Chapter Thirty-Five: Parting

The day before Gan Sui left, he deliberately brought Banxia to visit Wang Xiaoshan. The two discussed matters in the front hall while Banxia was led by a maid to the back courtyard to see Lady Bai Lian, Wang Xiaoshan’s wife.

Wang Xiaoshan was already past thirty this year, and Lady Bai Lian had finally conceived after much difficulty and was now resting in the manor to protect the pregnancy. Normally, she would not receive visitors, and her willingness to see Banxia today was likely out of respect for Gan Sui and Wang Xiaoshan’s shared apprenticeship.

The Wang household was already exquisitely built, but upon reaching the bedchamber, its opulence became even more apparent. A matching set of golden nanmu wood furniture filled the room, and all the small ornaments upon the table were carved from white jade. Reclining on the bed was a beauty with an oval face; perhaps discomfort from pregnancy had furrowed her brows, but upon seeing Banxia, she offered a sweet smile, dimples blooming at the corners of her mouth. Her fair ears were bare of adornment, save for a single golden silk flower pinned beside her ear, shimmering brightly.

"Sister, you’ve come. I’m feeling unwell, so I cannot rise to greet you," she said softly.

"No need for courtesy, sister-in-law. I’m the one intruding. I made some jujube yam cakes for you to try," Banxia replied, uncertain what gift would be appropriate and so had crafted some pastries herself.

Bai Lian did not refuse, taking a piece and eating slowly.

"To be honest, this pregnancy has been arduous. I rarely have any appetite; my husband grows anxious, and I always tell myself to eat more, yet after only a few bites, I start to retch," she confided.

"I’ve never been pregnant, but I’ve heard from others it is indeed difficult. Still, it’s better to keep your spirits up. Babies sense the world outside; if you’re happy, the baby will be, too," Banxia said.

As they spoke, Bai Lian finished the first piece. "This cake is very delicate. The cooks here make this pastry as well, but theirs is always much rougher in texture."

"It’s really just a matter of thoroughly mixing the jujube paste and sieving out the larger bits. It’s a meticulous task, but once you’ve done it several times, it becomes easy," Banxia offered, sharing her experience without reserve.

"What do you usually do at home, sister?"

"I’m rather dull; I can't embroider, nor play the zither or compose poetry. Back in the village, I’d check on the fields daily. Now, with the shop, I simply oversee the store each day," Banxia replied.

"I don’t know those skills either. I once tried making a robe for my husband but ended up wasting fabric and making a mess of it. I spend my days idly in this house, just waiting for time to pass," Bai Lian sighed.

"Don’t say that, sister. I’ve heard from Gan Sui that the elder brother cherishes you deeply..."

"Cherishes what? He is only responsible for me. When he was young and alone, my father took him in; before he died, my father betrothed me to him. If not for that, he would have had better choices. Why would he want a girl like me, neither talented nor beautiful, and orphaned?" Bai Lian was clearly lacking confidence, and the solitude of her home left her few to confide in. Upon finding Banxia, she poured out her heart.

"Have you ever asked him how he feels?"

"How could I ask? Such matters are difficult to voice. If I did and the answer was what I feared, how could I continue to hold the position of his wife?"

"Your union is sealed, you are of one body; what words cannot be spoken? You and brother have been married for years, and he has kept no other women by his side. If you say it’s only gratitude, I simply cannot believe it. Now, especially with a child, you shouldn’t dwell on worries. It’s better to be open and honest—whatever the outcome, at least you and your child will have an answer," Banxia urged.

Bai Lian was silent for a long time. Banxia felt uneasy, fearing she had overstepped bounds by speaking so intimately with someone she hardly knew. She wished to say something to repair the situation, but Bai Lian suddenly spoke, "You’re right, sister. I ought to be bolder."

Banxia finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"What are you two talking about?" Wang Xiaoshan entered.

"We were just talking about the baby. This pregnancy is especially difficult; truly a little tormentor," Bai Lian smiled.

"A little rascal indeed. When he’s born, I’ll give him a good spanking," Wang Xiaoshan joked.

"What if it’s a girl? You won’t bear to," Bai Lian teased.

"If she’s caused her mother so much trouble, she’ll need some gentle discipline. But if it’s a little girl, I’ll just tap her lightly. Little girls are always thoughtful; she’ll know not to trouble her mother in the future."

Banxia didn’t wish to witness their affection, so she took her leave and walked out.

With her thoughts lingering, Bai Lian instructed Banxia to visit again and sent her off with some delicacies from the manor.

After Banxia left, Bai Lian dismissed her attendants and solemnly said to Wang Xiaoshan, "Husband, there’s something I’ve long wanted to ask you. You must answer me honestly."

The next day dawned clear and bright. When Banxia awoke, she saw Gan Sui standing by the window watering flowers—a small pot of sweet osmanthus, already bearing pale white buds. Hearing the sound behind him, Gan Sui turned with a smile. "You’re awake?"

Banxia felt her heart suddenly race uncontrollably, with a sour ache as if she might cry. She quickly lowered her head.

Gan Sui came over and patted her head, "What’s wrong? Did you have a nightmare?"

Banxia threw her arms around his slender waist, shaking her head.

"You’re too old to be acting spoiled—people will laugh," Gan Sui teased, his voice gentle as water.

"I’m not! I just wanted to check the quality of my new robe," she retorted.

Whether the quality was good or not, she couldn’t tell, but it certainly wasn’t waterproof. A few tears had fallen onto the pale lavender garment, standing out starkly.

"You cried?" Gan Sui sat down, gently stroking her slightly swollen eyes.

"I did not! I just wasn’t fully awake and yawned," Banxia said, rubbing her eyes to cover up. "Oh dear, how did I sleep so late? You didn’t wake me, and now the master will have to wait for you—how embarrassing..." Banxia hurried to get up, but Gan Sui pulled her into his arms.

"I’ll miss you terribly."

"I will too."

Parting was inevitable, and Banxia was listless. Duan Chensha, busy with affairs at the academy, did not come to see them off, but Wang Xiaoshan did, showing Banxia an unusual warmth.

Lin You, who never cared much for Wang Xiaoshan’s merchant demeanor, nudged Gan Sui, "What’s his deal, being so attentive to our Banxia?"

Gan Sui knew about Banxia’s advice to Wang Xiaoshan’s wife yesterday, and judging by things, the couple must have resolved their differences—which was a good thing. But he couldn’t share others’ private matters, so he replied vaguely, "Banxia helped him with a small matter yesterday."

"Oh, Banxia is always so kind," Lin You remarked.

Gan Sui walked up to Banxia. "I’m leaving now. Won’t you look up at me?"

Banxia looked up, trying to force a smile, but was so sad her face scrunched like a little bun.

"Enough, don’t smile if you’re not happy. Take care of yourself. If you run into trouble, go find brother—I’ve already informed him. Don’t be afraid to ask for help," Gan Sui said, growing more reluctant with each word. Seeing Banxia about to cry, Lin You leaned in, "Banxia, don’t tell me you’re going to cry?"

Instantly, Banxia’s carefully cultivated sadness was shattered. She puffed up her little bun-face, glaring at Lin You in aggrieved silence.

"Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on Gan Sui for you. I guarantee not even a female fly will come near him," Lin You promised.

"Thank you so much," Banxia sniffed.

"Alright, it’s time to go. Otherwise, if you wait until midday heat, you won’t reach the next town in time," Mr. Chuan began urging.

Banxia quickly pressed Gan Sui, "Go on, I’ll be fine."

Gan Sui steeled himself, mounted his horse, and rode off. He kept looking back as he went forward. Banxia waved her hand again and again until his figure disappeared from sight; then she crouched down and wept loudly.

Wang Xiaoshan waited until her crying subsided, then handed her a slip of paper.

Banxia sniffled, "Thank you... uh... brother."

"No need to grieve so much, sister. Gan Sui and the others will be back in a year or so," he reassured.

"So long!" Banxia was on the verge of tears again.

Wang Xiaoshan quickly comforted her, "It’s not certain. The new year is only a few months away. They’ll likely return for the holiday." In truth, Wang Xiaoshan couldn’t be sure if Gan Sui and his companions would return. The academy head and Mr. Chuan were always so free-spirited, traveling wherever they pleased, unconcerned with holidays. He said this just to placate Banxia.

"Really?" Banxia’s eyes brightened.

Wang Xiaoshan nodded.

Banxia still had to return to her shop, so she bid Wang Xiaoshan farewell—but he stopped her, his demeanor suddenly solemn as he gave her a bow of thanks.

"What’s this for, brother?"

"This is to thank you for advising my wife yesterday. We’ve been married for years, but I’ve been busy with business and never realized the depth of her worries. It was my lack of attentiveness as her husband. After we spoke at length last night, I finally understood her feelings. Her longstanding concerns have been resolved; this morning she ate breakfast without nausea, looked much healthier, and even walked with me in the courtyard after the meal. All thanks to you, sister."

"I only said a few words. It was the deep affection between you and sister-in-law that brought about this outcome," Banxia replied.

"Regardless, I will remember this kindness. If you ever need anything, come to me—I will do my utmost," Wang Xiaoshan promised.

"Thank you, brother," Banxia responded.

Wang Xiaoshan, busy with business, urged Banxia to visit often and chat more with Bai Lian. Banxia agreed, and the two parted.

Banxia returned to her shop, listed the remaining inventory to arrange delivery at midday, and greeted the few customers who trickled in.

Looking out at the blazing sun, she wondered where Gan Sui had gone—barely parted, and she already missed him.

Still lost in her melancholy, Banxia suddenly saw a carriage arrive outside. Her eyes lit up—surely a big order. She took a sip of water, ready to provide attentive service and secure the sale. But when the customer alighted, Banxia spluttered her water in surprise.

Oh heavens, it was Lady Lin.

Banxia hurriedly wiped away the water and moved forward to welcome her.

"What brings you here? Looking for Lin You? Unfortunately, he left earlier this morning with Mr. Chuan for their studies," Banxia explained.

Lady Lin took a sip of water to moisten her throat. "I’m not here for him. I’ve run away from home."

What on earth—so willful?

"Why?" Could it be that Magistrate Lin did something? She didn’t look the type.

"He loves someone else more," Lady Lin said, feigning sadness as she drew out a handkerchief to wipe at nonexistent tears.

Banxia’s mouth twitched. "Did you catch him red-handed, or hear rumors?"

"No need to catch him, it’s so obvious," Lady Lin insisted.

"Perhaps you’re mistaken." Pregnant women can be suspicious, always fearing their husbands are unfaithful, but Banxia recalled Magistrate Lin’s attitude toward Shang Zhi—he treated her like a precious treasure, never showing the slightest hint of infidelity. Lady Lin must have misunderstood.

"How could I be mistaken? Before, every day he’d ask how I was, how I’d spent the day. Now, the first thing he does is touch my belly and ask, ‘Is my little girl well today? Is she happy? Shall Daddy tell you a story?’ He used to speak so tenderly to me; now all he cares about is the baby. Today, I said I didn’t want chicken soup, but he insisted the baby wanted it and persuaded me to drink it. He truly loves the baby more than me," Lady Lin lamented.

Banxia had no idea what expression to use in response, staring in disbelief at Lady Lin. "So what do you want to do?"

"Hmph! Since he loves the baby so much, I’ll take the baby away and let him not see her. I want to stay here, and don’t worry—I won’t freeload. I’ll pay you," Lady Lin declared.

What could Banxia do? She could only agree.