Chapter 6

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After a discussion between mother and daughter, since emissaries from the Prince of Huai’an’s residence had arrived, they naturally could not be ignored. They decided to first gauge the situation before taking any further steps. Aunt Cao waited in the front hall for a short while before the two of them came out to receive guests.

At that moment, Chen Jiao was dressed in a charming light turquoise robe with a mixed hem and flowing sleeves, wearing delicately pointed shoes. Her figure was slender and graceful. Madam Xu had styled her hair simply in a trailing bun, adorned only with a slender red silk ribbon. Her makeup was light and delicate; although she wore a vibrant peach blossom style, it could not conceal her spirited aura.

Aunt Cao stole several glances before bowing to the two and introducing herself. Madam Xu returned the bow. Representing the principal wife, Aunt Cao carried herself with a certain dignity, neither humble nor overbearing, and said, “Yesterday, my mistress learned of Madam Xu’s situation and, with the master’s consent, has sent me to escort Madam Xu and Little Mistress Chen into the residence.”

Madam Xu, half skeptical, probed, “Is this with Lord Chen’s consent?”

Aunt Cao nodded, lying, “It was the master’s approval.” She added, “Madam Xu has borne children for the Chen family and raised them outside—it is truly improper to keep her out there. Therefore, I have been ordered to escort you both into the residence and ensure your accommodation.”

Her words were difficult to refute. The mother and daughter exchanged looks; since it was said to be approved by the Prince of Huai’an himself, they felt they had no grounds to refuse.

That afternoon, mother and daughter boarded a carriage arranged by Madam Zheng and entered the residence. Upon arrival, Aunt Cao led them through a side gate. Two soft sedan chairs awaited; the mother and daughter each entered one, and the sedan bearers carried them to the Chuiflower Gate.

Inside lay the inner quarters, where men from outside were forbidden to enter. Mother and daughter descended from their chairs; Aunt Cao and two maidservants guided them through the corridors, while their trunks were carried by servants to the Pear Fragrance Courtyard.

Unlike the North, the South remained vibrant even in winter. On the way to the Jade and Gold Courtyard, the mother and daughter could not help but be captivated by the residence’s grandeur.

The entire Prince of Huai’an’s estate was vast, featuring an artificial lake, dozens of pavilions, towers, and courtyards. Along the path were intricately carved beams and painted rafters, with meticulously arranged rockeries, small bridges, and flowing water, enchanting the eyes.

As they passed through a corridor, they glimpsed fiery red maple leaves glowing across the lake. Aunt Cao pointed to an inconspicuous plum grove nearby and said, “The wintersweet hasn’t yet blossomed, but when it does, Madam Xu must come to admire it—it’s intoxicatingly fragrant.”

Madam Xu responded, “This scenery is truly beautiful.”

Suddenly, Aunt Cao shifted her tone, “That wintersweet grove was planted by the master himself for our lady.”

Madam Xu choked slightly, rolling her eyes inwardly. Aunt Cao’s words were laced with subtle barbs beneath the warm hospitality, delivering a sharp lesson on their first day in the residence, making mother and daughter quietly uneasy.

Upon reaching the Jade and Gold Courtyard, Aunt Cao went to notify the household. Soon, a maid summoned mother and daughter to a side hall. They composed themselves and walked in a ladylike manner to meet the mistress.

Chen Jiao felt awkward; she walked according to her own likes, caring little for ladylike decorum. Yet Madam Xu kept reminding her that their status had changed and that she must adopt proper lady-like demeanor to secure a good marriage in the future.

Entering the side hall, mother and daughter bowed to Madam Zheng. Born from a scholarly family and raised with care, Madam Zheng’s bearing and appearance far surpassed Madam Xu, making the latter feel inferior. She dared not meet her gaze, knowing that, as a concubine, she would have to seek favor under the main wife.

Madam Zheng, seated quietly on the couch, appraised the two without a word before ordering servants to prepare seats. Mother and daughter each took their places.

Madam Zheng’s gaze rested on Chen Jiao, seeming quite pleased. She said, “I heard from my lord that Ah Ying has come of age this year?”

Madam Xu hurriedly replied, “Yes, Your Grace. Ah Ying reached her coming-of-age ceremony in May.”

Madam Zheng smiled knowingly, “She’s of marrying age now. The eighth lady of the residence, who is the same age as her, has already been betrothed.”

Madam Xu, naively hopeful for a good match arranged by the head mistress, responded happily, “Please, Your Grace, do take good care in arranging for Ah Ying.”

Madam Zheng spoke kindly, “I am older than you—just call me sister.”

Madam Xu shamelessly called her sister. Chen Jiao glanced at her mother, sensing something was amiss. Her mother was clever and always suspicious.

Indeed, Madam Zheng’s friendly demeanor was like that of a benevolent bodhisattva, who through a few words coaxed out the story of their hardships in Tongzhou.

Madam Xu poured out their sorrows, eliciting much sympathy from Madam Zheng.

Meanwhile, Prince Chen, returning from outside and hearing from servants that Madam Xu and her daughter had been brought into the residence, was taken aback. He and Madam Zheng had been at odds over the matter of marrying off their daughters and feared she might be causing trouble, so he hurried to the Jade and Gold Courtyard to see the situation.

Just then, a maid announced the master’s arrival. Madam Xu, kneeling on the couch, was delighted and peered outside. Madam Zheng suppressed her disdain and rose to greet him.

In moments, Chen En entered the side hall, with Madam Zheng and Madam Xu both bowing to him, and Chen Jiao calling out, “Father.”

Chen En glanced at mother and daughter, then fixed his eyes on Madam Zheng. She calmly said, “You came back early, my lord. I have sent for Sister Xu and settled her in the Pear Fragrance Courtyard—is that proper?”

Though harboring doubts, Chen En refrained from anger, replying, “Thank you, Lady Yue, the Pear Fragrance Courtyard is very suitable.”

He then looked at the two women and said, “I have something to discuss with Lady Yue. Hui Niang, you should return to the Pear Fragrance Courtyard first. We will come to see you later.”

Madam Xu suppressed her joy and bowed with Chen Jiao before departing.

After they left, Chen En’s expression turned cold as he flopped down on a bamboo chair, clearly displeased.

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He was vexed because that morning his wife’s family had pressured him not to allow Chen Xianle to marry into Jiaozhou.

Madam Zheng, understanding his mood, lowered her tone: “I heard Madam Xu’s situation is truly difficult. Since she bore your children and raised them outside, it was improper to leave her there. That is why I took the liberty of bringing mother and daughter into the residence. Please do not take offense.”

Chen En’s face remained stern. Having been married for decades, he knew her nature well and asked sharply, “What ability does Madam Xu have to warrant you lowering yourself to invite her in?”

Madam Zheng disliked the tone. “I am only upholding the Chen family’s reputation.”

Chen En laughed bitterly, pointing at his own face, “When have you ever cared about my reputation?”

Madam Zheng’s warmth met his coldness with no success. Chen En was blunt: “This morning, my in-laws chastised me; this afternoon, you kindly bring Madam Xu and her daughter into the house.

“Lady Yue, your family’s tactics are truly interesting—slap me with one hand, feed me with the other. Too many back-and-forths just don’t sit well.”

Tears welled in Madam Zheng’s eyes as she felt wronged, “So I shouldn’t have brought Madam Xu in at all!”

Chen En snapped, “Why feel wronged? They’ve been sly foxes and crafty spirits for ages. Whenever I kept women outside, you would always cause a fuss.

“But now you’ve gone and brought them into the residence—what is your true intention? Don’t think I don’t see through it.

“Let me be clear: if you want Ah Ying to marry into Jiaozhou on behalf of the fifth lady, you can forget it.”

This enraged Madam Zheng, who cursed him loudly, “Do you have any conscience?!”

Chen En ignored her and stormed out. The sound of broken cups and plates followed. He would not listen, his mind troubled.

He had long felt oppressed by the Zheng family siblings, harboring a deep resentment. His in-laws managed everything too closely, which left him unhappy.

Meanwhile, in the Pear Fragrance Courtyard, mother and daughter were curiously examining their surroundings.

Since it was winter, the ginkgo trees were bare, but the Buddhist belly bamboo along the walls was lush and green.

Chen Jiao entered their chamber and looked around. Though small, the room was fully equipped: exquisite screens, clean and tidy beds, and brand-new cabinets and furnishings, showing clear effort in preparation.

Soon, a maid announced that the Prince of Huai’an had come to visit them.

Madam Xu hurried out to greet him with a happy bow.

Chen En took her hand, smiling, and asked, “Is Lady Hui pleased with this courtyard?”

Madam Xu replied, “It’s very good.”

They entered the front hall. Chen Jiao came forward to bow and called out, “Father.”

Chen En nodded and said, “From now on, this will be your shelter from wind and rain. I will not let you suffer injustice anymore.”

Madam Xu coquettishly said, “You must keep your word, Lord Chen.”

Chen En replied solemnly, “I will never deceive you.”

Chen Jiao did not dampen their mood and quietly withdrew.

She went back to her chamber to organize her clothes. Soon after, she heard Madam Xu singing softly.

After so many years, Madam Xu had resumed her old trade, using the songs she learned in the brothel to charm men again.

Chen Jiao’s feelings were complex. Her mother’s voice was no longer as it once was, or perhaps the Prince of Huai’an only heard the echoes of former affection.

Once the novelty wore off, what tricks would she have left to hold him?

That night, Chen En stayed in the Pear Fragrance Courtyard, and the news spread among the concubines in the residence.

In the Autumn Fragrance Pavilion of the Second Residence, Li Chunqin silently drank her ginseng soup, listening to her maid’s gossip.

Li was older than the main wife, having entered the residence early as a servant and then elevated to concubine.

She bore the Prince three sons and was a year older than Chen En.

The Prince was notoriously amorous, and Li was used to it. Unlike Madam Zheng, she had no noble background and thus less confidence.

Yet she held the position of mother to the eldest son.

Before Madam Zheng entered the residence, she had borne the first and second sons and was now favored by the father, securing her status.

Zhidong, warming her bed with a hot-water bottle, grumbled, “The Jade and Gold Courtyard really is like the sun rising from the west.”

Li Chunqin’s face was thin and delicate. Her health had declined in recent years, and she took ginseng soup regularly.

She smiled faintly at Zhidong’s complaint and said, “Since there are newcomers, tomorrow we’ll fetch two bolts of cloth from the storeroom as gifts.”

Zhidong turned her head, “It’s good the mistress has a good temper and is not angry.”

Li said, “At my age, what is there to fuss over?” After a pause, “Tomorrow, have the sixth residence come over. I heard the eighth lady is the same age as the newcomer, just a few months older. It would be good for them to meet.”

Zhidong’s eyes rolled, clearly enjoying the drama, “People of the same age must have endless things to say.”

Li smiled without answering.

Early the next morning, Madam Xu served Chen En as he went to the government office.

That morning, the main wife sent a gift of cloth and jewelry to greet them.

Shortly after, the second residence sent two bolts of fine fabric.

The third residence’s Madam Yue personally came to visit.

She had been the one to suggest offloading the troublesome matter of Jiaozhou onto Madam Xu and her daughter, coming now to check on the situation.

Although Madam Xu had suffered greatly in the brothel, she was naive about the intrigues within the residence and unaware of their schemes.

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She spent the entire morning entertaining the concubines until noon, when things finally quieted somewhat.

Chen Jiao learned from the maids all the household details, including that there were nine wives and concubines, including her own mother.

She also found out that the Prince had more than twenty surviving children, and knew the status of each son’s mother.

Privately, Chen Jiao criticized the Prince’s promiscuity.

Though Madam Xu had prepared herself mentally, she was still shaken and comforted herself, “Men are all much the same.”

Chen Jiao, somewhat helpless, having watched many palace dramas, was versed in the secrets of inner households.

She said, “Mother, can you endure sharing Father’s affection with so many wives and concubines?”

Madam Xu remained silent, avoiding a direct answer. “I am but a concubine. The main wife endures it—I should be no different.”

Chen Jiao said seriously, “It’s not the same. She is the principal mistress; you are a concubine, and you have no child to support you.”

Madam Xu replied, “I heard the fourth residence has no children. At least I have you. What is there to fear?”

Chen Jiao was momentarily speechless, her emotions mixed.

Madam Xu remained optimistic, “No matter what, life now will be much better than before.”

Chen Jiao found this undeniable.

Madam Xu said, “Since we’re here, we must settle. I have no other thoughts for now, only hoping to find a good marriage for you.”

Chen Jiao responded, “I won’t feel at ease until we’ve firmly established ourselves.”

Madam Xu felt her heart warmed, smiling, “My son still cares for his mother.”

That afternoon, Zhao Wan’er from the sixth residence came to visit.

Zhao was in her thirties, with one daughter and two sons, and brought Chen Baniang, Chen Chan, along.

Chen Chan was the same age as Chen Jiao, a few months older, and already betrothed.

The two chatted in the chamber while Zhao and Madam Xu talked in the adjoining room.

Speaking of Chen Chan’s marriage, satisfaction was evident on Zhao’s round face.

She said, “The Gu family of Huizhou is a prominent clan. I begged the master for a long time before he agreed to this match.”

Madam Xu admired, “The eighth lady is truly fortunate.”

Zhao smiled as she sipped her tea, hinting, “But compared to the fifth lady’s marriage, it’s far from ideal.”

Madam Xu asked curiously, “How so?”

Zhao replied, “Before long, the fifth lady will marry into Jiaozhou, and her husband is the governor there.”

Madam Xu’s eyes brightened, “The governor’s wife is a prestigious position!” Then, innocently, “I imagine the husband must be a young and talented gentleman!”

Zhao laughed secretly, lowering her voice, “Sister, you jest. To reach the governor’s post, youth alone won’t suffice.”

Madam Xu paused, slowly realizing the implication.

Zhao beckoned her closer and whispered, “That governor in Jiaozhou is already in his early fifties.”

Madam Xu was shocked, unable to believe it, “I heard the fifth lady is only eighteen?”

Zhao nodded.

Madam Xu’s worldview cracked.

Marrying an eighteen-year-old to a fifty-one-year-old? That’s basically a father-son age gap!

She looked at Zhao with disbelief.

Zhao’s expression was inscrutable.

Madam Xu had questions but Zhao stopped short.

Later, after Zhao left, Madam Xu’s eye twitched uncontrollably.

Though not clever, she sensed something was wrong.

Chen Jiao, too, learned from Chen Chan about the first residence’s marriage plans and finally understood the full story.

Madam Xu was anxious, like ants on a hot pan, and said to her daughter, “You were right; the fox and the chicken don’t mean well!”

Chen Jiao sat on the bed’s edge, looking out the window, and said, “Mother must find a way to get two household servants from Father to serve us.”

The maids and housekeepers in their courtyard were all assigned by the first residence; they had no one they could trust.

Madam Xu was beset by worries and nodded, “No wonder the first residence is so cordial—it’s all a trap for me!”

Chen Jiao said nothing.

Madam Xu paced with folded arms, muttering, “She doesn’t want to marry off her daughter, so don’t think she’ll let me off easy!

“Tomorrow, I’ll tell your father—being bullied like this right after entering the residence is simply too much!”

She said this intentionally for the maids outside to hear.

Chen Jiao felt anxious as well.

The alliance marriage with Jiaozhou was clearly strategic; otherwise, it wouldn’t be so absurd.

At first, they hoped to enjoy a better life inside the Prince of Huai’an’s residence, but upon entering, they were doused with cold water, shattering their illusions.

Chen Jiao felt a sense of crisis, knowing from Chen Chan that there were only two sisters of marriageable age in the residence.

There was Chen Xianle of the first residence, Chen Lianjun of the third, and now her, Chen Jiao.

The groom from Jiaozhou would certainly be chosen from among these three.

Chen Jiao wanted to curse; now was the time to test her skill at shifting blame.