To Marry the Elder Brother of One's Late Husband - Chapter 31

Chapter 31: As Soft and Tender as a Honey Peach

Having returned in defeat, Madam Yang stormed back home in a rage. Just as she stepped into the house, a servant informed her that the Second Miss refused to eat and had thrown her meal onto the floor.

Nothing in the world was more important than her daughter. Forgetting her own grievances, Madam Yang hurried into the side chamber.

Jiang Ran lay listlessly on the canopy bed, a circle of gauze wrapped around her forehead. Her face was sallow, her eyes vacant—gone was every trace of her former spirit.

“My child, what’s done is done. Why must you torture yourself so! If you have any sense, you should pull yourself together. Only if you live a good life will Jiang Shu fear to look down on you. If you remain in this stupor, aren’t you simply giving her exactly what she wants?”

The logic was sound, but at the thought of Zheng Zuhe’s arrogant and overbearing face, Jiang Ran couldn’t help but shudder. Zheng Zuhe viewed her as a mere toy with not a shred of cherish; if she entered the Zheng household, she knew she would never see a good day again.

She suddenly lunged into Madam Yang’s arms, weeping as she spoke, “Mother, I’m afraid. I don’t want to go to the Zheng family. What is a concubine? A respectable one is half a master, but a lowly one is worse than a maid. I schemed for so long because I wanted the position of the Heir’s primary wife; I never wanted to be Zheng Zuhe’s concubine!”

Madam Yang knew Jiang Ran’s heart all too well. Unfortunately, Zheng Zuhe was too powerful and Jiang Ran had lost her purity. For the sake of the Jiang family’s reputation, even her immense love for Jiang Ran was powerless to change the outcome.

To soothe her, Madam Yang didn’t address her concerns directly, saying instead, “The summer is sweltering. Since you don’t wish to eat, have a bowl of ‘Nine-Bend Lychee’ soup. These lychees were picked just this morning; they are exceptionally sweet.”

The servant Wu Pozi moved quickly. As soon as Madam Yang spoke, she brought the lychee sweet soup to Jiang Ran.

Jiang Ran stared at the soup for a long while, then suddenly burst into laughter. With a swing of her arm, she smashed the bowl onto the ground, shouting, “My life is practically over, what use is this sweet soup! Since Mother is determined to send me to the Zheng family, stop pretending to care. Just let me starve to death; that way, I can save the family some grain and Mother’s private treasury can be even more plentiful.”

Jiang Ran’s voice grew louder and her face contorted into a frantic mask. Her words became more outrageous, dripping with resentment toward Madam Yang for mistreating her.

Madam Yang stared blankly at Jiang Ran, her eyes filled with disbelief. She had looked out for Jiang Ran at every turn, loving her even more than her only son. To have loved Jiang Ran like her own heart only to receive nothing but bitter resentment in return left her heartbroken and disappointed.

Tears welled in Madam Yang’s eyes. She wiped them away and commanded Wu Pozi in a heavy voice, “The Second Miss is ill and should avoid the wind. Hurry and pin her down to the bed.”

Red-eyed, Madam Yang left the room. Turning a corner, she saw the concubine Lin and her daughter sitting in a shaded spot, weaving decorative knots.

Lin had a small allowance and was often strapped for cash, so she frequently wove knots with Jiang Rong. In the past, Madam Yang hadn’t found it eyesore. But now that Jiang Shu had married into the Marquis’s manor and Jiang Rong was betrothed to a well-to-do family, Lin’s status had risen. Jiang Wenhuan often gifted her valuables; she no longer needed to weave knots to survive.

To Madam Yang, this display was clearly an act to bait Jiang Wenhuan’s pity.

Flaming with rage, Madam Yang stormed over and kicked over the sewing basket at Lin’s feet, screaming, “You shameless thing! Why are you weaving knots in broad daylight? Don’t think you can use this to seduce the Master. The Jiang family is a house of scholars; we have no room for such flighty women to make fools of themselves. You can’t stay in the gatehouse rooms anymore. Pack your things; you’re moving to the suburban villa tomorrow!”

Lin was a timid soul who never dared to speak up against Madam Yang. Fearing she had offended her, she dropped her work and kowtowed repeatedly, begging for forgiveness.

Jiang Rong was also terrified, but Jiang Shu had told her that blind submission only invites further bullying. One must stand up for oneself to survive. She couldn’t live under her elder sister’s protection forever; she had to learn to protect herself and her mother.

Taking a deep breath, Jiang Rong’s hands trembled as she righted the sewing basket. She said softly to Madam Yang, “Mother, you misunderstand. Auntie weaves knots to help with household expenses; she has no other intentions. Why must you make a mountain out of a molehill and drive her away?”

Fine, just fine. This was an utter reversal of the natural order—even a concubine’s daughter dared to talk back to her. Having dominated the Jiang household for over a decade, Madam Yang could not tolerate Jiang Rong challenging her.

She raised her hand to slap Jiang Rong’s face, but the blow was blocked by He Pozi, who stood by Jiang Rong’s side. He Pozi had been bought by Jiang Shu to serve Lin and her daughter. Her deed was in Jiang Shu’s hands, so she was not under Madam Yang’s control and felt no need to bow to her.

Puffing out her chest, she said loudly, “The Third Miss is already betrothed and is only waiting to reach her hair-pinning ceremony to marry Minister Lin. If Madam bruises the Third Miss’s skin, forget the Master—I doubt even the Lin family will let it slide.”

Look at that! Just because Jiang Rong was betrothed to a Lin family member, she was arrogant enough to ignore her legal mother. Truly the lowly seed of a concubine, lacking worldliness and disregarding the rules of filial piety.

Madam Yang glared at Jiang Rong. Since she had the power to make the match, she could just as easily break it. There was no logic in her own daughter being a concubine while Jiang Rong became the mistress of a household.

Madam Yang sneered, “Don’t think that having the Lin family as a backer allows you to do as you please. Today, I shall cancel that engagement. Let’s see how arrogant you can be then!”

Madam Yang was impulsive by nature, and fueled by her current rage, she couldn’t wait a moment. She left the house at midday. Knowing that Jiang Wenhuan favored this match, she specifically ordered the gatekeepers to guard the entrance strictly to prevent Lin from sending word to the yamen—not even a fly was to leave until she returned.

As Madam Yang hurried away, Lin stomped her feet in anxiety, weeping in self-reproach, “It’s all my fault for being so slow-witted. I should have avoided Madam. How could I have provoked her so? Rong’er finally secured such a good match; if it’s ruined because of my mistake, I might as well kill myself.”

“Auntie, Mother was clearly looking for a reason to pick a fight. What does it have to do with you? Stop blaming yourself.” Jiang Rong wiped the tears from Lin’s eyes and turned to He Pozi, “Mama He, I heard Eldest Sister say you know some martial arts. Can you climb over the wall and tell Eldest Sister that Mother has gone to the Lin family to break the engagement?”

The Jiang family was a modest household with low walls. With some effort, He Pozi could get over. She said, “Third Miss, put your heart at ease. I will surely get the message to the Young Madam of the Marquis’s manor.”

Jiang Rong quickly opened the door and went to the back garden with He Pozi, watching her scale the wall before returning to the rear rooms. Jiang Rong knew Jiang Wenhuan could control Madam Yang, but she didn’t know if he would offend his wife for her sake. In this critical moment, she could only place her hope in Jiang Shu.

Her elder sister, after all, loved her more than their father did. She only hoped her sister could turn the tide and save the marriage. She had never met a gentleman as gentle as Lin Yunzhi; if she lost this bond, she would rather shave her head and become a nun than marry anyone else.

…

Meanwhile, He Pozi hired a carriage and rushed to the Xinyang Marquis Manor, entering the Xinchun Courtyard using Jiang Shu’s name.

“Second Young Madam, the fire is at your eyebrows! Please come with me immediately. Madam Yang has taken a carriage to the Lin household to break the engagement. Fortunately, the distance is far; if you hurry, you might still catch her.”

Jiang Shu was shocked. She hadn’t expected Madam Yang to defy Jiang Wenhuan’s words for her own selfish desires—had she gone mad?

Jiang Shu jumped from her chaise longue and said to Zhu’er, “Quickly get young Wang Lu from the courtyard to come with me to Yushu Street.”

Wang Lu was young but skilled in martial arts, capable of taking on ten men. With him there, even ten Madam Yangs wouldn’t be able to stop them.

Zhu’er whirled out to the courtyard and back like the wind, gasping, “Miss, Wang Lu is feeling unwell today and has taken the day off.”

“What?” Jiang Shu’s face went pale with worry. “Since he’s not here, we’ll go to Yushu Street ourselves. We cannot let Madam Yang ruin Rong’er’s future.”

Zhu’er retained some reason. To stop Madam Yang, they would surely need some force. How could a few women manage that? She said to Jiang Shu, “Miss, why don’t we borrow some attendants from the Marchioness? The manor has so many guards; she only needs to assign one or two to us.”

“No!” Jiang Shu refused immediately. “Borrowing people from the Marchioness requires a reason. She values the distinction between legitimate and concubine-born children; if she finds out I’m plotting against my legal mother, why would she help me? Not only would I fail to get help, but I’d also be lectured and delayed even longer.”

Time was of the essence. Jiang Shu didn’t waste more words and told He Pozi, “Mama He, go to the yamen and ask Father to go to Yushu Street. Fang Yu, take a carriage to the security bureau and hire five escorts. Everyone, move fast!”

The yamen where Jiang Wenhuan worked and the security bureau were both far from Yushu Street; she didn’t know if they would make it. Having spoken, Jiang Shu and Zhu’er sprinted toward the gate. At the screen wall, Zhu’er stopped and tugged at Jiang Shu’s sleeve, whispering, “Miss, the Eldest Master is ahead, and Mr. Cheng is with him. Mr. Cheng’s skills are superior even to a martial scholar. Why don’t you ask the Eldest Master to let Mr. Cheng go with us?”

Jiang Shu froze, only then noticing Lu Zhangji walking along the path toward the main courtyard. He was still in his official robes, likely having just finished his duties.

Logically, Jiang Shu shouldn’t trouble Lu Zhangji again, but Rong’er’s marriage was too precious for her to be stubborn.

“Eldest Brother, please wait!” she gathered her courage and called out.

Lu Zhangji paused for a moment, then continued walking as if nothing happened. Jiang Shu felt that he had been intentionally avoiding her lately, always leaving in a hurry whenever they met. She felt a sting of disappointment but couldn’t afford to be sentimental. She ran to catch up with him. The sound of her hurried, frantic footsteps echoed behind him.

Lu Zhangji remained indifferent, walking at a steady pace with no change in expression. Yet, Cheng Yong strangely felt that his master’s breathing was slightly uneven.

“Eldest Brother, please wait!” Jiang Shu had reached her limit. There was no turning back now; even knowing he didn’t want to see her, she chased him to his side.

“Elder Brother, I’ve run into a desperate situation. Could you please let Mr. Cheng accompany me on an errand?” She looked up at him, her watery eyes full of pleas.

Her face was etched with worry, her handkerchief twisted into a knot. She was usually composed; if she wasn’t at her wit’s end, she wouldn’t be begging for Cheng Yong’s help.

Lu Zhangji had intended to keep his distance from her, but when the moment came, he couldn’t bear to see her in distress. She was just a young woman; if she couldn’t handle this “desperate situation,” what if she was bullied?

After a moment’s thought, Lu Zhangji said to her, “I will go with you.”

With him by her side, she would be safe.

…

A faint scent of green bamboo filled the carriage. Jiang Shu hadn’t expected Lu Zhangji to join her. Smelling the bamboo, her anxiety began to settle. He always managed to make her feel at ease.

To reach Yushu Street quickly, they took a shortcut through a narrow alley. To avoid getting stuck, Jiang Shu had the driver prepare a small carriage. There were no extra furnishings inside, only a single long bench. Jiang Shu and Lu Zhangji sat side-by-side, their shoulders nearly touching in the cramped space.

Jiang Shu could even hear Lu Zhangji’s breathing.

She felt a bit warm and began fanning herself with a silk fan. She didn’t forget to look after him, fanning him five times for every ten times she fanned herself. The carriage moved quickly and hit a rut in the road, suddenly jolting to one side.

Caught off guard, Jiang Shu tumbled toward Lu Zhangji.

“Ah!” she cried out softly as her cheek bumped directly against his lap, right where his thighs met.

The intense masculine scent hit her instantly. Dazed at first, she turned her head slightly. The spot against her cheek was soft yet firm with a bit of elasticity. When she realized exactly what part of his body she was touching, she was so mortified she wanted to vanish into the ground.

She scrambled to sit up, but the carriage jolted again, causing her to fall against him once more.

Lu Zhangji looked down. Jiang Shu’s face was flushed crimson, her cherry lips slightly parted as she breathed out like an orchid, her breath brushing against him. Something surged within his body.

Jiang Shu didn’t dare look at him again. She busied herself by smoothing her clothes and pretending to look out the window, though she saw nothing. The only thing in her mind was the weight and sensation of what her face had just pressed against.

Finally reaching Yushu Street, she bolted from the carriage. As she lifted the curtain to exit, she glanced back at him. Sure enough, the fabric of his lower robes was pulled taut.

Jiang Shu cleared her throat and whispered, “Eldest Brother, please rest in the carriage. If something happens, I’ll have Mr. Cheng inform you.” With that, she leaped down.

Jiang Shu waited for nearly half an hour but saw no sign of Madam Yang. Even if the journey from the Jiang house was long, she should have arrived by now. There was only one explanation: Madam Yang had already entered the Lin manor before she arrived.

Feeling defeated, Jiang Shu slumped back into the carriage, filled with regret. She blamed herself for being too slow. In prestigious families, rules and hierarchy were paramount; if Madam Yang had already proposed the cancellation, even if Jiang Shu arrived, she was just a concubine’s daughter—how could she counter her legal mother’s command?

She leaned against the carriage wall for a while before saying to Zhu’er, “Let’s go back. It was all for nothing.”

Just as she was about to climb back in, Cheng Yong spoke up: “Second Young Madam, there’s a carriage coming toward us. It looks like the one belonging to your mother.”

It was like sunlight breaking through the fog. Jiang Shu pulled the curtain back. Sure enough, the approaching carriage belonged to the Jiang family.

“Mr. Cheng, quickly! Stop that carriage!” Jiang Shu was overjoyed, her voice more vibrant than usual.

Cheng Yong complied, lunging forward to grab the horse’s harness and bringing the carriage to a halt.

“What is going on?” Madam Yang frowned. When luck is bad, even a sip of water can choke you. Her carriage had broken down halfway, and it took half an hour at a repair shop to fix it. Now that she was finally on Yushu Street, what was the problem?

Jiang Shu stepped out of her carriage and walked directly to Madam Yang, asking coldly, “Mother, where are you going in such a hurry?”

Seeing Jiang Shu’s commanding presence, Madam Yang felt a flicker of guilt, but she puffed out her chest and snapped, “I am your mother! Do I need to report my movements to you?”

“You arrogant thing! Tell the Marquis’s servants to move. If you delay my business, don’t blame me for being unkind!”

Jiang Shu skipped the pleasantries and said directly, “Mother, you should return home quietly. I will not let you enter the Lin manor today.”

Madam Yang gritted her teeth, her eyes sharpening. She had ordered the gatekeepers to watch closely; how did Jiang Shu know she was coming here to break the engagement? Was there a traitor in the house?

She would deal with any traitors later; for now, she had to handle this difficult girl. She was the legal mother, and her status gave her plenty of ways to handle a concubine’s daughter.

She said to Jiang Shu, “Since you know what I’m doing, I won’t hide it. Minister Lin’s destiny is too harsh; he has already lost two wives, a clear sign he ‘clashes’ with his spouses. I was confused a few days ago when I agreed to the match for Rong’er. I’ve been tossing and turning at night, feeling like I’ve harmed her. My precious girl cannot be a sacrifice for the Lin family. I am going to break the engagement now. No matter how good his family is, it cannot outweigh her life.”

Despite the flowery excuses, she couldn’t hide her malicious intent. Jiang Shu didn’t argue, simply asking, “Has Mother discussed this with Father?”

The short question left Madam Yang speechless. Fearing any further delay, she decided to act fast: “The affairs of elders are none of your business. Move out of the way, or if this becomes a scene, it’s the Xinyang Marquis Manor’s reputation that will suffer.”

Jiang Shu was unmoved and refused to budge. Madam Yang’s chest throbbed with anger. She glared at her attendants and shouted, “Are you all dead? Someone is blocking our path, why aren’t you clearing them out? What are you waiting for?”

Madam Yang had been careful when she left; she brought not only her driver and maid but also two of Jiang Wenhuan’s attendants. Having lived under her authority for years, the four men jumped down to confront Cheng Yong. They thought they had the advantage of numbers, but before they could even get close, Cheng Yong had already pinned them to the ground.

“This is rebellion! Absolute rebellion!” Seeing the situation go south, Madam Yang began wailing at the top of her lungs, “Everyone, come look! A daughter has climbed high and now she’s come back to bully her own mother!”

Her voice was sharp and loud, drawing a crowd. In a society that valued filial piety above all, people didn’t bother with the details; they immediately began criticizing Jiang Shu.

The noise was like the buzzing of three thousand mosquitoes, making Jiang Shu’s ears ring. She didn’t explain herself, letting them point and stare, but she remained firm.

The crowd grew. Someone recognized Jiang Shu and shouted, “Isn’t that the Second Young Madam of the Xinyang Marquis Manor? Truly from a lowly family, short-sighted and unfilial the moment she marries into wealth.”

Another voice added, “I was wondering who would dare block an elder’s carriage. If it’s her, then it’s no surprise.”

The crowd’s barbs were all aimed at Jiang Shu.

…

When Jiang Wenhuan arrived, the crowd was still heckling Jiang Shu. Madam Yang, meanwhile, was standing by the carriage playing the victim, covering her face with her sleeve and sobbing, “Oh, it’s my own lack of ability! I failed to discipline my children, and now my own step-daughter is riding over my head.”

She spoke only of Jiang Shu’s “unfilial” behavior and mentioned nothing of her own attempt to break the engagement. The crowd sighed in sympathy, calling her a poor woman who raised a “white-eyed wolf.”

Jiang Wenhuan hadn’t expected Madam Yang to be so foolish—not only trying to break Jiang Rong’s engagement for no reason but also publicly slandering Jiang Shu. Jiang Shu had the backing of the Marquis’s manor; how could they allow her to be defamed like this? If they offended Lu Zhangji, what would become of the Jiang family? In the world of officialdom, competence was secondary to discretion—one must never offend a superior.

“Madam, what nonsense are you spewing?” Jiang Wenhuan roared, his voice booming. “You’ve just had a few too many cups of wine; why are you talking such rubbish?”

“Shu’er has always been filial. Stop slandering her with your lies!”

Jiang Wenhuan’s voice was thunderous, turning the crowd’s attention to him. He offered an apologetic smile and continued, “My wife is fond of the bottle. She had five large cups at lunch and became muddled, insisting on going to Jucheng to play polo.”

“Polo is dangerous, and Shu’er was afraid her mother would get hurt, so she brought a carriage to stop her. Shu’er acted out of pure filial concern, yet everyone has misunderstood her.”

Madam Yang hadn’t expected her husband to show up. Feeling guilty and caught, she didn’t dare speak even as he lied through his teeth, and she scurried back into the carriage.

Seeing her reaction, the crowd understood. They turned their scorn on Madam Yang.

“I thought she was a victim, being bullied by her daughter. Turns out she’s just a lying drunkard.”

“Legal mothers and concubines’ children are never truly close anyway. This Madam Jiang tries to smear her daughter even when she’s drunk; you can tell she’s usually a piece of work.”

“Poor Young Madam. She acts out of filial piety and almost gets framed for it. Being born into such a family is truly eight lifetimes of bad luck.”

With Madam Yang finally stopped, Jiang Shu returned to her carriage. The interior was silent. She stole another glance at Lu Zhangji. His face was slightly flushed, but the fabric of his robes was finally flat again.

…

Madam Yang, nearly forty years old, had never been insulted like this. She leaned against the carriage wall, gasping with rage. If her husband hadn’t been there, she would have gone out and cursed every busybody in the street.

Deep down, her conscience pricked her. She was both angry and anxious, her heart fluttering with no place to rest.

The journey back to the Jiang residence, which usually took an hour, seemed to fly by. Before she could calm her nerves, the carriage was back home. She hesitated for a long time before shuffling into the flower hall. Jiang Wenhuan had already changed his clothes and was sitting in the grand chair, waiting to interrogate her.

Madam Yang sat down nervously across from him, trying to regain some ground: “Master, things aren’t…”

“Shut your mouth!” Jiang Wenhuan slammed his cup onto the tea table. “Zhu’er has already explained everything clearly. What more do you have to say for yourself?”

“Rong’er’s match with the Lin family is a great blessing. The Lin family is a house of scholars with deep roots; even if our family worked for three generations, we couldn’t match them. This marriage would also benefit our son Bin’er’s career. Why on earth did you try to break it? Are you bored with a good life and want to ruin the Jiang family’s prospects?”

His words were logical, leaving Madam Yang with nothing to say. Yet she was stubborn; even in a dead end, she had to struggle. She claimed she was worried about Jiang Rong being “cursed” by Lin Yunzhi’s destiny.

Having shared a bed with her for decades, Jiang Wenhuan knew her character: “You care for Rong’er even less than for your own maids; why would you care about her life or death? I don’t care why you did it, but I know you had no good intentions. Our family hasn’t had it easy; I won’t let a poisonous woman like you ruin us.”

“From now on, you are no longer in charge of the household. Stay in your room and reflect. Even if I have to handle both official and family matters, I will keep this house standing.”

He was stripping her of her power. Madam Yang burst into tears, slapping her thighs and screaming, “Jiang Wenhuan, you heartless man! Have you forgotten how destitute the Jiangs were? If I hadn’t brought a massive dowry when I married you, how would you have what you have today? Now that you’ve risen, you want to discard me? It won’t be that easy! Even if I have to go to the yamen…”

Her words hit Jiang Wenhuan’s sore spot. Men who have benefited from their wives’ families often resent being reminded of it once they achieve success. Madam Yang was tearing off his face and stepping on it. He could not tolerate it.

Incensed, he turned to his attendants and said coldly, “The Madam has lost her mind. Take her back to her room. Without my order, no one is to let her out.”

The phrase “closest yet most distant are husband and wife” rang true. Madam Yang stared at him, teeth bared in hatred. As she was dragged away, she screamed, “Jiang Wenhuan, you ungrateful wretch! You will have your retribution! You will!”

Fed up, Jiang Wenhuan had the windows and doors nailed shut. Now Madam Yang could not only leave but couldn’t even be heard, putting an end to the gossip.

…

Soon, it was Jiang Rong’s birthday. With Madam Yang confined, Jiang Wenhuan asked Jiang Shu to organize the celebration. Having known hardship, Jiang Shu knew the value of money; besides clothes and jewelry, she gave Jiang Rong two hundred taels in silver notes.

Fifteen years old marked the hair-pinning ceremony—the transition to adulthood. Jiang Rong knew the Lin family would soon come to set a wedding date. The grand birthday banquet was tinged with the shy anticipation of a young girl.

After the guests left, Jiang Rong tried on all the clothes Jiang Shu had given her. Her beauty was like a white jasmine blooming in the misty rain of the south—unassuming at first glance, but refreshing and elegant upon closer inspection. Bold colors like rouge, dawn purple, or plum did not suit her, but subtle shades like lotus root, sky blue, or soft grass green brought out her unique charm.

Watching her daughter, Concubine Lin couldn’t help but shed a few tears. Her daughter was grown and had secured a high-status marriage despite her birth. She should be happy, yet the thought of her daughter leaving and herself being left alone in the Jiang house was heartbreaking. And there was still that rumor about Minister Lin being a “wife-clasher”—Jiang Wenhuan didn’t care, but she did. She just wanted her daughter to be healthy and safe!

Jiang Rong saw her mother’s sorrow in the mirror. She put down her new clothes and took Lin’s hand, comforting her: “Auntie, don’t be sad. The Lin family is right here in the capital, just a short distance away. I can visit in half a day! Look at Eldest Sister; even though she’s married, she comes back often. She’s even the one handling the wedding arrangements tomorrow. I will be just like her.”

Seeing her mother calmed, Lin squeezed her hand and whispered, “The Lin family is a good place, but I still worry about those rumors. Minister Lin’s destiny is unlucky; I’m afraid, afraid that you…”

“Auntie!” Jiang Rong interrupted. “How can you believe such superstitions? Eldest Sister arranged this marriage; she is kind-hearted, would she ever harm me?”

In Jiang Rong’s heart, no one was more capable or reliable than Jiang Shu. If her sister did something, it must be right.

Lin didn’t say more. Though she had two children, she was indecisive and weak; if not for Jiang Shu’s protection over the years, she might have been kicked out by Madam Yang long ago. If she didn’t trust Jiang Shu, who could she trust?

…

The next morning, the Lin family’s representative and a matchmaker arrived to set the wedding date. Such an important task usually fell to the groom’s mother, but since the elder Madam Lin was a recluse who wouldn’t leave her Buddhist hall, her sister-in-law, Madam Wen, had to handle everything.

The birth dates of Lin Yunzhi and Jiang Rong were written on red cards. Madam Wen showed the results to Jiang Shu, smiling, “Minister Fang of the Imperial Academy is a close friend of my brother. He personally performed the divination for Yunzhi and the Third Miss. He said they are a match made in heaven—their fates are perfectly aligned. They are a destined couple and should be wed as soon as possible. Perhaps the Second Young Madam could choose an auspicious date so we can finalize the marriage?”

The Lin family was extremely humble. Jiang Shu didn’t want to seem arrogant. She looked at the dates the matchmaker provided: the earliest was in August, the middle in October, and the latest in February of next year. A long wait invited complications, while the earliest seemed too rushed.

Jiang Shu picked up the card for October 6th and said softly, “Let’s choose this date. October is golden autumn, and the weather will be pleasant.”

With the date set, the two families were officially joined. Lin Yunzhi, being thoughtful, booked a table at the Banquet Pavilion and invited the entire Jiang family for a meal.

The dinner was lively and full of laughter. Though Lin Yunzhi and Jiang Rong weren’t seated together, they frequently exchanged glances. Seeing her younger sister secured in a good marriage made Jiang Shu genuinely happy, and she unknowingly drank a couple of cups of wine.

Her tolerance was low, and she began to feel dizzy. Even with ice basins in the room, it felt stifling. Not wanting to dampen the mood, she whispered an excuse to her mother and stepped out of the room.

She walked along the corridor to the back garden. Before her was a delicate arrangement of pavilions and water features. The summer breeze, carrying the scent of the water, brushed against her face, clearing her head. Still feeling a bit weak, she leaned against a railing and sat softly on a wooden stool, staring blankly at the water.

…

The Governor-General of Shaanxi and Gansu had been in the capital for days and had sent over a dozen invitations before finally getting Lu Zhangji to meet him at the Banquet Pavilion. During the meal, he repeatedly tried to align himself with Lu Zhangji, but Lu was unmoved and subtly blocked every advance.

History serves as a warning. Lu Zhangji was already the Grand Secretary—he had reached the peak of power and honors. To recruit military generals at this stage would only invite the Emperor’s suspicion. He tactfully dismissed the Governor-General and paced along the corridor alone.

From a distance, he saw a beautiful woman leaning by the water pavilion. Her face was flushed, she looked soft and weak—likely more charming than the legendary Xi Shi. She had clearly been drinking.

Lu Zhangji’s heart hammered against his ribs, a strange and inexplicable emotion swelling within him. At the same time, he felt a flicker of anger. Did Jiang Shu not know how devastatingly beautiful she was? Why did she drink while out, and worse, why was she out alone? While the capital was the Emperor’s domain, it wasn’t perfectly safe. Men are driven by their base desires; if a rogue saw her in this state, who knew what he might do?

His heart continued to pound. He knew he was bewitched. He didn’t dare look at her further and turned to leave. Yet, he couldn’t bring himself to go far. What if some scoundrel really did appear? She was drunk; how could she defend herself?

He stood with his back to her, letting the wind cool him. After about fifteen minutes, he heard footsteps. He thought she was returning to the room, but then a man’s voice reached his ears.

“That lady by the water is truly enticing. Like a honey peach—I wonder what heavenly flavor she would have in one’s mouth.”

The speaker was Bao Jia, the brother-in-law of the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. Relying on his relative’s power, he often committed misdeeds. His friends, eager to please him, often egged him on.

His friend Ding Yang looked at Jiang Shu and felt he was looking at a goddess. His heart raced and his face reddened. What bad luck, he thought. If he weren’t with Bao Jia today, this beauty would be his. But he needed Bao Jia’s brother-in-law’s help, so he had to yield her.

Ding Yang stepped closer to Bao Jia and urged, “Brother Bao Jia is always bold. Since you like her, why not take advantage of the quiet and pull her into a side room for a taste? A woman who loses her virtue will be desperate to hide it; she’ll never dare make a scene. What is there to hesitate about?”