“The Old Madam favors the fourth branch, constantly giving them benefits from our mansion at every turn. Even when you entered the palace and gained favor, the fourth branch became envious and insisted on competing for your favor!”
The Old Madam has two sons: the eldest is Ning Wanyin’s father, and the youngest is Ning Ziyin’s father, ranking fourth.
The second and third branches are born of concubines.
The Old Madam has always favored her youngest son.
Even the titles of nobility are biased toward the fourth branch of the family. Although it’s supposed to be primogeniture, if the eldest son commits any wrongdoing—such as being disqualified from inheriting the title for filial impiety, dying of illness, or having no heir and having to adopt a nephew—there are many complexities involved.
The matter was finally settled because Ning Wanyin’s fourth uncle died.
How did he die?
Because he wanted to get rid of Ning Wanyin’s father.
But the position of Countess Shou’an could only belong to her mother.
“Her father is dead. Let her have her way.” Ning Wanyin said calmly, sitting before the dressing table.
Lian Rui was still depressed.
Ning Wanyin chuckled and comforted her, “Don’t worry, she won’t enter the palace.”
Just now, during their parting, her mother hugged her and cried.
She said, “Wanwan, other concubines have their families to help them, but the Ning family not only can’t help you, but they also force you to do things you don’t want to do, making your life in the palace even more difficult.”
Her mother is wrong.
Precisely because she has witnessed the intrigue and treachery from a young age, her path in the palace is easier than that of those young ladies whose lives have been smooth sailing.
Even though they have elders to guide them and families to protect them, the pitfalls on the road of life are something they have to step into themselves to know the pain.
For Ning Wanyin, this harem is like a slightly larger mansion.
The road seems more difficult.
But she also holds more cards in her hand.
…
As dusk fell, Helian Qi and Zhuang Fei returned to the palace together.
Zhuang Fei knew that Ning Wanyin was living with Helian Qi, but she was even more dissatisfied and insisted on staying with Helian Qi. She would find an excuse to send Ning Wanyin away.
Did she really think that just because the Emperor allowed her to live with him, she could monopolize his favor?
Both of them had just returned from the mountains and forests, still wearing their military uniforms and carrying the scent of the scorching sun and dust. They immediately spotted the two women kneeling before the main hall to greet them.
“Rise.” Helian Qi casually waved his hand.
Zhuang Fei deliberately instructed Ning Wanyin, “I have just returned from hunting with His Majesty and need to bathe and change clothes. Go and arrange it.”
She is a high-ranking concubine, so it is only natural to say that.
Ning Wanyin accepted the order without hesitation, curtsied, and said, “Yes, Your Highness, I will go and prepare immediately.”
After saying this, Ning Wanyin took her leave.
Ning Ziyin, who was encountering this situation for the first time, stood there bewildered.
Zhuang Fei also noticed her and asked in confusion, “Who is this?”
The woman was dressed flamboyantly, clearly not a palace maid.
Ning Wanyin had just reached the palace gate when she turned and curtsied, saying, “This concubine was negligent and forgot to inform you. This is my cousin. She came with my grandmother to visit me today, and we discussed painting. We forgot the time… Cousin, please return to the warm pavilion.”
Ning Ziyin, having finally seen the Emperor, was unwilling to leave.
Helian Qi’s handsome appearance was far superior to the young men her grandmother had arranged for her.
She hadn’t even shown the Emperor her painting yet; how could she attract his attention?
“This humble woman has heard that Your Majesty often discusses painting with my sister. Today, we painted together, and I humbly request Your Majesty’s critique.” Ning Ziyin said, stealing a glance at Helian Qisheng, her pretty face slightly flushed.
*****
Translator’s Encyclopedia
Filial Piety (Part 2)
According to the traditional texts, filial piety consists of physical care, love, service, respect, and obedience. Children should attempt not to bring disgrace upon their parents. Confucian texts such as Book of Rites give details on how filial piety should be practiced.
Respect is envisioned by detailed manners such as the way children salute their parents, speak to them (words and tone used), or enter and leave the room in which their parents are, as well as seating arrangements and gifts.
Care means making sure parents are comfortable in every single way: this involves food, accommodation, clothes, hygiene, and basically to have them “see and hear pleasurable things” (in Confucius’ words) and to have them live without worry. But the most important expressions of, and exercises in, filial piety were the burial and mourning rituals to be held in honor of one’s parents.
Filial piety means to be good to one’s parents; to take care of one’s parents; to engage in good conduct not just toward parents but also outside the home so as to bring a good name to one’s parents and ancestors; to perform the duties of one’s job well (preferably the same job as one’s parents to fulfill their aspirations); to carry out sacrifices to the ancestors; to not be rebellious; to be polite and well-mannered; to show love, respect, and support; to be near home to serve one’s parents; to display courtesy; to ensure male heirs; to uphold fraternity among brothers; to wisely advise one’s parents, including dissuading them from moral unrighteousness; to display sorrow for their sickness and death; and to bury them and carry out sacrifices after their death. Furthermore, a filial child should promote the public name of its family, and it should cherish the affection of its parents.
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Meow meow On TPH Chapter 26.1