner, whether or not the food was filling or delicious was secondary; it was all about eating to that degree and in that style. When the time came, of course, there was no such thing as a refill; those who needed to leave did.
This time Shujia didn't have to worry about the follow-up. She only had to check the accounts and see the results afterwards, and finally she was able to do her best.
After retreating to her own residence, she met her family. Sanfujin was crying because her daughter called her, and Shujia was crying because her mother called her. The first thing Xiluo said was, "Master, Madam."
From then on, the time when mother and child were referred to as "you" was compressed to the minimum.
After discussing the seating arrangements, Shuxian, Shuhui, and Shuyi, all married daughters, sat on one side, while Xiluo and her daughters-in-law sat on the other. Nalan, however, always gave way to Wendu and Jueluo, which Xiluo was very satisfied with, and Shujia also expressed her approval.
The mother and daughter's conversation was quite harmonious, save for the initial expressions of sadness over Shi Wenbing's passing, which included a few tears—the person was gone, and the sadness was long gone. Shujia then asked about the family situation, and Xiluo Te said, "I haven't closed my eyes yet. We still live together. It's a bit crowded, but it's lively. In two years, when the two girls are married, we'll have two courtyards free."
Shuhui said angrily, "Mother is here again! Just wait to hold your great-grandson."
Speaking of the Xinping sisters, both Wendu and Jueluo took the opportunity to thank the emperor for his generosity, securing their daughters a happy marriage. Shujia said, "It's up to them to live their lives. If I can, I'll make sure they don't suffer any loss." Among the selected ladies of the same period, they were indeed among the best-married.
Xiluo Te said: "It was good not to get involved in that matter in the first place. With that attitude, people's heads would be beaten into dog brains! The master and the queen must have a good idea in their mind. This Crown Princess——"
Shujia said, "There's still time to think about it," and then asked how Shuxian was doing. "It's not convenient for either of us, and just reading those few letters won't tell us everything. Are the brothers and sisters good-looking?"
Shuxian smiled and said, "Thanks to the Master, they are all well. Mr. Dai is indeed a learned man."
"Which Mr. Dai? Oh! Dai Zi?" He remembered that Shujia, the great man who served in the Southern Study, had been briefed on by Yinreng afterwards. "Did he also return to the capital? I remember there was a general amnesty at the beginning of the year, and he should have been among those pardoned."
"I didn't want to go back originally. I was, uh, sad," Shuxian said, hinting at the injustice Mr. Dai had suffered. "But someone with such profound knowledge is so hard to find! We desperately tried to get him here."
It really was something she begged for. It was true that Shuxian's husband's family had a hereditary Zuoling, but the problem was that it could only be given to the eldest son. What about the other sons? It was true that she had an aunt, the Empress, to rely on, but she also had to have some skills to be able to justify the title.
Mr. Dai's knowledge is indeed rare. If we spare him, where can we find someone with the knowledge to enter the Southern Study to teach our son? Even though he was exiled, even if he was killed for treason, his reputation for cultural level still exists. Being his student is a win-win situation.
He had just been pardoned, and Shuxian and her husband begged him desperately (mainly because Jiang Ting was pressured by his wife to apologize, and she couldn't stand up to him, wanting to save face for her husband). Dai Zi was a man of integrity and conscience, and he could stand up to any hardship. The couple had always treated him with respect, and since they were royal relatives, they weren't overly arrogant. Dai Zi's life in exile had been extremely difficult, and becoming a teacher had provided a temporary relief.
After much deliberation, he left his son behind outside the Great Wall: "The capital is a hodgepodge of people, and there are many things going on. You should stay out of this mess. I owe the Jiang family a favor, so I will leave this old bone behind and accompany them to the end."
Here it comes.
Mothers all cared about their sons. Shuxian made plans for her son, and the Wendu and Jueluo families were no exception. Their sons had reached adulthood and were ready to marry. Given the large number of descendants and the numerous royal family members, the demand for beautiful women was enormous. Although the population of the bannermen was increasing, the quality was still a minority. Once these women snatched up the remaining women, they would be in great trouble.
They had to give advance notice, but Shi Wenbing had just passed away, so it was awkward to say so. They could only bear it. Wen Du only said that Yunlu had sent someone to contact the business: "The servants got the news from the mistress and included the Ninth Prince in the business. This gentleman is a bit too shrewd."
"How do you say that?"
"Bold, careful, thick-skinned, and... dark hands."
"Pfft," Shujia laughed out loud, "You're absolutely right—what did he do?"
Jueluo also knew about this matter, so she said, "I just came here and looked at the account book to clarify your share. He sealed it all and didn't move it. I immediately brought silver to redeem it."
"I know that. He's counted it all for me." He said he was going to start saving up for Wu Yunzhu's dowry from now on. "He hasn't done anything out of the ordinary, has he?"
"That's not the case, but he is really ruthless! Lord E has suffered a loss from him, and he is really smart. He wants to send his followers south to collect tea, raw silk, and porcelain, and bring them all the way to Guangzhou to sell to Westerners, making a fortune again."
"Didn't we do that originally?"
"He's quite generous. I didn't expect this wealthy family would go to such extreme lengths to make money." Ahem, everyone still sent their retainers to come forward, and even had to cover up things. He was the one who commanded the family, and when things came up, people would call him. He even personally drafted the development plan, and he was actually putting half his mind into it.
Jiu Ye said: Since we have invested all the money, of course we have to get it back.
Shujia: ...
The author has something to say:
There is an activity among colleagues tomorrow, so I will probably be back a little late.
Due to various reasons (Jinjiang is busy and I can't see the comments, I'm busy writing, and I'm lazy), I've been reading the comments, but I haven't responded to them very often. Now that Jinjiang seems to be less busy, I decided not to write and update tomorrow, uh, I'll focus on responding to the comments.
If you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If you have any opinions, please feel free to raise them. Let’s discuss and I will try my best to answer them. The deadline is 11 o’clock tomorrow night.
PS: The content is limited to this article, and I will not answer any off-topic questions.
PPS: You are welcome to correct me if there are any deficiencies. If there are any differences in understanding, I will try my best to explain.
PPPS: I will try to find time to respond to your comments in the future.
PPPPS: This is just a normal exchange. To avoid suspicion of cheating, please don't deliberately give 2 points. 0 points is OK. Feel free to give me bricks. (That's enough. Stop PSing...)
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