El paisaje es como una pintura

Capítulo 5

After much hesitation, Xiao Yuan finally told Aunt Chen about Madam Jiang's intentions. Upon hearing this, Aunt Chen hurriedly asked, "You didn't argue with Madam about this, did you? What if Madam gets angry and breaks off your engagement? That would be terrible."

Xiao Yuan shook her head and said, "How dare I confront Madam directly? She can still sell me off at any time. But we can't let them sell you off. Why don't we pretend to be sick after the first month of the lunar year?"

Aunt Chen laughed and said, "Back then, I listened to you and pretended to be sick and unable to work, which is why the madam kicked me out and I had a few days of peace."

She raised her hand to check her forehead temperature, as if she had returned to a year ago—

“Sister, your forehead is burning hot. I’ll go ask Madam to fetch a doctor for you,” said Aunt Zhou, touching Aunt Chen’s burning forehead as she stood up.

Aunt Chen had finally managed to warm her forehead with hot water, but she couldn't let it slip, so she quickly stopped her and said, "Sister, don't bother. I'm useless anyway, why bother to upset Madam?"

Aunt Zhou exclaimed, "How can we not call a doctor? The dowries for my two sons all depend on your embroidery skills!"

Aunt Chen coughed a few times. She comforted Aunt Zhou, saying, "Sister, don't worry. The money I've earned for Erlang is enough for a decent betrothal gift. It's just that I'm sorry for your Sanlang, I won't be able to continue earning betrothal money for him in the future."

Upon hearing this, Aunt Zhou began wailing and pounding on the bed: "Yaozhi and Yaohong weren't born to Madam, so she doesn't care about them at all. She won't give them a single penny. She only forces you to do embroidery to earn money for their betrothal gifts. If you leave, I'm afraid my two sons won't be able to get married."

Aunt Chen deliberately let her make a scene for almost half an hour, allowing the news of her illness to reach Madam Jiang's ears. Madam Jiang was already troubled by the fact that Xiao Yuan couldn't be sold. Upon hearing that Aunt Chen was seriously ill, she bribed the doctor to claim that Aunt Chen had an infectious disease. Taking this opportunity, she kicked Aunt Chen and her daughter out of the house.

She thought she was clever, but she never imagined she had fallen for Xiao Yuandi's trap. Thinking this, Aunt Chen's smile widened. She ordered someone to bring out some late-night snacks and fruits. A dozen kinds of exquisite fruits—ten kinds of candy, red bean paste dumplings, and soap cakes—were laid out on the table.

Aunt Chen picked up a piece of cake and handed it to Xiao Yuan. She smiled and said, "How can my daughter and I eat so much? Why don't we distribute it to the maids?"

Aunt Wu smiled and agreed, then divided the various fruits into a dish and had the maids who were already waiting take it away.

Once the maids left, the room became quiet. Aunt Chen asked Sister Wu to bring her a stool to sit on and said, "There are too few of us to keep vigil on New Year's Eve. Let's invite some Southern opera to perform during the first month of the lunar year."

Upon hearing this, the maids outside cheered and rushed in to inquire which play Aunt Chen wanted to see.

Aunt Chen turned to Xiao Yuan and asked, "Fourth Sister, we haven't had a lively time in a long time. Just tell me what you want to hear."

Xiao Yuan clung to Aunt Chen's arm and twisted, saying, "Aunt, those plays are giving me a headache. Why don't we invite a movie troupe to watch?"

When the maids heard about the shadow puppet show, they forgot all about the Southern opera and all crowded into the room to urge Aunt Chen to hire a shadow puppet troupe. Even Aunt Wu said that shadow puppet shows were good, saying that her youngest son loved watching them.

Aunt Chen, exasperated by their antics, could only laugh and say, "Isn't a shadow play just replacing real people with shadow puppets? These children, I'll give in to you and hire a shadow play troupe."

When the maids saw Aunt Chen nod, they scattered in a flurry, each going off in small groups to discuss which play they wanted to see.

Aunt Wu asked Aunt Chen when she would invite the opera troupe. Aunt Chen replied, "We don't have any relatives to visit, so let them come tomorrow. I just don't know if they'll be performing on the first day of the Lunar New Year."

Aunt Wu replied, "They're people who wander the world, where would they find a holiday? They're just trying to make a few extra bucks while other people are celebrating the New Year."

Aunt Chen said happily, "Then let's go to the opera tomorrow and prepare more reward money."

Aunt Wu hurried out to inform her husband that they should book the movie troupe first thing tomorrow morning.

As dawn was approaching, Aunt Chen hurriedly ordered her maid to fetch a pole with copper coins attached. She then led Xiao Yuan to the courtyard, pointed to a pile of ashes, and said, "Take the pole and hit it hard a few more times. This will bring good fortune and avert disaster."

Xiao Yuan suppressed a laugh and did as she was told, scattering dust all over her. Cai Lian handed her a handkerchief and said, "It's almost New Year's Day, Aunt and Fourth Aunt, hurry up and change your clothes, the maids and boys will probably be coming to kowtow soon."

Xiao Yuan stepped forward and patted Aunt Chen's clothes, and the two went to the room to change. When they returned to the hall, the head ladies and the maids and servants from all over were already standing there in a dark mass. When they saw the two of them sit down, they all knelt down and kowtowed, wishing them a happy new year.

Aunt Chen smiled and told Asu to bring out the red envelopes and distribute them, and then urged Xiaoyuan to go to the mansion to pay New Year's greetings.

Xiao Yuan, preoccupied with the evening's shadow puppet show, stopped fidgeting and hurried home with Cai Ju. After paying her respects to Madam Jiang for the New Year, she was inevitably subjected to another round of questions. Xiao Yuan had no choice but to use her Tai Chi Cloud Push Hands technique to engage in a brief exchange with her.

After finally returning from paying New Year's visits, Xiao Yuan went straight to sleep, not even getting up for lunch. When she finally woke up, a group of young maids were already gathered around the opera troupe's large trunk, watching the shadow puppets made of donkey hide.

Aunt Chen hurriedly ordered the meal to be set out, telling her to eat before starting the event. Xiao Yuan waved her hand and said, "Set it out in the hall, and eat while you watch."

The maids cheered upon hearing this, some setting out the meal, others setting up the screens, and in no time they had everything arranged perfectly.

Aunt Chen patted Xiao Yuan's hand and said, "Your idea is good. If we want to listen to opera, we'll have to set up a stage outside, so you won't get cold."

Just as Xiaoyuan was about to reply, a commotion broke out outside, and the maids shouted, "Sister Xiu is here!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Ah Xiu lifted the curtain herself, pulled Cheng Fu along, and stood smiling in front of Xiao Yuan.

Chapter Twelve Trademarks

Xiao Yuan was delighted to see A Xiu, but Aunt Chen frowned slightly and said, "A Xiu, you come here to pay New Year's respects on the first day of the lunar new year. Won't the Cheng family gossip about this?"

Cheng Fu chuckled and replied, "Replying to Auntie, we have received special permission from the young master."

Upon hearing this, and seeing Ah Xiu lower her head and smile without saying a word, Aunt Chen understood somewhat. She then said to Cheng Fu, "There's a troupe of shadow puppets in the west wing. Go and watch it there."

After seeing Cheng Fu off, Aunt Chen asked Ah Xiu to sit down beside her and inquired, "Are you pregnant?" Ah Xiu nodded shyly and whispered, "The doctor said it's been a little over a month."

Xiao Yuan was overjoyed to hear the news and pulled Aunt Chen aside, laughing, "This girl, she never blushed when she got married, but now that she's going to be a mother, she's suddenly become shy."

Chen Yiniang and all the maids in the room laughed at what she said. Axiu blushed and said, "Didn't you say there was a movie? Hurry up and start it so I can see it for myself."

Aunt Chen pointed at her and said to Xiao Yuan, "Look, after listening to my advice and going to the Cheng family to hone her skills a few times, she can now use the Qiankun Shift technique."

Aunt Chen's words drew laughter from everyone again. Seeing that the shadow puppet troupe was ready, Aunt Wu hurriedly stepped forward with the playbill and asked, "Which play would you like to hear, Aunt?"

Since everything was done with the woman first, Aunt Chen naturally handed the playbill to Xiao Yuan and asked her what play she wanted to see. Xiao Yuan pushed the playbill back into Aunt Chen's hands and said with a smile, "I would like to see 'Beating the Reeds,' but it is not in season. Please choose a more festive play instead, Aunt."

Aunt Chen knew that she was alluding to the legitimate mother of the household, so she didn't say anything to her and instead ordered a play called "The Heavenly Official".

Aunt Wu praised, "Auntie, you've chosen a truly wonderful play! With firecrackers, it couldn't be more festive!" She then quickly ordered people to prepare firecrackers for the opera troupe to display red ribbons and present as gifts. This play, "The Heavenly Official Descends," tells the story of a heavenly official descending to earth to dispel disasters, bestow blessings, and celebrate longevity. Aunt Chen then selected several more plays, all similar to this one. Xiao Yuan and A Xiu were only about ten years old. They had no interest in listening to these; they were only interested in the novelty of the shadow puppets.

After the movie, Ah Xiu took out a piece of paper and handed it to Xiao Yuan and Aunt Chen. "This is what Young Master Cheng found inside the lining of his new boots he bought for the New Year."

Xiao Yuan found it quite intriguing. There was something hidden inside the boot. She took it and looked at it. The paper read: "Made by shopkeeper Renichiro on the 20th day of the 10th month of the 4th year of Jiatai."

"Is this a location marker for the Ren family shop?" Xiao Yuan asked. "But why is it sewn into the lining instead of being pasted on the outside?"

Aunt Chen leaned over to take a look. She said, "Such a secret mark naturally needs to be hidden. If it's posted outside, it will definitely be copied."

Ah Xiu nodded and said, "Auntie is absolutely right. This Ren Yilang family also has a 'book of records.' Whenever his family sells boots, it has to be written in the book. Then a slip of paper is placed inside the boot lining, with the same font size as in the book."

Xiao Yuan felt ashamed and said, "This reminds me of that needle shop with a white rabbit on the door. It is said that their shop has been able to stay open for decades, and such a sign has played a significant role in that. Why don't we learn both of these?"

She was delighted to receive such a great idea and got up to thank Ah Xiu, only to learn that it was Cheng Mutian's idea. She felt a sweet warmth in her heart.

The New Year's feasts during the first month of the lunar calendar kept Aunt Chen and Xiao Yuan busy. Xiao Yuan attended banquets all day, while Aunt Chen stayed home to greet the guests who came to pay their respects.

Xiao Yuan was always out socializing and couldn't find the time to host a banquet for the shop managers. So Aunt Chen came up with a solution for her: she made some New Year's greeting cards and sent them to each shop. The ladies were all exhausted from preparing for the New Year's feast, and when they saw Xiao Yuan sending out the cards, they all followed suit. After a while, everyone had some free time, and Xiao Yuan finally had the opportunity to host a banquet for the managers.

On the day of the New Year's feast for the managers, Xiao Yuan, not wanting to show her face, asked Cai Lian to write down her thoughts and give each manager a copy, instructing them to take it back and study it carefully.

Seeing that Xiao Yuan was taking this matter so seriously, the managers naturally dared not neglect it and arranged the seating arrangements and other matters before the end of the first month.

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, the shop delivered several lanterns. Xiao Yuan went to the courtyard to take a look and found that they had painted their respective trademark designs on the lanterns, which was quite novel and interesting. She picked out a lantern with mooncakes and cakes painted on it and said to the managers, "This is very good. It's easy for people to understand at a glance. Let's all use this in our shop. Another day, you can make a bronze plaque, engrave it, and hang it at the top of the shop. Also, engrave this on the cake boxes. And remember to bribe the government so that other shops are not allowed to use the same signs as us."

The managers all agreed and turned to make arrangements for various matters.

Ah Xiu was pregnant and couldn't go out to see the lanterns, but when she heard that Xiao Yuan had a few, she hurried over in a sedan chair. After Xiao Yuan showed her the lanterns, she pulled her inside and subtly inquired about Cheng Mutian.

After several months of training at the Cheng family, Ah Xiu had become much more clever than before. Xiao Yuan had only asked a few questions when she laughed and said, "Fourth Sister, you're about to marry into the family, so just ask directly instead of beating around the bush?"

Xiao Yuan raised her pillow to hit her, but then remembered that she was now pregnant, so she could only glare at her fiercely.

Seeing that Xiao Yuan was annoyed, A Xiu quickly said, "Speaking of which, there's really something interesting about the Cheng family. Master Cheng has already requested to retire from his ancestral home, and now he's returned home with a nominal title."

Xiao Yuan said, "What news is this? Master Cheng is getting old, it's perfectly normal for him to come home."

Ah Xiu leaned her head closer to Xiao Yuan and said, "He brought back his concubine from his post too!"

Xiao Yuan thought for a moment and asked, "Is it the concubine you rented? What, does Master Cheng want to buy her?"

Ah Xiu nodded: "It's that concubine who was rented. Master Cheng hasn't signed a contract with her yet, but who knows what will happen in the future? I heard that the master raised the rent for her again."

Seeing that Axiu was quite indignant, Xiaoyuan was afraid that she would reveal her true nature and cause trouble, so she said seriously, "It's none of our business to interfere in the affairs of our elders. Don't mention it again."

Seeing Xiao Yuan's serious face, A Xiu quickly nodded in agreement. The two chatted for a while longer, and then A Xiu said that Cheng Fu was waiting for her to eat, so she took her leave. However, Xiao Yuan couldn't calm down for a long time. For some reason, she kept thinking about the deceased Madam Cheng that Aunt Chen had mentioned.

During dinner, Aunt Chen noticed that Xiao Yuan seemed distracted, so she asked her what was wrong. Xiao Yuan then confided her worries: "Aunt, didn't you say that Madam Cheng was killed by the concubines in her household? And now another one has come along."

Aunt Chen comforted her, saying, "Cheng Erlang is all grown up now and is managing the family business. How could she possibly scheme against him? Even if you marry into the family, you only need to treat her with courtesy. She will never be in charge of the household."

Xiao Yuan nodded and said, "Auntie is absolutely right. I was just overthinking it."

Chapter Thirteen: Wu's Revenge

After the first month of the lunar calendar, Aunt Chen, having exhausted herself preparing for the New Year's feast, invited several doctors to her home. Within three days, the whole of Lin'an knew that Aunt He's aunt had fallen ill.

With Liu Ma at Xiao Yuan's house, the household naturally didn't suspect anything, but they were annoyed that Chen Yiniang's illness came at such an inopportune time, so they didn't even bother to visit her. However, when the Cheng family heard that Chen Yiniang was ill, they sent someone to deliver a lot of medicine.

Aunt Chen picked up the ginseng soup, took a sip, and sighed, "It's good that the Cheng family has gained another concubine. They never even thought of me before."

Xiao Yuan naturally knew that the Cheng family, young and old, were all like her third brother. It seemed that the ginseng was indeed the intention of Master Cheng and his aunt. "Aunt, I will treat her well from now on."

Upon hearing this, Asu Cailian covered her mouth and chuckled. Xiaoyuan realized what she meant, and her face instantly turned bright red. Aunt Chen laughed and scolded, "It's only been a few months, why isn't it 'later'?"

Xiao Yuan had to pretend to be sick by Aunt Chen's bedside, so even though she blushed, she still had to put on a brave face, which made Aunt Chen laugh.

Aunt Chen was feigning illness, but Shen Changchun was unaware of this. Since he couldn't come to visit her himself, he went and hunted a few rabbits, asking Caiju to bring them over.

Since Caiju's family had made a scene last time, Xiaoyuan and Yueyue had sent money and food to them. Therefore, Caiju was very quiet this time. She was led by a maid to visit Aunt Chen in her room before turning around to go back.

Aunt Wu was chatting with Aunt Liu by the rockery when she saw her coming over. She deliberately lowered her voice and asked Aunt Liu, "You said yesterday that the Censor-in-Chief's family wanted to find a new concubine? It's a pity that we don't have a daughter, otherwise I would have asked you to use your connections to send her over."

Liu Ma was no ordinary woman. Seeing that her eyes were constantly glancing at Caiju, she understood most of the situation. She immediately put on a surprised look and said, "Even if you have a daughter—your family is only going through a tough time for now. You will eventually regain your freedom. Why would you give your own daughter away to be someone's concubine?"

Aunt Wu clicked her tongue twice: "Although I don't know much, I do know the Zhongcheng family. They live on the Imperial Street. Sending your daughter there, even if she's just a concubine, is better than having her as the principal wife in an ordinary family."

Aunt Liu chimed in, "That's right. I heard that even the servants in that official's household wear fine silks and satins. They even dump the leftover fish and meat at the back door..."

Liu Ma's voice grew softer and softer. Caiju's steps slowed. Seeing this, Wu Sao was overjoyed. She pulled Liu Ma aside and said, "Actually, I have a niece. She's sixteen years old and extremely beautiful—why don't I invite you to Jia's stall across the alley for mutton?"

Caiju heard these words clearly. She hurried home and urged her mother to go to Jia's shop to find Liu Ma. "Aunt Wu's family has a beautiful niece. You should quickly take some money and secretly go to find Liu Ma. Make sure she recommends me."

Caiju's mother heard about the "prosperity" of the Imperial Censor's family's land. She still refused to give it up. She pulled out a small round jar from under the bed to pay the land price. She also found two glass hairpins. Taking Caiju with her, she ran towards the Jia family's shop.

Aunt Wu was determined to become a swindler. She had long since disappeared without a trace. Only because Caiju Niang left Liu Ma at the stall.

Caiju hid under a tree in front of the shop. Seeing that only Liu Ma was sitting at the table, she quickly pointed to her mother and said, "Aunt Wu isn't here. This is a golden opportunity! You should go and beg her right away."

Caiju Niang returned to the tree in less than a quarter of an hour, beaming with joy, "This Liu Mama is easy to talk to. She took the money and promised to go back and ask her mistress. She didn't even ask for the hairpin."

Caiju spat, "She used to serve Madam Jiang. Your hairpin is neither gold nor silver, why would she even look at it?"

After being scolded, Cailian's mother slunk home behind Cailian. Fortunately, news came from the He family the next day, which helped her regain some face.

"Caiju, it's all thanks to my clever words that I managed to coax Aunt Liu into agreeing so quickly!" Caiju's mother exclaimed excitedly, gesturing wildly.

Caiju glanced at her sideways and said, "Did Madam Jiang really say that I should first recognize her concubine Zhou as my godmother?"

Caiju Niang said, "That's because Madam Jiang is very thoughtful. Having a good family to rely on means you'll have more support, and you won't be bullied when you get to your husband's family."

Caiju nodded and said, "This time you have a point."

When Caiju's father and Shen Changchun returned from work, Caiju scooped a ladle of water from the vat and gulped it down. He then asked, "Since Aunt Zhou is marrying off her goddaughter, why isn't she even giving her a dowry?"

Caijuniang puffed out her chest and said, "Madam Jiang said that the more pitiful the child looks when they are carried in, the more affection the Grand Secretary will show them."