Chapter 322 - 129: The Delightful Song Yunzhao
The Second Madam was beaming. Though she had been in Nanyu, she’d heard that Yun Zhao was very close to the First Madam but had practically fallen out with her own mother.
She wasn’t surprised at all. Mrs. Cai had treated Yun Zhao unfairly back in Nanyu. But even though she was a sister-in-law, she came from a merchant family and her husband was an illegitimate son. What right did she have to criticize Mrs. Cai?
Besides, she had come to Shangjing with a favor to ask of the First Madam, so of course she readily agreed. "Don’t you worry, Sister-in-law," she said with a smile. "I’ll take good care of Yun Mei. She’s the only unmarried young lady left in our household. We must watch over her well."
The Second Madam lamented inwardly. ’Why couldn’t I have given birth to a daughter? Who could have imagined Yun Zhao would have such an opportunity now? If I had a daughter, I could use Yun Zhao’s influence to arrange a good marriage for her. That would be a great help to my sons, too.’
She didn’t have a daughter of her own, but fortunately, her niece was on very good terms with Yun Zhao. Because of this, the Second Madam felt she could hold her head a little higher.
The First Madam smiled warmly at the Second Madam. "There are so few of us in the residence. The First Master and his son, Bo Ran, are both away at their posts. Bo Chang and the other boys are not yet married. In the inner courtyard, it’s just you, the Third Sister-in-law, and Yun Mei. I think we should call out the concubines to liven things up, so it’s not so dreary over the New Year."
The Second Madam immediately understood the First Madam’s intentions. The illegitimate daughters of the first branch may not have seemed to marry high, but on closer inspection, their matches were excellent. Their futures were certainly secure. So, the First Madam wanted to raise the status of those concubines, which would in turn bring honor to their married daughters.
"You’re always so thoughtful, Sister-in-law. You’re right, the New Year should be a lively affair. Leave it to me; I’ll make sure it’s done right." How could the Second Madam not be pleased? A concubine with successful children held a different kind of importance.
She just had to endure a little longer. Once her sons passed the imperial examinations and entered officialdom, she and her husband could finally, truly hold their heads high.
This time, aside from her two biological sons, she had also brought the illegitimate son born to Aunt Zhu to Shangjing. She had never been particularly fond of Aunt Zhu and her son in the past, but their relationship wasn’t as hostile as the one between Mrs. Cai and Aunt Che.
Back in Nanyu, she had heard of the First Madam’s deeds. Reflecting on them, she realized how shortsighted she had been. The First Madam was truly formidable. What did it matter if they were illegitimate children? If they were raised well and became successful, her own status as the official mother would rise with them.
She wanted to leave all three boys in the capital to pursue their studies, a matter that required the First Madam’s approval. Therefore, since the First Madam was now asking for her help, she was more than willing to do her part. It would make it easier to ask for a favor in return later.
While the First Madam and Second Madam chatted away animatedly, Mrs. Cai sat all alone in her room.
Song Yunzhao had entered the palace. Song Qinghan and Song Jinxuan were both married and gone. Song Bu Yue had to keep the New Year’s vigil with his cousins in the outer courtyard, and her husband was attending the imperial banquet.
Mrs. Cai was in a foul mood. The faint sound of laughter drifting from the East Courtyard, in particular, grated on her nerves.
’She had truly raised a "good" daughter,’ she thought sarcastically. ’They claimed the guest list for the banquet was by His Majesty’s decree, but if Song Yunzhao hadn’t put in a word, why would His Majesty have summoned the First Madam?’
Just as she was lost in thought, Nanny Zhao rushed in. "Madam, Madam Ding Nanbo is here."
Mrs. Cai was taken aback. "What is she doing here?"
"Madam Ding Nanbo said she’s on her way to the palace banquet and was just passing by, so she dropped in to say hello."
Mrs. Cai composed herself and went to welcome her in personally.
Madam Ding Nanbo was dressed in the formal robes of her rank today. Standing before her, Mrs. Cai looked particularly grim.
Seeing Mrs. Cai, Madam Ding Nanbo smiled. "I realized it had been a while since I’d seen you, Sister, and since I was passing by, I thought I’d stop in for a chat."
Mrs. Cai invited her into the room and had her sit down. "You shouldn’t have gone to such trouble, Sister," she said. "You still have to go to the palace. You mustn’t be late."
Madam Ding Nanbo observed how terrible Mrs. Cai’s expression was. She waved the servants away and then said in a low voice, "I only just heard about the palace banquet. Why didn’t you send word to me?"
Mrs. Cai felt utterly humiliated. How could she possibly speak of it? "There’s nothing to talk about," she said, her face stiff.
Madam Ding Nanbo sighed. "Why must you be so stubborn? Qing Han is married, but you still have Bu Yue. You must think of him."
"You want me to go beg Song Yunzhao?" Mrs. Cai nearly leaped up. "Never in a million years!"
Seeing her reaction, Madam Ding Nanbo’s brow furrowed. She looked at her sister and said, "You two are mother and daughter, after all. There’s no such thing as a feud that should last overnight. You were indeed somewhat unfair to Yun Zhao in the past. There’s no harm in lowering your head to her a little. Once you talk things out, it will be over. Why insist on this, only to disgrace yourself? Look at today. You should have been the one attending the palace banquet. But what happened? In the end, your dear First Sister-in-law was the one who benefited."