Chapter 9

Because of Wei Qi’s generosity earlier, she felt she should be magnanimous as well, so she took the initiative to suggest he visit his concubine. After all, for so many years, Aunt Jiang had no children, and besides… she herself didn’t seem to care much about who bore the eldest son.

She felt quite virtuous making this suggestion, yet when she spoke, Wei Qi merely glanced at her, silent for a long while, his expression betraying neither approval nor reproach. At length, he simply replied, “There’s no need. I’ll go to Jinghe Hall instead. There are still matters there I need to finish.”

“Yes… I’ll have someone escort you, sir,” Song Yan responded.

As she spoke, she found herself once again admiring Wei Qi: truly a pillar of the court, prudent and upright. Having married her, he gave her the respect due a wife—never would he go to the concubine’s quarters during the honeymoon.

Wei Qi donned his robe and left. Only when his figure had vanished entirely from the courtyard did Song Yan return to her room. She sat at the edge of the bed and let out a long breath.

The night was silent. With the lamp extinguished, she lay in bed, staring into the darkness for a long time before finally drifting into sleep, exhaustion overcoming her.

The next morning, everyone from the East Courtyard was to attend the tea ceremony for the new bride in the West Courtyard, including Song Yan as the eldest sister-in-law.

Song Yan first went to Jinghe Hall to wait for Wei Qi, then accompanied him to the West Courtyard.

The new bride’s tea ceremony was a significant affair, held in the flower hall behind the West Courtyard. As soon as Wei Qi entered, Madam Feng and the second madam, the two senior women, immediately beckoned him over. Senior Master Wei Xiu’s father, the third master, also came forward to speak, making Wei Qi the center of attention.

Within the entire Marquis’s estate, the one with the highest authority was, of course, the Marquis himself. However, as age had slowed him and he no longer handled daily affairs, Wei Qi was the most respected figure.

Of the Wei family’s second generation, the eldest master had died early; the second and third masters were unremarkable. Among the third generation, some were mediocre, others still children. Only Wei Qi stood out—he was now the pillar of the house, and it was only natural that he was surrounded by such deference.

The couple was seated, the elders taking their places of honor: Madam Feng and the third master sat at the head, the Marquis himself to the left, the grand madam Zhang to the right, followed by the second master and his wife, then Wei Qi, with her seated beside him.

At that moment, a maid announced, “The Fifth Master and Madam have arrived.”

Shortly after, Wei Xiu and Princess Funing entered. Song Yan deliberately avoided looking at Wei Xiu, turning her gaze instead to the princess.

The new bride wore a set of golden hairpins adorned with five phoenixes holding pearls, complemented by four side pins—her hair was resplendent with jade, her bearing stately and noble. She wore a crimson robe with wide sleeves, intricately embroidered with multicolored clouds that appeared to shift hues with the light, making her seem radiant. The princess had a full, round face like a jeweled moon, large eyes, red lips—she exuded grace and grandeur.

It was said she was already with child, though still early and not yet showing.

She entered the hall with steady steps and natural composure, betraying none of the nervousness typical of a new bride. Rather, it was many in the Marquis’s estate who looked upon her with respect and deference.

Madam Feng instructed the couple to approach and pay respects to the Marquis with tea.

The Marquis hurriedly declined, asking Wei Xiu to first serve tea to his own parents.

After the expected courtesies, Wei Xiu and the princess presented tea to their parents, then to the Marquis. Next was Grand Madam Zhang, the second master and his wife, and then it was Wei Qi and Song Yan’s turn.

“This is my elder brother and sister-in-law from the East Courtyard,” Wei Xiu introduced, his expression utterly dejected, lifeless, not glancing at Song Yan at all. The Princess, however, upon hearing his words, looked straight at Song Yan, her eyes appraising, even somewhat challenging.

It was unmistakably the look of someone regarding a rival.

Though Song Yan’s previous engagement to Wei Xiu had neither been widely publicized nor deliberately concealed, the princess, intent on marrying him, had naturally made inquiries and knew of their history.

Meeting the princess’s gaze, Song Yan maintained an air of calm, careful not to betray anything amiss, and smiled, saying, “Your Highness is beautiful and dignified—my fifth brother is truly fortunate.”

She spoke in the tone of a proper elder sister-in-law.

“Your praise is too generous,” the princess replied, then accepted a cup of tea from her maid and offered it to Wei Qi. “Brother, please have some tea.”

Wei Qi received the tea with an impassive expression, and the princess then presented a cup to Song Yan. “Sister-in-law, please have some tea.”

Song Yan accepted the cup and handed over a string of South Sea pearls she had prepared in advance. “It’s nothing special, but these pearls are quite refined. I hope Your Highness will enjoy wearing them.”

The princess took the necklace, giving it only a cursory glance. “Thank you, sister-in-law.”

Then, the couple moved on to pay respects to the third master and his wife. Song Yan sat quietly, her composure unbroken but for a faint, polite smile.

Once the tea ceremony concluded, some guests stayed to converse with Madam Feng, while Song Yan, Wei Qi, Grand Madam Zhang, and Wei Fu made their way to the East Courtyard.

Upon entering, Grand Madam Zhang spoke, “Eldest, you and your wife, come here a moment.”

Wei Fu, supporting Madam Feng, glanced at Song Yan, who met her gaze, then turned to Wei Qi—his face betrayed nothing.

But it was clear from Wei Fu’s look, and Madam Zhang’s sternness that morning, what was to come: a reckoning over last night’s events.

There could be no doubt—Wei Fu had complained to Wei Qi and then to their mother, determined to see the matter resolved.

Song Yan was uneasy, uncertain whether, in the face of her mother-in-law’s temper, Wei Qi would remain as tolerant as he had the night before.

The group walked in silence to Yi’an Court, where Grand Madam Zhang said to Wei Qi, “You come in with me.”

“Yes, Mother,” Wei Qi replied, following her inside.

Madam Zhang’s rooms were spacious, with a covered veranda outside. Song Yan and Wei Fu waited in the veranda, while Wei Qi and his mother retired to the inner chambers, their conversation inaudible.

Wei Fu sat down with a cold air. “If you do not wish to be found out, do not act in secret. Evil deeds bring their own ruin. Eldest brother treats his sisters-in-law kindly, but our Marquis’s estate cannot tolerate filth that sullies its name.”

Song Yan knew perfectly well she was the target. She endured a moment but could not suppress her anger. “If one’s heart is filthy, everything one sees appears tainted.”

Wei Fu scoffed, her meaning clear: “Just you wait.”

Inside, Madam Zhang asked Wei Qi, “What do you intend to do about this?”

“About what, Mother?” Wei Qi replied.

Suppressing her anger, Madam Zhang clarified, “Punishment, or informing the Song family—some response is required. I knew this marriage was a mistake. I blame your grandfather for caring only for his reputation, never thinking of you! And sure enough, it’s only been a few days!”

“What would be the point of informing the Song family?” Wei Qi asked. “And what is it you’re so angry about? Even if it was Fifth Brother who sought out his sister-in-law for a word, or if they simply met in the garden and spoke a few words, is that reason enough to inform her family?”

Madam Zhang was incredulous. “How can you call that just a few words? What were they saying, what were they doing? Can you truly believe there was nothing improper?”

Wei Qi replied calmly, “Mother, accusations require evidence. You cannot suspect impropriety simply because a sister-in-law and brother-in-law exchanged a few words in the garden. That’s absurd—no one would support such a charge, even in court.”

“They are not an ordinary sister-in-law and brother-in-law! They were once betrothed! She visited the West Courtyard several times, and I saw Fifth Brother give her sidelong glances and smile at her!” Madam Zhang protested.

Wei Qi looked at his mother, his voice gentle but firm. “If you disapproved of this marriage, you should have confronted Grandfather and opposed it. You feared him and nodded in consent. Now you cannot treat your daughter-in-law as a criminal.

“When Song Yan married me, she was a blameless maiden. Since joining this family, she has been diligent and proper. If you treat the past as nothing, then it is nothing. If you dwell on it daily, there will never be peace in this house. I have already lost one wife. In marrying again, I hope only for harmony at home, a virtuous wife, and filial children—nothing more.”

Madam Zhang was speechless.

She was still displeased, still harbored grievances against Song Yan, but her son’s words left her with nothing to say. She could only scowl and mutter, “Is it her looks that have bewitched you?”

Wei Qi looked quietly at his mother, then asked softly after a pause, “So, is it your wish that I cast aside my wife and marry a third time?”

Naturally, Madam Zhang did not want to go through it all again—three marriages brought ill repute, and no amount of wealth could make such repeated events respectable. Confronted with this question, she had no answer.

Wei Qi continued, “Second Sister is young and foolish; Mother, you must guide her well. This was a small matter—let it pass. Only by letting small things go can the household be harmonious.”

With that, he rose from his seat. “I have matters at court. I’ll take my leave.”

He bowed to his mother, who could only sigh and let him go.

Wei Qi walked out to the veranda, where he saw Song Yan sitting anxiously on the outermost chair, while his sister, Wei Fu, lounged on the inner chair, peeling an orange.

Wei Fu was surprised to see him. “Brother?”

She had not expected him to emerge so soon.

Wei Qi glanced at her. “I’m off to the Ministry of War. Since you’re home, spend more time with Mother.”

He then turned to Song Yan.

She had already risen, somewhat ill at ease, but looked at him. He approached, reached out, and plucked a begonia petal from her hair, his tone gentle: “You must be tired after helping in the West Courtyard these days. Once you’ve paid your respects to Mother, go back and rest.”

His words meant all was well.

This was a rare display of warmth from him; Song Yan understood that, as her husband and elder brother, he was making his position clear before his sister: he trusted her.

Song Yan couldn’t help but smile. “Please come home early, sir. The weather looks poor; you should take an umbrella.”

Wei Qi nodded and left.

“Brother—” Wei Fu called after him, but he didn’t reply.

Left with no alternative, Wei Fu shot Song Yan a glare and went inside to find her mother.

Song Yan lingered a moment before entering as well.

Inside, Madam Zhang’s expression remained sour, but with Wei Qi’s stance made clear, she didn’t stir up further trouble. She offered a few cold words of instruction and then let Song Yan leave.

After Song Yan was gone, Wei Fu complained, “How can it end like this?”

Madam Zhang, having listened to some of Wei Qi’s reasoning, replied, “All you saw was them talking. You can’t prove anything improper.”

Wei Fu objected, “What else could they have been saying? I saw it with my own eyes—that’s proof!”

“Living in the same house, they’re bound to cross paths. Over this, what do you expect—your brother to divorce her?” Madam Zhang retorted, then sighed. “The marriage has only just been celebrated. Our family cannot afford such disgrace, and your grandfather would never allow it.”

She had thought it through—it was true. She had been influenced by her daughter’s attitude, but the girl was still young and didn’t understand how things worked.

Wei Fu grumbled, “This is all Brother’s doing. He’s so devoted to his work at court, he doesn’t understand any of this—he’ll end up deceived by that woman!”

Madam Zhang said, “Since we’re not pursuing the matter, you should stop talking about it. With the princess just married, if word gets out and brings trouble, your grandfather will never forgive you.”

Wei Fu fell silent, knowing her mother was right. Still, she felt it was unfair to her brother; what kind of fairy or goddess was beyond his reach, and yet he ended up having to take on the mess from the West Courtyard.