On Shi Fuyin's birthday, Shi-Zheng and Jin Yue'e didn't explicitly inform anyone. Since they no longer dined at Yixiang Hall, they simply instructed the kitchen to prepare two of Shi Fuyin's favourite dishes for the day.
However, the addition of these two dishes unexpectedly caused a commotion in the Shi Estate.
"Did Fourth Madam order two extra dishes today?"
The main madam, Shi Dafuren, listened calmly as the kitchen steward, Lai Mama, reported to her.
With a grimace, Lai Mama nodded, "Madam, each dining hall has its designated menu. Fourth Madam asked for additional dishes without providing extra funds."
Shi Dafuren sneered, "It seems you've become obsessed with money. Just because two extra dishes were requested, the kitchen can't manage?"
Lai Mama's face tightened, "Madam, I understand. It's Fourth Madam's first request. Even if the kitchen had to supplement, they should have managed."
Shi Dafuren's expression softened a bit, "Fourth Madam has just asked for it this once. Even if the kitchen had to spend, they should manage."
Lai Mama quickly responded, "I know that. As soon as Fourth Madam's request came, I immediately instructed the kitchen staff to prepare. Madam, do you think there will be a second and third time after the first?"
Shi Dafuren mused for a moment, "Fourth Madam probably doesn't know that requesting additional dishes requires her funds. I'll find an opportunity to talk to her."
Upon hearing this, Lai Mama breathed a sigh of relief.
As she left, Shi Dafuren muttered, "It's been only a short while, and she's already learning to enjoy herself. Isn't eight dishes for one meal enough?"
Gu Mama smiled, "The Fourth Madam's family probably had enough hardships on the border. Suddenly entering a life of luxury, it's natural they might struggle to control themselves."
This minor issue wasn't worth Shi Dafuren's time. If it weren't for the fact that Shi Lao Furen was concerned about the Fourth Household, she would have left the kitchen's affairs to be managed properly.
"Go find Zhang Mama later. If I intervene, it might be hard for Fourth Young Miss to save face. It might be better for Zhang Mama to talk to her."
Gu Mama nodded in agreement.
They thought the matter would be resolved this way, but during lunch, Cui Zhu, who was sent to the kitchen to fetch food, ended up in an argument with the kitchen's Zhang Po.
"Sugar-marinated rose petals and wine-steamed duck. I specifically requested them this morning. Why did you give them to someone else?" Cui Zhu glared at Zhang Po with frustration.
Zhang Po, whose daughter was a senior maidservant in the Third Young Master's residence, wasn't afraid of Cui Zhu. She retorted, "Why didn't you come earlier then?"
"Sugar-marinated rose petals were for the Grand Madam, and the wine-steamed duck was desired by the Tenth Young Master. They wanted to take them, and I, an old servant, couldn't stop them."
"Furthermore, these two dishes were extras you requested. According to the rules, the kitchen only prepares eight dishes for you. Who are you to make a scene here?"
Cui Zhu, her face red with anger, fumed, "You're just a lowly servant, bullying us from Yigui Courtyard." She stamped her foot in anger. "Wait for me. Today is the Third Miss's birthday, and Fourth Madam had those dishes prepared specially for her. You gave them to someone else. I'll go tell my lady."
Seeing Cui Zhu leave without any food, Zhang Po realized that the matter had escalated. After hesitating for a moment, she went to inform Lai Mama.
Upon hearing that it was Shi Fuyin's birthday today, Lai Mama knew that trouble was brewing. She scolded Zhang Po with a stern look, then personally selected twelve dishes and brought Zhang Po with her to Yigui Courtyard.
In Yigui Courtyard, Shi-Zheng and Jin Yue'e, along with Shi Dingxuan, had prepared the gifts and were about to present them to Shi Fuyin, who received them with joy.
Just as everyone was happy, Cui Zhu returned in a huff. After apologizing, she recounted the incident in the kitchen to them.
Listening to Cui Zhu's words, everyone fell silent, and their smiles disappeared.
Amused, Shi Fuxin turned to Cui Zhu, "So, you got into an argument with the kitchen staff?"
Thinking Shi Fuxin was blaming her, Cui Zhu felt uneasy, but she forced herself to speak, "I was really angry at the time. They were being too unfair to us."
Shi Fuxin smiled, "Good girl. You did well. In the future, if you encounter something similar, stand your ground like this. If anything happens, I'll support you."
Saying that she took out a silver peanut from her purse and handed it to Cui Zhu.
Holding the silver peanut, Cui Zhu looked at Shi Fuxin's smiling face and realized that Sixth Young Miss didn't blame her. With Fourth Master and Fourth Madam not intervening, her uneasy heart finally calmed down.
Shi Fuxin asked with a smile, "Let me ask you when Grand Madam and the people from the Seventh Madam's courtyard went to collect the dishes, did they know that the sugar-marinated rose petals and wine-steamed duck were what we wanted?"
Cui Zhu nodded, "Yes, I was a bit slower than them, but as soon as I saw them taking the dishes, I immediately told them."
Shi Fuxin's lips curled into a mocking smile, "Yet they still took them without hesitation."
Cui Zhu nodded again.
At that moment, the voice of Lai Mama was heard outside the courtyard.
Shi Fuxin motioned for Cui Zhu to stand behind Jin Yue'e and looked at the apologetic expression on Lai Mama's face as she entered, accompanied by Zhang Po.
As soon as she entered, Lai Mama immediately apologized to Shi-Zheng and Jin Yue'e.
"Today, the kitchen was extremely busy, leading to such a significant mistake. Please don't blame Fourth Master and Fourth Madam."
"The main issue is that the estate's lavishness and waste are excessive. Each courtyard has its allocated portions."
"Today, Yigui Courtyard ordered two extra dishes. According to kitchen regulations, any dishes beyond the allocated portions must be paid for by the respective courtyard and then registered."
"This morning, Miss Cui Zhu rushed and didn't register, which led to the dishes being taken by people from other courtyards."
"Regardless, this is negligence on the kitchen's part. Please pardon Fourth Master and Fourth Madam."
Listening to Lai Mama's attempt to shift blame, Shi Fuxin burst into laughter.
Lai Mama was taken aback, looking puzzled at Shi Fuxin.
Smiling at her, Shi Fuxin asked, "Ma'am, I'm not quite clear about your meaning. Are you saying that we ordered two extra dishes, and these dishes are to be paid for by us?"
Lai Mama nodded, "The kitchen has always followed this rule."
Shi Fuxin nodded in understanding, "I see. So, if I understand correctly, every courtyard has its allocated portions. The sugar-marinated rose petals and wine-steamed ducks were extras we ordered. But then, why were they taken away by others?"
Lai Mama hesitated.
Curious, Shi Fuxin continued, "Ma'am, are you going to answer? Is this question difficult? Do the other courtyards pay when they take extra dishes? Or does your kitchen's rule only apply to Yigui Courtyard?"
This straightforward question highlighted the kitchen's differential treatment of Yigui Courtyard.
Lai Mama's expression tightened. She hurriedly explained, "Fourth Master and Fourth Madam, please understand, the kitchen has no such intention."
Jin Yue'e realized Lai Mama's intention as well. Not wanting to escalate the matter or take responsibility, she offered a vague excuse to dismiss them.
Considering that Shi Dafuren was in charge of the household, making a big fuss about the kitchen's mistake would undoubtedly be a blow to her pride. Jin Yue'e thought for a moment and decided not to pursue it further.
"It was an unintentional mistake. Let's move on from this."
Lai Mama visibly relaxed and quickly agreed, "Certainly, we won't let it happen again. Next time, we'll be more careful." She motioned for Zhang Po to bring in the food box and personally placed the twelve dishes on the table.
Today's mistake was from the kitchen, so the extra four dishes were intended as an apology from the kitchen to Fourth Master, Fourth Madam, and the young masters and young misses.
Suddenly, Shi Zheng spoke, "Take those extra dishes away."
Lai Mama was taken aback, looking to Zhang Mama for help.
Zhang Mama looked troubled. After serving at Yigui Courtyard for so long, she could tell that Fourth Master seldom voiced his opinion. However, once he did, Fourth Madam and the others wouldn't oppose him.
Seeing the situation, Jin Yue'e intervened, "It's fine. Taking away a couple of dishes won't hurt. Making a fuss over this matter is a bit of an overreaction."
Zhang Mama nodded in agreement, "Exactly. It's Grand Madam and the Seventh Madam who wanted to take the dishes. They wouldn't dare."
Lai Mama suddenly glared at Zhang Mama, who immediately fell silent. "Matters involving the masters are not our place to intervene. Today, you caused trouble in the kitchen, so as punishment, you'll wash dishes for a month."
With that, she ignored Zhang Mama and left the scene.
Meanwhile, at the dining table, Shi Dingxuan and Shi Fuyin were both observing Shi Fuxin.
Seeing their stares, Shi Fuxin couldn't help but say, "Brother, sister, if you don't eat properly, why do you keep staring at me?"
Amused, Shi Fuyin said, "Your temper seems quite good today. I thought you were going to scold the kitchen staff."
Shi Fuxin smiled, "What's the point of scolding? It's ineffective. It's better to address the issue directly, warn the kitchen not to take us for fools, and that's enough. As for the rest… time will tell."
Today's incident was ostensibly about the kitchen's mishandling of the dishes, but it revealed the other masters' disdain for their family.
No matter how friendly they appeared on the surface, they never truly regarded them highly.
Otherwise, how could the maids dare to openly take dishes from Yigui Courtyard?
"When you lack the ability, pursuing the so-called fairness is just a source of ridicule. I don't want to be the subject of gossip during tea time."
Shi Zhenghe quietly picked up a chicken leg and placed it on Shi Fuyin's plate. "When your father finds a job, he'll bring back delicious food for you."
He was well aware that his family had faced mistreatment due to his lack of establishment within the estate.
Shi Fuyin smiled brightly, "I love eating the chicken leg Dad picked for me."
At Yixiang Hall, not long after the incident in the kitchen, Old Lady Shi got wind of it. Throughout the day, she didn't see her second son's family coming to her, nor did she witness Lady Shi or Seventh Madam going to Yigui Courtyard to apologize.
"Zhenghe's family seems to be more sensible than I had imagined, but other members of the estate have disappointed me."
She doubted that Lady Shi and Madam Shi were unaware of the kitchen incident, yet they did nothing about it.
Anma comforted her, "Madam, Zhenghe's family has just returned. It takes time for the others in the estate to warm up to them."
The Old Lady Shi sighed, "It's precisely because they've just returned that they need the care and assistance of their family. They should be looked after more at this time. They'll surely be grateful. But look at how the people in the estate are behaving."
She instructed Anma to bring a gold-inlaid jade chrysanthemum pearl hairpin from the treasury. "Give this to Yin. Tell her that the estate overlooked her birthday today, so we'll organize a grand celebration for her next year."
In November, snow began falling sporadically in the capital city.
After dealing with matters in the estate, Lady Shi stepped out of the study and witnessed the snowflakes gently descending. Soon, the ground was covered in a layer of white.
"Has Fourth Master gone out today?"
Gu Mama nodded, "Yes, he did. Despite the snow these days, Fourth Master still goes out every day." She shook her head, "For Fourth Master to wander outside like this, how can he ever find a job? Does he think the capital is a border town?"
Lady Shi furrowed her brow. Her husband had considered introducing job opportunities to his younger brother due to his daily outings. However, she had dissuaded him from that idea.
Her motive wasn't to criticize her younger brother, but she was concerned about his family's relationship with the Cai family.
Her younger brother's family had saved the Cai family's lives. As long as they were willing to visit, the Cai family would undoubtedly receive them. If they started interacting, it would be equivalent to the main household developing relations with the Cai family.
Climbing up the social ladder to the Cai family would be a tremendous advantage for the main household.
The Cai family had a close connection to the imperial family. Having a relationship with them, even if it were only hinted at, could deter any further suppression from higher authorities against the main household.
However, despite being in the capital for so long, her younger brother's family seemed to be completely ignorant of the Cai family. They hadn't visited the Cai family themselves, nor had they informed the household.
Neither the Lord nor the Lady had inquired about it either.
"Let's wait and see."
She refused to believe that if her younger brother couldn't find a job, he wouldn't start looking for one. If this continued, she feared her mother would have him assist her in managing estate affairs, which would reveal his whereabouts. She wanted to avoid that.
Yihuan Courtyard.
Shi Zhengde brushed off the snow as he returned from outside. After drinking a bowl of hot tea, he summoned a servant to inquire about Shi Zhenghe's situation. "Has Fourth Master gone out today? When did he leave? When did he return?"
Seeing his evident concern for Shi Zhenghe, Liu Xinyu was amazed. "I never thought you would care so much about Fourth Brother."
Shi Zhengde gave her a wry smile, "You don't understand. Fourth Brother has been searching for a job all this time, but has he ever considered that he, someone from the borderlands, won't find much work in the capital?"
"If he keeps not finding a job, and if Mother asks him to assist me in managing estate affairs to keep tabs on him, then I'll have to avoid him."
Liu Xinyu suddenly grasped the situation. Nervously, she asked, "Would Mother ask Fourth Brother to help you manage estate affairs?"
Shi Zhengde shook his head, "Not for now, I think. But Fourth Brother can't remain idle forever." He snorted, "Big Brother is truly ruthless. Even though they're full-blooded siblings, he doesn't care."
"Even Seventh Brother is better. At least he managed to find a position as a tutor for Fifth Brother. Although that man isn't highly regarded at the Qianji Academy, he must have some skills to become a tutor there."
Liu Xinyu rolled her eyes, "They pretend to be virtuous and righteous, but they're the most selfish."
Shi Zhengde stood up, "Alright, let's not meddle in other people's affairs. I'm going to visit Zhou Yiniang."
Seeing her husband heading to his concubine's courtyard once again, Liu Xinyu felt a surge of frustration.
Although her husband and Seventh Brother might not be the best, they did show the utmost respect for their legal wives. But what about her husband? The estate had the most illegitimate children.
On the fifth day of the eleventh month, Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin returned from their lessons to find their parents sitting happily by the window in the warm kang. They seemed to be engaged in a hushed conversation.
"Mom, Dad, what's making you so happy? Share it with us."
Shi Fuxin approached with a cheerful smile.
Gold Yue'e glared at her younger daughter before smiling and saying, "Your father has found a job."
Upon hearing this, both Shi Fuxin and Shi Fuyin revealed expressions of delight.
"Dad, what job did you find?"
Shi Zhenghe explained, "During this period, I've been wandering around the inner and outer city. After much consideration, I realized that it's best to work for the government. The only skill I can rely on is my martial arts."
"Coincidentally, with winter approaching, theft and robbery cases are on the rise in the capital. The North City Garrison is in urgent need of manpower and recruiting constables. So, I applied for the position."
Shi Fuxin asked, "Dad, does this position have a rank?"
Shi Zhenghe hesitated, then shook his head, "Not at a high level."
Shi Fuyin hurriedly reassured, "That's alright. Even though it's not a high-ranking position, being a constable is still a government official's job. The North City Garrison is responsible for maintaining peace in the capital. This job is quite good, Dad."
Shi Fuxin nodded in agreement, "Exactly, the most important thing is that this job allows Dad to showcase his strengths."
Shi Zhenghe was puzzled, "What strengths do I have?"
Shi Fuxin smiled, "Your exceptional martial arts skills, Dad. Can any thieves escape when they encounter you?"
Shi Zhenghe chuckled. He was content with this job. The most crucial aspect was having prospects. If he apprehended criminals well, there was a possibility for upward mobility. Once he obtained a higher rank, his wife and children in the main household could hold their heads high.
After the father-daughter conversation, Gold Yue'e asked, "Should we inform Father and Mother about this?"
Shi Zhenghe nodded, "Let's go to Yixiang Hall together."
As Shi Zhenghe, Gold Yue'e, and their two daughters headed to Yixiang Hall, they ran into Han Gu's consort, who was accompanying the eldest daughter, as they returned.
"Old Madam is overjoyed! The eldest daughter is expecting!"
The eldest daughter had been married for three years without getting pregnant, which had concerned both the Old Lady Shi and Lady Shi. Now that they heard she was expecting, both of them wore delighted expressions.
Seeing the Old Lady Shi showering the eldest daughter with care and attention, Shi Zhenghe didn't find an opportunity to mention his news throughout dinner. He left to find another chance to do so.
As they left the estate, Lady Shi repeatedly instructed Han Gu to take good care of the eldest daughter before watching them depart.
After returning to the Han residence, the eldest daughter freshened up and went to bed.
As Han Gu reached out to draw the bed curtain, the eldest daughter stopped him. She quickly said, "Don't touch that pouch. Just leave it hanging."
The fragrance of the pouch was quite pleasant.
Han Gu laughed softly, "The stitching on this pouch is quite rough. I'm surprised you don't mind."
The eldest daughter smiled, "It's the thought from Fourth Sister-in-law and the others that counts."
Hearing this, Han Gu didn't say anything further. He lay down beside his wife and soon fell asleep.