27
Lady Pei was just discussing with Ming Tingyuan that merely sending someone to a nunnery for penance might be inappropriate, when Ming Tan and Shen Hua arrived precisely on time and entered the room together.
Both women first glanced involuntarily at Concubine Liu, who was kneeling, and at Ming Chu, whose eyes were red from crying; their faces filled with puzzlement. Yet they temporarily set aside their questions and properly offered their greetings.
Ming Tan said, “I pay my respects to Father and Mother.”
Shen Hua said, “I pay my respects to His Lordship the Marquis and My Lady.”
After the formal greetings were exchanged, Ming Tan could not help but ask, “Third Sister and Mother Concubine, what is this about…?”
The flower hall fell silent for a moment. Pei Shi cleared her throat lightly and proceeded to explain the entire matter in detail.
Upon hearing the story, Shen Hua covered her mouth with her handkerchief, trembling with shock, while Ming Tan’s face was filled with utter disbelief. Both women pressed incessantly for more details; the more they heard, the more unsteady they became.
After a long while, as if finally comprehending the truth, tears suddenly streamed down Ming Tan’s cheeks. Her voice trembled involuntarily as she cried out, “Third Sister, Mother Concubine, in what way have I wronged you that you would seek to harm me so?”
Shen Hua, tears streaming down her face, softly replied, “I am well aware that my connection to the Marquis’s household is but a distant one. Third Sister is right; as someone living under another’s roof, I ought to have remained quiet and obedient. Yet if Third Sister harbors dissatisfaction toward me, she should have spoken plainly. Why, then, did she seek to ruin my virtue?”
Ming Tan retorted, “Back at the Duke of Pingguo’s residence, Third Sister already intended to publicly expose the incident on the Lantern Festival night when I was deliberately forced into the water. If Third Sister simply dislikes me, so be it. But repeatedly attacking my reputation suggests she aims not only to destroy the virtue of myself and my cousin but also to bring down the entire Jing’an Marquis’s household!”
At that time, Ming Tan, suddenly confronted with an imperial decree arranging her marriage, had been too overwhelmed to confront Lady Pei and Ming Tingyuan about this matter, leaving them entirely unaware. Now learning the truth, both were utterly shocked: “There was such an incident?”
Ming Tan nodded. “Fortunately, my cousin helped me back then and didn’t let Third Sister finish her words.”
Shen Hua also felt a lingering sense of dread. “What Third Sister said at that time was truly shocking; I still don’t know how she ever heard about the incident of falling into the water.”
As for how she heard it, there was no need to guess—it must have been Concubine Liu. Ming Tingyuan immediately cast a sharp glance toward Concubine Liu!
He had always regarded Lady Liu as his confidante, lowering his guard even when resting in her quarters. Indeed, he had spoken to Lady Liu about Ming Tan’s fall into the water, venting his fury over the Duke of Lingguo’s household behaving so despicably. Not having cursed enough during the day, he continued to unleash his wrath freely in Lady Liu’s presence that very night.
At that time, Lady Liu, with a face full of worry, urged him not to let anger harm his health and even offered him advice, saying this matter could damage Ming Tan’s reputation and must never be disclosed.
Yet what she meant by “never be disclosed” was that she immediately told Ming Chu! Ming Chu was her own daughter; she knew her temperament better than anyone. Even if telling her was unavoidable, she should have at least restrained her. Instead, she allowed Ming Chu to publicly ruin Ming Tan’s reputation right before everyone’s eyes!
Although he was not a woman confined to the inner quarters, he understood perfectly well how crucial reputation was for a woman. If today’s incident was truly intended to target Shen Hua rather than Ming Tan, then how could one explain the attempt to publicly expose the drowning incident? Clearly, this was not a momentary lapse in judgment, but a calculated move—knowing exactly how devastating it would be, they repeatedly used reputation as a weapon!
Ming Tan’s tears fell onto the tip of her nose, paused for a moment, then continued to drip down: “Actually, during the five years Father spent in Yangxi Road, I often wished I could be like my third sister, always by Father’s side. How wonderful that would have been.”
“Father is not in the capital, and Elder Brother has departed to assume his post on Mount Pang. Only Mother and I remain here in the capital. I have striven diligently to learn proper conduct, daring not to speak or act improperly, nor to take a single misstep, all for fear of bringing shame upon Father and tarnishing the reputation of the Jing’an Marquis’s household…”
Upon hearing these words, Ming Tingyuan could scarcely bear to meet Ming Tan’s gaze again.
He already harbored guilt toward Ming Tan in his heart. Now, reflecting further, he realized that Ming Chu felt aggrieved because life in the capital differed greatly from their days in Yangxi Circuit. But what of Ming Tan?
For five years, Ming Tan had been utterly alone in the upper capital. No matter how virtuous and kind Pei Shi might be, she was ultimately not Ming Tan’s birth mother. Yet Ming Tan had never harbored resentment, nor had she ever harmed others out of jealousy or hatred. Instead, she constantly safeguarded the reputation of the Marquis’s household.
But to Ming Chu, what was the reputation of the marquis’s household? It was likely not even worth mentioning!
Seeing this, Lady Pei softly added, “That child A-Yu went on an errand outside the city a couple of days ago and should be returning soon. Most importantly, there is also His Highness, the Prince of Dingbei…”
Yes, there was also Shen Yu and His Highness, the Prince of Dingbei.
If Shen Yu were to learn that Concubine Liu and Ming Chu intended to swap his sister’s betrothal, and that the consequence of their exposed scheme would merely be confinement to a nunnery for reflection, he would surely not let the matter rest. This young man Shen Yu had a promising future ahead; taking in him and his sister as guests was meant to forge a virtuous connection, not to create an enemy family. Not to mention, His Highness the Prince of Dingbei was still awaiting an explanation. Indeed, his earlier consideration had been lacking.
Ming Chu was nearly driven mad with rage. Her father had clearly intended to let the matter slide lightly, yet after Ming Tan and Shen Hua rushed in weeping their grievances, he was now wavering again! Without a second thought, she whipped out the soft whip from her waist and lashed it toward Ming Tan’s face, determined to ruin that wretch’s beauty forever!
Ming Tan had been keeping a close watch on Ming Chu, fearing she might suddenly lose control. The moment she saw Ming Chu raise her whip, she darted sideways to dodge, while crying out desperately for help: “Father!”
Ming Tingyuan, swift-eyed and quick-handed, lunged forward in an instant to shield Ming Tan. Not only did he take the stinging lash himself, but the blow also fanned the flames of his fury even higher.
He swiftly snatched the whip from Ming Chu’s hand and then slapped her hard across the face—”Crack!”
“Usually, I let your arrogance and willfulness slide without saying a word, but how could you, at such a young age, be so cruel to your elder and younger sisters? How could I, Ming Tingyuan, have raised a daughter like you!”
Ming Chu was stunned by the outburst. Ming Tingyuan was usually easygoing; even when reprimanding her, he merely adopted a stern demeanor. Covering her face, she felt both wronged and shocked.
Seeing her unrepentant attitude now only fueled Ming Tingyuan’s rage. Lady Liu, realizing he was truly angry, panicked and immediately knelt upright, clutching his thigh while pleading bitterly, “It is all my fault, all my fault! As for Chuchu, she—”
“It is certainly your fault! Did you think yourself innocent?!” Ming Tingyuan, blazing with rage, kicked Lady Liu aside. “I foolishly believed you were honest, well-behaved, and free from ambition! Yet secretly, one scheme after another—what honest, decent person could commit such acts? And you have raised your daughter to be just like this!”
Already furious and further irritated by their wailing, he waved his sleeve, clasped his hands behind his back, and barked roughly, “Guards! Drag the Third Miss and Lady Liu away and administer twenty strokes of the cane to each! Afterward, confine the Third Miss to the ancestral hall; only food and water may be delivered. No one is to release her without my command! As for Lady Liu, drag her away too and lock her in the firewood shed!”
Twenty strokes would neither kill nor cripple, but they would surely cause enough pain to keep one bedridden for at least ten days or half a month. Moreover, no proper rest would be allowed afterward.
Ming Chu screamed in protest, while Lady Liu struggled tearfully. Seated at the head, Lady Pei merely cast a cool glance, whereupon several matrons stepped forward, stuffed cloths into both women’s mouths, and led them away.
Once the room had quieted down, Ming Tingyuan returned to his seat at the head of the hall and declared, “Ming Chu’s character has been utterly spoiled by Lady Liu; the two of them must no longer remain under the same roof!”
Lady Pei nodded. “What the Marquis says is true.”
Ming Tingyuan pondered for a moment before continuing, “I must also rely on you, my lady, to find a suitable match for Ming Chu. All previous arrangements are void. Look lower this time, and not within the capital; otherwise, who knows what trouble she might cause after marrying into a family! In short, until her marriage, let her stay in the ancestral hall to reflect deeply on her mistakes. Do not allow her out again!”
“Yes,” Lady Pei replied obediently once more.
“As for Lady Liu,” Ming Tingyuan paused, feeling irritated at the mere thought. He waved his hand dismissively. “Matters within the inner quarters should rightly be managed by the Madam. Dispose of her however you see fit; just ensure that poisonous woman never appears before me again!”
To this, Pei Shi did not immediately agree. Instead, she asked gently, “After all, Lady Liu is unlike the other concubines. If I punish her according to the household rules, and in years to come you recall her and blame me for being too harsh, what then shall I do?”
“What use do I have for such a poisonous woman? Deal with her as you see fit!”
Pei lowered her eyes. “Concubine Liu was born into our household, later became a bedmaid, and then was elevated to the status of a concubine; she remains a slave by registration. According to the rules of this house, the proper course is to take her deed of sale, have a broker bind her, and sell her off.”
Upon hearing this, Ming Tingyuan fell silent.
Pei continued, “Concubine Liu’s transgression is indeed unforgivable. However, she bore a daughter for the Marquis’s household and has served the Lord for many years; even if she has no merit to her name, she certainly has endured much hardship—”
She paused briefly. “After being confined in the firewood room for several days, Lady Liu must surely have reflected upon her actions. Moreover, regarding Ming Chu’s marriage arrangements, I myself am assisting with the selection of suitable matches, so Lady Liu truly has nothing left to worry about. In my humble opinion, it would be best to send her to a nunnery, where she may devote herself to vegetarian meals and Buddhist chants, thus atoning for her past transgressions.”
“Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law are currently serving in Mei’an Prefecture, a place renowned for its spiritual energy and abundant Buddhist temples and nunneries. I believe sending her there would be most appropriate. Should any matters arise, Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law could offer some care and protection.”
Although both proposals involved sending her to a nunnery, their implications were entirely different. Ming Tingyuan had initially intended for the two to undergo a period of reflection before returning home, whereas Lady Pei sought to have Lady Liu take permanent vows as a nun, spending the rest of her life beside green lamps and ancient Buddhas.
Ming Tingyuan pondered briefly before agreeing. He reasoned that although this meant sending her far away, it was far less tragic than selling her into slavery. Furthermore, his second brother and sister-in-law were kind-hearted people; while they might not provide exceptional care to a concubine sent to a nunnery due to wrongdoing, they would certainly not allow her to lose her life within just a few days.
Ming Tan and Shen Hua, seated below, understood all too well that life in the nunnery would be far from easy.
Lady Liu, accustomed to commanding servants and maids without lifting a finger herself, would now have to manage everything on her own after taking the tonsure and entering the convent. Moreover, Mei’an was a place so distant and remote; there, she could neither play the pitiful nor expect any sympathy. As time passed, her father would naturally find it increasingly difficult to think of her, and even if he did, bringing her back would become nearly impossible.
Only after dealing with Ming Chu and Concubine Liu did Ming Tingyuan finally turn his attention to comforting Ming Tan and Shen Hua.
Ming Tan and Shen Hua, being naturally understanding, spent quite some time conversing with him, urging him not to let anger harm his health and so forth. Deeply touched by their words, Ming Tingyuan felt greatly comforted. By evening mealtime, he ordered dinner to be served right in Lanxin Courtyard.
By the time she stepped out of Lanxin Courtyard, the sky had grown heavy.
Ming Tan and Shen Hua walked together toward the East Garden, exchanging a few casual remarks. Suddenly, an evening breeze arose; Ming Tan closed her fan and shifted the topic, asking softly, “There is something I do not quite understand. Last night, my elder cousin told me that His Highness, the Prince of Dingbei, would also be visiting the Great Xiangguo Temple. Was her intention truly only to warn me?”
Shen Hua responded frankly, “Of course not. I was merely guarding against Third Sister’s next move and thought that if Fourth Sister accompanied me, she might be able to help in some way. As for my later conversation with Third Sister, I indeed never expected the Prince to overhear it, and I knew nothing about the arrangements for our return journey by carriage and horse. Though I had my own motives, I never intended to harm Fourth Sister. Can Fourth Sister trust me?”
Ming Tan gazed at her and nodded. “If Elder Cousin says so, then I believe you.”
In the past, whenever the two of them clashed, it was always through the subtle maneuvers typical of young ladies in their boudoirs, never causing any real harm. Now, Shen Hua had even less reason to deliberately drag Ming Tan into trouble. Fanning themselves gently, the two women strolled deeper into the fragrant blossoms.
–
In the past few days, with Ming Chu and Concubine Liu’s matters settled, the household has become much quieter. Ming Tan’s springtime longings have reawakened, and she spends her days staring blankly at Prince Dingbei’s sash, lost in thought.
She had originally intended to wash and iron it, return it to the prince’s residence, and include a letter of gratitude. Yet she feared that taking such initiative might remind His Highness Prince Dingbei of what Ming Chu had said that day.
Moreover, merely returning a sash hardly demonstrates her thoughtfulness… Sending additional gifts would be inappropriate; no proper young lady casually gives things away. Such behavior would be far too immodest. If anyone found out, she would truly have no choice but to end her life.
After pondering for several days, Ming Tan still couldn’t devise a clever solution that would neither involve giving excessive gifts nor fail to convey her deep thoughtfulness to her future husband.
Until one day, while browsing through a miscellaneous book, she stumbled upon an intriguing recipe for making incense. It claimed the fragrance was crisp and clear, possessing the power to repel insects and ward off evil spirits.
As summer approached, mosquitoes became increasingly prevalent, making such insect-repelling and evil-warding properties quite useful.
Moreover, returning the item to its owner while infusing it with this fragrance would not only avoid any suspicion of improper private exchanges but also showcase her virtue and considerate nature. Perfect!
Ming Tan perked up and immediately set to work in the Zhaoshui Courtyard alongside the young maids.
In truth, Ming Tan always acted with thorough consideration; she first presented the formula to the physician, who confirmed that combining these aromatic herbs indeed possessed insect-repelling properties.
Once the incense was prepared, she had the physician examine it again. Only after he affirmed its efficacy did she soak her own garments in the fragrant mixture.
The scent was indeed crisp and distinctive; for two consecutive days, wearing clothes infused with this aroma while venturing into garden areas teeming with mosquitoes, not a single insect drew near her.
Reassured, she personally soaked the sash in this fragrance, then spent a long while selecting an ornate box. After carefully ironing the sash and folding it neatly into the box, she dispatched someone to deliver it to the Prince Dingbei’s residence.
Just as her messenger set off for the Prince Dingbei’s residence, a breeze stirred the miscellaneous books by the window, flipping several pages backward before revealing a passage that read: “The seven-ingredient fragrance formulas previously recorded all share one common flaw: after a few days of use, their pleasant scent fades while an unpleasant odor gradually intensifies.”
–
Jiang Xu was never one for extravagance. When Ming Tan returned the sash, his subordinates inspected it and found nothing amiss, so he accepted it. As for the message Uncle Fu conveyed regarding its supposed effects of repelling insects and warding off evil spirits, he paid it no heed.
Jiang Xu usually wore black robes with a black sash. Several days later, however, he rarely donned a light-colored long robe to visit the Imperial Capital Grand Camp and discuss important matters with the generals.
As they conversed, he faintly detected an odd odor. The generals standing close to him also sensed a strange scent, sweet yet foul. Yet, recalling that the prince was invariably meticulous about cleanliness when not on the battlefield, and having never once smelled even the common sweat odor typical of soldiers while sharing quarters with him, he assumed his senses had deceived him and silently endured it.
Before long, however, the peculiar smell grew increasingly intense.
Jiang Xu paused briefly, glanced at the binding around his arm, then slowly and deliberately began unwinding it coil by coil.
Had he left it bound, all might have been well; but once undone, the cloying yet putrid aroma intensified dramatically. By the time he finished unwrapping it, every general in the camp instinctively covered their noses and stepped back half a zhang.
Jiang Xu: “…”
Evil-warding.
So he was the very evil one people sought to avoid?