Four Seasons Brocade – CH 053

Chapter 53 ☆、

“Are you telling the truth?” the Old Madam stared at the First Madam. “Do not try to fool this old woman. The daughter of the Shi family in the Ministry of Personnel has taken a liking to the third son and is willing to become his second wife.”

“Mother, you do not know the Shi family’s daughter. She’s already eighteen,” the Second Madam chimed in from the side.

“What? Eighteen and still no match?” the Old Madam asked curiously.

“Yes, but Madam Shi wanted to keep the girl a few more years until she was seventeen, just when she was about to get married. But then the family she was betrothed to messed things up, and the Shi family broke off the engagement to distance themselves. Now, even though it’s delayed, the Shi family is still somewhat dishonest. It will not be easy to find a good match later, and the Shi family is picky, so it’s been delayed until now.” That was why there was the matter of the third son. The Second Madam did not say the last sentence aloud. An eighteen-year-old spinster whose engagement had ended in annulment, even though she was the daughter of a high-ranking official, was someone whose status was difficult to publicize. No noble family, even those with a modicum of pride, would even consider her. But the third son, an illegitimate son, had no real power or influence; he might actually be harboring such thoughts.

“Heh, what a vicious mind the third son has! No wonder he usually dotes on his wife like the apple of his eye, but this time he’s completely indifferent. He’s always so radiant and full of himself; so this is what he was waiting for,” the Old Madam sneered at his attempt to actually try to frame her for tormenting his wife to death.

“Mother, we cannot let Third Master’s vicious scheme succeed!” the Second Madam said anxiously.

“Of course!” the Old Madam replied resolutely.

“Actually, it’s not all bad,” the First Madam said slowly. “Third Master climbing up to the Shi family of the Qing Dynasty’s Ministry of Personnel, would we not benefit too?”

“Benefit what? If he gets promoted, he will turn around and crush you!” the Old Madam retorted. “That lowly son of a doxie, do you think he’s on our side? You are dreaming!”

The First Madam could not refute the Old Madam’s meaning; she knew the Old Madam hated the third branch of the family. With the Old Madam in the middle, even if she wanted to be on good terms with the third branch, she could not. And if she could not be on good terms, then the third branch should not become too successful.

The day the Old Madam learned the news, she let the disheveled and pale-faced Lady Cui go to rest, specifically instructing her, “Third son’s wife, you’ve worked hard these past few days. Go back and rest for a few days, and ask your eldest sister-in-law for a physician to treat your health.”

Lady Cui returned to her room, flattered and overwhelmed, thinking that her filial piety had finally moved her mother-in-law. That evening, when Third Master Rong returned home, she happily told him about it, looking like she was seeking a reward.

Third Master Rong smiled faintly and gently touched Lady Cui’s face. “You’ve worked hard these past few days, My Lady. Mother is right; you should see a physician to recuperate. I am hoping you will give me another daughter.”

Lady Cui blushed and shyly spat at Third Master Rong. “What are you saying? I am so old; what child could I possibly have?”

As for the Second Madam’s “old clam giving birth,” Lady Cui, having spent a lot of time in the Old Madam’s room and interacting with the Second Madam frequently, judged from her experience that it was just another act by the Second Madam to keep the Second Master at bay.

“How old are you? You look the same as when you first got married,” Third Master Rong said, embracing Lady Cui.

Lady Cui’s originally haggard face flushed even before Third Master Rong had touched her.

The two lay down on the kang bed, becoming intimate.

Meanwhile, on Ah Wu’s side, Zi-Yan, who was frequently taking leave, returned today, saying her mother was unwell and she needed to go back to check on her. Ah Wu, being a reasonable mistress, naturally granted her request.

It turned out that Zi-Yan’s mother, Nanny Guan, also worked in the mansion, but her health had deteriorated significantly in her youth, and she was frequently ill. She only worked for Lady Cui’s courtyard for a maximum of three months a year, and it was only because Lady Cui was kind that she still gave her a small monthly allowance.

Zi-Yan’s home was in Suancai Backstreet behind the Duke’s mansion, not far away, and she often went back to visit. However, lately she had been going back much more frequently. In the past, Ah Wu might not have noticed the changes in Zi-Yan, but now Ah Wu was more aware of things, and she occasionally noticed that Zi-Yan spent her days embroidering handkerchiefs, purses, and insoles, with patterns mostly featuring mandarin ducks and butterflies.

That day, when Zi-Yan went to her house, Ah Wu grabbed Zi-Shan from behind and asked, “What’s been going on with your sister Zi-Yan lately?”

Zi-Shan’s heart pounded with fear upon hearing Ah Wu’s question. Although she was still a young girl, her background as a servant and her love of gossip made her far more shrewd than Ah Wu. Feeling guilty, she suspected Ah Wu had discovered something, so she stammered and evaded the question.

Seeing Zi-Shan’s reaction, Ah Wu had a hunch and decided to try to trick her. So, she put on a threatening face and said, “You will have to take responsibility for her. If something really happens, not only you, but I am afraid I will not escape either.”

Ah Wu’s words were vague, yet they all fit together perfectly. Zi-Shan thought to herself how astute her mistress was, able to discover such things. In truth, she knew that if Zi-Yan’s affair could not be kept secret forever, it would inevitably implicate both her and her mistress.

Zi-Shan had clung to a sliver of hope, thinking such a day would not come, but now that Ah Wu had discovered it, her hopes were dashed. Therefore, she said, “A cousin has recently moved into Sister Zi-Yan’s house.”

Ah Wu’s mind went blank. She had not expected her initial fears to come true. If her personal maid had caused such a scandal, and if the Old Madam found out, the consequences would be unimaginable.

“You dared to hide something like this?” Ah Wu roared.

“Miss…” Tears streamed down Zi-Shan’s face. She was torn, caught between sisterly affection and the loyalty between mistress and servant. She was in a dilemma. She had actually tried to persuade Zi-Yan, but Zi-Yan had used her young age as an excuse, saying she did not understand.

Actually, it was Zi-Yan who was clueless. She was a young girl in her prime, quite pretty, and at the age when love was just beginning to blossom. Her cousin’s teasing had sparked her dreams of a perfect romance. Girls this age were often half-understanding, half-naive, and mostly self-righteous—it was the most dangerous age. Even Zi-Yan, usually so composed, lost her composure under a man’s sweet words.

“Go and call Zi-Yan back. Tell her I have something to do. You do not need to tell her I know about her. Let’s just pretend we do not know and leave her alone,” Ah Wu said, not wanting to embarrass Zi-Yan.

Zi-Shan nodded and ran off.

Facing Zi-Shan was nothing like facing her cousin. Zi-Yan was clever; she guessed a lot from Zi-Shan’s expression. Her face paled, and she followed Zi-Shan back to Ah Wu’s room. Upon entering, she knelt before Ah Wu, pleading, “Miss, please have mercy!”

Ah Wu gave Zi-Shan a look, and Zi-Shan went outside to stand guard, chasing away the little maids playing in the courtyard.

Silence reigned. Ah Wu finally spoke, “What mercy do I need?”

“Miss…” Zi-Yan, tears welling in her eyes, crawled to Ah Wu’s side. “This servant knows I am lowly and have hurt your feelings, but my cousin and I are deeply in love. Please grant us your blessing.” Zi-Yan kowtowed repeatedly to Ah Wu.

Zi-Yan infuriated Ah Wu. She had committed such a crime, and not only did she not admit her mistake, but she was also begging for mercy.

“Sister Zi-Yan, how old are you?” Ah Wu asked anxiously. Zi-Yan was only a little over fourteen years old this year. According to the rules of the mansion, maids could only be matched with men by their masters at the age of eighteen.

However, Zi-Yan’s situation was special. Her cousin was a scholar; although he had not passed the imperial examination, he spoke fluently in classical Chinese, captivating Zi-Yan, who had only learned to read a few days ago. Zi-Yan could also respond to him, and the two quickly fell for each other.

“Besides, what kind of future does he have now?” Ah Wu asked.

“Although my cousin has not passed the imperial examination yet, the story of Zhuo Wenjun and Sima Xiangru is a timeless tale, and I…”

“You…” Ah Wu was furious. Idle books really did ruin a person. She only knew a few characters, yet she dared to compare herself to Zhuo Wenjun? Did she not remember how Zhuo Wenjun ended up selling wine at a tavern and how Sima Xiangru treated her? Did she not later write “The Ballad of White Hair”?

Even Ah Wu disapproved of Zhuo Wenjun eloping with Xiangru.

However, hearing Zi-Yan’s words, it seemed that all the trouble stemmed from Ah Wu teaching Zi-Yan to read. Some people learned reason through reading, while others were led astray.

Furthermore, Zi-Yan believed that her cousin would one day achieve great success, and if she did not keep him close while he was still unknown, she would never be able to reach his level.

Zi-Yan had been thinking about how to approach Lady Cui and Ah Wu, and now that Zi-Shan had let it slip, she seized the opportunity to spill everything.

Ah Wu tried to persuade Zi-Yan.

Zi-Yan quickly silenced Ah Wu, sobbing, “This servant knows she was wrong, but I cannot control my heart. A day without him feels like three autumns; my love is deep. I beg you, young lady, to grant my wish.”

Ah Wu laughed in exasperation. Even the phrase “a day without him feels like three autumns” came to mind. Looking at Zi-Yan, she thought she was young and naive, daring to say such shameful things to her. Truly, girls were drawn to the outside world; keeping her around would only breed resentment.

Since Zi-Yan’s persuasion failed, Ah Wu’s mind quickly shifted.

“I can grant your wish,” Ah Wu said calmly. “I only hope you’ve thought it through. Come back in three days and give me your answer.”

Even if it were thirty days or three hundred days, Zi-Yan felt she would not change her mind. Therefore, she would reply in three days, her devotion unchanged.

Ah Wu knew further words were futile, so she asked, “So, you now want to marry your cousin?”

Zi-Yan nodded.

In fact, the current situation was good for both Zi-Yan and Ah Wu. Otherwise, if someone with ulterior motives found out about her affair with her cousin, it would be a huge problem. Ah Wu was still a young girl.

“Do a few things for me, and next year I will have Mother return your indenture to you,” Ah Wu said.

Zi-Yan was overjoyed and respectfully kowtowed three times to Ah Wu. It was almost the end of the year, and next year was only a few months away; she could wait that long.

“But you cannot go home these days. Stay in the courtyard peacefully; otherwise, if something happens, I cannot protect you.”

“Alright.” Zi-Yan was now all set in her ways and would agree to anything.

That night, Ah Wu tossed and turned, completely unprepared for her misjudgment. Zi-Yan was outwardly gentle but inwardly strong, bolder than anyone could imagine, and decisive in her actions. Although she was undeniably foolish, her flaws did not outweigh her virtues.

However, Ah Wu was not as optimistic about her and her cousin’s affair as Zi-Yan was. Ah Wu was far more educated than Zi-Yan and had seen far more in her past life. Such matters rarely turned out well, with only one or two out of a hundred becoming a happy ending.

Though onlookers saw things clearly, they could not persuade those still deluded. They could only be brought to their senses by a bucket of cold water, but a single misstep could lead to eternal regret, and by then, a century had passed.

Therefore, it was said that those who were pitiful often had something wicked about them.