Rebirth of an Abandoned Woman

Wang Shi felt very uneasy. The first thing she did was scold him for being disobedient. Why was he in such a hurry to return to the business again? Hadn’t they come to an agreement that he would rest for a few more days? But how could Shi Fengju rest after knowing that Gu Fangzi got involved in the business? He repeatedly assured her that he was fine, and she could only sigh before telling him to come back early every day!

Upon seeing that his mother had let this matter go, Shi Fengju hurriedly agreed.

Wang Shi glanced at him and said again, “Did you go to Peony Park2 yesterday? What did you say to Fang’er? She fell sick again today!”

Shi Fengju was surprised yet furious. She fell sick because of a few words that he said? Why hadn’t he seen her so weak before?

“Mother, can we not talk about this? Maybe she’s exhausted from all the work these days. And as if my words would even work on her!”

“Listen to what you’re saying!” Wang Shi said angrily, “Hadn’t she been working hard for you? You have to reassure her so that she can get better soon! Today, you have to give me a word of promise! When exactly will you consummate with her?”

When Shi Fengju heard about ‘Gu Fangzi’ and ‘consummation’, he answered after some thoughts, “Mother, Sang Wan’s second brother came in third in the examination and their family is now busy preparing for the upcoming joyous occasion. Yet here I am, being urged to consummate. Isn’t this deliberately disrespecting the Sang family? Both brothers from the Sang family love their younger sister, Sang Wan, dearly. How can they not have any opinion on this? Mother, we’ll talk about this slowly again in the future. I’ll be leaving first if there’s nothing else! I want to go back and rest. I’m feeling a bit tired!”

Wang Shi went to Peony Park to see Gu Fangzi’s pitiful-looking face today. She had decided to get her disobedient son to say something dependable. However, when she heard that he was tired and wanted to rest, she kept her words and waved her hands, “Alright, go back and rest! Let me tell you, don’t think I’ll let this matter go. Think carefully about this and I’ll ask you again in a few days. Nanny Jiang, remind me if I forget! And another thing, did Sang Wan serve you the bird’s nest I sent over yesterday?”

“I ate it! I ate it! There’s no way Sang Wan would forget your instructions!” Shi Fengju was getting a little impatient and he muttered to himself: Nothing but frustration at home. How I wish to bring Sang Wan out with me.

“Oh, Mother. Don’t you think you might want to send someone to pick Eldest Sister up to stay over for a few days? Her third sister is getting married. It’s a joyous occasion!” Shi Fengju said suddenly. If my eldest sister comes back, then she’ll be able to share part of Mother’s energy and less focus will be on me.

“Oh no!” Without thinking, Wang Shi replied with a smile. “It’s no wonder I felt like I’ve forgotten something! Of course, we have to fetch your eldest sister back! I’ll send someone there tomorrow! I wonder if they’re doing well in Mengxian!”

Shi Fengju acknowledged and left.

On this day, the Shi family had sent a message to the Sang family to inform them that Shi Fengju and Sang Wan were back. A matchmaker, who was engaged by the Sang family, soon arrived on the next day and the Shi family set a good day to fetch the bride, which was on the eighth of June. There were only ten days left.

After the day was decided, the final stage of preparations quickly began. They purchased various goods that could only be found in the mountains, dried goods, exotic delicacies, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar, rice and noodles, fine wine, sweets, melons, and more. In addition to that, they had to check the tables, chairs, and tableware for the banquet; invite an emcee and a percussion team; prepare red ‘喜’ characters, red balls of silk safflower, and bonsai of flowers; check the bride’s wedding scarf, as well as a final check on the chest to ensure that the dowry was ready and nothing was lacking, send out wedding invitations to friends and families, and many more. Not only was Sang Wan busy, even Second Old Mistress Shi and Third Old Mistress Shi went to help. Because of that, Wang Shi could not avoid helping as well and she went to check the dowry.

The entire household was bustling except for the bride, Shi Lian. At the thought that they were all busy because of her, she was deeply moved. She had never expected herself to have such a glorious day. After all, she was someone who was never considered to play second fiddle in the household, but she unexpectedly became the focus of attention! As the saying goes: ‘The affairs of the world are unpredictable’.

The head servant, who went to Mengxian to fetch Shi Yumei and her husband, returned empty-handedly. He hurriedly went to report to Wang Shi that the both of them were not free and would not be coming back!

Astonished, Wang Shi hurriedly exclaimed, “Not free? As the eldest daughter and eldest son-in-law, how can they not come to attend such a great joyous occasion? What can be more important than this! Did you relay my message properly?”

The head servant quickly answered, “I did, but Eldest Missy indeed told me so!”

Would Wang Shi even believe him? She scolded the head servant for being muddled and not knowing how to handle the situation. She waved her hand for him to leave before she called Shi Fengju over and told him. She wanted him to send someone more appropriate to Mengxian.

Shi Fengju immediately understood what had happened and said with a smile, “Since Mother doesn’t feel assured, I’ll send someone there tomorrow! But I think that maybe they really don’t have the time. Doesn’t Brother-in-law have to study? And there’s no way Big Sister can leave when she has to take care of him! I think just let them be!”

Shi Fengju actually found his eldest sister pitiful. The second son of the Sang family had come in third in the examination. After a person like his eldest brother-in-law knew about that, would he still want to come? His eldest sister and third sister were never on good terms too. Upon hearing that Shi Lian was marrying an official, who came in third in the examination, to be his wife, would she want to come over to congratulate her? She was strong-minded after all!

Not to forget, if her relatives and friends were to ask about her husband, it would only make her more sullen.

At that time, after he mentioned to his mother to fetch his eldest sister and left her courtyard, he knew that it would not be possible.

Wang Shi did not think of that, and said, “You’ll send someone there tomorrow! Even if they’re busy, can’t they write a letter? Don’t they even know how to do that?”

Shi Fengju smiled without saying a word.

On the next day, no one was sent. However, Shi Fengju went to meet Wang Shi with a brocade box. In the box was a pair of dragon and phoenix engraved golden bracelets, and he said to Wang Shi with a smile, “Big Sister and Brother-in-law really couldn’t come. He has to study hard and it’ll be hard for him to get back to studying if he took a break! They gave this pair of golden bracelets to Third Sister instead!”

Wang Shi was then relieved and said with a smile, “They don’t have an easy time either. They should’ve left that money for themselves, yet they bought this for your third sister! You have to tell your third sister about this so that she’ll remember how good her eldest sister and brother-in-law are to her. In the future, she ought to help them if she can!”

Shi Fengju casually acknowledged and left.

Very soon, it was the eighth of June. Since the night before, the household had been extraordinarily lively. The red silk brocades were hung everywhere and the huge red lanterns dangling by the door were not extinguished for the entire night. On the day of the wedding, it was even more lively. Every person in Qingzhou came as news about the marriage was spread far and wide. The news about the Shi family’s soon-to-be son-in-law coming in third in the imperial examinations was also a reputable matter, so of course they had to come. Not only did those who received the invitation come, but also those who did not. Fortunately, the Shi family had anticipated it and arranged adequate manpower to guide and serve the guests. Many were from the Shi business and country houses and they were temporarily transferred to help. Although everyone was busy, no mistakes were made and the Shi family successfully married off the bride!

Afterwards, a banquet was arranged in the largest hall within the household in advance and everyone was invited for dinner. It was not until the late evening that the last guests were sent off. Several head servants and the servants from the household department got busy with managing the cleanup, ensuring everything was accounted for, and handing them over to the storehouse. As the person overseeing all of it, Sang Wan had to utilize all of her servants from Ning Garden1 and barely managed to put everything back to order after two days.

On the third day after the wedding, the newly married couple returned to the bride’s parental home.

What was least expected was that Shi Yumei returned with Cui Zhu on the first day Shi Lian was to come back, saying that she came to see her third sister and brother-in-law. This made everyone flabbergasted, but Wang Shi was naturally happy.

It was a busy day and the kitchen was instructed to prepare the banquet dishes that were to be served at noon. Early in the morning, the ancestral hall was cleaned. Joss sticks, candles, joss papers, and offerings were prepared for Shi Lian and Sang Yufei to pray to their ancestors.

At noon, a head servant came to report, “Third Young Mistress and Third Young Master Sang is back!” Shi Fengju and Sang Wan went out to welcome them.

Seeing each other was naturally a sight of affection. Sang Wan had not seen her second brother for a long time and she finally got to see him this time. Her eyes could not help but tear and she stepped forward, congratulating him with a smile. Sang Yufei also had a lot of things to say, but held himself back and only smiled as he looked at her before he said with a sigh, “I’ve troubled you with my matters.”

Upon hearing that, Sang Wan smiled and replied, “Second Brother, please don’t say that. I’m glad to be able to arrange such a joyous occasion for you! I really did not expect to have this chance in my life!”

Several people laughed when they heard that. Only the newly wedded Shi Lian lowered her head and giggled as her face turned red.

Then, everyone went to Wang Shi’s courtyard. At this moment, Wang Shi, Second Old Master Shi and his wife, and Third Old Master Shi and his wife were already seated. Shi Yumei stood behind Wang Shi and the servants filled the place.

When Sang Yufei and Shi Lian came in, they greeted everyone and sat down. The room became lively again, and the servants immediately came in with tea for Sang Yufei and Shi Lian to serve the elders.

Sang Yufei was now an official. Before he could kneel, Wang Shi raised her hand to stop him before instructing Nanny Jiang to help him back to his seat.

Shi Yumei, who was standing behind Wang Shi, had her gaze on the newlywed couple ever since they came in. Everyone had a happy smile on their faces, but only she had an indifferent and reserved expression. Deep down, however, she was feeling sour.

Sang Yufei was a tad more refined and elegant than he was before. Indeed, a person who had successfully climbed the ladder of success was different. As for Shi Lian, she wore a red and gold embroidered outer coat with wide-sleeves, a dress with sixteen different depictions, and a gold hairpin in her hair. Upon seeing her dressed in a bright and neat manner, and with modesty across her face, Shi Yumei felt even more sour.

She could not help but complain silently. Why did her mother agree to this marriage? Isn’t this clearly indulging that wretch and making her climb over her head? Her own daughter could not compare with a bastard girl. Could it be that all the glory that was once hers would be shifted over to her?