Chapter 93 "He Niang, this is where Xue Shanhe is sitting..."
Since the incident on New Year's Eve, no one in the Liang family in the capital dared to joke around anymore. Liang Ye left He Niang out in the courtyard, neither taking her in nor disposing of her, and the days continued to flow by as if she didn't exist.
After the New Year, for ten days in a row, Liang Ye went to various mansions to attend banquets and social events. He only took Cheng'an with him as a servant, and only sent Caixiang and Caiping as maids. He left Wei Mama in the mansion to take care of household affairs, but he did not care about He Niang and never asked about her.
It was the eighth day of the first lunar month when Liang Ye returned from drinking at the Yong'an Marquis's residence. Supported by Cheng'an, he staggered unsteadily to the study. He sat behind the large rosewood desk, rubbing his temples, and asked Cheng'an, who was lighting a lamp, "How many days has Cheng Min been gone?"
"Yes, sir, it has been six days."
"Did you send a letter back?"
"Not yet," Cheng An said with a smile. "Judging by the journey, he probably won't arrive in Jinling until tomorrow. Once he's settled in, we'll surely receive a letter."
Liang Ye gave a muffled "hmm," then asked, "Who's handling things with Lord Xiao Zhang at the Imperial Palace now?"
Cheng An shielded the candlelight, placed the lampstand beside Liang Ye's desk, and replied, "It was originally Cheng Min who was in charge, and even the officials of the Dali Temple were under his command. He was in charge of external affairs, while I only managed the internal affairs and household matters."
Upon hearing this, Liang Ye patted Cheng An on the shoulder: "You've been more tired than him during these holidays."
Cheng An repeatedly said he dared not. Liang Ye continued, "Now that he has gone to Jinling, the affairs of the Dali Temple will be temporarily entrusted to you. As for Lord Zhang..." Liang Ye pondered for a moment, "Give him to Huai Song. He should also gain some experience."
Cheng An smiled obsequiously: "That's good. I heard from Huai Feng that Huai Song still reads at night. He must be knowledgeable and won't make mistakes."
"He studies? I've never heard him talk about it?"
He said he was reading it for fun.
Liang Ye's scattered thoughts slowly gathered, and a smile appeared on his lips: "Cheng'an, do you want to study? I'll send you to a private school, how about that?"
Cheng An hurriedly bowed: "Master, you flatter me. I only wish to serve you dutifully. Besides, I'm not cut out for it. If I don't study well, I won't embarrass you. If I only know a few characters, that's fine."
Liang Ye smiled faintly at him and said, "Bring me a bowl of hangover soup." He paused, then added, "Have He Niang bring it in."
Cheng An's eyes darted around, and he quickly smiled, "Yes, I'll go and call him right away."
A moment later, He Niang entered, head bowed, carrying a lacquered square tray. Today she wore slightly worn clothes, lightly powdered, and only two plain silver hairpins adorned her temples. Because of Liang Ye's recent neglect, He Niang had suffered much humiliation at the hands of Granny Wei. Liang Ye remained indifferent, Cai Xiang dared not rashly protect her, and Cai Ping had never liked her. Summoned suddenly tonight, He Niang hurriedly washed her face, secretly applied a touch of lip rouge, and only then dared to come.
Liang Ye leaned back in his chair, silently observing her.
He Niang approached cautiously, knelt before Liang Ye, raised the square plate above her head with both hands, and said respectfully, "Sir, please have some hangover soup."
A soft laugh landed above her head: "Why are you so afraid of me? Hiding your face under the plate? If you don't want to serve me, then get lost."
He Niang quickly lowered her hands, revealing a face that resembled Shan He's. She timidly raised her eyes, meeting Liang Ye's gaze, and bit her lower lip lightly: "This servant dares not..."
Seeing her face appear, Liang Ye slowly began to examine her. His tone was gentle, as if he were having a casual conversation: "What have you been doing these days? I haven't seen you much." He picked up the covered bowl with one hand, lifted the lid, and drank the hangover soup in one gulp.
He Niang looked up at Liang Ye: "This servant... will continue with the same tasks as before."
"Judging from your tone, someone bullied you?"
"No." He Niang paused, then hesitated, "It's just that Granny Wei often teaches me to behave myself and be law-abiding."
Liang Ye let out a long "Oh," and said, "Granny is doing this for your own good." From his perspective, He Niang, kneeling before him, head bowed and eyes demure, did indeed resemble Xue Shanhe somewhat in the flickering candlelight. Just thinking of Xue Shanhe made his heart ache like it was being stabbed with needles, let alone recalling any memories of her. He Niang was still young, possessing a certain cleverness, knowing how to imitate Xue Shanhe to please him, but in his eyes, she was utterly inadequate. From the first time He Niang revealed a hint of affection between them, every little action and test she took afterward, he had clearly seen through her budding thoughts, but he was simply too lazy to expose them. If it weren't for that night when he was haunted by nightmares, he wouldn't have been given the opportunity to take advantage of her. He had intended to sell her off, but Granny Wei discovered she wasn't a virgin.
If she wasn't a virgin, then who had taken He Niang's virginity? Liang Ye was genuinely curious. He remembered that when Fan Niang and He Niang were first brought to his brothel, the pimp repeatedly guaranteed that the two sisters were pure and had never been deflowered. He believed him, especially He Niang; she was only fourteen then, she wouldn't lie to him. At the time, he pitied their backgrounds and saw that they resembled Shan He, which is why he readily freed them from their status as prostitutes. But now, He Niang's virginity was gone, right before his eyes. Who was it?
Liang Ye propped his forehead with one hand, using his fingers as a pillow, and carefully examined He Niang's face. How could he have taken He Niang that night, tormented by a nightmare, and then have no memory of it after waking up? It couldn't have been him; it must have been one of his servants. Those who could serve him closely in his courtyard were only Cheng Min, Cheng An, Huai Song, and Huai Feng. The rest were all servants outside the second gate, unlikely to even see He Niang, let alone have an affair with her. Therefore, it could only be one of these four. Whenever he thought of this, Liang Ye felt a little lazy and didn't want to delve any deeper. He liked all four of them very much. All four were capable: Cheng Min and Huai Song were quick-witted and clever, while Cheng An and Huai Feng were honest and obedient. He would feel a pang of regret at losing any one of his carefully cultivated servants for the sake of a lowly maid like He Niang. Moreover, He Niang was the only person in the world who resembled Xue Shanhe, and he was equally reluctant to let her go.
But keeping her and that man around was disgusting. Liang Ye considered himself a lenient master; he was happy to turn a blind eye to the petty tricks and schemes of his subordinates as long as they weren't serious. For example, Granny Wei was greedy and liked to take kickbacks when doing favors; Cai Ping had a fiery temper and was prone to conflicts. Liang Ye was happy to let Granny Wei make more money and was also happy to secretly support Cai Ping. But when it came to scheming against his master and treating him like a block of wood, Liang Ye couldn't tolerate it.
He Niang knelt tremblingly, her heart pounding with anxiety as Liang Ye remained silent for a long time. Seeing that he didn't move for a while, He Niang secretly raised her eyes and met his cold and fierce gaze. He Niang's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly lowered her head.
Liang Ye smiled again and stretched out his hand to her: "Why are you still kneeling? Get up."
He Niang took his hand and got up.
He then turned his gaze to her, a half-smile playing on his lips: "Sit down. Talk to me for a bit."
He Niang looked around and saw a pair of yellow pearwood armchairs placed under the window. She curtsied to Liang Ye and was about to go over there. Liang Ye frowned, tilted his head to look at her, and said, "He Niang, I'm drunk today. It's so far away, I can't hear you clearly."
He Niang stopped and turned around to see Liang Ye smiling at her, his forehead propped up on his hand. He sat with his long legs slightly apart, just the right amount of room to sit. He Niang's heart skipped a beat, and she couldn't help but recall Huai Song's words. She said, "Then there's nowhere to sit," but slowly walked towards Liang Ye and sat down on his lap. He Niang carefully took his free hand and gently placed it on her waist. She lowered her head, not daring to look at him, but her lips were curving upwards.
Liang Ye continued to smile, but his smile grew colder. He scoffed, "How arrogant." Liang Ye pinched the soft flesh of her waist, then withdrew his hand: "You dare to sit where Xue Shanhe is sitting?"
He Niang only saw the smile on his face and thought that Liang Ye was finally willing to treat her well, so she gradually relaxed. She probed step by step and said softly, "Sister Shanhe is gone. From now on, someone has to sit here."
Liang Ye smiled and narrowed his eyes: "How did you know it was you? At least you've earned a concubine, that's fine."
He Niang placed her hand on his chest: "Then how can I become your concubine, sir?"
"Your background isn't good enough, so you'll have to have a child."
"I can!" He Niang said urgently. She leaned her head against Liang Ye's chest: "Master, I can do it."
Liang Ye remained silent for a moment, his face immediately turning cold.
He Niang raised her face and looked up at him. She remembered how Shan He smiled, and how he would unconsciously purse his lips when he hesitated. He Niang had learned it all very well. She said, "Master, this servant truly loves you."
Liang Ye remained silent for a long time before pushing He Niang off him and looking down at the official documents on the table: "Then go and make the bed. I'll be there in a bit."
Liang Ye's sudden change in attitude made He Niang uneasy. Standing there alone, she pondered the deeper meaning in Liang Ye's words and suppressed her suspicions. Since he had asked her to serve in his room, he must truly accept her this time. He Niang thought to herself. She curtsied and said, "Yes."
Only after He Niang left did Liang Ye slowly raise his eyes, coldly glancing at her retreating figure. Even after He Niang had completely disappeared from sight, Liang Ye's gaze remained fixed on emptiness. The candlelight flickered on his face. He had long since sobered up from tonight's drinking; since New Year's Eve, he had dared not allow himself to get drunk again. Therefore, every word he had spoken to He Niang just now was exceptionally clear-headed.
His gaze inadvertently fell on the pair of gold bracelets on the table. After Shanhe's death, he had them re-fried until they gleamed a bright yellow, as if the fire had never happened. But how could she have died? For no reason, the question resurfaced in his mind. Liang Ye rested his elbows on the table, burying his face in his hands, his fingers tucked into his dark hair. The moment he closed his eyes, Shanhe's image appeared before him—she lying beside him, speaking to him; she had used her thin shoulders to support the cart and save him.
The lamp wick snapped with a crack, startling him. The shadow vanished in an instant. Liang Ye slumped back in his chair, his gaze blankly fixed on the pair of gold bracelets. The gleaming gold, reflecting the candlelight, was cold, hard, and glaring. She was gone after all, never to return, leaving only these lifeless objects and that ambiguous He Niang.
After a long while, he took a deep breath, as if trying to suppress all the pent-up emotions in his heart. He stood up, his face no longer showing the longing he had just displayed, only a calmness that was somewhat eerie. He took a step and walked towards his bedroom.
He Niang had already made the bed perfectly. The brocade quilt was spread out, and the mandarin duck pillows were arranged. She quietly tidied her hair and makeup, and when she saw Liang Ye enter, she quickly stood to the side with her hands at her sides, her heart pounding like a drum. Liang Ye didn't look at her, but walked step by step to the bedside, saying only indifferently, "Undress."
He Niang was stunned for a moment, then quickly lowered her head and stepped forward to help him undress, following the proper etiquette. This was the first time she had served someone, and it was her beloved no less; He Niang's fingertips trembled uncontrollably. As her outer robe was removed, she was about to unbutton her inner garment when Liang Ye suddenly grabbed her hand and said coldly, "He Niang, I'm giving you one chance. If I touched you that night and you conceived a child, I'll immediately make you my concubine. If not, you'll continue serving outside." He smiled faintly, patted He Niang's face, sat back on the edge of the bed, and removed his shoes and socks himself.
"Step down." Liang Ye issued his final ultimatum.
He Niang froze, tears welling up in her eyes, and choked out, "Why...why..."
Liang Ye tilted his head and smiled at her: "Because you are not Xue Shanhe." His eyes sparkled like stars. "If she were Xue Shanhe, if she refused once, I would give her a second chance; if she refused a thousand times, I would give her ten thousand times. But you have always been just her shadow, understand? He Niang, you are not her." He emphasized the last sentence.
He Niang's lips curved downwards, and tears instantly streamed down her cheeks. Before her stood Liang Ye, still with his handsome features and imposing presence, still with eyes brimming with affection. But why did that affection forever belong only to Xue Shanhe? Was it because Xue Shanhe had saved him? She was dead! He Niang's heart churned with shame and anger, and with jealousy. Suddenly, He Niang wanted to tell Liang Ye everything, to tell him that Xue Shanhe had run away! That Xue Shanhe didn't want him! That she was the only one in the world who loved him!
He Niang wiped away her tears, curtsied to him, bit her lip, and said, "This servant understands." With that, she turned and ran out.
Liang Ye sat on the edge of the bed, turning his head to the side. He saw a row of gourds tied with red strings on the bedside table, standing quietly side by side. They had been prepared by Master Ma, supposedly to ward off evil spirits. The day Master Ma had set was drawing near.
After running out of the main room, He Niang quietly sat under the winter plum tree in the backyard, wiping away her tears. The lights were already off in Wei Mama's room and in Cai Xiang and Cai Ping's rooms. Just now, Liang Ye had summoned her to serve him, and she had been thoroughly scolded by Wei Mama and Cai Ping. She gritted her teeth, washing and dressing herself, as if she couldn't hear their words. But how could she not hear them? Those words pierced her heart; how could she not feel pain? He Niang suddenly felt a pang of regret. Perhaps she should have forever, secretly, loved Liang Ye, never uttering a word. Perhaps when she grew older, she would have accepted her fate, willingly marrying a servant like livestock, and spending her life with him.
Thinking of this, He Niang couldn't help but laugh again. She had learned her craft from a young age, enduring hardships no less than anyone else. Though not possessing breathtaking beauty, her demeanor and bearing were still among the best in the Liang household. Xue Shanhe, a government slave with an even worse background than her, was favored by both Liang Ye and Liang Shao. Those were the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, the Baron of Huguo County! Why? Why did Xue Shanhe have everything she wanted, while she, despite her efforts, received nothing? He Niang wiped away her tears with her sleeve, sniffed, stood up, and ran towards Huai Song's room.
The light was still on in Huai Song's room. Standing by the window, he could hear snoring; Huai Feng must be asleep. He Niang coughed softly, and soon after, Huai Song came out, wearing a robe. Seeing He Niang, he frowned and said, "Why is it you? Didn't the master send you over to serve him?"
He Niang threw herself into his arms, sobbing as she told him what Liang Ye had said. Huai Song listened without saying a word, and after a long while, he placed his hand on her head and gently stroked it. He whispered in her ear, "At five o'clock in the morning, go and wait for me in that empty room behind the west hall."
He Niang nodded, her voice choked with emotion.
In the darkness, Liang Ye stood behind the plum tree with his arms crossed, staring expressionlessly at Huai Song and He Niang.
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