Chapter 2, Mistress Li Jia (3)
After Su Yierha learned of this absurd truth, she felt disheartened towards her own family. If it weren't for Li Jiashi's intervention, she would have confronted Daisan directly. Her own Fujin was such a remarkable woman, adept in both the parlor and the kitchen; aside from being illiterate, she excelled in needlework and household management. Even though her background was not of nobility, the Li family was certainly not lacking, as the dowry provided by the master was five times that of the Guo Luoluo family. On the day the dowry was carried, it stirred the entire Fei A La; which household did not envy and covet it?
Upon entering the household with Li Jiashi, Su Yierha realized that there were mutual grievances between Daisan and Chu Ying, and the fundamental reason for the discord among the brothers was the Yehe beauty, Buxiyamala, residing in the inner enclosure. Buxiyamala had grown up alongside the two brothers, but she was a woman whom Nurhaci had betrothed to the Yehe. Although the reason for the delay in their wedding over the years while living in the inner enclosure remains unknown, she indeed qualifies as an elder to the two brothers. Although the Jurchen have the custom of 'marrying a relative after the father’s death, and marrying the brother’s widow after the brother’s death,' Nurhaci was in the prime of his life, yet his two sons secretly coveted his woman. If this were to come to light, would it not be a crime of parricide by ungrateful sons?
Dai Shan is weak and incompetent, showing no interest in family affairs. This household is essentially managed single-handedly by Li Jiashi, while Su Yierha accompanies her daily, laboring hard and harboring deep resentment towards Dai Shan. The master is so good, yet why are men never satisfied? Incompetent yet lecherous, he spends his days with sordid thoughts, eyeing the indecent women outside like a cat coveting a forbidden treat.
The Su La Ge Ge from the residence of the eldest brother exchanged a few casual words with her before rising to take her leave. Su Yi Er Ha did not disturb Li Jia Shi and independently decided to select a few pieces of fine cotton cloth from the congratulatory gifts on the kang, along with a basket of red-skinned eggs, and handed them to the other party as a return gift
The maid was quite surprised, forgetting even the customary pleasantries, and foolishly accepted it. She truly did not expect that in the residence of the Second Master, a maid could take charge without the owner's consent, which also indicated that this maid was favored. Remembering her own master and mistress, the corners of her mouth twitched slightly as she lowered her head in dejection; indeed, people have different fates, and comparing oneself to others can be infuriating.
What does he have? He merely has the background of the Second Prince, yet he spends his days without ambition. To put it nicely, he is indifferent to fame and fortune; to put it harshly, the women outside privately mock him as a good-for-nothing. Aside from the few assets he received when he married and separated from his family, he possesses nothing else. If it were not for the substantial dowry from the Li family and her ability to manage affairs, this household would have long since been reduced to a hollow shell, living from hand to mouth.
The people of Jianzhou all say that Dai Shan is gentle and does not like to engage in warfare. Fortunately, he is the second son, and Chu Ying is his biological elder brother. Logically, these two brothers should be harmonious, loving, and supportive of each other, but the reality is quite the opposite
The eldest son, Chu Ying, is nineteen years old this year, known for his bravery and martial prowess, earning the esteemed title of Hong Batulu, and is highly valued by Nurhaci. It is certain that Nurhaci will have more legitimate sons in the future, and while the status of the youngest son of the guards remains uncertain, the eldest son has already grown to be exceptionally outstanding, gaining the favor of his father and the loyalty of his subordinates. Chu Ying is married to the daughter of Guo Luoluo Changshu, a family of nobility, and after this union, he has further won the hearts of the soldiers. This marriage can be considered a match in social standing. In contrast, the second son, Dai Shan, comes from the Yue family, which is not of noble status. The father of Li Jia, Da Chu Huo, only held the title of Bayin in Jianzhou, and the Li family does not have a prominent lineage. Although they are not lacking in wealth and status, there is still a significant disparity in identity.
Whether a woman has married well depends firstly on the character of her husband's family, and secondly on the strength of her own family's background.