A shoutout and thank you so very much to ShrikeSeams for supporting me on ko-fi!
Also, because I’m stupid and late to the game in realizing you can acknowledge supporters in chapters, a belated but sincere thank you to Rious, Ameerea, and Caligirl who have supported me before.
After working in the Ministry of War for more than ten days, Xiao Jingduo gradually became familiar with the affairs of the Office of Military Affairs and also got used to the new rhythm of working for only half a day and attending court at irregular times.
That day, after finishing his usual official meal, he returned to his residence to read and practice calligraphy.
Xiao Lin knocked on the door and handed him a letter:
“Eldest Young Master, your letter.”
On the envelope, the name Bai Jiayi was boldly written.
A few days earlier, Bai Jiayi had arrived in the capital. He first went to the Ministry of Personnel to give his report, busy to the point of exhaustion. Once he finally found some free time, he immediately wrote to his old friends like Xiao Jingduo, inviting them out for a small gathering.
While Xiao Jingduo was in the middle of writing a reply, Qiuju gently knocked on the study door:
“Eldest Young Master, just now a message came from Gaoshu Hall. The Old Madam asks you to come over for dinner.”
In the past, on the rare days when Xiao Jingduo stayed in the residence, the Old Madam seldom called him to eat at Gaoshu Hall. Normally, food would be delivered from the kitchen, and he would take his meals in Qingze Courtyard alone. In the Marquis of Dingyong’s household, each branch ate in their own courtyard. Only a very few who were especially favored—like Cousin Cheng Huizhen or Xiao Jinghu—were often at the Old Madam’s side and remembered by her, allowed to dine in Gaoshu Hall. As for an unlikable grandson like Xiao Jingduo, he had always taken care of his three meals on his own.
But the world changes. As Xiao Jingduo’s official rank grew higher and higher, the Old Madam’s attitude gradually shifted. Especially after she learned that Xiao Jingduo now held an extremely powerful position—an enviable appointment that everyone desired—she immediately changed the household’s usual practice, insisting that Xiao Jingduo dine with her at Gaoshu Hall every evening. If not for the fact that he had official duties in the morning requiring him to be at court roll call, and that lunch had to and must be eaten within the imperial city, the Old Madam would surely have wrapped all three of his daily meals under her watch.
However, glancing at the sky, Xiao Jingduo thought to himself: At this hour? Dinner is far too early.
When he arrived at Gaoshu Hall, his suspicions were confirmed—sure enough, the food here really wasn’t that good.
The womenfolk spent the entire day in the inner residence. Aside from doing needlework or shopping for clothes, much of their remaining time was passed in the Old Madam’s company. When Xiao Jingduo entered the room, several aunts and cousins were already present. At the sound of the maid’s announcement, everyone stopped speaking, and a few of the younger girls even stood up, facing the doorway.
After coming inside, Xiao Jingduo first saluted the Old Madam. His younger female cousins stepped aside, then gracefully paid their respects to him:
“Eldest Brother.”
The Old Madam beckoned to him:
“Duo’er, come over here quickly.”
As he walked forward, several aunts stood up to give him their seats. But instead of following the Old Madam’s wish to sit at her side, Xiao Jingduo stopped halfway and would not go any further.
“Your grandson dares not overstep. Grandmother, please just say what you wish.”
The Old Madam sighed. She knew Xiao Jingduo would not be so easy to draw in. She then instructed the maid behind her:
“Go prepare a seat for the Eldest Young Master.”
The maid brought over a low couch and, following Xiao Jingduo’s direction, placed it to the side. The womenfolk were all seated in the east chamber, chatting. Behind the Old Madam stood an eight-panel peony screen, and before it was set a wide low couch. On the couch sat a small square wooden table, upon which melons and fruits were placed. The Old Madam leaned against one side of the table, while on the other side sat the Second Madam of the Xiao family. Below her, on another low couch, sat the Third Madam. As for the unmarried young ladies, they were all gathered around their grandmother and mothers, kneeling neatly along the edges of the couches.
The Third Madam and the Second Madam of the Xiao family were both elders, so naturally they could not crowd together on the same couch like the young ladies. Thus, the Third Madam had another seat brought over, but hers was placed very close, making it look as though she was seated together with the Old Madam and the others. By contrast, Xiao Jingduo’s seat was set far away, separated from the womenfolk as if by the boundary between Chu and Han.
The Old Madam thought it looked terribly strange, but since the one seated there was now a sixth-rank court official, how could she dare to scold him? She could only pretend not to notice and instead said to Xiao Jingduo:
“Duo’er, your promotion is a most joyous event. It’s a pity that our household has been busy these days, and we haven’t had time to hold a banquet for you. How about this—once Third Young Lady’s matters are settled, we’ll hold a celebration for you then.”
So quickly arriving at the real subject, Xiao Jingduo immediately understood and, following the Old Madam’s lead, asked:
“I’ve been occupied with state affairs these past days and haven’t paid attention to the household. May I ask what has kept the manor so busy recently?”
The Old Madam, satisfied, brought out today’s true purpose:
“Your third younger sister is only a year or two younger than you, but her marriage has been delayed because of the state mourning. I discussed it with your father—last time, when mourning for Emperor Gaozu, we observed the full year. By rights, this time should also be a full year. But your third sister is getting older and really can’t wait any longer. So we’ve decided that after three months of mourning have passed, we’ll hold the wedding.”
This “Third Young Lady” was Xiao Yuman. After Xiao Yufang and Xiao Yuli married in succession, Yuman had been delayed, and just as she was preparing, state mourning fell upon them again. If they kept the full year this time too, her future husband might already have concubine-born children by the time she married. Xiao Yumang was deeply anxious, and even the Third Madam could not sit still. That was why they came to the Old Madam to suggest that after three months, the marriage should take place.
In truth, Xiao Jingduo was not pleased. He sincerely respected Emperor Wenzong and did not wish to see his family treat the mourning period so lightly. But the Old Madam’s reasoning was sound. Xiao Yumang was only a year younger than him. For a man, that was nothing, but for a woman, it was already considered advanced in age. If they observed the full year properly, she would be marrying far too late.
In earlier years, because of constant wars, women generally married later—eighteen, nineteen, even twenty was common. But with long-lasting peace, the marrying age for women had gradually dropped. By now, in noble circles, not being married at seventeen would invite gossip. Even if one could explain it away with the excuse of state mourning, it still looked unfavorable. What’s more, Xiao Yumang feared that if she delayed any longer, her husband would end up with several concubine children before she even set foot in his household.
In urgent matters, flexibility was needed. Xiao Jingduo could not insist on delaying his cousin’s marriage, so he held his tongue. Seeing that he raised no objection, the Old Madam moved on to the next matter:
“Third Young Lady is marrying into a marquisate, and her husband is the legitimate grandson of the marquis himself. This is a most excellent match. Since her husband’s family esteems her so highly, we cannot afford to appear shabby. The dowry must be prepared in grand style. The rosewood furniture has long been ready, so that needs no concern. But all her seasonal clothing must be newly made. I was thinking—hasn’t double-sided embroidery recently become fashionable in Chang’an? Why don’t we spend a bit more and prepare several outfits of double-sided embroidery for her, and send a few extra bolts of the fabric as part of the trousseau? That way, whether for making clothes in the future or for giving as gifts, she will have face. Since Third Young Lady is marrying up, we must make sure she leaves in splendor.”
At the mention of double-sided embroidery outfits, the Third Madam’s eyes lit up, and she quickly voiced her agreement:
“Many thanks for Mother’s thoughtfulness. Where else in the world could one find such a kind elder? For Third Young Lady to have you caring for her—it truly is the blessing of her destiny.”
The Second Madam of the Xiao family spoke sourly:
“When Second Young Lady married last year, why didn’t Mother prepare any double-sided embroidery? Now that it’s Third Branch’s turn, you suddenly become so generous.”
Several years ago, a duchess had wanted to choose a daughter-in-law from the Marquis of Dingyong’s household. Because of this, Xiao Yuli and Xiao Yumang fought bitterly, but in the end, relying on the Old Madam’s favoritism toward the Second Branch, Xiao Yumang managed to seize the match. Yet heaven closes one door and opens another—later, when Xiao Yumang attended a banquet at another marquis’s residence with her family, she unexpectedly caught the eye of the legitimate grandson of the Marquis of Runan. When she returned home, she pleaded with her family to arrange the marriage.
Although Xiao Yumang lived in a marquis’s household, the one who truly held the title was her eldest uncle, Xiao Ying. Her own father held only a minor position. But her prospective husband was the legitimate grandson of the Marquis of Runan—such a disparity was enormous. One could even say this engagement was far better than the match Xiao Yuli had “snatched,” for Yuli had only married into a ducal family’s secondary branch, while Xiao Yumang was to marry the legitimate heir of a marquisate.
Xiao Yumang was immensely proud, but just as the moon becomes full only to wane, her joy was short-lived. Not long after, Emperor Wenzong fell gravely ill. In such tense times, who would dare hold a wedding? In the end, Xiao Yuman’s marriage was delayed yet again, and she ran into a second period of national mourning.
The Third Branch and Xiao Yumang were so vexed they could nearly cough up blood, while the Second Madam felt utterly delighted. After all, how could the legitimate grandson of a marquis have no concubines? If Xiao Yumang delayed any longer, who knew how many children in the Marquis of Runan’s household would already be calling someone else “mother”?
Having been away from the residence for four years, Xiao Jingduo wasn’t familiar with all these twists and turns, so he simply sat quietly, listening to the Old Madam. Dowries themselves didn’t concern him much, but he knew they were of utmost importance to a woman. Since Xiao Yumang was his cousin, he would never begrudge her in such matters. Naturally, whatever the Old Madam suggested, he agreed to. But then, as he listened further, he almost thought he had misheard:
“Grandmother… did you say, double-sided embroidery?”
“Yes indeed!” The Old Madam thought he didn’t know, and happily gestured for a maid to hand him a handkerchief.
“Look at this piece—isn’t it exquisitely fine and bright? The rarest thing is that the flowers on both sides are identical. This is the most prestigious embroidery you can find in all of Chang’an!”
“Wait, hold on.” Xiao Yumang stopped the maid, untied another handkerchief from her waist, and passed it along together.
“Elder Brother, look at this one as well. I prefer elegant and understated designs like this. Always flowers and wealth motifs—that’s far too vulgar.”
Xiao Jingduo accepted the handkerchief, his thoughts complicated. He didn’t need the Old Madam’s explanation. Of course he knew this was double-sided embroidery. He even knew it was produced in Jinjiang County—under his own administration, the county’s embroidery industry had been directed to develop toward refined and elegant styles. He recognized his own county’s handiwork at a glance.
“And what’s the price for such a handkerchief here in Chang’an?” he asked.
“About one hundred cash per piece,” Xiao Yumang quickly explained, afraid he might not understand. “We bought from an acquaintance, so it was already much cheaper. If others bought it, it would cost one hundred and twenty cash.”
These profiteers! A double-sided embroidered handkerchief from Jinjiang County cost only twenty cash, or even as low as eighteen if purchased directly at a local workshop. But here in Chang’an, they dared sell it for one hundred—a full fivefold increase. And this was only for small items like handkerchiefs. Larger pieces, such as screens or round fans, who knew how outrageously expensive they must be?
Seeing Xiao Jingduo lower his head and pinch his brow, Xiao Yumang thought he simply didn’t understand the market and found it too costly. She quickly reassured him:
“Elder Brother, double-sided embroidery pieces are rare treasures—especially these elegant designs. They say they’re even a special local product of some county, making them priceless. To be able to buy them for a hundred cash, we’ve already gotten a bargain through our acquaintance!”
“I know.” Xiao Jingduo lifted his head, his expression already calm. “I just didn’t expect they would dare to buy something so expensive.”
If the Old Madam and the second and third branches had paid a little more attention to Xiao Jingduo’s affairs, they would have realized that the “county” they spoke of was none other than the very one he governed.
Xiao Jingduo was so angry he didn’t want to speak. Meanwhile, the Old Madam continued chatting with her daughters-in-law and granddaughters about brocades, and the topic only grew livelier: “Since this merchant house is honest and the price reasonable, why don’t we buy a few more bolts at once? Besides setting some aside for Third Girl’s dowry, the rest can be made into clothes for everyone in the family.”
The more Madam Xiao of the Second Branch listened, the more displeased she became. She gave a cold laugh and said, “Mother, your kindness is, of course, boundless. But I wonder—where is the money for all this brocade supposed to come from? In recent months the Marquisate has been spending heavily, and the household funds are already stretched thin. How can we possibly spare so much just to indulge the Third Branch?”
The moment Madam Xiao of the Second Branch finished, Madam Xiao of the Third Branch flared up: “And why is the household coffers empty, if not because Xiao Jinghu went to serve in the Imperial Guards, and so much had to be spent to smooth the way? Your Second Branch took plenty of advantage, yet now you still want to cut into Third Girl’s dowry—have you no shame?”
Seeing that the second and third branches were about to quarrel, the Old Madam snapped sharply, “That’s enough! Duo’er is still here—at least show some dignity as elders.”
Xiao Jingduo merely watched from the sidelines, waiting until they had quarreled themselves out before addressing the Old Madam: “Third Sister’s marriage is a joyous event. I just don’t know, Grandmother, what purpose you had in summoning me here today.”
“Good child.” Seeing Xiao Jingduo’s tact, the Old Madam softened her expression and slowly said, “It’s really nothing serious. According to custom, the clothing and daily expenses of each branch are drawn from the common funds. But if the household only spends and never replenishes, it cannot last. So, each branch must also contribute. For example, every year your father’s salary was added into the common account, and the whole family managed it together. Now that you, too, have entered official service, this is the honor of our Xiao clan as a whole. We are one family—why fuss over such things? So, Duo’er, what do you think?”
Xiao Jingduo thought to himself: As expected. Talking about the dowry was just a pretext—what they really had their eyes on was his salary.
He was currently a sixth-rank official, with a monthly salary of forty thousand coins. In addition, he received stipends in grain, livestock, and silk. For an ordinary household, this was already an astonishing fortune. Even in the Marquisate, where money flowed like water, forty thousand coins a month was no small sum. No wonder the Old Madam had been fixated on it.
Sure enough, the Old Madam immediately asked, “Duo’er, after your promotion, how much is your salary?”
“Forty thousand coins a month.”
Everyone in the room gasped. Madam Xiao of the Third Branch began calculating on her fingers: “Forty thousand a month! A double-sided embroidered handkerchief costs only a hundred cash, a dou of rice just twenty cash—how many things could you buy with that?”
She wasn’t wrong. The Xuan dynasty was rather considerate toward its officials: court officials worked only half-days, were provided seasonal clothing and midday meals, and received fruits and vegetables during festivals. A sixth- or seventh-rank official in the capital could comfortably support his family in Chang’an. Xiao Jingduo had no dependents, and when posted outside he ate and lived at the yamen, meaning he had been saving steadily all these years. Moreover, Jinjiang County prospered from brocade and jade; even if he had adhered strictly to regulations as magistrate, he wouldn’t be without some personal wealth. Now that he had been promoted, his salary had risen another tier, and money was hardly something he worried about.
The Old Madam and the second and third branches all gazed eagerly at Xiao Jingduo. “Duo’er, according to custom, the salaries of the men in the family all go into the common account. What do you think?”
Xiao Jingduo let out a sigh. Though he had rarely spent time at home these past years, the Marquisate had still raised him all this while—he had never lacked for food or clothing. Now that he had his own salary, he couldn’t be unreasonable enough to refuse the household entirely, not contributing a single coin. So, after pausing only a moment, Xiao Jingduo said to the Old Madam:
“This is the custom, and of course your grandson will comply. Third Sister will soon be married, so naturally her matters should take priority.”
The Old Madam breathed a great sigh of relief. “That’s good, I knew you were a child who understood propriety. Don’t bear any grudges, Duor. For now, only your father and you hold the highest posts in the family, so most of the household’s funds come from your main branch. But this year your second brother has also entered official service. After some time, Huer will be able to contribute to the family as well.”
Madam Xiao of the Second Branch immediately chimed in, “Exactly so.”
Madam Xiao of the Third Branch, however, was scornful. Yet in front of the Old Madam, she dared not show her disdain. She merely exchanged a glance with her daughter, Xiao Yumang, then smiled faintly without speaking.
Xiao Jingduo knew well that Xiao Jinghu had relied on Xiao Ying’s inherited quota to secure an official post. He asked casually, “And how is Second Brother doing in his post?”
“Huer has gone to the Imperial Guards, to defend the palace for the royal family—an important assignment indeed.”
“So it’s the Imperial Guards,” Xiao Jingduo nodded, and said nothing further. Civil appointments were handled by the Ministry of Personnel, military posts by the Ministry of War, and the Imperial Guards fell under the War Ministry’s jurisdiction. Since Xiao Jingduo himself was now at the Ministry of War, he naturally understood the matter very clearly.
Having achieved her aim, the Old Madam chatted a while longer before ordering the maids to set the meal. The women of the household were all satisfied, none more so than Xiao Yumang. With Xiao Jingduo willing to put his salary into the common account, and her wedding just around the corner, she stood to benefit the most. Her smile was the most genuine of all. On her way out, eager to show herself a grateful person, Xiao Yumang generously gifted Xiao Jingduo that elegant double-sided embroidered handkerchief.
Holding the handkerchief from Jinjiang County, Xiao Jingduo could only laugh bitterly. He had just sold off such embroideries in Jinjiang County, only to return to Chang’an and buy them back at five times the price—with his own salary, no less.
It was utterly, ridiculously laughable.
T/N: “separated … as if by the boundary between Chu and Han”: this is a historical metaphor that refers to the old division/rivalry between the ancient states of Chu and Han during the late Qin/early Han period. Liu Bang was the leader of the Han state, and Xiang Yu was the leader of the Chu state. After the fall of the Qin dynasty, a struggle between these two rebel leaders resulted in an all-out 4 year war. Liu Bang won, and the Han dynasty was established.
