Chapter One Entering the Marquis's Manor

  In the late spring, in the mansion of Governor Yao Yuanshi, the flowers and trees were lush and verdant, their shadows swaying gently, with a subtle fragrance wafting through the air, presenting a thriving scene.

  The Second Young Lady Yao Yanyu and her younger sister Yao Quhua came out of the Ningrui Hall, where Old Madame Song lived, and walked along the winding path in the backyard to the Jingrui Hall, where their mother-in-law Wang shi usually got up and sat.

  "Sister, I heard that your body is getting worse by the day." Yao Quehua whispered, holding onto Yao Yanyu's hand.

  Yao Yan fell silent for a moment, then softly sighed: "Big sister is a blessed person, she will get better."

  Yao Quehua turned around to glance at the servant girls following behind, and didn't say anything more. Just now in Old Lady's room she had heard very clearly that people from the capital said their eldest sister was seriously ill, afraid it wouldn't be possible to get through this summer.

  The big sister in Yao Quehua's mouth is the eldest daughter of the Yao family, Yao Fengge.

  Three years ago, Yao Fengge was married to the second son of Ding Hou as his wife. The eldest daughter of Ding Hou, Su Yuhua, was married to the eldest son of Wang Dachen, the Jiangning Weaving Officer and the maternal grandfather of the Two Rivers Governor's wife, Lady Wang.

  Such a triangular marriage was once a sensational event, and the old lady of Dinghou Mansion, Da Zhang Gongzhu, is the aunt of the current emperor. Dinghou Mansion is considered to be of royal blood, with an extraordinary status. This triangular relationship not only expanded Dinghou's power but also made the Wang and Yao families more stable in the imperial court.

  Now, the eldest daughter-in-law of Jiangning Weaving Bureau has given birth to a daughter for the Wang family, while Yao Fengge, the elder sister of Yao Yanyu, not only has no children in the Hou Mansion, but is also dying soon.

  This matter is of great importance and may even affect Governor Yao's career, so Yao Yanyu, the second daughter born out of wedlock, adheres to the principle of "the more you say, the more mistakes you make" and remains silent about this matter.

  She herself was indeed a transmigrator, and it was also true that she had been living in this mansion for ten years. It was precisely because of this that this transmigrated woman deeply understood the inevitability of social rules. She knew some of those stories about transmigrated women defying heaven and changing their fate, but when it really came to herself, she truly felt that if things were like that, the outcome would only be an early death or a miserable life.

  Living a peaceful life, not seeking too much, just hoping for peace until old age. Yao Yan silently thought about her worries as she arrived at the gate of her stepmother Wang's courtyard.

  It's around 3-4 pm now, not yet time for dinner, but already past the siesta time.

  It's usually quite lively in the courtyard at this time, with all the wives and concubines bustling about, attending to their various duties. The elder sisters-in-law would also be sitting with Mother, either discussing household matters or chatting idly.

  But today, the courtyard was quiet and still, with no sound at all. The maids were all sitting quietly under the eaves, either busy with their needlework or listening silently to the instructions from inside.

  As soon as Yao Yan entered the courtyard, several senior maidservants stood up, slightly bowed and said: Second Young Lady, Third Young Lady.

  "Is mother busy?" Yao Yan asked in a low voice.

  The first-class maid Pearl beside Wang's family replied in a low voice: "Master is talking to Madam. Miss, please wait for a moment, and I'll call you back?"

  Yao Yan thought to herself that since she had come, there was no reason not to respond and so nodded.

  Pearl quietly went in and came out soon, facing the two sisters Yan Yu and Yan Hua: "The lady asked the two girls to go in." As she spoke, she lifted her hand and rolled up the bamboo curtain. Yan Yu smiled slightly and took Yan Hua's hand into the house.

  This room is not the main hall, but a side hall where Wang usually sits and rests. There is a row of low beds facing north to south, with a kang table in the middle, and on both sides are stone-green flower-patterned cushions, pillows, and backrests. On either side of the lower part of the room are two pairs of armchairs, all covered with half-new, half-old stone-green flower-patterned cushions. In the middle, small tables are placed with exquisite stone basin scenery. The room is filled with fragrant wood furniture, elegant and luxurious.

  Governor Yao Yuan sat in the main seat, with Wang by his side on the right. The two of them each held a cup of tea and remained silent.

  "Father is well, mother is well." Yao Yan and her sister Yao Quehua both paid their respects together.

  "Sit down." Yao Yuan's eyelids didn't lift, he was focused on savoring the tea.

  "Thank you, Father." After Yaoyan and her sister thanked him and sat down, they took their seats in the two chairs at the far right.

  Mrs. Wang put down her teacup and looked at Yao Yanru asking: "Where are you from?"

  "From the old lady's house."

  Wang didn't ask any more questions. Yao Yuanzi slowly raised his head and looked at Yao Yanyu, who was sitting upright in the chair, as if he were thinking deeply.

  Two cups of tea were brought in by a maid and placed on the high table between Yaoyanyu and her sister, then she retreated silently. Yaoyanyu quietly picked up the tea, only lightly smelling the fragrance, but not drinking it. The four people sat quietly in the room, no one speaking.

  After a while, Wang sighed and seemed to be muttering to herself: "Your elder sister's illness... is probably not going to get better."

  Yao Yan's heart sank, and she hastily consoled: "Don't worry, madam. Eldest sister is blessed with good fortune. The Hou estate has a hospital to take care of her, and eldest sister's illness will surely be cured."

  Wang looked at Yao Yanru helplessly and sighed softly: "You're a sensible child."

  Yao Yuanzhi suddenly turned his head and asked Wang Shi: "Is Yan Jie sixteen this year?"

  Wang's eyes widened slightly as she glanced at Yao Yuan's face and nodded: "Yes, after passing the birthday in May, he will be sixteen years old."

  "Hmm." Yao Yuan didn't say anything else and fell into deep thought once again.

  Yao Yan didn't know that her lifelong major event was settled by her clever and capable father in this moment of contemplation.

  Wang shook hands with Yao Yan and her sister: "You two go back first. Come again at dinner time."

  "Yes." Yao Yan and Yao Quehua put down their teacups, stood up, bowed slightly, "The daughter takes her leave."

  The bamboo curtain rustled, and the maid outside lifted it up. Yao Yan's voice trailed off as she retreated a few steps to the doorway with Yao Quehua, then bowed her head and turned out of the doorway, leaving with her own maid.

  Back in her own room, Yao Yanyu tossed the silk fan in her hand and leaned against the imperial concubine's couch, casually picking up a book to read.

  Before long, the personal maid Cui Wei quietly came in, sent the two little maids out of the room, and knelt down beside Yao Yanyu, whispering: "Miss, I just heard from the old lady's maid that Master intends to let you go to Beijing."

  Yao Yan's eyelid twitched and she asked in a low voice: "I'm just a young girl, what would I go to the capital for?"

  Cui Wei lowered her voice: "Miss is probably done for this time. But our ties with the Hou family can't be broken..."

  "Isn't there also Eldest Sister-in-law?" Yao Yan furrowed her brow, even if Big Sister had died, the sister-in-law of Uncle's family was still the young lady of Ding Hou Fu. This crooked relative by marriage was still a relative after all. Moreover, both the Wang and Yao families were in Jiangnan, and the eldest brother's wife was also the niece of her own mother's natal family. The two families of Yao and Wang mutually relied on each other, an unbreakable bond of relatives by marriage.

  Cui Wei furrowed her brow and said in a low voice, "But if the third young master of the Hou Mansion marries again and the eldest lady doesn't leave behind a son or daughter, after a long time, our relationship with the Hou Mansion will become more distant."

  "Isn't that an exaggeration?" Yao Yan furrowed her brow. According to the rules of this society, Cui Wei's words were not unreasonable.

  Cui Wei's affirmative tone put an end to the matter: "I heard this is Master's intention, Miss should make arrangements early."

  "What can I do? Can I really accept this kind of thing for myself?" Yao Yan sighed repeatedly, thinking to herself, "Is it really going to come to the point where I have to marry a second-hand goods and become someone's concubine?"

  This worry was confirmed half a month later.

  At that time, Yao Yan was about to go with Yao Quehua to the old lady's house to greet her good morning. Before entering the door, she heard the old lady and the wife talking inside.

  "...Let's send Yan first, and we'll have someone to take care of Feng's illness. We're far away from the capital here, and we can't see or touch anything that's going on. I'm always worried." After saying this, Wang Shi let out a sigh and said with difficulty: "But it won't do for the wedding ceremony to be like this, directly sending someone over, it's really unfair to Yan."

  "The national mourning is in place, and we can't avoid taking some measures. Just tell them not to rush into the wedding for now. Besides, Feng Jie is still around, and we can't let Gu Ye remarry after divorcing his wife. Even if there wasn't this national mourning, it would still be a serious offense." Old Lady Song also sighed deeply, "How about this: I'll add more to Yan's dowry, and we'll throw in those shops of ours in the capital as part of her dowry. We'll make sure she's well-prepared, just not surpassing Feng Jie's. Have someone get everything ready and send it with her to the capital."

  Wang said nothing more, and added another sentence: "Fengzi has something three long and two short, that thing is also Yan's sister's, so it doesn't count as bullying her."

  Yao Yan stood outside the window and listened to this sentence, almost falling down. How can it be so fast?! Even sending a servant girl should go through some kind of ceremony, shouldn't it? Is this considered marrying off a daughter?

  Yao Quehua saw her second sister's face suddenly turn pale, and her heart felt a pang of distress. She quickly supported her and asked in a low voice: "Second sister, are you okay?"

  Yao Yan's words calmed her mind, and she shook her head. Then she quickened her pace and walked forward. Meanwhile, the maid who was chatting under the corridor had already seen the two sisters and hurriedly ran over to open the curtain for them, softly saying: "The second and third young ladies have arrived."

  After the big fan, Mrs. Song and Mrs. Wang immediately stopped discussing, and when Yaoyan and her sister walked in, Mrs. Song smiled and beckoned: "You two come over here, I'm about to serve breakfast."

  Yao Yan said with a hint of something on her mind, and her smile wasn't as natural: "Last night, a cricket jumped into the house from who-knows-where, chirping away for half the night until it finally stopped at the third watch. That's why I got up late this morning, so please don't blame me, Old Lady."

  "Even so, just call Yatou over to say a word or two." Old Lady Song chuckled and turned her head to instruct the maids: "Set out the meal, let Yan and the others have breakfast before going back to sleep for a while. They won't be attending classes in the inner chambers for now; they've all learned enough of those lessons anyway. One's body is what matters most."

  The girls nodded and turned around to deliver the meal. Yao Yan ate a little something with a heart full of thoughts, then excused herself on the pretext that she was uncomfortable and left.

  By the afternoon, a little maid from Wang's house came to deliver a message, saying that Madam had something and asked the young lady to go over. Yao Yanyu thought in her heart that she couldn't escape this after all. So she simply tidied up her appearance and makeup, and brought Cuiwei with her to follow the little maid to Wang's side.

  Mr. Wang saw her and first said some grandiose words.

  For example, this time you went to your elder sister's place was on my behalf to visit your elder sister with the old lady. Your elder sister dotes on you when she is at home, she likes your gentle temperament, unlike San Yazi who gets frightened and flustered at every little thing.

  For example, the Marquis's residence is a renowned and respected family, the old lady of the Marquis's residence is the current emperor's aunt, and the eldest princess is a noble and precious person. No matter what you do there, you must know your place. Listen to your elder sister more often.

  For example, the clothes and things you'll be using have already been prepared for you. If your elder sister really doesn't make it, you can stay in the Hou Manor in her place. Although the status is slightly different, Master has already discussed this with Master Hou, after the mourning period is over, we will hold a wedding ceremony, at that time, we will also host a banquet to invite guests, and you will only have to endure this for half a year, in the future, you will be the third young mistress of the Hou Manor, and you will have endless wealth and glory.

  Facing her stepmother Wang's words, Yao Yan had no choice but to lower her head and listen obediently. If she were to retort, Wang would naturally have a way to make her submit, and in the end, she could only humiliate herself.

  To be free, one must first leave the Governor's Mansion. However, after leaving the Governor's Mansion, I entered the Dinghou Mansion. In such a world, it is extremely difficult for a woman to stand on her own and establish herself independently.

  Wang saw Yao Yan speechless and just nodded silently, and he also put his heart at ease.

  After all, this daughter of a concubine has been lukewarm in nature since childhood. Let her be as she is. Apart from raising some cats, dogs, chickens and rabbits in her courtyard, she only likes to read alone and has no other interests.

  I originally thought she was too dull, but unexpectedly after the age of 13, she came to assist with household chores and spoke and acted in a measured manner, using people's words clearly, never making mistakes, just like a well-bred young lady from a good family, very impressive. Even Su Yuhe, the third daughter of the Hou Mansion, who looked down on everyone, praised her for being capable, completely unlike a daughter born out of wedlock.

  If not, the Wang family would not be at ease sending such a daughter to the Hou Mansion. Not to mention the interests of the family, if she did not behave properly and was not dignified in etiquette and rules, it would also be a slap in the face for the Governor's Mansion.

  Since ancient times, marriage has been a matter of parental orders and matchmakers' words. Even if she, Yao Yanruo, had the soul of a 21st-century woman, she couldn't change such fate.

  On a lucky day after her sixteenth birthday, Yao Yanyu got up early before dawn. Cuiwei helped her change into her going-out clothes, and then she bid farewell to her grandmother, bid farewell to her parents, said goodbye to her sister Yao Quehua, and reluctantly turned around in her own small courtyard before leaving with Cuiwei and several personal maidservants.

  The eldest son of the Governor's Mansion, Yao Yan'en, took a dozen or so male and female servants from two houses to send off Yao Yanyu as she headed north to Beijing, with luggage and other items filling up a two-story cargo ship.

  The people on the dock saw it and discussed it, saying that the Governor's Mansion was really generous to his daughter. The young master went to Beijing to visit his sister and brought a whole boat of things. However, Yao Yanyu, who was sitting in another passenger ship, stuck to the window and looked out, couldn't help but smile bitterly. Who knew that what was loaded on that boat was actually her own dowry?

  However, Heaven has not been unkind to me. I have had a peaceful and stable life for ten years, although as an illegitimate daughter, due to the fact that there were few daughters in the family and my father was very shrewd, daughters were raised in the inner chambers as necessities for marriage alliances, with great care and attention given to their upbringing.

  From then on, after leaving the governor's mansion, one had to rely on oneself.

  It took another half month to reach the capital by waterway, and when they arrived in the capital, it was already June. The padded jacket had been replaced with a thin silk summer shirt, and the summer days in the capital were even hotter than those in Jiangnan. The dry and sultry weather made people feel irritable.

  A sixteen-bone water-ink painting large umbrella shaded the scorching sun, Yao Yan Yu supported Cui Wei's hand and got off the boat, frowning as she boarded the carriage sent by Ding Hou Fu to pick them up.

  The horse carriage rattled along, Yao Yan's mouth held a salted plum, leaning back in the carriage with her eyes closed. Cui Wei sat on one side, occasionally peeking out through the window's gauze curtain.

  "Miss! Miss!"

  "Hmm?" Yao Yan responded with a faint hum, indicating she was listening.

  "We passed by the Town Country Public House. The public house is very stylish."

  "Can't you be a bit more impressive? Doesn't the Governor's mansion of the two rivers have any grandeur?" There was no third person in the carriage, and Cui Wei was the most trusted among the inner circle, the most reliable person for Yao Yan over the past decade, so there was no need to hold back.

  "That's different! According to the specifications and construction, the National Duke's Mansion is more luxurious than the Governor-General's Mansion."

  Yao Yan smiled lightly: "Wait until you arrive at the Hou Mansion, it's not too late to be surprised then. The Ding Hou Mansion is connected to the Da Chang Gong Zhu Mansion, and it must be more magnificent than the Zhen Guo Gong Mansion."

  "It's really true!" Cui Wei immediately became excited, the old lady of Ding Hou Fu was actually the eldest princess! The emperor's aunt! How majestic that mansion is!

  "In such a luxurious mansion, we're just sleeping in one bed. I have nothing to do with you, so spare me the trouble."

  "Hmm, girls are always like this, as if they're not interested in anything."

  Yao Yan raised her hand and knocked on Cui Wei's forehead, asking: "Who said that? What I regret most is that I couldn't bring the little gray and white ones from my courtyard, nor could I bring the flowers and grasses I raised."

  "Goodness, the Hou estate is not like home. Miss, you can't keep using the silver needle to poke and prod Xiao Hui and Xiao Bai anymore. However, those strange flowers and herbs you planted might be something that Young Master can help you find."

  "Brother-in-law..." When Yao Yan heard these two words, she couldn't help but let out a cold laugh.

  The so-called brother-in-law will become one's own husband in the future. To think that a 16-year-old girl would go and become the concubine of a man she has never met, and what's more, do it with such fanfare and ceremony while the first wife is still alive! If this were to happen in modern times, wouldn't it be the most ridiculous thing under heaven?!

  But who let this be a mysterious and absurd Great Cloud Dynasty? Even an unrecorded dynasty in history, who can she reason with?

  The carriage traveled for more than half a watch before arriving at the entrance of the Dinghou Mansion. After a brief stop, the carriage continued on and entered through the side door, then stopped again after traveling a short distance.

  Outside, a woman came over to invite Yan Yu down from the carriage. Yan Yu supported Cui Wei's hand and slowly got up, opening her numb legs and slowly getting off the carriage when she heard a bright laugh not far away: "Big brother-in-law, you've had a hard journey, grandma and mother have been thinking about it, saying that these two days should be arriving."

  Yao Yan couldn't help but follow the sound and look over, only to see a man wearing a pale blue thin silk changshan standing there with his hands clasped together in respect towards her brother Yao Yan'en. He had a face as smooth as jade, like a jade tree swaying in the wind, truly a handsome appearance.

  Yao Yan withdrew her gaze and slowly got out of the car, thinking to herself that this person should be the maternal uncle of the Yao family, the third son of Ding Hou. It was said that Madame Ding had three sons and one daughter, each named with the characters 'Ping', 'An', 'Xiang' and 'He', in the Yu character generation. The maternal uncle of the Yao family happened to have the character 'Xiang', so his name should be Su Yuxiang.

  "It's nothing, it wasn't hard." Yao Yan'en returned the courtesy with a bow, "I should have arrived two days ago, but the continuous rain on the road delayed my journey for several days. I'm afraid I've caused the Grand Princess and the Hou family to worry."

  Su Yu Xiang smiled elegantly: "This doesn't count for anything, as long as uncle and sister have a safe journey. Uncle, please."