Chapter 454 — The Division of the Household

Song Han sneered inwardly, while outwardly he deferentially sought Song Cen's counsel: "Then tell me, how should I speak to my father-in-law about the move? The marriage with the Miao girl was bestowed by imperial favor. For us to divide the household the moment she enters the gate—this... you know as well as I that the Miao family are a fallen lot and will stop at nothing. I fear they will come to our house and make a scene, and give the world a laughingstock."

Song Cen recalled how the Miao family had even swallowed his betrothal gifts, and could not help nodding again and again at Song Han's words.

He thought it over for a long while, then said, "How about this: you tell them that by ancestral rule, a second son is to set up his own household separately. He may take only his mother's dowry portion and his father's personal bequest—the public property of the Yingzhen Marquess's estate cannot be touched. I want to allot you a larger share of the property, so I mean to use the occasion to move you out first. I don't think the Miao family will have anything to say against such a rationale."

Song Han was secretly delighted to hear it, but he betrayed nothing and merely answered "Yes." Yet once back in his quarters he said not a word to Miao Zhi; instead he instructed Qixia to pack their things. "In a few days we'll be moving out."

Qixia was startled and hurriedly asked what had happened.

"Never mind. Just pack," Song Han said, too impatient to explain further.

Qixia dared not press him. She bustled out to order the young maids to clear the trunks and chests, while turning the matter over and over in her own mind.

She might serve in the Second Master's household, but her indenture deed was held by the Yingzhen Marquess's estate. The Second Master wore a kindly face over a cold heart—he had been capable of lifting a hand against Lady Jiang, who had raised him as her own son, so what would he scruple at with anyone else? She might tear out her heart and serve him faithfully all her days, and still not earn a scrap of favor. Better to seize this chance and beg the Mistress to keep her in the household. She was getting on in years besides; even if she were casually matched to some servant in the estate, that would still beat being married off out of Song Han's household once it was split away.

Her mind made up, Qixia could no longer sit still.

She gave a few low-voiced instructions to her trusted little maid, gathered up several pieces of jewelry, and went to see Ruozhu.

Meanwhile, over in Dou Yan's quarters, she was discussing with Song Yan what was to become of Qixia and the others.

Song Yan loathed from the bottom of his heart anything and everything to do with Song Han. Somewhat impatiently he said, "This is no charity hospice—why should we take in every stray cat and dog? You'd do better to have him carry off all the ghosts and goblins in his household at one go and be done with it!"

Dou Yan said, "I mean to keep Qixia and a few others."

Song Yan arched an eyebrow.

Dou Yan said, "You're having Song Han move out. Does that mean you intend to go your broad highway while he crosses his single-log bridge, and let all the doings of the past be written off as settled?"

"In his dreams!" Song Yan said harshly. "I'm moving him out only to draw a clear line between us, so that whatever trouble he falls into hereafter won't drag us down with him!"

"In that case, it's better to keep Qixia and the others," Dou Yan said. "The day will come when Song Han's affairs are reckoned up. We've never feared idle gossip, but having witnesses in hand is always more convincing than empty accusation."

Song Yan fell into thought.

Dou Yan smiled slyly. "Aren't we about to divide the household? It happens that Qixia and the others are getting on in years, past the age when they should be released. I say we simply marry Qixia and the rest off. As for Song Han's side, let Madam Miao take charge and buy fresh maids and serving women—I'm sure Madam Miao will be glad to. And it earns merit for Song Han besides. Who could object to that?"

Song Yan smiled faintly.

It was Dou Yan who managed the household affairs of the Yingzhen Marquess's estate, so the marrying-off of maids was naturally hers to decide. Which girls to release into her father-in-law's keeping, which to find good families for, which to match to the wives of the estate's most respectable stewards—all rested with Dou Yan. And for the likes of Qixia, who had once served Song Han at close quarters, a match to a steward of standing in the household was a proper match indeed, and the most honorable end she could hope for.

Once a woman was married and kept house and raised children, her heart would settle.

And when the day came that they were called upon to testify about serving Song Han in those years, would they still shield him at the cost of their husbands' and children's prospects?

Song Yan nodded. "You've thought it through more carefully than I. We'll do as you say."

Dou Yan pressed her lips together and smiled.

Song Yan was about to tease her a little more when Ruozhu was announced.

He withdrew to one side to practice his calligraphy.

Ruozhu spread a bundle of jewelry before Dou Yan and told her of Qixia's wish to remain in the household.

Dou Yan could not help laughing. "This is truly a case of two goods making one perfect whole. I understand about Qixia—just go and give her your answer."

Ruozhu withdrew with a smile, having promised Qixia she would plead her case before Dou Yan.

Qixia sent over several more pieces of jewelry, before and after, to thank Ruozhu, and Ruozhu accepted them all and showed them to Dou Yan.

Dou Yan gave all the jewelry to Ruozhu as a reward.

A few days later, Dou Yan summoned the estate's head stewardesses and said, "The New Year will soon be upon us—rich or poor, a man wants a wife to see in the New Year. This time, every maid in the household who has reached eighteen is to be released. If any of you have sons at home in want of a wife, just speak to me."

The Yingzhen Marquess's estate erupted into an uproar.

Brothers and sisters, here is today's update.

O(∩_∩)O~

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