Chapter 37: Being a Wife Is Different From Being a Concubine

Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Being a Wife Is Different From Being a Concubine

"Concubines are the source of discord in a family. I have no desire to be embroiled in the infighting of the inner court."

His resolve only grew stronger after he learned that she had drowned due to a concubine’s plotting.

For years, he had even put off the matter of taking a wife.

Cui Lingyao was taken aback.

She never imagined he would think such a thing.

’It was true that concubines were the source of discord, but among the great, aristocratic families, having concubines, bed-warming maids, female servants, household courtesans, and even catamites was all perfectly commonplace.’

’They were like the luxury cars and designer watches of her world.’

’Every family in the same social stratum had them.’

’So naturally, your family had to have them too.’

’No matter how magnanimous, noble, and proper a young master appeared to the outside world, they would never deny themselves when it came to such matters.’

’It’s more accurate to say the concept never even occurred to them.’

’Xie Jinbai had been exactly like that.’

’Both before and after their marriage,’

’He had never promised that she would be the only one in his life, that he would never take another.’

’Of course, she had never asked for such a promise, either.’

’That was why, two years into their marriage, he had been able to propose taking a concubine so matter-of-factly.’

’And she had simply gone along with it, not voicing a single objection.’

’But what was this man in front of her saying?’

’He said he didn’t want to take concubines.’

’Not just that he didn’t want one right now—he never planned on having any at all.’

Cui Lingyao was dumbfounded, her eyes staring blankly at the man before her.

Shen Tingyu happened to be looking at her as well.

Their eyes met. His lashes fluttered, and he was the first to look away.

He had that same shy, unpracticed air about him again.

The sight filled Cui Lingyao with a complex mix of emotions.

She pursed her lips. "I can’t make a decision on this right away. Please allow me some time to think it over."

’Being a wife was different from being a concubine.’

’She had to be careful.’

’Even if time was short,’

’She had to give it serious consideration before she could give him an answer.’

Shen Tingyu hadn’t expected her to agree immediately. Hearing her words, he gave a slight nod.

"Alright."

He smiled. "How many days do you need to consider it?"

’He was really putting the pressure on.’

Cui Lingyao actually felt stressed.

She had only to look at him for a moment longer, and he would flush with shyness, as if he were the virtuous young man being teased, not the other way around.

And yet, he was the one so eager for this marriage.

’How could one person be so full of contradictions?’

Cui Lingyao pursed her lips. "Three days at least."

That was sooner than Shen Tingyu had expected.

His eyes brightened. "Then three days it is."

"..." Cui Lingyao gave him a speechless look. "I should be getting back."

"Alright," Shen Tingyu smiled. "I’ll see you back."

Cui Lingyao was about to refuse when he added, "It’s a perfect chance to visit my aunt."

He had been planning to visit Mrs. Shen all along.

Since he was a nephew visiting his aunt, Cui Lingyao couldn’t think of a reason to refuse.

And so, the two of them left the viewing pavilion, walking nearly side-by-side on the path back to the small courtyard.

Zhiqiu and Shen Er followed at a distance.

The situation made Cui Lingyao feel utterly awkward, and she quickened her pace. But unfortunately for her, Shen Tingyu’s legs were longer; no matter how fast she walked, he could keep up at a leisurely stroll.

Finally, noticing the light sheen of sweat on her brow, Shen Tingyu couldn’t help but ask softly, "Have I offended you in some way, miss? Is that why you seem so ill at ease just walking with me?"

Caught off guard by his directness, Cui Lingyao replied automatically, "No, it’s not that."

The platitude had already left her lips. Meeting his expectant gaze, she had no choice but to continue.

"I was just thinking about what might happen if my uncle, aunt, and grandfather found out you were coming with me to see Mother."

She wasn’t even worried for herself.

Rather, she worried that the gravely ill Mrs. Shen couldn’t withstand any sort of shock.

She was afraid that if things got out of hand, it would affect Mrs. Shen’s health.

Shen Tingyu’s expression faltered for a moment before he said earnestly, "Nothing will happen. I promise."

Since he was sincere in his wish to protect them, he would surely resolve everything and not let her and her mother be affected in any way.

Cui Lingyao glanced at him sideways and said no more.

’She couldn’t shake the feeling that their relationship was moving too quickly.’

’So quickly that it was catching her completely off guard.’

...

They returned to the small courtyard under the bright sun.

Mrs. Shen was already awake. Surprised to hear that her eldest nephew had come to visit, she had her maidservants help her change her clothes.

Leaning on Cui Lingyao for support, she entered the main hall to receive him personally.

Shen Tingyu, who had been waiting for a short while, rose to his feet as she entered and bowed with his hands clasped.

He wore a wide-sleeved robe cinched with a jade belt. His back was straight, and his entire bearing was refined and impressive.

His handsome face showed just the right amount of concern.

He was truly a gentleman as flawless as jade; standing in the slightly humble hall, his presence was all the more striking.

Mrs. Shen was very fond of her eldest nephew. Seeing him come to visit, some color returned to her sickly pale face and lips. ℯℯ𝑙.

As aunt and nephew spoke, Cui Lingyao sat with them for a while. Feeling his gaze fall on her from time to time, she grew increasingly restless.

Soon, she stood and said, "Mother was craving some Lotus Cake, and I’ve already picked the petals. I’ll go to the kitchen and make some now."

Naturally pleased by her daughter’s filial piety, Mrs. Shen smiled and waved her off.

Cui Lingyao turned and headed for the small kitchen.

She had never made Lotus Cake before, but she knew how to steam pastries.

Previously, she had put in a great deal of effort to win over Xie Jinbai.

Making pastries, brewing restorative soups, giving embroidered sachets—in this world, these were the best ways for a young woman to show affection for the man she admired.

And of course, she had done them all.

Cui Lingyao washed her hands and began to knead the dough.

Soon, drawing on her experience, she was turning small, exquisite pastries out of their molds and arranging them in a steamer.

She checked the heat of the fire and was just straightening up when Zhiqiu came in. She asked, "...Is my cousin still here?"

"They spoke for a while. Her Ladyship was growing tired, so the Young Master left,"

Zhiqiu said with a smile, "Before he left, he even glanced over toward the kitchen. It seemed like he wanted to come and say goodbye to you in person."

"..." Cui Lingyao fell silent for a moment, then instructed, "Don’t say a word to anyone about picking flowers today."

It was just the two of them, mistress and maid, in the kitchen, so Zhiqiu felt no need to hold back. "Young Miss, your hard times are finally over," she said frankly. "I can see the Young Master is much warmer toward you now."

"Before, he never would have held your hand or shared a boat with you to pick flowers."

"And he certainly wouldn’t have accompanied you to visit Her Ladyship."

Zhiqiu was happy for her mistress, her face wreathed in smiles.

When the cakes were done steaming, she asked, "Should we send a few to the Young Master?"

"No," Cui Lingyao refused at once. "These are for Mother."

But Mrs. Shen was gravely ill and had a poor appetite; she couldn’t eat much at all.

After forcing herself to eat one, she looked at the translucent, pink, and delightfully soft cakes and said, "Yaoyao, your craftsmanship is excellent. We can’t let such fine cakes go to waste. Send a portion over to Yan Xun."

Yan Xun.

Shen Tingyu’s courtesy name.

Cui Lingyao’s brow furrowed slightly. She tried to reason with her, "Cousin has tried every delicacy imaginable. I doubt these few cakes will be to his liking."

Mrs. Shen shook her head gently. "It’s the thought that counts."

Her nephew had come to visit today, and she had steamed some cakes. There was nothing improper about an aunt sending a portion over to him.

Seeing that she couldn’t change her mind, Cui Lingyao could only say, "Then let’s have Nanny Qian make the trip."