Yu Si Yu was embroidering Buddhist scriptures for the Old Madam when she heard the chattering voices of the young maidservants.
"Two distinguished guests have visited our manor today. Have you seen them? That outfit, the clothes they are wearing, such grandeur!"
"It's said that she is the Old Madam's old friend's daughter. Her husband's family is Shi Yuntong, the envoy of salt transportation. This time, she accompanied her son to the capital for the imperial examination."
"How did he fare?"
"Of course, he is in the top ten. Otherwise, he wouldn't be staying in the capital and waiting for the imperial examination. The Marquis is the emperor's highly favoured subject. For someone of his status to stay in the Marquis manor will really make others clearly see his family's connections and power, right?"
"So he is here to take advantage of that. He would probably ask the Marquis to help him out."
"What are you even talking about? They lived in the official residence, he is the salt transport envoy, and it is the most popular job in the Han Dynasty. In terms of family assets, even two Marquises' manors aren't equivalent to half of their family! What's more, his son is very handsome, a person with splendid future prospects, has an elegant demeanor which isn't inferior to the Marquis!"
"This quick-witted girl, how do you know this so well?"
"When I passed by the front yard, I saw that he was drinking with the Marquis at the pavilion in the middle of the lake. His every gesture was very sophisticated. "
When talking about this, the little maid servants started to giggle merrily
Yu Si Yu unconsciously stopped embroidering and listened. At that time, the Old Madam's head maidservant, Wan Qiu, lifted the curtain of the door and said, "Young Miss, there is a distinguished guest in the house. Old Madam has invited you to meet her."
This immediately raised Yu Si Yu's spirits. She hurriedly threw her embroidery frame, found the most appropriate Ruqun[1] and put it on. She rushed to the main courtyard and entered the door right after Yu Xiang.
Although Yu Si Yu's appearance was not as dazzling as that of Yu Xiang, it was also elegant and beautiful. Compared with Yu Xiang's enchanting, beautiful and flamboyant appearance, Yu Si Yu had a more gentle and virtuous temperament. Even though she was only a shu[2] daughter, her family background was a little different. However, Marquis Yongle was situated in an important position, which was simply in the heart of the emperor. He grew up together with the Crown Prince, which was enough to ensure the prosperity and glory of Marquis Yongle manor for a hundred years.
Even if the Fang family married a shu daughter of the Yongle Marquis Manor, they would be regarded as marrying someone of a higher social position. Moreover, the Fang family was currently on shaky grounds and no one could save them except Yongle Marquis, who was a commander and possessed an official residence.
Pondering over this, Pei Shi took out two jadeite jade bangles that were almost as clear as water[3] and put on both Yu Xiang and Yu Si Yu. Then, she pulled Yu Si Yu to question her and her attitude was very cordial.
Yu Si Yu's fingertips were trembling due to excitement. She glanced at Yu Xiang who was sipping on her tea slowly. Her eyes were filled with complacency. If she married into the Fang family, there would be countless splendor and wealth awaiting her, which was no worse than that of the Marquis. In addition, the di[4] son of the Fang family wasn't only talented, but also handsome and extraordinary. He was the ideal person amongst thousands of ladies.
In contrast, Yu Xiang, a disabled and illegitimate child, how long can she be proud for? An immense joy rose in her heart as she eagerly fawned over Pei Shi even more.
How could the Old Madam not read her thoughts? She was very angry with her flattering behaviour, but she could not state it explicitly. She had to urge the servants to prepare meals and ordered people to add wine and dishes for his grandson and Fang Zichen in the front yard.
After a round of drinking, Pei Shi was finally satisfied and bid the Old Madam farewell and went back to Die Cui courtyard for a rest. The Old Madam asked someone to guide her there. She turned her head and looked towards Yu Si Yu and said solemnly, "Since you are already sixteen, it's time for you to prepare to receive prospective suitors. You must be well aware of the reason why Madam Pei came to meet you today. I don't want to say anything further. I just want to warn you that rushing to find a partner isn't buying and selling items. You should open your eyes and see clearly. Don't jump into the fire pit by yourself and drag our Yongle Marquis manor down with you."
Yu Si Yu's face revealed a trace of humiliation. She lowered her head and agreed vaguely, "Granddaughter understands Grandmother's teachings."
"Well, then you can leave." The Old Madam looked at Yu Xiang and her face became gentler. "Xiang'er has just returned from Zhengguo Temple praying for blessings. You are also tired. You may leave as well."
Yu Xiang sweetly agreed. Before she left the courtyard, she saw the Momo in charge of purchasing cloth and jewellery had returned. "Young Miss, the material for making spring clothes has arrived. The shopkeeper of Jin Xiue pavilion has just delivered it. Please go and check it."
"Push me there." Yu Xiang waved her hand lazily. Spring had yet to arrive, the plants and trees were luxuriant. Just after drinking a few glasses of light wine, she could smell the fragrance of flowers. How she wished she could sleep under the sun on a soft divan.
Yu Si Yu was exhilarated. After hearing this, she followed silently behind.
The shopkeeper had been waiting for a long time. When she saw Yu Xiang, he immediately came forward, saluted and his attitude was very brown-nose. When Yu Xiang checked the cloth, he didn't dare to say any further because this master's eyes were very sharp. She would only need one glance to know whether the material was good and colour was adequate. If you talk too much, she would be fed up and her feline eyes would give you an indifferent glance which would make you feel so diffident that you wish to drill a hole and hide in it.
In this way, the materials supplied to the Yongle Marquis manor were of high-level of exquisity materials and they dare not mix in any fake ones.
After checking all the fabrics, Yu Xiang threw one of the matching tablets[5] to the shopkeeper and casually said, "Go to the accountant's office and receive the silver. If you have new jewellery, send someone to show it to me. Regarding the price, you will be paid well and there will be no loss for you. Remember, we want the latest and newest, I, Yu Xiang, won't bother getting things that others have worn before."
The shopkeeper picked up the cards and agreed continuously.
[1] 襦裙(rú qún)- Ruqun is an item of traditional Chinese attire primarily for women but also for men. It consists of a blouse (襦 rú ) and a wrap-around skirt (裙 qún). Credits: Wikipedia
[2] 庶(shù)- children born from a concubine
[3] The finest quality jadeite are almost transparent or semitransparent where the text can be read through and it would be slightly blurred. Because light penetrates below the surface, semi-transparent jadeite has an alluring brilliance where it almost appears to glow, increasing the charm of lush green or rich lavender hue.
[4] 嫡 (dí) - Legitimate.
[5] 对牌(duì pái)- A pair of tablet also known as 'checking the number tablet' are made of bamboo and wood, with numbers on them and split in half. It was used as an authentication object which is used to withdraw items from the family. When the servant needs items, after the consent of the family head, she/he will remove half of the tablets and then the servants will receive the items using it. At the time of settlement, the family head would use it to verify.
When the shopkeeper walked away in high spirit, Yu Si Yu spoke in a soft voice, "Xiang'er, you know it's time for me to receive prospective suitors. At the moment, I need a few outfits and a few head ornaments. Can you help your elder sister a little? In the future, your elder sister will never forget your good."
When she said this, she felt all kinds of humiliation and resentment, but in order to live a life of luxury in the future, one of high position and great wealth, she had to endure. She didn't know what this bastard had drugged her grandmother and elder brother with, where even their family property had been managed by her. When the real 'Yu Xiang' returned home, she wondered how aggrieved Yu Xiang would be.
Unfortunately, she would be in Chang Zhou when she married, she would not be able to watch the 'mountain chicken falling off the Chinese Parasol tree' play. As she thought about this, Yu Si Yu smirked.
Yu Xiang opened a piece of cloth and arranged it to be placed under the sun. When she heard what Yu Si Yu had said, she glanced at her and gave a half-smile, "What can you do with a few clothes and accessories? Your appearance would be beautiful but your inner self is an idiot. Even if you married into an aristocratic family, sooner or later, you would end up staying at home alone. I have told you earlier that it's better for you to learn to manage the manor in your spare time. While you are this 'good', you aren't attentive when you have received the task and instead you order people to cause trouble for me. You don't even know of your own abilities. You're too tender to play with me. As long as you put your effort into it and learn the tiniest bit from me, it would be enough for you for a lifetime. If you are so crazy about getting married, then go ahead and look into the Fang family's circumstances well first before jumping into the pit. How can someone managing the salt administration be ethical? The Emperor has recently been investigating the state administration of taxes. Salt transportation is the most crucial area. Others are busy staying away from them, instead you can't wait to jump into it. If you drag my elder brother down, don't blame me for not recognizing you as my relative!"
She took a sip of hot tea and continued to reprimand, "To learn those that you aren't supposed to learn, the things that you should know you don't even know. The questions that should be asked you don't ask. All you concentrate on are dishonest practices. I think you shouldn't only straighten out your face, but also your brain!"
Yu Si Yu was lectured so harshly that she couldn't even lift her head. Hearing the suppressed laughter of the little maidservants around her, she wished she could tear apart that vicious mouth. As for what she said, she didn't put it to heart at all, and just considered that she couldn't bear to see her doing well.
Although the Second Young Miss' words were not pleasant to hear, they were very accurate. If the Eldest Yong Miss was cautious of this, she would surely benefit for life. Unfortunately, Eldest Young Miss was wooden-headed and didn't understand what to do. Comparing the wisdom amongst the sisters, the difference was as vast as heaven and earth.
Yu Si Yu's personal maidservant was a hot-tempered person. She couldn't control herself and raised her head slightly to gaze at Yu Xiang with a venomous look.
Yu Xiang's hand holding onto the teacup paused. She picked up the whip, hit the maid servant's jaw and raised her eyebrows and said, "What kind of gaze do you have? You aren't convinced?"
Who would dare to fight against the Second Young Miss in the Marquis Yongle Manor? If you were whipped by her, no matter whether you made a mistake or not, you would be awarded with 50 boards by the marquis.
That girl trembled and quickly knelt down to admit her mistake.
Yu Xiang ignored her and carefully warned Yu Si Yu, "I'll give you the spring clothes and head ornaments that you have requested for. It doesn't matter how expensive it is. I only have this small request for you--Don't drag my elder brother down, or I will let you live in cold and hunger for the rest of your life. Do you believe in it or not?"
She raised her jaw, and her big bright feline eyes' stared fixedly on the girl opposite her. There was a kind of innocent and cruel gleam hidden in her eyes.
Yu Si Yu unconsciously stepped back a few steps and said in a trembling voice, "Younger sister's words are too harsh. I can't make decisions in my marriage and it's up to Grandmother to decide on my marriage."
"I'm glad you know that. I am afraid that you wouldn't think it through and do some dirty tactics like throwing yourself into the arms and lowering your status and pasting yourself to them?" She slightly opened her feline eyes and said. Her smile was so clear and beautiful that it was very cute. "Alright, you can go now. I will send someone to deliver the cloth and jewelleries. If you take my things, you must obey my rules."
Yu Si Yu nodded and left.
This conversation was later relayed into the Old Madam's ears through the Momo in charge. As the Old Madam pruned the potted plants, she laughed and sighed, "There is Xiang'er in my family. What else is there for me to worry about? If Yu Si Yu can learn a little bit of Xiang'er's wisdom, I will not keep her in this manor until now. To marry into a noble family? She didn't consider Yan'er's position in the imperial court, how would the emperor look at our Marquis and aristocratic families joining hands. If she wants to squeeze into the aristocracy, she will never be able to do so in her life."
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Yu Pin Yan was receiving Fang Zhi Chen in the front yard. The two sat opposite each other in the Lake Pavillion, and on the low table there were several dishes with perfect colour and flavour. The spring breeze brought a continuous stream of extraordinary aromatic fragrance from the flowers and trees. It was quite intoxicating.
Fang Zhi Chen secretly looked at the beautiful face of the unwed Marquis Yongle. He wanted to propose a toast but he did not dare to make a move as the aura of Marquis Yongle was so cold that even warm sunshine could not seep through.
Several little maidservants pretended to pass by the lake in a hurry and immediately turned and hid behind the rockery. Through the holes in the rockery, they enjoyed Fang Zhi Cen's handsome face and sometimes giggled softly.
Fang Zhi Chen was a frail scholar that would naturally be unable to hear them. Yu Pin Yan could hear them clearly. His sharp eyes glimpsed through his face and then he said in a deep voice, "Since you're here to prepare for the exam, you'd better stay in the room and study. Don't walk around in the backyard." If he accidentally bumped into Xiang'er, he would have to kick the mother and son out of the manor.
"Don't I have to greet the Old Madam every day?" Fang Zhi Chen's face was a little pale and tried to recall whether he had offended Marquis Yongle.
"No need. The Old Madam has to recite Buddhist scriptures every day. Don't disturb her peace. If you need anything, send someone to inform her about it. Naturally, someone will help you with it."
Fang Zhi Chen repeatedly agreed, and deeply thought that the rumour was true. Marquis Yongle had a jade-like appearance of the King of Hell. Sitting opposite him seemed to be sitting in a world of ice and snow, there didn't seem to be even half a thread of human in him.