Chapter 76
As for this examination, Shen Linfeng was selected as a co-examiner. The chief examiner of this examination was Gong Cifu. Yao Niang packed his luggage for him. "You always love to sleep, unlike a night owl like me. I brought you some strong tea to refresh yourself. If you feel sleepy, you can drink some. But you are not allowed to stay up all the time. Staying up too long is not good for your body."
"I understand. You must take good care of yourself when I'm not at home. If you have any difficulties, wait until I come back." Shen Linfeng said in his official uniform.
Yao Niang straightened his collar and said with a smile, "This official uniform looks very good on you."
Shen Linfeng laughed and said, "You don't even like all those nice clothes I wear everyday? You prefer this official uniform."
Yao Niang patted the wrinkles on his back again and said, "That's different. Those poor nobles still secretly wear the flying fish clothes of their elders, but so what? Although it is good to be indifferent, a real man, with power in hand, can live a meaningful life."
In fact, what the couple talked about most before was literary talent and rhetoric, or some trivial household chores. When Shen Linfeng heard this, he paused. This was the first time he heard Yao Niang talk about these.
This is different from her younger sister. Her younger sister really wants to rule the country, but to Shen Linfeng, this is just a dream. What's more, the queen has no power. What her younger sister wants is the vanity.
But what the wife is talking about is authority. What you get is real, while those false names are just a burden.
She is indeed Yan Yingqi's daughter, she is different. His father-in-law is probably aware of the coming troubles. He has already bet on both Wen Shoufu and Gong Cifu. If Wen Shoufu loses, his in-laws will still be Gong's relatives. If Gong Cifu loses first, then Wen Shoufu's relatives will still be his in-laws. Even if both of them lose, he will come back and Yan Yingqi will directly take over the political resources of both sides, and his daughters will not lose out.
He has already passed the imperial examination and graduated from the imperial examination, so his future will definitely not be bad. Wen Qillang's father is a long-time official, so even if Wen Shoufu really resigns, his relationship with the emperor remains.
This is the worst outcome. From now on, Shen Linfeng and Wen Qilang will have to look at the Yan family's face and depend on them.
Yan Jingzhao is the only outstanding person in the Yan family, but Shen Linfeng watches coldly. His brother-in-law has always been stubborn and vindictive, but because he is eloquent and handsome, some people hate him and some people respect him. This is definitely a sign of great ups and downs in the future.
However, the son-in-law is also a half-son. If he is around, I believe the Yan family will still be able to rely on him in the future.
But does Yan Yingqi really think so long-term?
Seeing Shen Linfeng in a daze, Yao Niang couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong? Are you still worried about your family?"
"My mother is getting older and her personality is becoming a little left-wing. You have to bear with her." Shen Linfeng said.
Yao Niang smiled and said, "Of course, my mother treats me very well now, so you can rest assured."
Shen Linfeng said to her again: "Mother is very anxious about my sister's marriage, but if my sister's marriage requires you, just refuse. First, you are the daughter-in-law, and your opinion on whether it is good or bad does not count. Second, there are some things that do not need to be mixed up."
She didn't expect Shen Linfeng to tell her this. You know, Shen Linfeng rarely criticizes anyone. Now he is specifically reminding her. Originally, she didn't need to care about Shen Mo's affairs, so she nodded in agreement.
After Shen Linfeng left, Madam Shen called Yao Niang over. Yao Niang thought she was concerned about Shen Linfeng, but she got straight to the point: "My dear daughter-in-law, take a look at these posts. They have been worrying me these days."
Yao Niang picked up these posts and read them. In fact, Shen Mo's popularity was still very good. Her family was full of officials, and she herself was also bright and generous. Although some insiders knew a little about her affair with the Prince of Qi in her early years, it was only limited to families like the Yan family who had connections with the Prince of Qi, and outsiders might not be very clear about it.
Therefore, Yao Niang said: "My daughter-in-law is originally at home and doesn't go out often. I see that these invitations are all for young talents who are well-matched. Why should Madam worry?"
"There is no one here who is really worthy of my Mo'er. Take this Mr. Hu for example. His father is the Salt Transport Commissioner and his uncle is the Grand Scholar of the Dongge. He is three years older than our Mo'er, but he has never had any official title. Although for a family like ours, what does it matter if we fail in the imperial examinations? But if someone has an official title, then he is a real talent." Mrs. Shen hinted.
Yao Niang knew very well that this was no longer the era of the Nine-Rank System and the aristocratic families. If one could not pass the imperial examination, how could one become a high-ranking official? Even in the Northern Song Dynasty, many sons of officials were appointed to official positions by favor, but those who had real ability would still take the Lock Hall Examination to advance further.
Therefore, the Shen family, like the Yan family, was eager to find a son of an official who had both fame and a good family background. However, such people were very rare. Even the daughter of the Gong family had married a man from a poor family, let alone the Shen family?
She said, "Good things take time."
Mrs. Shen held her forehead and said, "You can't say that. As the saying goes, everything depends on human effort. Let me ask you, did you understand the Gu Silang your brother brought to our house last time?"
Originally, Yao Niang wanted to be close to Gu Silang, but she was unwilling to do so. Gu Silang was on good terms with her brother and was a free-spirited person. If Gu Silang was willing, she would not say anything, but if she was asked to act as a bridge, that would be impossible. Just because Madam Shen and Shen Mo were not good to her, why should she work for them?
Therefore, Yao Niang said: "I don't know anything about the outsider. Although he is good friends with my brother, my brother is seven years older than me. It's better for you to ask someone else."
Mrs. Shen knew she had said something wrong, so she went to her daughter-in-law to ask about the outsider. Naturally, her daughter-in-law was embarrassed to ask, so she smiled and said, "When we choose a son-in-law, our Shen family doesn't care about family background. I just heard that Gu Silang is a good man with both talent and good looks."
She was obviously hinting at Yao Niang to help her, but how could Yao Niang do that? If someone is unwilling to move forward when he is employed, he will probably move backward after he is employed, so Yao Niang pretended to be deaf and dumb.
Mrs. Shen couldn't help but make her words clear: "Grandma, I'd like to let you mediate this matter. What do you think?"
Yao Niang was really being pushed to the limit. She still said, "Madam, I am young and I don't even understand the affairs of my family. How can I talk about marriage? Please choose another wise man."
Seeing that Yao Niang refused to obey, Madam Shen was sulking again. Yao Niang thought that Madam Shen had set traps for her several times, and if she didn't return the favor, she would not be herself anymore. So Yao Niang smiled and said, "Madam, don't worry. Speaking of my daughter-in-law, she is still young, but there is one person who is very suitable."
"Oh, who is it?" Mrs. Shen looked up.
Yao Niang smiled and said, "How could you forget Second Aunt? Second Aunt is highly respected and well-known in the family. She is now the wife of the Imperial College's chief academic officer, and her status is high enough. If she comes to propose marriage, it will surely be twice as effective as my son, isn't she?"
"My son, you are right." Mrs. Shen clapped her hands and smiled.
After all, her daughter-in-law is young. Although she is a member of the Yan family, she is too young. The matchmaker has to reconcile both sides, and she thinks Yao Niang's idea is good.
Yao Niang said, "It's just that the big exam will be held in the next few days. I'm afraid Master Gu will have to study hard to prepare for the exam."
"Yes, I will tell your aunt after he finishes the exam." Mrs. Shen thought it would be best if Gu Silang passed the exam in one go.
Yao Niang stopped talking, and after she finished cooking, she wrote a letter to Yan Jingzhao to inform him of the incident. After reading it, Yan Jingzhao sneered, "You old witch, you are really shameless."
But since ancient times, power and wealth have moved people's hearts. If Gu Silang wanted to do so, he would have no choice.
It's raining and my mother is getting married, who cares? His sister's letter also told him not to worry about it, and not to ruin someone's marriage because of her.
My sister is really too kind. Little did she know that Yao Niang had already suspected Second Madam Shen's intentions, and she was just trying to test them. If Second Madam Shen was sincere, she would definitely work hard on this marriage. If she couldn't stand seeing people doing well, and was just pretending to be in harmony with the first wife, then it meant that Shen Mo's marriage would be difficult to achieve.
Because of keeping Shen Mo, Mrs. Shen's relationship with her could never be good.
When Shen Linfeng was not at home, Mrs. Shen was busy with Shen Mo's affairs. She also had two plans. If Gu Silang failed, she still liked Hu Gefu's nephew.
Although Yao Niang stayed indoors, she asked Zhou Wang's wife to inquire around. Zhou Wang was originally Yao Niang's concubine. She was an ordinary-looking woman, but she was an extraordinary person with great connections.
Qingdai specialized in learning Mother Wang's craft, Hongxiu managed the warehouse for her, and Mother Gu was in charge of all the other places. Zhou Wang's wife Yao Niang rarely saw her on weekdays, but her monthly allowance was sufficient, so she was asked to inquire about the news.
Late in the night, Yao Niang was about to go to sleep when she heard that Zhou Wang's wife had something to report. She perked up and said, "Come in quickly."
Zhou Wang's wife came in, Yao Niang waved everyone away, and then she said, "I was sweeping near the rockery today, following your instructions to keep an eye on Miss Han Biao. Guess what, I was in the small garden in the west, and it was dark at that time, and I saw Erlang Jun and Miss Han Biao being intimate."
"Second Master? Shen Bangyan? Are you sure you didn't see it wrong?" This was beyond Yao Niang's expectation. When she heard Shao mention it that day, she thought that Third Master Shen Linjiang and Han Ruohua were having an affair.
Zhou Wang's wife said, "That's absolutely right. If other people don't dare to say it, they would not know about this if I hadn't been watching them day and night."
"Don't alarm the snake, keep investigating, it would be best if you have evidence." Yao Niang said with a smile.
Zhou Wang's wife said, "Yes, I know."
"Well, just remember to protect yourself first. I remember that you love wine. It just so happens that my brother brewed a lot of it and sent it to me. Qingdai, you fill a pot for Zhou Wang's family, and cut a few feet of goose yellow indigo satin for her so that her children can make some new clothes." Yao Niang said with a smile.
Zhou Wang's wife kowtowed with joy.
The servants who came from the Yan family to the Shen family, those who took advantage of their age and status had almost all been punished. Moreover, the servants saw that their daughter and aunt had a close relationship, so they naturally knew that the eldest lady would definitely be in power one day in the future.
Yao Niang was not a person who liked to show weakness. If friends often complained about each other, they would get tired of each other. It was the same in front of these servants. If she showed weakness, the servants would be uneasy. Some of them looked down on their masters and wanted to make trouble, while others would go to other people. This was why she was willing to marry Shen Linfeng. At least Shen Linfeng treated her very well before the marriage and he did not have concubines.
Mrs. Shen is not a sinister person. Although she likes to show off, she keeps everything open, which makes Shen Linfeng love her even more.
This Han Ruohua is really interesting. She appears to be more dignified than anyone else, but she is not polite in private.
But why did she do this with these married men? It was simply a loss.
As for the masters of the Shen family, according to Yao Niang's understanding, their future should be more important than anything else.
The next morning, when she got up, she ran into Wang, who had a new hairpin. She first called Yao Niang, "Sister-in-law."
"Sister-in-law, where are we going?" Yao Niang asked curiously.
Wang said with a little pride: "It was the Duke Cheng's Mansion who invited us to play polo. Sister Mo also came with me. I originally wanted to invite my sister-in-law to go with us, but she said she didn't know how to play polo, so we couldn't go."
Spring has just arrived, and although it is a bit cold, the ladies who love playing polo have started to take action. This is also a way of socializing.
Most of the people invited by Lady Cao, the wife of Duke Chengguo, who knew how to play polo, were not played by Yao Niang and her sisters except Yan Ningxin, so they often did not go. As time went by, the Duke Chengguo's Mansion stopped sending invitations.
"Yeah, I don't know how to play polo. It would be fun if you all go," said Yao Niang.
Wang's usual stubbornness was put away, and she looked more like a young girl: "Thank you for your good words."
In fact, although Wang is somewhat jealous now, her feud with Yao Niang is mostly based on comparison, but they are not yet enemies of life and death.
A few days later, Shen Linfeng came back from the examination room. Yao Niang had already prepared flower petals and herbs to help him remove the bad smell from his body. Shen Linfeng soaked in the bath for almost an hour before he was willing to put on his clothes and come out of the bathhouse.
Yao Niang was reading outside. Seeing that his hair was still wet, she immediately said, "Hurry up and dry your hair. Why did it take you so long to wash it?"
"It's because the flower petals you prepared for me smell so good. Taking a bath here is so comfortable. It's neither too strong nor too greasy. I feel like I'm alive again." Shen Linfeng said like a child.
Yao Niang sat down with her arm around his: "I chose it specially, I was afraid you would think it was not in line with your manliness."
Shen Linfeng smiled and said, "I like it very much. Can I take a nap now?"
"Okay, look what I did with you?" She handed him the boy doll she had sewed, riding a white horse and holding a sword.
The young man in white shirt was carrying a precious sword on his back, riding on a white horse. Shen Linfeng didn't expect that she had made a doll for him. He looked at Yao Niang: "The bow-backed sword shines on the frost in the rosy clouds, and the horse gallops out of the salty sun in the autumn wind. Why do you have it for me too? Why do you bother about me? I'm not a child anymore..."
Looking at him like this, it's clear that he doesn't dislike it at all; he loves it to death.
Still acting like a little kid.
Yao Niang smiled and patted the couch: "Lie down and dry your hair. If you don't like it, just think that I am being sentimental."
Shen Linfeng held her tightly in his arms, and he seemed to fall into a sweet dream.
This guy, although he looks very talented on the outside, is actually very childish at heart. He likes everything she likes, unlike others who just do it perfunctorily or think they are too childish.
But after the examination, Mrs. Shen called Mrs. Bi, the second wife of Shen, over. When Bi came in, she smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, you invited me here so solemnly. I don't know what you want to talk about?"
"I do have something to trouble you with." Madam Shen told her about Gu Silang's situation. "You may not know the Gu family of Nanjing, but they are very famous in Nanjing. Gu Silang was only 18 years old, but he was able to go to Beijing to take the imperial examination. Even if he failed this time, he is still a talent. I heard that his grandfather and father were both Jinshi graduates. Although his father is only the governor of Yingzhou now, the family background is not something that anyone can compare to."
Upon hearing this, Bi said quickly, "It seems that this boy has a profound family background and is a good match. Since my sister-in-law has entrusted this matter to me, I must find out more about it."
Gu Silang was originally a dissolute person who relied on his talent. After the imperial examination, he went to Qinlou and Chuguan to relax like all other young men. He was extremely nervous about the examination, and he could not have any romantic affairs while living in Yan's house. Although he was not a dissolute person, it was normal for him to comfort and relax.
Even Yan Jingzhao didn't think it was a big deal. It wasn't like he was hanging around in brothels and neglecting his proper job.
Yan Jingzhao didn't say anything to Gu Silang. He had his own things to do. The official selection would be held this year, and he didn't know how to bargain and make arrangements.
The day of posting the results of the imperial examination arrived. Although Gu Silang did not pass the exam, he was an open-minded person and said to Yan Jingzhao, "I will see you again in three years, Brother Bo Ying."
"It's great that you think this way. It's hard to achieve anything overnight. I admire you, Silang." Yan Jingzhao toasted him.
Gu Silang somehow thought of Miss Yan San again. She was living a good life now, so it was worth it. He also raised his glass and said, "Thank you for your hospitality, Brother Yan, these days."
Yan Jingzhao waved his hand: "A gentleman should share money. Why are you saying these things? When you return to Nanjing, you can also visit my father more often."
"If I pass the next exam, I will have enough time to move. If I fail the next exam, I will be too embarrassed to face my uncle."
After Gu Shilang finished speaking, the two of them burst into laughter.
Madam Shen Er also told Madam Shen what she had learned: "This Fourth Young Master Gu did not pass the imperial examination. Not only did he fail, but he also left poems with some prostitute. It is possible for young people to act on impulse. But I gave him a hint, and he still did this. Sister-in-law, look at this..."
"What? This person is so ridiculous." Mrs. Shen frowned.
Madam Shen Er said, "Sister-in-law, maybe my information is biased. Why don't you go and find out as well?"
Mrs. Shen waved her hands and said, "No need. You will not deceive me. Besides, my daughter has many suitors."
"Yes, I think so too." Mrs. Shen said.
After Gu Silang returned home, Yao Niang asked Mrs. Shen, "Madam, last time you said you wanted to ask Second Aunt to propose marriage? What did the Gu family say?"
Mrs. Shen didn't want to mention it, she just said: "The Gu family is still a little low-class."
Yao Niang smiled and said, "Yes, it is certainly not comparable to the Shen family's status, but what do you think, Second Aunt?"
Mrs. Shen even blamed Yao Niang a little: "Your second aunt hinted to him, but he ignored it and went to visit brothels, and then spread some good stories. For a family like ours, only others beg us, not us begging others."
As far as Yao Niang knew, although Gu Silang was a talented and romantic man, if he really wanted to marry the daughter of the Shen family, it would be impossible for him to do such and such.
What Mrs. Shen said seemed to be problematic, but it also confirmed Yao Niang's idea that Mrs. Shen was indeed doing something behind her back.
"Madam, your daughter-in-law made some benzoin today. You have to take care of such a large family, which is really tiring. If this incense can help you sleep well, it will be regarded as your daughter-in-law's filial piety." Yao Niang asked Hongxiu to take a piece of incense and hand it to Madam Shen's entourage.
Mrs. Shen accepted it with a smile and said, "I heard from Lin Feng that he recovered so quickly because of your good care. In the future, if he is at home, you don't have to come to my place."
Yao Niang said quickly, "Madam, what are you talking about? It is my husband who often asks me to walk around you and serve you."
Mrs. Shen was able to hear these words. Yao Niang also felt that Mrs. Shen had a straightforward temper, but she was soft-hearted and a little confused. If she obeyed her in the future, she would be easy to control.
The mother-in-law and the daughter-in-law exchanged a few words, and then Mrs. Shen's husband, Gong Liu's wife, Li, came. Don't underestimate the social skills of these ladies. Sometimes, the ladies will convey things that the husbands are not convenient to say.
Yao Niang noticed that Madam Gong Liu looked a little nervous, but she didn't know what was going on.
After the imperial examination, in March, the third branch of the Shen family was sweeping the courtyard, waiting for Uncle Shen to go to the capital. Now Yao Niang was no longer as frightened as before when she met anyone suspicious. She would gradually calm down and take action in advance.
In mid-March, Yao Niang received an invitation to Mrs. Liu's Peach Blossom Banquet. Her current network of contacts included her husband's peers in the Hanlin Academy, the guests she knew through her mother-in-law, and Mrs. Liu. She always trusted Mrs. Liu when Liu Ji promised her last time, so even if she didn't get the title later, she never asked about it.
This is her trust. She is not prone to doubt people she truly trusts.
Shen Mo's marriage was originally still undecided, and Mrs. Shen was also picky, but at this moment, Mrs. Shen agreed to the marriage with the Le Hu family, but heard that Mr. Hu had married into the family of Mr. Fan.
In this atmosphere, Uncle Shen brought Jiaohu and several sons to Beijing. Mrs. Shen asked the kitchen to prepare a table full of dishes to welcome them.
Shen Xunfu's driver stopped at Tongzhou Posthouse. He got off the carriage first and said to the carriage, "Madam, please get off. You should get dressed in Tongzhou first, and then we will go to Beijing."
A beautiful lady slowly got down from the carriage. This person was Lu Shaner. Behind her were two concubines that Shen Xunfu was taking care of. The two concubines were both in their twenties or thirties, older than her, but they still had to stand behind her.
Shen Xunfu originally hated his third son Shen Linyun for being useless and bringing shame to him. He also thought his son was stupid, so he wanted to find a wife from a lesser family. However, Mrs. Lu should have told her son that at his age, he should find a wife in her thirties, even if she was a widow.
But the girl said frankly that she liked him. He saw that although she was young, she was better than ordinary people and even saved his little son's life, so he arranged to marry her.
Of course, he was in his prime, so it was normal for a young girl to admire him, or to want something from him, which was even more normal. Chang'e had always loved young men, and since she had chosen him, she must have valued power and wealth, which he was willing to give. However, the happiest thing was that his eldest nephew Shen Linfeng married the girl from the Yan family, thus eliminating the hatred between the Yan and Shen families. Otherwise, Mr. Zhushan was afraid that he would have written himself on the list he presented to the capital this time.
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