Four Seasons Brocade – CH 194

Chapter 194 ☆、

Zi-Shan kept giving Ah Wu meaningful glances, signaling her to go out and greet Chu Mao. Ah Wu pretended not to see, remaining seated and motionless, much to Zi-Shan’s frustration.

After Chu Mao removed his cloak outside and entered the side room, Ah Wu turned around and called out, “Your Highness,” then fell silent.

Chu Mao, however, seemed more at ease than Ah Wu. He went straight to the bathing room to bathe before emerging, his hair still damp. He sat opposite Ah Wu and said, “You may all leave. Just have the Princess Consort wring my hair.”

Ah Wu reluctantly took the handkerchief from Wen-Mei and walked to Chu Mao’s side to wring his hair, saying in a sarcastic tone, “Today is Laba Festival. Is Your Highness not going to Hongyao Villa for dinner?”

“Ah Wu wants me to go?” Chu Mao turned his head and smiled at Ah Wu.

Ah Wu truly hated Chu Mao’s confident smile. He was the real master; everyone in this mansion depended on him for survival, including her.

Ah Wu hesitated to answer Chu Mao’s question. “I asked Zi-Zhui to cook Laba porridge today. It’s still simmering on the stove. Would you like to try a bowl?”

Ah Wu lifted the curtain and went out, telling Tong-Guan to tell Zi-Zhui. A moment later, Zi-Zhui returned with the Laba porridge on a carved lacquer plate, accompanied by two small dishes: pickled peach kernels and eggplant with turtle.

Chu Mao took a sip and put the bowl down. “Elder Shen and Master Fu both praised this year’s Laba porridge and asked me to convey their gratitude to you.”

Ah Wu nodded and continued to braid Chu Mao’s hair, while Chu Mao picked up a book and began to read. Neither of them spoke.

After a while, Chu Mao stood up and said, “Come with me to Hongyao Villa for dinner. Xiangsi is getting married soon, and it will not be easy for us to see each other again.”

Ah Wu did not speak. The image of Hongyao Villa, brightly lit and filled with laughter, flashed through her mind. If she went, she would not only disturb their atmosphere but also upset herself. She did not like any of the people there. Ah Wu felt that the people at Hongyao Villa were Chu Mao’s true family, while she was just a passerby, an observer.

“I have a bit of a headache, so I will not go. I will see Your Highness off,” Ah Wu said, hurriedly calling Wen-Mei and Yong-Mei in to serve her, as if afraid Chu Mao would insist she come along.

However, His Highness Prince Qi clearly knew that if Ah Wu went, she’d inevitably spoil the atmosphere. “Since you have a headache, you should rest early.”

Watching Chu Mao stride away without looking back, Ah Wu felt a fire burning inside her that she could not extinguish, yet she was powerless to stop it, only able to let it burn within her.

“Why did the Princess not go to Hongyao Villa with the Prince? That Nanny Hao raised the Prince from childhood; the Prince is sentimental and grateful for her protection, treating her like a mother. What will the Prince think of you doing this?” Nanny Sang scolded Ah Wu after learning of this.

Ah Wu had originally thought that she was spending the Laba Festival alone and feeling rather lonely, so she asked Zi-Shan to summon Nanny Sang and Nanny Gong. Along with two Zis, two Tongs, Bing-Shuang, and Chi-Jin, they ate together at the same table without distinction of master and servant, and she even specially opened a jar of thirty-year-old aged Zhuyeqing wine.

To her surprise, Nanny Sang immediately began berating her, and Ah Wu’s face darkened. Nanny Gong chimed in, “Nanny Sang is right. The more the Princess acts this way, the less likely the Prince will dare entrust the household affairs to you.”

Nanny Gong rarely spoke, but her words were usually quite reasonable. Seeing their shared attitude, Ah Wu did not argue further.

“Zi-Shan, have someone send a jar of that thirty-year-old Zhuyeqing wine to Hongyao Villa as well. Say I am feeling unwell as an apology,” Ah Wu said coldly.

Nanny Gong and Nanny Sang exchanged a glance, both shaking their heads and remaining silent. Their mistress was extremely determined and could rarely be persuaded.

“After all, you are someone’s wife, not a young lady at home. A gentler temperament will please the Prince,” Nanny Sang said earnestly. Even though she was unhappy, she still insisted on speaking up.

Who cared whether he liked her or not? She was only with Chu Mao for the sake of the Imperial Princess and her two brothers, Ah Wu thought angrily.

As soon as the twelfth month arrived, everything seemed to pile up at once. Hongyao Villa was incredibly busy, and Ah Wu was also constantly occupied. Not only were the accounts from Cui Ji and Four Seasons Brocade sent to her for review, but she also had to carefully examine the profits from Chu Mao’s estates and the list of gifts sent.

Last year, Ah Wu did not quite understand the difference in estate profits. This year, with her own villa established and a comparison with Chu Mao’s, Ah Wu realized just how capable the stewards of Chu Mao’s estates were. Her estate’s annual income was only a few hundred taels, while each of Chu Mao’s estates brought in three or four thousand taels.

Ah Wu pondered for a moment. Although Chu Mao had sent someone to guide Liu Dahe, the steward of her estate, Liu Dahe still lacked experience. Ah Wu then considered sending Liu Dahe to an estate in Shandong to learn from experience.

Ah Wu reviewed the accounts and then asked Zi-Shan to speak with Wu Hanyong, instructing him to use Chu Mao’s visiting card to book a table at Jufang Garden in the capital for these estate owners. Since she could not accompany them herself, she asked Steward Wu to do so in her place. She also sent someone to another estate to invite Liu Dahe to join them.

Although these estate stewards were all quite wealthy, a meal at Jufang Garden was not something money could buy. Although they visited the capital several times a year, they had never set foot in Jufang Garden before. They never expected to receive this honor from Princess Qi, something they could boast about for three years. This honor was more gratifying to them than any reward they might receive.

Ah Wu, meanwhile, was drooling over the pairs of muntjacs. Muntjac meat was the most tender and smooth, fragrant and fresh. “Go tell Hongyao Villa to send over a pair of muntjacs. Have Zi-Zhui slice the meat; I want roasted muntjac meat tonight.”

Ah Wu then pointed to the chest of furs the head steward had given her. “Zi-Shan, take them all. There are some for Nanny Hao too; just tell her it’s a token of my appreciation.”

Zi-Shan obeyed and left. When she returned to see Ah Wu, her face was puffed up with anger.

“What’s wrong? Who upset our Zi-Shan?” Ah Wu asked with a smile.

“No one upset me; I am upset on behalf of the Princess,” Zi-Shan blurted out.

Zi-Yi winked frantically at Zi-Shan, but Zi-Shan ignored her. “I know I should not say these things to the Princess, making people say we are short-sighted, but I just cannot stand it. You did not see the furs at Sister-Cousin’s place. When I went there, I saw her inspecting them. She had a snow-white fox fur, without a single flaw. Even the Princess does not have such fine fur. Those snobbish estate stewards—how could you treat them so politely, Miss?”

Ah Wu did not speak. She treated those estate stewards politely because they had the ability to maximize the estate’s profits, not because they were good at flattery. Ah Wu understood this clearly. Of course, she was still somewhat bothered by what Zi-Shan said, but it was not the estate stewards’ fault; it was only her own lack of prestige.

“Why are you arguing with Hongyao Villa? Why bother arguing over a single day?” Ah Wu said calmly.

“No, that’s not it. Sister-Cousin’s maid was showing off to me, saying those furs were a gift from the Prince. I do not know where he got them from.”

As Zi-Shan spoke, Zi-Yi called out loudly, “Zi-Shan!”

But even that could not stop Zi-Shan from saying “Prince.”

Ah Wu’s hands, hidden in her sleeves, clenched into fists, but her face remained calmly smiling, radiating a warm glow. “She’s the Prince’s cousin; it’s only natural that he treats her well.”

“Mistress!” Zi-Shan stamped her foot, but Zi-Yi tugged at her sleeve. Zi-Shan then fell silent.

“Alright, stop worrying. I know what I am doing,” Ah Wu smiled, now adopting Chu Mao’s habit of using a smile to conceal her true feelings.

Before they knew it, the year was drawing to a close. On New Year’s Eve, Prince Qi’s mansion was adorned with red couplets and lanterns, and the family banquet was held at Rizhi Tower—a first for the occasion. Previously, it had been held at Deyue Pavilion by the water or Shuanghui Pavilion.

The banquet no longer followed the traditional custom of one person per table; instead, round tables were set up, and behind a screen, musicians from another courtyard played music, creating a lively atmosphere even without conversation.

At the table, Xiangsi and Yuan Rongmeng sat side by side, chatting happily, almost as if they wanted to hold hands. Nanny Hao occasionally spoke to Chu Mao, who listened attentively with his head slightly lowered, nodding occasionally.

In contrast, Ah Wu and Tao Siyao, who sat to her left, occasionally exchanged words, but not intimately. While Xun Yi-niang and Xu Yi-niang were engrossed in their meal, they would occasionally glance up at Chu Mao, who seemed oblivious to everyone else. As for You Yi-niang, she even feigned illness to not attend the family banquet on New Year’s Eve. While some might say she was spoiled and arrogant, she had been behaving herself quite well these past few days.

If an outsider were to enter, they would surely find the atmosphere in Prince Qi’s mansion extremely strange. Chu Mao’s wives and concubines, on the other hand, seemed completely at ease, sitting quietly and solitary, while the other four appeared quite intimate.

After finishing their meal, Xiangsi suggested strolling in the garden, as the mansion would be setting off fireworks on the Jinjiang River later for the New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“Yes, the flowers and trees in the garden are all adorned with red today, and with the lanterns illuminating them, it looks like a thousand flowers are in full bloom,” Yuan Rongmeng said shyly to Chu Mao. “Cousin, why not come along too? It’s more lively with more people.”

Chu Mao glanced at Ah Wu, and Yuan Rongmeng, perhaps realizing her rudeness, quickly said, “Cousin and Sister-in-law, it would be best if you went together.”

Ah Wu, who disliked the cold, did not want to go out in the chilly wind with them. Besides, the Xiangsi Garden had too much water, which she did not like. She was about to shake her head when she heard Xiangsi say, “Yes, Your Highness, please come with us.”

Logically, Xiangsi should never have invited Ah Wu. The two of them barely spoke to each other. If Xiangsi saw Ah Wu in the garden, she would avoid her. Her invitation tonight must have been for a reason, but Ah Wu was a very curious person. With Bing-Shuang by her side, she was not afraid of Xiangsi playing any tricks, so she nodded in agreement.

Chu Mao accompanied Nanny Hao along the way, who was then supported by Yuan Rongmeng. Ah Wu and Xiangsi lagged behind. Tao Siyao, being frail, did not join the garden tour. Xun Yi-niang and Xu Yi-niang walked silently at the very back.

Xiangsi deliberately slowed her pace to walk alongside Ah Wu, her eyes fixed ahead. She said, “His Highness is a man of deep affection and extremely filial to my aunt. When my aunt fell ill, His Highness heard of a miraculous medicine in the Southern Frontier that could cure her. He secretly slipped out of the Forbidden City and went alone to the Southern Frontier to find the medicine. He was discovered by the Emperor and nearly beaten to death. He was bedridden for two months after recovering.”

Ah Wu remained silent, and Xiangsi seemed to expect no response. “I dare say, even when the Princess Consort was frightened to death last time, His Highness did not utter a single word of dissent to Nanny Hao.”

Xiangsi’s tone was filled with smugness and malice.

Ah Wu smiled faintly, glancing at her with a hint of contempt that instantly made Xiangsi’s face turn pale with anger. However, Xiangsi quickly regained her smile. “His Highness is so kind to Young Lady Yuan Rongmeng. I’ve never seen His Highness so affectionate and caring towards any other woman. In previous years, His Highness never even accompanied us on our garden tours. Do you not agree, Your Highness?”

Ah Wu thought to herself, “Looks like the real show is about to begin.”

“His Highness’s situation is probably well known to Your Highness. Those people in the palace are more like enemies than relatives. His Highness’s only relative in this world is probably Yuan Rongmeng. If the late Empress had not died, and with Yuan Rongmeng being so talented and beautiful, this cousin relationship would likely have been inevitable. Do you not agree, Your Highness?”

“What a despicable attempt to sow discord,” Ah Wu thought, “but it has satisfied my curiosity. I always felt that Xiangsi and Yuan Rongmeng should not be so close. Xiangsi is devoted to Chu Mao; how could she possibly like Yuan Rongmeng, who is deeply loved by Chu Mao?”

However, Ah Wu felt that Xiangsi, with her cunning, should not be so shallow in her provocations.

“Everyone says nieces resemble their aunts. The late Empress was a renowned beauty, and his cousin is just as beautiful. Even when Aunt first saw her, she thought the late Empress had been resurrected!” Xiangsi’s words weighed heavily on Ah Wu’s heart.

“If Your Highness does not believe me, Aunt still treasures a small portrait that the late Empress painted herself. Would Your Highness like to see it?” Xiangsi said.

Ah Wu’s heart stirred. To be honest, in both her lives, she had never seen the late Empress’s face. It was as if, after her passing, all traces of her in the world had been erased. Ah Wu had never seen a portrait of the late Empress, not even with Emperor Zhengyuan.

“Alright, I also want to see what the late Empress looked like,” Ah Wu said with a smile.

“I will send it to the Princess tomorrow,” Xiangsi said with a smile. “I really want to see if, even if the Princess sends me away, she can still win His Highness’s heart. Oh, I am afraid with Sister-Cousin around, the Princess will not even catch His Highness’s eye. His Highness hardly ever enters Yulan Hall anymore, does he?”

Xiangsi’s wedding was set for the second day of the second month, practically imminent. No wonder she dared to speak so bluntly to Ah Wu, planting the thorn of Yuan Rongmeng in Ah Wu’s heart. Whether she succeeded in dealing with Yuan Rongmeng or not, in His Highness’s eyes, it would only be a mistake.

Xiangsi was certain that Ah Wu knew Yuan Rongmeng was untouchable, yet she would still gamble. She was a woman and naturally understood women’s psychology.

Ah Wu turned her head to look ahead and said, “Nanny Hao is not well. Are you sure you want to offend me like this?”

“As long as Brother Qinxu is here, what’s so scary about offending you? You should be worried about whether this Princess title will last,” Xiangsi said softly. Ah Wu felt that Xiangsi was like a paper tiger and frighteningly naive. Even if her brother Qinxu were there, he probably could not help much with some things.

Brother Qinxu… Ah Wu immediately thought of the engraving on the bottom of the zither, also bearing the name Qinxu. Now she realized Qinxu must be Chu Mao’s courtesy name, but was his current courtesy name not Jinghui?