Chapter 52: Enduring

On the nineteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, Meinang and Ning Rulan were busy in the Purple Cloud Hall from early morning. Once the trivial tasks were settled and the managers had dispersed, they noticed the time was still early. Snowflakes continued to fall outside, and they sat comfortably by the warmth of the fire, not in any rush to leave. Dismissing the maids and servants to enjoy the fire on their own, the two women sat leisurely, chatting together.

Meinang smiled and said, “You’ve attended quite a few wedding banquets, haven’t you? By now, there must have been five or six of them. Did you ever get drunk? With all this festive joy around you, you’re bound to catch some of it.”

Ning Rulan laughed as she rubbed her knee. “Mother said the same thing. She even insisted I return to my family yesterday, but only to bring my third uncle along to the family temple. We spent the whole day reciting a Buddhist scripture written by a high monk, six hundred and sixty-six times. Who kept track of how many times we repeated it? My legs were so numb I could barely walk by the end!”

Meinang chuckled, “Your mother in law sounds delightful.”

Ning Rulan laughed too, saying, “Last night, when we returned late, my husband and I quickly freshened up before heading to visit the matriarch. We brought her some special Sichuan delicacies. Mother prepared a portion for both you and me, knowing you’ve recently taken a liking to spicy food. Now you’ll have more than enough! Dried meats, vegetables, and sauces—almost all of them are intensely spicy! I’ll have them sent over to the Qui Hua Pavilion shortly.”

Then she leaned in. “I also have some rare dried fruits and snacks from my newly-married cousin in law. Mother said these are best kept between us, so we’ll have enough to savor when we have time to relax.”

Meinang laughed, “Your mother in law is really too kind; it seems we’re getting quite the treat.”

Ning Rulan looked pleased. “I have three brothers and three sisters. Being the youngest, I receive the most of my mother’s affection.”

Meinang examined her closely. “I can see it in you, you have a prosperous and fortunate appearance. Your mother in law must have seen it too and decided to spoil you more.”

Ning Rulan laughed and playfully nudged her. “You’re always saying nonsense!”

After a brief moment of laughter, Meinang remembered something and asked, “Why does your family have Sichuan specialties? Does your ancestry come from there?”

Ning Rulan nodded. “My grandfather was born and raised in Sichuan. Later, he achieved a high rank in the imperial exams, catching the Emperor’s eye and was appointed to the Han Lin Academy. Though he settled here in the capital, he remained attached to his roots. Every year, we send supplies and silver from our family to Sichuan, and they return the favor with local specialties, regardless of the distance.”

Meinang was moved. “How touching! The bonds of family are undeterred by storms or seasons. Your grandfather must have missed his hometown deeply. Since he’s retired, why hasn’t he and your grandmother gone back for a visit?”

Ning Rulan smiled faintly. “My grandmother was born here in the capital, and her health was always fragile. They only had two sons before she became bedridden and was unable to travel. Though my grandfather longed to return, he couldn’t bear to leave her behind, so he stayed by her side. In the end, he passed before her, and she followed shortly after, leaving instructions to be buried beside him back in Sichuan. It’s been nearly five years since they were laid to rest in the family burial grounds.”

Meinang said with admiration, “Such a loving couple! Your grandfather held a respected position, while your father chose a career in the military.”

Ning Rulan sighed, “Yes, my father, as the eldest son, disliked studying and preferred martial pursuits. Fortunately, my uncle took to scholarly pursuits and under grandfather’s guidance, earned a government post as a sixth-grade official.”

Meinang nodded, “Your father took a different path, but it seems the family has managed well.”

Their conversation continued, touching on family dynamics, local customs, and even some underlying rivalries within the household. As the topics shifted, Meinang mused about the social structure, observing that while official positions brought esteem, wealth and commercial success also held an undeniable allure.