Love like the Galaxy - V1C9
Author and Editor's Notes
1- Transmigration, Sickness and Recovery
2- Survival
3- Sick again, Gossips and Jealousy
4- Family Reunion
5- Awkward Meeting
6- Drama Spirit
7- Crocodile tears
8- Mother and Son
9- Family Banquet
10- Good News!
11- Mother and Daughter
12- Enough is Enough
13- Madam Xiao's unfairness
14- Siblings' reunion and a moment of reflection
15- Third Uncle and Madam Sang
Chapter 9
Family Banquet
Madam Xiao's happiness didn't last long. When Cheng Shi returned to their room, she noticed a lump on his forehead. After discovering the cause, her anger instantly flared. She grabbed a lacquered wine vessel and struck the other side of his forehead, creating a matching lump for General Cheng.
That night, after Old Madam's anger subsided, Cheng Shi—now with a perfectly symmetrical pair of lumps—returned to her chamber. This time, he fully displayed both his acting talent and genuine feelings, ultimately making peace with his mother.
Next, Cheng Shi and Madam Xiao moved on to solidifying their victory.
Cheng Shi first guided an elderly woman with a weathered face and gray hair toward her. When Old Madam saw her, tears welled up instantly. During the Dong family's prosperous period, Old Madam’s father hired tenant farmers, and this woman was one of the girls working in the fields. Old Madam remembered playing with her in the countryside as they grew up and forming a sisterly bond. Later, as the Dong family's fortune declined, Dong Master had to let go of the farmhands.
Madam Xiao was clever and cautious. While traveling with her husband during military campaigns, she looked out for fellow villagers and clansmen, seeking out distant relatives of the Dong family for help. Despite her extensive search, she found no evidence, indicating that the Dong clan had almost disappeared.
It was Cheng Shi's rising fame from his military achievements that prompted the old woman, surnamed Hu[1], to seek him out personally. Coincidentally, when Hu Ao departed her hometown with her new husband, Old Madam had just given birth to Cheng Shi and officially named him. If it had been another Cheng son, now Old Hu Ao likely would not have dared to approach.
Seeing a golden opportunity, Madam Xiao swiftly organized care for Old Hu Ao's critically injured son and unwell grandson before bringing everyone back to the Capital City. Cheng Shi intended to present Old Hu Ao immediately upon their arrival, but Madam Xiao prevented him and instead outlined a four-step strategy.
Madam Xiao smiled and advised, "Your mother is family, not an enemy army you can defeat in a single, decisive battle where casualties are irrelevant as long as you win. Take your time. Allow her to express her decade of built-up anger first. When the gap between you two is healed, then reintroduce her to an old friend. Only then will everything align smoothly."
True to expectations, Old Madam was ecstatic. She embraced Hu Ao, laughing and crying, then playfully scolded Cheng Shi for not introducing her sooner. Cheng Shi promptly recited his rehearsed lines: "Mother was furious back then. If I had taken her out earlier, it might have seemed like I had hidden motives. Now that Mother is no longer angry, I just wanted to see her happy." Old Madam was even more touched upon hearing this, especially when she discovered that Cheng Shi had recruited Old Hu Ao's descendants into his private army and kept Old Hu Ao by her side as a companion and confidant. She felt her son had truly gone out of his way for her.
Having endured hardships for many years, Old Hu Ao developed worldly wisdom. Adept at coaxing and advising, with a natural talent for understanding Old Madam's thoughts, cultivated since childhood. After observing Madam Xiao's sharpness firsthand, she knew precisely how to speak and behave.
Throughout the entire process, Madam Xiao wisely kept out of sight, busy with household chores and comforting the families of fallen soldiers. She allowed the mother and son to reminisce, switching between tearful wartime stories and lively tales of distant lands, with Old Hu Ao joining in and wiping away tears. Soon, the bond between mother and son appeared stronger than ever. Old Madam, no longer lonely, listened as Old Hu Ao described the brutal battles on the frontlines, where many generals lost limbs, eyes, or ears. She gently stroked the scars on her son’s body, her heart aching. Remembering how fiercely her son fought, only to be betrayed by Old Uncle Dong’s embezzlement, she wished she could carve flesh from her own brother to make a nourishing broth for her son.
Meanwhile, Madam Ge attempted to visit Old Madam multiple times and to create discord between Madam Xiao and Old Madam. However, each attempt was thwarted—either she met Cheng Shi, who was in the middle of storytelling and was quickly glared away by the mother-son duo who didn't want a third wheel, or she found Old Madam and Old Hu Ao lost in nostalgic memories, only to be scolded away in frustration.
━━━━༻❁༺━━━━
Shao Shang observed her father's increasing happiness each day, though she didn’t understand why. When Cheng Shi mentioned a new servant, Old Hu Ao, for Old Madam and shared more details about her, she gained clarity. Once the shouting, yelling, and wailing ceased, Shao Shang fully understood her role.Madam Xiao had been busy working with her husband to grow the family wealth, neglecting Old Madam and Madam Ge. However, she was a strategic thinker and spent the years away analyzing and planning their return. Now back at the Cheng Manor, she focused on household management, handling tasks efficiently and outshining those less experienced women.
That bright morning, Nanny Zhu greeted Cheng Shao Shang with a warm smile, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm as she announced, “Today, the entire family will dine together.” The moment those words left Nanny Zhu’s lips, Shao Shang felt an overwhelming sense of anticipation wash over her, as if a battlefield was being meticulously prepared for the unfolding events.
Over the past few days of living among this vibrant and often tumultuous family, she had gradually learned to navigate their intricate dynamics. Each family member had their own distinct personality, with strengths that shone brightly and weaknesses that occasionally cast shadows over their interactions.
Understanding her position amid their lively chaos had become essential to her. She realized that by observing and learning from Lian Fang's gossip, their behaviors, and reactions, she could skillfully avoid potential conflicts and drama, fostering a peaceful life for herself. As she mentally prepared for the gathering, Shao Shang couldn’t help but wonder what challenges and insights this dinner might bring.
After finishing her medicine and pacing a few laps around the room, Qing Cong came holding a new long gown and a lacquered wooden box. The gown, made from off-white brocade embroidered with bright red plum branches, had a collar and cuffs trimmed with vermillion satin that was four fingers wide. Her undergarments were pristine, crafted from fine snow-white cotton. The gown was so wide that Lian Fang and Nanny Zhu helped Shao Shang into it. They carefully fastened the intricate, layered brocade and added a matching dark red belt, four fingers wide and adorned with jade ornaments. Even without a full-length mirror, Shao Shang could feel the luxurious elegance of her outfit.
Next, Qing Cong personally styled Shao Shang’s hair. In the blurry bronze mirror, Shao Shang softly saw her hair styled into a pair of playful twin buns, with the remaining strands tied simply at the back. She was thirteen, so this hairstyle was cute. Then, Lian Fang opened the small lacquered wood box, and Qing Cong took out a pair of dazzling pearls, fastening one to each bun.
Nanny Zhu frowned slightly and said, “Qing Jun[1] , this...”
Qing Cong smiled and assured her, “No need to worry.” Then she leaned down and whispered to Shao Shang, “Madam has been saving these fine things for the Fourth Lady for a long time, and now they can finally be used.”
Since Shao Shang was still young, she wore only a pair of delicate gold filigree earrings shaped like lilacs and thin gold bracelets strung with bright red coral beads on her wrists. Nanny Zhu, Lian Fang, and Qiao Guo admired her from all angles, showering her with praise.
Walking along the corridor, Shao Shang donned a light gray fur cloak, subtly observing her environment. Since arriving at the Cheng Manor, she had been confined to her room, making this her first time wandering, and her curiosity was piqued. The courtyard was small, with the inner gate visible at a glance. Her confusion deepened. Despite her luxurious attire, the estate appeared modest. Could property prices in this era also be quite high?
━━━━༻❁༺━━━━
After fewer than fifty or sixty steps, she reached Old Madam’s quarters, feeling exhausted. Lian Fang helped her remove her shoes before she stepped onto the raised platform and took off her heavy fur cloak. Her snow-white woolen socks contrasted with the dark red lacquered floor, making her feet look even more delicate. She observed that meals were served individually, with each person seated at their low table in two rows inside the hall—husband and wife facing each other and arranged by family importance. The children sat last together. When she looked up, Shao Shang saw that everyone else had already arrived—she was the last. She immediately sensed trouble.All right… Let’s the show begin!
As expected, Madam Ge, the ‘dear aunt,’ seated in the third position on the left, couldn’t hide her feelings and exclaimed, “Ayio. All the elders are here, and we’ve been waiting only for you, Fourth Miss. What have I always told you about filial piety and proper conduct? Today…”
Before she could finish, Old Madam, sitting at the head of the table in the center, grew impatient and cut her off sharply, saying, “Enough out of you! Everyone here is older than you, except the children. None of us has spoken yet. What right do you have to interject?”
Old Madam, with her farming background, spoke bluntly, which shocked Madam Ge. In the past, Old Madam would humiliate Madam Xiao effortlessly, and Madam Ge used to enjoy hearing her scold. However, now that the roles had changed, she found the feeling unpleasant.
Nanny Zhu quickly assisted Shao Shang in kneeling and bowing to each elder in turn. She first paid her respects to Old Madam at the head of the table, then to Old Uncle Dong, seated slightly to the side. Next, she bowed to Cheng Shi and his wife, who occupied the first seats on the right and left, respectively. She then turned to Dong Wai Di in the second seat on the right, whom Shao Shang addressed as ‘Uncle,’ followed by Madam Lu, his wife, in the second seat on the left. Before she could complete her bow, Madam Lu smiled, stood up, took her hand, and said, “Niao Niao is so lovely. I hadn’t noticed before, but after just a few days of your mother’s care and dressing, you’ve changed completely.’
Dizzy from the bowing, Shao Shang didn’t react immediately, but the others understood Dong Lu's implication. Madam Ge straightened up and retorted indignantly, “What do you mean by that? Are you saying I’ve treated Fourth Miss poorly all this time?”
Madam Lu quickly looked at Madam Xiao and then turned back with a smile. “Second Sister-in-law, you’re overthinking. I only meant that Fourth Miss, returning to her parents after a long time, is feeling happier, and that happiness makes her shine more.”
Madam Ge sat back down angrily, but as Madam Lu returned to her seat, she whispered loud enough for all to hear, “Poor child. Clearly, her father risked his life to earn these fine clothes and treasures for her, yet every time I visited, I only saw her wearing the leftovers others had discarded.”
At these words, Madam Ge and the girl seated at the far end of the table flushed crimson. Rubbing her forehead, Shao Shang immediately understood: This Madam Ge must have pocketed the things my 'father' meant for me! Before she could dwell on it further, Nanny Zhu pressed her down again to bow to Second Uncle Cheng and Madam Ge in turn. Madam Ge was now trembling with rage, unable to speak. Everyone looked at her with a clear understanding of what she had done.
At the far end of the table, three seats were arranged, with Shao Shang sitting in the middle. To her right was a girl still blushing, while on her left sat a round-faced, fair-skinned, young boy barely able to handle chopsticks. Both wore ornate gold and silver robes. The girl had light honey-colored skin, thick eyebrows, a round face, and big eyes, yet she looked completely listless and shy—almost as if her life were more burdensome than Shao Shang’s. The boy, around five years old, was chubby, typical of children from wealthy families.
At that moment, servants entered the room, bringing dishes to each seat. It was a simple family meal: sizzling roasted pork, steamed winter bamboo shoots with fatty chicken, venison soup, and two pickled vegetable sides. The adults enjoyed wine, while Shao Shang and the other children were served a steaming pot of freshly prepared rice milk.
Old Uncle Dong lifted a double-handled lacquered wooden bowl toward Cheng Shi and said, “This first cup of wine I offer to my nephew. It’s because of you that we’ve returned safely. I, I...” Shao Shang discreetly looked over and noticed that Old Uncle Dong closely resembled Old Madam—both had tall, overweight builds. However, it appeared he had recently lost weight very quickly, causing the flesh on his cheeks to sag. He was visibly terrified of Cheng Shi, hardly daring to meet his eyes directly, and his speech was hesitant and stammering.
Madam Ge blinked and chuckled softly, "Uncle, why do you look so frightened? We’re all family, there's no need to be so nervous."
Madam Xiao looked at her and said slowly, "The Northern Army Prison has been too reckless. Even though they agreed to postpone the punishment at the official’s request, they still executed several others guilty of the same crime right in front of Old Uncle Dong. He must have been terrified."
At these words, Old Uncle Dong could no longer hold his wine cup steady. In truth, when Cheng Shi had escorted him out, he had deliberately led him past various torture chambers along the way. The wails of agony and the sight of excruciating punishments—flaying, flesh-carving, and whipping—had left Old Uncle Dong’s legs weak, nearly unable to walk out.
Madam Ge was unsure how to reply, but Madam Lu quickly said, "We should thank General Cheng. Otherwise, Father-in-law would have faced even greater danger." She then cast a sharp glance at her husband across the table. Uncle Dong Wai Di quickly lifted his cup in thanks to Cheng Shi.
Uncle Dong Wai Di appeared handsome and delicate, yet his eyes betrayed heavy drinking, corruption, and lust. He spoke nervously and shakily, and even when expressing thanks, he couldn't resist casting unwelcome glances at Madam Xiao's chest.
Shao Shang quickly found the situation amusing and wondered if Uncle Dong Wai Di truly thought everyone was blind: Can’t he tell Old Man Cheng’s eyes are popping out like a flatfish? Due to those lustful looks, Uncle Dong Wai Di was attacked by unknown assailants on the street the following day and remained bedridden for months. His attackers explicitly explained the reason for the beating. after this, he never returned to the Cheng Manor.
After glaring at Uncle Dong Wai Di, Cheng Shi raised his wine cup and drank it all in one go. "Uncle should now enjoy a leisurely life," he said. "Just oversee the family’s lands and shops, and live in peace."
Old Uncle Dong became anxious and quickly protested, "How is that possible? As the saying goes, ‘To hunt a tiger, brothers must unite; to go to battle, father and son must fight side by side.’ Nephew, you’re treating me like an outsider! How can I stay calm while you’re risking your life out there? I should at least help…"
Cheng Shi had no patience for his rambling and turned directly to Old Madam. It was obvious that their mother-son communication had been smooth these past few days. Old Madam slammed the dining table and said sternly, "Shut your mouth! Where were you and your ‘brothers uniting’ when my son was starting? Where were you and your father and son fighting side by side when my son was risking his life? The less you ‘help,’ the easier things are for him!"
Old Uncle Dong stared at his elder sister in shock. "Elder Sister, you—you—"
He looked at Cheng Shi and his wife, thinking: Elder Sister, how can you manage your daughter-in-law without me? Yet, he didn't dare voice these words aloud. Instead, he shifted his gaze nervously and offered a coaxing smile. "Elder Sister, you’re just being thoughtful of your little brother. But your nephew and his wife are busy all day. Who will entertain you with amusing stories?"
Old Madam replied softly, "From now on, I will call your daughter-in-law when I have free time. Since you and your son are men, it’s inconvenient for you to come and go among women. Only visit if necessary." She glanced at Old Hu Ao, who was nearby serving utensils, and added, "If there’s family business, have Madam Lu speak for you. In short, don’t come yourself. As Cheng Shi’s official rank increases, our household must also follow proper etiquette. We can’t behave as we did in the countryside, where uncles and brothers came and went freely."
Uncle Dong was stunned, glaring at Madam Lu and snarling, "You wicked woman, what have you been telling your sister-in-law?" Uncle Dong Wai Di also jumped up, rolling up his sleeves to hit Madam Lu. Cheng Shi, sitting nearby, didn't move but reached out to pull Uncle Dong Wai Di down. He twisted and pressed Uncle Dong Wai Di's arm behind his back, forcing him to the ground. With a quick motion, he slapped him sharply, making Uncle Dong Wai Di’s face swell like a pig's head.
Cheng Shi said coldly, "This is the Cheng manor. There's no place for you to throw your weight around here." He shot Uncle Dong Wai Di a piercing look.
Shao Shang thought: They really are mother and son, both quick to curse and strike without the slightest subtlety.
The facial expressions around the banquet table were wide-ranging: Old Madam turned her head away as if ignoring everything; Second Uncle Cheng looked down, lost in thought—seeming indifferent; Uncle Dong Wai Di trembled under Cheng Shi's scrutinizing gaze; Madam Lu hid her face with her sleeve, yet a faint smile lingered at the corners of her lips; Madam Xiao remained calm and unmoved; only Madam Ge and her daughter Cheng Yang watched silently, dumbfounded, while her young son ate like a little pig.
Madam Xiao sipped her wine, smoothly set down the cup, and remarked, "Uncle and nephew, your commanding presence is quite impressive. You could easily be mistaken for the heads of the Cheng family." Then she turned to Madam Lu and softly advised, "Husband's mother often feels lonely. Please visit her more frequently to keep her company."
Understanding Cheng Shi and his wife's intentions, Old Uncle Dong quickly fell to his knees and lamented, "Elder Sister, are you abandoning your younger brother? Have you forgotten your promise to Father before he died? How will you face Father in the afterlife?"
Such a petty scheme could never outsmart Madam Xiao's plans. Old Madam, already advised by Old Hu Ao, responded, "How could I have abandoned you? You're dressed in fine brocade and cotton, feasting on poultry and meat, with servants to attend to you. Did you ever live this well when Father was alive? You're much more comfortable now. How have I failed Father?"
Old Uncle Dong stammered, "But Elder Sister, you wear silks and satins, living even more—"
"More what?!" Old Madam interrupted him. "My son achieved the Cheng family's current prosperity through blood and fire. What does it have to do with you? If you had contributed even a little back then, you might be living like this too."
Tears welled up in Old Uncle Dong's eyes as he indignantly protested, "Elder Sister, you adorn yourself in gold and silver, while your younger brother barely lives better than a peasant?" Shao Shang was thoroughly amused now, thinking: Everyone deserves a Magnolia entertainment Award.
Old Madam slammed her wooden chopsticks on the table and looked angry. "Should I give you half the Cheng family's treasury?" She was resistant to pressure but open to gentle persuasion. If her brother had spoken softly, there might have been room for discussion. But Old Uncle Dong chose the wrong approach. Old Madam snapped back, "You've lived off the Cheng family all these years, eaten from the Cheng family, and now you dare to boss around here?! Listen carefully. You're a son of the Dong family, and I am a woman of the Cheng family. Even though we're siblings, our ancestors are no longer shared. I won't drain the Cheng family to support you!" Her harsh words stunned Old Uncle Dong into silence.
Cheng Shi was very pleased with his mother's performance. Sporting his thick beard, he gave her an obedient smile. Old Uncle Dong couldn't help but wince, though Old Madam was completely delighted and became even happier. Old Uncle Dong snapped out of his daze, quickly gathering his thoughts and speaking humbly: "Elder sister, how could I dare to act proud before my nephew? But now that my nephew is more accomplished, I... I..." He started to sob, saying, "I just wanted to share some of the glory. It's all because I am so useless, neither skilled in letters nor in arms. I truly have no face to meet Father in the afterlife..." Tears streamed down his face as he spoke.
Seeing her younger brother soften, Old Madam couldn't help but feel a pang of pity. Madam Xiao let out a light scoff and turned slightly to Madam Lu, speaking gently, "Bring the children to see me later. It's been ten years. I wonder how they've grown." Cheng Shi quickly chimed in, "Exactly! When the time comes, those who should study will study, and those who should seek employment will do so. Let’s not have them turn out like their fathers and grandfathers, who only knew how to idle and scheme!"
Madam Lu cheered up. She believed that having a husband was worse than not having one, and now her only hope was her children. With Cheng Shi and his wife’s words, refusing was impossible.
Old Madam, remembering something, immediately told her brother, "Stop crying. You're already old enough to understand your fate. If you've been useless most of your life, do you think you'll suddenly change now that you're old? The same applies to Wai Di-nephew. If he had any ambitions, he wouldn’t have waited until now. Since you’re all hopeless, just lead an honest, simple life. Don't scheme to exploit others or bully people in my son’s name, or you might bring disaster to the Cheng family. Focus on raising your children well. That’s how you can honor Father!"
Old Uncle Dong was at a loss for words.
Seeing her brother’s lips quiver, as if he still wanted to argue, Old Madam quickly added, "And don’t think you can sweet-talk me anymore. That... what’s-her-name Empress Dowager from the previous dynasty? Wasn’t she always trying to benefit her family? In the end, she handed her husband’s entire empire to her nephew, throwing the world into chaos and ruining countless families! Only then did she realize and regret, but it was too late. I wonder how she is now facing[2] the ancestors in the afterlife!"
Shao Shang was stunned: Huh? There was such a ridiculous Empress Dowager? How come I’ve never heard of her? Then she remembered she was a pure Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics student; history classes seemed like a forgotten language.
She only remember of famous empresses like Cixi[3], Wu Zetian[4], and perhaps half of Empress Xiao Zhuang[5]. Xiao Zhuang couldn’t have relinquished the empire even if she wanted to—her grandson was the Kangxi Emperor! If Cixi had passed the empire to her family, how would foreign powers have reacted? Are we talking about Wu Zetian here? Shao Shang looked down at her chest in confusion. Why is the collar so high that no cleavage is visible? Were Tang Dynasty clothes this modest? Even if I am flat-chested, Madam Xiao is quite curvaceous—why isn’t she showing any skin either?
Compared to the unfortunate Empress Dowager, Old Madam believed she had behaved quite modestly. She proudly declared, "And that woman from the third branch of the Donglü family—she was always favoring her own family. Back when Scholar Wang, staying with the Donglü, said he could only take one disciple to study under Yan Divine Immortal, she secretly sent her nephew instead. Hmph! As if the Donglü family couldn’t produce a clever child! Her own two sons were very diligent. Yet, her family climbed through scholarship and official ranks, while the Donglü had to abase themselves before them. Tsk! All women in the world should hear this story!"
As she spoke, Old Madam deliberately looked at Madam Xiao, who remained calm. Cheng Shi awkwardly asked, "Mother, what are you talking about?" Madam Xiao told the first story for Old Madam to hear, but the second was Old Madam's own invention. "If my nephews truly have promise, I will help them. Besides, is the Donglü family doing badly now?"
Old Madam scowled and responded, "They gained their official ranks through risking their descendants' lives while fighting under your command! How can that compare to quietly sitting in a study and becoming an official?"
Shao Shang listened eagerly. If she hadn't been afraid of being scolded, she would have asked, 'Whatever happened to that ungrateful daughter-in-law in the end?'
Old Madam became more assertive as she spoke, addressing Old Uncle Dong: "Stop making nonsense. This time, you stole military supplies and caused quite a bit of trouble for your nephew. Are you deliberately trying to undermine him? You take the wealth and comfort, while my son suffers and risks his life. When has such a good deal ever existed? Are you some ancestor of the Cheng family that we must worship?"
By this point, the Dong father and son had no words left. The room was silent except for Uncle Dong Wai Di's muffled sobs into his hands. Cheng Shi, feeling completely satisfied, turned to look at them and warned, "If I discover that Madam Lu has been even slightly harmed, I will ensure you both face the same consequences!"
Having fought through numerous fierce battles, Cheng Shi's intimidating presence was overwhelming. The Dong father and son, already lacking courage, could only stammer timidly in reply. Shao Shang secretly praised: "Bravo!" This scheme was truly brilliant, addressing every aspect perfectly. No one, whether inside or outside the family, could criticize it.
Cheng Shi looked sharply at the Dong pair and asked, "Understood?" Uncle Dong Wai Di, sitting nearby and worried about another hit, nodded quickly. Old Uncle Dong, a moment slower, hurriedly agreed as well.
"Then let's eat!" Cheng Shi barked. The Dong father and son quickly scrambled back to their seats, grabbing their wooden chopsticks in a hurry, like fleeing rabbits.
The rest of the table resumed eating with their chopsticks, while Madam Ge fidgeted nervously. Since Aunt Dong’s expulsion days earlier, she had felt that everything was falling apart. Old Madam appeared to have made peace with Madam Xiao. They no longer argued during their encounters. Despite Madam Ge’s attempts to stir trouble, she was met with complete indifference.
She looked at her husband across the table and then at Old Madam at the head. During the earlier heated arguments, she couldn't find a chance to speak, especially since it involved the Dong family. The faint pain from the slap a few days ago still lingered.
Biting her tongue repeatedly and observing the atmosphere lighten, Madam Ge finally couldn't help but force a smile: "Husband's mother—"
Shao Shang perked up like a delighted little mouse and sang in her head: Here she comes, here she comes, here comes the troublemaker.
Before Madam Ge could speak further, Cheng Shi declared, "Today's feast has two aims: to soothe Old Uncle Dong's nerves, and more importantly, I have joyous news to share."
Shao Shang, annoyed, thought: What happy news? Are you taking a concubine?
[1] New characters:
- Hu Ao | A-Ao | Old Hu: Peasant childhood friend of Old Madam Cheng. She became her trusted confidant and assisted Madam Xiao in calming Old Madam’s fiery temper. ·
- Old Uncle Dong: Old Madam's younger brother
- Uncle Dong Wai Di: Son of Old Uncle Dong
- Madam Lu | Aunt Dong Lu: Wife of Uncle Dong Wai Di.
- Second Uncle Cheng Cheng | SanLang Shen: He is the second son of Old Madam Cheng, brother of Cheng Shi, and Shao Shang’s uncle. His wife is Madam Ge.
- Cheng Yang | Chuo Er |Yang Yang: Madam Ge and Cheng Cheng's second son's daughter.
- Cheng Ou | Ou Er: Madam Ge and Cheng Cheng's second son's son.
[2] 'To have 'face' or 'to save face' or 'to give face' in Chinese means maintaining a good reputation, honor, and high social standing. It indicates that a person is respected and viewed positively by others, while 'losing face' refers to damaging one's reputation or dignity. The concept of "face" is a fundamental part of Chinese culture that affects social interactions, personal dignity, and one's position within a community.
Key aspects of "face" (面子)
- Reputation and honor: "Face" is closely tied to how others perceive a person's character, status, and prestige.
- Social currency: It functions as a form of social currency that can be gained or lost through actions and circumstances.
- Gaining face: This can happen through achievements, receiving praise, or demonstrating honor.
- Losing face: This occurs through failure, public criticism, or disgraceful behavior.
- Giving face: This involves actions that show respect to others, thereby enhancing their "face" or social standing. Examples include giving compliments, paying for a meal, or toasting at a banquet
[3] Empress Cixi's name, a combination of the Chinese characters cí (kindly) and xǐ (joyous), was an honorific title bestowed upon her after she became regent in 1861. The name reflects her position as a "kindly and joyous" empress dowager who helped guide China through a turbulent period of change as a powerful female ruler.
[4] "Zetian" is the posthumous title given to Wu Zhao, which means "supreme empress" or "emulator of heaven". She is best known as the only female emperor in Chinese history and as the founder of the Wu Zhou Dynasty. While "Zetian" was a posthumous title given after her death, her given name was Zhao, a character she reportedly created to mean "the sun, moon, and sky"
[5] Empress Xiao Zhuang (1613–1688) was a powerful and respected Qing Dynasty empress dowager, known for her political wisdom and role in stabilizing the empire. Born a Mongolian princess, she was the mother of the Shunzhi Emperor and the grandmother of the Kangxi Emperor. Her influence helped guide the dynasty through its early, crucial years, and she is often called the "Mother of the Qing Dynasty
|
|
|
 |