The Lady’s Sickly Husband

Chapter 6 –Suspicious

The rain outside had ended while Mo Qian Xue sat immersed in her thoughts; if she wanted to start a business, the first thing she needed was a way to earn money in order to fund her industry.

To accomplish this, she decided to explore the big city first where there were many opportunities.

During the past few days Mo Qian Xue had listened well to Fang Fangzi’s gossip. Although the place she lived in, Wang Jia Village, was considered a small and remote town, it was actually not far away from the big city.

Among the guardians of students who had arrived at the Ning home yesterday, there was only one parent who came in with a horse-drawn carriage. She remembered that Sister Fang called out to the mother as ‘Sister Zhang’ during that visit……and the mother’s child…..his name was probably called Tie Zhu….…”Little Zhu, come here! ” She recalled that scene.

Since she was heading out to the city, she naturally needed to borrow their carriage.

Noticing that it was quiet in the house, Mo Qian Xue assumed that Ning Xiaoqing had already fallen asleep. She carefully closed the door before eagerly going to Fang Fangzi’s house, hoping that she could find company in asking Sister Zhang for her carriage.

Unfortunately Fang Fangzi had already left for work, leaving behind the little Shuan Zi to watch over the house.

Having to face such a situation, she decided to recruit the little boy’s help. Mo Qian Xue offered to watch over little Yya while she instructed Shuan Zi to visit Lady Zhang’s residence. If Lady Zhang happened to be home, then he has to pass on the message and ask if Mo Qian Xue could borrow her carriage.

The boy was very obedient; he excitedly rushed through the front gate, eager to fulfill his errand. As Mo Qian Xue watched the boy’s retreating figure, her heart was filled with warmth.

“Those with resolve will be met with success, and by breaking the cauldrons and sinking the boats, Chu came to hold all of Qin’s passes. ”

“The heavens will not turn its back on those who work hard, and by sleeping on straw and tasting bitterness, the great army of Yue conquered the Wu.”

Mo Xian Xue recited the poem with fervor. Noticing the time, she headed back home to prepare for lunch.

As soon as she had entered the room, she noticed Ning Shaoqing’s presence, without knowing when he had risen from bed. At this time, he was sitting by the table while staring at her thoughtfully.

For some reason, a guilty conscience crept up from within Mo Qian Xue.

But as she thought of it, there was no reason for her to be ashamed; she raised her head and stared straight at him. What’s wrong with my poems? Aren’t women free to do poetry?

Four eyes stared at each other intensely and the atmosphere was stiff.

Just when Mo Qian Xue couldn’t take it anymore, Ning Shaoqing opened up and asked,

“Have you ever been to a formal school?” Not only can this woman read several characters, she was also able to recite such elegant poetry. Also this poem was obviously a scholarly text, but even with his learning, Ning Shaoqing could not recall ever coming across such fine verses.

Seeing that her actions had cast suspicions upon her identity, Mo Qian Xue couldn’t help but feel troubled.

In fact, she had also doubted her own identity, since for the past few nights she had dreamt of a woman several times.

However in her dreams, the woman wasn’t a person who was a victim of bullying. Rather, the she was surrounded by servants within a large mansion; the woman would sit under a tree in her garden, whilst laughing gleefully. Thinking back to that dream, that same lady appeared to have a prominent identity—she was probably the original owner of this body.

However, now she was the current Mo Qian Xue. No matter how prestigious her body’s identity is, she only wants to be herself.

It was because of this resolve that Mo Qian Xue would panic and claim that she had lost her memory.

After gathering her thoughts, Mo Qian Xue pretended to smile, and openly lied, “I don’t think I have.” She endured sixteen years of difficult studies, only to claim that she had never attended school—she couldn’t wait to bite off her tongue in embarrassment. Well, it’s not like she’s ever been to school in ancient times, so technically she wasn’t lying.

Seeing Ning Shaoqing’s doubtful expression, she continued to smile and explained, “I may not have told you this, but I feel that I still haven’t recovered all my memories since that fever. How would I know if I have ever been to school?”

After she had spoken, Mo Qian Xue’s eyes turned red, as if stricken by grief, “If I really was able to go to school, then I must have been a distinguished young Lady. If that was true, then how could I be reduced to this?”

Ning Shaoqing was not a heartless person. Upon seeing tears well up in her eyes and hearing her sad words, his heart had already softened.

But because he was a proud man, he was not used to apologizing. Instead he held his silence, picked up the book on the table, and continued to read.

When Mo Qian Xue saw that he wouldn’t question any further, she left for the kitchen and began to tidy up.

After his lady had left the room, Ning Shaoqing put down his book and drummed his fingers on the table, immersing himself in deep thought.

Ning Shaoqing was raised to be a Noble Family’s head since childhood. Naturally he was trained to be able to analyze any issues or problems.

Although he did not fully believe Mo Qian Xue’s claims, he could not find any fault.

It was true that there were many others who were far better learned than Lady Ning.

In her past, she either learned literacy as a reputable young lady, or was taught briefly as a maidservant. However, her level of literacy was not something that could be mastered in a single day; obviously she was someone who was brought up to be a mistress.

Unexpectedly, a young lady like her could actually survive on the fields, do farm work, arrange furnitures, and tidy up the courtyard….The corner of Ning Shaoqing’s mouth lifted. His wife was quite interesting.

Unfortunately, his body…..

…his mouth which almost raised to its most beautiful arc had paused, and was replaced by a defeated sigh.

….

After closing the kitchen door, Mo Qian Xue dropped her act, and her brow wrinkled with worry.

When this 14-year-old body was found injured and lying beneath the wilderness, the original owner must have been in trouble at that time.

But ever since Mo Qian Xue had taken over her identity, she had absolutely no reason to settle the young lady’s grudges with her family.

However, there were no airtight walls in this world.

Even as she risked hiding in the shadows, being discovered eventually was something she could not prevent.

It seems that she must hasten and strengthen her foundation.

Not only must she prevent herself from being sold as a slave, she also had to deal with the original owner’s questionable status.

…

Shortly during the afternoon, Lady Zhang, the mother of Tie Zhu, arrived at their door.

This little wife also had some ambition.

In the village, the occupation of a scholar was highly honored; by simply becoming a scholar and mastering literacy, one could have a much higher social standing.

Ever since her little Tie Zhu had come under Ning Xiansheng’s tutelage, the people in her village had begun to see her differently; even her parents had gazed upon her favorably.

That day, when Shuan Zi had arrived at her doorstep informing her that Lady Ning was asking a favor, she immediately supposed that today was her son’s opportunity to bring honor to his ancestors. If Ning Xiansheng could look after Tie Zhu in the future….Lady Zhang gritted her teeth as she brought in the desserts she had prepared.

Lady Ning took initiative and spoke, “I’ve heard that Sister Zhang was a well graceful lady. After meeting you for the first time yesterday, I have thought of paying you a visit one of these days, to get to know you. Unfortunately I’m not very familiar with the way to your residence, and also, my husband’s body isn’t in the best condition. It would be difficult to leave his side. I’m sorry for troubling you to come here in person.”

“Why does Lady Ning say such words? As a member of our village, it would help to take time to walk around more and become familiar.”

After a few idle conversations, Mo Qian Xue smiled and took a serving of the snack on the table. “Actually for Sister Zhang to come and visit this younger sister already gives me a lot of face (compliment), and yet you also graciously brought over many snacks. I’m afraid there wouldn’t be any left with Shuan Zi at home.”

“My family already has plenty of snacks, and enough to feed more sisters.” As Sister Zhang spoke, she was unaware of the look of pride and superiority on her face.

Her family was the wealthiest that lived in the village, and the only one that owned a horse drawn carriage. In the past, countless men would flatter and bribe her to lend them the vehicle, all so they could travel to the city in search of opportunities. Looking at Lady Ning, isn’t she also trying to curry favor with her?

“Lady Ning’s health seems to be in excellent condition! When can your husband also recover so he can resume teaching?”

Lady Zhang’s sense of superiority was once again on display; even her tone of speech was self important and prideful.

Mo Qian Xue’s brow wrinkled in annoyance, but she held back and continued to smile politely. “Thank you for your concern Lady Zhang, my body is indeed feeling much better. My husband’s health is also recovering well. You have come to inquire at a good time, since just earlier today, Ning Xiansheng requested that I visit Bao Chang later this afternoon. After a long absence, my husband wants to inform our village leader that classes will resume within three days.”

When meeting a person like Lady Zhang, as long as a prideful lady like her did not find fault or trouble, then Mo Qian Xue didn’t have to waste energy in disputes.

“Well that’s great!” Lady Zhang replied. “If you don’t know the way, then I can take you to Bao Chang’s house.”

Just by hearing her reply, one can tell how eager she was for classes to start soon.

Mo Qian Xue casually agreed to her offer. She thanked her gracefully, then stood up to get ready.

Someone was offering to be a guide, so might as well take it right? Moreover, she still had more to say to Zhang Tongzi.

Lady Zhang led the way and said, “The day before yesterday I was too busy with errands, so I wasn’t able to visit your that noon. I hope Lady Ning wouldn’t take it to heart.”

“How could I?” Mo Qian Xue replied. “The last couple of days were the fall harvest. Little Tie Zhu’s dad must have been busy driving the carriage and taking care of business in the city. Sister Zhang must have been overwhelmed to have to do all the housework by yourself. Naturally you would be tired. Where would you have the energy to visit?”

Feeling flattered, Lady Zhang added in, “I see that Lady Ning is a very caring person. Yes my husband has indeed left with the carriage to do business in the city. If Lady Ning is lacking anything in the future, you may come at any time and tell me. I give you my word that I’ll help in any way I can!”

“Thank you so much!”

“Why be so formal with me? If Sister Ning wants to go into the city, then we’ll wait for my husband to return so we can use the carriage. I’ll be your guide along the way…”

“….”

The two walked to the eastern part of the village as they chatted.

______

Translation Notes:

Poem #1

有志者,事竟成,破釜沉舟,120秦关终属楚;苦心人,天不负,卧薪尝胆,3000越甲可吞吴。

Those with resolve will be met with success, and by breaking the cauldrons and sinking the boats (cutting off the path of retreat), Chu came to hold all of Qin’s passes (blocking all of enemies’ path and emerging victorious in war).

Background: The first line is a Chinese idiom, though the author seems to have misunderstood 百二 as 120, when it really means 2 against 100, as the idiom refers here to the mountain passes of the Qin, where an army of 20,000 could hold off an army of 1,000,000. You could translate it as

The first poem refers to how Xiang Yu, in the battle of Julu, destroyed the cauldrons and utensils of his troops and sunk their boats so that there would be no retreat, hardening their resolve to battle. He emerged victorious in the battle, and Qin collapsed a few years later, with Chu under Xiang Yu’s rule the dominant power.

Poem #2

满腹斗志的呤完诗,看时辰不早,陌千雪准备进屋拾缀拾缀就去做午饭。

The heavens will not turn its back on those who work hard , and by sleeping on straw and tasting bitterness, the great army of Yue conquered the Wu.

background: The second part refers to the story of King Goujian of Yue. Goujian was taken to serve as hostage of King Fuchai of Wu for three years, and after he was released, he lived like a peasant so that he could remember the humiliation he had suffered. Ten years later, Yue had grown strong enough to start another war with Wu in which ended up being lost and annexed, with King Fuchai committing suicide. The number 3000 here is not literal.