Chapter 8: The Past
On the day of the Old Madam’s birthday celebration, Ming Wei rose early to wash and dress.
Tangli and Yuelin were just as tense. The night before, they had checked the embroidery Ming Wei would be offering as her birthday gift, as well as the jewelry and clothing sent by Second Madam—again and again.
The Old Madam’s birthday was always a grand occasion, but this year was her sixtieth—a milestone—so it was even more festive than usual. Not only would all the relatives from the family attend, but many noblewomen from influential allied households would be present as well.
Ming Wei was cautious in choosing what to wear that day. Her wardrobe was limited, but she eventually settled on a long goose-yellow silk robe embroidered with bamboo, paired with a cream-colored skirt. The ensemble was dignified, subtly elegant, and still retained the youthfulness of a young maiden.
Choosing jewelry was easier—she only had two sets. She had already worn the coral one yesterday, so today she picked the pearl and red-gold set, which looked far more refined.
Once Ming Wei was dressed and stood poised and graceful, Tangli and Yuelin looked at her with undisguised admiration.
“Miss, you look beautiful today!” Tangli said sincerely. “Even prettier than Fourth Miss!”
Yuelin quickly covered her mouth. Though Fourth Miss’s beauty was widely acknowledged, she had bullied their young lady often, so neither servant had any fondness for her. Still, Yuelin had to admit that now that their young lady no longer carried herself timidly, her natural calm and graceful bearing far outshone Fourth Miss’s beauty.
Ming Wei didn’t mind such casual remarks. She simply smiled and once more checked the birthday gift she had prepared with such care. Seeing the time was near, she brought Tangli and Yuelin with her to join Ming Rong and the others so they could ride to the Old Madam’s residence together.
Once again, Ming Wei underestimated the eagerness of her half-sisters. Even before the morning hour, Ming Rong, Ming Lian, and Ming Rui were already seated in the back carriage. Ming Fang, sulking, sat alone in another.
Somehow, Concubine Bao had successfully comforted Ming Rui the night before. Ming Wei noticed that she looked much better today—more spirited. She wore ornate hairpins and carried herself with a faint air of a proper official’s wife.
Concubine Bao really does have some skill, Ming Wei thought to herself as her feet instinctively moved toward the carriage where Ming Lian sat.
“Ming Wei!” To everyone’s surprise, Ming Fang suddenly called out. She ordered imperiously, “Come here. I have something to say to you.”
Still just a child, Ming Wei thought wryly. She probably just couldn’t stand losing face.
Ming Lian gave Ming Wei an apologetic look. With no other choice, Ming Wei stepped onto the small stool and climbed into Ming Fang’s carriage.
Once all five were settled, the strong old women tugged the mules forward and they slowly set off. Ming Fang sulked in silence, and after Ming Wei greeted her once, she sensibly said nothing further.
Ming Rong and the others only showed their faces briefly in the next carriage, but it was clear to Ming Wei that all three were carefully dressed. Even as a fellow girl, she couldn’t help but admire them.
In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they arrived at Rongshantang.
The five girls entered together to kowtow to the Old Madam. Though it wasn’t Ming Wei’s first time seeing her, the last time the Old Madam had just returned and was too weary from travel to speak. They’d only paid their respects and been dismissed.
Today, the Old Madam sat grandly atop a black lacquer luohan bed layered with red felt. She wore an autumn-fragrant-colored robe woven with golden clouds and a light brown skirt. Her jet-black hair, neatly styled without a single strand of silver, was adorned with a few exquisite pieces of jewelry. The thumb-sized pink tourmaline stone alone looked incredibly valuable.
Though her figure had filled out slightly with age, she didn’t appear bloated. Her kind-looking face carried a gentle expression, but her eyes held an unmistakable authority.
Ming Wei observed quietly and carefully, not daring to move too much. After her bow, she left with Ming Rong and the others.
Soon, the legitimate and illegitimate daughters of the third and fourth households arrived as well, gathering in the side hall. Ming Wei took the chance to position herself near Ming Lian—after all, she didn’t recognize any of these other sisters.
The direct line of the main household—who would one day inherit the marquis title—was still stationed in the northwest with the old Marquis and couldn’t return. The third household had two illegitimate daughters and one legitimate daughter, and the fourth household had two legitimate daughters and one illegitimate daughter. Fortunately, since she was always with Ming Lian (who was sixth-born and she, seventh), Ming Wei could just follow her lead when greeting others.
But greetings didn’t end with the girls from Chengping Marquis Manor. Cousins from other branches and daughters of nobility and military families with ties to the household were also present. Ming Wei quickly felt dizzy from it all.
She clung even more closely to Ming Lian like a little tail.
“You really haven’t changed,” Ming Lian said, half amused, half exasperated. “We’ve met some of them before, yet you still can’t remember anyone.”
Ming Wei’s cheeks turned red. She laughed it off, pretending not to care, but inside she was struggling. In her past life, everyone had fawned over her—when had she ever needed to memorize so many names or keep track of social ties?
She had heard of households like the Marquis of Suping and Marquis of Weiyuan before. The Marquises of Pingnan, Duke Yingguo, and Marquis of Chengyuan were more recent rising powers. But the families she had once been closest to—all tied to the Grand Secretary’s faction—had suffered greatly in the political purge thirty-six years ago and had long since lost their former glory.
The original Ming Wei had been a timid, quiet girl who knew few people. After polite greetings, she quickly ran out of things to say. Ming Lian, on the other hand, was familiar with many guests and clearly belonged to her own social circle. Ming Wei, a mere tagalong, felt increasingly out of place.
Just as she was about to find an excuse to slip away, Ming Fang came toward her looking angry. Ming Wei was puzzled. She hadn’t provoked her haughty fourth sister, had she?
“You, come help me fix my skirt,” Ming Fang said coldly. She didn’t care if Ming Wei agreed or not—she simply ordered her to follow.
This was new. Since when did Ming Fang want to be close to her? Ming Wei was confused until she caught sight of Ming Rong nearby, smiling gracefully.
Ah... so it’s about her again. Ming Fang, easily agitated and spoiled, could never win against the polite but sharp-tongued Ming Rong.
“Hurry up!” Ming Fang snapped when Ming Wei didn’t move. She couldn’t let Ming Rong mock her! “Stop dawdling!”
Ming Wei, dragged into this for no reason, rolled her eyes inwardly. She’s the one begging for help, and yet she’s so high and mighty. She noticed some people already glancing over with curiosity, clearly waiting for a show.
So Ming Wei smiled calmly. “Sixth Sister, I’ll go with Fourth Sister first.” There was no way they could let outsiders see them fighting. No matter how messy things got behind closed doors, they had to appear harmonious in public.
Ming Lian nodded, not paying much attention. Several girls from powerful households were present today—some also illegitimate daughters but with high status. It was a rare chance to make connections, and since Second Madam seldom brought them out, Ming Lian didn’t want to waste it.
Thus, the little drama ended before it even started. Ming Fang stormed off, and Ming Wei had to jog to keep up.
The rear courtyard was much quieter. Most servants had gone to watch the festivities. The guest rest quarters were nearby, but Ming Fang didn’t stop. She walked briskly through a side door and into a covered corridor, then turned left into the grand garden of Chengping Marquis Manor.
It was still early spring, and the flowers hadn’t bloomed yet, so guests were being received in the greenhouse and the Rongshou Hall instead. The garden felt cold and empty.
“Fourth Sister, what are you—” Ming Wei was baffled. Even if she was angry, did she need to storm off this far? She had thought Ming Fang just wanted to sit and cool down somewhere.
But then Ming Fang suddenly stopped behind a jagged artificial rock formation. Turning around with a stern expression, she ordered, “Stay here and don’t make a sound. Only move when I tell you to!”
Wait, what? Ming Wei blinked. She’d been brought here... to stand guard?
She looked more closely and realized that if she hid properly among the dry branches outside the rock formation, she wouldn’t be seen. Ming Fang was clearly asking her to hide.
What in the world is she planning?
“Fourth Sister, ahead—” Ming Wei tried to say something, but Ming Fang interrupted sharply, “Don’t ask questions. If a word of this gets out, I’ll skin you alive!”
Ming Wei was speechless.
Seeing her nod obediently, Ming Fang lifted her skirt and hurried off, leaving Ming Wei to cautiously tuck herself inside the rocks.
Heaven knew what Fourth Miss had in mind!
Then—
“Is it true that the eldest daughter of the Duke Zhenguo’s family is marrying the heir of Prince Rong?” a clear male voice asked from just outside. Ming Wei jumped in surprise. It was her older brother, Ming Jue.
“Nine times out of ten, yes,” came Liu Jun’s deeper voice. “The Duke of Zhenguo holds military power—would Prince Rong refuse such a match?”
As their conversation continued, Ming Wei’s heart sank. Prince Rong was the emperor’s fourth son, one of only three remaining princes.
“The Crown Grandson is a few months older than Prince Rong’s son, yet no one has arranged a marriage for him,” Ming Jue said. “The nobles hoping to gamble on a future emperor aren’t betting on him.”
Liu Jun sounded unsurprised. “The title of Crown Grandson is just for show. Has His Majesty ever truly valued him? He couldn’t suppress his three royal uncles even if he wanted to. You can tell the emperor’s stance just by the fact that the Crown Grandson’s marriage isn’t being arranged.”
Chilled by the spring air, Ming Wei shivered in her thin clothes, clenching her teeth. These events from thirty-six years ago—memories she had never lived—were slowly unfolding before her eyes.
Tangli and Yuelin were just as tense. The night before, they had checked the embroidery Ming Wei would be offering as her birthday gift, as well as the jewelry and clothing sent by Second Madam—again and again.
The Old Madam’s birthday was always a grand occasion, but this year was her sixtieth—a milestone—so it was even more festive than usual. Not only would all the relatives from the family attend, but many noblewomen from influential allied households would be present as well.
Ming Wei was cautious in choosing what to wear that day. Her wardrobe was limited, but she eventually settled on a long goose-yellow silk robe embroidered with bamboo, paired with a cream-colored skirt. The ensemble was dignified, subtly elegant, and still retained the youthfulness of a young maiden.
Choosing jewelry was easier—she only had two sets. She had already worn the coral one yesterday, so today she picked the pearl and red-gold set, which looked far more refined.
Once Ming Wei was dressed and stood poised and graceful, Tangli and Yuelin looked at her with undisguised admiration.
“Miss, you look beautiful today!” Tangli said sincerely. “Even prettier than Fourth Miss!”
Yuelin quickly covered her mouth. Though Fourth Miss’s beauty was widely acknowledged, she had bullied their young lady often, so neither servant had any fondness for her. Still, Yuelin had to admit that now that their young lady no longer carried herself timidly, her natural calm and graceful bearing far outshone Fourth Miss’s beauty.
Ming Wei didn’t mind such casual remarks. She simply smiled and once more checked the birthday gift she had prepared with such care. Seeing the time was near, she brought Tangli and Yuelin with her to join Ming Rong and the others so they could ride to the Old Madam’s residence together.
Once again, Ming Wei underestimated the eagerness of her half-sisters. Even before the morning hour, Ming Rong, Ming Lian, and Ming Rui were already seated in the back carriage. Ming Fang, sulking, sat alone in another.
Somehow, Concubine Bao had successfully comforted Ming Rui the night before. Ming Wei noticed that she looked much better today—more spirited. She wore ornate hairpins and carried herself with a faint air of a proper official’s wife.
Concubine Bao really does have some skill, Ming Wei thought to herself as her feet instinctively moved toward the carriage where Ming Lian sat.
“Ming Wei!” To everyone’s surprise, Ming Fang suddenly called out. She ordered imperiously, “Come here. I have something to say to you.”
Still just a child, Ming Wei thought wryly. She probably just couldn’t stand losing face.
Ming Lian gave Ming Wei an apologetic look. With no other choice, Ming Wei stepped onto the small stool and climbed into Ming Fang’s carriage.
Once all five were settled, the strong old women tugged the mules forward and they slowly set off. Ming Fang sulked in silence, and after Ming Wei greeted her once, she sensibly said nothing further.
Ming Rong and the others only showed their faces briefly in the next carriage, but it was clear to Ming Wei that all three were carefully dressed. Even as a fellow girl, she couldn’t help but admire them.
In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, they arrived at Rongshantang.
The five girls entered together to kowtow to the Old Madam. Though it wasn’t Ming Wei’s first time seeing her, the last time the Old Madam had just returned and was too weary from travel to speak. They’d only paid their respects and been dismissed.
Today, the Old Madam sat grandly atop a black lacquer luohan bed layered with red felt. She wore an autumn-fragrant-colored robe woven with golden clouds and a light brown skirt. Her jet-black hair, neatly styled without a single strand of silver, was adorned with a few exquisite pieces of jewelry. The thumb-sized pink tourmaline stone alone looked incredibly valuable.
Though her figure had filled out slightly with age, she didn’t appear bloated. Her kind-looking face carried a gentle expression, but her eyes held an unmistakable authority.
Ming Wei observed quietly and carefully, not daring to move too much. After her bow, she left with Ming Rong and the others.
Soon, the legitimate and illegitimate daughters of the third and fourth households arrived as well, gathering in the side hall. Ming Wei took the chance to position herself near Ming Lian—after all, she didn’t recognize any of these other sisters.
The direct line of the main household—who would one day inherit the marquis title—was still stationed in the northwest with the old Marquis and couldn’t return. The third household had two illegitimate daughters and one legitimate daughter, and the fourth household had two legitimate daughters and one illegitimate daughter. Fortunately, since she was always with Ming Lian (who was sixth-born and she, seventh), Ming Wei could just follow her lead when greeting others.
But greetings didn’t end with the girls from Chengping Marquis Manor. Cousins from other branches and daughters of nobility and military families with ties to the household were also present. Ming Wei quickly felt dizzy from it all.
She clung even more closely to Ming Lian like a little tail.
“You really haven’t changed,” Ming Lian said, half amused, half exasperated. “We’ve met some of them before, yet you still can’t remember anyone.”
Ming Wei’s cheeks turned red. She laughed it off, pretending not to care, but inside she was struggling. In her past life, everyone had fawned over her—when had she ever needed to memorize so many names or keep track of social ties?
She had heard of households like the Marquis of Suping and Marquis of Weiyuan before. The Marquises of Pingnan, Duke Yingguo, and Marquis of Chengyuan were more recent rising powers. But the families she had once been closest to—all tied to the Grand Secretary’s faction—had suffered greatly in the political purge thirty-six years ago and had long since lost their former glory.
The original Ming Wei had been a timid, quiet girl who knew few people. After polite greetings, she quickly ran out of things to say. Ming Lian, on the other hand, was familiar with many guests and clearly belonged to her own social circle. Ming Wei, a mere tagalong, felt increasingly out of place.
Just as she was about to find an excuse to slip away, Ming Fang came toward her looking angry. Ming Wei was puzzled. She hadn’t provoked her haughty fourth sister, had she?
“You, come help me fix my skirt,” Ming Fang said coldly. She didn’t care if Ming Wei agreed or not—she simply ordered her to follow.
This was new. Since when did Ming Fang want to be close to her? Ming Wei was confused until she caught sight of Ming Rong nearby, smiling gracefully.
Ah... so it’s about her again. Ming Fang, easily agitated and spoiled, could never win against the polite but sharp-tongued Ming Rong.
“Hurry up!” Ming Fang snapped when Ming Wei didn’t move. She couldn’t let Ming Rong mock her! “Stop dawdling!”
Ming Wei, dragged into this for no reason, rolled her eyes inwardly. She’s the one begging for help, and yet she’s so high and mighty. She noticed some people already glancing over with curiosity, clearly waiting for a show.
So Ming Wei smiled calmly. “Sixth Sister, I’ll go with Fourth Sister first.” There was no way they could let outsiders see them fighting. No matter how messy things got behind closed doors, they had to appear harmonious in public.
Ming Lian nodded, not paying much attention. Several girls from powerful households were present today—some also illegitimate daughters but with high status. It was a rare chance to make connections, and since Second Madam seldom brought them out, Ming Lian didn’t want to waste it.
Thus, the little drama ended before it even started. Ming Fang stormed off, and Ming Wei had to jog to keep up.
The rear courtyard was much quieter. Most servants had gone to watch the festivities. The guest rest quarters were nearby, but Ming Fang didn’t stop. She walked briskly through a side door and into a covered corridor, then turned left into the grand garden of Chengping Marquis Manor.
It was still early spring, and the flowers hadn’t bloomed yet, so guests were being received in the greenhouse and the Rongshou Hall instead. The garden felt cold and empty.
“Fourth Sister, what are you—” Ming Wei was baffled. Even if she was angry, did she need to storm off this far? She had thought Ming Fang just wanted to sit and cool down somewhere.
But then Ming Fang suddenly stopped behind a jagged artificial rock formation. Turning around with a stern expression, she ordered, “Stay here and don’t make a sound. Only move when I tell you to!”
Wait, what? Ming Wei blinked. She’d been brought here... to stand guard?
She looked more closely and realized that if she hid properly among the dry branches outside the rock formation, she wouldn’t be seen. Ming Fang was clearly asking her to hide.
What in the world is she planning?
“Fourth Sister, ahead—” Ming Wei tried to say something, but Ming Fang interrupted sharply, “Don’t ask questions. If a word of this gets out, I’ll skin you alive!”
Ming Wei was speechless.
Seeing her nod obediently, Ming Fang lifted her skirt and hurried off, leaving Ming Wei to cautiously tuck herself inside the rocks.
Heaven knew what Fourth Miss had in mind!
Then—
“Is it true that the eldest daughter of the Duke Zhenguo’s family is marrying the heir of Prince Rong?” a clear male voice asked from just outside. Ming Wei jumped in surprise. It was her older brother, Ming Jue.
“Nine times out of ten, yes,” came Liu Jun’s deeper voice. “The Duke of Zhenguo holds military power—would Prince Rong refuse such a match?”
As their conversation continued, Ming Wei’s heart sank. Prince Rong was the emperor’s fourth son, one of only three remaining princes.
“The Crown Grandson is a few months older than Prince Rong’s son, yet no one has arranged a marriage for him,” Ming Jue said. “The nobles hoping to gamble on a future emperor aren’t betting on him.”
Liu Jun sounded unsurprised. “The title of Crown Grandson is just for show. Has His Majesty ever truly valued him? He couldn’t suppress his three royal uncles even if he wanted to. You can tell the emperor’s stance just by the fact that the Crown Grandson’s marriage isn’t being arranged.”
Chilled by the spring air, Ming Wei shivered in her thin clothes, clenching her teeth. These events from thirty-six years ago—memories she had never lived—were slowly unfolding before her eyes.
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