Chapter 6

After entering the capital city, the carriage’s speed slowed down. 

Qiao Ling was in no hurry; she casually tied a knot in the curtain and looked around leisurely and curiously.

Several men dressed as constables stood by the roadside, swords in hand, their expressions grim. Dark shadows loomed behind them on the bulletin board, where announcements were posted in an unusual style unlike the usual notices.

Seeing Qiao Ling’s puzzled expression, Zhang Yuying explained, “The capital, being the foremost of the Three Cities, is full of people from all walks of life. Occasionally, bandits and thieves sneak in. When the Prefecture Magistrate is unable to handle the situation, they post bounties, seeking help from capable individuals both within the city and from the countryside.”

Qiao Ling straightened up a little. “When I traveled north before, I heard rumors about vicious ghosts killing people at night in the capital. It sounded like an exaggeration, but is it true…?”

Zhang Yuying’s face changed slightly. She glanced cautiously out the window and lowered her voice. “It’s true. Recently, the entire capital has been under curfew at night, and almost all evening banquets have been canceled. To enforce the curfew, the emperor even recalled Achievements from the Longyou Road.”

Qiao Ling raised an eyebrow. “Goshawk?”

“He comes from a humble background and entered the imperial guard through the military examination. The emperor favors him greatly. After serving three years in the guard, he was transferred to the capital’s prefecture office as an assistant. Ruthless in his methods and with many achievements, he earned the nickname Goshawk

“Last year, after his term ended, the emperor sent him to Longyou Road. He’s not yet thirty and already holds the rank of Fifth-Class Guoyi Duwei.”

Noticing Qiao Ling’s confused expression, Zhang Yuying added, “Just to give you an idea—prime ministers are only Third-Class!”

Qiao Ling immediately sat up straight with newfound respect.

Zhang Yuying continued, “The emperor often promotes young talents out of turn. Some say that if Achievements performs well in Longyou Road, by the end of his term, he might even attain one of the Nine Ministers’ positions…”

Qiao Ling nodded thoughtfully. “Clearly, the emperor sent him to Longyou Road for experience. But summoning him back before his term is up means something serious must have happened in the capital. It takes someone firm and ruthless to maintain order!”

“Exactly,” Zhang Yuying agreed, a hint of unease in her voice. “The strange occurrences in the city have been increasing lately…”

Before Qiao Ling could ask further, the female carriage driver called through the curtain, “Madam, where would you like to go now that we’ve entered the city?”

Qiao Ling paused, thought for a moment, and replied, “I’m new here and unfamiliar with the place. Please take me to a tailor’s shop.”

The driver responded quickly, “Certainly!” Then, she urged the horse forward. “There’s no better place to shop than the capital. With both the Eastern and Western Markets combined, there are at least ten thousand shops!”

She continued, “They say the West Market has luxury goods favored by the wealthy, while the East Market is larger and more varied, with commoners frequenting it. Madam, where would you like to go?”

“Take me to the East Market,” Qiao Ling answered decisively.

“Right away!” The driver steered the carriage toward the East Market, adding, “Although the East Market caters to commoners, it doesn’t mean the goods are inferior. Take tailors, for example—local shops may offer only a few styles, but in the East Market, you’ll be spoiled for choice! Anyone visiting for the first time is bound to be overwhelmed.”

Intrigued, Qiao Ling pressed for more details, but the driver declined to elaborate. “Better ask Miss Zhang here. She knows much more about these things than I do.”

Qiao Ling’s eyes sparkled as she looked expectantly at Zhang Yuying, who couldn’t help but smile. But when Zhang looked down at her own rough, gray prison clothes, a wave of bittersweet emotion washed over her.

Qiao Ling had saved her without asking for anything in return and never mentioned the favor again. Zhang Yuying kept that gratitude in her heart, knowing it didn’t need to be voiced constantly.

After a brief pause, Zhang Yuying began, “In our dynasty, officials’ clothing is strictly regulated. Different ranks wear different colors and styles, with specific garments for daily wear, court sessions, and ceremonial occasions. Even the wives of officials must follow these rules when entering the palace or attending official events.”

“But outside of these formal settings, almost anything goes. Given the vastness of our land and its long history, many different styles have emerged over the years.”

Her voice was soft and steady, like a flowing stream. “The previous emperor once issued an edict encouraging frugality, as he felt that the extravagance and competition among nobles and officials in the three cities had become excessive. Outlandish attire gradually faded from public view, though people still wore it in private. The current emperor has continued that policy…”

Qiao Ling listened intently but struggled to imagine what those clothes would look like. It wasn’t until they entered a tailor’s shop that she understood.

The shopkeeper, a stunning woman with a playful smile, greeted them warmly. She wore a sheer crimson, low-cut twisted dress that revealed a glimpse of snow-white skin. A nearly transparent short coat, the color of apricot blossoms, draped over her shoulders, hinting at a small red mole on her collarbone. Around her arms was a green silk scarf, as fresh as the budding willow leaves in early spring.

She swayed gracefully, like a goddess of spring.

Though not as beautiful as Zhang Yuying, the shopkeeper possessed an indescribable charm that was deeply alluring.

There were other customers in the shop, but the enchanting shopkeeper focused her attention on Qiao Ling and Zhang Yuying. Learning they were new to the city and needed clothes, she smiled and led them deeper inside to browse.

The selection included long dresses with crossed collars and embroidered patterns, necklines with gold and silver threads; robes with wrapped hems, and practical short-sleeved twisted dresses. There was even a dress similar to the one the shopkeeper wore, which made her look like a goddess of spring.

Qiao Ling gaped at one particular skirt shaped like an upside-down flower. “Why is it puffed out like that?!” she exclaimed.

The Spring Goddess lifted the skirt for her to see: “There are bamboo strips inside, and some with fish bones, layered and beautiful!”

After the introduction, she couldn’t help but feel a little depressed: “Since the decree to uphold ancient traditions came down, fewer customers have been choosing this kind of skirt. But it’s also a product of the Sage’s era, how can it not be considered an ancient style?”

Qiao Ling sighed with her in sympathy.

Her eyes lit up as she looked at the floral skirt.

Finally, she reluctantly chose the cheapest few.

The Spring Goddess didn’t get angry, but smiled and said: “If you can’t take it today, there will always be another day. I feel a connection with you, this skirt will always be reserved for you!”

Qiao Ling was both surprised and delighted: “Really, sister?!”

The Spring Goddess’s long, beautiful hands gently stroked her chest, her voice clear and crisp: “Everyone in the East Market knows that Luo Shisan Niang keeps her word!”

So the Spring Goddess’s name was Luo Shisan Niang.

Qiao Ling kept the name in mind, thanked her for her hospitality, and then took Zhang Yuying to the Duke of Yue’s mansion.

Zhang Yuying had changed into new clothes. Even though she had been in rough clothes and messy hair before, her beauty was undeniable. Now, with her new clothes, she had a different kind of elegance.

Knowing where Qiao Ling was going, she glanced at Qiao Ling without a trace, and softly suggested: “Lady, you’ve traveled a long way north, dusty and tired, should you change into some other clothes?”

Qiao Ling immediately crossed her arms in front of her chest: “No!”

She was extremely surprised, and even a little indignant: “My red skirt looks so good! It’s my favorite dress!”

Although they hadn’t been together for long, Zhang Yuying had already gotten a sense of this lady’s temperament. Moreover, she knew she owed Qiao Ling a great favor and wouldn’t dare overstep.

Seeing her refusal, she didn’t persuade her further, but sighed softly, somewhat helplessly: “The world says that people respect clothes before they respect people. It’s ridiculous, but most people can’t understand this…”

She looked at Qiao Ling steadily: “Lady, you have a marriage contract with the Duke of Yue, and you’re coming to the capital to get married this time. Do you know the character of the people in the Duke of Yue’s mansion?”

Qiao Ling shook her head decisively: “I know nothing.”

Zhang Yuying didn’t ask “Since you know nothing, why are you marrying him?”, but simply told her: “The others are fine, even if they see you coming to the capital alone to get married, they won’t, at least not say anything mean to your face.”

“The Old Lady of the mansion is old and respected, and she’s also kind. The Duke of Yue himself is weak and sickly, and he doesn’t handle any affairs. Mrs. Jiang, the second wife, is also easy to get along with. The only one you need to be careful of is the Duke of Yue’s stepmother, Mrs. Liang.”

Qiao Ling’s face showed a look of inquiry.

Zhang Yuying looked at her and said slowly: “Mrs. Liang is a very, very, very arrogant person.”

She even used “very” three times in a row.

Seeing Qiao Ling’s eyebrows twitch, knowing that she had truly taken this to heart, Zhang Yuying continued: “This lady’s family background is very prominent. Her father was the Duke of An, ranked second among the ten great heroes who founded the High Emperor’s dynasty. Her mother’s background is even more remarkable. She was the younger sister of the previous emperor, the Grand Princess Wu’an. The Empress Dowager loved this niece very much, and she married with the pomp and ceremony of a princess…”

Qiao Ling couldn’t help but change the topic: “With such a good family background, why did she become the stepmother of the old Duke of Yue? Shouldn’t she have found someone with a matching background to be his original wife?”

Zhang Yuying paused subtly, her expression complex: “Because she is a very, very, very arrogant person.”

“It is said that there were many people who were suitable for her in terms of age at the time, but she rejected them all.”

“There was the second son of a Marquisates’s family. Mrs. Liang said, ‘I am the daughter of a duke, of royal blood, my dowry is comparable to a princess, the Marquisates’s eldest son can indeed marry down, but why should I marry a second son who can’t inherit the title?'”

Qiao Ling couldn’t help but say: “That, makes some sense.”

Zhang Yuying said again: “There was also the son of the Prime Minister. Mrs. Liang said, ‘I have been in and out of the palace and high society since I was born, I’ve always been among the top people, why should I marry a seventh-rank official, holding a seventh-rank wife’s decree every year, and standing outside the palace with those people I look down upon? Just thinking about it makes me sick!'”

Qiao Ling thought for a moment: “That also makes some sense?”

“So it was the old Duke of Yue.”

Zhang Yuying shrugged: “Their ages matched, their titles matched, and besides…”

She smiled slightly: “It is said that the old Duke of Yue was the most handsome man in the capital at the time, handsome and elegant, few in the world could match him.”

Qiao Ling instinctively opened her mouth, then immediately realized and said: “Does the current Duke of Yue look like him? This is important to me!!!”

Zhang Yuying pursed her lips and smiled: “Not to mention the old Duke of Yue, the old Duke of Yue’s original wife was also a beauty.”

Qiao Ling felt relieved.

…

They were discussing Mrs. Liang, but they didn’t know that at this very moment, Mrs. Liang in the Duke of Yue’s mansion was also discussing Qiao Ling with her personal maid.

“The Old Lady is always busy as a bee, but she still remembers the soon-to-be-married granddaughter. She said that the girl will be arriving soon, and asked me to entertain her well.”

Mrs. Liang held a tabby cat in her arms, leaning against the pillow, stroking it listlessly, her expression mocking: “Although she always likes to choose daughters from poor and humble families for her grandchildren, this time she’s chosen one who is too low. What kind of girl did she pick up from some remote corner, and she’s going to bring her home.”

The maid said: “It’s said that their horoscopes are compatible, and she can bring good fortune to the Duke’s life. Last time, we invited the imperial physician to check his pulse, and I saw the color of his face, the Duke is probably not doing well. The Old Lady is anxious to arrange a marriage for her grandson, probably for a bit of good luck…”

The current Duke of Yue was the son of the old Duke of Yue’s original wife, naturally separated from Mrs. Liang by a layer. She was even less willing to act like a loving mother. After marrying into the family, she ignored her stepson’s affairs, leaving everything to the Old Lady, as if he didn’t exist.

At first, some people outside gossiped, saying that the stepmother was not kind and the wife was not virtuous.

But who was Mrs. Liang? Her eyes were born on top of her head. If she didn’t hear it, it was fine, but if it reached her ears, she would immediately go to the person and say: “I can indeed act like a loving mother, but there are two sides to every story. Ever since the young master was born, he hasn’t been without medicine, and he’s often in critical condition. If something were to happen to him while he’s under my care, would you take responsibility for the crime of murdering him to inherit the title?”

This… who would dare to agree to such a thing?

Mrs. Liang was not willing to let it go, and she even found someone to tell the other woman’s husband: “Your wife doesn’t seem very virtuous either. She’s spreading gossip everywhere, how can she be a virtuous woman?”

Mrs. Liang wouldn’t stop there, she found someone to tell the other woman’s parents: “Your daughter is not well-behaved either. She herself is not virtuous, but she’s very good at gossiping about others!”

Not convinced?

You can go to my family and complain, I’m not stopping you!

The Empress Dowager heard about it and couldn’t help but laugh: “This girl has a big temper!” Her words did not reveal any anger.

Even she was like this, what could others do?

Thus, she ruthlessly killed a chicken, and in return, she enjoyed peace for the next ten years.

The old Duke of Yue wasn’t unreasonable, and he didn’t think Mrs. Liang’s actions were wrong.

They weren’t biological mother and son, and the eldest son was always weak. Forcing them to be close would only lead to trouble if something happened.

So, things continued like this.

One deliberately kept her distance, while the other was weak and sickly, staying indoors. The nominal mother and son rarely saw each other throughout the year, and they lived in peace.

But now, this nominal stepson was going to get married…

It was only natural for a daughter-in-law to pay her respects to her mother-in-law. And since the stepson was often sick, it was understandable that he didn’t often visit his stepmother. But a healthy daughter-in-law, what reason could she have to not visit her mother-in-law often?

If she had a powerful family like Mrs. Liang, it would be fine. But she didn’t…

Ordinary women, thinking about this, would probably be anxious, but Mrs. Liang was annoyed.

She sighed heavily in disgust: “I’m afraid she’ll pollute my courtyard if she comes to see me!”

After that, she stroked the whiskers of the tabby cat in her arms and said: “There aren’t many people in the mansion anyway, and the Duke doesn’t look like he’ll have many children. There’s no need for so many rooms. Let’s demolish those old buildings in the north and build a new garden. Plant more osmanthus trees there, to dispel this poverty-stricken atmosphere!”

The maid cautiously agreed.

The tabby cat meowed unhappily, shook its body, and jumped off her lap with agility.

Mrs. Liang’s hand loosened, but she heard footsteps approaching from outside. Soon, someone lifted the curtain and delivered a message: “Madam, there are two guests outside. One says she’s the wife-to-be of our Duke, and the other…”

“Zhang Yuying?”

Mrs. Liang looked at the woman standing behind, a layer of frost instantly appeared on her face, her eyebrows furrowed: “How did you two end up together?!”

She had also heard about the entanglement between this woman and the King of Lu.

Thinking about this, Mrs. Liang’s brows furrowed even tighter, and finally she turned her gaze to the woman standing in front, who was said to be her future daughter-in-law.

Qiao Ling politely bowed to her as a junior, her face full of obedience, her mouth so sweet that it seemed to drip honey: “I’ve heard that you, my mother-in-law, are of noble birth and dignified bearing. Now that I’ve seen you, it’s truly extraordinary. Gold and jade cannot describe you!”

Mrs. Liang was slightly taken aback.

You don’t hit a smiling person. She responded expressionlessly, and then asked: “You, and Zhang Yuying, what’s going on?”

Qiao Ling quickly explained the whole story, and finally said: “I am your biological daughter-in-law, and our Duke of Yue’s mansion is so prominent, and you have such an extraordinary background, can’t you offend the Third Prince just once?”

Mrs. Liang: “…”

I hate daughters-in-law who have no boundaries!

She looked at Qiao Ling, expressionless, and said nothing.

Qiao Ling: “…”

Qiao Ling shrank her neck and said cautiously: “Mother-in-law, your eyes are so cold.”