Chapter 29

Steward Chen presented a list of gifts and, politely, said, “This is the Chen family's parting gift, please accept it.”
A carriage, two sets of bedding, ten bolts of white silk, ten bolts of other silk cloth, a hundred jin of rice, a hundred jin of flour, this was exactly the compensation Mu Wanqing had asked for to break the engagement; not a single item was missing.
The Chen family was being particular: they didn't call it compensation, they called it a parting gift.
When friends and relatives set out on a long journey, it's customary to give money for the road; that's what a chengyi is.
He drew back the carriage curtain to reveal that the vehicle was packed with the goods listed on the gift list. “We'll leave this carriage behind as well,” he added.
It was generous and sincere, there was nothing to fault.
Second Master Mu handed the gift list to his eldest son. “What do you think?”
“I'll leave it entirely to Father.” Mu Zicheng's feelings were complicated; after all, he'd once hoped, he'd once imagined.
He had pictured living with a wife in mutual respect and raising a few lovely children.
But it would be better not to burden the young lady.
A real man need not worry about being without a wife.
Second Master Mu sighed softly. “Madam, bring the marriage contract.”
Madam Qian felt a pang of regret, but under the circumstances separate marriages were for the best.
Why should a daughter raised in tenderness be forced to marry an exile and share his banishment?
When forming a marriage, social standing must match, otherwise no one will be satisfied.
Second Master Mu handed the marriage contract to Steward Chen. “From this day on, the matters of marriage shall concern neither party. I wish Miss Chen a good husband and a life of peace and joy.”
Steward Chen was visibly moved. People said Second Master Mu lacked backbone, but such magnanimity was rare indeed.
He bowed with due respect. “Thank you, Second Master Mu. Your son is a remarkable man; he will surely take a suitable and virtuous bride and enjoy a happy, fulfilling life.”
The two families didn't tear each other apart; they ended the engagement with dignity.
Steward Chen stepped back and assumed the role of an onlooker.
It was the Yu family's turn. The driver of the other carriage jumped down, turned, and helped the people inside to disembark.
They were master and servant: a beautiful, gentle maiden standing gracefully, radiating a quiet poise, though a trace of sorrow lay between her brows.
The other was a maid, worry written all over her face, brows tightly knit, she looked as if she were being led to the execution grounds.
The driver introduced himself. “I'm the Yu family's steward; this is our fourth young lady.”
Fourth Miss Yu stepped forward with composed grace and offered a gentle bow. “Greetings, Uncle and Aunt.”
Her manners were flawless, her bearing modest and dignified.
Madam Qian personally stepped forward to help her up, taking her arm and appraising her from head to toe. What a pretty girl, an oval face, willow‑leaf brows, a cherry mouth, so delicate one couldn't help but feel pity.
Yet her expression was clouded.
Madam Mu felt a pang in her chest and her brows tightened.
Second Master Mu looked puzzled. “This is…?”
The Yu steward cupped his hands, his manner deferential. “By the family head's order, we have brought the fourth miss to complete the marriage and fulfill the original betrothal.”
Second Master Mu was stunned; it was completely unexpected.
Most families would simply cancel the engagement outright, like the Chens, no obligations on either side.
Or they'd postpone it for years and wait to see how things developed.
But he'd never seen anyone actually send the bride over to be married like this.
Madam Qian was even more astonished. A marriage is no trivial matter: the three contracts and six rites, a proper matchmaker, the red bridal sedan, every step is essential.
“What? Complete the marriage? Did you mean something else?”
Fourth Miss Yu was an upright girl from a respectable family, while the Mus had an exile; once she married into the Mu household she'd be branded the wife of a criminal.
They say you marry the life you get, but who could bear such a disparity? Have they truly thought it through?
The Yu steward's face was solemn. “Our family's conduct is upright. We honor our promises and would never act in bad faith.”
Second Master Mu couldn't help showing admiration. “I didn't expect Censor Yu to be so noble, it's truly remarkable.”
Mu Wanqing, who had been watching the whole time, pricked up her ears, this was getting interesting.
This Fourth Miss Yu was not born to the main wife, yet she carried herself as if she were.
Her birth mother was Censor Yu's own cousin; they were childhood sweethearts and had an early betrothal. But fate had other plans, Censor Yu caught the eye of a high‑ranking official's daughter…
In the end both sides made concessions: Censor Yu married the official's daughter while his cousin became his favored concubine. The wife and concubine appeared to live in harmony, and the story was praised as a rare happy ending.
When Mu Wanqing heard this, she snorted, what a “happy ending,” she thought; he was plainly a hypocrite.
Although a Censor is only a seventh‑rank official, he has the authority to impeach other officials directly.
That the Mu family's second branch managed to secure such a connection owed largely to Old Madam Mu's efforts.
But think about it, given how Old Madam Mu oppressed the second branch, how could she possibly have arranged such a high marriage?
There had to be some hidden reason.
She'd analyzed the situation briefly and concluded the most likely explanation was that the Censor's wife had pulled strings behind the scenes.
The notion that a wife and concubine live in harmony is a man's fantasy. For wealth, for children, for favor, they'll fight to the death.
Fourth Miss Yu was fourth in birth order: before her were an elder sister and two elder brothers, all legitimate; the concubine had borne a son and a daughter, the son being the youngest.
On the surface it looked proper, but the more you examined it the more it felt off.
The Yu steward's face betrayed his pleasure. “I'll now entrust Fourth Miss Yu to the Mu household. Please be kind to her.”
Second Master Mu and his wife exchanged a blank, bewildered look, unsure how to respond.
The main daughter-in-law has fled, there was a secondary wife first? This simply isn't proper.
Besides, how do you hold a wedding on the road to exile? You can't just perform a token ceremony and be done with it.
A wedding is one of life's great events; it must not be treated lightly.
For a moment the situation froze. Mu Wanqing looked at the silent woman, cleared her throat to break the stillness. "Fourth Miss Yu, would you be willing to marry my second brother?"
Everyone turned to look. Mu Ziang's eyes brightened a little, this was his fiancée, gentle and lovely, exactly his type.
But Fourth Miss Yu lowered her head and said nothing.
Mu Wanqing sighed softly, she doesn't want to!
The light in Mu Ziang's eyes dimmed. He spoke quietly, "Father, Mother, you can't force it, forced love won't be sweet. It's better not to compel her."
You couldn't blame the girl. The road of exile was perilous; she might lose her life at any moment. How could a delicate girl endure such hardships?
"Steward Yu, take your Fourth Miss back. If she stays with us she'll only suffer."
Fourth Miss Yu suddenly looked up, astonishment written across her face.
Seeing their son's resolve, Second Master Mu and his wife conferred briefly. "Steward Yu, we understand your family's stance. We thank the Yu family for its generosity. This match is off, take her back."
They wouldn't even receive compensation, but that was all right; they were in much better circumstances now and no longer had to survive on such things.
Steward Yu refused firmly. "This is my mistress's order. I have no authority to decide on my own."
"Fourth Miss, take care." He bowed, thrust two parcels into the maid's hands, jumped into the carriage, and waved to Steward Chen, who leapt up beside him.
And so the two drove off.
Fourth Miss Yu watched the carriage go with reddened eyes, shivering in the autumn wind.
The maid at her side was deathly pale, utter despair at being abandoned.
Mu Wanqing's mouth twitched, was this a marriage or a dumping? Not even a shred of dowry?
Those in the second branch were all flustered; abandon her and run off? What a disgraceful situation.
Madam Qian couldn't bear it. "Fourth Miss Yu, I'll have someone escort you home."
Tears gathered at Fourth Miss Yu's eyes as she murmured, "I can never go back."
From the moment she left her family, it was like water spilled, irretrievable.
She forced herself to smile demurely. "Aunt, in life I belong to the Mu family, in death I will be a Mu ghost. I will serve you and Uncle faithfully."
This was the path her father had laid out for her; she had no choice.
Madam Qian felt a twinge in her chest but gently patted the girl's arm. "Don't be afraid. Our family isn't cruel. If we've got something to eat, we'll share half with you."
Fourth Miss Yu smiled through her tears. "Thank you, Aunt."
Madam Qian's heart softened. The girl was barely of age, far from her parents and alone among them, she must be terrified.
We'll be kinder to her from now on.
The sun had climbed high and they were delaying too long. Officer Zeng urged them anxiously to set off.
If they left any later they'd have to sleep out on the barren hills.
The Mu family's second branch was in an uproar, unsure how to arrange quarters for Fourth Miss Yu and her attendants.
But the escorts pressed them, so Mu Wanqing thought for a moment. "Any other matters can wait. Mother, ride with me in one carriage. Fourth Miss Yu and her attendants take another carriage. Have Li Si drive the carriage."
It was also to avoid suspicion.
"Big brother, second brother, go with Chen's carriage and protect the supplies."
That left them with an extra carriage, more than enough.
"Father, you take the mule cart."
She assigned everyone clearly; they immediately took their places, accustomed to following orders.
Only Fourth Miss Yu and her attendants sat in stunned silence, boarding the carriage and remaining dazed for a long time.
The wet nurse looked around the finely appointed carriage and felt a little reassured. "Miss, how does the Mu family have so many carriages? Where did they come from?"
Their circumstances were surprisingly good, nothing like the ruin she'd expected.
Fourth Miss Yu looked out the window. There were a few carriages in the procession, but not many; most were prisoners trudging on foot.
Yet the Mu family's second branch seemed different, the escorts treated them politely. Was it just her imagination?
Inside the carriage, Mu Wanqing had paper and pen, sketching and writing. The plan was ready; now it was time for implementation.
She would send the guards ahead to scout the market.
Which towns produced medicinal herbs, where cloth was cheap, the border garrisons lacked these goods.
As for tea, it could be considered; she just didn't know how the border market's demand was structured.
She made a market survey form, just fill in the numbers.
She called Shen Yong over. "This is the market reconnaissance. Visit more shops and ask around. I want the prices of goods in the nearby towns. There are twelve of you, two per team, six teams total. Any problems?"
Her instructions were so matter-of-fact that Shen Yong instinctively replied, "No problem."
He walked a few paces with the form before he realized she had given orders without consulting anyone.
This wasn't partnership; it was clearly a superior-subordinate relationship.
"Third Miss..."
Mu Wanqing smiled. "What don't you understand? If you don't know, ask, there's always something to learn from others. Don't worry about losing face."
Her smile was so bright it disarmed him. Shen Yong hesitated, "It's not that, I understand, it's just..."
Mu Wanqing's smile grew even sweeter. "Alright then. When you return I'll compile the data and try to earn us some traveling money. Hurry and come back soon. Tonight I'll cook myself, what would you like? You can request one dish."
Shen Yong had heard her cooking was extraordinary, better than the imperial kitchen. "Anything will do."
"Very well, I'll prepare a lavish grand platter, guaranteed delicious."
Shen Yong turned away happily and called his companions to work, but once he was on horseback he suddenly realized something was amiss.
He'd been led away again? The whole rhythm was under Third Miss's control.
A companion called out, "Brother Shen, what are you staring at? Move!"
Shen Yong shook his head and gave a light laugh. Forget it, he really wasn't a match for Third Miss.
At lunch, Mu Wanqing dismounted from the carriage to stretch her limbs and loosen her joints.
The road was poor; the carriage jolted violently. Sitting so long made your back ache.
Officer Zeng came over holding a wildflower. "Third Miss, these wild flowers are everywhere and smell lovely. Can we use them?"
They'd been foraging all along for every kind of wild bloom. Wild chrysanthemums were the most common, they'd almost picked them clean.
Mu Wanqing glanced at it. "This is a wild camellia. The dried flowers can stop bleeding; brewed, they make a beautifying tea that nurtures the skin. The roots can be used medicinally to disperse stasis and reduce swelling, and they can be sold to an apothecary."
Officer Zeng's eyes lit up, this was good stuff.
He immediately shouted for everyone to gather the wild camellias; dried, they could be sold for money.
This no-capital trade was exhilarating, once they started they couldn't stop. Making money was addictive.
Everyone was pleased; as long as they worked, they'd get extra rations that night.
The cook ran over with a few bright red fruits. "Third Miss, these wild berries are very sweet. I've washed them, please try one."
Mu Wanqing liked fresh fruit, but there wasn't much to eat on the road; at best they could pick wild fruit.
"Thank you." She bit into one, tart and sweet. "This is nice. Are there more? Pick plenty; we can make jam."
Seeing how much she enjoyed it, the cook was delighted. Third Miss had taught him skills for free; he had no money or status to offer in return, so he could only prepare more vegetables and fruit. "There are plenty. I'll go get more after I finish cooking."
Mu Wanqing munched the wild fruit and watched the hardworking people with satisfaction; there had been fewer troublemakers lately.
A woman's voice suddenly rang out, "Sister Wanqing, how can you be so close to an outsider man? Men and women shouldn't have intimate contact, hasn't Aunt Mu taught you otherwise?"
It was Fourth Miss Yu. Her tone was gentle, but her words were unpleasant.
Mu Wanqing: ???
"Who are you?" Her own parents had never scolded her like that.
"Uh, I am..." Fourth Miss Yu suddenly faltered. Although she was a bride-to-be of the Mu family, her status hadn't been settled.
By what right did she try to discipline Mu Wanqing?
Mu Wanqing gave a faint smile and turned away; she had no desire to make things difficult for her.
Life is short and survival is hard, why waste time on petty quarrels?
A figure blocked her path and, burning with righteous indignation, said, "Third Miss Mu, I am Fourth Miss Yu's wet nurse. Seeing you act so rudely, I can't help but speak: my young lady only does this for your own good. As women we must observe the four practices, women's virtue, speech, appearance, and skills. What is women's virtue? Be pure and restrained, uphold chastity and order, behave with a sense of shame, and be measured in motion and stillness..." Note 1
A wet nurse reciting female virtues to scold Mu Wanqing, was that fitting?
Mu Wanqing was amazed; in a big forest there were all kinds of birds.
"Are you saying I lack women's virtue?"
Still, a wet nurse could recite the rules of female virtue by heart. Where had she learned that?
Mu Wanqing glanced reflexively at Fourth Miss Yu. No way, the Yu family actually taught their daughter this?
Fourth Miss Yu's wet nurse hated to see anyone bully her charge and always rushed in first.
She was very displeased with Mu Wanqing's attitude.
"This old servant speaks impertinently, but your conduct is a bit..."
She claimed descent from the Censor's household, a family of letters and refinement, a lineage far above the obscure second branch of the Mu family.
Mu Wanqing raised an eyebrow, half-smiling. "Oh?"
The wet nurse played the injured party for her young lady, such a pretty face, once destined for a bright future, now ruined.
The Mu family had fallen into disgrace and was no suitable match. The master, for the sake of his reputation, ignored the second madam and the girl's pleas and simply dismissed her.
There must be Madam's doing! Madam couldn't tolerate a talented concubine-born daughter.
"How improper! My young lady is the daughter of the Censor's house, reared with strict family discipline, proper in conduct, her virtue and bearing exemplary, she's a model of female virtue. She would gladly offer you guidance; you should count yourself lucky."
Mu Wanqing snorted with laughter, what nonsense.
"If she's so outstanding, why was she abandoned by her family and left to be a cast-off?"
Fourth Miss Yu had that classic delicate, pale face, nonthreatening, pitiable, instinctively deserving of protection.
She looked over in disbelief, her face frighteningly pale.
"Our master was simply keeping his promise..." the wet nurse protested, cheeks flushed.
Mu Wanqing rolled her eyes. "Sacrificing a daughter's happiness for a clean name and a career, is that keeping a promise, or chasing fame and flattering the court?"
Fourth Miss Yu grew even paler. The wet nurse, furious, shouted, "What do you know? You're making malicious accusations and disrespecting sister-in-law and the family!"
Her voice was so loud it drew countless curious glances.
Mu Ziang, who had been helping, heard it and hurried over. "Sister, what's the matter?"
The wet nurse, seeing a savior, rushed to complain. "Second Young Master, you're just in time. Third Miss spoke rudely and insulted my young lady. Poor thing has suffered so much, traveled thousands of miles just to follow Second Young Master. You are her only support; if you don't protect her, she won't survive."
She spoke with such heartfelt earnestness she even moved herself; there was no reason it shouldn't move a young man.
But to her surprise, Mu Ziang frowned. "My sister is kind and generous; everyone praises her. You must have misunderstood."
Wet nurse: ...
Fourth Miss Yu: ...
The wet nurse thought him unreasonable. "She accused our master of chasing fame and fortune!"
Mu Ziang made a soft sound of surprise. "My sister said that?"
The wet nurse wiped her tears in grievance, as if grievously wronged. "Yes, how could she say such a thing?"
She had expected Mu Ziang to scold Mu Wanqing. Instead, to her surprise, Mu Ziang spoke with righteous certainty, "That's nothing but grandstanding for fame, ah, I didn't expect Uncle Yu to only look like a gentleman."
The wet nurse was completely taken aback; was he out of his mind?
"That's your father-in-law, that's slander."
Mu Ziang believed his sister without question. She's so clever, how could she be wrong?
"Impossible. My sister has a broad heart, her vision and scope are far above ordinary people, her conduct is pure, how could she falsely accuse a stranger?"
The wet nurse couldn't believe it, her face full of doubt. "Second Young Master, you really take your sister's word that easily?"
Mu Ziang nodded without hesitation. "Of course. My sister is exceptionally bright, her judgment is uncanny. If she says someone is grandstanding for fame, then that's that, no arguments accepted."
The wet nurse was nearly aghast, what sort of person was this?
Fourth Miss Yu's lips twitched. "Second Young Master, Wanqing, my nanny was too reckless. On her behalf I apologize to both of you. I too have been at fault for not keeping better control of my household servants; please forgive me this once."
She lowered herself and looked paper-white. Mu Ziang felt awkward arguing with her. "Just don't let it happen again. You can criticize me, but not my sister. You don't know how good she is, how sweet, spend time with her and you'll come to like her."
Fourth Miss Yu looked numb, unwilling to speak at all. She felt exhausted.
Mu Wanqing couldn't help smiling. "Second Brother, what's for lunch?"
She deliberately changed the subject. Mu Ziang didn't notice. "That twice-cooked pork rice bowl you taught me last time was so good, I want three big pots. Ah, I have to get back to work."
He ran off quickly. Mu Wanqing smiled faintly, but her eyes went cold. "Fourth Miss Yu, whatever you're thinking or planning, do not harm my family. Otherwise, I'll have you killed in a heartbeat."
Though she smiled, it never reached her eyes. "Understand?"
Her threat made Fourth Miss Yu's expression shift several times. "I don't understand what you mean. I only wanted to get along with you."
Mu Wanqing could understand that she didn't want to marry Second Brother, but she wouldn't tolerate someone scheming against her family.
"Is that so? Then why did you deliberately send your loyal dog to bite me? Trying to pry open a gap through me. I admire your courage. You wear the soft, innocent 'little white flower' face, yet you do have a few tricks, but they're not enough."
By manipulating her, you'd have the second household in the palm of your hand to achieve your ends.
Leaving that remark, Mu Wanqing walked away unhurriedly.
Fourth Miss Yu watched her retreating figure, her gaze flickering. Everyone in the Mu family seemed strangely different.
The wet nurse spoke up for her. "Miss, how could she act like that? Even if she lacks manners, she's being downright rude."
Fourth Fourth Miss Yughed softly. "Maybe I truly was wrong."
"How could you be wrong, Miss? You've endured too many grievances, others have wronged you." The wet nurse's eyes reddened. "Even Second Madam sacrificed you for the little young master."
Two tears rolled down Fourth Miss Yu's cheeks; her heart felt desolate.
She had struggled, gone on hunger strike, resisted, but her family still chose to abandon her. Whom could she trust now? On whom could she rely?
Isolated and helpless, she finally understood that she could only ever depend on herself.
…
Madam Qian took a bite of the twice-cooked pork over rice, savoring the aroma. No wonder it was her daughter's idea, it was delicious.
"I think Fourth Miss Yu is very reluctant; why not send her back?"
Mu Wanqing didn't like fatty meat; she picked it out and pushed it into Second Master's bowl, and he cheerfully ate it.
"If I'm not mistaken, when they left the capital, Censor Yu likely made a big public display of it, how could she go back now?"
That would cut off Fourth Miss Yu's way home, Censor Yu was a ruthless character.
"But we can't keep living in this vague limbo, can we? A marriage where one party is unwilling will never be happy." Second Master Mu found it inappropriate. "Qing'er, what do you think we should do about this?"
This concerned Second Brother's entire future; as his sister, Mu Wanqing seemed to have no say. But Fourth Miss Yu was someone to be wary of. "Second Brother, what do you think?"
"I'll follow our parents' decision; I have no opinion." Mu Ziang buried his head in his food, not even looking up.
A flash of inspiration struck Mu Wanqing, she thought of a solution that could satisfy both sides.