Enterrement fantôme - Chapitre 4
"Really?" Ningyue asked incredulously. "You're not lying to me?"
"When have I ever lied to you? But you have to listen to me!"
"I'll do whatever you say! All these years, what haven't I listened to you on every little thing!"
"Alright, starting tomorrow, you must take good care of your health. You're not allowed to keep talking about dying, you're not allowed to skip your medicine, you're not allowed to cry anymore, and you're not allowed to throw tantrums. Do you agree?"
"I will! I will agree to everything!" Ningyue asked in confusion, "But what does this have to do with meeting him?"
“Think about it, if he doesn’t want the master and mistress to know, then we must meet him outside the manor. For someone in your health to leave the manor is harder than climbing to heaven, and the master and mistress will definitely not agree. Brother Sun also said that he will not come to the capital until after the New Year. Only when you have recovered can we find an opportunity to leave the manor in the future, don’t you think?”
"Ling'er, you're so kind!" Ningyue said excitedly, "I'll do anything you want as long as I can see him!"
"Look, look, she's crying again while she's talking!"
Where?
two
The New Year arrived in the blink of an eye, but the weather turned cold, and it even snowed heavily on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month. In just one night, the outside world was transformed into a world of white snow—the first snow of the New Year!
During this time, Ningyue's health improved day by day. She was not only able to go outside and walk around, but her complexion became rosy, and she also gained weight. The whole family was overjoyed, saying it was due to the good deeds of their ancestors. Only Ningyue knew in her heart that the greatest contributor was actually Ling'er.
"Snow falls on the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth of the first lunar month, that saying is absolutely true! Ling'er, let's go outside and play for a while?" Ningyue said, pulling Ling'er to walk outside.
Seeing Ningyue so happy, Ling'er couldn't bear to spoil her mood. "Wait, you should put on some clothes before you go!" She took the cloak from Xiaomei and helped her put it on herself.
"Good Ling'er, you should put on some clothes too. How could I bear to let you get so cold?" Ningyue has been in a great mood lately, and her words have become much more witty.
The three of them went to the courtyard together. Beautiful snowflakes drifted down from the sky, gently landing on the girls' heads and bodies. Ling'er caught the falling snowflakes with her hands, but before she could see them clearly, they had already disappeared, like a fairy who had fallen to earth—fleeting in an instant.
"Ling'er, how about we build a snowman?" Ningyue was in high spirits.
Just as Ling'er was about to agree, Mingmei walked in from outside, "Sister Ling, Madam requests your presence!"
"Okay! I'll be right there!"
Why did Madam want to see me? Ling'er didn't have time to think. She called Xiaomei over and instructed her, "Madam wants to see me. You stay with Ningyue and play for a while longer before heading back to your room. She's just feeling a bit better, so we can't let her do whatever she wants!"
"What if she doesn't listen?" Xiaomei asked back.
"Just say it was me who told you!"
---Magpie Bridge Fairy
Reply [13]: "Ling'er, are you cold? Come sit here!" Madam Nan was overjoyed and lovingly held Ling'er's hand. "As soon as you came back, Ningyue's illness was mostly cured, so I feel much more at ease!"
Ling'er smiled slightly, "What are you saying, Madam? May I ask what business you have with me?"
"Today is the fifteenth of the first lunar month. The Chen family is coming to visit, and Miaowen is also coming. They may stay for a few days, so you must treat them well."
"Please rest assured, Madam! I have already sent someone to buy lanterns, which will be hung in Wangyue Residence tonight so that Ningyue and Miss Wen can have some fun!"
"Yes, this is a good idea, let's do it this way!"
Ling'er, being exceptionally intelligent, understood Madam's intentions perfectly. With so many servants in the manor, why single her out to entertain Miaowen? It was simply so that Ling'er and Miaowen could spend more time together, so that in the future, the two women could share one husband. Madam's intentions were truly profound!
The Chen family that Madam Nan mentioned refers to the Chen family, and Chen Miaowen is the future eldest daughter-in-law of the Nan family. Madam Chen and Madam Nan are distant cousins, and their husbands are both officials in the court. This marriage was arranged between the children of the two families when they were young. On the surface, it is a marriage between relatives, but in fact, it is also a combination of power.
Chen Miaowen is truly a great beauty, with a face as round as a silver plate, bright eyes and white teeth, a graceful figure, and every gesture she makes displays the demeanor of a well-educated lady from a prominent family.
When they were children, Miaowen would always come to the Nan family mansion for the New Year. Ling'er had also met her a few times. Later, Ningyue's health deteriorated, so Miaowen rarely came to the mansion anymore. Madam Nan had long wanted to invite them to the mansion for a get-together. This year, Ningyue's health had greatly improved, and it was also time to discuss the marriage between the two families' children, so Master Chen's family came.
In the main hall, Miaowen gracefully stepped forward and knelt down to pay her respects to Master Nan and his wife. Then Nan Bin, Nan Shan, Ningyue, Ling'er, and the others paid their respects to Master Chen and his wife.
Madam Chen had long known that Nan Bin had taken a liking to a maid named Ling'er in the household, and that her daughter would one day marry into the family and become the eldest son's wife. Yet, Madam Nan had Ling'er learn household management and finances—this was perfectly obvious. It was common for men to have multiple wives and concubines; if Nan Bin wasn't allowed to take a concubine, everyone would say Miao Wen was immoral. Since her daughter, at nineteen, wanted to be sisters with this Ling'er, Madam Chen couldn't help but glance at Ling'er a few more times.
"Ningyue," Madam Nan instructed, "Take your cousin to Wangyue Residence for a while, and Ling'er, look after them."
Ningyue smiled and walked over, taking Miaowen's hand. "Let's go, Sister Wen!" Miaowen glanced at Madam Chen, who nodded and smiled at her. "Go ahead! Take good care of Ningyue; she's not feeling well!"
"I understand!" Miaowen said softly.
The three girls left the lobby together. As they were leaving the room, Miaowen glanced back at Nanbin and blushed, her face as red as a blooming hibiscus.
Ningyue and Miaowen hadn't seen each other for several years, and they were determined to have a good chat. The sky was dark, but several maids carried lanterns ahead, making the path barely visible. As they approached Wangyue Residence, they could see the moon gate was tightly closed in the distance, but the courtyard was brightly lit. Ximei pushed open the moon gate, and light immediately streamed out, instantly transforming the moon gate into a real moon—large, bright, and round!
Inside Wangyue Residence, lanterns are clustered together, their light shimmering and colorful.
"Sister Wen, what do you think of my Moon Gazing Residence?" Ningyue asked proudly, gazing at the lanterns filling the courtyard.
"Hmm! That's really nice." Miaowen admired the lanterns all over the garden as she walked.
"You guys are having so much fun, how could you not invite me?" The voice came from the moon gate. Everyone turned around and saw a tall young man with a square face and thick eyebrows standing there.
"Second Brother, what brings you here?" Ningyue asked, forcing herself to look. The person who came was Nanshan. "Why aren't you spending time talking with Uncle and Aunt? What are you doing here?"
"They're either talking about court affairs or my elder brother's wedding." She glanced at Miaowen as she spoke. "I'm getting so impatient with them. How can this compare to what you guys do here? You really know how to have fun, decorating this place like the lantern market from previous years. No doubt, this must have been Ling'er's idea, right?"
Ling'er smiled slightly and didn't say anything, while Ningyue asked with great interest, "Second Brother, do you think this place is like the night market during the Lantern Festival in previous years?"
"Yes! What's wrong?"
"So, do you think our lanterns are prettier, or the lanterns at the lantern market?"
“Of course the lanterns at the lantern market are the best!” Nan Shan said confidently. “The entire street at the lantern festival night market is filled with all kinds of lanterns. How many can you have here? Besides, there are stilt walkers, lion and dragon dancers, and small vendors at the night market. It’s so lively!”
"Really! No wonder you're always running around all day long?" Ningyue couldn't help but yearn for Nanshan's words.
“What’s the point of staying at home? Dad scolds me all day long!” Nan Shan’s face darkened at the mention of Master Nan.
Hoping their son will succeed is every parent's wish. Perhaps because Nan Bin performed too well, Old Master Nan always intentionally or unintentionally compared the two, and the more they compared, the more he felt that Nan Shan was not living up to expectations, and he would always scold him for no reason. Even so, Old Master Nan also hoped that one day he could improve as much as Nan Bin.
Not wanting to upset Nanbin, Ningyue changed the subject, "Second brother, could you take me to the lantern market too?"
"Okay! I'll definitely take you there as soon as you're fully recovered!" Nan Shan patted his chest and promised.
"Okay! It's a deal!"
Just as everyone was chatting and laughing, Mingmei came to deliver a message, "Second Young Master, the Master is looking for you!"
Upon hearing that it was the master calling him, a dark cloud immediately settled over Nan Shan's face, and he frowned as he asked, "What is it?"
“A distinguished guest has arrived, and the master wants you to go and keep him company,” Mingmei told Nanshan, sharing the little information she knew.
"Isn't my older brother with me? Why are you asking me to come? I'm having a great time here." Nan Shan relaxed a little when she heard that he was being asked to accompany her.
"Go quickly, don't make Father angry again," Ningyue urged.
"It's true what they say, no father and son are without enmity!" Nan Shan murmured.
"Don't talk nonsense!" Ling'er scolded lightly, "Today is the fifteenth of the first lunar month, what could possibly happen? There are guests here, the master won't make things difficult for you, go quickly!"
Nan Shan left reluctantly. Ling'er saw that it was getting late and the chill was getting stronger, and worried that Ning Yue's body couldn't withstand it, so she told the maids to pack up and leave.
Nan Shan arrived outside the main hall and saw a dense row of servants from the Nan family standing outside. He wondered to himself, "What a grand display! Who is this distinguished guest?"
As soon as Nan Shan entered the lobby, he sensed something was wrong. He didn't dare to go over and just stood at the door to observe.
---Magpie Bridge Fairy
Reply [14]: Master Nan and his wife were accompanying him. In the center sat a wealthy old man dressed in extremely luxurious clothes. His face was shiny with oil, and he had a long, white beard on his chin. He looked like the kind of person who had been pampered since childhood. Master Nan said, "The visit of Lord Shang is a great honor for the Nan family. I am truly honored. May I ask how Lord Shang's health has been lately?"
The official looked down at Master Nan, snorted, and said, "Master Nan, no need for formalities! Let's get straight to the point. I've come today to arrange a marriage for you two. Prince Suning is young and promising, and your daughter is the most beautiful woman in the capital. It's a match made in heaven. You're so clever, I don't need to say more!"
"Yes! Yes! I understand, I understand!" Lord Nan said humbly.
Nan Shan was both surprised and astonished by this scene. Master Nan was usually serious and unsmiling, but he never expected that he would become so obsequious when he saw this old man Shang.
"Master!" Madam Nan looked at Master Nan with displeasure.
"What? Does Madam Nan have something to say?" Lord Shang asked.
"Lord Shang! You may not know this, but my daughter is already engaged!"
"I've heard a little about this matter," Lord Shang said slowly. "However, I've also heard that the son-in-law of the Nan family, Chenglong, went out to do business a few years ago, and then disappeared without a trace. Is that right, Lord Nan?"
"That is indeed true!" Master Nan replied tremulously, afraid of offending Master Shang by saying the wrong thing.
"In that case, why don't you just agree?" Lord Shang urged. "To be able to form a marriage alliance with Prince Suning is something that countless princes and ministers in the court would rather die than have."
“Lord Shang, it’s not that we disagree,” Madam Nan said solemnly, “but my daughter is already engaged. How can a woman be married to two men? Please understand, Lord Shang.”
Lord Shang was taken aback by Madam Nan's outright refusal, and he felt a little embarrassed. "So, there's really no room for negotiation on this matter?"
"I'm sorry, Lord Shang, but I'm afraid I can't comply with your request!" Madam Nan said righteously and sternly.
Ignoring Madam Nan's words, Lord Shang asked with a hint of anger, "Lord Nan, what do you mean?"
“This…this…this…” Master Nan uttered the word “this” three times before he could no longer continue.
"Never mind!" Lord Shang stood up, his face full of displeasure, and said with a cupped hand, "Farewell!"
"Lord Shang, Lord Shang," Master Nan tried to persuade Lord Shang to stay. Lord Shang stopped and turned to look at Master Nan. Master Nan hesitated, then remained silent.
"You don't know what's good for you!" Lord Shang said, and left in a huff.
Inside the bedroom, Master Nan was throwing a tantrum.
"Madam, Lord Shang is not to be offended! And Prince Suning is even more untouchable!" Master Nan said resentfully. "Do you know who they are? Do you know you've caused a huge disaster?"
"My lord! Of course I know. Lord Shang is the emperor's brother-in-law, wielding immense power in the court. Prince Suning is the emperor's uncle, with outstanding military achievements, and is arrogant because of his favor. How could I not know the stakes involved here?"
"If you know this, why did you refuse Lord Shang?" Master Nan originally thought that Madam Nan was unaware, but it turned out that she knew everything.
"My lord, have you forgotten Master Sun? Have you forgotten Chenlin? Don't you know Ningyue's feelings?" Madam Nan's barrage of questions made Master Nan feel utterly ashamed. He slumped down, dejectedly saying, "I haven't forgotten, I haven't forgotten a single one, and I never will, but Madam..." "My lord!" Madam Nan said gently, "We've been husband and wife for over twenty years, how could I not know your heart? You and Lord Shang have always had many disagreements, and this time I openly rejected him, I fear it will be difficult for you to maintain your position in court in the future. But why don't you think about whether you would be where you are today if it weren't for Master Sun's help back then? And what about Ningyue?" Madam Nan's voice choked with emotion, "She is my lifeblood. She has always been thinking of Chenlin, and all her illnesses stem from that. She is my daughter, and I know her temperament best. If you were to give her to someone else, she would surely fight to the death!"
Master Nan sighed and grasped his wife's hand. "Madam, what you say makes sense. If it weren't for Master Sun back then, our family probably wouldn't be alive today. I'm so grateful for your timely reminder. If I had agreed to Lord Shang's request, wouldn't I have become a treacherous person who betrays principles for personal gain?" He paused and then said, "However, what are your plans for Ningyue? We can't let her stay at home forever, can we? We don't even know when Chenlin will be able to come back."
"I don't know either. Chenlin is so ambitious, he must have suffered a lot outside. He won't come back unless he makes something of himself." Thinking of Sun Chenlin, Madam Nan felt another pang of sadness. "My lord, it's best that you think this way! I don't ask for anything else, I only ask that our whole family be safe and sound, and that Chenlin return soon to marry Ningyue. That would fulfill my wish!"
After hearing this, Master Nan nodded slowly, patted Madam Nan's back to comfort her, and murmured, "With a wife like this, what more could a husband ask for?"
Inside the Prince of Suning's Mansion.
Although spring has arrived, the snow continues to fall. In the garden, plum blossoms bloom quietly, releasing waves of refreshing fragrance. Beneath the plum grove, the melodious sounds of silk and bamboo instruments rise, and two dancers in flowing robes gracefully move their sleeves, making one temporarily forget the chill of early spring.
"Wonderful! Wonderful! The two sisters danced like silver rainbows soaring through the sky, and white clouds emerging from the mountains!" Shang Minglun exclaimed, his eyes narrowed with a lecherous glint.
Hearing Shang Minglun's praise, the two dancers performed even more energetically, occasionally giving Shang Minglun flirtatious glances. Shang Minglun asked Zhu Chengyu, who was engrossed in eating roast chicken, "Cousin! Where did you get these two dancers? They're quite charming!"
"It was a gift from the Duke of Wu a few days ago." Zhu Chengyu threw away the chicken bone in his hand and drank a cup of Nu'er Hong wine.
"He gave it to you? Why would he give it to you? Is he trying to curry favor with you again? Isn't he eager to marry his sister to you?" As he spoke, Shang Minglun also drank a cup without any politeness.
After eating and drinking his fill, Zhu Chengyu burped, stood with his feet on a stool, his oily hands resting on his knees, and stared blankly at the ceiling.
When the music ended and the dance stopped, the two dancers were not in a hurry to leave. One of them offered a toast to Zhu Chengyu, and the other offered a toast to Shang Minglun.