“Mother and my husband worry too much about my health. I’ve told them I’m fine—who knows my body better than I do? But my husband insists I rest a few more days, no matter what I say.”
Tao Yiran sought to emphasize how cherished she was, casting a meaningful glance toward Xin An as she continued, “Mother-in-law is generous and my husband so considerate—how could I not be grateful? Otherwise, wouldn’t I be unworthy of their well-meaning care?”
Xin An raised a handkerchief to her nose to cover a quiet laugh, lowering her voice just a touch. “Eldest Brother truly is a good man. Just a few days ago, while we were on our way to greet Mother together, he told me that should I ever encounter any trouble, I need only come to him—that he would never refuse me. He really does carry himself with the poise of an elder brother.”
Her voice dipped even softer. “Speaking of which, Eldest Sister-in-law is truly blessed. In all the world, how often does it happen that a groom mistakes the bridal chamber on his wedding night? Rarer still is one who enters the wrong room and never leaves. Yet Eldest Sister-in-law encountered just such a marvel. That’s no ordinary fortune—it’s positively resplendent.”
Tao Yiran’s expression shifted drastically, the color draining from her face. Xin An’s eyes sparkled with even more amusement. “Eldest Brother is generous and noble in character. Just hearing those words from him puts me at ease. I daresay I’ll need to trouble him again in the future.”
The main doors of the Spring Glory Hall creaked open. Ganlu stepped out and beckoned them inside. Old Madame Tang smiled and asked, “What are you two sisters chatting about out there?”
“Grandmother.”
Xin An offered a respectful bow, smiling as she replied, “We were just talking about how attentive Eldest Brother is. He’s worried Eldest Sister-in-law isn’t yet well enough and told her over and over to rest more.”
Old Madame Tang turned to Tao Yiran and said kindly, “If that’s the case, there’s no need to exhaust yourself with this visit. I appreciate your filial heart, but above all, I want you both to stay healthy.”
Tao Yiran had nearly lost her composure under Xin An’s deft remarks and quickly bowed. “It is my blessing to have Grandmother’s generosity. My health is much improved now, and I ought to serve by Grandmother’s side. I cannot let my younger sister-in-law shoulder all the burden alone.”
“A devoted heart—how commendable.”
Old Madame Tang ordered the meal to be set. That morning, she had looked in the mirror and was pleased to find her complexion and color much improved, so her mood was naturally cheerful. “You both stay and eat with me. Be sure to eat plenty.”
Xin An supported the old lady as she sat, smiling all the while. “We missed your cooking so much while you were at the estate, Grandmother. My husband and I would talk about it all the time.”
Old Madame Tang chuckled. “So you only come to greet me in the mornings to eat my breakfast?”
Xin An took her seat beside her with a bright laugh. “We come to pay respects, truly—but craving your breakfast is also quite true.”
“Your dishes are unmatched, Grandmother.”
Old Madame Tang was thoroughly delighted, picking up a taro roll and placing it in Xin An’s bowl. “Then eat to your heart’s content. I hope you’ll come every day.”
The two chatted and laughed, heedless of the rule that one should not speak while eating or sleeping. They discussed which breakfast dishes stood out that morning, and even which confectioner in the city made the best pastries—they would send someone to buy them tomorrow.
Meanwhile, Tao Yiran could hardly eat. Her mind buzzed with frustration, her appetite vanished. Her discontent with Xin An had reached its peak. Such shameless flattery, she thought. Does her face even know shame?
After breakfast, Xin An made no move to leave. With nothing pressing to return to, she saw no reason not to stay for a chat. Tao Yiran, however, was desperate to go. She couldn’t bear even one more glance at Xin An. The room felt stiflingly gaudy—Old Madame Tang had just acquired a new screen embroidered with golden and silver threads. It was garishly extravagant.
“I say, Eldest Sister-in-law, you don’t look too well. Are you feeling unwell again?”
Xin An’s tone was exceedingly considerate. “Mother-in-law has matters to attend to these days, so we needn’t go pay respects. If you’re not feeling well, you should return early and rest.”
Tao Yiran forced a smile, but Old Madame Tang lifted her gaze and spoke plainly, “In the future, if you’re unwell, there’s no need to force yourself to come. Recuperating properly is what matters most. Your filial piety, Grandmother knows it well.”
Tao Yiran couldn’t shake the feeling that there was another layer to the old matriarch’s words. And truthfully, she found Old Madame Tang’s taste quite lacking. But then again, a person who favored someone like Xin An—so adept at flattery and pretense—couldn’t possibly possess refined sensibilities. After all, both of them were born to lesser families.
Old Madame Tang gave her a glance before lowering her eyes to savor her tea. Given the situation between the two sisters-in-law, she had long given up on urging them to get along. As long as they could maintain appearances and not cause a public spectacle, they could do as they pleased behind closed doors—it mattered little to her.
“The Shuǐhuá Banquet is approaching,” she reminded them, her tone measured. “All the ladies of the household are expected to attend. On such an occasion, many eyes will be watching—surely you both know what to do.”
Tao Yiran, who had just begun to rise to take her leave, froze. Her heart sank, and she clenched her handkerchief tightly. The Shuǐhuá Banquet would be a test for both her and Xin An. Though public chatter on the matter had subsided somewhat of late, their appearance together would certainly reignite interest. She was deeply anxious that Xin An might say something reckless and compromise her standing.
As the elder sister-in-law, it was expected that Tao Yiran should respond first—but she found herself at a loss for words. Old Madame Tang’s gaze shifted to Xin An instead. Xin An smiled and said with perfect composure:
“Eldest Brother is a man of great talent and virtue—naturally, he is well matched with Eldest Sister-in-law, whose wit and grace are second to none. It was a bond written by fate. As for my husband and me, I suppose one could say we stepped into the wrong bridal chamber, only to find the right person.”
“It’s only natural for others to be curious. So long as we face it calmly, their interest will fade soon enough.”
That was precisely the attitude Old Madame Tang wanted to see. After all, Xin An was the one who seemed to have drawn the short straw—yet here she was, speaking with grace.
Sure enough, Old Madame Tang nodded with satisfaction. “Well said. Indeed, some marriages are simply destined.”
Tao Yiran quietly exhaled in relief. Her greatest fear had been that Xin An would speak out of turn and disgrace the household. It didn’t matter if Xin An was of humble birth or held little sway—people would always talk. But she herself was now the eldest grandson’s wife, the future Lady of the House. Her reputation was not something that could afford to be tarnished.
The sun had fully risen, and the matron responsible for Old Madame Tang’s skincare had arrived. Xin An and Tao Yiran both rose to take their leave. Initially, Tao Yiran had intended to walk ahead, but she changed her mind and deliberately slowed her pace to fall into step beside Xin An. Her gaze fixed on the path ahead, she murmured:
“What’s done is done, dear sister. Why continue to brood over it? If Second Brother were to sense your unrest, it would only sadden him.”
Xin An didn’t look at her either, but a subtle smile tugged at her lips. “Eldest Sister may not realize, but I’m not the one brooding. You may have won the man, but whether you can truly hold on to him—that remains uncertain.”
“And,” she added, voice soft but firm, “we’re family. If trouble arises, we ought to support one another. Especially since Eldest Brother is the heir to the marquisate—it’s only proper that he look after me a little more. Even if word spreads, people will merely say he’s loyal and responsible, a man who values kinship.”
These were words Tao Yiran had once said to her. Today, Xin An returned them intact—let her now taste their meaning.
Tao Yiran halted, turning to meet Xin An’s gaze. Xin An responded with a serene smile.
“An elder sister-in-law is like a mother,” she said warmly. “You shouldn’t be so calculating. If you’re too petty, you might hinder Eldest Brother’s prospects. As the future matron of this house, you ought to show greater generosity and grace.”
Again—words Tao Yiran herself had once spoken. Xin An’s smile was as warm as spring sunshine as she offered the last reminder:
“Eldest Brother is destined for great things. Eldest Sister-in-law would do well not to keep him on too tight a leash. Otherwise, if word gets out, people may say you’re jealous and intolerant.”
I’ve been slowly catching up with this novel for a bit now and its quickly becoming a new favourite of mine.
Xin An and Tang Mo’s developing partnership is so good. They trust each other! They rely on each other! It’s cute, they’re definitely building the foundation of a strong relationship. And its always very funny to see Xin An get her little victories over Tao Yiran and Tang Rong… literally throwing the words they spoke to her in her past life back in their face, I love it.
Thank you for all your hard work translating this, you’re doing an excellent job!