Chapter 3: Settling into the Shen Residence (Part 3)
Liu Ye'er listened to the rustling sounds of Ji Cheng tossing in bed before finally speaking: "Miss, tomorrow I'll have the servants rearrange the west chamber furniture. Then you can practice your exercises like at home. That should help you sleep."
"Mm." Ji Cheng responded. These "exercises" were actually health-preserving techniques taught by her female tutor - rigorous movements that left her pleasantly exhausted. Since leaving Jin territory for the capital, she'd abandoned this routine during their travels.
Ji Cheng finally drifted off near midnight, only to be roused shortly after for morning greetings to Ji Lan.
"Did you rest well?" Ji Lan inquired while Linglong styled her hair.
"Quite well, Aunt."
Ji Lan chuckled lightly. "I should have prepared proper welcoming rites yesterday. My oversight."
Though polite, both knew this courtesy wouldn't extend were their positions reversed - a merchant's daughter versus a noble household.
"Must your family flaunt wealth in my home?" Ji Lan's tone suddenly sharpened. "Throwing money about like common merchants?"
Ji Cheng bowed her head. "Yu Qian'er meant no disrespect. Having grown up in Jin territory, she's unfamiliar with noble etiquette. I've already reprimanded them."
"Nonsense, dear." Ji Lan clasped her niece's hand. "I speak harshly only for your benefit. Our inferior birth means every misstep gets magnified. You'll understand after observing longer. These servants..." Her voice dropped conspiratorially. "Some have served the Duke's family for generations. Took me a decade to curb their arrogance. Show them coin, and they'll despise you for it."
Ji Cheng nodded earnestly, returning the hand squeeze. "Your guidance is invaluable, Aunt. I know your position here hasn't been easy."
"Easy?" Ji Lan snorted. At her subtle gesture, maidservants melted from the room. "They envy my title, yet who sees the cost? My sisters-in-law - a princess and marquis' daughter - look down their noses. The Dowager despised my origins. When I carried my first son..." Her voice broke. "She forced concubines into our chambers. My youthful pride cost that child."
This marked Ji Lan's second lament about noble life's hardships, determined to shatter any romantic illusions.
Ji Cheng maintained respectful silence. She'd never imagined aristocratic marriage easy - every ambition demanded sacrifice. Her resolve remained firm.
"And that snow-haired concubine!" Ji Lan's bitterness turned acrid. "Consort Xue had princesses trembling before her! Now her brother controls the Ministry of Appointments while I..." She trailed off meaningfully.
"Did your father resent me over your brother's affair?" The abrupt shift caught Ji Cheng mid-nod.
"Never!" The denial came swift. "Our family remains eternally grateful. Second Brother wished to kneel in thanks himself, but with First Brother studying here-"
"Enough pretty lies." Ji Lan dabbed tears. "I deserve your resentment. But your uncle..." Her voice hardened. "Third son of Duke Shen - no inherited title, no earned honors. His sinecure? Purchased. His brothers scorn him. Each petition to them cost me sleepless nights."
Ji Cheng's throat tightened with remembered shame - her father's desperate visits, Aunt's calculated delays, the exorbitant price finally paid. Childhood resentment had faded to pragmatism: Without Ji Lan's connections, they'd have no entry to this world.
"We owe everything to your guidance." Ji Cheng blinked away moisture. "Without your aid, we'd still be knocking on wrong gates."
Ji Lan's fingers twitched imperceptibly. This niece proved more perceptive than expected. Clever girls could be useful.
"Enough melancholy." She waved briskly. "You'll stay for my mother-in-law's birthday celebrations. Afterwards, you'll attend lessons with the Shen girls."
Before Ji Cheng could respond, the door burst open.
"Mother!" A peony-silk whirlwind launched at Ji Lan - fifteen-year-old Shen Cui, her cousin. The girl's gaze slid over Ji Cheng before hardening.
"Still clinging like a child?" Ji Lan disentangled herself. "Meet your cousin. You missed her yesterday."
Shen Cui's curtsy barely dipped. "Cousin."
"Fifth Sister." Ji Cheng used the familial title.
The ensuing silence thickened. Shen Cui's jealousy hung palpable - where she'd been the jewel, this newcomer outshone her completely. Ji Cheng stayed quiet; forced deference would only breed contempt.
"Your cousin will stay through my mother-in-law's celebrations and attend lessons after," Ji Lan announced.
Shen Cui's nostrils flared. Some merchant's brat sharing her classroom? She stormed out without another word.
"Forgive her," Ji Lan sighed. "That child... Come. We pay respects to the Dowager."
The East Residence's Ruiying Hall embodied generations of Shen power - five-bayed main hall flanked by side chambers, its gardens merging with Princess Anhe's famed waterways. As they approached, curtain-bearing maids announced their arrival.
"Third Madam brings her niece to pay respects," head maid Chunchan informed. "The Dowager currently receives her Jiangnan cousin - Madam Wu from Suzhou."
"How extraordinary!" Ji Lan's smile turned brittle. "At her age, traveling so far shows remarkable devotion."
(End of Chapter)
