Chapter 55: Chapter Fifty-Five

Yan Shi brought Cheng Linghe to visit the Xie family; this happened two days later.

Yan Shi's sedan chair stopped at the gate of Xie Fu; the servants asked for her invitation card, but Yan Shi could not produce one, only handing over a visiting card, and told the gatekeeper to find Lu Bao'er, saying that she was the third aunt from the Cheng family come to see her.

When the servants heard that it was the lady's natal family, they did not dare delay, hurriedly delivering the visiting card to Old Grandma. Lu Bao'er had been troubled by Xie Junling the previous night, demanding water twice throughout the night; upon waking she felt listless, with nothing to do, and Old Grandma, feeling sorry for her, let Lu Bao'er go back to sleep for a while.

It was noon; Old Grandma wanted to wake Lu Bao'er for lunch and was about to go into the inner chambers to call her, but before she could enter, a servant came to report that Yan Shi had arrived.

According to propriety, when receiving guests one should first present a visiting card to the host, so that the host can set a time convenient for both sides. How could one rely on being the Cheng family's third aunt to barge in without even saying a word beforehand? Although Xie Fu is an official residence, it is not a vegetable garden where one can come and go as they please.

Old Grandma put on a stern face, thinking that Yan Shi lacked manners. Moreover, she also knew the Cheng family's schemes and felt no goodwill toward that household.

She thought this in her heart but did not say it aloud. At that moment, it seemed as if the servants had led Yan Shi to the Flower Hall, where they served fine tea and pastries, and had Liu Xiang attend in front so as not to neglect Yan Shi.

Old Grandma then went to wake Lu Bao'er, help her dress and groom, and then lead her to the Flower Hall to receive guests.

In the Flower Hall, Yan Shi saw Lu Bao'er dawdling, unwilling to come out to receive guests, and felt displeased. Which mistress of the house would sleep until the sun is three poles high? Perhaps Lu Bao'er was deliberately slighting her! Unfortunately, the people Yan Shi spoke of all had parents-in-law, so as a daughter-in-law one would naturally not dare to oversleep. But the Xie household is tranquil and has no elders; naturally the mistress of the house is the one in charge, and there is no need to rise so early—moreover, who would dare criticize her?

Yan Shi silently cursed: 'No wonder she was raised in the countryside—she has no manners at all, and even when seeing her elders she drags her feet.'

Cheng Linghe, standing with downcast eyes, secretly curled her lips; she could naturally see Yan Shi's suppressed expression, and inwardly laughed, thinking Yan Shi was utterly clueless! Lu Bao'er is, after all, the wife of an academician, while what official position does Cheng Linghe, the third lady of the Cheng family, hold? She is merely an elder from her natal family, yet she dares to lean on her age and act senior, giving Lu Bao'er face.

Cheng Linghe could not help but survey the Xie residence; she had long heard that it was an imperial-bestowed official mansion, closest to the imperial city. Indeed, a residence raised by the imperial household, every plant and arrangement is exquisitely fine, and the lacquer on the carved beams and painted pillars is renewed year after year, showing no trace of decay.

Her heart stirred; as she surveyed the several courtyards of the Xie household, she had already worked out where she would live in the future.

Xie Junling had arranged with his colleagues to go out in the morning and would only return in the evening, so Cheng Linghe did not happen to meet this brother-in-law; she felt uninterested, and also considered that a master of the house would not casually come to see a female guest, so missing him was understandable.

By the time Lu Bao'er was helped out by Old Grandma, a quarter of an hour had passed.

Upon seeing Yan Shi, Lu Bao'er gave an apologetic smile: 'Please forgive the third aunt for having waited; today I truly felt unwell, so I slept a little longer.'

Yan Shi smiled and said: 'Women often suffer from colds and headaches; the third aunt understands, as long as you are well.'

After saying that, Yan Shi called over to the side where Cheng Linghe was introducing herself to Lu Bao'er: 'Sister Linghe, come, pay your respects to your older sister. This is the daughter of the third branch, Linghe; I have brought her to the capital to broaden her horizons.'

Yan Shi's words were smooth; when introducing Cheng Linghe she said she was a daughter of the third branch, but did not specify whether she was of the main line or a concubine's offspring—if she were her biological daughter she would be of the main line, yet Yan Shi spoke rather distantly, indicating she was not her birth daughter; therefore, Cheng Linghe must be a concubine's daughter.

Why bring a concubine's daughter to the capital to visit relatives? Or perhaps it is because she is of marriageable age, neither too young nor too old, and she is staying at Yan Shi's natal home.

How close can this concubine's daughter be to Yan Shi? In a great family, if the distinction between main and concubine lines is not clear, one becomes a laughingstock.

Thus, Cheng Linghe's coming to the capital must serve another purpose.

Lu Bao'er's thoughts turned over and over; Old Grandma saw Cheng Linghe dressed up in a flashy manner and had already noticed. Every aspect of Cheng Linghe's appearance and attire was new—clearly she had put effort into coming to the Xie mansion today. To dress up so elaborately for a mere concubine's daughter? Surely that cannot be!

Old Grandma narrowed her eyes, guessing roughly: she must be aiming for Xie Junling!

The Cheng family really knows how to calculate; seeing that Lu Bao'er refuses to return, they slipped one in, truly treating the Cheng family as her natal household and trying to manage even her granddaughter!

Lu Bao'er exchanged a few pleasantries with Yan Shi, who smiled and asked: 'Why don't I see Mister Xie?'

Lu Bao'er replied with a smile: 'My husband went out with his colleagues to enjoy the spring scenery; he may only return later.'

'So that's the case.' Yan Shi felt a bit disappointed; she had still hoped to let Cheng Linghe meet Xie Junling.

Who would have thought—speak of Cao Cao and Cao Cao appears. Not long after, a maid came to report to Lu Bao'er: 'Madam, the master has returned.'

Lu Bao'er knew this was because Xie Junling saw her receiving guests in the Flower Hall and did not want to disturb her, so she sent a little maid to inquire about the situation.

Lu Bao'er softly instructed: 'Tell the master that I am seeing the third aunt in the Flower Hall, and have the kitchen prepare a bowl of shredded chicken and cucumber cold noodles to send over for him.'

Lu Bao'er did not know whether Xie Junling had eaten outside, so she first had a bowl of noodles made—if he could eat, he would eat some; if not, he would eat less.

Upon hearing that there were cucumbers even in winter—a rare vegetable, since winter produce is usually far more expensive than ordinary—Cheng Linghe thought that the third branch's main-line daughter would not have much of a rarity, yet she herself had seldom eaten fresh vegetables in winter, relying mostly on milk. She had assumed that although the Xie residence looked splendid, the family lacked any notable background and must be living frugly; but upon looking, she feared she had overthought it—the Xie household actually seemed to have some means.

In fact, the cucumbers were grown by Ye Daniang, who is skilled in trellis cultivation; even in winter she can produce some fresh fruits and vegetables. Lu Bao'er had also sent some produce to Old Lady Su, who in return rewarded her, giving Lu Bao'er the pretext of a reciprocal gift and sending several chests of cloth and treasures.

They say it's 'returning a peach for a plum,' but Old Lady Su's plum is awfully big.

Thinking thus, Cheng Linghe felt a glimmer of hope and became even more eager to step into the Xie household's gate.

Not long after the maid had left, she returned and told Lu Bao'er: 'Madam, the master says he has already finished his meal and intends to go to the study to read some books.'

Lu Bao'er knew that Xie Junling was using the maid as a messenger to chat with her—how could a grown man be so childish! He insists on using this method to talk to her.

Helpless as she was, she could only reply that she understood.

Seeing this back-and-forth, Yan Shi inferred that Lu Bao'er and Xie Junling were deeply devoted as husband and wife. She was somewhat surprised, yet also knew that Lu Bao'er's fortune was good; today she had wanted to take her to a villa, to send Cheng Linghe to the Xie household to keep Lu Bao'er company—heretofore-unmet older sister—and stay a couple of days, but that now seemed unlikely.

What Yan Shi knew, the perceptive Cheng Linghe would certainly not be unaware of.

After thinking it over, she decided to use some underhanded means. While the little maid was bringing her tea, Cheng Linghe accidentally tripped her, causing the tea to spill onto her clothes.

Lu Bao'er gasped, and quickly shouted for Liu Xiang to take Cheng Linghe to the inner chambers to change clothes.

Yan Shi inwardly despised Cheng Linghe's tactics, yet wanted to go along with her for a moment. Thus she detained Lu Bao'er, continuing to talk with her, while Cheng Linghe followed the maid into the rear inner court.

Having changed into fresh clothes, Cheng Linghe expressly said she wanted to use the privy. Liu Xiang intended to lead the way and point her direction, but Cheng Linghe lied, saying she knew the location and asked Liu Xiang to wait there awhile.

Liu Xiang did not understand how Cheng Linghe knew the way to the rear courtyard, but since Cheng Linghe was a guest and Liu Xiang a servant, she dared not press further.

Cheng Linghe circled the corridors, avoided Liu Xiang, and under the pretense of being lost, asked her way all the way to the courtyard of Xie Junling's study.

She had heard that Xie Junling was here, and thus formed her intention.

If she could happen to meet her brother-in-law and see him once, relying on her beauty that puts the moon to shame and makes flowers blush, it would be hard to guarantee that Xie Junling would not develop thoughts.

Men are all fickle; how could they refuse having more women?

Cheng Linghe saw not far off a handsome young man practicing swordplay, thinking it must be Xie Junling. Who would have known that besides his literary talent, he also could wield blades and spears, his bearing indicating he was highly skilled in martial arts.

Cheng Linghe's ordinary heart stirred slightly; she stepped forward and bowed gracefully: 'Sir, I have accidentally lost my way here; could you trouble yourself to lead me to the Flower Hall where Madam Xie is receiving guests?'

The young man sheathed his icy long sword, gave Cheng Linghe a cold glance, and said: 'Hmm, follow me.'

Cheng Linghe guessed he was Xie Junling, but at that moment she refused to reveal it; if she made her identity clear, she would not be able to get close to him, so naturally she had to conceal and hide it from him.

Although the Xie residence is not large, its layout is not simple; after walking through several corridors it actually took a quarter of an hour. Cheng Linghe hurried along, failed to notice the snow on the steps, and nearly slipped. She leaned forward, bumping into the man's broad shoulders and narrow waist; the collision itself was nothing, but her words were startling. She did not know where she found the courage, but she embraced him and cooed: 'Sir, I think I've sprained my ankle.'

Upon hearing this, the man gave a cold snort and said: 'Sprained your ankle? If you can't walk, then chop it off.'

'Ah?!' Cheng Linghe gasped, not expecting him to speak so heartlessly.

At that moment Lu Bao'er and Yan Shi also rushed to the vicinity; they had originally noticed Cheng Linghe had not returned for half a day, and Liu Xiang said she could not find her, so they went searching. Who would have thought that upon arriving they saw Cheng Linghe entwined with a man.

When the man saw Lu Bao'er, he stepped forward; Cheng Linghe, seeing the situation was wrong, hurriedly cried out: 'Brother-in-law, why are you taking liberties with me?'

The man turned back, amused, and said: 'Taking liberties? Are you blind in one eye, seeing me take liberties with you?'

Lu Bao'er, upon seeing the cold‑faced Yama‑like Zhu Sheng and Cheng Linghe arguing, felt a bit overwhelmed.

It seems Cheng Linghe mistook the person, taking Zhu Sheng for Xie Junling.

At that moment, Xie Junling also heard the commotion and was summoned by the old granny.

Cheng Linghe realized she had caused a major scandal, flirting with an outsider man, and her face instantly burned.

Several people were receiving guests in the Flower Hall; Yan Shi stared at Cheng Linghe, vexed that she could not forge steel, and Cheng Linghe felt so embarrassed she wished to find a crack in the ground to crawl into.

Lu Bao'er, seeing this farce, could only turn a blind eye and said, 'It turns out to be just a farce—Cheng Linghe merely sprained her ankle; where does this talk of impropriety come from?'

Cheng Linghe naturally dared not say such words; could it be that she intended to marry a guard? How embarrassing!

Seeing Cheng Linghe so meek, unable to utter a word, Yan Shi casually said a few lines and then led the people away, disheveled, from the Xie Family.

She still thought Cheng Linghe might have some seductive trick, but who knew she was also foolish, even trying to frame Xie Junling. Leaving aside whether she could get into the Xie Family's rear courtyard, even if she did, using such vile means, would Xie Junling even glance at her again?

Clearly, her parents are foolish, and her daughter is clueless.

Yan Shi had lost all face today; upon getting into the carriage, she slapped someone.

Cheng Linghe put on a show of obedience, still letting Yan Shi vent her anger. When Yan Shi's fury subsided, Cheng Linghe plopped down on her knees before her and said, 'Mother, it's all my fault; I only thought that if I could climb into the Xie Family, I could bring Mother more support in the future—who knew it would backfire.'

Her words were quite skillful, all aimed at benefiting Yan Shi.

Yan Shi watched coldly, naturally knowing Cheng Linghe wasn't simple; being able to speak like that, to bend and stretch, she naturally had an agenda.

Cheng Linghe bit her lip and said, 'Today's mishap is all my fault; please, Mother, absolutely do not let this get out. If Grandmother finds out, she will surely marry me off arbitrarily. If you agree, Mother, I will henceforth devote myself to your plans, following your lead.'

It turned out she was afraid that such an embarrassing matter would reach Old Lady Cheng; Old Lady Cheng, unwilling to keep a concubine‑born daughter, naturally, to preserve the family's propriety, would send her far away—out of sight, out of mind.

Only Yan Shi and Lu Bao'er know this; as long as Yan Shi stays silent, the Cheng Clan will remain unaware, and she could still leverage her looks for wealth and status. So what's kneeling before Yan Shi? Even if she had to kowtow, Cheng Linghe could do it.

Yan Shi gave a cold smile and sneered, 'You can endure this much; if you'd crawled out of my belly, you'd have some fortune. Since you've said all this, I'll agree. Just remember, I'll have you do as I say, or else I'll eventually expose this scandal of yours.'

Cheng Linghe was overjoyed, saying repeatedly, 'Yes, yes, I will certainly obey Mother.'

As for Cheng Linghe after her exalted marriage, she harbored a grudge against Yan Shi in her heart, deliberately seeking trouble to retaliate, leaving Yan Shi bitter and wronged with nowhere to vent.

However, such grudges are matters for later; now, saying more would be pointless.

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