Chapter 4: Entering the Mansion (1)

Chen Wanquan was in a state of panic, exclaiming to Xianglan: "Why did you agree to this! I earnestly pleaded with her, and if you just give her some more silver, you won't have to serve in the manor. By the time you are of age, respectable families won't want you anymore"

Chen Wanquan shot a glare at Xianglan: "What kind of man do you want to marry? If you wish to marry a scholar or a gentleman, you are not worthy!" He then sighed in relief, "You have seen that young man from the Liu family, haven't you? You played with him when you were little; he is two years older than you. He is not foolish, but rather kind-hearted and honest. When it comes to marriage, one should marry someone like him, who is straightforward, understand? His father plans to secure a position for him in the village in the future, so you won't suffer if you marry him. Moreover, Liu Dazhanggui has a good reputation in front of the old master, his family is well-off, and they have young maidservants to attend to them. I see it as being quite similar to a small landlord's family. He is their only son, cherished like a precious gem, and many families have their eyes on him. Now that he has set his sights on you, marrying into such a family is a blessing for you."

Yang Hongying picked up the bowl and took a sip of tea, glanced at Xue, and said: "Alas, I have been extremely busy these past few days. Old Lady Zeng is clearly not doing well, and within these few days, the household will have to enter mourning. At that time, the master, the mistress, the two elder sisters, as well as one illegitimate son and one illegitimate daughter, will all have to return to the capital to observe the mourning rites"

As soon as the words fell, Xianglan came out from the inner room with a tray of tea and placed it on the kang table. Yang Hongying held Xianglan's hand and smiled, "Oh my, my child, I remember when I first saw you, you were still so small, and now you've grown so much in the blink of an eye." While saying this, she carefully examined her. The girl in front was about thirteen or fourteen years old, with a slender figure and a face like a peach blossom, her long eyebrows reaching her temples, lips red and teeth white, and a pair of bright, clear eyes, truly a beauty, pure and elegant, making one forget the mundane world upon seeing her.

Xianglan said: "I do not envy the life of the madams in the mansion; I am concerned about my own future. Father, have you ever considered redeeming yourself from the household? Over the years, our family has saved a bit of money. You could open an antique shop, or I could sell some paintings. Our family has some silver; living freely is far better than being a servant"

Xue pointed his lips towards the inner room and said: "It's my daughter who wrote this. She has nothing better to do than to mess around with these chaotic things in the library. I just scolded her about it."

Yang Hongying said: "One must return to attend the funeral of one's grandmother even while serving in an official capacity; this is referred to as 'Ding You'. As a result, there are not enough maids in the residence, and I have been busy with this matter for two days without much sleep."

Chen Wanquan said: "You have never suffered any setbacks since childhood, and you do not understand the severity of situations. Although the master is kind, there have been maidservants who have died in this household. Moreover, even if you leave the house in a few years, if you cannot find a family like that of Manager Huang, you..."

Then a woman in her mid-thirties entered, saying, "It is I." She had thick eyebrows and a square face, was tall, and wore a dark green coat. Her hair was neatly styled and shiny, held up with two silver hairpins. The makeup on her face was applied evenly and meticulously, exuding an air of shrewdness and capability. This person was surnamed Yang, with the given name Hongying. She was originally the daughter of Yang Shun, the steward of the Lin family, and had married a relatively prominent manager within the Lin household. Due to her eloquence and competence, she was highly valued among the daughters-in-law in the household.

Xiang Lan was taken aback: "Liu the shopkeeper? I definitely do not want his son! I heard that he was seriously ill when he was young, and his mind is not very sharp. He still looks rather foolish now."

Chen Wanquan angrily exclaimed, "What good is that! Some ordinary folks live even worse than our family does!"

Xue had already guessed about eight or nine parts of the situation, and his heart was pounding. He forced a smile and said, "Just find someone to buy a few girls back."

Yang Hongying said: "Not everyone can be released, but for young masters, young ladies, and madams, there are respectable maids who can be let go. Nowadays, times are tough; who wouldn't want to be close to the Lin family? Therefore, there are fewer favors granted for release."

Xue was so anxious that she shed tears, saying: "If only I were by her side, it would be much easier to make decisions, to select a suitable family for the engagement, and then seek favor from the master and mistress. Once she enters the mansion, if she is matched with some older bachelor, our Xianglan's entire life would be ruined"

Xianglan interrupted, saying: "That is also my fate, and I accept my fate." Her tone was calm, yet her gaze was filled with a resolute determination.

Yang Hongying said: "After two years at hetushu.com, I will arrange a match for Xianglan, and we can request a favor from the family to allow her to leave the house and get married. Most of the masters will likely provide a dowry as well. There were a few from the family who were matched and sent out, all of whom had made mistakes..." At this point, she suddenly remembered that Xue was also one who had been 'matched and sent out,' so she stopped speaking and awkwardly added: "Even so, it seems that those few are living quite well now."

Yang Hongying nodded in satisfaction and said to Chen Wanquan and his wife, "Your daughter is indeed ambitious." After finishing the remaining half cup of tea, she added, "I shall not disturb you any further." With that, she pushed the door open and walked out.

Xianglan said decisively: "Then I will enter the residence." Xue Shi exclaimed in surprise, and Xianglan glanced at her mother before saying to Yang Hongying: "I am willing to enter the residence."

Xue frowned and said: "What are you talking about? What use is your daily routine of lofty words and phrases if you can't even pass the scholar's examination? Learning a good skill in needlework can help you find a good marriage; can't you tell which is more important? If you were a young lady from a prominent family, you could indulge in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting as you please, but do you even understand your own status? You should quickly gather your thoughts!"

Yang Hongying nodded silently, then carefully scrutinized Xianglan, asking her about her daily activities and hobbies. Xue believed that Yang Hongying intended to propose a match for Xianglan, feeling delighted and thinking to herself: "This Yang lady holds a respectable position in front of the matriarchs in the household; everyone below treats her with great respect. Those who interact with her are all prominent figures in the household. If I could entrust her to find a match better than Liu Dazhang's, it might not be impossible. Although the Liu family is wealthy, their son is somewhat foolish and unworthy of my daughter." She then sent Xianglan into the room, hoping to engage in conversation with Yang Hongying.

Xianglan Road: "Common people can take charge of their own lives, and when they have children, they can encourage them to study hard. Who knows, they might even become the 'scholar or gentleman' that their father speaks of. If things do not go well, they can still have their own land and businesses, which is far better than being a servant for generations."

On that day, when Xue returned home, she saw Xianglan painting a peony and was in the process of writing a caption. Her mood darkened even further, and with a sullen expression, she said: "A good girl like you should not be engaging in such frivolous activities. Your father indulges you too much. What use is there in writing these trivial things and painting these worthless items? And reading those pointless and miscellaneous books has made you lose your mind. You should learn some needlework and embroidery; that is the proper path! The family does not expect you to earn a few small coins!"

Upon seeing her arrive, Mrs. Xue hurriedly made way in the room, instructing Xianglan to bring tea and snacks, while Chen Wanquan quickly retreated to the inner room. Yang Hongying smiled and said, "Sister-in-law, no need to rush." As she spoke, she sat down on the kang. Mrs. Xue smiled and asked, "What fragrant breeze has brought you here today?"

Chen Wanquan was eating in the inner room when he heard the words and came out holding a bowl of rice, saying: "What do you want? Do you wish to rebel? Living this kind of life, being born into such a family, are you not satisfied? There are so many people outside who envy what you have! You little brat, speaking such wild words. Hurry up and do some needlework; in a couple of years, you should be getting married. With such a fierce reputation, even Liu, the owner of the silk shop, has taken a liking to you. A few days ago, he took the purse you made back to look at it, and soon a matchmaker will come. At that time, Liu will go to the master and madam to ask for a favor, and promise you to someone. Next year, the wedding will be arranged, and your mother and I can finally feel a bit at ease!"

Chen Wanquan said: "The fourth daughter of the Liu family next door and the fifth daughter of the Zhang family are both about the same age as our Xianglan"

In recent days, Aunt Lu has been leaving early and returning late, sneaking around without anyone knowing what she is busy with, and she has not come to the Chen family to cause trouble. Xianglan has been exceptionally joyful, fully devoted to her painting. Her conflict with Aunt Lu has indeed made her "famous overnight," and many families have abandoned the thought of forming a marriage alliance with her family. Mrs. Xue has become increasingly worried, feeling quite unhappy.

Yang Hongying said: "I specifically came to see you. Last time, you took some needles and threads from the residence, and I haven't seen you for months. There are some new tasks at the residence, and the pay is quite generous. You should go find Mama Cui at the second gate later." She then looked at the kang table, picked up a piece of paper, and exclaimed: "What beautiful handwriting! It's even better than that of the young masters in the residence. Who wrote this?"

Chen Wanquan listened and hurriedly came out from the inner room, repeatedly waving his hands and saying: "No, no, our Xianglan does not have that capability. She usually only writes a few characters, cannot handle a needle, and does not speak or draw. She is not accustomed to serving others; she would only get scolded if she went in! Moreover, she is getting older and will need to marry in a couple of years. I only have this one daughter, and I hope that Lady Yang will keep her here. If I report that she has fallen ill or something else, I will certainly not forget your kindness."

Xue said: "Not yet, after all, I am still young, and there is no need to rush."

Xianglan sneered, "Why must your eyelids be so shallow? Are we destined to serve others as slaves for a lifetime, with no hope of rising above?"

Chen Wanquan said: "Do you think opening an antique shop is easy? Do you have the capital for it?" With a sigh, he continued, "I also wish to leave the Lin family sooner. The two shopkeepers in the store are also the type to squeeze people. Working here is quite distressing, but redeeming myself requires a sum of silver. Back when I joined the Lin family, I only sold five taels, but over the years, with food and lodging provided by the Lin family, I don't know how many times that amount of silver I would need to pay to leave."

Mr. and Mrs. Chen Wanquan are still desperately pleading, while Xianglan hides behind the curtain, listening intently. She thinks to herself: "Father and Mother intend for me to be betrothed to the Liu family, and they plan for me to marry next year. Since both of them have made up their minds, it is likely that it will be difficult to change their decision. It would be better to enter the Lin residence first; every day I can delay is a day gained. If I can delay for a few years, I will have saved enough money to make further plans. Moreover, if the Lin family has a good family ethos, there is a chance I could be released from my status in the future." With this thought, she steps out and asks, "Aunt Yang, if I enter the residence as a maid, will I be able to be released from my status later on?"

Yang Hongying said: "Brother Chen, why must you say these things? I am doing this for the good of your daughter. With Xianglan's looks and character, it would be better for her to be elevated to a concubine in the future, or perhaps to be released and marry into a wealthy family, rather than finding a servant from the manor."

Xiang Lan said softly: "If the owner of the silk shop, Liu, is considered a respectable person, then such 'respectable people' are better off without. If one does not enter the mansion, one can only marry a servant's family, and the children born will still be servants; if one enters the mansion, there is always the possibility of marrying an ordinary commoner in the future"

Xianglan said: "Although I may not paint as well as the masters in the temple, I sold a painting the other day for a couple of silver coins, which is equivalent to the monthly allowance of a third-class maid in the household. How can that be considered 'small change'? Furthermore, how can the books of sages and worthies be dismissed as trivial matters? Reading them brings wisdom and understanding, ensuring that one does not live a confused life."

Xue said with great joy: "Is it true? Did the Liu family really say that?"

Xianglan puffed her cheeks in anger and said: "If I were to marry someone like that, I might as well twist my hair up now and become a nun!"

Chen Wanquan said: "Listen! What are you talking about? What kind of life do you want to lead? The ladies in the mansion have a good life, and you were born into this situation! The grass is always greener on the other side; now you have enough to eat and wear, and a good marriage prospect, yet you are still not content.

Xue was taken aback and said, "Isn't the master serving as an official in the capital?"

Yang Hongying joyfully remarked: "She is truly a beautiful girl, rare to find someone who can both write and read; no wonder she was raised in a Buddhist family, she is different from them." She then went on to ask Xue: "Have you found a suitable match yet?"

Xue glanced at her husband, then at her daughter, and silently closed her mouth

Yang Hongying sighed, "It's not that easy. Buying a new servant requires training and teaching the rules, how can it compare to those who are familiar with the household?" Lowering her voice, she continued, "In recent years, Madam Lou has been managing the household, and the accounts have suffered considerable losses. There isn't much silver left to buy a maid. Now, Master Lou is pressing for it, which is why we hurriedly came down to select a few local girls to serve. I think your Xianglan is quite good; she has a nice appearance and a gentle temperament, sure to please the master and madam. Why not let her enter the manor to serve for two years, learn some rules, and perhaps secure a better future? Everyone says, 'Better to have a maid from a reputable family than to marry a common girl.' Well-bred maids can certainly have their fortunes."

Yang Hongying interrupted, saying: "There is also the second young lady of the Lu family and the sixth young lady of the Gong family. I have seen these few; they are either too unattractive or have such timid personalities that they cannot stand on their own. They have all stuffed me with silver, begging me to send their daughters to the mansion. Is it really that easy? Lord Lou wants to personally review them and has specifically instructed that we must choose those who are good-looking and have gentle temperaments. This is not a matter of just stuffing silver."

Xue hurriedly got off the bed and asked, "Who is it?"

Xianglan said: "Father is just timid. If he secretly collected antiques to sell, I wonder how much he could earn." Just as she was speaking, she heard someone at the door calling out loudly: "Is Sister Chen at home?"