Chapter 1

The sound of the evening watch had just rung out, and the Sheng residence in Quanzhou was gradually lighting up. In the main hall of the western courtyard, an elderly woman with white hair sat on a high seat, her hands wrapped around prayer beads, dressed simply, which seemed somewhat out of place with the surrounding opulence and elegance. At the lower seat in the room sat the head of the Sheng household, Sheng Hong.

"May our ancestors protect us. This time, I received an excellent evaluation in the performance review, and the official promotion decree should arrive by the end of the month." It was early summer, and Sheng Hong wore a thin ochre silk summer robe, speaking with great respect.

"You've endured many years of hardship. Advancing from the sixth rank is the most difficult. Once you pass this hurdle, you will be considered a mid-level official. Do you have any idea where you will be promoted to?" Sheng Lao's tone was even, showing no emotion.

"Geng Shishu has already informed me. It should be the position of Prefect of Dengzhou." Sheng Hong, usually cautious, could not hide his joy at this point.

"That's truly something to congratulate you on. Prefects are usually appointed from the fifth rank, but you, a sixth-rank official, can become a prefect. This is not only due to the virtue of our ancestors but also thanks to those who have helped you." Sheng Lao said.

"That's true. The gift lists for the uncles and elders in the capital are already prepared. Please, Mother, review them." Sheng Hong took out several plain sheets from his sleeve and handed them to a maid standing nearby.

"Over the years, you have become more adept at handling affairs. You can make your own decisions. Just remember one thing: friendships should be as light as water. Money should be used wisely, and etiquette should be complete. Be neither humble nor arrogant, and be close to them. These old officials have been in the bureaucracy for a long time and have keen eyes. They have supported you over the years, partly because of the relationship with your father, and partly because of your own efforts." Sheng Lao's voice grew slightly labored, and Fang Mama immediately brought a teacup to her lips, gently patting her back with one hand.

Seeing this, Sheng Hong looked anxious and said urgently, "Mother, please take care of yourself. I owe everything I have today to your upbringing. If it weren't for your wisdom, I would still be living a mediocre life in the countryside. I must show my filial piety to you."

Sheng Lao remained silent, as if lost in thought. After a while, she said weakly, "It's not about righteousness or lack thereof. It's about fulfilling the marital bond with your father. I don't want his grave to be lonely after he's gone. Fortunately... you have made progress." Her voice grew faint and eventually inaudible.

Sheng Hong did not dare to respond, and the hall fell silent for a moment. After a while, Sheng Hong said, "Mother, you are in the prime of your life. You will surely enjoy a long and prosperous future. Please take care of yourself and rest well." He looked around and frowned. "Mother, this place is too plain. It looks like a temple. Mother, listen to me. Even in ordinary families, the elderly have their own ways of praying and meditating, but they still keep their surroundings lively. Why do you make yourself suffer? If others see this, they might think I am unfilial."

Sheng Lao replied, "Liveliness comes from the heart. If the heart is barren, no matter how lively the surroundings, it is just a show. It's like a deaf ear, just for show."

Sheng Hong said softly, "It's my fault for not being filial, for not controlling my wife."

Sheng Lao said, "It's not your fault. I know your filial heart. Don't blame your wife. I am not her real mother-in-law, so I don't need to put on airs. Seeing her every day is tiring for both of us. You don't need to worry about others saying you are unfilial. My reputation is well-known, and many people understand my temperament. Keeping a distance is better for everyone."

Sheng Hong said hastily, "Mother, what are you saying? You are my father's lawful wife, my mother, and you have shown me great kindness. All these things are my and my wife's faults. Mother, please don't say such things."

Sheng Lao seemed a bit impatient and waved her hand lightly. "These trivial matters, you don't need to worry about. With your promotion imminent, you need to focus on preparations. Over the years, you have gained many insights as a co-magistrate in Quanzhou. Before you leave, you must show proper respect to your colleagues. We are all in the same bureaucracy, and we will meet again. Don't let your colleagues feel neglected. It's important to part on good terms."

"Mother is right. I think the same. When I first arrived in Quanzhou, I found the climate hot and the people rough. I thought it was a remote and uncivilized place. But it turns out that the climate is favorable, the people are simple, and the coastal location brings benefits from fishing, salt, and shipping. Although it's not as prosperous as the south, the people are quite wealthy. Over the years, I have grown fond of this place." Sheng Hong smiled.

Sheng Lao also smiled. "That's true. I have always lived in the north and have no interest in the south, no matter how good it is. I never thought I would get used to living in Quanzhou. Here, the mountains are high and the emperor is far away. Life is peaceful. Before we leave, we should sell this large house and buy a smaller, more scenic estate. It won't be too conspicuous, and it will be a good place to retire."

"That's a good plan. I think it's a great idea. I'll take care of it right away." Sheng Hong smiled.

Sheng Lao was strict, and during this conversation, the maids and servants in the room remained silent. After a while, Sheng Hong tried to bring up a matter several times but held back. The room fell silent again. Sheng Lao looked at him and gently stirred her tea leaves. Fang Mama, understanding the situation, quietly instructed the maids and servants to leave, personally escorting them to the side room. After giving some instructions to the senior maids, she returned to serve Sheng Lao, just in time to hear her say, "...you finally decided to speak. I thought you were going to keep it from me until the end."

Sheng Hong stood with his head bowed, looking fearful. "I regret not listening to Mother's advice, which led to this disaster. It's all my fault, causing unrest in the household."

"Is it just unrest in the household?" Sheng Lao raised her voice slightly. "I didn't expect you to be so foolish. Do you realize how serious this matter is?"

Sheng Hong was startled and bowed. "Please, Mother, guide me."

Sheng Lao sat up straight on the rosewood couch. "I don't usually interfere, and I don't want to meddle and cause trouble. It's none of my business who you like. I never interfered with the affairs in your room. But over the years, you have become increasingly disrespectful. If you ask around, no proper family treats their concubines the way you do! You give her face and property, and she now has children. She is almost as good as a lawful wife! By blurring the lines between the main and secondary, you are inviting disaster. Now, it has finally led to a tragedy, with two lives lost. How can you explain this?"

Sheng Hong was full of shame, bowing repeatedly. "Mother, you are right. It's all my fault. I was foolish, thinking she was alone and pitiful, and she chose to be a concubine rather than a proper wife. I felt sorry for her, and because she came from your household, I treated her better than other concubines. But I didn't realize that by showing her kindness, I was spoiling her, making her more presumptuous. I truly know I was wrong."

Sheng Lao listened to the last few words and gave a light, cold laugh, saying nothing. She picked up her teacup and blew gently. Fang Mama, seeing this, stepped forward and said, "Master, you are kind-hearted, and how could Mother not know? This matter has dragged on for years, and if it's not resolved, it will cause trouble in the future. As an elder, Mother has some things she can't say. Today, I will take the liberty of speaking to you, Master, and I hope you won't be angry."

Sheng Hong, seeing Fang Mama speak, hurriedly said, "What are you saying, Mama? You have served the Sheng family with dedication and taken care of Mother with all your heart. To me, you are like a family elder. Please speak your mind."

Fang Mama did not accept the compliment, stepping aside and bowing. "If you allow me, I will speak freely. The mother of Concubine Lin and Mother were childhood friends, but they were not particularly close. After they married, they had no contact. I have served Mother since childhood and know this very well. Later, her husband's family was punished for misconduct, though not executed, their family declined. When her husband died, she had no children and was left destitute. Before she died, she came to Mother, asking her to take care of her daughter out of childhood friendship. Her relatives were like wolves, and she feared they would harm the girl. Mother, who is kind and pious, agreed and took Concubine Lin into the household. For those years, Mother treated her like a daughter, giving her the best food, clothes, and living conditions, and even planned to provide a dowry and find her a good husband."

Hearing this, Sheng Hong's face turned red with shame. Fang Mama sighed and continued, "Who would have thought that Concubine Lin had her own plans? She refused several good matches and secretly became involved with you. I speak without tact, Master, please don't be offended. Mother was completely unaware of this. When Concubine Lin's family came to Mother in a rage, Mother only then realized how disrespectful the girl was."

Sheng Hong was deeply ashamed, his face red with embarrassment, and he could not speak.

Fang Mama spoke gently, "At first, Mother and your wife got along well. But after this incident, it seemed as if Mother was deliberately undermining her, raising Concubine Lin to be your concubine. After you married Concubine Lin and she had children, she lived better than a lawful wife, which made your wife resent Mother. They no longer interacted, and Mother's heart was deeply hurt."

Sheng Hong knelt down before Sheng Lao, tears streaming down his face. "I deserve to die a thousand deaths. I have caused Mother so much distress, making her feel helpless and unable to speak. I am unfilial, I am unfilial."

Sheng Lao closed her eyes and gestured to Fang Mama, who hurriedly helped Sheng Hong up. Sheng Hong refused to stand, apologizing repeatedly. Sheng Lao said, "Get up. These are matters of the inner chambers, and as a man, you may not fully understand. Get up. Mothers don't hold grudges overnight."

Sheng Hong finally stood up, his forehead red and swollen. Sheng Lao sighed, "I know that when you were young, you and Concubine Chun relied on each other. Life was hard for you then. I couldn't even take care of my own son, so I didn't know about the servants' misconduct that made you suffer. Now, you are not a kind person, so you always fear that Concubine Lin and Feng will be wronged by the servants. You gave them property and land to protect them. I know your good intentions, and I have closed my eyes and mouth, pretending to be a living dead person for these years."

Sheng Hong wept, "How is it related to Mother? It's all my fault. Mother's heart is like a mirror, and your words have touched me deeply. I was afraid... that's why I spoiled her, breaking the rules. I deserve to die a thousand deaths."

"Don't say you deserve to die. If you die, who will take care of us, the widows and orphans?" Sheng Lao gestured to Fang Mama to bring a chair for Sheng Hong, helping him sit down while he was still crying.

After Fang Mama brought a hot towel and tea, Sheng Lao continued, "Let's not talk about morality and human feelings. Think about it. You are in your thirties, and your career has been smooth. How many of your fellow scholars have had such a smooth path? Many are still struggling, and there are those who envy you and look for your mistakes. Concubine Wei is not a servant we bought. She comes from a good family, a family of scholars and farmers in the south. She was meant to be a lawful wife, and even in poverty, she would not have become a concubine. Now, after only five years, she has died tragically. If someone uses this to stir up trouble, inciting her family to cause a scandal, accusing you of mismanagement and negligence, will you still be able to be promoted smoothly?"

Sheng Hong was shocked, sweating profusely. "Fortunately, Mother understood and stabilized the situation with the Wei family. I have no worries now."

"The Wei family is also decent. They did not make a fuss when they heard about Concubine Wei's death. They only wanted to retrieve her body for burial. I refused. The Wei family did not even accept the extra silver I offered, saying they were ashamed to take their daughter's blood money. They only asked me to take good care of Ming, and they would be grateful. The family was in a pitiful state, and I felt heartbroken."

Sheng Lao wiped her eyes with a handkerchief. Fang Mama personally brought a teapot to refill the tea, carefully covering the teacups and sighing, "Concubine Wei was a decent person. Her daughter is also pitiful. After her mother's death, she was sick for two days, delirious. When she woke up, she was dazed and confused, unable to speak coherently. The day I was sent by Mother to check on her, I saw the maids and servants laughing and playing outside, with no one attending to her. When I went in, I saw the little girl getting out of bed to get water to drink! A child of four or five, so small she couldn't even reach the table, standing on a stool and reaching up to drink from a teacup. It was truly pitiful!" Fang Mama also wiped away her tears.

Sheng Hong, remembering Concubine Wei's past kindness, felt deep pain and said with shame, "I wanted to send her there, but the little girl has been sick these past few days, and the household is in chaos. I thought I would wait a few days and send her when things calm down."

Sheng Lao, regaining her composure, said slowly, "What kind of leisure do you have? Does Ming need to be carried or carried on your back? We have plenty of servants to do the job. It's just a matter of giving instructions. She is refusing to take care of Ming, probably to make a show of it."

Sheng Hong stood up again, not daring to respond. Sheng Lao looked at him, her voice slightly cold. "You are afraid to speak to her, and you can't say anything to her. It's because you are not upright yourself, and she can easily counter you. You broke the rules first, pampering a concubine to the point where she acts like a lawful wife. I can imagine what she might say—how can you suddenly remember her as a nominal mother when her real mother is dead, when she was the one who raised the child? It's no wonder she is angry. I won't comment on the past, but I have two questions for you. Answer honestly."

Sheng Hong hurriedly said, "Mother, please ask. Whether it's two questions or a thousand, I will answer."

"First, what do you plan to do about Concubine Wei's death and the loss of her child? Do you plan to let it go, or will you hold someone accountable?" Sheng Lao's eyes were fixed on Sheng Hong.

"Of course, I will investigate thoroughly. How can I let such a malicious person go unpunished? If she can harm Concubine Wei and my full-term child, she can harm others. I will not tolerate such a person in our household!" Sheng Hong said through gritted teeth.

Sheng Lao's expression softened, and she paused before asking, "Good. Second, what do you plan to do about the current situation in the household, where there is no respect for hierarchy and the main and secondary are not distinguished?"

Sheng Hong took a deep breath. "Mother, when I saw Concubine Wei's blood-soaked body and the child suffocated in her womb, I was filled with regret. The servants are so bold because there are no strict rules. If the top is not upright, the bottom will be crooked. The root of the problem is at the top. I have made up my mind to rectify the household."

"Good, good. With these two answers, I am satisfied." Sheng Lao felt relieved, knowing Sheng Hong's character, and nodded repeatedly. "If you want to have a long and prosperous career, and if our Sheng family wants to have a long lineage, you must strictly manage the household. Remember, many noble families fall from within. We must learn from their mistakes."

"Mother is right. In the past few days, I have been worried about the performance review. Now that the burden is lifted, I will take the time to rectify the household, starting with the servants who were on duty the day Concubine Wei gave birth." Sheng Hong's tone was calm, but his anger was evident.

"No, you can't investigate now." To Sheng Hong's surprise, Sheng Lao rejected his plan. "You have been a co-magistrate in Quanzhou for years, and everyone knows your household. Many of the servants and maids are local. If there is any disturbance, others will know. Although you are on good terms with your colleagues, there may be those who secretly envy you. If you start a major investigation right after the death of a concubine, it will be like saying 'the silver is not here,' clearly showing that your household is in turmoil."

Sheng Hong was alarmed and agreed, "Thank you, Mother, for the reminder. I almost made a mistake. If I investigate in Quanzhou, the whole state will know. When we move to Shandong, we will be far away. No one will know how we deal with those servants."

"Exactly. So, you must not make a fuss now. You need to stabilize the household and move to Dengzhou smoothly. Once the official decree arrives, you take the official seal, and we settle in Shandong, then you can take action gradually."

"Mother, I haven't had a heart-to-heart talk with you in years. Today, I feel much better after this conversation. In the future, I will rely more on Mother for managing the household. I will come to you more often for advice." Sheng Hong said sincerely.

"No, I am an old woman, and I won't meddle in your affairs. I will continue as usual. Your wife can come to pay respects once a month. You manage your own household. I will just pray and meditate in peace."

Sheng Lao seemed tired, leaning back on the couch, her eyes half-closed. The room was quiet, with a purple copper qilin incense burner on a rosewood table, emitting a steady stream of incense smoke.

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Author's Note:

Most current domestic stories are modeled after Ming and Qing dynasty tales because the customs and habits of these two dynasties are similar. This is true. Recently, while writing, I looked up some materials and found that there are actually many differences in the status of women and the inner household between the Ming and Qing dynasties. If you have time, we can discuss this.

If you are interested, you can read Ming dynasty stories like "The Two Slaps of the Tongue" and "The Golden Lotus," and compare them with Qing dynasty works like "Dream of the Red Chamber" and "Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio." You will find that the status and living environment of women in the Ming and Qing dynasties are different. "The Travels of Lao Can" is a bit late for the Qing dynasty and is not very representative. "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," "Water Margin," and "Journey to the West" were written in the Ming dynasty, but it is difficult to find the social environment of the time, so they are not very useful for reference.

First, this domestic story is set in a fictional dynasty, the Great Zhou, with most customs and systems modeled after the Ming dynasty. Since there are many controversies about