Chapter 216: Chapter 216: 198: Strangled in the Cradle_1

On the day of the Double Ninth Festival, the Prefectural Governor’s Office was closed, and Yan Zhigao received an invitation from the Zhou Family’s patriarch to climb Wuhua Mountain and admire the chrysanthemums, which was the perfect opportunity to take Daohua and Zhou Jingwan along.

Early in the morning, Madam Li started preparing.

She knew that scholars liked to recite poetry while enjoying a drink during outings, and her daughter’s homemade chrysanthemum wine was perfect for a day like today.

It tasted good, wasn’t too strong, and was in keeping with the season.

Once she had everything ready and returned to the main room, she saw Yan Wenbin and Yan Yishuang standing there with bowed heads, while the master had a headache.

Seeing this, a flash of understanding crossed Madam Li’s eyes, and she walked in with a smile.

“Paying respects to mother!”

On seeing Madam Li come in, Yan Wenbin quickly pulled Yan Yishuang to give their salutations.

Madam Li said with a smile, “Stand up, both of you. It must have been hard to come and pay your respects this early. Have you eaten breakfast? If not, have something in my courtyard.”

Yan Zhigao, however, waved his hand, “You should go back to Shuangxin Courtyard to eat. Your aunt is pregnant and is likely to be extra sentimental nowadays. Everyone is off today, so you should keep her company.”

Hearing this, Yan Wenbin and Yan Yishuang both showed disappointment, “Yes, your son (daughter) shall take their leave.”

Once the two left, Madam Li took a washcloth from a maid and handed it to Yan Zhigao, asking with a smile, “Did they want to go out and have fun with the old master?”

Yan Zhigao took the cloth and nodded, “Wenbin said that always staying cooped up reading ‘dead books’ is not conducive to expanding one’s horizons, and he wanted to go out with me to see the world.”

Madam Li shook her head, “They are still children at heart, only thinking about going out for fun without considering that the old master is going out today as a courtesy to someone else’s invitation. How could it be appropriate to bring a child along?”

“Besides, even if the patriarch of the Zhou Family didn’t mind, a child can’t blend in with adults, and even if he went along, it would be awkward and uncomfortable.”

Yan Zhigao’s expression lightened, “That’s exactly the reason you mentioned, my dear.”

Madam Li pursed her lips in a smile.

It was not impossible for men to bring their children along when going out for social engagements, but those who should be brought were legitimate children born to the main wife. What would it mean to have a concubine’s child tagging along? The ignorant might think he was intending to raise a concubine’s child to a higher status.

“It makes some sense for Wenbin to want to accompany the old master to broaden his horizons, but what’s Yishuang’s reason?”

Yan Zhigao hesitated for a moment and then glanced at Madam Li, “Daohua wants to go to the horse field for fun, and that girl wants to go as well.”

“Ah!”

Madam Li shook her head and sighed deeply.

Seeing her like this, Yan Zhigao immediately asked, “What’s wrong, my dear?”

Madam Li looked at Yan Zhigao and hesitated before speaking, “There are things I want to say, but they might upset you, old master.”

Yan Zhigao: “…Please speak freely, my dear.”

Madam Li then said, “Don’t you think that Yishuang is too inclined to compare herself with Daohua?”

Yan Zhigao was startled, “It’s because Daohua excels, and she wants to learn from her.”

Madam Li scoffed inwardly.

Yearning for everything her daughter had, was this learning from her daughter? She was amazed the old master had the audacity to say that.

“Old master, since ancient times, there has been a distinction between the legitimate and the illegitimate. I believe I have been more than fair in my treatment of the Lin Family and their children, never being harsh.”

Yan Zhigao quickly replied, “My wife has always been virtuous, and I am well aware of that.”

Madam Li continued, “Yishuang was raised by the Lin Family from a young age, and technically it wouldn’t be right for me to intervene in her upbringing…”

Yan Zhigao interrupted her, “As the principal mother, it is your inherent right to discipline the children. How could you say it’s not your place to do so?”

Madam Li smiled teasingly and gave Yan Zhigao a sidelong glance, hinting, “Isn’t it because someone is afraid of being strict that a single cry makes the master feel pity?”

Yan Zhigao’s face immediately turned somewhat embarrassed.

Before he could speak, Madam Li added, “As for Yishuang, please rest assured, Master, I will not let her suffer. I will surely bring her along to any back hall banquet of the various mansions where it’s possible.”

Yan Zhigao immediately nodded in agreement, “I am aware of that.”

Last time during the banquet held by Judge Wang, the Madam also took Yishuang with her. After coming back, Yishuang told him excitedly that the poem she composed at the banquet won first place.

Although his wife came from a merchant family, she was kind-hearted and did not suppress the children of concubines as harshly as other principal wives did, refusing to give them a chance to stand out.

Madam Li then changed the subject, “However, Daohua’s social circle is not one that Yishuang can easily fit into. The master is a man and might not be aware of the intricacies of female relationships. Legitimate daughters normally do not wish to play with those born from concubines.”

Yan Zhigao nodded in acknowledgment.

How could he not be aware of this? It was not only among young ladies, but the same was true for boys as well.

“It was Yishuang who lacked discretion. I will speak to her about this later,” he promised.

Seeing his response, Madam Li continued with a smile, “As for myself, I don’t insist on making a strict distinction between legitimate and illegitimate, but since all families do so, even if Daohua brings Yishuang along, she would feel uncomfortable if others don’t talk to her.”

“Besides, there are two other girls in the household. If Yishuang goes, should the other two not also be taken? Otherwise, it would be unfairly preferring one over the others.”

At the doorway, Daohua, listening to Madam Li’s soft and gentle words, couldn’t help silently commending her in her mind.

She was afraid her cheap father would lose his mind and make her take her lower-status sisters with her every time she went out.

Although she could refuse, in ancient times, constantly going against her father would ultimately affect her reputation, and her grandmother would be displeased to see it happen.

Now that her mother and her cheap father had had this conversation, it eased the burden of worry from her shoulders.

When the house grew quiet, Daohua entered the room: “Mother, I’ve come to eat.”

“You girl, why have you only just arrived? If you’re going out, don’t you know to get up earlier!”

“Eh, why are you dressed like a boy?”

“I thought I might have to ride a horse, so wearing men’s clothes is more convenient!”

“… You’re a girl, it’s best not to ride horses casually. What if you get hurt?”

“Mother, don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”

“Alright, it’s no use telling you. Just remember to take Xiaoliu with you when you go out. He knows how to ride, doesn’t he? If you really want to try, let him lead you around.”

“Got it, got it.”

It wasn’t long before the Zhou family’s carriage arrived, and after everyone gathered, they set off for the docks.

As the pleasure boat entered the port of Huayang Prefecture, Yan Zhigao saw that his eldest son and the Zhou family’s eldest son were already there waiting.

Seeing the two of them whispering and laughing together in an amicable manner, Yan Zhigao showed satisfaction and relief. Then, he turned to look at the deck, where his eldest daughter and the Zhou family’s young lady were holding hands and chattering nonstop.

The two young girls were excitedly discussing something with such enthusiasm that they started gesticulating wildly, their actions expressing a close intimacy.

He was pleased to see this.

The Zhou family wielded considerable power in Zhongzhou, and were well-informed. Ever since the senior Mr. Zhou had begun to associate with him privately, he had become more aware of the affairs in Xingzhou and handled governmental tasks with increasing assurance and aptitude.

The relationship between the two families was getting better and better, which was beneficial both to him and to Wenbin.

Although he could not yet compare to a major official of the Imperial Court like the second Mr. Zhou, if he ran into difficulties, the Zhou family could at least speak a good word or two on his behalf; a considerable improvement over his previous isolation in the officialdom.