Widows in the Song Dynasty were easy to marry

Chapter 23

After that, the formal family dinner began.

In the Southern Song Dynasty, the main course at banquets was called "xiajiu" (下酒). This lavish banquet at the Zhang residence served 15 cups of "xiajiu," each cup containing two dishes, totaling 30 dishes, as follows:

The first dish features steamed quail with lychee and pork kidneys; the second dish features milk curd sticks and three-crisp soup; the third dish features lamb tongue sticks and sprouted tripe; the fourth dish features gizzard and trotter sticks and quail soup; the fifth dish features tripe and trotter sashimi and mandarin duck fried tripe; the sixth dish features shark sashimi and stir-fried shark with soup; the seventh dish features eel and horseshoe crab stir-fry and goose gizzard and trotter soup; the eighth dish features crab stuffed with orange and milk curd and jade pistil soup; the ninth dish features fresh shrimp and trotter sashimi and stir-fried eel; the tenth dish features hand-washed crab, mandarin fish, and fake clams; the eleventh dish features five-treasure sashimi and crab clear soup; the twelfth dish features quail crystal sashimi and pig's stomach with fake river oysters; the thirteenth dish features shrimp and orange sashimi and shrimp and fish soup; the fourteenth dish features jellyfish sashimi and two-colored cocoon soup; and the fifteenth dish features raw clams and blood starch soup.

There were also eight side dishes: stir-fried pork kidneys, roasted pork belly, roasted quail breast, stewed chicken, stewed rabbit, roasted steamed buns, unroasted steamed buns, and diced bones. "Steamed buns" are the same as steamed buns today, and roasted steamed buns are probably baked or fried steamed buns. In the Song Dynasty, all wheat-based foods were called "bing" (饼), and noodles were called "tangbing" (汤饼).

In addition to the main dishes, there are 10 "entertainment fruit" dishes: Fragrant fruit, Carved honey-fried fruit, Seasonal fruit, Single-served olives, Salty and sour honey-fried fruit, Large kumquats and small olives, Single-served new coconut, Four-season fruit in four colors, Paired pickled pine grapes, Paired spring lotus root and Chen Gong pear.

There are also 10 dishes called "Chef's Recommendation for Drinking" (specially recommended by the head chef): Fried Jiangyao Tripe, Raw Jiangyao, Skewered Swimming Crab, Raw Snails with Ginger and Vinegar, Fried Snail Tripe, Fried Ginger and Vinegar Fake Oysters, Stewed Oysters, Fried Oyster Tripe, Fried Fake Oyster Tripe, and Fried Cockroach Tripe. "Drinking Fruits" and "Chef's Recommendation for Drinking" are the same as the 8 side dishes and are not counted in the "15 Cups of Wine".

...This is absolutely extravagant!!!

Chapter 54

After the five-day Lantern Festival, the first month of spring passed in the blink of an eye. In the second month of spring, the days grew warmer, the soil thawed, and the hundreds of peony bushes began to sprout. During the day, she and the maids tended the soil and transplanted flowers and trees in the courtyard. In the evenings, when Xu Jinrong returned, they would either brew tea in the study, adding incense beside them, or warm wine and sips by the stove. The two had been married for over half a year, and only now did they begin to feel the bliss of newlywed bliss.

Since the Lantern Festival celebration, everyone knows that the prefect, who is over thirty, only has eyes for this noble young lady and cannot tolerate any other women. No one would dare to go looking for trouble like that other prefect. The prefect's mansion has been quite peaceful for some time.

Danmei no longer thinks much about the future. As before, she neither mentions Xu Jinrong's concubines who are still in the capital nor discusses the future with him.

It's not true that she has no feelings for her current husband.

Once a woman falls in love with a man, she will naturally hope that he will reciprocate her feelings.

Sometimes, after their passionate encounter, the man beside her would fall asleep from exhaustion, but Danmei would occasionally find herself unable to sleep due to a faint sense of unease in her heart. In fact, the closer the two of them were, the clearer this feeling of unease would become.

This feeling is very subtle.

He whispered in her ear, making her call him "Ziqing" repeatedly, and said sweet words that would make her blush and her heart race even long afterward. He also said to her several times, "We are going to be husband and wife for life."

That is certainly "for life", but it is not "one person".

He never mentioned "the two of them," not even when they were deeply in love.

Perhaps he didn't even have this concept in his mind. Sending Qiaoqiao back last time was probably just to please her.

Danmei felt that his current enthusiasm largely stemmed from his infatuation and attraction to Wen Danmei's young and flawless body. The remaining small part might be due to the "non-violent, non-cooperative" attitude she initially displayed, which piqued his interest, and now he felt that she was quite sensible, neither clinging to him at inappropriate times nor remaining indifferent when needed.

Their current relationship is like a magnificent palace built on quicksand, which could collapse and be buried at any time.

It's good to have this awareness. At least every time she's been spoiled rotten by him and is almost drowning in it, just thinking about this makes her previously boiling blood slowly cool down.

Of course, Xu Jinrong had no way of knowing what she was thinking. She also had no intention of discussing these things with him.

Besides himself, he had three other women, one of whom had already given birth to a son for him. It was an unbreakable bond, even though he only had her by his side now.

The night before, in the study, she saw a letter he had written, half-finished and still lying on the corner of the desk. It was probably addressed to Steward Xu, and there was a sentence on it that made her take a second look.

"...He is inherently stubborn and lacks any talent whatsoever. If he is neglected in his upbringing, he may become a spoiled brat. Once you have everything settled, you may bring him along..."

It is indeed Liang Ge's name.

Danmei still remembers the scene when he found himself reading the letter he had only written halfway through.

He showed no displeasure, nor did he try to hide anything. He simply looked at her and said, "Liang-ge is naturally unruly and mischievous. Before, when I was around, he studied every day. Now that I'm not here, I heard from Steward Xu that he's neglected his studies and dared to disobey his teacher at such a young age. His aunt is also unreasonable and only protects him. If this continues, he'll probably become a menace in the future. So I was thinking of bringing Steward Xu along when I called him over. What do you think?"

He's always been that kind of person; he makes up his mind about everything first, and then asks her for her opinion.

Liang-ge was his own flesh and blood, just like Hui-jie, except one was the legitimate wife and the other a concubine's daughter. It was only natural for a father to bring his son over. But now that the son was here, what about the mother who gave birth to him…?

"You already have a plan, why are you asking me? Just do what you think is best."

Danmei glanced at the letter and said calmly.

Xu Jinrong seemed to have anticipated her response. He grunted, hesitated for a moment, raised an eyebrow, and then, as if testing her, said, "He has been by Zhou's side since childhood and has never left her side. If he came alone..."

"Third Master, I'll say it again, you decide what to do yourself."

Danmei interrupted him, looking at him with a smile.

Xu Jinrong gazed at Danmei for a moment, then suddenly reached out and pulled her to his side, pressing her onto his lap. He then hugged her waist from behind and whispered in her ear, "Are you angry?"

"No. Third Master, you're overthinking it."

Xu Jinrong turned her shoulders so she could sit on his lap facing him. He then held her shoulders and examined her for a moment before suddenly pinching her nose, shaking his head and laughing, "With your limited skills, you think you can fool me? You're clearly unhappy."

Danmei was initially just slightly annoyed. She figured anyone who knew their husband was bringing another woman over, regardless of the reason, wouldn't be happy. But seeing him teasing her like this, her anger flared up all at once. She frowned and said, "I'm perfectly happy, why am I unhappy? Third Master, why are you being so persistent?"

Xu Jinrong wasn't annoyed by her retort; he simply pulled her closer around the waist and chuckled, "You never call me Third Master normally. You only do that when you're angry. If I couldn't even tell the difference, how could I have married you in the first place?"

Danmei was speechless after hearing his words. Upon reflection, it seemed to be true, and she couldn't help but chuckle.

Xu Jinrong had been staring at her, and when he saw her lips slightly purse and curve into a smile, clearly amused by his earlier words, he hesitated for a moment before sighing, "Never mind, let Zhou stay in the capital for now. She's short-sighted, and if she comes along, she'll just be raised the same way as before, which won't benefit Liang-ge. I'm not home much during the day, so I can't interfere much, and it would only cause you unnecessary trouble. The wet nurse is with Zhou-ge anyway, so she doesn't need to come; let her stay and keep Zhou-ge company. As for Liang-ge, I'll find a tutor for his studies, but I'll have to entrust his daily care to you for now. I'm very satisfied with how well you've taught Hui-jie, so I'm at ease leaving Liang-ge in your care. It'll just be hard on you."

Danmei was surprised that he changed his mind in the end, and looked up at him with some astonishment.

Is this a compromise he's made with himself? The biggest compromise within his tolerance range?

But how long can such a compromise last?

Seeing that Danmei was only staring at him without saying a word, Xu Jinrong reached out and gently stroked her waist and abdomen.

Danmei was ticklish and couldn't help but flinch away, but then she felt a heat on her earlobe as he lowered his head and took it into his mouth, gently teasing it with the tip of his tongue.

"Let's leave it at that for now, okay? Once you have my child, I'll think of another way, or I can ask someone to hire a few more reliable wet nurses."

Xu Jinrong suddenly brought up his pregnancy, and gently stroked his lower abdomen. He spoke with a smile on his face and his eyes sparkling, which made Danmei feel a little embarrassed.

She's only seventeen years old now, and her emotional wounds haven't truly healed. Naturally, she wouldn't want to be pregnant or have children now. But given the intimacy they're currently in, as long as her body is healthy, it probably won't be long before she is.

Xu Jinrong saw his young wife sitting on his lap, head bowed and silent, her cheeks slightly flushed. He thought she was acting like a shy young girl, but then he seemed to smell a warm, sweet fragrance emanating from her neck and collar. He recalled the enchanting beauty they shared in the bridal chamber, the intoxicating sensation still lingering in his heart. His soul fluttered, and he quietly took her hand, saying in a hoarse voice, "It's getting late, let's go back and rest."

In the stillness of the night, Danmei was suddenly awakened from her dream, only to find herself still lying in bed with the brocade curtains, with the man beside her having one arm around her waist.

His breathing was deep and steady. But Danmei could no longer fall asleep.

"I want you to have a baby for me... hmm?"

These were the words he kept whispering to himself during the first half of the night when he was overcome with emotion.

"You're a wicked woman! Why did you separate me from my aunt? I curse you to never have a baby!"

This was a dream she had just had. She dreamt that a boy with somewhat blurry features was glaring at her angrily, his fingertip poking her face.

Danmei opened her eyes and stared at the dark tent ceiling. After a long while, she finally let out a long breath.

The next morning, Danmei, who hadn't fallen asleep until four in the morning, was still fast asleep. Xu Jinrong, who had come back earlier to wake her up for breakfast, slapped her bottom and joked, "Sleeping like this, could you be pregnant with my child? In a couple of days, I'll have a doctor take your pulse, so you won't be confused and clueless."

The physician was not summoned, but Xu Jinrong himself became so busy that he could not be seen. It turned out that the official document submitted to the court after the New Year had finally received a response.

For many years, the Wulang Water Bandits had entrenched themselves in Wulang Mountain, terrorizing the rivers and lakes. Local fishermen and merchant ships suffered greatly as a result, and they hoped the imperial court would soon eliminate the bandits and restore peace and prosperity to the people. Emperor Renzong agreed and approved the memorial submitted by the newly appointed prefect of Huaichu, appointing him as the commander-in-chief, with the patrol inspector and the vice prefect as his left and right officials, mobilizing local soldiers and water laborers to wipe out Wulang Mountain.

Chapter 55

Wulang Mountain, though called a mountain, is actually an island, jutting out from the center of Wulang Lake, dozens of miles southeast of Huaichu City. Located at the confluence of the Yangtze, Bi, and Ji rivers, it has been known as Zebo (泽泊) since ancient times. The lake is vast and boundless, with seventy-two islands of varying sizes, but Wulang Mountain is the largest, spanning hundreds of miles and connected to the mainland. Several years ago, it was occupied by a group of bandits, whose leader simply named himself Wulang. Their power grew daily, harassing fishing boats and frequently raiding merchant ships along the lake and into the river. Initially, the government sent troops several times to suppress them, but due to the vastness and treacherous terrain of Wulang Mountain, and the numerous secret passages the bandits had carved down the mountain and into the water, the government was overwhelmed and at a loss. Eventually, they resigned themselves to their fate. When aggrieved parties came to complain, they were simply told that troop deployment required approval from higher authorities, and in the end, the matter was simply delayed.

After submitting the official document to the court, Xu Jinrong had been waiting for a reply. Now that he had received the official document, he naturally mobilized his troops and devoted himself wholeheartedly to the task. For the first few days, although no one was seen during the day, they would sometimes return at night. However, later on, they did not return for several nights in a row. Only later did they send Jiang Rui back to deliver a message to Danmei, saying that he was staying on Wulang Lake and would not return for some time, and that she should not worry.

Danmei spent her days meticulously tending to her peonies; the dozen or so peony stalks grafted onto her roots were already sprouting tender new buds, growing vigorously. In the evenings, without him by her side, alone, though not to the point of sleeplessness, she couldn't help but feel uneasy. She thought of the dangers of swords and the fact that they were about to face notorious bandits, fearing something might happen to him. After all, he was a living, breathing person she had known for so long, and he had treated her quite well; even a stone would feel warmed by his presence. Now, receiving news of him, though vague, at least knowing his current situation, brought her some relief.

Seven or eight days passed in a flash, and it was already mid-March. It had been almost a month since Xu Jinrong led his troops to attack the water fortress. That evening, after coaxing Hui-jie back to her room to sleep as usual, Danmei sat by the lamp, recording her daytime experiences with flower cultivation. After writing a few pages, she heard the gentle sounds of spring rain and wind outside the window. Suddenly, she remembered the last winter night, also in this chair, where she sat on Xu Jinrong's lap, his hand in hers, as they painstakingly copied the names of flowers stroke by stroke. Now, in the depths of spring, she was still sitting peacefully in this small building, but he was preoccupied with something else entirely. Lost in thought, her pen stopped mid-air.

As Danmei was still in a daze, she suddenly heard the sound of stairs being stepped upstairs.

Although there were many people in the prefectural government office, only one person could make such a loud noise to get up to his floor. With a sudden thought, he put down his pen, pushed back his chair, and headed for the door. Before he had taken two steps, the door was pushed open with a thud, and a tall figure appeared in the doorway, smiling. It was none other than Xu Jinrong.

Danmei hadn't seen Xu Jinrong for only half a month, and when she suddenly saw him again, she felt as if she had been reunited after a long separation. Before she could come to her senses, Xu Jinrong had already rushed forward, stretched out his long arm and pulled her into his arms. He nuzzled his face against hers and said with a grin, "It's been so long since I've seen my wife. I've missed you terribly."

When Danmei saw his unshaven face rubbing against hers, and smelled the sour smell of sweat on him, and his clothes were half-soaked by the rain, she quickly covered herself with her hands and called out to Xiqing to prepare bath water.

Xu Jinrong pushed open the door and entered. He saw that she was only wearing a thin, emerald green spring dress, her hair loosely tied into a raven-black bun, revealing half of her fair neck. He hadn't seen her for half a month, and on a whim, he embraced her and joked around. When she covered her mouth with her hand, he took the opportunity to grab her hand and kiss her. He then said with an embarrassed smile, "It's true that I haven't changed my clothes for several days. I can smell the odor myself. I'll go wash up now." As he spoke, he held onto her hand tightly.

Danmei knew he meant for her to come and serve him. Seeing him return so suddenly without a word, she was quite pleased and didn't refuse. He led her to the bathhouse next door. After his bath, she was half-undressed and soaking wet, as if she had just been in a water fight.

The two returned to their bedroom, changed into comfortable undergarments, and lay down together in the brocade tent. Xu Jinrong hugged her, kissed her, and smelled the fragrance emanating from her neck before stretching and sighing, "After sleeping on the ship for half a month, I only realize how good this bed at home is today."

When Danmei heard him bring up the topic, she couldn't help but ask, "Have the pirates been defeated?"

Xu Jinrong glanced at her and shook his head, saying, "It's not as easy as I thought. We've been besieging that water fortress for over ten days now, and we've indeed encountered some difficulties."

Hearing him say this, Danmei turned over and sat up to look at him carefully. Although his tone was still relaxed, there was a hint of seriousness between his brows. She wanted to ask for more details, but then she thought that most men would disdain discussing business with their wives at this time, and Xu Jinrong was probably no exception. So she reached out and gently stroked his brow, smiling slightly, "Now that you're back, don't think too much. Get some rest for the night. Haven't you heard that tomorrow is the start of a new dynasty? Perhaps by tomorrow, all the worries of yesterday will find a way to disappear."

Seeing her gentle smile, Xu Jinrong chuckled as well. After thinking for a moment, he briefly recounted the battle situation.

It turned out that his first act upon assuming office was to target the Wulang Water Fortress. While the officials in the prefecture didn't openly criticize him, those who were on good terms with him privately couldn't help but grumble, saying he was only interested in making a splash as a new official, unaware that such a fire wouldn't be so easily lit. Some even harbored a cynical, detached view, thinking that if it ended up like the previous prefects, with a disgraceful and humiliating defeat, that would be truly entertaining.

The patrol inspector, surnamed Fang, was originally in charge of training the soldiers and patrolling the county, as well as apprehending thieves. Knowing the power of the Wulang Water Fortress, he was already listless and unmotivated. When he learned that he had been appointed as an assistant official, he was inwardly groaning, though he didn't show it outwardly. He simply avoided any task he could, thinking that if he failed and was punished by the court, his own punishment would be less severe. The magistrate, Zhao, was also somewhat evasive and didn't go out of his way to help.

Xu Jinrong coldly observed the group, already having made his own plans. During the time he awaited the imperial order, he had meticulously planned ahead, ordering his soldiers to train on the ships. He himself frequently inspected the ships, encouraging the soldiers. The soldiers, seeing that Prefect Xu was unlike the previous officials who only knew how to give orders, were pleased by his approachable and benevolent treatment. They were also promised rewards for their efforts in annihilating the water bandits and eliminating their leader. Naturally, they trained diligently, eager to claim credit and bring glory to their ancestors after defeating the bandits. Even the fishermen from the surrounding villages, knowing the government was serious this time, were excited. While the soldiers trained, they brought rice, flour, fish, and shrimp in droves, and those familiar with the routes volunteered to lead the way. With everyone united and Xu Jinrong leading by example and commanding effectively, the initial skirmishes caught the Wulang Water Village bandits off guard, resulting in heavy losses for most of them.

Having roamed the waterways of Huainan for many years, Wu Lang had developed an arrogant and self-important nature. Although he had heard of the new prefect's reputation from the henchmen who had previously joined Chai Zheng's water fortress, and knew that he was the one who had wiped out Chai Zheng, he didn't take him seriously, thinking that Chai Zheng was just useless. At the end of last year, he was secretly ordered to plot against Wu Lang for his official seal, and although he ultimately failed, and even the men he secretly sent never returned, he was still unconvinced, thinking that Wu Lang was just lucky. He thought that since Wu Lang had come to his doorstep this time, he would teach him a lesson and let him know his power, so that he would restrain himself in the future. Unexpectedly, after several encounters, he had not been able to gain any advantage, so he was unwilling to confront him again, and led his remaining men back to the water fortress, where he remained secluded.

Wu Lang had managed the water fortress for many years, and it was extremely well-defended. Moreover, it occupied the terrain, making it truly impregnable. Xu Jinrong ordered his men to attack several times, but they were stopped each time by the enemy throwing rolling logs and pouring oil from their high ground. Not only did they fail to break through, but they also lost some men. They had no choice but to retreat temporarily, ordering their men to surround the fortress and wait for Wu Lang to sneak down the mountain to launch a pincer attack.

"My only headache right now is that the Wulang Mountain area is very vast, making surveillance difficult. According to my scouts, there are no fewer than dozens of secret passages in his stronghold, some leading to the center of the lake, and others to the foot of the mountain. Wulang is extremely cunning and often sends people to spy on the various exits. If I send people to guard the exits tightly, he will definitely not come out and will stay in the stronghold. Even if it takes another year or two, he will not starve to death, but I do not want to wait that long. If I send people to guard from a distance, it is okay during the day, and I can barely keep an eye on him. But I fear that he will sneak down under the cover of night without me noticing. So I am in a dilemma now."

Danmei was surprised that he would bring this up himself. After thinking for a moment, she hesitated and asked, "How are your subordinates doing now?"

Xu Jinrong snorted and said, "Do you still remember what happened to us in Daju County when we left the capital at the end of last year? That Wu Lang has been able to roam the Huainan waterways for years without any trouble, and he even has the audacity to touch my official seal. He must be colluding with people in the officialdom behind the scenes. I'm going to fight Wu Lang for three reasons: first, to avenge you; second, to rid the people of this scourge; and third, to draw out the person who is plotting against me."

After listening, Danmei pondered the matter carefully and indeed realized it was a problem. Although he hadn't mentioned it, it was clear he was under some pressure. If the bandit leader wasn't eliminated soon, the officials in the prefecture might not dare to do anything openly, but who knew what they would do behind the scenes? They might even be eyeing the Huainan Road, or even the capital. It was a pity there weren't night-vision telescopes like those of later generations; otherwise, they could have set one up at every exit, and the enemy wouldn't be able to escape even if they had wings.

How can we tell from afar which path the other party is sneaking out, even at night?

Danmei pondered for a moment, then suddenly a thought struck her, and she vaguely remembered a story she had heard before. Just as she was about to think about it more, Xu Jinrong, seeing her lost in thought, assumed she found the story boring and reached out to hug her, laughing, "It's my fault for talking so much. Even I find it boring talking to you about these things. Don't overthink it. What you said just now is very true. After today, there might be a better way tomorrow. It took three or four months to gather that firewood last time, and it's only been a month now. What's the rush? I've finally come back, and I really shouldn't waste such a beautiful night."

Chapter fifty-six

As Xu Jinrong spoke, he rolled over and pinned her down, then lowered his head to kiss her without saying a word.

Danmei noticed his breathing becoming increasingly rapid, and fearing she would be pestered indefinitely if she didn't speak up soon, she quickly reached out to stop him and said, "I have an idea, would you mind listening to it..."

"Hmm... Usually, when I have an idea, you always make excuses. But after half a month apart, you've actually come up with your own ideas? That's good. As long as you want it, I'll always grant your wish..."

Seeing that he had lowered his head and was only staring at the area below her neck, Danmei casually replied while taking off her clothes, and had completely misunderstood what she was saying. She was both amused and annoyed. She reached out and lifted his face up to look at her, and then said, "What are you thinking? I was talking about the water bandits you mentioned earlier."

Xu Jinrong raised an eyebrow, reached out and touched her face, and said with a grin, "Oh? My wife also has ideas about fighting the water bandits? Tell me about it."

He clearly didn't believe her, and even his tone of voice remained exactly the same as before. Danmei wasn't displeased, after all, it was just a sudden inspiration, and she wasn't sure if it would work. So she brushed away his hand that was still touching her face and said seriously, "Have you ever heard of pigeons flying out of mud boxes on the road during battle?"

Seeing her serious expression, Xu Jinrong found it amusing and wanted to hear what she had to say, so he abandoned his teasing thoughts and shook his head, saying, "No."

Seeing that he was unaware, Danmei concealed the names of the two sides in the battle, and simply said, "I once read a story in an ancient book that I found quite interesting, so I remembered it. It says that in ancient times, the North and South were at war on the border. The Northerners surveyed the terrain and found an excellent ambush spot, but there were no suitable places nearby to hide and ambush. So they placed many sealed mud boxes with air holes at the four corners along the road. Then they feigned defeat and lured the Southern soldiers into the ambush. The Southerners were puzzled when they saw the mud boxes by the roadside, and they heard a jumping sound inside. The general then ordered his soldiers to open the mud boxes, and the flock of pigeons inside took flight in fright. Thus, the Northerners knew that the Southerners were passing by and received the signal to ambush. Thousands of ambush soldiers rushed in from all the pre-laid ambush points and crushed the Southerners at the bottom of the valley. In this battle, the Southerners suffered a great defeat, and the Northerners won a complete victory..."

Xu Jinrong was initially somewhat nonchalant, his hands wandering over her body. But by the end, he slammed his hand on the bed, startling Danmei. He exclaimed, "Wonderful! Everyone has a sense of curiosity. Who could resist opening something like this on the road to see what's inside? Even if they suspected something, they'd only think it was some kind of trap or crossbow bolt, and just be careful. Who would have thought it was a messenger carrier pigeon? It's truly unstoppable..."

Xu Jinrong stopped talking halfway through his sentence and stared at Danmei for a moment. When he saw her smiling at him without saying a word, he suddenly opened his eyes wide and jumped up from her lap.