Chapter 168: Taking a Concubine on Behalf of Her Husband

"M... Master's Wife, are you taking... taking Sister Cuiliu with you?"

Overwhelmed by shock, Liu Qin even stammered.

"I have thought it over carefully and observed for some time. Cuiliu is truly a good person, and she... and my husband also share... share mutual affection. I believe we will be able to live in great harmony in the future."

Yao Xuanrong really found it unspeakable to discuss such intimate matters with a young girl. Yet Liu Qin was no ordinary young girl; her eyes were as bright as stars, seemingly able to see through all the affairs of the world, and her heart was as exquisite as jade—both perceptive and embracing.

Moreover, Yao Xuanrong was certain that Liu Qin knew about the affair between her husband and Cuiliu, even though she never mentioned it.

Therefore, having made her decision, Liu Qin was naturally the first person she wanted to inform.

"Master's Wife, you don't need to do this."

Hearing that her master's wife intended to take in a concubine on behalf of her husband, Liu Qin felt as though a thunderbolt had struck her crown. She was somewhat dazed, utterly unable to fathom how one could hand the beloved husband of her own accord to another woman, and still maintain a willing expression.

What kind of reasoning was this?

Liu Qin simply could not understand.

"Master's Wife, why must you do this?"

Yao Xuanrong let out a long sigh, stroking Liu Qin's long hair, and said with a touch of sadness, "Qin'er, you are still young; there are some things you do not understand. Your teacher is truly sincere toward me, and I also trust that he will respect and cherish me all his life. But even so, I have never imagined that he would have only me by his side throughout his life.

"To have a wife and concubines is merely the natural order of the world. Which man does not wish to enjoy the blessings of both? Unwilling though I may be, someone would eventually step through our doors one day. Rather than waiting until then, it is better for me to choose someone to my liking. Furthermore, Cuiliu shares a past with your teacher, and she is gentle and honest. I trust her, and even more, I trust my own judgment."

"But—"

"Master's Wife knows Qin'er has her best interests at heart. Good child, thank you."

Tucking a stray lock of hair behind Liu Qin's ear, Yao Xuanrong swallowed the words left unsaid.

*Thank you for disregarding the years of affection and going against the wishes of those around you, solely to preserve the reunion of my family. Thank you for the wise counsel of years past, which eased the worries of my heart. And most of all, thank you for your dissuasion today...*

"Master's Wife..."

"Qin'er, I have already decided. You need not try to persuade me further."

"Master's Wife, will you regret this one day?"

Yao Xuanrong shook her head. "I do not know. Perhaps I will, perhaps I won't."

Emerging from the bamboo courtyard, Liu Qin was unusually silent.

She walked and pondered.

Yet the more she pondered, the more bewildered she became.

What was love? Could this truly be love?

No. The deeper the love, the more intense the passion; the heavier the affection, the less it tolerates sharing. Matters of the heart—how could they ever be divided among three?

Yet Master's Wife was also right. Having a wife and concubines was the ordinary state of the world. While the Liu household had no rules permitting concubines, what about others? What about other noble houses?

If I were a man, would I never have hoped to hold beauties in both arms?

On this day, Liu Qin's mind was in utter chaos.

New thoughts and old notions, the moral codes of her previous life and the ethical standards of this present existence, churned together, turning her brain into a thick paste.

In a daze, she reached the front courtyard and found Jiang Li and Xiao Wu in the martial arts arena. Watching them leap gracefully through the air, brandishing swords that bloomed with flashes of silver light, and hearing the crisp clash of steel accompanied by light shouts and exhales, her mind suddenly cleared.

She gazed into the distant sky.

*With my original purity of heart, I trade for his enduring devotion.*
*If love lingers long, the pristine vow is never forgotten. If love is betrayed, the earth is vast and the sky is high.*

The words she had originally intended to ask Jiang Li directly remained unsaid.

Yao Xuanrong presented her decision directly to the Old Madam, who pondered for a long time before nodding in agreement. In terms of both reason and sentiment, she had no grounds for objection.

Although it was merely taking a concubine, Yao Xuanrong still went through all the customary rites and procedures, specifically following those reserved for a noble concubine.

Upon hearing the news, Cuiliu wept tears of joy.

On the eve of departure, she knelt before Liu Qin and kowtowed three times with tear-filled eyes.

Liu Qin raised her to her feet. The person who had accompanied her for nine years was already as dear as family. Now facing a distant parting with no knowing when they might meet again, it was impossible not to feel sorrowful, but this was Cuiliu's wish, and she ought to be happy for her.

Forsaking all mournful and dispirited words, Liu Qin simply instructed Cuiyu to fetch her jewelry box. She personally selected a complete set of ruby headwear, two gold hairpins, and two hundred taels of silver banknotes, placing them directly into Cuiliu's hands.

"No, no, Mistress, this is too precious. This servant cannot accept it."

"Sister Cuiliu, our journey as mistress and servant is rooted in fate. Though nominally mistress and servant, our bond is that of sisters. When I stopped you back then, it was out of the hope that you could enter the household properly as a mistress of the house. Today, as I send you off, it is to honor the bond between us sisters. Why must you decline?"

"Indeed, Sister. You should accept the Mistress's kind token."

Before Cuiyu could finish her sentence, her voice choked with emotion, finally drawing tears from Cuiliu as well. Cuiliu knelt before Liu Qin once more.

"The kindness and affection the Mistress has shown this servant, this servant knows them all, this servant understands them all. Once I am gone, I shall surely set up an eternal memorial tablet for the Mistress, praying day and night for your blessings, wishing the Mistress a lifetime of peace and health."

"Sister, sob..."

Cuiyu embraced Cuiliu, weeping aloud.

Suppressing the tears welling in her eyes, Liu Qin forced a smile and scolded, "Such a joyous occasion! What are you crying for, Cuiyu? Could it be that seeing Sister Cuiliu get married makes you wish to be married as well?"

"Mistress..."

Cuiyu pulled Cuiliu up to her feet. Blushing deeply at the teasing remark, she stamped her foot in mock grievance.

Turning to Cuiliu, Liu Qin's expression turned solemn as she offered her parting advice softly, "Sister Cuiliu, take good care of yourself on this journey. I also hope you will cherish Teacher, respect Master's Wife, treat the younger martial brothers and sisters kindly, and live a peaceful life as a family."

"Rest assured, Mistress. This servant will certainly observe her proper duties, revere the Madam, and never commit any act that violates propriety and righteousness."

Liu Qin nodded.

That night, the few lamps in the Plum Courtyard burned brightly until dawn.

The next day, as the sky just began to brighten, the grand gates of the Liu manor were thrown wide open, and maids and servants bustled back and forth in a continuous stream.

The Old Madam personally escorted Yao Xuanrong to the entrance.

"Master's Wife, take good care along the road. Remember to send word back once you reach the imperial capital."

All that needed to be said and the farewells that ought to be spoken had already been exchanged, yet it felt as though there were always words left unsaid.

Liu Qin handed a parcel of freshly made, still-warm pastries to her master's wife, then pulled Zhou Ruomei and Zhou Chengzhi over to offer a final, meticulous round of instructions.

With the sky fully bright and the hour growing late, Yao Xuanrong bid farewell to the Old Madam. Giving Liu Qin's head one last parting touch, she turned and climbed into the carriage, fearing that if she stayed a moment longer, her tears would fall unbidden.

Liu Qin watched as Zhou Chengzhi and Zhou Ruomei boarded the carriage, tracking the procession as it moved down the long street toward the South Avenue.

Gathering and parting are merely the way of the world; there is no feast in the realm that never ends. Master's Wife, Cuiliu—I only hope that when we meet again, all of you will be well.

It was unknown who began to play a vertical bamboo flute, its notes wailing softly with a lingering sorrow, blending with the melancholy of parting autumn to pierce the heart.

Yet soon, another tune arose—a joyous piping like the melodious warbling of orioles and the carefree merriment of the countryside, scattering all heaviness of spirit and smoothing every furrowed brow.

The sun slowly rose, casting its radiance everywhere, making no distinction between north and south, east and west.

In September, a nursery rhyme drifted through every avenue and alley of Wucheng:

*Fine wine intoxicates the immortals;*
*Five-flavored delicacies satisfy the palate.*
*Jade-spring rice strengthens bone and muscle;*
*Should a traveler ask, this is a dwelling in the heavens.*

...*(To be continued.)*