I Am This Type of Woman

“Sister!” Ban Heng dashed into Ban Hua’s courtyard, interrupting the female storyteller mid-tale. He snatched the tea poured by a servant girl and gulped down several large mouthfuls before saying, “I’ve found the person you asked about.”

Ban Hua waved her hand, dismissing all unnecessary personnel. Slamming both hands on the tea table, she demanded, “Who is it?”

“Xie Chongjin, the eldest son of Lord Zhongping.” Ban Heng finished an entire cup of tea before finally catching his breath. “He’s the one who placed first in the imperial examination three years ago but then went to take up a post in another province. After Xie Qilin injured his eye, he was transferred back to the capital. He just arrived yesterday.”

“Sister, why did you ask me to investigate him?” Ban Heng plopped down on a chair, suddenly eyeing Ban Hua suspiciously. “Don't tell me you're interested in him just because he's good-looking?”

“Can you think of something normal for once?” Ban Hua swatted away Ban Heng's hand as he reached for a pastry. “Is that how you see your sister?”

Ban Heng looked bewildered. If not like that, then how?

Ban Hua’s hand twitched, nearly slapping Ban Heng’s foolish face. Seeing the sweat dripping from his forehead after his run, she tossed him a handkerchief. “Tell me, what are the chances of Lord Zhongping’s family rebelling?”

Ban Heng’s eyes widened. “Sister, what does Lord Zhongping’s family even have to stage a rebellion with? I know you don't like them, but accusing them of treason is an insult to treason itself.”

“What you say makes some sense.” Ban Hua peeled melon seeds, tossing the shells aside and placing the kernels in a small silver bowl. “There are plenty of men wearing black in this world; it doesn't necessarily have to be him.”

“Perhaps people from other regions are raising their banners in revolt, rallying support…” Ban Heng suddenly stopped. “That doesn't seem right. What kind of major event would cause widespread rebellion?”

Yin Shi entered the courtyard and sat opposite the siblings. “The new Emperor’s ascension is unstable, and there’s widespread discontent among the people. The Jiang Dynasty isn't as secure as they think.”

The current Emperor was extravagant and obsessed with grand achievements, even condoning the corrupt practices of the Empress’s family. Dissenting voices had long emerged among the populace, though court officials suppressed these rumors. But suppression could only be temporary.

“Mother, should we tell Grandmother about Sister’s dream?” Ban Heng scratched his head. “Since we can’t figure it out, shouldn't we let Grandmother handle it?”

“Absolutely not,” Yin Shi immediately objected. “This matter absolutely cannot be brought to your grandmother’s attention.”

“Why?” Ban Heng was puzzled. “If we can’t solve it, who else can we turn to besides Grandmother?”

“Your grandmother is not just your grandmother; she is also the Grand Princess of the Jiang family. She is old. If she learns that the Jiang Dynasty will be overthrown, how could she bear it?” Yin Shi said exasperatedly. “You should visit your grandmother more often, keep her company. These other matters are not for you to worry about.”

Ban Heng obediently nodded, “I understand,” and proceeded to pour the melon seed kernels from the silver bowl into his mouth.

“Ban Heng!” Seeing her peeled melon seeds disappear, Ban Hua nearly threw the plate of pastries at Ban Heng’s head. “You’re a grown man, and you’re stealing my melon seeds?”

“I’m your younger brother, not just some grown man,” Ban Heng jumped up from his chair. “What’s the big deal about peeling a few melon seeds for me? In the future, I’ll marry a wife who will peel them for me.”

“Hah! In your dreams!” Ban Hua put her hands on her hips. “If I had a husband like you, I’d beat you every day.”

“Then what kind of husband do you want, one who peels melon seeds for you?” Ban Heng hopped away. “Now that’s a dream.”

Yin Shi watched her children bicker, shaking her head and laughing. With servants available, they still argued over such trivial matters. She wondered who they inherited this tendency from.

On the bustling street, Ban Huai strolled with his guards, buying gifts. This jade bracelet had a beautiful color, perfect for his wife. This hairpin was exquisite, just right for his daughter. These books were well-written, he’d get a few copies for his son. Because he frequented the shops recently, paid fair prices, and didn't throw his weight around, Lord Ban was quite popular among the shopkeepers and attendants on the luxury goods street. They wished he would come every day.

“Lord Bo, this glazed lamp is a new arrival this year. Although it's not as refined as those in the palace, it has a certain elegance.” The shopkeeper enthusiastically presented a star-patterned glazed lamp to Ban Huai. “When lit at night, it's like stars have fallen to earth. The ladies of your household will surely love it.”

Ban Huai glanced at the lamp. The craftsmanship was indeed excellent. “How much is it?”

“Lord Bo, you are a regular customer. I wouldn't dare overcharge you,” the shopkeeper glanced around and lowered his voice. “For others, it would be one thousand taels, but for you, I'll charge six hundred and eighty-eight taels, an auspicious number.”

“Alright, have someone deliver it to my residence later.” Ban Huai nodded. He then noticed a painting of Magu celebrating a birthday hanging on the wall. Remembering his mother’s fondness for calligraphy, paintings, and antiques, he asked, “How much is that painting?”

“Lord Bo… that painting has already been reserved. Would you like to see something else?” The shopkeeper smiled apologetically. “I’ll have someone bring out more paintings for you to choose from.”

“Then forget it.” Ban Huai felt a bit disappointed. The painting’s meaning was auspicious, a perfect gift for his mother.

“If Lord Bo desires it, I will gift it to you,” a man entered the shop. “As long as you don’t find it unworthy.”

Ban Huai turned to see the newcomer. “Lord Rong.”

Rong Xia bowed respectfully to Ban Huai, then turned to the attendant. “Wrap the painting and send it to Lord Ban.”

“How can I accept this? Since Lord Rong has chosen this painting, I cannot possibly take it from you.” Although Ban Huai was older and of higher rank than Rong Xia, he was not one to take advantage of his juniors.

“Lord Bo, you are too kind,” Rong Xia bowed again. “If this painting has caught your eye, it is destiny. If you refuse, you are looking down on this junior.”

When it came to eloquence, ten Ban Huais were no match for half a Rong Xia. In the end, Ban Huai accepted the painting. Remembering he shouldn't accept such a generous gift without reciprocating, he decided to treat this generous, courteous, and handsome young man to a meal at Wangyue Restaurant, the most expensive restaurant in the capital.

Rong Xia not only didn't mind that he was an idle Lord Bo, but treated him with utmost respect throughout their journey. Ban Huai’s impression of him shifted from a formidable young Lord Bo to a rather pleasant young man, and finally to ‘this kid is so much to my liking, my own son is trash’ level.

The waiters at Wangyue Restaurant were also familiar with Ban Huai, greeting him warmly and leading them upstairs.

As they ascended the stairs, Ban Huai asked the waiter, “I recall your wife was about to give birth?”

“Lord Bo, my wife has given birth, but unfortunately, it’s a girl.” The waiter’s face lacked joy. “Thank you for asking.”

“A girl is good too.” Ban Huai rummaged in his pocket, pulling out two peanut-sized silver gourds which he handed to the waiter. “Give these to your daughter to place under her pillow. May they protect her and grant her a long and healthy life.”

“Lord Bo, I couldn’t possibly…”

“It’s nothing. I specifically carry these for gifting to children.” Ban Huai adopted an air of “I’m rich, I do what I want.” “Take them.”

“Th-thank you, Lord Bo!” The waiter accepted the silver gourds, his face filled with gratitude.

Rong Xia observed the exchange between Ban Huai and the waiter, a deeper smile gracing his lips. After they were seated in a private room, Rong Xia remarked, “Lord Bo is truly kind.”

“It’s not that I’m kind,” Ban Huai shook his head, taking a sip of tea. “If I hadn’t said anything, that girl might not survive.”

For the nobility, raising an extra daughter was not a significant burden. But for commoners, especially those desperately wanting a son but receiving a daughter, the daughter was considered superfluous. Years ago, while idly wandering in the countryside, he had witnessed an old woman throwing her dead granddaughter into a river, hoping that being trampled by thousands would prevent any more daughters from being reborn into her family.

The incident had deeply disturbed him, causing him to fall ill and requiring several doses of calming medicine to recover.

Rong Xia hadn’t expected Ban Huai to say such a thing. He paused, then said, “It still shows your kindness, Lord Bo.”

Ban Huai waved his hand, unwilling to dwell on the matter.

Soon, the dishes arrived. After a few sips of wine, Ban Huai became slightly intoxicated, rambling on about various topics. Remarkably, Rong Xia managed to keep the conversation flowing, proving his reputation as the renowned Rong Gongzi.

“Those bastards from Lord Zhongping’s family still want their eldest son to take a position in the Ministry of Revenue? They wish!” Ban Huai slammed his wine cup on the table. “They bullied my daughter like that and think they can pretend nothing happened? No way!”

Rong Xia recalled the rumors circulating in the capital. Lord Ban doted on his eldest daughter. When Lord Zhongping’s second son eloped with a courtesan, Lord Ban immediately went to Lord Zhongping’s residence, broke off the engagement, and trashed the place, even replacing their front gate. After Xie Qilin returned, he suffered numerous ambushes. Lord Zhongping petitioned the Emperor, claiming it was the work of the Jingting Marquis’ family. However, lacking evidence, and with the Emperor favoring the Jingting Marquis, the matter was dropped.

“This junior also believes Xie’s eldest son is unsuitable for the Ministry of Revenue,” Rong Xia refilled Ban Huai’s cup. “Where do you think he would be better suited?”

“Suited for nothing! He’d be best off idle at home!” Ban Huai drunkenly cursed. “Let him go home and suckle at his mother’s teat!”

While Ban Huai hadn't inherited his military father’s talent for warfare, he had certainly mastered his cursing skills.

ʕ◉ᴥ◉ʔ

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