BOUND IN MARRIAGE - CHAPTER 56

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Chapter 56

# Chapter 56: The Unforeseen Accident “It’s Elder Qi. Elder Qi went to appease the impoverished scholars, but they pushed him down from a high slope, and he fell onto the rocks nearby. He might not make it!” The words struck Xiang Yi’s ears, and a sharp pain shot through them. Elder Qi. Before he left, she and Tan Ting had specifically gone to see him, discussing the chaos in Ling Shui. He had assured them that nothing would go wrong. How could this have happened? Xiang Yi’s mind went blank for a moment. She urgently asked, “So, what exactly happened to Elder Qi?” Chun Sun shook her head. Just as she was about to speak, a voice, suppressed but not entirely, drifted from the hall. “Why pretend to be so pious? They are not of our kind, their hearts are different.” The remark was dripping with sarcasm. Xiang Yi looked over and saw Miss Li San’s once lovely face contorted with malice. Xiang Yi said nothing, nor did she wish to engage with such a person. Her mind was consumed with Elder Qi’s accident and how the Old Madam, upon hearing the news at home, must be faring. Neither of the old couple’s children were in the capital, and few of the Hai Dong Qi clan members held official positions there. With this incident, he was all alone, without a soul nearby. Xiang Yi grew restless thinking about it, a flicker of anxiety crossing her features. But this anxiety was interpreted differently by some, especially Miss Li San. When she first saw Xiang Yi, she had been quite surprised. She had expected a woman who used a marriage contract to force a marriage to be utterly crude, but instead, she found her dignified, beautiful, and graceful. If Xiang Shi hadn’t shamelessly blocked her path, perhaps she would have married into the Tan family then, and her subsequent misfortune of her husband falling from his horse and breaking his leg, rendering him crippled, would never have happened. Now, with the news of Elder Qi’s accident, seeing that Xiang Shi, of humble origins, was indeed unable to sit still brought her a moment of satisfaction. However, this fleeting satisfaction was not enough to erase the hardships of the past few years. Seeing Madam Miao and Princess Qiuyang trying to help Xiang Yi again, calling her over to the newborn and placing the child in her hands, Miss Li San snorted. As if by chance, she began speaking to the assembled noblewomen. “Someone like Elder Qi, whose disciples are everywhere, how could they bear to harm him? If they treat Elder Qi this way, who knows how much they hate us ordinary scions of aristocratic families? Perhaps they’ll resort to underhanded tactics; we might be harmed without even knowing it.” As her words fell, everyone’s gaze followed, and Xiang Yi’s fingers had just brushed the infant’s hand. Xiang Yi knew Madam Miao and Princess Qiuyang wouldn’t mind, but within these words, she smiled at the child and slowly withdrew her hand. Miss Li San grew more triumphant, her words becoming harsher. “What wicked thoughts must these base commoners harbor in their hearts? Even if they pass the imperial examinations and become officials, they must be corrupt and greedy!” Her words became increasingly pointed. Who among those present didn’t know that Xiang Zhiyuan was a corrupt official from humble origins, and Madam Tan, Xiang Yi, was Xiang Zhiyuan’s own daughter? Princess Qiuyang was the first to be indignant, but she was still in her confinement period, and her wet nurse forbade her from leaving her inner chambers. Madam Miao, from a minor aristocratic family, had always spoken little in front of the women of these prominent clans. She was momentarily stunned. Unexpectedly, someone entered at that moment. “I am late, but how is it that upon entering, I hear such harsh words?” she said, her gaze sweeping over everyone before finally landing on Miss Li San. “What are you discussing?” Xiang Yi did not recognize this person. She appeared slightly older than them, wearing an autumn-yellow brocade jacket embroidered with a myriad of characters. Her eyes, though cool, held a hint of authority. Yet, Xiang Yi found her strangely familiar. Hearing Miss Li San and the other Li family members greet her as “Second Sister-in-law,” she suddenly understood. This was the second wife of the main branch of the Huai Chuan Li clan, and her original identity was the second daughter of the Denghe Huang clan, Huang Er Niang, the full sister of Huang Si Niang. The matriarch of the Huai Chuan Li clan remained in their ancestral home in Huai Chuan, while all affairs in the capital were managed by the second wife, Huang Er Niang. The women of the Huai Chuan Li clan present respected her. Xiang Yi, however, fell silent for a moment after understanding her identity. Back then, on the boat, it was clear that Aunt Lin intended to match Huang Si Niang with that master, but it never came to pass. Huang Er Niang was Huang Si Niang’s own sister; perhaps she also wished for her sister to marry into the Tan family. Xiang Yi knew she would eventually leave, and she had no intention of holding onto that position for long. She remained silent for a while. Miss Li San, however, after thinking of something, said to Huang Er Niang, “I am merely speaking up for Elder Qi and reminding everyone to be careful, lest they be harmed by people of humble origins.” She expected Huang Er Niang to side with her. She had heard that Huang Si Niang had traveled to the capital on the Tan family’s boat. Everyone also looked to Huang Er Niang for her reaction. To their surprise, Huang Er Niang suddenly let out a laugh and turned to Miss Li San, asking, “If what Third Sister says is true, then we shouldn’t go out on the streets anymore. Many of the restaurants, tea houses, and silk shops there cannot be entered.” She said this with a smile, leaving Miss Li San staring in disbelief. Huang Er Niang then added something even clearer: “Both clans are ordinary mortals, who would risk their own lives to harm others?” Her words had essentially refuted Miss Li San’s earlier statement entirely. Miss Li San’s life within her husband’s family was not easy, and most of the time, Huang Er Niang had supported her. Now that Huang Er Niang had spoken like this, she couldn’t even find the words to retort. The members of the Li clan also fell silent, not daring to say anything further. Xiang Yi, however, was taken aback and looked at Huang Er Niang. As she looked, Huang Er Niang also looked back, her cool gaze softening inexplicably. She gave Xiang Yi a gentle nod and sat down beside her. Madam Miao quickly stepped forward, steering the conversation elsewhere, and the matter was temporarily settled. The third-day ceremony was, of course, a lively affair. Li Chengyun and Princess Qiuyang’s son cried out with a loud voice, wailing several times. The noblewomen sat around, smiling at the newborn child. It was then that Xiang Yi heard someone call her name from behind the bushes. She turned her head to see Huang Er Niang standing there. Xiang Yi stepped forward to pay her respects, intending to thank her for her timely intervention, but Huang Er Niang spoke first. Her voice was not loud but was steady and clear as it reached Xiang Yi’s ears. “My younger sister is young and ignorant, and my father blindly follows my uncle’s arrangements. My sister also doesn’t know how to refuse. Madam Xiang, with your great magnanimity, you did not hold it against her or embarrass her. Er Niang is deeply grateful.” Contrary to Xiang Yi’s expectations, Huang Er Niang, after hearing about the incident on the boat from her sister Huang Si Niang with an embarrassed expression, had felt a lingering fear. If Madam Xiang were a woman of deep schemes, a little manipulation could have completely ruined Si Niang’s reputation, perhaps even leading her to become a concubine. But Madam Xiang had done nothing of the sort; instead, she had even saved Sixth Niang’s life amidst the chaos. What kind of character was that? Huang Er Niang had reprimanded her sister at the time and firmly remembered this kindness. Huang Er Niang had guessed that given Miss Li San’s disposition, she would surely cause trouble for Xiang Yi at the third-day ceremony today. It was only a matter that had delayed her, causing her to be late. She thanked Xiang Yi sincerely, even preparing to offer a formal bow. Xiang Yi felt that whether it was for Huang Er Niang or Sixth Niang, she had acted according to her conscience, and it was not worthy of such a grand gesture. She quickly supported Huang Er Niang, saying, “Second Madam, there is no need to be so polite; it was a small matter.” The more Xiang Yi displayed such grace, the more Huang Er Niang felt genuine admiration for her. However, she still offered Xiang Yi a kind warning. “I have also heard about Elder Qi’s incident. The next few days will likely be difficult for you, Madam. I don’t know when this will end.” Xiang Yi sighed inwardly and thanked her for the reminder. Some of the Li family’s female relatives approached. The two women exchanged a look, seeing in each other’s eyes a warmth that had emerged from the harsh winter into this spring day. But neither said much, remaining as Madam Li and Madam Tan, not very familiar, or perhaps not knowing each other at all. The third-day ceremony soon concluded. Princess Qiuyang was also tired, and the infant had fussed for a while before finally falling asleep in his mother’s arms. The guests gradually dispersed. Xiang Yi excused herself from Princess Qiuyang, and Madam Miao escorted her to the gate. “There were too many people today; I will invite you over again another day.” When Xiang Yi reached the gate, Tan Ting was nowhere to be seen. Only Zheng Ji hurried over. “Madam, with Elder Qi’s accident, the Master fears that Old Madam Qi might also be in distress. He has rushed to the Qi family outside the capital. Madam, please return home by carriage first.” Xiang Yi nodded. However, the carriages were leaving in a line. They had all arrived together or knew each other, returning with laughter and conversation. Xiang Yi found it inconvenient to cut in line and waited by the side. Tan Ting had rushed to the Qi family, and the Old Madam, upon hearing the dire news, was indeed struggling to hold on. But she still forced herself, “My old man hasn’t even stepped fully into the gates of hell yet; I can’t die before him. Everyone, rest assured, I can hold on!” Seeing the Old Madam like this, Tan Ting felt a surge of respect. He helped the Qi family arrange some personnel and dispatched his own men to the site of Elder Qi’s accident. Seeing that the sky was growing late, he urged his horse and raced back to the capital. He surmised that the Li family’s third-day ceremony might have just concluded and headed directly to the Li residence. When he arrived, the gathering had indeed just ended, and guests were leaving one after another. Leading his horse through the crowd, he was about to ask someone where his wife was when he saw her standing by the wall. Others were walking in twos and threes, but she stood alone, waiting by the wall. The noblewomen also saw her, but none were familiar with her, and none approached to even greet her. They merely glanced at her quickly before turning away, whispering amongst themselves. Some spoke of the differences in status, others of her reputation as a daughter of the Xiang family, and some even mentioned how she had once come to the Tan family’s door with a marriage contract. A gust of wind blew, dislodging a strand of hair from her ear. She moved slightly, calmly raising her hand to tuck it back. Tan Ting’s heart suddenly ached, and he quickened his pace, walking towards her against the flow of the crowd. Everyone saw him, and their curiosity about the relationship between the two was piqued. Many paused briefly, looking at the couple. Xiang Yi heard the familiar footsteps and looked up. “Master...” Before she could finish, Tan Ting strode forward. Everyone waited to see how the Tan family’s scion would treat Madam Xiang. To their surprise, he took off his cloak and directly wrapped it around the woman’s shoulders. Just then, the Tan family’s carriage also arrived from behind. He took the woman’s hand and led her into the carriage together. For a moment, the Tan family couple vanished from sight. The murmuring of the crowd suddenly hushed. After exchanging many glances filled with surprise, they began to board their own carriages one after another and left. Inside the Tan family’s carriage. “Why did Master rush back?” Tan Ting did not answer immediately. He pursed his lips and looked down at his wife, seeing her calm demeanor. She was still thinking of asking him, “How is the Old Madam?” He sighed silently. “The Old Madam is fine; she can hold on.” Xiang Yi then asked about Elder Qi’s condition. Tan Ting did not respond. After all, Elder Qi was advanced in age, and falling from such a high slope, no one could say for sure. What was more, the person who pushed him had disappeared into the crowd, unfindable. It was likely not due to the incompetence of the authorities, but because this person had come with a purpose. Even with many soldiers protecting Elder Qi, someone had managed to act amidst the chaos. This incident had further complicated the situation. Tan Ting silently tightened his grip on his wife’s hand. Neither spoke for a while as their carriage returned to the Tan family’s old residence. News of Elder Qi’s injury while appeasing the examinees had already begun to spread through the streets. The road ahead was blocked. A certain inn, “You Jian Inn,” had suddenly evicted all the impoverished scholars staying there who were awaiting the imperial examinations, stating that they would no longer do business with commoner families, regardless of their wealth. The scholars gathered in front of the inn, making a commotion, while the innkeeper argued forcefully, “We are an establishment of aristocratic families. If you can even lay hands on a great Confucian like Elder Qi, don’t blame us for drawing a clear line between ourselves and you!” The entrance to the inn was completely blocked, with some arguing, some watching, and many more discussing the events. The underlying conflict, which had been simmering beneath the surface, was now erupting with wave after wave of unrest. Both sides held their ground, neither willing to yield. If it had previously been mere unease on the part of the commoner families, now both sides felt the same, becoming openly hostile. Tan Ting tightened his grip on Xiang Yi’s hand even more. A warm strength flowed through her, and Xiang Yi couldn’t help but look up at the man. He, just as he had that day at Elder Qi’s home, almost silently mouthed two words to her: “It’s alright.” Xiang Yi’s heart suddenly warmed. Outside the carriage, there was clamor and unease, but inside, a sense of peace was slowly flowing. Following this incident, the next day’s morning court saw differing opinions, with voices calling for the prohibition of examinations for these impoverished scholars growing louder and louder. The Crown Prince frowned but remained silent for the moment. The Emperor asked Elder Lin, “Elder Lin, what is your opinion?” Chief Grand Secretary Lin, with his fine beard, still had black hair and beard despite his age. He pondered for a moment with lowered eyes. “This minister also believes we should not push them to a dead end. However, with what happened to Elder Qi, it is certainly impossible to appease them now. I wonder who else could go to appease them?” Elder Lin echoed the Crown Prince’s earlier sentiment, but the question of who would go to appease them if they were to continue remained. In the court, no suitable candidate could be found. After all, with Elder Qi’s accident, the tension between the aristocratic and commoner families had intensified. Who was willing to take such a risk, to appease the commoner families and speak for them? In the afternoon, in the Crown Prince’s study in the Eastern Palace. Gu Yansheng, Xu Yuanming, and other assisting ministers were gathered. The Crown Prince still held his previous view, not wanting the court to open the path for prohibiting examinations for commoner families. “We must still send someone,” he stated. Xu Yuanming stepped forward. “This minister is willing to go.” Xu Yuanming was neither from an aristocratic nor a commoner family; he originated from a military household and had entered the court through recommendation and the imperial examinations. He was also a close confidant of the Crown Prince, thus holding some influence. However, some assisting ministers raised a question: “Elder Qi’s previous visit actually represented the attitudes of both the aristocratic and commoner factions. If only Minister Xu were to go, this nuance might be lost.” As the conflict between the two groups escalated, the appearance of only one side could not fully represent the attitudes of all parties in the court. These scholars were not as easily placated as ordinary commoners. Xu Yuanming’s visit might still leave them uneasy. But among those who could represent the aristocratic families and were willing to step forward at this critical juncture, and who were currently in the capital, there were none to be found. The Crown Prince proposed a name: Huang San Ye, the father of Huang Liu Niang, from the Denghe Huang clan. The Denghe Huang clan was a major aristocratic family, and Huang San Ye had served as an official for many years with a good reputation. He was currently in the capital. However, an assisting minister shook his head. “This minister has already inquired about the Huang family’s intentions. That Master Huang is willing to go, but his clan’s eldest son is unwilling to interfere in this matter and had written to him previously, telling him not to leave the capital.” Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince couldn’t help but let out a cold laugh. “The power of these aristocratic families is truly immense. They can even prevent court officials from acting, forcing them to look to them for direction.” This was precisely why he was willing to speak for the commoner families. Without officials from impoverished backgrounds, if the entire court were filled with the descendants of aristocratic families, that would be the greatest hidden danger to the imperial court. Gu Yansheng had remained silent throughout. He had a candidate in mind, but under such tense circumstances, Gu Yansheng merely considered it and did not speak. Would Tan Ting, the eldest son of the Tan clan, truly dare to wade into this murky water? If something happened to Tan Ting, what would Yizhen do? Gu Yansheng remained silent for a moment. He thought that unless Tan Ting volunteered, it would be inconvenient for him to suggest it. But Tan Ting was still in the process of being appointed to an official position and would hardly volunteer for such an unsuitable task. Yet, without someone to represent the aristocratic families, Xu Yuanming alone could not proceed. The study was filled with a silence that felt like dark clouds pressing down. The Crown Prince sighed heavily and pinched his brow. Just then, a eunuch hurried forward, abruptly breaking the silence. “Your Highness, someone has submitted a card requesting an audience.” Gu Yansheng’s eyelids twitched inexplicably. The Crown Prince asked, “Who is it?” “Replying to Your Highness, it is the scion of the Qing Han Tan clan, Lord Tan Ting.” ...

Footnotes: TN1: The term 庶族 (shùzú) refers to families of commoner or humble origins, often contrasted with 世族 (shìzú), which are established aristocratic clans. This distinction is crucial in ancient Chinese society and plays a significant role in the novel's social dynamics. TN2: Zhengsanpin (正三品) is an official title indicating the rank of the official.

Translator's Note: Royalty Writes here. Whew, that chapter was a rollercoaster! My heart was in my throat for Elder Qi, and then Miss Li San just kept digging that hole deeper and deeper. But thank goodness for Huang Er Niang showing up to put her in her place – talk about a much-needed mic drop! And Tan Ting, swooping in to pick up Xiang Yi like that? My heart! What do you guys think about Tan Ting's potential involvement in all this mess? RW. drop a comment, it genuinely keeps me going.

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