Chapter 4 – Intrigue

The manor was bustling with joy, music echoing through the halls, firecrackers bursting in celebration.

In the inner chambers, the matriarch wore a smile, while occasionally glancing at Sheng Shi. Ever since the imperial edict was announced, she had arranged a seat for Sheng Shi, saying with a grin, “Since you’ve received the Emperor’s grace, today is indeed your day of honor. Naturally, we must celebrate. Let the entire household join in the festivities.”

“But how did this imperial edict come so suddenly? How did it come about?”

Though equally surprised, Sheng Shi shook her head, replying, “Your daughter-in-law does not know.”

Bai Shi chuckled, “An imperial commendation needs to be requested. Presumably, Duke An sought it for his sister-in-law.”

Sheng Shi’s face lacked the expected joy; as she accepted the decree, she wondered if her husband had sought the commendation. Why would he suddenly seek such an honor unless there was something significant he required from her? Her heart filled with apprehension, she glanced at the younger generation seated below. Xu Gu sat there calmly, as poised as ever, while Xu Chun appeared restless beside him.

Was it to secure a future for this illegitimate son that he was sweetening the deal? Sheng Shi pondered endlessly, but now that Xu Gu had obtained the rank of a provincial scholar, if they needed her help, could it be regarding marriage? Was she expected to contribute to Xu Gu’s dowry? But Xu Anlin lacked sense and was prone to indulgence. Even if the matriarch was unaware of this, it truly was perplexing. If it was merely a matter of money, that would be one thing, but she feared they wanted more.

The matriarch turned to Bai Shi, “How could Second Son not report such a significant matter to me? Our family already has two imperial commendations. Without any recent achievements, seeking one abruptly can easily invite disaster. You come from a merchant background, unaware of the capital’s customs. Seeking commendations requires choosing the right moment. Perhaps when the royal family has good news, or our family accomplishes something that catches the Emperor’s attention. Only then is it appropriate to seek a commendation. You are already the Duchess of the State, and an imperial commendation is inevitable. I had planned for next year, when Sangu will sit for the civil examinations. If he is fortunate enough to place, it would be the perfect reason to seek a commendation for your mother-in-law. Why couldn’t you wait?”

A frosty expression settled on her face. Sheng Shi knew her mother-in-law had always held her in check; this imperial commendation had been delayed for years. Having always cited the need to choose the right time, nineteen years had passed, and she no longer cared. Now that she finally received the commendation, her mother-in-law would undoubtedly find fault, ensuring Sheng Shi remained obedient. With a wooden expression, she said, “Mother’s teachings are wise. But truly, your daughter-in-law does not know who sought this commendation. Duke An never mentioned anything about it.”

Bai Shi laughed, “It seems Second Brother took pity on his sister-in-law and acted on his own. It has been nineteen years since she married into the Duke’s House, managing household affairs, serving Mother, assisting her husband, and educating her children. Seeking an imperial commendation for her was indeed appropriate. However, it should not have been done without informing Mother. After all, your sister-in-law comes from a merchant family, unfamiliar with the etiquette valued by noble families. Although Mother is kind-hearted and would not act like those uncultured women who rush to authorities at every disagreement, bypassing Mother to seek a commendation for one’s wife shows disrespect. How could such a deed escape notice in the capital? Your sister-in-law may have obtained the first-class imperial commendation, but it could harm Gege and Chun, especially Gege, who will sit for the civil examinations next year. If the censors learn of this, they might submit a memorial…at worst, his commendation could be revoked even if he passes the exams, or worse, the commendation itself might be retracted.”

Xu Kui covered her mouth in shock, “Mother, are you referring to the incident during the Qian Dao era, where a new Top Scholar had his rank stripped for disobedience?”

The matriarch scoffed, “Our dynasty governs by filial piety. How could young people understand the severity! They are only after the prestige, not realizing the careful planning required for families like ours! Every step we take must be meticulously planned!”

Rubbing her chest as if genuinely upset, she commanded, “Go fetch the Duke. While I am still alive, he dares to disregard his old mother. He spends his days drinking and carousing without a thought, treating imperial commendations as trifles to please his wife. The title bestowed by our ancestors will surely be ruined in his hands!”

Moved by her fury, Sheng Shi rose silently. With her mother-in-law standing, Xu Gu, Xu Chun, and the two illegitimate daughters, Xu Wei and Xu Rong, also stood, listening to the scolding without a word. Xu Chun knew his father was foolish and irresponsible, following his grandmother’s every word. His father would not have sought the commendation on his own, but he also knew that defending his mother when his grandmother lectured her would only make matters worse and lead to harsher punishments. He could only endure the situation, wondering who had sought the commendation.

As the matriarch repeatedly demanded someone fetch the Duke, Duke Xu Anlin coincidentally entered from outside, having personally seen Su Hua off. Upon returning, he heard servants relay the matriarch’s urgent summons.

He had something to say as well and hurried inside. The matriarch saw him and berated him loudly, “I am not dead yet! And you dared to seek an imperial commendation without my knowledge?” Xu Anlin was taken aback, “Son didn’t dare…it was not me who sought the commendation.”

The matriarch’s pent-up grievances were stifled, “If not you, then who?” Xu Anlin’s face held a hint of pride, “I was also puzzled earlier. When escorting eunuch Su out, I noticed he was particularly amiable. So I discreetly asked. Eunuch Su said it was a reward for Sheng Shi’s exemplary conduct in raising her son.”

The matriarch’s heart leaped with joy as she looked at Xu Gu, “Could it be that Gege’s reputation has spread?” Xu Anlin hastily shook his head, “No, no, it was Chun. Apparently, upon learning that the Ministry of Works lacked funds for shipbuilding, he voluntarily donated a hundred thousand taels to aid their efforts. The Emperor greatly praised Chun’s loyalty and righteousness, hence granting Sheng Shi an imperial commendation.”

Silence fell over the hall as all eyes turned to Xu Chun. Upon hearing the figure of a hundred thousand taels, Xu Chun was momentarily stunned, while Xu Kui exclaimed in surprise, “Does Chun have that much money?” Xu Anlin, oblivious to the implications, remarked sourly, “Still, I must say, Chun is too extravagant. His loyalty is commendable, serving the court, but a hundred thousand taels! What if the Emperor had not known? Wouldn’t it have been wasted? He should have discussed it with the family…”

Xu Chun realized that the aloof man from that day must have made the donation on his behalf. He had refused to accept the man’s offer to redeem him, but the man had used the money to secure his mother’s commendation. A wave of emotions washed over him, a mix of bitterness tinged with sweetness. He didn’t want me, casually discarding a hundred thousand taels. But he considered my welfare to such an extent.

Seeing him in a daze, the matriarch chided him affectionately, “So Chun has grown up and knows how to serve the court now? Why didn’t you speak up earlier when I was scolding your mother? She suffered unjustly. Where did you get so much money to donate?” Xu Chun snapped back to reality, forcing a smile, “Filial piety precedes all virtues. When Grandmother scolds Mother, her son naturally bears some responsibility, how could I dare utter a word of protest? I didn’t speak earlier because I truly did not know that Mother’s commendation was due to this matter. It was purely coincidental. A few days ago, Liu Sheng introduced me to a gentleman. This gentleman is dignified and of high integrity. Wanting to befriend him, I learned that he recently faced a financial dilemma in his duties. Coincidentally, I had a hundred thousand taels from my late grandfather in Hongchang Bank, which had just matured, so I gave it to him to alleviate his troubles. I did not realize that this gentleman’s duties involved shipbuilding for the court. By chance, Mother received the commendation, truly a cause for celebration.”

Xu Anlin clapped his hands, “Father-in-law truly spoils you too much! It seems your friend is involved in shipbuilding for the court. I wonder which family he is from; we should seek to establish a connection and express our gratitude.” Xu Chun hesitated, stammering, “This gentleman is proud and detached…he dislikes socializing…”

Xu Gu, unusually, spoke up, “Father, do not rush. A hundred thousand taels—this noble person did not pocket a single coin, donating it all to the court for shipbuilding and securing a commendation for Mother as repayment. He must indeed be a person of high integrity. Rushing to forge a connection now, overly enthusiastic, might be counterproductive. We should organize a literary gathering later and invite your second brother to bring him along. We can gradually build the relationship.”

The matriarch interjected, “Exactly. Judging by Eunuch Su’s enthusiasm, this person must wield great influence. We should not be too eager, lest we offend him. We will handle it slowly…” Xu Anlin, accustomed to following the matriarch’s lead, agreed, “Alright, let’s discuss it later, later…I did not expect Liu Sheng to have such connections. Impressive, impressive.”

Xu Gu remarked, “Perhaps Liu Sheng did not find him. Someone else likely knew that your second brother had money, and Liu Sheng merely acted as the intermediary.” Xu Anlin rubbed his hands, “Yes, a hundred thousand taels…” Licking his lips, he glanced at Sheng Shi, “It is truly excessive, how could Father-in-law entrust so much money to a child…” Then, without tact, he addressed Xu Chun, “Since Chun has such ample funds, it is convenient for Father, who is currently tight on cash due to garden renovations. How about transferring a few tens of thousands of taels to Father…”

Xu Chun smiled, “When Father asks, I can hardly refuse. But truly, I only have this hundred thousand taels, which my late grandfather accumulated over the years and I have saved. The interest compounded, and I spent it generously this once…Now it seems to have secured Mother’s commendation, so the hundred thousand was worth it. Others might not even find such an opportunity.” What is worth it about it!

Everyone present looked at Xu Chun’s carefree, naive expression and inwardly cursed. A hundred thousand taels! Just for a guaranteed commendation! Logically, as the Duchess of the State, she should have received a first-class commendation. The lack of one was solely due to Xu Anlin’s sudden inheritance of the title without being married. Afterwards, the matriarch intentionally delayed seeking the commendation. It was a waste to spend a hundred thousand taels on this! A hundred thousand taels! If handled properly, leveraging the connection with eunuch Su Hua, they could have obtained greater favors and benefits! The matriarch felt deeply regretful, glaring at Sheng Shi, convinced that her merchant background had instilled such shallow values in her children!

She was extremely reluctant but maintained a pained expression, saying, “Chun’s intentions were pure and filial. Since you have established such a valuable connection, you must maintain it carefully, not letting it slip away. When the opportunity arises, include Gege. After all, he will soon sit for the civil examinations. Establishing good relations now will be beneficial for his future career as an official…” Catching Xu Kui’s eager gaze, she added, “And Han’s son-in-law, your eldest sister is not an outsider. You must remember, we are family, in the same boat together…”

After the matriarch rambled on for a while, showing signs of fatigue, she ordered Sheng Shi to lead the younger generation out, leaving only Bai Shi to attend to her as she lay down.

Leaning against her large bolster pillow, the matriarch looked exhausted. “You should rest as well. Today was truly exhausting.” Observing the matriarch’s complexion, Bai Shi was somewhat anxious. “Mother really believes Chun alone could make such a decision? A hundred thousand taels! Which wealthy family would allow an inexperienced child to handle so much money?”

The matriarch replied indifferently, “The Sheng family is that wealthy, a major sea trader. Otherwise, why do you think I went out of my way to arrange Second Son’s marriage to Sheng Shi? Back then…when the late patriarch was framed, we were left with a debt in the millions, unable to fill the hole. If I had not suggested marrying Sheng Shi into the family, we would have become impoverished long ago. A precious grandson destined to inherit the title, they naturally cherish him. What is a hundred thousand taels to them? I have heard that in the capital’s banks, Chun can withdraw money using his seal, treated like their young master.”

Bai Shi felt a pang of envy. “Daughter-in-law is short-sighted, but what a pity. Knowing such a good opportunity existed, if we had exchanged it for something else, like exclusive rights to salt, iron, or tea from the Ministry of Revenue, we could have sold it for a profit. Or perhaps secured a substantial position within the Ministry of Works…Second Son’s family wasted a hundred thousand taels for a mere commendation…” The matriarch said, “Look ahead. The Sheng family will pay more for this title. This idea likely did not originate from Second Son’s wife. Even you and I could not find such a path. Donating money to connect with the eunuch in charge of the imperial seal near the Emperor, what kind of good fortune is that? As Gege mentioned, it was not Chun’s luck that brought this about. Someone coveted his wealth and facilitated the connection. Presumably, they did not feel right taking the money for nothing, so they granted a commendation as a token gesture. Perhaps it was also a show of strength, waiting for further opportunities. We must handle this carefully. Chun has been sheltered, but Gege understands the situation. Let us forge a connection for now.”

Bai Shi hesitated. “Then what about the adoption matter…” The matriarch frowned. “What are you in a hurry for? I am handling it. You have seen how rich the Sheng family is. Being merchants, their interests come first. If not for the title hanging over them, why would they willingly send large sums of money to the Duke’s House? All the luxuries you have enjoyed over the years have come from this arrangement. If we hastily adopt Gege into your family now, would it not necessitate a proper division of assets? What would you eat after the split? Even if Gege becomes a jinshi—a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations—and obtains an official post, he would only be a minor official of the sixth or seventh rank, requiring many years of experience. Without a mother-son relationship, how could Second Son’s wife continue supporting him financially? We must handle this slowly. Do not worry, I will ensure everything is managed properly.”