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Su Zhi and Shen Zian walked outside after discussing matters with Master Zhang. They had requested Master Zhang to reaffirm their family’s stance with the influential individuals involved in selecting the Rain Goddess. With Master Zhang’s agreement, it seemed unlikely that Niu Xianhua would become the Rain Goddess. In a fair selection process, Niu Xianhua’s appearance and demeanor were considered average at best, not comparable to Shen Zhu or even some other candidates.
“Wife, it seems like Master Zhang is unaware of the situation regarding that Niu girl,” Shen Zian remarked.
Su Zhi nodded, responding, “It appears he isn’t aware. In that case, his son may be the one handling this matter. After all, it’s his son’s mistress, and she probably seeks her own husband’s favor. The son’s words may not hold as much weight as the father’s. It seems like this matter has been resolved.”
Shen Zian nodded, holding Su Zhi’s hand, and said, “Wife, I feel sorry that you had to come here for the Shen family’s affairs.”
Su Zhi smiled and replied, “If it were truly for your sister, I wouldn’t have come. This is all for the sake of girls like Chunyue. Let’s hope they benefit from your sister’s influence this time; otherwise, my visit wouldn’t have been worthwhile. And please, don’t say you’re making me feel uncomfortable. It was necessary to meet with Master Zhang. This incident gave us an upper hand in terms of influence. Didn’t you notice how displeased he looked?”
Seeing Su Zhi’s cheerful demeanor and reflecting on how Master Zhang had been disconcerted by his wife’s words, Shen Zian’s expression softened.
Once Shen Zian and Su Zhi left, Master Zhang headed towards the backyard to speak with his son, Zhang Baozhu, regarding the matter. Zhang Baozhu admitted his involvement.
“Father, Qiu Shi has been with me for many years and has never asked for anything. When she mentioned wanting her sister to become the Rain Goddess, I thought it was a harmless request and agreed. I didn’t expect someone would inform you about it,” Zhang Baozhu nonchalantly explained. To him, it seemed like a trivial matter.
Upon learning that it was his son’s doing, Master Zhang gave him a stern look and said, “I will speak to those involved and let them proceed with the selection as they see fit. However, Qiu Shi’s sister, whoever she is, is no longer an option. In the future, do not let women blur your sense of priorities. Women are meant for companionship and bearing offspring, not causing trouble.”
In response, Zhang Baozhu defended his decision, “Father, who informed you about this? If you’ve heard of it, why disrupt it? While Qiu Shi is a concubine, she has served me for years. Her request wasn’t unreasonable. What harm is there in granting her wish?”
Master Zhang recounted Shen Zian and Su Zhi’s visit.
“These villagers may be unconventional, but that woman, using her recipes as leverage, dared to negotiate. Should I jeopardize our finances for a concubine’s family?” Master Zhang expressed.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Baozhu remarked, “So, it was them. The man from that family, Shen Zian, is known for his bravery. I never expected his wife to be equally bold, using that as leverage. If their family member is also vying to become the Rain Goddess, they will indeed find a way.”
Zhang Baozhu inquired, “Did they request your endorsement for their sister?”
Master Zhang shook his head, stating, “No, they only asked for fair treatment and requested not to show special favoritism towards anyone due to their relationship.”
“Oh? They seem quite confident about their sister’s chances,” Zhang Baozhu commented, pondering the audacity of these villagers who seemed to believe they could secure a position without external support. He assumed their sister must be quite exceptional.
Master Zhang remained silent, internally reflecting on the couple’s request not to support their sister. It seemed less about confidence in her and more about avoiding entanglement. He found the rural couple intriguing—the man capable of facing tigers and the woman skilled in cooking delicacies others couldn’t. Perhaps they weren’t to be underestimated and might follow a similar trajectory from rags to riches.
Master Zhang instructed his son to inform Qiu Shi of the consequences and imposed a three-month allowance deduction, forbidding her from visiting her family for six months. He then headed towards the Tian Sheng Courtyard.
After his father left, Zhang Baozhu relayed the message to Qiu Shi, disregarding her emotional response, and then proceeded to visit his beloved Concubine Yue. Entering Concubine Yue’s room, he found her seated before a vanity mirror, clad in a peach-colored top and a white pleated skirt. Sunlight streamed in through the window, illuminating her face, which exuded a porcelain-like beauty, enhancing her long eyelashes and peach-colored lips, making her even more captivating.
Having signaled the maid to remain silent earlier, Zhang Baozhu approached Concubine Yue stealthily, bent down, and swiftly planted a kiss on her fair cheek.
“Ah! You nearly scared me to death! Young Master, you almost gave me a heart attack!” Concubine Yue exclaimed, startled, jumping up from her chair. Her delicate hands fluttered over her chest in a graceful manner, her wide eyes staring in surprise and a mix of coquettishness, resembling a startled rabbit facing a wolf.
Upon seeing her reaction, Zhang Baozhu quickly went to embrace Concubine Yue and comfort her.
“Alright, my dear, I was in the wrong to startle you. Did I scare your heart out? Shall I check for it?” Zhang Baozhu teased, playfully reaching towards Lady Yue’s chest, only to have her giggle and dodge his touch, her laughter sounding like tinkling bells, delighting Zhang Baozhu. His previous frustration over not completing Qiu Shi’s task had dissipated.
“Where did you come from? I can smell a hint of fragrance on you,” Lady Yue remarked, nestled in Zhang Baozhu’s embrace, playfully pointing out the scent on him, adding a touch of coquettishness. She knew that this mild flirtation wouldn’t bother Zhang Baozhu but rather endear her further to him.
Zhang Baozhu gently tapped her cheek and replied, “Feeling jealous? I just came from Qiu Shi’s place. She greeted me with teary eyes early in the morning, truly bringing bad luck. She doesn’t bring me joy like you do. Always causing trouble or shedding tears all day long.”
Upon hearing Zhang Baozhu’s comments about Qiu Shi, Concubine Yue responded, “Qiu Shi is a good sister. What trouble could she possibly cause you? Tell me more. I might be able to help you think of a solution. As a woman, I understand women’s minds best. As long as she doesn’t monopolize you or harm you, I’m willing to assist her.”
Zhang Baozhu felt fortunate to have such a wise partner who cared for him, unlike his neglectful legal wife. Pleased, he shared the details with Concubine Yue.
“Are you referring to the couple who can prepare new dishes that visited this morning?” Concubine Yue, intrigued, sat up straight in Zhang Baozhu’s embrace. She asked, “I recall you mentioning they are from Riverside Village and their surname is Shen, right?”
Zhang Baozhu confirmed, “Yes, that’s them. Why are you interested in them?”
Concubine Yue quickly clarified, “No, no, I just find them quite bold for daring to visit. It seems they are not your typical village folk.”
“Indeed, they are quite remarkable. Shen Zi’an possesses a dignified appearance and can face tigers, while his wife cooks delicious meals. One is courageous, and the other is resourceful—a capable couple in the village,” Zhang Baozhu commented.
“Yes, they are capable,” Concubine Yue nodded, briefly lowering her head before lifting it again. She then expressed, “I’ve heard that today they will be selecting the Rain Goddess and the children. I’d like to go and see. Would you take me there? I’ll wear a veil, is that acceptable?”
Seeing the pleading look in Concubine Yue’s eyes, Zhang Baozhu agreed to her request.
In the Tian Sheng Courtyard, over a dozen influential figures gathered to oversee the selection of the Rain Goddess and the children. Most had been previously influenced by Zhang Baozhu’s requests, knowing which girls to choose. However, on that day, Master Zhang instructed them not to select specific candidates. Despite the initial surprise, everyone felt relieved. Selecting the Rain Goddess fairly was the best possible outcome for all involved.
The selection of the children proceeded smoothly, with Xiaori, Xinger and Yueyue being chosen along with another girl from Riverside Village. While the families of the chosen girls were overjoyed, the families of the two boys felt disappointed, which was expected given that not everyone could be selected. Soon, attention shifted to the selection of the young women, with a collective hope that a girl from their village would emerge victorious. Each village believed that having the Rain Goddess from their community brought the greatest blessings.
Niu Xianhua was confident she would be chosen, but to her shock, Shen Zhu was announced as the Rain Goddess. Her eyes widened in disbelief, staring first at Shen Zhu and then at those who had selected her, especially glancing at Master Zhang. If not for the crowd congratulating Shen Zhu, Niu Xianhua would have thought she misheard.
Niu Xianhua’s mother, gripping her daughter’s hand firmly, urged her not to cause a scene and led her away.
Shen Zhu, acknowledging Niu Xianhua’s reaction, graciously accepted the congratulations from the crowd and then approached the respected individuals, gracefully bowing to show her commitment to fulfilling her role as the Rain Goddess.
Observing Shen Zhu, the onlookers admired her delicate and poised demeanor, not typical of someone from a humble background. One of the respected individuals, who had taught Shen Ziju, engaged in a brief conversation with Shen Zhu, praising Shen Ziju. This revelation pleased the crowd, realizing that despite being farmers, they were also educated and cultured, further enhancing their approval of Shen Zhu as the Rain Goddess.