3. The String of Beads

Cloudmallow spent several days arranging the welcoming feast before everything was nearly in order.

It looked like nothing more than a meal, but in truth every detail mattered. The marquis and the heir had gone to inspect the southern border defenses on the emperor’s behalf. Though they had not yet returned, their memorial had reached the palace ahead of them, and after reading it the emperor had praised father and son highly.

The banquet could not be made too grand, lest the household appear excessively pleased with itself and invite criticism; nor could it be too restrained, lest people whisper that the marquis’s house had grown distant from those once close to it now that honors had been won. Even the guest list alone was something Cloudmallow had gone over with Madam Yue again and again before earning her approval. And there were endless matters to mind in the sequence of courses, the dishes themselves, and the decorations.

On the day itself, after father and son had finished their report to the emperor and stepped out of the palace gates, a page boy rode back at full speed to inform the marquis’s residence. Everyone then gathered at the gate to wait.

Cloudmallow had to watch over everything personally, so she found a corner at the very back of the crowd, where she would not be discourteous and could also leave quickly if needed.

By noon, as the long street turned at the corner, a crimson carriage with a silver roof, yellow canopy, and red curtains came slowly toward the marquis’s residence, drawn by two fine horses with shining manes. Thirty-six attendants from the palace followed in two rows. It was then that it became clear the emperor had personally bestowed the carriage.

When it reached the gate, the first to step down was a middle-aged man of tall build, broad shoulders, and a wide back. It was the Marquis of Eternal Peace, Lord He Xiao.

Though he was past forty, age had left few marks on him. His stomach was still as flat as ever, and his steps remained steady and strong. Only a few fine lines at the corners of his eyes betrayed the wind and frost he had endured.

After him came a young man of elegant bearing, tall and slim-waisted, with an upright carriage. This was the heir, He Zhiyu.

He was about twenty years old, handsome and refined, and carried the natural nobility of a royal house and ministerial family, yet there was also a cool distance about him, as though he were watching the world from across the water. Even after receiving such imperial favor, there was no trace of triumph on his face.

At odds with that coolness were his eyes, clear and bright as an autumn moon over a still lake. His dark pupils swept the crowd for a moment, and when they seemed to meet the tender smile Cloudmallow cast him from the end of the crowd, he quickly looked away.

Their glance met like a flash on water, so brief it might have never happened. Cloudmallow was not even sure whether he had seen her. But she had no time to ponder such small matters and hurried to the kitchen to oversee the dishes.

After running about for ages, while the others laughed and chatted merrily at the table, she had not so much as had a full meal, let alone a sip of water. Only after seeing off the guests did she finally think to sit and rest, when Ying Cui, a maid by the elder madam’s side, came with word that the family was drinking tea in the front hall and summoning her there.

Cloudmallow sighed, took a couple of bites of cold almond pastry, and hurried over.

When she arrived in the front hall, sure enough the princess dowager grandmother, the mother-in-law, several of He Zhiyu’s brothers and sisters, his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, and the rest were all there, with only the father-in-law and Aunt Shen absent. Even the married-out He Qingman had come back.

Cloudmallow greeted everyone and was just about to sit in a corner when the dowager said, “Now that you are in charge of the household, you have become quite precious, have you not? To arrive so late.”

Though the princess had agreed to this marriage years ago, she had never truly let go of the grievance of being forced into it by the Meng family, and she had never once shown Cloudmallow a kind face.

Cloudmallow could only rise again. She knew the dowager was not unaware of how busy she had been, merely looking for fault. Understanding that no explanation would do now, she admitted her mistake in proper form. “This granddaughter-in-law was careless. I shall certainly do better in the future.”

He Qingman had a composed appearance and graceful manners, and had always been much liked by the dowager. Since she had married into another family, she knew what hardships were involved, and said in defense of Cloudmallow, “Today’s welcoming feast was handled beautifully. Cloudmallow must have gone to a great deal of trouble. I did not even see her sit down during the banquet, much less have a proper meal. Please do not blame her, Grandmother.”

Before the dowager could reply, He Zhiyu picked up a square gift box at his side and brought it forward to present to the princess.

“Grandmother,” he said, “on this trip to the south, I saw that the local pearls were white as snow and bright as moonlight, perfectly suited to you. I have specially brought them back as a gift.”

While the princess was opening the box and examining its contents, He Zhiyu gave Cloudmallow a slight signal, and only then did she sit.

The princess lifted the pearl bracelet from the box and studied it closely in the light. The pearls were snowy white and perfectly round, of excellent luster. Knowing her good grandson had chosen them with care, she beamed. “Indeed, they are excellent. My grandson has always thought only of official duty, and today he has changed his nature, even giving gifts to others. Only your mother has none, which makes me feel quite embarrassed.”

He Zhiyu then ordered his attendant, a young man named Bamboo Peace, to fetch a larger box. When it was opened, it was found to contain several strands of pearls in pale green, pink, and translucent white, all smooth with a warm glow, each bead lovely to the eye.

“Grandmother, please accept them without worry. This one was specially matched for you; only your bearing can carry a pearl of such size. Mother and all the sisters, sisters-in-law, and younger wives have theirs as well. The Meng lady has one too.”

Everyone eagerly stepped forward to choose theirs. Cloudmallow followed behind and picked up the last one left, only to find there was still a strand remaining even after she had taken hers, and she hesitated. Looking up secretly, she saw that Madam Yue’s expression had turned unpleasant; it seemed she had not seen the mother-in-law come to take hers.

As expected, Madam Yue finally spoke with a stern face, every word full of reproach. “At such a young age, your mind is not on your duties. The emperor called you back to the capital and placed you in charge of the city defenses, yet you spend all your thoughts on these women’s matters. You all take them if you like; I do not want any. And Cloudmallow, you need not take one either. You are his wife, so you ought to set an example and advise him properly.”

The others had been admiring the beauty of the pearl strands, comparing and examining them with delight. At Madam Yue’s words, the cheerful atmosphere instantly cooled, and even those who had taken strands no longer dared speak.

Silently, Cloudmallow put back the pale green-and-pink strand she had held.

He Zhiyu bowed respectfully. “Mother speaks rightly. The emperor was preparing for the summit with the allied Great Forest Court and wished to select our country’s distinctive goods for trade between the two lands. During this inspection of the southern regions, I also helped choose fine southern wares for that meeting, and so I took the opportunity to arrange this matter.”

Only then did Madam Yue’s expression ease slightly.

The princess was somewhat displeased. “The child meant well. Why must you put on such a face and spoil everyone’s mood?”

Madam Yue curved her lips in a pretended smile, though there was no warmth in it. “This daughter-in-law has been meddlesome. Cloudmallow, wrap up the remaining two strands and take them to Qingman. Let the in-laws see that we know our manners.”

He Qingman did not wish to take pearls intended for her mother and younger brother’s wife, but she also knew her stepmother’s temper. It was clearly another show of displeasure toward her brother. If she refused now, that would not look proper either, so she said nothing.

Cloudmallow complied. “Very well.”

Thus the matter of the pearls passed, and everyone resumed tea and conversation.

From last night until now, Cloudmallow had not eaten a thing, and she was truly hungry. She could only suppress it with tea. Her stomach was not strong; when she went too long without food, a burning pain would set in. She was thinking the tea gathering would probably stretch into the evening, so she might have to wait until dinner.

Just then, He Zhiyu, who had scarcely spoken at all, suddenly said he was hungry and ordered the maids to bring out pastries for everyone.

He Qingman, lively by nature, teased him. “How has Third Brother become such a glutton after returning from the south? It has been barely any time since lunch, and already you are crying hunger again.”

He Zhiyu said nothing. Once the maids brought out the various pastries, he led the way in eating quite a few.

The others followed suit and had some at random. Cloudmallow chose two sturdy walnut-filled square cakes, good for easing hunger, and only then did her stomach begin to feel better.

The conversation continued until dusk. He Zhiyu and his siblings were kept by the princess for supper, and even He Qingman was not detained. Cloudmallow withdrew with the others and returned to the Floating Willow Pavilion.

As for He Zhiyu, after dining with his grandmother, he was summoned by the elder madam and given a long lecture. She repeatedly reminded him that he had been away for months and was only just returning home; he must first go to the ancestral hall to pay respects to his deceased mother, handle the piled-up official business as quickly as possible, and not let matters of love, gifts, or such trifles burden a man. There was no need at all for extra fuss, even if this had been done incidentally under the pretext of duty, and so on.

By the end, He Zhiyu was truly becoming impatient. At last, he could not help but excuse himself on the pretext of honoring his birth mother, and slipped away into the ancestral hall.

Kneeling there, his restless thoughts finally settled somewhat.

His birth mother had died when he was only two, so his memories of her were extremely faint.

When he was young, Madam Yue had treated him harshly. He had once wept in the ancestral hall in earnest, dreaming of being treated tenderly by his birth mother and chattering on and on to no end. Later, he even came to resent her for having abandoned him so early to the grave, and he too had spoken words that bordered on rebellion. By the time he grew older still, there was nothing left.

He felt neither love nor hatred for his birth mother, only a little regret.

It was a pity that their bond was so shallow. For both her and him, it was a bitter matter, yet who could do anything against fate? They had done nothing wrong, yet had each borne so much. He could only hope she would soon be reborn into a better life. Between them, there was nothing more to say.

But for many years now, Madam Yue’s constant teaching that one must attend to proper affairs had taken root in him like something tangible, sinking into his flesh and blood and growing into a towering tree bound to his very veins.

In childhood, many things were forced upon him by Madam Yue. Yet today, whenever he was not doing some “proper” business, he would grow anxious and be unable to eat or sleep in peace. It was no longer driven merely by her few words. Though he remained respectful and dutiful toward Madam Yue, he also knew that given his rank and achievements, there was already no one who could truly compel him.

For instance, although he had nothing more to say to his birth mother, he still spent a full hour in the ancestral hall every time, because he felt he ought to. For instance, he had been extremely dissatisfied with his marriage to the Meng family at first, yet he still agreed because of the vows of his elders and the command of his parents, because he felt he ought to. For instance, there were times when he found a life devoted only to serious matters too monotonous and dull, yet he still would not attend poetry gatherings, sample delicacies, travel for pleasure, or indulge in flirtation with his wife, because he felt he ought not to. Even something as small as bringing his wife a gift had to be justified with a grand and proper pretext, elevated into a family matter of filial piety and shared happiness, not merely to convince Madam Yue, but to convince himself.

At last the hour passed. Long ago, He Zhiyu had ordered Bamboo Peace to prepare hot water and a change of clothes in a nearby side room. After tidying himself from the inside out and bathing carefully, he put on fresh underclothes lightly scented with orchid and pine, then draped himself in a pale white fox-fur cloak.

This noisy, tangled day was finally over. Night had fully fallen, and it was nearly time for sleep. Yet for some reason, He Zhiyu’s mood suddenly brightened.

Bamboo Peace was not yet twenty, a cheeky, lively youth with a great deal to say, and he had followed He Zhiyu since childhood. He Zhiyu himself did not care much for talking, but he liked the liveliness Bamboo Peace brought and let him chatter endlessly from morning till night.

After helping He Zhiyu bathe and change, Bamboo Peace followed the heir on the way to the Floating Willow Pavilion, laughing as he said, “The heir is truly strange. You would not go back to your own courtyard to wash up, but insisted on doing it outside instead. Anyone who did not know better would think you had found yourself a pretty bedfellow in this courtyard to attend you. Who would have thought I was the one suffering for it?”

He Zhiyu glanced at him. “Mind your tongue.”

Bamboo Peace sighed. “It is true, though. Who in this whole garden could compare to the young madam’s beauty? Still, I never expected that the heir would spend three months’ worth of his stipend, personally rely on the head of the local pearl association, and sift through more than a thousand strands to find only these few finest ones, and in the end the lady did not get so much as a single pearl. It only made things cheaper for others, and you even got scolded for it.”

He Zhiyu paused, then said solemnly, “They were not bought for the Meng lady to begin with. When one serves the Son of Heaven, one must do so with care.”

Bamboo Peace raised his brows. “Yes, yes, yes. The heir did not buy them for the young madam. Then may I ask, should we follow the elder madam’s wishes now and return to the study tonight to handle official business and sleep there, or go back to the Floating Willow Pavilion now?”

Hearing this, He Zhiyu suddenly realized he had never even considered the study, and felt a trace of guilty discomfort. After pretending to hesitate for a moment, he at last found a proper reason.

“Wife and husband joined in heart bring prosperity to the family,” he said. “I have just returned today, so I ought to go first to the Floating Willow Pavilion and reunite with the Meng lady. I cannot let her overthink things.”

Bamboo Peace smiled but said nothing, only following him forward.

Who would have thought that once they entered the Floating Willow Pavilion, it would be utterly dark. It seemed Cloudmallow had been overworked these past few days and had already blown out the lamps and gone to sleep.

He Zhiyu looked at the silence before him and stood there, momentarily stunned.

Bamboo Peace was also a little embarrassed. “Perhaps the lady saw that it was already late and thought the heir would be staying in the study. Should I wake her, Your Highness?” In his heart he thought: who told you to linger in the ancestral hall so long, and to insist on taking your time washing up before returning? Besides, the lady did not even get her pearls, and you did not come back earlier to comfort her. She may well have been angry and therefore did not wait.

He Zhiyu came to himself and said without a ripple, “Forget it. We will return to the study. I had intended to deal with some official matters anyway.”

The winter night was bitterly cold. The snow from the past few days had begun to melt; as the saying went, snow falling is not cold, but melting snow is. Bamboo Peace followed behind the heir and even felt the back of his figure grow colder and colder. That white fox cloak seemed made of ice and snow, blending with the chill moon above into one scene.

He Zhiyu said nothing more along the way and walked gloomily toward the study. Seeing the warm yellow light still shining within, he thought that even the maids knew to leave him a lamp, and some indescribable discomfort rose in his heart.

Silently opening the door, he was met by a wash of warm, glowing air, and the crackling charcoal fire gave a sharp pop.

He Zhiyu lifted his eyes, and in the depths of his dark, lake-like gaze, a bright light suddenly flared and fixed upon the figure seated beside the table in a yellow rosewood chair.

Resting her cheek on one elbow, revealing a small stretch of snow-white wrist, tilting her head as she quietly read a copy of The Way of Zhuang, was his wife, Cloudmallow.

Seeing him enter, she smiled softly. “Why are you so late? I thought you would surely come to the study first to handle some official affairs, so I brought you some hot milk to warm yourself.”