Chapter 8

That night passed peacefully. Before dawn the next day, Li Shan had already left. Yaoyao stirred briefly but was quickly swept back into sleep.

Alone in the room, she slept more soundly. Not until Nanny Zheng quietly called her, “Madam… madam…” did she begin to wake.

Opening her eyes, she met Nanny Zheng’s complicated gaze.

Seeing that the time was almost due, Nanny Zheng entered and, upon spotting Yaoyao sleeping on the couch, immediately understood—Li Shan hadn’t consummated the marriage last night. He had let his beautiful new bride sleep on the hard couch while he took the comfortable bed.

Nanny Zheng was indignant. Was there truly such an infuriating man? She half wanted to pry open his head to see if it was stuffed with tofu.

Yaoyao’s cheeks were slightly flushed. “Nanny… truly… he didn’t do anything. I felt very safe.”

To her, the ‘first night’ diagram they’d studied the night before had brought not only embarrassment, but fear. And with Li Shan as the subject—his hands so large, his strength overwhelming, able to lift her with one hand—how could she not be afraid?

Deep down, she feared him. And so, this quiet night was just fine. At least, he hadn’t treated her roughly.

Nanny Zheng saw that Yaoyao’s complexion was bright, her brows relaxed, showing no trace of regret. She let out a breath and stopped fretting. She simply said, “There’s something else you ought to know. Last night, I was drinking with Nanny Feng and learned something we’d never heard before.”

Nanny Feng was the stewardess of the Li family compound and had been with the Bingzhou estate from the beginning.

Over the past few days, Nanny Zheng had urged Xin Zhu to get close to her, but Nanny Feng was wary of outsiders from Luoyang. Any time they asked about Li Shan, she clammed up.

But yesterday, being the day of the wedding, Nanny Feng was in good spirits and had a few drinks—only then did she let slip one detail: Li Shan harbors deep resentment toward the noble clans.

Yaoyao was startled. “He despises the noble clans?”

Nanny Zheng lowered her voice. “I was just as surprised. I quickly asked why, and Nanny Feng said that seven or eight years ago, the marquis’s grandfather was viciously wronged by a group of aristocratic youths and lost his life. But before I could ask for details, the old woman started nodding off.”

Li Shan was twenty-two now. Seven or eight years ago, he’d have been just a teenager, around fourteen or fifteen. Even if he later earned military honors by slaying enemies on the battlefield, in Da Qi, where lineage meant everything, he must’ve endured deep injustice, especially in light of his grandfather’s death.

Now, with Li Shan’s name renowned across the north and south, there wasn’t a soul in Luoyang who knew this past. If Nanny Zheng hadn’t unearthed it by chance, Yaoyao would never have imagined it.

Nanny Zheng went on, “I used to think it was the broken engagement with the Xie family that made him so cold toward you. Turns out, that’s just the surface. But you’ll inevitably be entangled in it.”

Yaoyao sighed softly. His grandfather’s death had nothing to do with her, but her family background was like a mark, stamped into her identity. No wonder Li Shan always treated her with indifference. She murmured, “But… in Luoyang, he seemed so close with the Wang and Xiao heirs.”

Those few months Li Shan had spent in Luoyang, drinking and racing horses with noble youths, were well known across the city. No one would have guessed he harbored any resentment toward the aristocracy.

Nanny Zheng wasn’t surprised. “Luoyang’s that glamorous. Giving in to temptation is ordinary.”

Yaoyao recalled the depth in Li Shan’s gaze—arrogant but never frivolous. Her instincts told her that the Li Shan before her now was his true self, and the version in Luoyang had merely been a calculated performance to fool everyone.

As for his motive… well, Madam Qian had already left Luoyang. The Li family had no more weak spots tied to the court. Whatever they planned next, they now held no restraints.

The realization left Yao Yao momentarily stunned.

Nanny Zheng continued, “I’ve also learned that Li Shan doesn’t keep any concubines—he’s always been alone. That means peace for you, madam, and that’s a good thing.”

In the grand households of the noble families, it wasn’t uncommon for young masters to explore intimacy as early as thirteen or fourteen. Some even kept a dozen concubines, with children running about within just a few years.

Where people abound, so do disputes. The simplicity of the Li family was exactly what her young lady hoped for, and it hadn’t disappointed. Nanny Zheng felt a bit comforted.

Seeing her rarely smile like that, Yaoyao curved her eyes into a gentle arc, suppressing the unease in her chest.

This sort of thing—especially grave matters—couldn’t be assumed without proof. Besides, Li Wang had clear intentions to strengthen ties with Luoyang, and the marriage between the Xie and Li families surely had his push behind it. With that in mind, Li Shan himself must also be weighing his decisions.

She told herself her worries were likely groundless and let go of her speculations for now.

In the past few days, Xin Zhu and Mu Lan had quietly gathered bits and pieces about the Li household, passing them to Nanny Zheng. True to form, Nanny Zheng kept her chatter going, sorting the useful fragments to explain the inner workings of the estate while styling Yaoyao’s hair into a flying celestial bun.

Yaoyao’s neck was long and graceful, and the hairstyle accentuated her elegant silhouette. Draped in a robe of red-green gauze with wide sleeves, she looked ethereal and luminous. With her naturally fair complexion, there was no need for the heavy bridal makeup of the previous day—Nanny Zheng simply shaped her brows and tinted her lips.
Today, she would present herself to Madam Qian as a new bride.

Technically, Li Shan should accompany her for the formality—but since he was nowhere to be found, that was that.

Yaoyao lived in the western wing of the Li residence; Madam Qian’s quarters were in the eastern manor. A long corridor connected the two. As she approached, laughter echoed faintly from inside.

Aunt Li went in to announce her. The laughter quickly ceased, and Yaoyao was invited through the door.

Inside were three women. Madam Qian sat on a brick bed padded with brocade cushions. Whatever displeasure she may have held toward the Xie family before, the wedding was done, and her mood was decent. A soft smile lingered on her lips. Adding to that, her son hadn’t shown particular feelings for Yaoyao. He had already visited Madam Qian alone the morning after the wedding, then gone off to his duties.

Madam Qian looked at Yaoyao, not in the mood to pick faults, and said, “Come over and greet someone.”

To her left sat a woman of similar age, with slightly thin features and prominent cheekbones. Yaoyao had seen her yesterday among the relatives who came to urge the bride out.

Madam Qian introduced, “This is Madam Lin, the cousin of your husband’s maternal uncle. You may call her Aunt Lin.”

Since arriving in Bingzhou, Madam Qian had reconnected with Li family relations, and she had grown especially close to Madam Lin.

Back in Luoyang, the noblewomen often looked down on her, deeming her unfit for formal occasions. But here, in front of Madam Lin, Madam Qian had tasted what it was like to carry herself like a woman of high status—how could she not relish it?

She took on that lofty air, and Madam Lin played along, rising to greet the young bride. Having seen Yaoyao’s beauty the day before, she wasn’t particularly surprised today.

Beside Madam Lin sat a young woman who resembled her about seventy percent—her daughter, Fang Qiaoniang. They were the same age, with Qiaoniang being just two months younger than Yaoyao.

Madam Lin hinted with a meaningful tone, “If Qiaoniang could marry into a household like the general’s, I’d have no regrets left in this life.”

Fang Qiaoniang flushed slightly, her high cheekbones tinged red. She glanced at Yaoyao somewhat guiltily.

Yaoyao pretended not to notice.

Madam Qian, ever straightforward, missed Madam Lin’s implication entirely and replied generously, “I see many fine men among the soldiers—like Deputy Commander Xin or Du, both admirable fellows. Let Shan’er pass on a word; it won’t be difficult.”

Madam Lin choked briefly. That wasn’t the kind of match she was hoping for her daughter.

Yaoyao seemed just as oblivious, offering no comment.

Earlier that morning, Nanny Zheng had told Yaoyao about Madam Lin and Qiaoniang’s background—they were distant relations of the Li family, long past the fifth degree of kinship.

After the Battle of Shangdang, when the Li family’s fame soared, a handful of “relatives” emerged—some were former villagers, others simply looking to attach themselves to the rising house.

Li Wang welcomed them all. In times like these, going it alone was no match for having a large clan behind you. Most noble families that had declined did so for lack of numbers. If the Li family hoped to rank among the elite, it needed to grow.

Of course, not all of these relatives were idle. For instance, Madam Lin’s cousin was one of Li Wang’s deputy commanders—steady and dependable. Thanks to that connection, Madam Lin had lived in the Li household for several years.

Just as they were talking, Nanny Feng entered the hall, greeted the gathered guests, and handed over a visiting card. “Madam, this is an invitation from Madam Guo of the prefecture office. She has come to pay a call, accompanied by her juniors.”

Madam Qian’s expression shifted slightly. Madam Guo was the official wife of the prefect of Shangdang. The Guo family, a prominent clan from Taiyuan, was no less prestigious than Luoyang’s Wang family.

Over the past few days, various ladies of Bingzhou had sought to pay respects to Madam Qian, but she had postponed all visits, citing preparations for the wedding. Her reluctance stemmed not only from a sense that she lacked the stature to assert herself, but also from uncertainty about how to receive such guests properly. In Luoyang, she had never hosted any genuinely dignified noblewomen. She had grown accustomed to speaking with a touch of sharpness. But the prefect held great respect for Li Wang and Li Shan, and was beloved by the citizens—his wife was bound to be different from the ones in Luoyang.

Now that the wedding was over, delaying further would seem inappropriate. The moment had finally arrived.

Madam Lin, eager to help, offered, “Madam, shall I join you?”

Madam Qian declined without a second thought. “No need.”

Oh my—chitchatting with Madam Lin about hometown memories was fine, but Madam Qian herself felt nervous enough about the encounter. She certainly wouldn’t hand it off to Madam Lin, who shared her humble origins.

Privately anxious, Madam Qian’s gaze fell on Yaoyao. A thought stirred in her mind, and she said, “Xie girl, come meet Madam Guo with me.”

Yaoyao lowered her head. “Yes.”

Madam Qian then turned to Madam Lin and Fang Qiaoniang. “You two may go for now. We’ll gather again another day.”

Madam Lin and Qiaoniang accepted the instruction and withdrew.

Madam Lin and her daughter returned to their side chamber and immediately dropped their courteous demeanor. Fang Qiaoniang could no longer contain herself—comparing herself to Yaoyao, she knew she couldn’t measure up, and could only silently weep.

Madam Lin scoffed, “That Madam Qian is all high standards and low substance. With her background, and she still looks down on me?”

Rumors had long circulated that Madam Qian had once been a concubine who was elevated to primary wife. Madam Lin, born a legitimate wife, had always looked down on her, though she wasn’t foolish enough to show it outwardly. Over the past few days, she had assumed she’d thoroughly won Madam Qian over. She hadn’t expected that Madam Qian secretly held her in contempt as well.

Fang Qiaoniang said nothing. Madam Lin tapped the back of her hand against her palm and continued, “And you—three years in this residence, right under the general’s nose, and he hasn’t spared you a glance. Then he takes one trip to Luoyang and returns with a stunning bride. What a joke!”

Fang Qiaoniang was deeply aggrieved. Li Shan was constantly busy. Even without leading troops into battle, he rarely returned before midnight and departed before dawn.

In all those years, her chance meetings with him hadn’t exceeded the count of five fingers. Her hopes, kindled by his handsome and gallant demeanor, had slowly simmered into a pot of cold ashes.

Now, seeing Yaoyao’s beauty, she was utterly hopeless. “Mother… if we’re to help my brother, we need a different strategy…”

Back when the Li family reclaimed Shangdang Prefecture from the Hu tribes, Madam Lin had heard the news from Jizhou. Knowing they were once fellow villagers, she discussed it with her cousin, and the two—along with Madam Lin’s children—made the journey to Bingzhou despite the distance. Unfortunately, her son was discovered en route by Jizhou’s military recruiters and forcibly taken.

Madam Lin, too distressed to grieve properly, pressed on to Bingzhou. Thankfully, Li Wang was kindhearted; she found the security she needed, and her cousin was given work. But it wasn’t enough.

Whenever she thought of her son in Jizhou—whether alive or dead—she couldn’t sleep a wink. Jizhou bordered Bingzhou, and the Chen family in Jizhou was wary of Li Shan. If Li Shan personally intervened, retrieving her son would be the safest route.

She had mentioned it to Li Wang, who responded with difficulty, “It’s not that I don’t want to help… but it involves military affairs. We can’t act recklessly.”

He was unwilling to have any dealings with Jizhou, for fear that the court might suspect he harbored ulterior motives.

With no other way, the only method Lin could think of was to make her daughter Li Shan’s bedmate, whether as wife or concubine. Yet even the beginning of such a plan remained elusive.

Madam Lin said, “Never mind. I shouldn’t expect success in one try. If Lord Li doesn’t choose the Xie girl, there’ll be another. A widower picking a second wife can hardly reach for lofty gates.”

T/N: means that once Li Shan becomes a widower, he shouldn’t be picky about choosing a second wife.

Fang Qiaoniang turned pale in shock. “Mother—is that even possible?”

Madam Lin replied, “What’s so difficult about it? The new bride will carry the Xie surname. Back when Shangdang fell, it was the Xie family that abandoned the city and fled. In this county, there are plenty who hate that name more than I do.”

…

In the East Hall, after Madam Lin left, Madam Qian took a sip of tea to cover her unease. It was her first time alone with Yaoyao. She wore a stern expression and said, “These past few days in Shangdang County, you’ve seen how those people revere my son. Don’t you dare make a fool of yourself.”

Yaoyao answered, “Yes.”

Madam Qian lifted her teacup again. Her hand slipped, and the tea sloshed over the rim in a sudden spill. Realizing her blunder, she set the cup down and glanced at Yaoyao, a mix of concern and irritation stirring in her chest—would the girl laugh at her?

But Yaoyao kept her eyes lowered, gazing at the floor before her. Her expression remained unchanged, as though she hadn’t seen anything at all.

Madam Qian immediately felt at ease.

Not long after, Madam Guo arrived with her daughters-in-law, daughter, and grandchildren—seven or eight in all. They entered the room and greeted in unison, “Madam, Young Madam.”

Madam Qian quickly waived the formalities. “You may rise.”

Having been kept at arm’s length for several days, Madam Guo was finally received. Her demeanor was warm and sincere, and she beckoned the grandchildren to kneel before Madam Qian and Yaoyao.

Two children, five or six years old, knelt and paid respects. Madam Qian nodded and asked them to rise.

The hall grew quiet, and the silence became awkward. Madam Guo turned to Yaoyao. She and Madam Lu had been close friends in their youth, and from Yaoyao’s brows and bearing, she could faintly glimpse the younger version of Madam Lu. But this young lady surpassed her predecessor—the snowy skin and delicate features before her were unmatched in Shangdang County.

Madam Guo praised to Madam Qian, “Yesterday I saw the Young Madam’s poise and elegance—she was like a celestial being, worthy of standing beside the general.”

Yaoyao offered a gentle smile, carrying the right amount of newlywed shyness.

After the compliments, Madam Guo asked Yaoyao, “How is your mother these days?”

Yaoyao replied, “My mother is well. She spoke of Aunt to me too, and told me that beyond attending to Mother-in-law in Bingzhou, I must also pay respects to Aunt.”

Madam Guo nodded and began reminiscing. Yaoyao responded calmly and warmly, her voice soft and pleasing, like spring breezes brushing one’s face, effortlessly comforting.

Even the daughters-in-law were drawn to Yaoyao. Occasionally, they addressed Madam Qian, and their words were always appropriate.

Madam Qian let out a heavy sigh of relief. Whenever she met noblewomen in the past, even if things didn’t descend into chaos, the interactions were always stiff. But this time, it was harmonious, joyful, and utterly pleasant.

…

After Madam Guo took her leave, Madam Qian remained in high spirits. She looked at Yaoyao, who sat quietly, head lowered, sipping her tea. Her silence wasn’t lifeless—it was like warm water smoothing everything over, comforting and natural.

Madam Qian then recalled what Li Shan had said that morning. Guessing Yaoyao was unaware, she cleared her throat and said, “Tomorrow, your husband will escort the barbarian captives north to Yanmen Commandery.”

“You should go with him.”