Chapter 4, Huazhang Hall

In this world, young ladies have their own ways, and maids have their own ways.

Mr. Ji was invited by the Xie family to serve as a female instructor, not only because she had previously worked as a female official in the palace and was well-versed in etiquette. This instructor is truly knowledgeable in all areas; such individuals are commonly referred to as polymaths. Mr. Ji is capable of teaching etiquette and rules, is knowledgeable in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and has even delved into historical texts and classical literature. The Xie family inviting her to serve was not her taking advantage of them, but rather the Xie family benefiting greatly from her presence.

Mr. Ji looked at Xie Moru, who said, "Everyone has their own difficulties. The Zuo Zhuan states it this way, and the outcome is as such; it is merely for observation."

Xie Mo You said, "How could the elder sister forget? The first of the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars is the story of Emperor Shun's filial piety towards Heaven. Shun, who is also a revered emperor, is surely a hundred times more noble than Duke Zheng of Zhuang, yet he does not possess the narrow-mindedness of Duke Zhuang."

Xie Moru drank tea and read until the time for class in the afternoon, then went to Huazhang Hall in advance to wait for Mr. Ji. Mr. Ji taught the piano in the afternoon. Xie Moru had no talent for music, only understanding the score and being able to play, but his playing was rather clumsy. In contrast, Xie Mo'you had considerable talent in piano, and the pieces he played were very melodious. Xie Moru also quite enjoyed listening to Xie Mo'you's tinkling piano playing.

Speaking of the story of Shun's filial piety towards Heaven, let us first not mention that Shun lived in the age of deities. The time when Shun did not hold grudges against the elephant was before he became king. If Shun had killed the elephant before ascending to the throne, it is likely that there would have been no story of his filial piety towards Heaven, nor would there have been any admiration from Yao for him

The morning passed quickly, and by the time class was over, the two sisters tidied up their schoolwork and parted ways at the entrance of Huazhang Hall, each returning to their respective courtyards. Yesterday, having had lunch and dinner at Songbai Courtyard, Mrs. Xie did not summon Xie Moru for lunch today, so she dined with her mother, Mrs. Fang.

Xie Mo You and Xie Mo Ru are of the same age, differing only by two months in terms of seniority. Hearing Xie Mo speak in this manner, I cannot fully accept it and say, "In the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars, there are stories of Lu Yi obeying his mother, and of Wang Xiang enduring harsh treatment from his stepmother. How did these individuals treat their stepmothers and half-brothers? This is still a stepmother, not a biological mother. No matter how bad Wu Jiang was, at least she never cruelly mistreated Duke Zheng of Zhou, right?" In contrast, Wang Xiang did not retaliate against his stepmother or half-brother despite suffering from his stepmother's harsh treatment, did he?

As for Shun's ascension to the throne, it seems that the elephant was not lacking in tact. If Duke Zhuang of Zheng had not faced a rebellion from Gong Shuduan after ascending the throne, would he have had to take the initiative to deal with Gong Shuduan? Even if Gong Shuduan had plotted a rebellion, Duke Zhuang did not seek his life. As for Wu Jiang, Duke Zhuang made the harsh statement "If we do not meet in the Yellow Springs, we shall never meet again," yet he still dug a secret passage for mother and son to meet. Regardless of whether it was for reputation or other reasons, Duke Zhuang of Zheng did not kill his mother or fratricide, how does this compare to Qin Shi Huang or Tang Taizong? As for Wu Jiang, Duke Zhuang made the harsh statement "If we do not meet in the Yellow Springs, we shall never meet again," yet he still dug a secret passage for mother and son to meet. Regardless of whether it was for reputation or other reasons, Duke Zhuang of Zheng did not kill his mother or fratricide, how does this compare to Qin Shi Huang or Tang Taizong?

Xie Moru closed her eyes, inhaling the fragrant aroma of the wontons, and contentedly began her breakfast. She adhered to a routine of exercising every morning and evening, which contributed to her good health. With good health, her appetite was certainly robust; Xie Moru enjoyed two bowls of wontons in succession, and feeling satisfied, she got up, chose a lilac-colored dress to change into, and contentedly went to Songbai Courtyard to pay her respects. Afterwards, she went to Huazhang Hall to study with Xie Moxiu.

Xie Moru enjoyed the spring scenery, while Fang's expression revealed neither joy nor displeasure, and she remained silent. Xie Moru served a bowl of tofu, ham, mushroom, and bamboo shoot soup beside her mother, and the two of them ate in silence, having a rather tranquil lunch. Fang got up to take a nap in the bedroom, and Xie Moru bid farewell as she left Fang's small courtyard. Upon returning to her own wisteria courtyard, she held a cup of fragrant jasmine tea and quietly lost herself in thought by the wisteria flowers under the corridor.

At the beginning of the month, the sky is adorned with a crescent moon, while countless stars cast a hazy glow over the world. Even the room is not entirely dark, but rather a shifting tapestry of deep and light grays. Within the veil, Xie Moru turns over and quietly falls asleep

Xie Moru truly does not understand how Xie Moyou could bring this up. Why does Min Sun not plead for his stepmother? After all, his father is already aware of the stepmother's unkindness. His plea for her is an act of his benevolence. Moreover, there are three younger brothers from the stepmother in the family; it is not easy for his father to simply abandon her. It is likely that this is merely a moment of anger. By pleading for his stepmother, he elevates his own reputation for benevolence, and given the stepmother's past, how could she dare to treat Min Sun poorly? The same reasoning applies to Wang Xiang. Wang Xiang, in the dead of winter, took off his clothes and lay on the ice; who with eyes could not see that? It is likely that this is merely a moment of anger. By pleading for his stepmother, he elevates his own reputation for benevolence, and given the stepmother's past, how could she dare to treat Min Sun poorly? The same reasoning applies to Wang Xiang. Wang Xiang, in the dead of winter, took off his clothes and lay on the ice; who with eyes could not see that? What more could the stepmother do? Furthermore, there are many ways to catch fish in winter; no one goes lying on the ice to do so. If the stepmother truly wanted to make things difficult for Wang Xiang, it does not necessarily mean making him lie on the ice to catch fish. However, people see this and must say that Wang Xiang is so filial to his stepmother, while the stepmother is so harsh.

The Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars are the most clichéd stories. Both Min Sun and Wang Xiang suffered under the torment of their stepmothers. When Min Sun's father discovered the harsh treatment he received from his stepmother, he was furious and wanted to divorce her. Min Sun knelt and pleaded with his father to forgive the stepmother, saying, "If we keep my mother, only I will suffer the cold; if we divorce her, all three children will have to endure the cold." His father was deeply moved and agreed to his request. Seeing Min Sun's kindness and righteousness, the stepmother regretted her wrongs and thereafter treated him as her own child. Wang Xiang's story is quite similar; he was also disliked by his stepmother. When she fell ill and craved fish, despite the freezing cold and the river being frozen over, he took off his clothes and lay on the ice in the dead of winter. The ice suddenly melted, and two carp leaped out. After the stepmother ate the fish, her illness was cured, and from then on, she treated Wang Xiang as her own child.

In the tales of the Twenty-Four Filial Exemplars, there are indeed several remarkable stories. The sage king Shun suffered more than Min Sun and Wang Xiang, and his plight was not merely that of being mistreated by a stepmother; his stepmother sought his life directly. It seems that the misfortune of Shun's family was profound, as not only did his stepmother want him dead, but his half-brother Xiang, born of the stepmother, and even his biological father, the blind old man, were all scheming and resorting to unscrupulous means to kill Shun. Nevertheless, Shun resolutely refused to stoop to their level. Eventually, he became emperor and even granted his half-brother Xiang a feudal title, putting aside past grievances.

History is the least meaningful subject for debate; as the saying goes, the benevolent see benevolence, and the wise see wisdom. If Xie Mo does not wish to argue, then "Indeed, otherwise, how could Shun be called a sage king"

Xie Moru feels neither sadness nor disappointment, as if it were an object that one has never possessed, and thus does not know whether it is good or bad, nor has any desire for it. Therefore, there is no attachment or aversion. For instance, if you ask a novice monk who has been vegetarian since childhood whether he likes to eat meat, he would not express love or dislike; rather, he simply does not understand its taste.

The news of Xie Bozhong's success in the imperial examination brought an added touch of joy to the entire Xie family. Early in the morning, as was her custom, Xie Moru walked in circles along the cobblestone path in the garden. It had been agreed the day before to prepare lotus leaf porridge, and Granny Zhang had already instructed someone to pick the tender fresh lotus leaves. However, while Xie Moru was walking in the morning, she noticed that new shepherd's purse had sprouted in the garden. As the mistress of the Azalea Courtyard, she requested a change, and breakfast was thus transformed into steaming hot large wontons filled with shepherd's purse and fresh meat. The newly sprouted shepherd's purse in early spring was fresh and juicy. The garden was filled with various flowers and plants, naturally accompanied by some wild grasses and vegetables. Shepherd's purse is a wild vegetable, and had it not been for the time when Granny Zhang prepared it for her, Xie Moru would not have known how delicious this small wild vegetable could be.

Xie Moru understood Zhang Momo's thoughts; perhaps the Dujing Courtyard had indeed been neglected for too long. Xie Bai merely sent her back, and Zhang Momo was able to be so delighted.

Xie Moru need not inquire to know that Mrs. Xie is looking for her, and it is certainly not a joyful occasion. Therefore, Xie Moru did not display a cheerful expression, but rather wore a calm and indifferent demeanor as she stepped into the Pine and Cypress Courtyard

Xie Bo sent Xie Mo Ru back to the Du Juan Courtyard, then turned back to his own Cang Bai Courtyard

Xie Moru did not feel that there was anything to be pleased about with Xie Bai sending her back. Since childhood, she had never received joy from the Xie family, but neither had she experienced hatred. The Xie family had never been harsh to her; of course, they had never shown her affection either. She was born and raised here, yet she felt more like a stranger to her blood relatives.

Xie Mo You, upon hearing this "high opinion," could not help but say, "Everything happens for a reason. If his mother, Wu Jiang, had balanced a bowl of water, it is unlikely that the brothers would have quarreled."

It is truly an old and worn-out story

Returning to the Azalea Courtyard, Xie Moru did not go back to her own small courtyard. The Azalea Courtyard is quite well-structured, designed as a courtyard within a courtyard. Upon entering, one finds the large garden of the Azalea Courtyard, which features a moon gate facing south, leading to the main small courtyard of the Azalea Courtyard, where Xie Moru's mother, Fang, resides. To the east, west, and south, there are three additional small courtyards. Xie Moru lives in the southern courtyard, directly opposite her mother's, which is filled with wisteria, prompting Xie Moru to name it the Wisteria Small Courtyard. Xie Moru walked through the garden and first went to the main small courtyard to take a look. The lights inside were already off, and after giving a few instructions to the gatekeeper, Xie Moru returned to her own Wisteria Small Courtyard.

Moreover, Xie Bo is the cherished darling of the master and mistress, holds a significant position in the Xie family, and is a newly appointed top scholar. He is bound to have a bright future. The thought of such a person treating her family's eldest daughter with special regard brings a smile of joy to Zhang Momo's face.

Xie Moru cannot say that benevolence and righteousness are not good, and thus states, "Therefore, Min Sun and Wang Xiang are benevolent and righteous gentlemen, the most virtuous and filial; while Duke Zhuang is a minor hegemon of the Spring and Autumn period"

Xie Mo You felt that Xie Mo Ru was subtly admitting defeat, and a smile appeared at the corner of his lips, after which he no longer spoke

Madam Zhang was in a very good mood as she attended to Xie Moru after her wash, her eyes filled with joy and satisfaction. "It is getting late, Miss, you should go to sleep. You have school early tomorrow morning," she said. In her heart, she felt that Xie Bai was indeed a very good person. The location of the Cuckoo Courtyard was somewhat remote, and although Madam Zhang had brought some maids to escort her, her biological father, Xie Song, had not sent anyone to accompany Xie Moru back to the Cuckoo Courtyard. In comparison, how considerate Xie Bai was.

Yesterday I learned to paint, today I expound on the scriptures

Fang has always only had lunch and dinner. She is usually taciturn and has little to say to Xie Moru, nor does she have any particular requirements for lunch, thus it is all arranged by Xie Moru. The spring days not only bring beautiful sunlight, but also the season of flourishing grass and flying orioles, along with many delicious foods. Whether it is the newly sprouted spring bamboo shoots and tender shepherd's purse, or the ordinary small greens briefly blanched in boiling water, mixed with softened red yam vermicelli, thinly sliced egg shreds, drizzled with fragrant vinegar and autumn oil, and finally, the dried shrimp lightly sautéed in vegetable oil and mixed in, seasoned to taste, it becomes a refreshing side dish. Whether it is the newly sprouted spring bamboo shoots and tender shepherd's purse, or the ordinary small greens briefly blanched in boiling water, mixed with softened red yam vermicelli, thinly sliced egg shreds, drizzled with fragrant vinegar and autumn oil, and finally, the dried shrimp lightly sautéed in vegetable oil and mixed in, seasoned to taste, it becomes a refreshing side dish.

She is not very discreet when it comes to eating. It is customary for young ladies to eat gracefully, taking small bites to maintain decorum. When it comes to eating wontons, naturally, the delicate, thin-skinned, lightly filled small wontons are the most appropriate. However, Xie Moru prefers the larger wontons that are thin-skinned and generously filled. The broth is exquisite and should resemble that of the small wontons. It is made with a rich bone broth, complemented by translucent dried shrimp and egg crepe. When served, a small pinch of finely chopped green spring onions is sprinkled on top, and the blue-and-white porcelain spoon gently stirs the broth, releasing an enticing aroma

For instance, if delivering good news is a joyous occasion, like when Uncle Xie won the title of the top scholar yesterday, the head maid, Su Xin, from Madam Xie's household personally went to Huazhang Hall to convey the happy tidings. There is no need to ask; the maid would naturally report the good news. Similarly, the day before, when Madam Xie sent someone to ask her to select jewelry, the maid who delivered the message also wore a smile on her face. Today, the messenger is A Fen, a little maid whom Xie Mo has not seen much of, but she knows that A Fen is a third-class maid from the Songbai Courtyard. With her hair styled for the first time, she wears a modified blue dress and skirt that were previously worn by a senior maid. She speaks little and is quite honest. Generally, little maids like A Fen are not called upon for delivering messages.

As spring has arrived, the winter daffodils have withered, and the potted plants in the room have been replaced with fragrant jasmine. The blue-and-white porcelain flower pot, with its white base and blue patterns, complements the tender green branches and leaves unique to spring, adorned with a handful of small white buds that exude a rich fragrance. Xie Moru, known for her leisurely disposition, has changed into casual attire to tend to the jasmine. Before long, a young maid named Afen from the pine and cypress courtyard comes to deliver a message that Madam Xie has called for her.

Both stepmothers are quite ruthless, yet Min Sun and Wang Xiang are not to be underestimated either. Otherwise, how could the harsh deeds of the stepmothers be recounted for a thousand years? Moreover, Xie Mo does not believe at all that Wang Xiang, by simply lying down on the ice, caused the ice to melt on its own and the fish to jump out of the river. Wang Xiang is not a deity

What is being discussed is not the scriptures recited by monks, but rather the serious and formal Thirteen Classics. The opening of the Spring and Autumn Annals, "Zheng Bo Ke Duan at Yan," conveys profound meanings. Mr. Ji explained the significance of this passage and posed questions to two students. Xie Mo You did not respond, but Xie Mo You remarked, "What is meant by cause and effect is that Zheng Bo has lost his integrity, and it is not false that Gong Shu Duan harbors ambitious intentions."

Since ancient times, people have always liked to find countless reasons for their actions. Studying the quarrel between Duke Zhuang and his brothers is perhaps less meaningful than reading the Dao De Jing. Xie Moru lightly remarked, "Duke Zhuang of Zheng ascended the throne at the age of 14, and after 22 years, at the age of 36, he was driven away by Gong Shuduan due to a rebellion. Gong Shuduan did not act impulsively; Duke Zhuang tolerated him for 22 years and did not execute him, which can be seen as an act of utmost benevolence. In my view, Duke Zhuang did not err significantly. As for what the texts say, 'Duke Zheng conquered Duan at Yan,' it is said that Duan was not a brother, hence the term 'not brother'; as for the two lords, it is thus referred to as 'conquered'; calling him Duke Zheng is a criticism of his failure to educate; this is referred to as Zheng Zhi. Not mentioning his fleeing is difficult to understand. The historians have always hoped that rulers are wise and virtuous, yet they fail to recognize that everyone has their likes and dislikes. During Duke Zhuang's reign, Zheng State defeated the allied forces of Zhou, Guo, Wei, Cai, and Chen at the Battle of Zhuge, and subsequently defeated the allied forces of Song, Chen, Cai, Wei, and Lu, making Zheng State unprecedentedly powerful. Duke Zhuang possessed the qualities of a wise ruler, implemented policies to strengthen the state, achieved remarkable accomplishments, and did not engage in foolish acts, thus can be considered a person who started and ended well. Many rulers in the Spring and Autumn period were not as capable as Duke Zhuang. Not to mention these matters, focusing solely on the issue of brotherly quarrels shows the harshness of historical writing. Therefore, I say it is better to take a look and not let a single leaf obstruct the view, lest one fails to see Mount Tai.

Xie Moru usually only goes to Songbai Courtyard in the morning to pay his respects, and after the afternoon classes are over, he either returns to his own courtyard to read or to enjoy leisure activities, both of which are acceptable

The courses for the girls in the Xie family are not demanding, allowing them to leisurely pass the time

Xie Moru had no choice but to change into a new dress and skirt, restyle her hair, and re-pin her hair with pearl flowers. She instructed Zhang Momo to arrange for dinner, saying, "If I return late, let my mother eat first." Then she set off with Jingwei and Zitong.

As for Zheng Bo Ke Duan in Yan, this matter seems to serve as a warning to the world: one should marry a virtuous wife. Otherwise, marrying a woman like Wu Jiang truly brings disaster to three generations.