Chapter 12 — The Visitor

Her Sixth Uncle flinched and said hastily, "It has nothing to do with me, nothing at all! If you hadn't made me come back early, how would Wanyuan have gotten himself into such trouble?" He muttered this under his breath, his tone tinged with something like disdain.

The Second Old Madam was so angry she could not speak for a long while.

Her Sixth Uncle, Dou Heng, was the Second Old Madam's child of her late years. By the time he was born, several of his brothers had already achieved distinction in their careers, and so the Second Old Madam was not as strict with him as with her other sons. It happened that her father was an only son; his own father was stern in appearance but doting at heart, and among the cousins the two were the closest. Dou Yan remembered that after her father moved to the capital, he had set aside a small courtyard expressly for her Sixth Uncle, and every time her Sixth Uncle came to the capital he lodged with her father. Later the two served together in the Hanlin Academy. Her father excelled at expounding the Book of Changes, her Sixth Uncle at the Zuo Commentary, and the men of the Academy jestingly called them "the Two Dou Worthies."

Her mother was taken aback.

Understanding that the Second Old Madam meant to help her Sixth Uncle clear himself of suspicion, she said politely, "When the sky wants to rain, or a widow wants to remarry, what can anyone do? Wanyuan set his own heart on it—what use would it have been for Sixth Uncle to stick to him every step of the way?"

The Second Old Madam's expression softened a little, and she snapped at her Sixth Uncle, "Well? Thank your sister-in-law!"

Her Sixth Uncle bowed to her mother.

Her mother hurried to return the courtesy.

Dou Zhiwei's eyes flickered.

Her Sixth Uncle had offered not a word of apology, nor a word of comfort—clearly he stood on her father's side.

The Second Old Madam seemed to realize this too, for she rose and beckoned to them all: "Let us sit in the small hall at the back!"

Leaving the main hall to the men of the household.

No one objected, naturally.

Her mother and her Third Uncle helped the Second Old Madam to her feet, and a young servant came running in: "Old Master, the steward of the Marquis of Jining has presented his card. He says their Marchioness is related by marriage to our Seventh Young Madam, and that she is visiting her native place this time and has come specially to call."

Everyone was astonished.

Dou Yan was more startled than any of them.

The Marchioness of Jining—was that not her mother-in-law?

Why had her mother-in-law come to join the commotion?

"It is Sister Tian of Xiliu Township," her mother explained happily to them all. "Her family and ours have known each other since the days in Bianjing, and our ancestors were once joined in marriage. It is only that Uncle Tian's official career has prospered and Sister Tian married into the Marquis of Jining's household in the capital, so the two of us have had less to do with one another. I never thought she would come to see me!" With that she looked toward her grandfather.

Since a guest from afar had come, her son's affairs would have to wait.

Her grandfather thought it over and told the young servant to bring the Marquis of Jining's steward in.

The steward presented a card box, made polite conversation, and, knowing the Marchioness's schedule was tight, fixed her visit for the following morning at the first hour of the snake.

Her mother paid no mind to matters in the main hall; she directed Nurse Yu to sweep away the dust, arrange the rooms, and draw up a menu.

Dou Chu sat alone on the kang, counting on her fingers.

She wondered whether Wei Fan would come with her.

Her mother-in-law had said they had met as children—could it have been this time?

As she pondered, she saw her Third Aunt hurry in.

She called to Tuoniang: "Carry me—to Mother!"

Tuoniang was overjoyed: "Fourth Young Miss, you can speak!"

Dou Yan was stunned, and only after a good while did she collect herself and instruct her: "Quick, get through the door ahead of Third Aunt."

"Yes!" Tuoniang answered cheerfully and carried her off to her mother. "Seventh Young Madam, great joy! The Fourth Young Miss can speak!"

"Oh!" Her mother laughed and teased Dou Yan. "Say a few words for me to hear?"

Dou Yan said, bold as could be: "I want to go to Uncle's house—to play!"

Her mother laughed aloud.

Dou Zhiwei smiled too.

After all, they were not true brothers. The Second Old Madam might help her mother, but she was all the more eager to see her son cleared.

As for what this uncle of hers was really like, it would have to be tested.

Her Third Aunt came in just then. Tuoniang slipped out, and Dou Yan remained seated on the kang. Her Third Aunt took Dou Zhiwei's little hand and said quietly to her mother, "I asked them thoroughly. They all say it was 'a matter of feeling, kept within the bounds of propriety.'"

Her mother gave a snort of contempt.

Her Third Aunt laughed reproachfully: "What does it matter whether they speak true or false? If that is what they say, then that is what we believe. Since they are innocent of one another, when the Wang family's people arrive, we need only hand her over to them."

Her mother nodded. "I understand."

From outside came Hanxiao's flustered voice: "Seventh Master, the Seventh Madam is talking with the Third Madam even as we speak..." Before the words were out, the warm curtain was flung aside with a swish, and her father strode in, his face ashen.

"Seventh Uncle is back!" Third Aunt smiled and drew Mother behind her. "Where are your Third Brother and the others?"

"Third Sister-in-law." Father gave Third Aunt a perfunctory bow, the veins on his forehead bulging. "Aunt Ding has laid out a family feast in the Little Flower Hall. I'll change my clothes with Guqiu's help and be along directly."

Third Aunt hesitated.

Mother laid her hand on Third Aunt's shoulder.

"Third Sister-in-law, do go on ahead!" Mother said softly. "Third Uncle and the others must be growing impatient. Wanyuan and I will follow right after."

Third Aunt threw a meaningful glance at Nurse Yu, then smiled and left the inner chamber.

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*The Concubine's Daughter's Strategy* runs to seven volumes in all; the first three are out now and available on Dangdang. Volumes four and five will be released mid-year, and six and seven at year's end. Dangdang usually holds a discount event at the close of the year, so if you're thinking of buying *The Concubine's Daughter's Strategy*, you might as well seize the chance then—it'll be much cheaper. O(∩_∩)O~

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