Southern Song Dynasty Life Consultant

Chapter 52

Mu Tian wrote and drew, completing fifty pages. When he picked up his pen to write the cover, he thought of the words "He Shi" and changed it to "He Shi Picture Literacy". He laughed and said, "When I have time, I will go to Yin's bookstore to meet the manager and discuss the price of this booklet."

Xiao Yuan felt embarrassed and said, "You drew the pictures and wrote the words, so it should be called 'Cheng's Picture Literacy Book'." Cheng Mutian handed the booklet to Wu Ge and started drawing the next one, laughing, "I won't take credit for your work. If it can be printed and make money, I'll give it to you to save for your private life." Seeing that he was working hard, Xiao Yuan wanted to refuse again, but then she thought that there were only four close relatives in the family now, so it didn't matter who had the money. So she accepted the favor and personally ground the ink for him.

Wu Ge already had a good memory, and with this "He's Picture Character Recognition Book," he became even more gifted. Not long after midnight, he had recognized all one hundred characters. Cheng Mutian was very satisfied with his teaching results. After checking the last character, he allowed him to wash his feet and go to sleep.

Xiao Yuan tidied up the several booklets she had finished drawing and suggested to him, "If you finish drawing the characters of the Thousand Character Classic, there will be twenty booklets. How can you do so many by yourself? Why don't you hire an artist to come to our house?" Cheng Mutian wanted to compile the textbooks for his son by hand, so he shook his head and said, "After Wu Ge uses this booklet, Chen Ge can continue to use it. I will compile it myself. It won't take more than a few days."

In the following days, he temporarily put aside his business and devoted himself to editing at home for several days. After producing twenty exquisitely crafted booklets, he chose an auspicious day and took one of them to the manager of the Yin family's bookstore to discuss the printing arrangements.

A month later, the shop assistant delivered the printed booklets. Xiao Yuan took a few and flipped through them, then asked Cheng Mutian, "Erlang, these weren't drawn by you, were they? The printing is also a bit blurry, not nearly as good as the ones you made for Brother Wu." Cheng Mutian laughed and said, "My booklets have to be left for Brother Wu to learn to read. The shopkeeper found an artist to draw them, and then had the printing craftsmen carve and print them. Naturally, they can't compare to the effect of my hand-drawn ones."

Xiao Yuan ordered someone to send three copies of the booklet to the school, one set for each of Xi Ge, Yu Niang, and Cheng Si Niang. Seeing that it was already past noon, she ordered someone to send some snacks and cold drinks to the children as a mid-morning snack. Cheng Mutian took a sip of the snow-covered skin drink brought from the kitchen and said to Xiaoyuan, "This tastes alright, you should try some." Xiaoyuan had a cup in front of her but didn't drink from it. Instead, she picked up his cup, took a sip, and amused herself by glancing at his gradually reddening face. However, she was talking about serious matters: "You should do something about Second Aunt's insistence on giving her son to her stepmother." Only then did Cheng Mutian remember this matter and said, "When Stepmother came over last time, you were making trouble behind my back. You must have a plan, right? Tell me about it." Xiaoyuan laughed and said, "To tell you the truth, Second Aunt's trouble with Stepmother was secretly orchestrated by Eldest Sister. Now that she's had enough, does she really expect Stepmother to use the money meant for raising Zhonglang to support Second Aunt's youngest son? In my opinion, you should send a letter to Quanzhou and ask the clan head to give a word. That will settle the matter."

For the first time, Cheng Mutian felt that his eldest sister Cheng had some merit, and he laughed, "So you've already thought of your backup plan. No wonder you've been holding back for a month or so." He downed the snow-white liquor in front of Xiaoyuan in one gulp, got up, and went to his room to write a letter, asking Cheng Dongjing to put in a good word for him with his clan elder father. Cheng Dongjing was the designated next clan elder, and the clan's business in Lin'an needed Cheng Mutian's help, so he readily agreed to his request.

Not long after, the second aunt's family received a letter from the clan, strictly forbidding them from mentioning the adoption again. No one dared disobey, and even the second aunt, unwilling to accept it, had no choice but to give up. The resolution of Madam Qian's major trouble did not bring any thanks, further fueling Cheng Mutian's dislike for her. Xiao Yuan, however, was not particularly concerned about her stepmother's attitude. She had now achieved her wish of living a quiet life with her husband's son behind closed doors, and nothing else could put her mind at ease.

That day, after school, Wu Ge had already eaten lunch and was about to head to the gym when Xiao Yuan stopped him and asked, "Aren't you hungry?" Wu Ge replied, "My teacher's wife made green lotus leaf buns." Xi Ge, who was waiting for him at the door, chimed in, "We each ate two, so we're not hungry." Wu Ge remembered that he had another bun in his purse, so he quickly took it out and handed it to Xiao Yuan, saying ingratiatingly, "Mom, I brought this especially for you. You and your brother can share it."

Xiao Yuan took the bun and broke it open. A fragrant aroma wafted out. Inside, the tender meat filling contained lotus seeds and chopped lotus leaves. She admired Zhou Niangzi's cleverness while playfully scolding Wu Ge, "You think you can sneak away since your father isn't here? Be careful, or I'll tell him and have him beat you." Wu Ge put his arm around Xi Ge's shoulder and walked outside. He turned back with a grin and said, "Mother loves me the most. She definitely won't say anything." Xiao Yuan sighed with a laugh, "I, as a mother, have absolutely no authority."

The meals for Master Zhou's family were supplied by the Cheng family. Why was Madam Zhou making her own buns? Could it be that the kitchen was skimping on the food? Thinking of this, she asked Cailian, "What kind of dishes did the kitchen prepare for Master Zhou's family today?" Cailian replied, "Similar to what the young mistress received, only a few fewer items." Xiaoyuan was relieved and told her to instruct the kitchen to prepare a few new and delicious dishes to send to Master Zhou.

The kitchen food hadn't arrived yet. Madam Zhou brought over some green lotus leaf-shaped steamed buns first. She placed a large lotus leaf-shaped plate on the table and said with a smile, "I hope I haven't missed the young mistress's mealtime? My silly husband was afraid of delaying her meal, so he insisted I bring them later. I thought bringing the buns after she'd eaten would be redundant, so I came now. I hope I haven't disturbed her."

Xiao Yuan rose to thank her, laughing, "Don't mention it. My son Wu has been craving your steamed buns. I haven't even thanked him yet." Madam Zhou waved her hand, saying, "Young Madam, you're too kind. My husband was craving green lotus leaf steamed buns. He wouldn't even look at the ones on the street, so I boldly borrowed the stove in the mansion and made a few myself. I just don't know if they'll be good." Xiao Yuan laughed, "My son is extremely picky. If he says they're good, they must be delicious." Madam Zhou said she wouldn't disturb her meal and, after a few more words, rose to take her leave.

After serving Xiaoyuan her lunch, Ayun lingered behind her and said, "Young Madam, Wu-ge and the others only ate two steamed buns for lunch. They must be hungry now. Shall I take them some food?"

"What do you mean by bringing food? You probably want to see Sun Dalang, who teaches boxing at the gym." Xiao Yuan sighed inwardly. Sun Dalang's mind wasn't on her at all; she couldn't bear to let go. Such a straightforward person, yet when it came to matters of the heart, he became all clingy and indecisive. That's what she thought, but she didn't want to be the bad guy, so she nodded and let her go.

Cailian served the fruit after the meal and sighed, "This girl is probably going to end up with nothing." Xiaoyuan said with distress, "She's sixteen this year, she should be looking for a husband, but she's completely set on Sun Dalang." Cailian said, "Sun Dalang is probably also interested in Zhang Zhennu, the daughter of the sumo wrestling troupe leader." Xiaoyuan smiled bitterly, "If they were engaged, it would be better, but Sun Dalang is still young, and this half-hearted relationship just won't let Ayun give up."

Cailian glanced outside and, seeing that Madam Sun was not in the courtyard, lowered her voice and said, "They are not engaged, not because they are too young—I heard that Madam Sun also likes Zhang Zhennu and has sent a matchmaker to propose marriage, but the troupe leader dislikes Sun Dalang because he is a slave and refuses to marry his daughter to him."

Xiao Yuan asked in surprise, "Why didn't Madam Sun mention this to me?" Cai Lian smiled and said, "Madam Sun is a woman of great integrity. She doesn't want to beg for a favor; she wants to save up money herself to redeem her son from servitude." Xiao Yuan pondered for a moment and then instructed, "Go tell Madam Sun that I'll return the indenture to them first, and she can pay back the money slowly." Cai Lian was taken aback, then understood, "Does Madam want A-Yun to give up sooner?" Xiao Yuan nodded and said, "She's been with me all these years; I can't bear to see her waste her time and miss her chance to marry. If you have nothing else to do, go and talk to her and tell her to find someone she truly loves."

Cailian conveyed Xiaoyuan's message to Madam Sun and hurriedly brought Sun Dalang to kowtow, thanking her profusely, saying, "I'm sorry, young mistress." Xiaoyuan naturally understood her meaning and smiled, "I know the saying 'a forced marriage won't be happy,' you haven't done anything wrong by apologizing to me." She took the indenture and returned it to them, and also gave Sun Dalang some money as betrothal money. Madam Sun insisted on writing an IOU before accepting the indenture and money, and then led Sun Dalang out to find another place to stay.

Everyone admired her actions, but A-Yun hid in her room and cried, "How am I any less than that street performer Zhang Zhennu? He'd rather risk his life to earn money and even sell himself than marry me." Seeing her confused state, Cailian boldly used Li Wuniang as an example to persuade her, saying, "You've met the young mistress's third sister-in-law, do you think she's doing well?" A-Yun wiped away her tears and shook her head, saying, "She's only slightly better off than before. Didn't she write that she's recently become pregnant, and Young Master He took the opportunity to take another concubine?"

Seeing that she was still relatively fair-skinned, Cailian continued to persuade her, "Those two are just a case of one-sided love. If you really marry Sun Dalang, your life won't be much better than that of the Third Young Mistress He." Ayun seemed to have taken her words to heart, and remained silent for a while. Cailian wiped away her tears and said, "The young mistress said she'd give you two days off, so you should rest in your room." Ayun shook her head, "I'm not sick, what's there to rest for?" She lay silently on the bed for a while, seemingly talking to herself, "Since he's so heartless to me, why should I grieve for him? It's really not worth it."

Hearing this, Cailian finally breathed a sigh of relief, closed the door for her, and went to report the news to Xiaoyuan: "She's not too confused, much better than Caimei." Xiaoyuan was taking stock of the things needed for Chen Ge's first birthday gift, and when she heard this, she smiled and said: "She hasn't spent many days with Sun Dalang, so it's natural that she can relax easily."

After the day, Chen Ge turned one year old. Fruits, candies, cakes, books, pens, inkstones, scales and other items were laid out all over the floor. He always watched Wu Ge practice writing, and was influenced by what he saw and heard. He didn't even look at the other things. He grabbed a book in one hand and a pen in the other, which made Cheng Mutian laugh heartily.

After the "Nianzhou Test" was over, the relatives couldn't resist taking the opportunity to have some fun. A stage was set up in the garden, where "Qiao Sumo" was being performed. "Qiao" means to dress up. A performer carried a pair of puppets with their arms clasped together. The feet of the two "people" were disguised by his hands and legs. As he bent over and twisted on all fours, the two puppets changed into various poses such as grabbing in front, hanging from behind, hugging waist, and sitting cross-legged, just like two real people wrestling.

As Cheng San Niang, heavily pregnant, looked on, she asked Xiao Yuan curiously, "Sister-in-law, why is the person playing 'Qiao the Sumo' so short?" Cheng Da Jie interjected with a laugh, "We'll see later." Just as she finished speaking, the performers took their bows, lifted the puppet's cover, and bowed deeply. Cheng San Niang looked over and realized that the puppet was actually Wu Ge in costume. She covered her mouth and laughed, "Wu Ge is so young, yet he knows how to entertain his parents in colorful costumes. Sister-in-law, you are so lucky."

Wu Ge, imitating the others, grabbed a handful of reward money and ran back to Xiao Yuan's side to boast, asking, "Did you like it, little brother?" Cheng San Niang laughed again, "So it wasn't the colorful costumes entertaining the parents, but the puppets amusing the little brother." Everyone laughed and praised Wu Ge, but unexpectedly, he, who was usually bolder than the sky, became shy at this moment and hid behind Xiao Yuan, saying, "I didn't perform well, but Master's wife's singing was excellent."

Madam Zhou was seated when Xiao Yuan scolded her, "At such a young age, what do you know about singing? Don't spout nonsense." Madam Zhou paused for a moment, then smiled and said, "It's just a child telling the truth. Why is the young mistress scolding him? If the ladies don't mind, I'll sing a song for you all." Xiao Yuan was about to stop her when Sister Cheng quietly tugged at her sleeve and summoned a ready-made band from the stage, asking Madam Zhou to play the clappers and sing a song. When the song ended, everyone applauded and was about to ask her to sing again when someone from the side pavilion came and said that Master Zhou had something to discuss with Madam Zhou, so they hurriedly called her away.

As soon as Madam Zhou left, Sister Cheng's face changed color, and she spat, "All you can do is sing a song, what kind of skill is that?" Xiao Yuan didn't understand why she was so angry, and scolded, "She is a proper lady, our Brother Wu's teacher's wife. It's already rare that she doesn't get angry when you ask her to sing, and yet you're blaming her."

Sister Cheng happened to be standing next to a drum stand that hadn't been taken down yet. She picked up a drumstick and slammed it down: "A proper lady? Bah! She must know I recognized her. What can she do if she doesn't sing?" Everyone was startled and asked her in unison what her relationship was with that Zhou lady. Sister Cheng shouted loudly, "My young master Jin Jiu is her patron. What kind of relationship do you think we have—enemies."

A patron? Then isn't Madam Zhou a courtesan from a brothel? Didn't they just say she was Brother Wu's teacher's wife? How come the young master of the Cheng family has a teacher's wife from a brothel? Everyone's gaze suddenly shifted from Sister Cheng to Xiao Yuan, all looking on with undisguised curiosity.

Chapter 155 Changing Teachers

Sister Cheng never lies. That Madam Zhou doesn't even have her own surname. She's a courtesan from the Mo Lan Courtyard, hiding her identity. Xiao Yuan felt uncomfortable under the gazes of the guests and quickly explained, "This Master Zhou was recommended by a friend. I didn't know he married a courtesan. But we invited a teacher. As long as Master Zhou is learned, it doesn't matter who his wife is."

Sister Cheng was the first to retort: "How can it not matter? What's the use of just saying hello? What about professional ethics?"

Xiao Yuan asked in surprise, "But marrying a woman from a brothel means you lack professional ethics?"

To her surprise, not only Sister Cheng, but everyone nodded in unison, looking quite certain. Then they started chattering, all suggesting that she resign Master Zhou to avoid disgracing the family. Xiao Yuan didn't think the situation was as serious as they thought, so she remained noncommittal and mumbled a few perfunctory words.

After the guests had left, Cheng Mutian hurriedly found her, pulled her back to the room, and said regretfully, "I shouldn't have listened to Jin Jiushao's nonsense and invited Master Zhou to our house. No wonder he didn't want me to tell anyone that he recommended Master Zhou; it turns out there's this shady reason." Xiaoyuan asked in surprise, "Jin Jiushao recommended Master Zhou? Does he have some kind of affair with Madam Zhou?" Cheng Mutian shook his head and said, "Jin Jiushao and Master Zhou knew each other first. He went to a brothel and thought Madam Zhou was nice, so he introduced her to Master Zhou, asking him to buy her as a concubine. But Master Zhou, I don't know what kind of spell Madam Zhou cast on him, actually disregarded his parents and future and insisted on marrying her as his principal wife."

Do you know how Master Zhou lost his job at the official school? It was because he married Lady Zhou, which made him unacceptable to the world.” He then went to look through Xiao Yuan’s account book and said, “How much tuition fee is still owed to him? Pay it all tomorrow and ask him to leave.”

Even in modern times, which are far more enlightened than the Song Dynasty, marrying a prostitute would require immense courage. Xiao Yuan didn't think Master Zhou had done anything wrong at all; in fact, she admired him a little. She pointed to the account book and showed it to Cheng Mutian, saying, "It was originally agreed that he would only teach Wu Ge, but now there are four more children. He has never complained and treats all the children equally, teaching them patiently. I was just about to raise his tuition at the end of the year, but you want to quit."

Cheng Mutian sighed and said, "How could I not know that his learning and temperament are excellent? But that's how people see things. What can I do? If people find out that his mentor married a courtesan, Wu-ge will not only be ridiculed, but it will also affect his career."

Xiao Yuan knew a little about this. When taking the imperial examinations to become an official, people usually liked to ask who their teacher was. Although she didn't want her son to pursue an official career, she didn't want him to lose face, so she nodded slightly without thinking.

Seeing that she agreed, Cheng Mutian tossed the account book to Cailian and ordered her to fetch the money from the accounting office, intending to speak with Master Zhou himself. Before he even left the room with a box of coins, Master Zhou arrived on his own, offering to take his leave. Everyone knew the reason, so there was nothing more to say. Cheng Mutian silently handed him the box, which he accepted without even looking at it, tucked under his arm, bowed, and turned to pack his belongings.

Xiao Yuan felt a pang of sadness. She desperately wanted to disregard societal norms and keep the family. Just as she hesitated, Wu Ge led several children from the school running over. He loudly questioned, "Why did you dismiss Master Zhou? We have no one to teach us now!" Before Xiao Yuan could answer, Cheng Mutian slapped him on the back and scolded, "I think Master Zhou really didn't teach well. He didn't even teach us how to speak to our elders."

Wu Ge was taken aback. He quickly stood up straight with his head bowed, tears welling in his eyes, and said, "Mother, Master Zhou's family is already poor. If you drive him away, he might not have anything to eat." Xiao Yuan looked at the other children and asked, "Do you all think so too?" Xi Ge nodded. Yu Niang and Cheng Si Niang shook their heads, saying, "They say Master Zhou's wife is a courtesan and will corrupt girls."

Xiao Yuan was suddenly alarmed. How could she not have thought of this? If they continued to keep Master Zhou's family, and the outside world found out that the two girls' teacher's wife was a courtesan, how could they ever get married? Public opinion is a terrible thing. This saying is irrefutable throughout history. Although she was full of sympathy, she still firmly stood on Cheng Mutian's side. She said to the children, "You should go back and rest for a few days. We will come back after we have invited a new teacher." As she spoke, she called for someone to take Yu Niang and Cheng Si Niang home. She also called for A Xiu to take Xi Ge away.

Wu Ge refused to leave, clinging to her side and insisting that Master Zhou stay. Cheng Mutian explained the reputation of the imperial examinations and official careers to him, coaxing him, "He's hindering your future. Why keep him? I'll find you a better place another day." Wu Ge replied, "I don't want any imperial examinations. I just need to learn a few characters. Father, please bring Master Zhou back." Seeing his stubbornness and his words of disliking studying, Cheng Mutian was so angry she was about to hit him again. Xiao Yuan quickly grabbed his raised hand and coaxed Wu Ge, "Son, didn't you feel sorry for Master Zhou's family who had no food? Mother will help him open a school in town. How about that? If he takes on more students, he'll probably earn more than he does at home." Wu Ge reluctantly nodded, watching her take the money for the school opening to Master Zhou before finally going off to play.

The boy received the money. He came to thank her. He said, "To be honest, young mistress, I've gone down to Lin'an. I haven't been able to find any students to teach. I plan to take my wife and children to Quanzhou. I'm afraid I won't be able to repay this money for the time being. But don't worry, young mistress..." Xiao Yuan waved her hand to stop his polite words. She smiled and said, "This is Wu-ge's kind gesture. Consider it a thank-you gift for your teacher. Quanzhou is a good place. Mr. Zhou will surely achieve great things there. Our family has a boat going there the next day. If you don't mind, I'll tell the boatman."

Master Zhou was overjoyed. He thanked him repeatedly and then took out a bundle. He said, "These are some green lotus leaf buns my wife hurriedly made. She felt she had embarrassed the young mistress and was too ashamed to see her, so she asked me to bring these as an apology." His expression was sorrowful, but he showed no remorse. He paused and added, "A woman like her is like a drifting duckweed, completely helpless. I beg the young mistress not to blame her." Xiao Yuan slowly nodded, took the green lotus leaf buns, watched him turn and leave, and let out a long sigh.

Knowing that Cheng Mutian wouldn't appreciate the buns, she only packed one plateful and sent it to Wu Ge. Wu Ge was playing with building blocks when he saw his mother bringing the buns. He quickly took the wet wipe from Aunt Yu's hand, hastily wiped his hands, grabbed a bun, and started munching on it, asking as he ate, "Mother, has the new teacher been hired yet?" Xiao Yuan tapped his forehead and scolded him with a laugh, "I thought you were so considerate, but you're the kind of person who forgets things as soon as they're over. Teacher Zhou just left, and you're already thinking about the next one." Wu Ge didn't care and said, "He already has a good place to go, why should I worry? Getting close to the new teacher is the real priority."

Xiao Yuan was stunned for a moment, then suddenly grabbed the booklet and hit him on the shoulder, scolding, "Is this a booklet for you to use to get close to the teacher, huh?" Wu Ge hurriedly threw down his steamed bun to snatch the booklet, panicking, "That's what Dad drew for me, don't break it." Cheng Mutian was walking to the door when he heard this and nodded in satisfaction. This kid does know how to cherish his father-in-law's hard work.

Wu Ge still remembered being beaten today. When he saw him come in, he suddenly stood up straight, his little body ramrod straight. Xiao Yuan was amused and gently poked his little belly with her hand. Wu Ge realized what was happening and hurriedly stepped forward to bow, giggling, "I was so focused on standing up straight that I forgot to bow. Father, please don't be angry, please don't be angry."

Cheng Mutian was so angry he was speechless. He grabbed Wu Ge and dragged him to the table, tossing him a list and saying, "These are all reputable gentlemen. Pick one yourself." Xiao Yuan saw Wu Ge looking at the paper with a worried expression and secretly chuckled. Cheng Mutian was clearly trying to force him to learn more characters, but he chose this particular pretext. Cheng Mutian also suppressed a laugh, leaving Wu Ge still struggling to decipher the names of the gentlemen, and quietly pulled Xiao Yuan aside to seriously discuss the selection of a new gentleman.

The teacher had suddenly resigned; where could they find another one? Fortunately, the list of selected candidates was still available. They picked five candidates based on the biographies at the back, and Cheng Mutian, through careful investigation, finally chose a virtuous and talented Master Yuan. This Master Yuan was in his early thirties, with a dignified appearance, but he was still unmarried. Xiao Yuan secretly asked Cheng Mutian, "Is there some hidden reason? You should make sure you're sure before paying your tuition, lest there be another incident like Master Zhou's." Cheng Mutian smiled and said, "He has failed the exams for a long time, which is why he has delayed his marriage." In the Song Dynasty, it was customary to establish a career before starting a family. It was common for men to delay marriage until they were twenty-six or twenty-seven years old because of the imperial examinations. Therefore, although Master Yuan was a bit older, it was understandable.

Xiao Yuan was relieved. Following Master Zhou's example, she paid him one string of cash each month, settling the rest at the end of the year. She also ordered someone to repaint the room where Master Zhou had lived and tidy it up for him to live in. She secretly observed him for a few days and found that this Master Yuan taught very diligently. Moreover, because he had no family burdens, he had more time to answer the children's questions and was quite popular with them. Only then did she truly feel at ease.

Wu Ge and Xi Ge learned to read and recite in the afternoon, and went to the gym to practice boxing. Yu Niang and Cheng Si Niang studied with them for half a day, and then went home to learn needlework. Xiao Yuan didn't need to worry about the four older children; she only needed to bring them snacks during breaks. Her youngest son, Chen Ge, was very well-behaved, unlike his older brother who was naughty. She did some accounting and miscellaneous tasks every day, and then there was nothing else to do. She became so bored at home that when Cai Lian reminded her to prepare a gift to help Cheng San Niang give birth, she almost cheered with joy—finally, she had something to do.

Besides preparing the usual things, she also took out the two "essential items for childbirth" lists that Li Wuniang had given her and put them in the silver basin. Cailian smiled and said, "Young Madam, where would Third Madam get the money to buy so many medicinal herbs? Why don't you go all the way and just prepare everything according to the list?"

Chapter 156 The Beauty Trap (Part 1)

Since Cheng San Niang used all her dowry money to buy an official position, her family has been living off the money they earn working at the toy store. Originally, Master Gan sent some money for food, but Gan Shier used that money to pay off Cheng Mutian's debt, so the couple is now living in poverty.

Xiao Yuan adopted Cai Lian's suggestion and sent someone to her family's pharmacy to get some "essential for childbirth" such as Bao Qi San and Fo Shou San. She also packed a basket of the best soft and hard charcoal, along with other gifts to induce labor, and sent it to Cheng San Niang.

Cheng San Niang, heavily pregnant and supporting her back, came out and welcomed her in, personally offering her a cup of tea. Seeing her struggling, Xiao Yuan said, "You're not an outsider. Just have a maid lead me in. Why bother coming all this way yourself?" Cheng San Niang grasped her hand gratefully, saying, "This 'birth-inducing gift' should have been given by my stepmother, but you're acting as my mother. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know where to put my face." Xiao Yuan patted her hand and laughed, "My stepmother is the same; she relies entirely on my third sister-in-law. You can't count on anyone who isn't your own mother. Let's all help each other out. You're due next month; have you prepared the midwife?"

Cheng San Niang summoned two midwives to examine her, saying, "These were sent by my mother-in-law from Quanzhou." Xiao Yuan carefully examined them, asked a few questions, and praised, "Excellent! Your mother-in-law knows how to choose people." She then instructed Cai Lian to hand over the "essential items for childbirth" and medicinal herbs she had brought to the midwives, urging them to prepare them carefully. Seeing the many gifts meant to induce labor, Cheng San Niang thanked them profusely and ordered the kitchen to prepare a feast for her family at noon.

Seeing that there was no one else in the room, Xiao Yuan smiled and asked her, "Is Gan Shier treating you well? Has no one been nagging you to buy a concubine to serve him at this time?" Cheng San Niang knew that she was referring to the two elders of the Gan family, and lowered her head and said, "When I was just pregnant, we were going to send someone over, but my husband refused once. When the midwife came, I thought of bringing a concubine along to coax my husband into thinking that I was having a son, so we didn't continue to send someone over." Xiao Yuan comforted her, "As long as Gan Shier himself doesn't want it, there's nothing they can do. Anyway, you don't live together, so you won't have to worry about this."

Now that Cheng San Niang was hoping to conceive, she was more open-minded about these things than before. She nodded slightly and sent someone to invite Cheng Da Jie to come and keep her company.

Sister Cheng had been quite troubled these past few days and was looking for someone to confide in. Hearing that her younger sister had invited her, she couldn't wait until lunchtime and rushed over in her sedan chair. Seeing her pale face, Cheng San Niang and Xiao Yuan quickly asked what had happened at home. Sister Cheng said, "First of all, my mother-in-law is ill. She's old, which is normal, but she said she wants to be cremated after she dies. Tell me, we're not like those families who can't afford land, why should we be cremated like the poor? Wouldn't that just invite gossip?"

After Emperor Xiaozong moved south during the Song Dynasty, cremation became very popular, especially in Liangzhe Road, where poor families preferred cremation. There were even special pavilions for cremation at Yuanjue Temple in the northeast corner of West Lake in Lin'an and Bodhi Temple in Jiuqu City outside Qiantang Gate. But how could the lady of the Jin family, a wealthy family, have such thoughts? Sister Cheng said angrily, "It must be the nun who comes to our house to beg for alms every day who's causing this trouble."

Not all Buddhists are cremated after their death, but Xiao Yuan was somewhat taken aback as to why Madam Jin was learning this from Buddhists. However, the matter was easy to resolve. She suggested to Sister Cheng, "Go to a reputable temple and tell the abbot the truth. I guarantee he will persuade your mother-in-law for you."

Sister Cheng didn't understand, but Third Sister understood first and laughed, "Sister, promise him a 49-day water and land ritual, and I guarantee he'll have a way to get your mother-in-law to change her mind."

Yes, it was Madam Jin who insisted on cremation. One cremation and it's over. Where would those monks go to perform Buddhist rituals and earn money? They'd do anything to make money, and they'd definitely try to persuade the devout Buddhist Madam Jin to change her mind.

Sister Cheng smiled slightly, but her brows remained furrowed with worry. It turned out that on Chen Ge's first birthday, she had seen Zhou Niangzi at the banquet. This had stirred up a deep jealousy within her. When she got home, she gave Jin Jiu Shao a good beating. She often scolded her husband, but this had to happen in front of the Eighth Brother. Jin Jiu Shao felt she had made him lose face in front of his son. In a fit of anger, he ran away and hadn't been seen for several days. He still hadn't returned home.

This is a matter between husband and wife. Outsiders can't really help. Besides, that's just how Jin Jiu Shao is. Advice is useless. Xiao Yuan and Cheng San Niang were just figuring out how to change the subject when suddenly someone from the Jin family came to report to Cheng Da Jie that Jin Jiu Shao had returned.

Upon hearing this, Sister Cheng could no longer remain seated. She dropped the teacup she had just picked up and hurried home.

Jin Jiu Shao had indeed returned. He was rummaging through drawers and cabinets. Seeing Sister Cheng enter, he hurriedly asked, "Madam, do you have any money? Give me some." Sister Cheng, seeing that he had returned alone, asked, "Did you go to a brothel?" Jin Jiu Shao replied righteously, "What do you take me for? I went out to do business. I lost a little money, so I came home to look for some."

Sister Cheng didn't care about the business losses, but she didn't believe his words. So she sent someone to inquire at the brothels he frequented. Unexpectedly, the result was beyond her expectations. Young Master Jin really hadn't visited any brothels in the past few days.

Hearing this reward, she was overjoyed and generously took out the money to give to Jin Jiushao to cover the business losses.

Jin Jiu Shao changed into a bright new outfit, tied a purse containing a few coins to his waist, and went out alone again. First, he went to a cosmetics shop and bought a pair of earrings, then to a flower shop and bought a jar of jasmine flowers. He also bought a pile of silks and satins, hired someone to carry them, and after a long, winding journey, arrived at an inn. He was so secretive and furtive that the man had to exert a lot of effort to keep up with him, and the man insisted on paying him double the wages before he would stop.

Major General Jin Jiu placed the gifts he brought on the table and called out, "Madam Wei," from behind the screen a beautiful woman emerged. Madam Wei, looking languid, slowly pushed open the window to glance at the sky, then suddenly exclaimed, "My dear, it's not even noon yet, why are you here?" Major General Jin Jiu laughed and went over to embrace her, undressing her as he said, "Wu Yue has already set off for the prefecture, what are you afraid of? Let me be your husband for once today."

Lady Wei giggled, "My dear, you've been my husband so many times already, what's the rush? Let's have lunch first." Jin Jiu couldn't wait any longer, and in a few moments he stripped her naked, rolled her onto the bed, and said in a low voice, "What lunch? I only want to eat you."

The two rolled around on the bed for most of the hour, finally exhausted. Madam Wei got up, went to the door, called a tea lady, bought her two bowls of bean soup, and then asked her to go to the street to bring two bowls of three-delicacy noodles. She then called Jin Jiu Shao to have lunch.

When Jin Jiu Shao saw the three-delicacy noodles, he felt like he was back in his apartment building. He couldn't eat it and forced his chopsticks to leave the bowl.

Lady Wei laughed and said, "We just came from the north. We're poor, and this is all we have to offer you. If you don't like it, go home and find your wife." Upon hearing this, Jin Jiu Shao clung to her, pressed his face against hers, and pointed to the brocade and box by the wall, saying, "I don't have any other wife. You are my wife and my betrothal gift."

Suddenly, Madam Wei's face darkened. She forcefully pushed him away and spat, "Bah! Although the Wu family is poor now, they still brought me into the family with a dowry of tens of thousands. Even if we can't be husband and wife, you shouldn't use this to humiliate me." Seeing that his beauty was angry, Jin Jiu Shao became anxious and hurriedly said, "I was in a hurry today and didn't bring enough money. I'll bring you a box of gold and silver ingots another day." He swore and cursed for a long time before his wife finally changed her mind and gave him a smile, which made him instantly lose his bearings.

Although he had a beauty in his arms, he still needed to fill his stomach. He patted his chest, realizing he only had one last bill left. He bid farewell to Madam Wei and went out to buy food. No sooner had he left than a burly man with a dark complexion entered the inn. He glanced at the brocade box by the wall and said with displeasure, "Only this much? Looks like he won't bleed unless we give him a strong dose." Madam Wei pouted and said, "That's right. I even paid for the noodles and water at noon today."

The man gave a sinister smile: "You can leave him here until dark, and see how I coax him." Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside. Wei Niangzi said, "Oh dear, he's back! Wu Yue, you'd better hurry." As she spoke, she opened a window, letting the nimble man jump out. She had just closed the window again when Jin Jiu Shao walked in, followed by a waiter from the restaurant carrying a tray of food. She hurried forward to help clear the table and set out the dishes. After they had lunch together, she deliberately urged him to go home: "You've been staying here for quite a while just to see me; it's time to go home and see your wife."

Jin Jiushao, reluctant to let go of her soft, cuddly hand, chuckled, "Wu Yue won't be back today, so I'll stay here." Madam Wei pretended to refuse, pushing him away repeatedly until he handed over his last few coins, at which point she reluctantly agreed to let him stay. Jin Jiushao, overjoyed at her permission, forgot even his own name, embracing her and calling her "my darling" repeatedly before rolling off to bed.

Madam Wei agreed to some things and then gave perfunctory replies. Finally, as darkness fell, there was a rapid knocking at the door. She quickly pulled the panicked Jin Jiu Shao up and deliberately said, "I don't know who it is. You should hide under the bed first. I'll go check and then come back to call you." Jin Jiu Shao thought it was Sister Cheng who had come looking for him. He was so frightened that he scrambled to hide under the bed, covered his mouth with his hand, and pricked up his ears.

Lady Wei opened the door and let Wu Yue in. She then secretly winked at the person under the bed and asked, "My lord, didn't you go to the prefecture? Why are you back so soon?" Wu Yue replied, "The waves are too big to cross the river. Fetch some water for me to wash my feet and get some sleep. I'll go again tomorrow."

Madam Wei went out and fetched a full basin of water. Wu Yue took off his shoes and socks and sat on the edge of the bed, washing and pouring water all over the floor. Jin Jiu Shao was hiding under the bed, his clothes scraping against the floor, making a sound. Hearing the noise, Wu Yue went barefoot to get a lamp and shone it under the bed. He immediately saw Jin Jiu Shao, scolded him, dragged him out, tied his hands behind his back, and continued to insult and beat him.

Jin Jiushao, a pampered young man, couldn't withstand the blows. He felt pain in his bones after only a few hits and hurriedly begged for mercy, "Hero, please don't hit me! I'll have my wife bring the ransom." Wu Yue stopped and asked, "How much is the ransom?" Jin Jiushao replied, "One hundred thousand, how about it?" Without saying a word, Wu Yue raised his hand and hit him again. Jin Jiushao screamed like a pig being slaughtered and started to raise the price. He raised it several times until it tripled, and then added some rare items. Only then did Wu Yue untie him, take out the written agreement he had prepared beforehand, and forcefully pressed a red mark on his hand.

Before dawn, Ninth Young Master returned home covered in wounds. Behind Sister Cheng's back, he searched the entire house, but still couldn't raise the 300,000 taels. Not daring to tell his wife, he decided to target his mother. He knelt before Madam Jin's sickbed, claiming he had lost money in business and was being pursued by creditors. Madam Jin, widowed for many years and with only this one son, was heartbroken to see his swollen face and injuries. Hearing that he had lost 300,000 taels, she panicked and fainted.

Jin Jiushao failed to get his money and instead caused his mother to faint. In a panic, he summoned Sister Cheng, and the couple fetched a doctor and prepared medicine, spending half a day trying to revive their elderly mother. Madam Jin was already critically ill, and this ordeal left her on the verge of death. Jin Jiushao dared not ask her for money again, and had no choice but to reluctantly recount the story of his business losses to Sister Cheng.

If it were just three strings of cash, Sister Cheng wouldn't have questioned it, but three hundred thousand strings was a fortune. She wasn't the senile Madam Jin, so she wouldn't believe it. After repeated questioning, she finally got him to tell the truth. It turned out that Jin Jiu Shao, after being beaten by Sister Cheng that day, ran away from home in a fit of anger. Feeling stifled, he went to a tavern to drink and met Wu Yue, who was seeking an official position in Lin'an. Both were down on their luck and had come to drown their sorrows. After a few drinks, they became close friends. Wu Yue's rented lodging was nearby, so he invited Jin Jiu Shao to visit, and also asked his wife, Wei Shi, to accompany him. Wei Shi was incredibly beautiful, and with just a few glances, Jin Jiu Shao was completely captivated. When she seized the opportunity to touch Jin Jiu Shao's hand a few times, Jin Jiu Shao, as if possessed, also rented a lodging, spending all the money he had earned on cosmetics, silks, and satins. Whenever Wu Yue was away, he would sneak off to meet Wei Shi.

Sister Cheng then realized that Jin Jiu Shao's return yesterday to collect money wasn't due to business losses, but rather to buy gifts to please Madam Wei. She immediately flew into a rage, grabbed the mallet she always kept in the corner, and struck his legs several times, yelling, "I'll break your legs! Let's see if you dare go out and meet that young lady again!" Jin Jiu Shao had been kneeling all night, and his knees were already sore. The blows made his legs go weak, and he involuntarily knelt down. Not daring to dodge, he cried out, "Madam, I was wrong! I won't do it again! Please pay back the money for me first, or they'll report me to the authorities!"

Chapter 157 The Beauty Trap (Part 2)

Looking at her husband, who was weeping bitterly, Sister Cheng wished she could beat him to death with a stick. Her family wasn't that wealthy; when Madam Qian married, she brought half of her family fortune, which was only 200,000. This Wu Yue was asking for 300,000—wasn't that extortion?

Wait, extortion? A thought flashed through Sister Cheng's mind, and she asked Jin Jiushao, "Could it be a scam? Do you know Wu Yue and Madam Wei's background?" Jin Jiushao shook his head and said, "He said he came to Lin'an to seek an official position. If it's really a scam, then it's probably fake."

Sister Cheng glared at him fiercely and scolded, "You're good at eating, drinking, having fun, and cheating, but everything else is a mess." Jin Jiu Shao was so badly scolded that he ignored his pain and struggled to get up, ordering someone to investigate Wu Yue's background.

The information gathered by the men they sent to investigate greatly surprised them. Wu Yue was a master of setting up "beauty traps," and Wei Niangzi was a prostitute he had hired. The two of them pretended to be husband and wife to lure lecherous men like Jin Jiu Shao into their trap. What surprised them even more was that Wu Yue was the brother of the fourth concubine of a government official and a local tyrant in Lin'an.

A swindler with powerful connections—what to do? Going to court would likely be a losing proposition; the officials themselves might be involved, setting a trap to swindle money from wealthy individuals. Cornered, Jin Jiu Shao's mind cleared somewhat. He said, "Let's settle this privately and negotiate the price. I'll go find a middleman." Sister Cheng said, "You've already signed a written agreement and affixed your seal; it's not legally sound. You need to find someone familiar with Wu Yue to curry favor with them."

Jin Jiu Shao nodded, enduring the pain, and was about to go out to make arrangements when he was bumped into by a maid rushing towards him: "Young Master, Young Madam, Madam is in trouble! You must come quickly!" Hearing that Madam Jin was in trouble again, the couple had to put aside their negotiations with Wu Yue and go to fetch a doctor to prepare medicine. However, this time they weren't as lucky as before; despite the doctor's efforts, Madam Jin still passed away. Jin Jiu Shao understood somewhat; he knew that his mother had been driven to her death by his actions and was crying hysterically at her bedside.

Fortunately, they had anticipated that the Jin people's time was near and had made all the necessary preparations, so they didn't hastily set up a mourning hall or invite monks to chant sutras.