Chapter 34: Gift-Giving
Eunuch Lu of the Directorate of Ceremonial had served as the Garrison Eunuch of the Northern Pass in his youth.
General Tan came from a prominent military family of the Northern Pass. Though several generations had served in the army, none had achieved great success, so they simply attached themselves to Eunuch Lu.
He joined the army at fifteen, recognized Eunuch Lu as his adoptive father, and only then gained the opportunity to serve under the command of the Duke of Ningguo’s camp.
After Eunuch Lu became the head of the Directorate of Ceremonial, General Tan, having earned merit alongside the Young Master, secured a joint recommendation that allowed him to enter the capital.
The Young Master sending lavish gifts to Eunuch Lu was also facilitated by General Tan’s connections.
When Shen Shi heard of this matter, she felt even more disappointed in her husband.
Her father was a scholar-official of pure reputation, who had risen to become the Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat through his own talent and learning, and had always disdained associating with eunuchs.
But now, the Eunuch Faction had become honored guests in her own home?
Clearly, the Young Master held no regard for his father-in-law, not only disregarding her own dignity but also showing no respect for her natal family’s face.
Shen Shi gritted her teeth until they nearly shattered. Her husband was beyond her control.
But she absolutely would not allow officials from the Eunuch Faction to receive even a morsel of food or a sip of wine as charity!
Unfortunately, such integrity from Shen Shi was of no use within Ningguo Mansion.
When Madam Ning heard of this matter, her expression turned sour.
If not for hearing that Third Young Master Shen had withheld the imperial edict for the Young Lord’s inheritance of the title, she would not have wanted to see this daughter-in-law at all.
That day, while Pear Moon was preparing tofu, she heard that Third Mistress Shen had come again.
Peeking through the side gate, she thought Third Mistress Shen didn’t look as pretty as last time.
Her face was heavily coated with powder and rouge, stiff under the thick makeup, as she leaned on her maid’s arm and walked straight into the room.
Shen Shi, having recovered somewhat, was reading a casual book in the study.
Before the lacquered, carved desk, shelves filled with ancient texts stood behind her. A Plum Vase and a celadon flower vase were displayed, while a strand of plum blossom incense burned on the incense table.
“What brings Third Sister-in-law here?” Shen Shi feigned composure, casually setting down the book and offering a seat and tea.
Third Mistress Shen’s expression changed instantly. No sooner had she sat down than her eyes reddened.
“Dear sister, you’ve utterly ruined your Third Brother and me!”
Following his sister’s advice, Third Young Master Shen had withheld the imperial edict for Heir Ning’s inheritance of the title, delaying its issuance.
A day or two might have been manageable, but who wouldn’t notice over time?
He could only make excuses about errors in transcription and registration, delaying it a few more days.
But the Shen siblings had forgotten: while other edicts might be delayed, this edict concerning Heir Ning’s inheritance was watched by everyone in the capital—how could it be postponed?
After more than ten days with no movement, rumors began to circulate faintly within the court.
Both Eunuch Lu, head of the Directorate of Ceremonial, and Grand Secretary Shen, Chief Grand Secretary, had sent people to inquire.
Fearing that both sides would compare dates, Third Young Master Shen now dared not issue the edict. Returning home, he bitterly scolded his wife.
Third Mistress Shen, as an inner-quarter woman, feared this matter would blow up and that Father Shen would reprimand her and her husband. She had no choice but to seek Shen Shi for advice.
“The Ministry of Rites withholding edicts is common practice. Third Sister-in-law is from another province and doesn’t understand the conventions of the capital court. Edicts concerning local officials’ promotions have always been held by the Ministry of Rites—they’re only issued when gifts are sent up. Not only Third Brother knows this, but Father does as well. Why is Third Sister-in-law so anxious?”
Shen Shi picked up a cup of fragrant tea, handed it to Third Mistress Shen, and pretended nonchalance.
Hearing this, Third Mistress Shen felt slightly reassured and finally took a few sips of tea.
“Sister, don’t blame me. I’m just a woman—how would I know about their official matters? Your Third Brother came home only to complain about me. How could I not be worried?”
Though she said this, her heart remained half-doubting.
If it truly were no major issue, why would Third Young Master Shen have scolded her so harshly?
Shen Shi looked down on her sister-in-law’s demeanor and smiled faintly.
“What we fear most in this matter is not anything else, but that Third Brother dreads Father’s reprimand. Third Sister-in-law, don’t worry. Let Third Brother keep his composure. Even if he endures a scolding from Father, he stands to gain quite a bit. Our Young Master believes the imperial edict was withheld by the Directorate of Ceremonial, so he asked General Tan of the Eunuch Faction to send gifts to Eunuch Lu. I saw the gift list—gold, silver, and valuables worth no less than ten thousand taels. Once he realizes his mistake, won’t he follow this example and send a similar gift to Third Brother?”
Upon hearing this, Third Mistress Shen couldn’t help but cover her mouth with her handkerchief and quickly clasped her hands in prayer.
“Amitabha! My dear sister, if your husband truly sends gifts to your Third Brother, we certainly won’t dare accept them. We’ll return them to you untouched. Has your husband come to plead with you these past few days? Sister, it’s not that we’re urging you, but if he’s willing to yield, don’t be too stubborn. Give him a way out. After all, you’re a young couple, and harmony is what matters most.”
Shen Shi’s hand tightened, gripping the teacup firmly. For a long while, she remained silent.
Let alone yielding or offering a way out—she hadn’t seen the Young Master’s face in over ten days, nor had they exchanged a single word. But she was a person who valued her dignity, so she naturally wouldn’t speak of this to her sister-in-law.
At lunchtime, Shen Shi invited Third Mistress Shen to dine together.
A dining table was set in the Side Hall, and the two women took their seats gracefully.
At the sight of the table laden with dishes, Third Mistress Shen was taken aback.
“Sister, you’ve been ill for so long. Now that you’re feeling better, you should eat something light and suitable. Why have you suddenly changed your tastes to such rich and heavy foods like fish and meat? Others might not know your preferences, but Aunt Cao was specially sent by Mother to accompany you. How could she be so careless?”
Mentioning Aunt Cao, Shen Shi’s expression darkened, and she set down the ivory chopsticks she had just picked up.
In the Side Hall, Zhi Qing and Angelica Orchid were in attendance, along with two second-rank maids serving the meal.
Granny He leaned on her cane, sitting in the corner of the room, watching.
The old woman wasn’t there to show diligence but to wait for her mistress to finish eating so she could quickly pick out her favorite dishes.
For instance, today’s table featured a tenderly stewed pork knuckle and a large bowl of steamed pork with lotus leaf rice flour.
These were dishes Granny He had specifically instructed Mama Hu from the small kitchen to prepare.
Shen Shi preferred light meals and avoided greasy meats, so once the table was cleared, Granny He could take the leftovers to enjoy with her wine.
“Third Mistress doesn’t know, but that Aunt Cao from the small kitchen is truly despicable. In everything, she doesn’t side with our young mistress but only seeks to climb higher. When the young mistress scolded her a few times, she simply abandoned her duties. What use is keeping such a treacherous woman? But the young mistress is soft-hearted and only docked her three months’ wages. If it were up to me, I’d have called a slave trader long ago to sell off that wench.”
Seeing Granny He smacking her lips and wagging her tongue, Third Mistress Shen couldn’t help but frown slightly.
“Although Aunt Cao isn’t a servant of our Shen family, she’s a proper and well-mannered person who knows the young mistress’s tastes best. If she hasn’t made any major mistakes, it’s better to let her remain in charge of the kitchen. Sister, you’re already frail—don’t be too hard on yourself.”
The table was filled with dishes like pork fat stewed with radish, grilled lamb skewers, and steamed pork with lotus leaf rice flour.
None of these were refined dishes fit for a proper table. One might think it was a feast prepared by some rustic wealthy family.
Shen Shi set down her chopsticks without a word, and Granny He quickly explained with a smile, “The new cook in charge doesn’t know the young mistress’s tastes yet. She’ll learn in a day or two. Third Mistress, don’t worry.”
Pear Moon waited outside the corridor with Chun Tang, ready to clear the plates and bowls. The conversation inside was clear to them.
“Mama Hu is planning to host a feast in the kitchen, preparing all of Granny He’s favorite dishes.”
Chun Tang swallowed her saliva, but Pear Moon remained unfazed.
Her keen nose detected the gamey scent of roasted lamb, and the steamed pork with rice flour was also undercooked.
Just as she was at a loss for words, she suddenly saw the messenger-wife hurriedly lift the curtain and enter:
“Eldest Young Mistress, Madam Ning has sent word, asking you to accompany Third Aunt’s wife over!”