A Hundred of Beautiful Lives - Chapter 007

According to the customs of the Wei Dynasty, when a princess marries outside the palace, on the first day, Ji Yang was required to perform the ritual of serving her mother-in-law and father-in-law, including the washing and meal-serving rites.

During the ninth lunar month in Jizhou, the autumn heavens soared high, the air was fresh and cool, and sunlight gleamed brightly. The daylight had already fully broken, its rays streaming into the main hall, yet even this daylight could not compare to a fraction of the radiance of Princess Anle.

Upon seeing Ji Yang for the first time, Madam Xue immediately felt that her long-standing worries might one day come true. The once-young girl had grown into a woman, her beauty exceeding even Madam Xue’s imagination, and perhaps, exceeding what mortals ought to possess.

Ji Yang’s appearance was not of the first-class seductive fox-like charm, but upright and refined, with unusually pristine eyes, like water-washed jade, reminiscent of a cool mountain spring that refreshes the heart and soul. However, her radiance was too overwhelming, her beauty captivating, that, like the blazing sun, one dared not look at her directly, making her seem somewhat intimidating.

Having just freshly nourished by the rain and dew, Ji Yang’s complexion now resembled a newly unfurled lotus rising from the water, rosy, dewy, and full of life. Her gaze now held a subtle hint of soft allure and charming delicacy, as if endowed with heaven-bestowed grace and earth-nurtured elegance. Seeing this, Madam Xue’s heart sank even further.

Shen Du stepped forward and called out, “Mother.” It pulled Madam Xue back to her senses, and she rose to bow before Ji Yang.

In line with the principle that the state supersedes family and the ruler precedes subjects, Madam Xue’s bow to Ji Yang was rightful. But even so, she was Ji Yang’s aunt-in-law. After accepting the bow, Ji Yang helped her to her feet and led her to her seat. Then, lifting her eyes slightly, she glanced toward Shen Du. His expression was solemn, but his lips had firmly pressed into a tight line. From this, Ji Yang already sensed his displeasure.

In time, Ji Yang would understand that Shen Du’s emotions were never something an ordinary person could read easily. That hint of displeasure that day was just a deliberate display.

Yù Suì’er and the other attendants followed behind Ji Yang, carrying a red lacquer tray, with two sets of garments, a box of handkerchiefs, two dressing cases, two sachets of soap beans, as well as silverware, fabrics, and other items that were gifts traditionally offered by a bride to her elders. For ordinary noble ladies, such gifts were meticulously hand-stitched by the bride personally to demonstrate her diligence and skill in managing a household. Still, for Princess Anle, such matters were unnecessary.

After Madam Xue nodded and expressed her gratitude, Lù Zhū’er stepped forward, carrying a celadon basin filled with clear water. Yù Suì’er helped roll up Jī Yāng’s sleeves, and she stepped forward to assist Madam Xue in washing her hands. Once finished, Ji Yang moved to the western room to lay out utensils and invite Madam Xue to dine, standing by to serve the dishes. Madam Xue took only a few bites before setting her chopsticks down. Thus, the ceremony was considered complete. No one expected a princess to serve meals. Besides, according to Madam Xue’s routine, she had already eaten long before. For the new couple, this was hardly an early morning.

After completing the handwashing rite, Shen Du and Ji Yang needed to go to Taihe Courtyard to pay respects to the matriarch. Madam Xue was also required to attend to her mother-in-law. The three departed together, yet another formality to endure.

Madam Xue courteously gestured for Ji Yang to go ahead. Had Ji Yang married someone Madam Xue disapproved of, she might have taken the lead without hesitation. But now, Ji Yang turned slightly to yield and said, “Ā Gū should go first.”

Madam Xue’s face remained stern, and she replied, “The proper rites between sovereign and subject must remain intact.” It was clear that she did not regard Ji Yang as family.

However, Ji Yang regarded Madam Xue as being restricted by formal etiquette, so she smiled and said, “A woman, once married, follows her husband. Ā Gū is Anle’s mother-in-law, so naturally, she should go first.” After speaking, Ji Yang looked rather pleased with herself. Her demonstration of such virtue and filial devotion, along with her efforts to rehabilitate the honour of imperial princesses. Although she had no younger sisters beneath her, there would always be nieces in the future who would need to marry into other families. This way, it would be easier for them to marry, sparing them from reacting as though their parents had died the moment they heard they were to be wedded to a princess.

Madam Xue was about to persist, but Shen Du said, “Mother, please lead the way.” Whatever favours Ji Yang had offered out of courtesy, Shen Du would one day repay. There was no need to make Madam Xue swallow the injustice.

Thus, Madam Xue led Ji Yang to Taihe Courtyard, where the matriarch of the main room resided. The women of the second and third branches had already gathered in the room, having waited for quite some time.

The youngest daughter-in-law of the eighth son muttered, “The princess indeed knows how to put on airs, making all of us stand around waiting like this.”

However, Madam Qi was indifferent; she had no expectations for Anle, merely viewing her as a long-term guest. Moreover, Lord Shen Du Shang’s support of the sovereign brought countless, indescribable advantages. While Madam Qi enjoyed those benefits on the one hand, on the other, she looked down on Su Jiang. A woman, honestly without country or sovereign, concerned only with the wealth and glory of herself and her daughter. She had pushed the rivers and mountains of the Wei Dynasty to the back of her mind, even willing to offer them up with cupped hands and hand them over to others.

No matter how challenging Ji Yang proved to be, Madam Qi was determined to overlook her faults when necessary and even show her some feigned affection. So, when the eighth daughter-in-law spoke, the matriarch gave her a warning glance.

Madam Qi’s confidence in Shen Du wavered slightly only when she saw Ji Yang step in behind Madam Xue. Her presence was so radiant and ethereal that she resembled a celestial consort.

Today, Ji Yang followed custom and wore a curved-hem robe made of brocade woven with gold threads, patterned with red-background Yùtáng Fùguì. A ribbon of silk, threaded with gold in two tones, cinched around her waist, and she wore a white jade, hollow-carved double fish scented sachet, an embroidered pouch, a golden sunflower lip rouge case, and other gold accessories. 

On her feet were shoes woven with gold threads and decorated with phoenixes holding pearls. She wore a gold hairpin on her head, adorned with five phoenixes and dangling pearls, and a thumb-sized red gemstone hung over her forehead. 

At one glance at her splendid garments, it was clear that she was a noblewoman from the Central Plains, entirely out of place among the plain and ordinary young ladies of Jizhou.

Empress Su had sent Ji Yang off to marry, regretting that she couldn’t empty the entire palace. What Mother Qi and the others saw today was only the tip of the iceberg.

Yet, it was not the wealth that unsettled Madam Qi, but Ji Yang’s beauty, radiant enough to outshine all under heaven, and her respectful conduct toward Madam Xue. In Madam Qi’s view, it would be better if Princess Anle were more arrogant and overbearing; that would save trouble in the future.

When Ji Yang stepped into the main room of the Taihe Courtyard, she was startled by the crowd of women inside, and there was not a single male present.

Madam Qi led the female members of each household forward to pay their respects to Ji Yang. As it was their first meeting, Ji Yang had no choice but to accept the full ceremonial salute. Once the ritual was complete, she helped Madam Qi to her feet and sweetly called, “Grandmother.”

Madam Qi’s face softened into a kind smile as she allowed Ji Yang to assist her into her seat. Taking Ji Yang’s hand, she pulled her to sit beside her, the warmth between them resembling a pair of kindred spirits who had bonded instantly despite being grandmother and granddaughter only in courtesy.

Madam Qi inquired about the well-being of the Son of Heaven and Empress Su in the palace, Ji Yang answered each query politely. Satisfied, Madam Qi appeared content, and Ji Yang, noticing that Madam Qi still cared deeply for her Imperial Father and Imperial Mother, felt a deep joy. At least, it showed that Jizhou remained loyal and steady.

Following this, each branch paid respects to Ji Yang, and she distributed gifts in return, which do not require a detailed description.

However, the Shen family of Jizhou was once prominent, but now their legitimate male line had withered, with only women remaining. It caused some sentiment in Ji Yang, and she glanced at Shen Du, silently wishing for him to live well.

Madam Qi had borne three sons, all of whom had perished in war, as for the grandchildren, whether from the legitimate or illegitimate line, she had eight in total. It was considered few for such a prominent family, as all of Madam Qi’s sons passed away early, with the eldest not living past forty, dying in battle. It is truly sorrowful for a white-haired person to bury their black-haired children.

Madam Xue of the main lineage household had three sons: Da Lang, Wu Lang, and Shen Du, the sixth in line. The first two had died, leaving behind two widows. Among the sons born to the other two branches of the family, Er Lang fell in battle, and Si Lang suffered a leg injury that left him unable to walk normally. Thus, the only healthy-bodied adult men of the Shen family were Shen Du, Qi Lang, and Ba Lang. At the moment, aside from Shen Du, who stayed in Jizhou due to his recent marriage, the others were stationed at significant garrisons. Even Si Lang, Shen Geng, despite his injury, had been dispatched to garrison Fànyáng in Yōuzhōu.

This time, as Shen Du was marrying, Si Lang, due to his mobility issues, and with the northern border still unsettled and the Tuòbá tribe, Mùróng tribe and Yǔwén tribe of the Xiānbēi eyeing them greedily, Qi Lang, and Ba Lang, having received Shen Du’s letter early on, dare not leave their posts without permission. Therefore, they did not attend the wedding in person, sending their gifts through a military officer serving under Shen Du.

Although Ji Yang had some thoughts in her heart, upon reflection, she reminded herself that they were doing it for the Wei Dynasty, to guard the Ji family’s realm, and could not be dissatisfied.

After recognising the various aunts, sisters-in-law, and younger brothers’ wives, Ji Yang, who had barely slept the night before, began to feel weary. Madam Qi patted her hand and turned to Shen Du. “Ruò Pú,” she said, using his courtesy name, “accompany Anle for a carriage ride in the garden, and help her get acquainted with the household.”

In just a few exchanges, Madam Qi had already gone from formally addressing Ji Yang as ‘princess’ to affectionately calling her ‘Anle.’ With her keen perception, Madam Qi had long noticed Ji Yang’s growing affections for Shen Du. In such circumstances, keeping this princess content would bring more benefit than harm.

Hearing Madam Qi’s words, Ji Yang smiled softly and rose obediently. After dealing with so many people in one sitting, she truly felt fatigued.

Leaving Taihe Courtyard, a servant woman is already waiting with a goat-drawn carriage. Shen Du helps Ji Yang onto the carriage. Ji Yang turns her head to look at Shen Du, thinking that, now they are alone, perhaps they can speak some intimate words. Yet, only when the carriage passes through the black-lacquered double doors does he begin pointing out, “This is such-and-such courtyard, that is such-and-such courtyard.”

The Marquisate of Xinyang had been renovated over several generations and now covered a vast expanse. Yet each courtyard’s exterior looked almost identical, making it difficult to tell them apart after just one or two rounds. Before long, Ji Yang’s eyes grew heavy. With the gentle rocking of the carriage, she drifted into sleep.

Yù Suì’er waited outside the gate of the Běi Yuàn Gongzhu Fu, watching as Ji Yang dozed alone in the carriage, and she couldn’t help but feel a bit resentful in her heart. After all, they were newlyweds, yet the Ji Hou could bear to let the princess nap alone in the carriage, without even escorting her back. If it were up to Yù Suì’er, Shen Du ought to have carried Ji Yang into the house in his arms and let her sleep there comfortably. How could it be that not even the shadow of a person could be seen?

Yet she dared not voice these thoughts to Ji Yang, afraid of souring her mood and causing disharmony between the newlyweds. Still, Yù Suì’er had already resolved to persuade Ji Yang to write to the Empress of Central Plains, requesting her to dispatch a few female attendants to assist.

After Ji Yang had a pleasant nap on the low bed, she woke up just past noon. She saw Yù Suì’er busily directing attendants to unpack and organise her dowry. In just half a day, the Zhòng Guāng Táng had entirely transformed.

From Dàwǎn, a beautifully intricately woven carpet was laid on the floor, and the screen was upgraded to an exquisite twelve-panel rosewood screen, painted on fine silk gauze with seasonal flowers, as well as other furnishings such as three-panel and five-panel screens. The folding chair’s hidden pouch had been swapped with a gourd-shaped one, intricately embroidered with luan birds and phoenixes in gold thread. All other furnishings had been substituted with ceremonial vessels of the Shāng dǐng and Xià yí brought from the imperial palace. There was even a red coral bonsai, over two-thirds of a meter tall.

As for the casually placed spittoon and hand mirror, they too were exquisitely crafted and precious items, each having consumed the painstaking effort and dedication of countless skilled artisans.

[T/N: If you’re already familiar or prefer not to know, feel free to skip to the next chapter.

Meaning- Received the rain and dew nourishment (a euphemism for consummation), Ā Gū (Aunt-in-law), Yùtáng Fùguì (a motif symbolizing wealth and nobility), Da Lang (Eldest Son), Wu Lang (Fifth Son), Er Lang (Second Son), Si Lang (Fourth Son), Qi Lang (Seventh Son), Ba Lang (Eighth Son), Zhòng Guāng Táng (Hall of Resplendent Light), Shāng dǐng (Shang-style ding cauldrons), Xià yí (Xia-style yi pouring vessels)].