Chapter 21: Hey You (Including Announcement of Official Entry)

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Upon hearing this, He Qingxian remarked, “The things that need to be done? Surely it’s not about snatching from others again?”

Madam Hou frowned and said, “Qingxian, how can you speak to your cousin like that?”

Yet Shu Yao remained indifferent, smiling lightly as if the matter were trivial. “If it’s yours, naturally no one else can take it. If it’s not, then you can hardly blame others for trying to snatch it. There are only so many good things in this world, and everyone wants them. What’s wrong with a little competition?”

He Qingxian found this outlook rather incompatible with her own. Since Madam Hou was present, she refrained from losing her temper and merely pursed her lips.

Meng Yunshao observed this young woman’s demeanor and thought she was indeed an interesting character; the days ahead would surely be filled with more trouble than peace.

But after that night, Meng Yunshao had come to see things differently. When trouble comes, one must meet it head-on; it was best to focus on saving money and securing one’s own interests.

Meng Yunshao stepped forward with a gentle tone. “Cousin Shu Yao, the journey must have been tiring. We have already prepared a side chamber for you. Would you prefer to rest first, or would you like to speak with your grandmother-in-law? She has been eagerly awaiting your arrival every day.”

Yue Shu Yao shifted her gaze to Meng Yunshao, studying her quietly before uncertainly asking, “You… are you sister-in-law?”

Madam Hou introduced, “Yes, she is Zhiyu’s wife. You should address her as sister-in-law.”

Yue Shu Yao stepped forward gracefully, embodying the delicate politeness of a refined young lady. She smiled softly and exclaimed, “I never knew sister-in-law possessed such captivating beauty, like a fish sinking or a falling bird—truly unforgettable.”

Meng Yunshao inwardly wondered what act this was.

Today she had dressed modestly and conservatively for the welcoming, toning down her appearance and deliberately cultivating a composed demeanor. This young woman’s praise was far too exaggerated.

Meng Yunshao smiled faintly and said, “Cousin, you flatter me.”

Yue Shu Yao then turned toward He Zhiyu, her eyes carrying a hint of sorrow. In a low, coquettish voice, she said, “Brother He Yan, why did you not tell me in your letter that sister-in-law is so beautiful? Shu Yao feels somewhat ashamed.”

She lowered her head at the end, casting moist, glistening eyes toward He Zhiyu, seeming shy and waiting to be comforted.

He Zhiyu, having been pulled over by his mother, had intended merely to go through the motions and fulfill the formalities.

Suddenly hearing this young woman call him by the name he used before reaching adulthood—a name rarely used in recent years—made his heart jump.

Upon seeing Yue Shu Yao, he recalled indeed knowing her.

But at that time, he was young, having only glimpsed her fleetingly at a few banquets, leaving little impression. She had been called “Yao’er” then.

He only remembered that she and his sister did not get along, always competing for everything. At the time, he thought she was quarrelsome and not easy to get along with.

Also, although she had no talent or interest in archery, she had persistently begged him to teach her.

He Zhiyu was naturally intelligent and disliked foolishness. After repeated annoyance, he adopted a cold demeanor, speaking not a word.

The little girl chattered on for a while, then lost interest and went to find her mother.

Despite this distant, unrelated relationship, what had she just said? That he had not mentioned to her in the letter how beautiful Meng Yunshao was?

Curious indeed—what letter was this? Why would he talk to her about it? And why should she feel ashamed?

His wife was naturally as exquisite as a lotus emerging from the water, unparalleled. Did he have to proclaim it to everyone? To say what? “Sorry, you are ugly, please step aside”? It was utterly absurd.

He Zhiyu glanced again, suspecting his mother might have written some letter in his name without his knowledge. In that case, he dared not clarify immediately.

Just as he hesitated, Madam Hou spoke, “What nonsense is this? You have a childhood bond with Zhiyu that no one else can match.”

Yue Shu Yao seemed somewhat self-pitying, addressing He Zhiyu, “Then why do you not speak to me? When we were young, we shot arrows and played together. Why are you so distant now? Are you afraid sister-in-law will be jealous?”

Madam Hou furrowed her brows slightly and asked He Zhiyu, “Zhiyu, why are you so cold toward your cousin?”

He Zhiyu considered briefly. Since she was his mother’s guest, he had to be polite. “Cousin, please don’t take offense. I was merely engrossed in talking with mother and did not interrupt.”

Yue Shu Yao’s face brightened somewhat. “I’ll go with sister-in-law to settle in first, then I’ll come find Brother He Yan later.”

He Zhiyu refused, “No need. I have archery practice at the training ground later.”

Madam Hou was displeased. “Isn’t today a day off? A guest has arrived; resting for half a day is no harm. You should rest first and take Shu Yao for a walk in the garden to get familiar. Shu Yao will be staying for a while.”

He Zhiyu replied, “I practice at this hour every day without fail. I’ll accompany cousin during dinner.”

Yue Shu Yao smiled sweetly. “Aunt, I’m not here to delay cousin’s duties. Let him be. The maids all know the garden well; I can stroll with anyone.”

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Madam Hou was somewhat displeased but said no more.

Meng Yunshao thought to herself that Madam Hou was truly determined to make this match. The rules of the Hou Mansion were strict; whenever He Zhiyu practiced, through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, had she ever dared disturb him?

One word from grandmother-in-law, and one must understand the rules. Another word today, and the rules were broken.

This showed the rules were a living thing, flexibly applied depending on who was involved.

...

Meng Yunshao took Yue Shu Yao to the Fuyao Pavilion and showed her the side chamber.

She spoke gently, “Cousin, though I tried my best to prepare, there may still be oversights. Settle in comfortably. If you need anything, just tell me.”

Yue Shu Yao surveyed the room, which was spotless and fully furnished, and smiled. “Sister-in-law is truly skilled at managing a household. It seems nothing is lacking.”

Meng Yunshao replied politely, “That’s good. I’ll be leaving now. If you wish to stroll in the garden or speak with grandmother-in-law, just have the maid call me from the main house.” With that, she started to leave.

She had taken only a few steps toward the door when Yue Shu Yao suddenly said, “It’s not that anything is lacking, but I still feel sister-in-law’s room is the best.”

Meng Yunshao turned back, discerning the meaning behind her words, and smiled. “But you haven’t seen the main house yet. How do you know it’s better?”

Yue Shu Yao turned away, her sweet smile now edged with sharpness. “The main house belongs to the son of the Hou family. It’s good without even seeing it.”

Meng Yunshao said, “The main house is fine, but someone already lives there. It might be too crowded.”

Yue Shu Yao replied, “If it’s a room of gold and jade, what does crowding matter? If it’s a leaky, drafty room, even if there were thousands, what fun would that be?”

Meng Yunshao smiled faintly, “Everyone has their own aspirations. Cousin, do as you please.” She turned to leave.

Yue Shu Yao said resentfully, “Meng Yunshao, don’t act so serene as if you’ve won. You stole from me in the first place. If I hadn’t been underage, would Aunt have delayed discussing cousin’s marriage? Do you know how long I have prepared to marry cousin? Since I was little, I knew I would marry cousin one day!”

Meng Yunshao found it strange. If that were so, why had they not arranged the betrothal earlier, avoiding all these complications? But the timing was off, and the words sounded like a challenge. She did not want to provoke her.

She reasoned that since they had only known each other since childhood, before romance blossomed, perhaps this young woman was merely clinging to an obsession. She tried to soothe her. “Cousin, your status is noble and you are in the prime of youth. There are many fine gentlemen you could choose.”

In truth, Meng Yunshao did not understand. She was not selling herself into slavery to He Zhiyu. Why pin all hopes on one tree? Moreover, that man was cold and aloof. What was so great about him? Even with her, he was harsh and distant, yet soon to take a concubine—so vexing.

Three-legged toads are hard to find, but two-legged men are plentiful. Even at the Cuju matches in Bianjing, there were countless men cheering with thunderous roars.

Meng Yunshao had secretly watched once as a child with Jiang Shizhou, amazed by the multitude of men in the world. If cousin had seen that scene, she wouldn’t be so stubborn.

They had met a few times, exchanged letters, had a distant kinship, even faint youthful affection, but must they bind themselves for life?

Life should not be suffered in bitterness.

Yue Shu Yao sneered coldly, as if mocking Meng Yunshao for being opportunistic. “What do you understand?”

Indeed, life was laughable. Yue Shu Yao believed she should be the one to marry He Zhiyu; Meng Yunshu felt the same. Yet in the end, he married the one who had long been his true love.

They all came looking for He Zhiyu from her, but to whom could she reason?

Meng Yunshao spoke plainly to one who understood. She felt neither the need nor the desire to waste words on her. She smiled lightly, “If cousin truly chooses a path, I won’t stand in her way. I have the grace to tolerate her anger, but whether she has the ability to tolerate me, I do not know.”

Hearing this, Yue Shu Yao’s expression darkened. She glared for a moment, then turned and went inside.

...

After settling in without telling Meng Yunshao, Yue Shu Yao took two female attendants and headed toward He Zhiyu’s training ground.

Though born to a noble family, she was not the eldest daughter of the Yue family. Her father favored sons and her mother was indifferent, always looking down on her.

Since childhood, she had known that good things must be fought for and seized by one’s own effort. If one waited for gifts, one would only get leftovers or scraps. Otherwise, how would such things have fallen to her?

He Qingxian said she loved snatching others’ things; indeed, she spoke the truth.

In the past, relying on her aunt’s favor, she always took a few prized items from He Qingxian when they met.

As a child, it was fresh fruit from the old renowned Fengyue Shop, or a charmingly crafted Mohe Le toy. As a young lady, it was a vividly embroidered Suzhou silk handkerchief depicting oriole birds in willows, or the most fashionable pearl flower sent swiftly from Jiangnan. She deliberately took what she wanted, though it was unbecoming to admit, yet she certainly benefited. That pearl flower, she still wore today.

The Yue family was generous to the He family, even sending exquisite double-sided embroidery to support the Hou Lord’s status. But toward her, they were not generous. If she did not take from here and there, she could not even manage the bright makeup she wore today. Ever since everyone knew she had lost the He family match, it had been this way.

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This time, if she could win over He Zhiyu in one go, it would be truly glorious.

Now, she was going to seize him.

Boldly, properly, and as a matter of livelihood.

At the training ground, the vast space was nearly empty, with only He Zhiyu practicing archery.

He appeared somewhat bored but still stood poised and elegant.

He casually nocked three arrows on the bowstring and released them swiftly. Each struck the center of a different target.

Without expression, he drew three more arrows and repeated the motion, again hitting the bullseyes.

Though a simple archery routine, his movements were fluid and seamless, grand yet graceful, revealing the demeanor of a true gentleman.

Hearing someone enter, He Zhiyu did not turn his head, only casting a slight glance to see it was Yue Shu Yao. He furrowed his brow faintly and resumed his practice.

Yue Shu Yao, seeing his disregard, was not offended. She smiled innocently. “Brother He Yan, your archery is truly excellent! You’ve improved so much since childhood!”

He Zhiyu did not turn, replying coldly, “There were many people earlier; I didn’t dare speak. Call me cousin. It’s improper to still use the childhood name.”

Hearing this, Yue Shu Yao looked a little aggrieved. “Brother He Yan, do you dislike me? Why are you so distant?”

He Zhiyu glanced at her, then took three more arrows calmly. “We were never close to begin with.”

Yue Shu Yao did not expect such bluntness. She had hoped for comforting words but received only a statement of unfamiliarity. They had met several times, dined together, admired flowers, shot arrows, walked together—how could they be strangers?

He Zhiyu thought a moment and added, “Also, my mother frequently writes you letters. Those are hers, not mine.”

Yue Shu Yao knew well that her earlier words were merely to let Meng Yunshao know she was familiar with He Zhiyu.

She hesitated a moment, then lifted her head with an innocent smile. “Brother He Yan, I made jujube and yam cakes, sweet and light. Grandmother loves them. I brought some for you too. After practicing so long, you must be hungry?”

He Zhiyu replied simply, “I won’t eat.”

Silence fell again, broken only by the sound of arrows slicing through the air—swish, swish, swish.

Yue Shu Yao persisted, “Why not? Aunt said Brother He Yan likes sweets. Even the soup you drink is fresh chicken with jujube, a sweet broth.”

He Zhiyu frowned. “I told you, stop calling me Brother He Yan. Cousin or addressing me as Young Lord is fine.”

Yue Shu Yao laughed like a silver bell. “If you eat one piece, I’ll change how I address you.”

He Zhiyu was somewhat speechless but, thinking his cousin was newly arrived and hospitality was proper, he extended his hand coldly. “Give it here.”

Yue Shu Yao smiled, took a piece of the soft white cake from the box, wrapped it in a silk handkerchief, and said, “I’ll feed you.”

He Zhiyu frowned at her, withdrawing his hand. “We are adults now. Cousin, don’t speak like a child.”

Yue Shu Yao giggled, handing him the cake. “Just joking. Look how scared Brother He Yan is. Does sister-in-law control you so strictly that you can’t even hear a joke? How pitiful.”

He Zhiyu was at a loss for words and wished not to speak further. Taking the cake, he bit a piece and said, “I’ve eaten,” implying she should change the form of address.

Yue Shu Yao stepped closer, smiling. “Then, cousin, how do you find my cooking?”

He Zhiyu found it too sweet for his taste but replied politely, “It’s acceptable.”

Yue Shu Yao looked up at him, her eyes full of laughter. “Then I’ll try some too.”

With that, she suddenly took He Zhiyu’s hand and bit the half piece in his palm. Her tinkling laughter rang out, “It really is sweet.”

He Zhiyu was stunned.

He sensed more figures at the gate, turning slightly to see Meng Yunshao following with Su Yue and Zhu An behind her.