chapter 5
chapter 5
Winter gave way to spring, and cold to warmth. Happy days always passed too quickly. In the blink of an eye, three years were gone.
Yun Zheng sent word that the fighting at the northern frontier had ended and he was coming home. Mother and I packed, bringing Yun Ting and Yun Hui back to the capital for the New Year.
This time, the person we welcomed through the gates with Yun Zheng was Liu Yiyi, the young widow of a tofu seller from the frontier. Her belly was already swollen.
Yun Zheng knelt beside her in the main hall, his back straight. “I have been unfilial, Mother. But Yiyi followed me through two bitter years at the frontier, and now she carries my child. I cannot betray her.”
Mother trembled with rage. “Three years ago, you abandoned Lanyin on your wedding night. She served your elders and managed this household in your absence. You vanish, then return with a pregnant woman. Are you trying to humiliate Lanyin, or me?”
“Please calm yourself, Mother.” I took her shaking hand. “My husband has been occupied with military affairs. I do not feel wronged. Miss Liu’s pregnancy is happy news for the household. I would like a few words alone with the General, if Mother permits.”
Back in my room, Yun Zheng stood in the center of the hall. The cold of the frontier still clung to his armor, and wind and sand had hardened his features.
“What do you want to say? If you mean to condemn Yiyi, do not. She is gentle by nature and will not compete with you.”
I smiled. “Brother Yun Zheng.”
He visibly froze. I had called him that often as a child, when I still followed at his heels.
“I have no romantic feelings for you,” I said plainly. “Our families chose this marriage. I entered this household seeking a peaceful life, not a loving husband. I will not interfere with your concubines. I will persuade Mother to give Liu Yiyi formal status, and her child will be entered into the family register.”
“You…” Yun Zheng stared. “You truly do not mind?”
“Why should I? Is there anything wrong with treating each other as courteous guests?” I handed him two identical divorce agreements. “I have signed both. Please sign them as well. If one day you wish to bring the woman you truly love into this residence, I will leave of my own accord. If I make other plans first, I hope you will release me.”
Yun Zheng signed without hesitation. We each kept one copy, and relief softened his face. He bowed to me.
“Sister Lanyin, I am sorry. This is unfair to you.”
“It is all right, so long as you still think of me as a younger sister.” I calmly accepted his bow.
“There is one matter we must settle first.” I allowed a troubled look to cross my face. “Mother still controls the household purse. All our expenses come from the common account. Once Concubine Liu enters the residence, her care during pregnancy, the birth, the wet nurse, and the maids will all cost extra. As for that money… I fear Sister Liu may have to make do.”
In my previous life, I had played the tolerant wife. Yun Zheng took one concubine after another, and when the household allowance ran short, I used my dowry to cover the accounts every month.
I had been foolish enough to believe that, as mistress of the household, I was obliged to be generous.
Only later did it occur to me: why should my dowry pay for another man’s concubines?
This time, I intended to make matters clear at the outset. If Yun Zheng did not regard me as his wife, surely he could not expect me to finance his children.
He paused, but did not presume otherwise. “Do not worry, Sister. I have my own savings.”
“Excellent.” I sighed in relief and smiled brightly. “I will tell Mother and have the Rose Garden separated for Concubine Liu. It is secluded and suitable for her confinement, away from the bustle of the household. I will give them a separate token so they may use the western side gate. I plan to return to the East Mountain estate with Mother, so Sister Liu need not pay me morning and evening respects. We may all live quietly, though I am afraid her care may be less attentive.”
Yun Zheng looked at me strangely.
“There is no need to go that far…” he said. “Yiyi…”
“Concubine Liu is gentle. I know.” I interrupted him. “That is precisely why I am considering her comfort. Most of the stewards here came from the army and enforce strict rules. She may not adapt. Give her a private kitchen in the separate garden, and she can have whatever she wishes without waiting for the main kitchens.”
I paused. “Spend your own money, and dote on her however you please. I will never interfere.”
After a moment’s silence, Yun Zheng nodded. “Very well. Please arrange the residence. I will bear every other expense and assign four maids and two matrons to her. None of it will come from the common account.”
“How decisive of you, Brother.” I rose and smoothed my skirts. “I will speak to Mother and settle Concubine Liu’s status now.”
Liu Yiyi was not a bad person. She loved money openly and honestly. She only wanted property for her child and security within this deep, enclosed estate.
If she could coax money from Yun Zheng, I had no objection. It was not my money.
A lifetime was too long for eternal enemies or eternal friends. Only interests endured.
So long as no one harmed mine, we could drink together and maintain a pleasant peace.