Chapter 4: The Funeral (Part 1)

Translator: Tygris
English proofreader: 247Reader

Ninth yiniang’s [funeral] could be considered quite grand.

Although she had not been favored during her lifetime, she was, after all, Ninth ge’er’s biological mother. Ninth ge’er had been recorded under the Eldest Madam’s name, and she also basked in his reflected glory. ^[1]沾光 (zhān guāng) means to benefit from someone else’s success, reputation, or good fortune. Her funeral cost three hundred taels of silver.

This was more than ten times the cost of that of Third yiniang, who had passed away a few years ago.

Not only had Third yiniang only received a casually bought coffin, she had not been wrapped in a straw mat, nor had she been buried in the Yang clan’s private cemetery. Instead, she was buried in a mass graveyard, ^[2]乱葬岗 (luàn zàng gǎng) literally translates to “mass grave mound” and refers to a place where many bodies are buried together, often hastily or without proper rites. and the matter had ended there.

Ninth yiniang[‘s funeral ceremony] at the Yang Mansion lasted for seven days ^[3]See: The Significance of the Seven-Day Ritual in Chinese Funerals and Chinese funeral rituals – Wikipedia before the coffin was eventually transported to Baoji. ^[4]See: Baoji – Wikipedia It was unclear where she had learned the news, but Lixia told Seventh niangzi that the location of Ninth yiniang’s tomb had been decided. It was to be behind the Yang Clan’s ancestral shrine, in a corner right next to Wang yiniang of the previous generation’s Seventh Branch. Though remote, there was at least a grave marker inscribed with her family name. In the future, when Ninth ge went to pay his respects, he would not be unable to find his biological mother’s tomb.

Eldest Master even personally offered incense to Ninth yiniang.

Eldest Master had come; the concubines followed suit.

Eldest yiniang and Fifth yiniang came together. The two held Seventh niangzi’s hand and said some words of regret.

“Ninth yiniang was born beautiful; therefore, she had a shortened lifespan.” Eldest yiniang was lying with her eyes open. Amongst the concubines of the Yang Mansion, Ninth yiniang’s appearance could only be considered slightly below average.

Seventh niangzi gave a faint smile.

“It was yiniang’s blessing to be able to give birth to sons and daughters for the Yang clan,” she answered flawlessly. ^[5]滴水不漏 (dī shuǐ bù lòu), directly translated as ‘not a single leaked drop of water’ or ‘watertight’, describes speaking and doing things very carefully, without any flaws.

The glance Eldest yiniang shot at her contained a degree of shock, but some appreciation as well.

After offering incense, Fifth yiniang wiped at her eyes. “Who could have known that Ninth yiniang would leave so early… Alas, that year when she entered the mansion to be an embroiderer, she was only eighteen.” 

Ninth yiniang had originally entered the mansion as an embroiderer. Previously, she had even been engaged. But before she could marry, the husband-to-be was gone. As such, she entered the mansion and worked as an embroiderer for two years before the Eldest Master pulled her onto a bed and she gave birth to Seventh niangzi and Ninth ge’er.

These words from Fifth yiniang were more insidious than those of Eldest yiniang. Eldest yiniang’s words were only meant to stir up Seventh niangzi’s resentment towards Eldest Madam, whereas Fifth yiniang’s words were subtly accusing Eldest Master of being unable to control himself.

Seventh niangzi lowered her eyes and was on the verge of saying some veiled words. ^[6]绵里藏针 (mián lǐ cáng zhēn) means ‘a needle hidden in cotton’. Kind/gentle/soft on the outside, but sharp/hard/harmful on the inside.

She recalled Ninth yiniang, who, at times like these, would always grasp onto her hand. That cold palm, which lacked even the slightest trace of warmth, silently warned Seventh niangzi: While under another’s roof, you cannot avoid lowering your head. ^[7]人在屋檐下，不得不低头 (rén zài wū yán xià, bù dé bù dī tóu), or, alternatively, 既在矮檐下，怎敢不低头 (jì zài ǎi yán xià, zěn gǎn bù dī tóu), a proverb originating from Journey to the West, describes how when one is under someone else’s control or power, one must compromise or passively submit, even against one’s will.

Seventh niangzi’s tears began to flow.

Eldest yiniang and Fifth yiniang were both stunned.

They had both been Eldest Madam’s close maidservants before being promoted as concubines. Even now, they often appeared in the main courtyard, serving Eldest Madam, and had spent a lot of time with and were familiar with Ninth ge’er. Ninth ge’er was still young, and he had a spoiled temperament. If someone below him did something even slightly offensive, he would immediately burst into tears.

Privately, Eldest yiniang and Fifth yiniang often discussed this: He was clearly Ninth yiniang’s child. The appearance of his tear-soaked face was cut from the same cloth as Ninth yiniang.

When Ninth yiniang was taken in as a concubine, she had cried all the way from her home until descending from the sedan, then continued crying from descending the sedan until entering the bridal chamber. ^[8]See: Chinese Marriage Customs for information on marrying the official/legitimate wife. Marrying a concubine is a super slimmed-down version of the same process with less fanfare and skipped steps.

She had cried so hard that her tears and snot had stuck everywhere. Eldest Master was so disgusted that he had slept in Third yiniang’s room that night, without even touching Ninth yiniang. 

This joke had circulated privately for many years.

But Seventh niangzi did not weep in that manner.

Two streams of tears silently flowed down her cheeks, her shoulders twitched, and she seemed like a winter jasmine flower ^[9]See: Jasminum nudiflorum – Wikipedia struck by the rain, frail and tender, yet exquisitely refined.

Eldest yiniang smiled, “Dear child, do not cry any more. Be careful, or your tears will cause your eyes to puff up and look unsightly.”

In response, Seventh niangzi took out a handkerchief and carefully wiped away the tear tracks on her face. Her fair fingers curved on the edge of the plain handkerchief like a freshly bloomed magnolia. ^[10]Magnolia × alba – Wikipedia 

Seventh niangzi’s elegant demeanor was not worse than that of Second niangzi.

Eldest yiniang slightly squinted her eyes, and smiled ever more warmly.

“Although Ninth yiniang left early, you, her pair of children, remain.” She pressed down upon Seventh niangzi’s shoulder. “Grow up well, and your yiniang’s spirit in heaven ^[11]在天之灵 (zài tiān zhī líng) is a respectful way to refer to someone who died. can rest assured.”

Though Eldest yiniang and Fifth yiniang had some respectability, neither of them had children. Within the backyard, they were akin to rootless duckweeds, only able to survive by relying on Eldest Madam. Eldest yiniang’s words just now were somewhat equivalent to exposing one’s one weaknesses, ^[12]自爆其短 (zì bào qí duǎn) means to openly admit one’s flaws in a moment of honesty. Contains a connotation of self-deprecation or vulnerability. but the meaning within was quite profound.

Every courtyard said that Eldest yiniang was in reality a kind-hearted person.

Seventh niangzi felt that, in order to obtain kindness from Eldest yiniang, there were still conditions that had to be met.

“Many thanks to Eldest yiniang,” she said softly, and curtsied ^[13]福身 (fú shēn) is a curtsy performed by placing both hands together in front of the body, then bending the knees and body slightly. towards both concubines. Both concubines hurriedly moved to one side, not daring to accept her bow. “In the future, after arriving at the main courtyard, [Little Seven] will still have to ask both yiniangs for additional care.”

Fifth yiniang glanced at Eldest yiniang and also revealed an amiable smile. 

“There is no need to talk about additional care or lack thereof. If Seventh niangzi needs anything, just come and ask us.”

Both concubines then said a few more polite sentences before leaving the southern side-courtyard.

It was still the first month of the year. Although the southern side-courtyard was conducting funeral affairs, all they had dared to remove were the red and green auspicious items. Seventh niangzi still wore a ginger-yellow jacket with a single white flower at her temple.

Liang mama entered the courtyard and immediately saw Seventh niangzi standing under the eaves, staring in a daze at the drizzling winter rain.

She smiled before speaking, her round face full of kindness. “Seventh niangzi.”

Seventh niangzi hurriedly gave a smile.

“Greetings to Liang mama.”

“Greetings to Seventh niangzi.” Liang mama folded up her umbrella, washed her hands, and entered the room to light a stick of incense in front of the memorial tablet. Only then did she come out and grasp Seventh niangzi’s hands. “Seventh niangzi has lost weight.”

“These last few days have been extremely busy.” Seventh niangzi revealed a hint of fatigue. “I have not been sleeping well at night either.”

Liang mama’s eyes flashed with a look of understanding.

Seventh niangzi was still sleeping in the southern side-courtyard, separated from the mourning hall by a single curtain. She had just turned seven… it was normal for her to be unable to sleep well.

Seventh niangzi was pressing her for an answer as to when she could move to the main courtyard. At such a young age, her words were certainly tactful enough.

Liang mama smiled. “Seventh niangzi would not have trouble sleeping in an unfamiliar bed, ^[14]认床 (rèn chuáng) is basically the First Night Effect. See: Why do we sleep badly during the first night in a new place? would you? If you go to the main courtyard tonight and are still unable to sleep well, then that would be troublesome.”

“Sleeping in an unfamiliar bed would not be difficult,” replied Seventh niangzi gently. Her voice was akin to a spring breeze on the shores of Jiangnan. Listening to it couldn’t help but make one smile. “It is just that the weather is unstable—sometimes cold and sometimes hot—which is frustrating.”

The corner of Liang mama’s mouth lifted uncontrollably as she listened to that gentle voice. “Sigh, spring this year has indeed come somewhat later than usual.”

She then asked Seventh niangzi, “Where is Seventh niangzi planning to go eat?”

Liang mama and Wang mama were both popular figures under Eldest Madam. Wang mama was specifically in charge of accounting, and Liang mama was responsible for personnel. After Ninth yiniang’s passing, Seventh niangzi’s three daily meals were prepared in Xiaoxiangxue. ^[15]小香雪 (xiǎo xiāng xuě): Little Fragrant Snow. I assume this is another courtyard. Every day, Lixia would run to Xiaoxiangxue to bring Seventh niangzi her meal. Sometimes, when she arrived back at the southern side-courtyard, the meal had already cooled completely.

Luckily, there was still a small stove, and the dishes could be heated up before being consumed, avoiding any potential stomach problems.

Seventh niangzi remained unbothered. ^[16]云淡风轻 (yún dàn fēng qīng) means light clouds and a gentle breeze, and is used to describe a peaceful/calm/unbothered/serene state. “Currently, at Xiaoxiangxue.” Her words contained not even a hint of complaint.

The smile on Liang mama’s face broadened.

“…She has some measure of cunning.” ^[17]城府 (chéng fǔ) has two meanings — one is to describe someone positively as one who is scheming and unwilling to reveal their thoughts easily; the other is a negative description saying that the person is not straightforward and other people cannot guess what they are thinking and so the person would not be a good choice to befriend. [Liang mama] had returned to the main courtyard and was reporting to Eldest Madam. “Having been left hanging for seven days, and having eaten seven days of cold meals, she reacted as if every day, she had been served fish and meat, and did not utter the slightest word of complaint.”

Eldest Madam raised an eyebrow. “Oh?” What she feared was not someone with cunning, but that Ninth yiniang had raised an unpresentable peasant girl. Or, even, that she had raised Seventh niangzi too delicately. If so, it would be difficult for Eldest Madam. “Has Fourth yiniang visited?”

“Eldest yiniang and Fifth yiniang went over early in the morning.” Liang mama smiled warmly. “The Seventh Room and Eighth Room ^[18]房 (fáng) could mean either a branch of a large extended family, or it could refer to an officially recognized wife, if one of the branches has more than one officially recognized wife. Or even more generally, like here, it can be used to refer to the ranks of concubines. So instead of translating this as ‘Branch’ as I had previously, I am translating this as ‘Room’. also had servants or mamas go over to pay their respects. Yet the Fourth Room has shown no signs of activity.” The entire Yang Mansion was suffused with people trained by Liang mama. Even Eldest Madam could not compete with her in terms of being in the know.

Eldest Madam fell into deep thought. What could Fourth yiniang’s intentions be? In the previous year, before the Ninth Room left, her visits had been full of enthusiasm. ^[19]热火朝天 (rè huǒ cháo tiān) describes something as buzzing with energy, excitement, or enthusiasm, like a blazing fire rising toward the sky. The moment Ninth yiniang left, that energy fully disappeared. ^[20]呼哨 (hū shào) literally means ‘whistle’, but is used in a cheeky manner to describe making contact/attracting attention.

Casting a long line to catch a big fish. ^[21]放长线钓大鱼 (fàng cháng xiàn diào dà yú). See: Chinese Expression: Cast a Long Line to Catch a Big Fish (放長線釣大魚). Perhaps Fourth yiniang was about to make a big move.

“Madam,” Liang mama continued. “This old servant ^[22]老奴 (lǎo nú), or ‘old servant/slave’ is used either because the servant is old or has served for a long, long time, or both. feels… The timing is just about right.”

Seventh niangzi had already held vigil for Ninth yiniang’s first seven days [after death]. ^[23]See: 頭七-Wiktionary It could be seen that this was a young girl who had some amount of cunning, who could keep her temper in check, and who spoke and acted quite properly. As far as entering the main courtyard to be raised by the Eldest Madam went, this was more than sufficient. If she were still not taken into the main courtyard after holding vigil for seven days, Fourth yiniang would have the opportunity to make accusations in front of Eldest Master.

Eldest Madam relaxed her brows. She nonchalantly glanced ^[24]漫不经心 (màn bù jīng xīn) describes someone acting in a casual/nonchalant manner. around the room at the various maids. Lichun and Bailu were sitting next to the bed, trying in turn to convince Ninth ge’er to rise.

Ninth ge’er loved to laze about in bed. When taking an afternoon nap, he often would sleep until evening.

“Bailu,” she said, “You go grab a few people and go carry Seventh niangzi’s boxes to the western side-courtyard.”

Bailu responded crisply, stood, and left the main hall. ^[25]堂屋 (táng wū) refers to the largest and most important room in a courtyard, and is generally used for receiving guests, holding ceremonies, etc. Kinda similar to a modern living room. Her retreating figure was flowing and delicate, ^[26]袅袅娜娜 (niǎo niǎo nuó nuó) describes a woman’s elegant, soft, and graceful movements when walking. leaving even Liang mama somewhat in a daze.

“Little Bailu has grown up,” she said with a smile. “She is now a young woman.” ^[27]大姑娘 (dà gū niang) here refers to a grown-up girl or a young unmarried woman who is now of marriageable age.

Eldest Madam burst out laughing, then cast her a reproachful look. “You do care about her.”

Liang mama simply continued to smile.

Eldest Madam pondered for a moment before saying calmly, “As I see it, it would be best if she goes to serve at the side of Seventh niangzi… As for any lack of personnel, you can choose and fill in the gaps.” 

Translator’s Note

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! Hopefully, you are enjoying time with family (and maybe friends!) tonight.

Today is also a good day to munch on some mooncakes and admire the moon.

Here is a link to the Wikipedia page explaining the legend/origins of this festival.

In celebration, we are doing a special posting of two parts of CDSM.

This is part 1.

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