085 Even Pigs Have Inedible Bristles

Chapter 085: Even Pigs Have Inedible Bristles

After a brief moment of cold silence, the white-haired old matriarch spoke steadily, “Someone, escort the young lady to the lower deck to rest.”

This pleasure boat had two levels: the upper was a bright banquet and observation hall, while the lower was an enclosed lounge and service area.

Zhou Li’er was, of course, unwilling. Those seated here were mostly the heads of families or their heirs who had business dealings with the Zhou family; for someone aiming to become the next matron of the Zhou household, this was undoubtedly the best opportunity to make herself known. She absolutely could not leave.

“Auntie,” Zhou Li’er called out plaintively, her fingers grasping the old lady’s sleeve beneath the table where no one could see, silently pleading: Hadn’t you said that no matter whom my cousin marries, I am the acknowledged young mistress of the Zhou family? But now you’re sending me away in front of everyone—how could I show my face as the future mistress after this?

The old matriarch firmly withdrew her sleeve. Face is earned, not given by others. After that display of tears and pitiful clutching, not only had Zhou Li’er lost her own dignity as a candidate for young mistress, but the old lady herself felt her own reputation slipping away. In these contests of power, the initial show of presence often determines the final outcome. Yet this girl had, in just a few moves, been driven to defeat without even realizing what she’d done wrong. Truly foolish enough to make the old lady regret ever promising her the title of young mistress.

“What are you standing around for? Quickly, help the young lady down.”

Her tone was clearly harsher now. Zhou Li’er, frightened into tears again, realized her aunt would give her no further chance.

“Yes, ma’am.” Though unwilling, Zhou Li’er had no choice but to rise, curtsey, and withdraw obediently.

The old matriarch then beckoned a maid at her side. “Zhou Cui, bring some of the featherfin shark’s fin in front of me for Miss Fang to try.”

Fang Rulai watched the maid approach with a smile full of meaning. “Featherfin shark’s fin, eh? It’s a fine dish, but only if that fin is…”

“Miss Fang, please don’t embarrass me further,” the old matriarch hastily interrupted, finally realizing that trying to awe Fang Rulai with displays of wealth had been a mistake from the start. She could not let Fang Rulai seize on this flaw to press her advantage; best to end the topic quickly.

“Ping City is a small, remote place, nothing like the resource-rich Shengjing. I specially prepared these dishes to make a good impression on my future daughter-in-law. But someone from Shengjing would naturally have broader horizons and would not be moved by such trifles—it was my oversight. So, let this featherfin shark’s fin serve as my apology for my earlier misstep. Would Miss Fang accept this token?”

Miss Fang, busy eating the shark’s fin, said nothing.

Zhu Xishi replied instead, “Madam Zhou, is it? As the saying goes, no one is perfect—there are even inedible bristles on a pig. If you made a misstep, it’s right to apologize, but you must also show an apologetic attitude, yes? Yet you keep calling her your daughter-in-law—those in the know may overlook it as mere politeness, but to outsiders, it would seem my cousin has already married into your family! Is that not ruining her reputation? That’s quite improper.”

Under the table, Fang Rulai tapped Zhu Xishi’s foot with her own: well said—pigs’ bristles, excellent metaphor.

The old matriarch had likely never been so openly snubbed. Her face darkened, but she forced herself to respond as mildly as possible. “Miss Zhu, the Zhou family is one of the leading households in Ping City. To be our young mistress is perhaps an exaggeration to call it ‘wielding the wind and rain,’ but she would certainly command great respect. With such a match, what is there to be dissatisfied with?”

“It’s not dissatisfaction—it’s that the personalities aren’t a match,” Zhu Xishi replied with some difficulty. “In great households, there are always too many people and too many complications. Take the young lady just now—she hadn’t said a few words before…” Zhu Xishi paused pointedly and glanced at Village Chief Shi of Salt Village. “Which makes me think that someone with a simple family and honest household customs, like Chief Shi, would be a good candidate instead.”

Chief Shi was overjoyed. He’d thought that, with so many vying for Fang Rulai, his own background left him little chance; he’d hoped at best to win Zhu Xishi’s favor. But now—was Miss Zhu suggesting her cousin marry into his family? Did that not mean his clan could become the foremost among the salt merchants?

Excited, Chief Shi stood up. “My family has only one son per generation; we are three generations under one roof with no collateral relatives. If Miss Fang were to marry in, there would be only six people in the household, all close, easy to get along with.”

Outside, the sound of rushing water grew urgent again.

Zhu Xishi raised her brow knowingly, about to add another jab, but was interrupted by Zhou Dashan.

“Chief Shi, the dragon boat your village ordered for next month’s Dragon Boat Festival cannot be delivered on time.”

Chief Shi was taken aback, then retorted, “But that order was placed before New Year—if you fail to deliver, your shipping company must pay triple compensation.”

Zhou Dashan downed a cup of wine. “Someone, draw up a promissory note for Chief Shi. With this note, you can collect triple compensation from our company in the morning.” Such was the price for vying for the same bride—he would rather pay more and sever ties with Shi Village now and in the future.

Zhou Dashan poured another cup, toasting the now-stiff Chief Shi across the table. “Our past cooperation was pleasant!” As for the future? That would depend on what choices were made.

Chief Shi looked at the note brought to the table, then at Fang Rulai, still eating heartily, and finally fixed his gaze on Zhou Dashan.

It was unfair! When inviting him to join the suitor’s ranks, Zhou Dashan had promised fair competition based on merit. But now, with everyone on his boat, he’d turned on him just like that?

Zhou Dashan, oblivious to Chief Shi’s resentful glare, drank contentedly. Fairness? Fairness existed only because he allowed it. Now that he didn’t, what of it? He was the most crucial and powerful link in the salt trade—if anyone was dissatisfied, let them come bite him! But of course, a mere village chief would never dare.

Chief Shi placed the promissory note back on the tray and raised his cup. “I hope our cooperation continues to be pleasant.” The Shi family was in no position to confront the Zhou family directly. However unwilling, he had to endure—for without Fang Rulai, the Shi clan could survive; but severed from the Zhou family, they’d be isolated by other merchants and doomed.

Zhou Dashan’s look made it clear he’d expected this, but he made no pretense of magnanimity. “Good. To continued pleasant cooperation.”

Fang Rulai paused her feasting to look at Chief Shi. Was he really willing to sell her for just three times the price?

Chief Shi, after toasting Zhou Dashan, filled another cup for Fang Rulai. “Miss Fang, my Shi family would be overjoyed to welcome you. But compared to the Zhou family’s security and wealth, our intentions are insignificant. For your happiness, we strongly recommend you marry into the Zhou family!”

Fang Rulai was amused that this seemingly honest Chief Shi could so swiftly become a propagandist. Down the table, others raised their cups in support: “Please, Miss Fang, accept Zhou Dashan’s proposal.”

Well now, was this open coercion, or a feudal version of internet trolls?

Fang Rulai was slightly surprised at the Zhou family’s monopoly both in and outside the industry. The old matriarch, meanwhile, regained her imperious air.

“There are advantages and disadvantages to everything. If you want the best, you must first endure hardship and work hard; if you want a good marriage, you must be able to handle the complex relationships of a grand household. Miss Fang, you come from a family used to luxury and refinement—surely these petty intrigues are beneath your notice?” Every word from the old matriarch exuded the condescension of “You should be grateful the Zhou family even considers you worthy, so why not submit?”

It was enough to make Fang Rulai feel unwell.

She exchanged a glance with Zhu Xishi, reading the same impatience in her eyes.

Should they keep verbally sparring?

No need—the situation was clear. As long as they dealt with the Zhou family, the other salt merchants were insignificant.

Shall we strike back?

Let’s.

Outside, the sound of water gave a timely vote of assent.

Zhu Xishi’s brow twitched, her face darkened, and she tossed her chopsticks down. “My cousin can marry, but it must be a grand and splendid affair.”

“Agreed.” So long as she lived long enough for them to obtain the salt trade token.

“She can marry, but I won’t.”

“That’s… fine.” Once the salt trade token was secured, it wouldn’t matter whether she married or not—or even whether the cousin married.

“I want the marriage to be official and grand this very year.”

“That’s…” No, that won’t do.

The old matriarch’s expression soured. “Miss Fang’s shaved head is unseemly. Such an appearance is hardly appropriate for a Zhou family bride.”

Zhu Xishi feigned confusion. “But didn’t you say the Zhou family wanted a monk’s wife to bring fortune to the household?”

“Yes, so we’re willing to make Miss Fang our principal wife and host an engagement as grand as a wedding. But the actual wedding must wait until her hair reaches her waist.”

She stated the conditions frankly, but Zhu Xishi objected just as staunchly. “Impossible! My cousin is eighteen—her hair won’t reach her waist for seven or eight years. Who knows what may happen in that time? We cannot accept such terms.”

“You—!” The old matriarch had not expected that someone with a chance to marry into the Zhou family would haggle instead of being grateful. She was momentarily at a loss for words.

Zhou Dashan slammed his cup down and declared, “After the engagement, Miss Fang may live in the Zhou family mansion as the young mistress, even if not yet on the family register. She will have the authority of the future matron, the house and its affairs will be hers, and she may preside over all banquets as the young mistress. In short, barring the formal wedding, she would already be considered one of us after the engagement.”

“In short?” Zhu Xishi fought the urge to overturn the table. “In short, you want to pay the lowest price for the most legitimate courtesan!”

What? The assembled guests were first stunned by the bluntness, then looked outraged, as if insulted. To keep a courtesan might be witty in private, but in public, it was shameful, filthy, and scandalous.

Zhou Dashan’s muscles twitched in indignation. A courtesan? Who allowed her to sully the Zhou family’s name so? Was this not outright insult?

“What, do you feel insulted?” Zhu Xishi sneered. “Then perhaps you now understand how we felt just moments ago. Expect her to serve the household inside and out for seven or eight years before she’s officially acknowledged? Zhou Dashan, are you toying with us? You’d have her serve your family, bear your children, yet her status must wait seven or eight years? How is that any different from keeping a courtesan?”

The room fell silent. It did seem to make a certain sense.

The old matriarch was incensed. “My son’s status is far above yours! Even if he were keeping a courtesan, ask around Ping City—there are plenty who would gladly accept for nothing, even pay for the privilege! We’ve lowered ourselves enough, and you repay us with insult?”

“Miss Fang, Miss Zhu, if not for a prophecy our family received years ago, do you think we’d want to marry you? Calling you ‘Miss’ is simply a courtesy. In truth, you’re just a monk and a widow! If not for our interest, you’d be left clinging to each other for the rest of your lives—hmph!”

The old matriarch, in the midst of her tirade, was abruptly silenced.

For Fang Rulai had suddenly withdrawn a dagger from her bosom—a blade old in shape but set with a dazzling jewel on its hilt.

The atmosphere, which had been icy and tense, now grew heated and expectant.

“What, was it not for this dagger all along?” Fang Rulai asked.

…

“Ah, I was just thinking I might use this dagger to shorten the seven or eight years of waiting.”

…

“So this is what Madam Zhou truly thinks of us…”

…

“It seems we cannot joyfully become a family after all.”

…

“Cousin, I think we should leave.”

With that, Fang Rulai and Zhu Xishi rose to their feet.

The old matriarch slammed the table, standing even faster than they did. “Leave? Hand over the dagger!”

They’d assumed she would never carry such an important item with her, which was why they’d played along, thinking to obtain it once the marriage was settled. Who would have guessed she’d keep it so close? In that case, why bother with marriage—just seize it!

Thank you, dear Smelly Egg Haha, for your flowers and encouragement—mwah!

By the way, are you following any dramas lately? I’d like to recommend a newly discovered Chinese series: “The Legend of Dance and Music.” It’s truly a gem of 2013—no cheap tricks, no pandering, no insult to the audience’s intelligence, entirely plot-driven! Douban rates it 8.8; worth watching if you have time.

And, a little confession here—Aunt Red Uncle’s blushing face, Lord Hai, I adore you!

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