Chapter 10: The Shape of the Future

In the evening, the setting sun dyed the sky red, bathing half of Jiangning city in warm rosy clouds. Returning from outside, Su Tan'er met Xiao Chan and learned about Ning Yi catching a cold. While asking Xiao Chan about the doctor's assessment, she led her three maids toward her grandfather Su Yu's¹ courtyard.

She had matters to discuss with her grandfather today. Since she knew Ning Yi wasn't seriously ill, there was naturally no need to rush over to see him. After entering the courtyard, she found Third Uncle Su Yunfang and Third Aunt were also there, along with Third Uncle's second daughter. Everyone currently called this little girl Seventh Girl. She was telling grandfather a story at the moment. Several maids attended to everyone around them.

"...Then, that Zhou Yu gave Huang Gai a beating..."

Su Tan'er went over and pulled up a stool to sit down, listening to the girl's story along with grandfather and Third Uncle and Aunt. It was about the Three Kingdoms—quite interesting. Soon after the story finished, the girl stood up: "Second Sister."

"Little Seven knows how to tell stories now, how wonderful! Did you go with daddy to listen to storytellers at the tavern?"

"No, it was what Teacher told us at school."

"Hmm?" Su Tan'er hesitated a moment. "Which teacher?"

"Brother Yi! Brother Yi knows so many things."

Though the term "live-in son-in-law" didn't sound good when spoken aloud—living under another's roof with low status—within the wife's family, they basically treated the live-in son-in-law as a brother. So this Seventh Girl only called Ning Yi elder brother, not brother-in-law. Hearing her finish, Su Tan'er smiled slightly, though inwardly she pondered the significance of this matter. Beside them, Third Uncle Su Yunfang said: "They're studying the Analects recently, right?"

Seventh Girl nodded: "Mm, the Analects. We've studied up to 'On Benevolence'..." Her expression showed some nervousness. Generally when asked about studies, she might next be asked to recite.

But this time her father didn't ask her to recite. Su Yunfang said to Su Tan'er: "Telling Three Kingdoms stories during Analects class—though children like hearing stories, a teacher should earn students' respect through scholarship. Drawing on various sources is naturally the proper way, but there must be limits. Tan'er, you should remind Liheng about this."

This was quite a stern reprimand. Su Tan'er could only nod in agreement for the moment. But Old Master Su beside them smiled: "No need to make it sound so serious. To gain students' affection in just a few days naturally makes them love their studies too. Since these children have been entrusted to him, it's his business. Third Son, you don't know the cause and effect—how do you know the Analects has nothing to do with the Three Kingdoms? How do you know Liheng doesn't have deeper meaning in this? 'Don't meddle in affairs outside your position'²—I taught this principle to you brothers long ago. Don't point fingers at this matter anymore."

In fact, Su Tan'er also felt teaching Three Kingdoms during Analects class seemed somewhat unreliable. But Old Master Su liked it. He didn't care about Ning Yi's scholarship—in fact, he'd already roughly known the other's learning wasn't high. He viewed this matter from other angles.

The Su family's situation was currently complex. The three Su branches—eldest Su Boyong, second Su Zhongkan, third Su Yunfang—each managed one line of business. But in terms of skill and aptitude, Su Boyong still held a slight advantage. With Old Master Su Yu still present, it appeared to be a harmonious situation between brothers. But looking further down, the third generation was full of good-for-nothings. Only Su Boyong's sole daughter Su Tan'er stood out alone. Su Yu had considered for several years and planned to place the family business in Su Tan'er's hands. Of course, this was also a greatly troublesome matter.

A hen crowing at dawn³—the resistance encountered would be several times greater than normal succession. If there were even one barely capable male among the Su family's sons, that would be one thing. But there simply wasn't. And while Su Tan'er acted neither rashly nor slowly, her various methods were quite outstanding, showing the bearing of a great general. She had this ability and also had ambition in this area. Now Old Master had formally given her some of the businesses managed by Su Boyong to officially manage, counting as a formal test. This test wasn't about her ability but directly letting her use her father's resources to suppress and integrate the other two branches, seeing how far she could go.

Setting aside the pressure Su Tan'er faced, Ning Yi's original meaning in marrying in was to let Su Tan'er continue staying in the Su family. Old Master valued his relationship with the Ning family ancestors greatly, so he also took care of Ning Yi. The Su family's current conflicts didn't seem to have intensified yet. If Su Tan'er wanted to surpass others and integrate them, wouldn't it be fine if this side simply didn't yield? While Old Master lived, no one could force anything.

But if conflicts truly intensified in the future, or Old Master himself was gone, when these people wanted to deal with Su Tan'er, then as her live-in husband, the looked-down-upon Ning Yi would naturally be the best breakthrough point. Plant some dirt, find some excuse to cause trouble—wouldn't that be simple? Old Master Su saw this point, which was why he had Ning Yi go teach. Yushan Academy had mostly Su family children. If Ning Yi taught well and gained these youngsters' respect, his position would transcend this struggle. At least with a teacher's halo, others would have to think carefully before moving against him.

Because of this, Ning Yi being able to make the children like him was best. Old Master Su then inquired about Ning Yi's teaching situation, and the little girl spoke happily, asking Su Tan'er: "Second Sister, do you know what Teacher will talk about tomorrow?"

Su Tan'er smiled: "I'm afraid there won't be anything tomorrow. He caught a cold and started recuperating at home today. I'm afraid he won't be able to teach tomorrow."

"Oh?" Old Master asked about the situation with concern. Su Tan'er repeated exactly what Xiao Chan had said, and the little girl asked: "Can I go see Brother Yi?" Su Tan'er shook her head: "Colds are contagious. Little Seven should wait until your Brother Yi recovers before visiting."

After Third Uncle, Third Aunt, and the little girl left, Su Tan'er chatted with grandfather a while longer before returning to her own courtyard. When she went to see Ning Yi, he was in bed taking medicine with an unhappy expression. Su Tan'er made some inquiries. She'd originally wanted to mention the story matter, but seeing him ill, she didn't.

Su Tan'er had ability and also thought about accomplishing something as a daughter. But on the other hand, she was also a very traditional and orthodox girl. This could be seen from how she chose to accept her fate despite not liking marriage, trying to get along with Ning Yi—she had personality, but the framework was still that framework.

She hoped when Ning Yi was a teacher he could have dignity rather than using little tricks to please students. Compared to having some cleverness or small methods, she'd rather Ning Yi be an orthodox if pedantic scholar. Even without truly profound learning, she hoped he could better conform to the "proper way." Of course, for now this was still a process of mutual understanding—she wouldn't easily draw conclusions but would indeed slowly try to sketch out a shape for her husband in her heart.

Actually this shape was presumably clear. He was fundamentally an ordinary scholar with learning that wasn't high and knowledge that wasn't broad, his heart decent, his temperament passable. This was the good man she would spend her life with.

She could be somewhat willful now, but time was ultimately limited—one day the two would eventually have to live together. She would have to bear his children, and as long as he wasn't some great villain, these things would always happen. The future... was roughly like this, with nothing that could change. She might still preserve some small expectations in her heart, though what exactly these expectations would be, even she herself wasn't clear. After continuing to interact, perhaps she'd understand this husband more carefully, but to say there'd be any great discrepancies or surprises—there probably wouldn't be.

In late autumn of the seventh year of Emperor Jinghan's reign in the Wu Dynasty, in the Su family compound in Jiangning city, the elegant woman walking out from under the eaves looked up above and gently smoothed the hair by her ear. Her pretty face still showed clear eyes with some helplessness, but more remained calm composure as wind blew through the courtyard, making that light blue elegant dress sway gently in the breeze. This Miss Tan'er, beautiful and intelligent, who'd only recently become a wife in name, viewed her marriage this way at this time...

But for now, this wasn't something that truly occupied much weight in her life. She had other things to think about and do. Ordinary life—even if occasionally attended to, it would walk plainly on its own path. If everything developed along its natural trajectory, perhaps decades later when she one day again walked out from under the eaves and raised her head, she'd suddenly remember the wind she saw one day many years ago, carrying her to some place like the years. But now, everything was still abundant, no need to care about many things.

And in this abundance that made one not feel it, the Mid-Autumn Festival arrived.

Illness comes like a mountain falling, goes like pulling silk. There were no special medicines in this era, and this body was originally weak. Not having exercised long before catching cold again, by Mid-Autumn Day, Ning Yi was still staying in his room, only able to read an ancient vernacular novel to pass time.

According to Ning Yi's previous experience, in his current condition, going out for a walk in the courtyard should be fine. But this was ancient times. Medical conditions were poor and everyone's physical condition was bad, so as long as someone was caring for them, they took illness prevention very seriously. It was late autumn and the weather had started turning cool, so Xiao Chan guarded the door and simply wouldn't let this restless patient go out. Ning Yi understood the little girl's good intentions.

So be it—he wasn't particularly active anyway, just opening the window every so often to change the air. Even so, Xiao Chan puffed her cheeks unhappily, while Ning Yi, bored, wasted time explaining to her the benefits of fresh air for the human body and such.

By evening, Ning Yi added a layer of clothing and went out with the returning Su Tan'er and others to attend the feast. No matter what, since it was just a cold, he still had to participate in this large Mid-Autumn family banquet. The Su family from top to bottom—from masters to stewards, servants, maids, and guards—numbered several hundred people on a huge scale. They set up Eight Immortals tables⁴ in the main hall and several large courtyards, lively beyond measure.

Ning Yi had naturally attended large-scale banquets before—for instance, the company's year-end party was always grand in scale. But it must be said, the more modernized, the heavier the sense of alienation between people. Now in the ancient atmosphere, even though few people in this family were truly warm toward him as a live-in son-in-law, sitting here he could still feel a kind of intimate liveliness. Outside people busily set off firecrackers while children ran back and forth, the crowd filled with shouting, greetings, and idle chatter as he joined Su Tan'er in greeting people—he actually liked this feeling.

The sunset hadn't fallen yet when the banquet began serving dishes. In this lively atmosphere, torches and lanterns were lit as sky gradually darkened, various sounds merging together—finger-guessing games, drunken raving, people coming to say nice things to Old Master Su and the other hosts. Several children even came to recite poems they'd composed, while Chan'er, Juan'er, and Xing'er, the three maids, were also happy. They were arranged at the maids' table not far away, laughing and running about, chattering to Su Tan'er and reporting various things, occasionally telling Ning Yi too: "Young Master, Young Master, they're spreading the stories you told..." Ning Yi had just casually told a few stories in class, but they'd already spread among the youngsters, seemingly with a trend of spreading to the maids and servants too.

Tsk, an era lacking entertainment was just like this...

The dinner started early and actually gradually wound down not long after nightfall, though of course, for Mid-Autumn Festival, appreciating the moon together was still a reserved program. Old Master would speak with Su Boyong and everyone, then return to his own courtyard as a group of Su family members all followed over, chatting idly and such. Basically everyone had to speak with Master Su—even if some young juniors wanted to leave, they had to go through this process. The three brothers led by Su Boyong were responsible for the servants mainly consisting of stewards, and though red envelopes had actually already been distributed, mainly they tried to take turns saying heartfelt words.

Old Master was already over seventy this year but in good health with vigorous spirit, and Ning Yi and Su Tan'er had already greeted him during dinner. Going over again now, Old Master said things like "you two must support each other in the future," then urged the sick Ning Yi to quickly go back and rest, though at this time Ning Yi appeared normal except for a slightly hoarse throat.

If in modern times, a twenty-year-old body could get through a cold with or without medicine, no pressure at all. Now he was being told by a seventy-year-old elder to take care of his health—Ning Yi felt helpless inside. But since things were this way, there was nothing to be done. The previous months' exercise intensity hadn't been high, merely out of fitness habit, so it hadn't had much thorough effect on this scholar's physique. He should put systematic strengthening exercise on the agenda next.

Returning all the way up to the small building, Su Tan'er followed Ning Yi into his room. After a moment's silence, she reminded Ning Yi to rest well tonight, then somewhat awkwardly hinted she still had to go out that evening—because she'd told him several days ago she was going to participate in the Puyuan Poetry Gathering.

Whether Ning Yi was sick or not, Su Tan'er would definitely go to the Puyuan Poetry Gathering because for her, the main purpose was still to network with certain people and discuss business. Given this certainty, even if Ning Yi was unhappy or even made a huge fuss, it probably wouldn't make any difference. Just that as a wife, explaining such things when her husband had a cold felt somewhat strange.

But Ning Yi understood this matter. He just found it amusing inwardly—his little wife on one hand definitely wouldn't give up the Su family businesses, on the other hand wanted to try to balance this marriage, even though currently it was still a marriage in name only and she held the dominant position. Ancient women—this effort he found truly adorable.

After slightly appreciating Su Tan'er's carefully considered expression trying not to give him extra thoughts, Ning Yi smiled and told her to go early and return early. When Su Tan'er was preparing to leave and reminding Chan'er to take good care of him, he then remembered: "Oh, no need. Let Xiao Chan go play too. I'm fine, at most I'll read a bit then sleep."

The Puyuan Poetry Gathering's six connected boats had numerous performances. Along the way one could also appreciate the entire Qinhuai River's lantern market night scenery. For anyone at this time, it was a feast-level enjoyment. Starting several days ago, Xiao Chan had excitedly told him how fun this poetry gathering was, because previously Su Tan'er would always take the three of them along. Ning Yi felt very good about Chan'er and didn't want to spoil the little girl's excitement because of himself. But before Su Tan'er could speak, Chan'er was already smiling and shaking her head: "I'm not going. I'll stay home and read with Young Master."

Purely in terms of feelings, Su Tan'er viewed the three maids like sisters, definitely much deeper than toward the current Ning Yi. But no matter what, maids were after all servants. Now that Xiao Chan was being sensible, she didn't need to say more, and Ning Yi spent several sentences trying and confirmed he couldn't convince Xiao Chan before giving up.

The two watched the three depart from the second-floor corridor. Looking out from here, the Su family compound spread far in view, extending all the way to distant streets. The entire Jiangning city showed a lively scene of countless buildings and brilliant lights—if one could find a high place to look down at this time, this ancient glorious night scene would surely have a special flavor. Unfortunately, there was no way to appreciate it today.

"Young Master, let's go in." Xiao Chan smiled. "Will you tell Xiao Chan a story too?"

"Bring stools out and I'll tell it here..."

"Then I won't listen." Xiao Chan pursed her lips, then picked awkwardly. "The wind is strong here. Let's go in..."

"It's fine, it's fine. Look, there's no wind, and I'm wearing so much... How about adding a hat too... Looking from here is also quite interesting. Let's settle it like this. Bring out stools and I'll tell you... Journey to the West... or Story of the Western Chamber⁵ would work too."

Since he'd said so, Chan'er could only abandon her position, and the two brought stools and sat on this small platform. By now the Su family courtyard was no longer as lively as before, though occasionally one could see people preparing to go out. From far away came various sounds of firecrackers, gongs and drums, and shouting, and though Mid-Autumn night was said to be a holiday spent with family, actually various social obligations were still many. For instance, there were quite a few like Su Tan'er who had to attend gatherings—lantern festivals, wine parties, poetry gatherings, all kinds—and ordinary families didn't necessarily all have to stay home either. Going out to browse markets and watch dragon and lion dances, solving lantern riddles, seemed more lively.

At this time throughout the city, each of the main programs was already approaching their start, and some poetry gatherings had already hung out their first poems. Then certain fixed brothels would select these poems to sing, while at the largest poetry gatherings, people were still arriving continuously. When Su Tan'er went out, the entrance to the Pan residence hosting the Zhishui Poetry Gathering was also packed with various celebrities, and Old Qin, who usually played chess with Ning Yi and others by the river, had also put on relatively formal clothes today. Accompanied by his concubine Yun'niang, he got out of the carriage as someone led a large group of attendants rushing over to welcome him: "Old Qin graces us with his presence. The Pan residence is honored by your illustrious arrival..."

This person was the current Pan family head Pan Guangyan, also the elder brother of Vice Minister of Rites and Hanlin Academician Pan Mingchen, and his scholarship was also extraordinary. He especially excelled at painting, with his crane paintings being exceptional, and most people respectfully called him Crane Elder. Despite this, he was still quite respectful toward this Old Qin, as the two were similar in age. Old Qin quickly smiled and returned the courtesy: "I don't deserve this, I don't deserve this. If Crane Elder is still so polite, next time I won't dare come again..."

"Haha, Old Qin is still so witty... Oh right, Mingchen has also arrived..." The two exchanged pleasantries and walked inside.

Not long after, the Zhishui Poetry Gathering began, and the six painted boats originally docked at the Qinhuai River's liveliest street slowly left the bank as one large connected vessel. Poems emerged from various gatherings and spread throughout the city as, amid the city's lights and music, the refined atmosphere grew ever richer. This city's lively Mid-Autumn night had officially entered its climax.

(End of Chapter)

---

1. Su Yu: The Old Master's given name, showing his importance in this formal introduction ↑
2. 'Don't meddle in affairs outside your position': Confucian principle of staying within one's proper sphere ↑
3. A hen crowing at dawn: Metaphor for women taking on traditionally male roles, considered unnatural ↑
4. Eight Immortals tables: Square tables for eight people, standard for Chinese banquets ↑
5. Journey to the West and Story of the Western Chamber: Classic Chinese tales of adventure and romance respectively ↑