Chapter 20: Cousin

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Soon, everyone in the Marquis’ residence knew that He Zhiyu’s cousin, Yue Shuyao, was coming. The stewards of each courtyard were astute and already well aware, so they instructed the servants accordingly: this Yue Shuyao was no ordinary person.

The Yue family was also a prestigious clan; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to establish a marriage alliance with the Marquis’ household. Not to mention that the Marquis’ wife had married a lady from the Yue family.

The most distinguished member of the Yue family was the current Minister of Justice, Yue Zicang, who was a cousin of the Marquis’ wife. He had a legitimate daughter, Yue Shuyao.

When Yue Shuyao was young, due to her father’s reassignment, she had stayed for a time at the Yue household. At that time, the Marquis’ wife had not yet married and often helped care for her at home, forming a bond over time.

After the Marquis’ wife married, she returned several times to visit Shuyao, maintaining this connection until Shuyao blossomed into a graceful young lady.

Though Yue Shuyao had never been to the Marquis’ residence herself, the servants who accompanied the Marquis’ wife said that each time she saw Shuyao, she was very fond of her and always remembered to prepare things she liked. Considering the Marquis’ wife’s usually stern and cold demeanor, this was quite remarkable.

At the time, perceptive servants guessed that the Yue family was of such standing that perhaps once the heir grew up, he would marry Miss Yue Shuyao.

However, after the Meng family incident, such speculation became old news, and no one spoke of it anymore.

But this time was different.

The heir had been married for three years. Among noble families, there was an unspoken rule: to not take a concubine within the first year of marriage was a sign of respect to the principal wife; to wait three years meant even greater devotion and gave the principal wife time to bear a legitimate heir.

After three years, whether or not the principal wife had borne a son, it was considered reasonable and proper for the husband to take concubines.

Previously, although the Marquis’ wife liked Miss Yue Shuyao, she never brought her into the household, only showing closeness during visits and formal gatherings.

Now, however, the Marquis’ wife had made an exception and brought Miss Yue Shuyao in, an obvious sign of intent.

Moreover, the Yue family was prestigious; it was unlikely Shuyao was coming as a mere concubine—taking her as a secondary wife would not be surprising.

Although the Meng family currently held sway, the future was uncertain.

The shrewder servants knew to keep their options open.

The last time, the Marquis’ wife spoke with Meng Yunshao for a long time. Though she did not state it explicitly, both parties understood quickly: the Marquis’ wife was arranging for the heir to take a concubine, perhaps even something more significant.

But the Marquis’ wife feared lowering her status by rushing things, so she intended for the heir and Shuyao to become acquainted gradually.

Thus, she warned Meng Yunshao to be magnanimous and cordial, even to assist.

Meng Yunshao smiled gently and agreed.

Meng Yunshao couldn’t quite explain it.

She had long known this day would come—if not Yue Shuyao, then Cheng Shuyao, Zhang Shuyao, or Tian Shuyao. She could neither stop nor control it. That it came after three years was because the heir showed little interest in romantic matters, always wearing a cold, indifferent expression.

In truth, when He Zhiyu had overwhelmed her at the betrothal ritual, she had secretly wished someone could share the burden.

But when the day finally arrived, she felt an inexplicable agitation.

The mother-in-law didn’t think she would be upset, so she explained everything clearly and plainly.

Miss Shuyao would arrive on one of He Zhiyu’s days off and stay in the Fuyue Pavilion, close to the heir’s quarters. During these days, Meng Yunshao was to avoid bringing him food in the study and arrange for the two to have some private time.

No one in the Marquis’ residence thought Meng Yunshao would be agitated. Everyone believed she was a virtuous wife—neither jealous, resentful, nor hateful—and openly discussed how important Miss Shuyao was to the Marquis’ wife. If she could enter the heir’s chambers, it would be a deepening of their bond. Shuyao’s sweet childhood demeanor suggested she could get along well with Meng Yunshao.

Meng Yunshao could only smile and agree with her mother-in-law and everyone else, saying, “Very well, that would be best. Indeed, a fortunate matter.”

That night, He Zhiyu, who had accompanied her the previous night, made an unusual visit to the Fuyue Pavilion, which felt rather strange.

They said little. Meng Yunshao was still recovering from the cold and they did nothing but lie side by side on the couch, staring silently at each other.

Moonlight poured like water, filtering through the branches of the parasol trees and the window lattice, shining into He Zhiyu’s handsome eyes—bright and clear.

Suddenly, Meng Yunshao wished he would say something, though she did not know what she wanted to hear.

He Zhiyu finally spoke softly: “Yunshao.”

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Meng Yunshao had never heard him call her “Yunshao” before; he usually addressed her as “Madam Meng.” She found it very rare and replied, “Young Master, I’m here.”

He Zhiyu turned to look at her, his gaze intense: “Yunshao, in a few days, the Yue family’s cousin Shuyao will come to stay for a while. Has your mother-in-law spoken to you about it?”

Meng Yunshao thought, “Again with Shuyao? Today really won’t be easy,” but she still answered softly, “Young Master, I know.”

He Zhiyu seemed to have made a decision and said quietly, “Yunshao, please... don’t mind it.”

Don’t... mind it?

Don’t mind what? Should she not mind their closeness, or when Shuyao is brought into the household?

More than not minding, Meng Yunshao never expected He Zhiyu to personally tell her this.

She always thought he was cold and indifferent to everyone, not just to her.

But today, for Shuyao’s sake, he had come specially to advise her to be tolerant and not to take it to heart. He even addressed her as “Yunshao,” feigning warmth.

She guessed the two must have met before, but she hadn’t imagined such intimacy.

Meng Yunshao felt her irritation peak, wishing she could kick He Zhiyu off the couch.

But she could not.

She endured a moment, gathered herself, and said coldly, “Young Master, Madam Meng understands.”

He Zhiyu was momentarily stunned when she resumed calling herself “Madam Meng,” saying nothing.

Noticing her lapse, Meng Yunshao softened her expression, smiling gently: “Look at you, Young Master, Madam Meng isn’t petty; how could she mistreat a cousin? I’m sure Shuyao will be well cared for.”

He Zhiyu felt he had misspoken but was too muddled to sort it out.

He called again, “Yunshao,” and then, “I…”

He wanted to say clearly, “I won’t have anything with Shuyao. Don’t listen to rumors or take it to heart.”

But that sentence felt too intimate and shameful, caught in his throat.

For a nobleman, taking concubines was normal. Saying such words would seem like he cared too much about her opinion, putting her on a pedestal, as if proving his fidelity.

Since he intended to take concubines anyway, saying it now was irrelevant.

Also, he realized he didn’t want concubines because he didn’t want to hurt Meng Yunshao.

Though she was virtuous and didn’t oppose concubines, she cared for him tenderly, undoubtedly because she loved him.

He owed her kindness and could not go too far.

But mainly, he was cold by nature and disliked crowds.

He focused on his career and had no natural interest in romantic entanglements.

Yes, that must be it.

So he shouldn’t explain too much to avoid misunderstandings. He was not one to indulge in love.

After waiting a while and hearing no more, Meng Yunshao, sensing his fatigue, said softly, “Young Master, I am a bit tired today. I shall rest now.”

She pulled the quilt over her head, enveloping herself in darkness.

Within that darkness, she found some quiet.

Her thoughts settled. The Marquis’ wife was not wrong, neither was anyone in the Marquis’ residence, nor the Young Master. The one at fault was herself.

She had overstepped.

Perhaps wandering alone through storms for too long, one can’t help but yearn for warmth and light.

But fire can warm or burn.

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Though the icy, snowy path is long and arduous, brilliant spring awaits at the end. Why risk everything for a fleeting warmth and light that might suddenly turn to flames, causing ruin beyond repair?

Better to extinguish the small fire and walk alone.

...

In the blink of an eye, the Little New Year approached.

On a clear, cold day, the sun shone brightly, the sky vast and blue without a cloud, with a few fearless magpies flying by. The parasol trees in the Marquis’ courtyard had long shed their leaves, giving a crisp, refreshing feel.

It was a day perfect for any occasion.

Miss Shuyao arrived on this day.

Meng Yunshao had arranged everything carefully, consulting the almanac and weather to select the date. She put Shuyao in the Fuyue Pavilion, a fine side chamber adjoining the main room, with furnishings matching the main quarters, and assigned two top-tier personal maids and four second-tier maids to serve her.

Everyone in the household sighed inwardly; Meng Yunshao truly was a gentle and proper wife.

Only Gongsun Yan, seeing Meng Yunshao bringing maids from the storeroom to set up Shuyao’s room, mocked her openly for striving for a virtuous reputation, apparently so subservient she even pushed her husband aside.

Meng Yunshao merely smiled faintly, saying nothing.

When the day came, Meng Yunshao heard the news that her cousin was arriving with some maids and servants, so she went to the gate to welcome her. For the mistress of the household’s stewards, this was already a great show of respect.

Unexpectedly, soon after, the mother-in-law and the heir also came out. She had rarely seen these two personally greet relatives. Sixth Miss He Qingxian was reluctantly dragged along to stand aside.

Meng Yunshao thought to herself: this treatment was truly extraordinary.

Before long, an exquisite and ornate carriage stopped at the Marquis’ gate. Besides luggage, it was filled with various items, clearly gifts from the Yue family.

Meng Yunshao looked at the dazzling array—there was indeed no shortage—showing the Yue family’s great regard.

Yue Shuyao stepped gracefully from the carriage. She wore a pale yellow embroidered jacket with a fur collar, covered by a pear-blossom-colored vest, paired with a soft yellow pleated skirt. Though not overly elaborate, the outfit was elegant and refined, perfectly appropriate.

Her hair was casually styled in a cloud bun, adorned not with typical gold pins or jewels but with glass beads and velvet flowers—unique and fresh, yet not detracting from her delicate features.

This delicate makeup highlighted her youthful charm and bright beauty, yet also conveyed the dignity and nobility of a high-born lady.

As a fellow woman, Meng Yunshao could tell this was a carefully measured, thoughtful ensemble.

Honestly, she thought Yue Shuyao was of moderately above-average looks. But with this subtle adornment, she gained an air of graceful beauty.

Before Meng Yunshao could speak, the Marquis’ wife eagerly stepped forward to help Shuyao down from the carriage, saying, “I’ve been longing for you. You’re quite heartless, not sending me many letters all this time. That deserves punishment.”

Though she spoke teasingly, she didn’t let go and stared closely at Shuyao.

Shuyao smiled sweetly, revealing two deep dimples like intoxicating honey, and coquettishly said, “Aunt, I came to see you and to apologize. I brought gifts for you—my father brought back a double-sided embroidery from Suzhou called ‘Magpies Welcoming Spring.’ One side shows magpies perched on branches, the other a courtyard full of spring blossoms. Since you’re used to gold and jewels, I thought this might be a refreshing change.”

The Marquis’ wife replied, “Such a treasure—why didn’t your father keep it for himself? What I miss most are your handmade yam and jujube cakes!”

Shuyao laughed softly, “I made those too, and brought them along.”

He Qingxian, who had seen Yue Shuyao several times at various elegant banquets, disliked how close she was to her mother.

As the Marquis’ wife’s legitimate daughter, she had rarely seen her mother show such affection to her, often finding her noisy and straightforward, quick to scold.

Yet, for some reason, her mother was especially fond of this girl.

Already displeased, and having heard rumors that Shuyao was coming to become her brother’s concubine or even a secondary wife, He Qingxian felt a surge of injustice for Meng Yunshao.

She said with some irritation, “Yue Shuyao, what are you doing in my house?”

Yue Shuyao smiled and answered, “Oh, it’s Sister Qingxian. I’m here to do what I must.”