Four Seasons Brocade – CH 216

Chapter 216 ☆、

Actually, Ah Wu regaining control of the household affairs was quite useful at this time. At least when it came to finding husbands for Zi-Shan, Zi-Zhui, Tong-Guan, and Tong-Wen, many more people actively sought them out.

These past two days, when Zi-Shan and Zi-Zhui moved around the mansion, they always felt countless burning gazes on them. If these gazes came from men, it might be better, but they all came from the matrons, servants, and their usual female companions, which gave Zi-Shan and Zi-Zhui goosebumps.

“Your Highness, please have mercy! If you really want to appoint us, just decide directly. We will all follow your master’s arrangements. But what kind of situation is this? It’s like Zi-Zhui and I are two big pieces of fat meat!” Zi-Shan, used to bantering with Ah Wu, complained.

Tong-Guan and Tong-Wen were calculating accounts nearby. Hongyao Villa had brought over all the account books from the past few years—two large boxes. Ah Wu had Tong-Guan and Tong-Wen lead the two young maids, Cui-Ling and Cui-Long, in doing the accounting, essentially passing on their skills to Ling and Long so that Ah Wu would not be without anyone to look at the books when the two maids were gone. Ah Wu also asked Nanny Gong to find her new maids to serve her.

At this moment, Tong-Guan and Tong-Wen, hearing Zi-Shan’s words, both smiled knowingly. Zi-Shan, seeing this, said angrily, “Stop gloating, you two. Once Master gets rid of us, it will be your turn.”

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Tong-Guan and Tong-Wen blushed upon hearing this and quickly buried their heads, fiddling with the abacus beads.

Zi-Zhui, standing beside them, tugged at Zi-Shan’s sleeve and whispered, “This servant is fine in every way; I only hope to be able to serve Mistress again in the future.”

Ah Wu smiled. “Even if you do not say so, Zi-Zhui, I would not have let you go. I only like your cooking now.”

“I will not leave either, Miss,” Zi-Shan said, trying to appeal to Ah Wu’s sympathy, even using their old form of address.

“I cannot be sure,” Ah Wu laughed. “Alright, everyone, go down. Open your eyes and see for yourselves. If you think anyone has ulterior motives, just tell me.”

Zi-Shan frowned and said disdainfully, “Those people are not here to marry Zi-Zhui and me. They are clearly after us, the Princess’s head maids.”

Ah Wu, however, thought differently from Zi-Shan. She sighed, “What’s wrong with that? As long as you are comfortable from now on, is that not enough? Is it not good that they want something? I will always look after you two. Since they want something, they will not dare treat you badly. Is that not better than finding someone who does not want anything? Is it a good family?”

Zi-Shan thought about it and agreed, but she still could not get over the hurdle in her heart. “Are you suggesting I find a good-for-nothing who only knows how to beg?”

Ah Wu scoffed, “With such poor judgment, all the time I gave you to choose was wasted!”

After Zi-Shan and the others left, Tong-Guan and Tong-Wen spent five days reviewing all the expenses of the Prince Qi’s Mansion since its founding, summarizing the important points for Ah Wu. Ah Wu had not expected that Nanny Hao’s accounts were so clear, detailed, and clean. She had misunderstood Nanny Hao, and it was no wonder that Chu Mao respected her.

Another benefit of reviewing these accounts was that it gave her a general understanding of the mansion’s spending practices, providing precedents for Ah Wu’s future actions.

However, Ah Wu did not intend to monopolize power. The few days Chu Mao was away on his mission in the capital allowed Ah Wu to finally rest and have time to think.

Ah Wu gazed at the setting sun, its rays painting the sky a crimson hue. “Go tell Lady Tao that I am hosting a banquet at Zui Hua Yin tonight, inviting her to admire the moon.”

Tao Siyao had not expected Ah Wu’s sudden invitation. When she arrived at Zui Hua Yin, she saw Ah Wu already seated.

Zui Hua Yin was an octagonal wooden pavilion with a pointed roof, surrounded by fragrant vines and blooming flowers. The scent of gardenias filled the air. A shallow stream reflected the full moon, flowing quietly in the distance. A gentle breeze occasionally rustled the willow branches—a truly delightful place.

Tao Siyao curtsied to Ah Wu. Ah Wu smiled and said, “Please sit. I invited you to drink under the moon; please forgive me for drinking first.”

“With this moon and this scenery, even if I had arrived first, I probably would not have been able to resist drinking first,” Tao Siyao replied with a smile.

Two low couches were set up in the pavilion. Ah Wu raised her cup to Tao Siyao, then leaned back on the cushions, looking quite relaxed.

Tao Siyao, however, dared not act so. She sat upright, raised her cup, took a sip, and secretly glanced at Ah Wu. A slight blush had settled on Ah Wu’s jade-like face. Usually extremely elegant, she now exuded a carefree and leisurely air, yet her brows, eyes, and lips revealed a delicate charm that made Tao Siyao blush.

The woman’s pampered air and rosy complexion revealed just how content she was. Although Tao Siyao lived a secluded life in the mansion, she was not unaware of the important events happening within. The recent victory of the Princess Consort Qi over the one at Hongyao Villa was a source of great pride for her.

Tao Siyao suddenly thought of her own situation and felt a pang of sadness in the comparison.

“Do not be so formal. It’s just the two of us here. Lean like me; are you not tired of always being so reserved?” Ah Wu said with a smile, her voice already tinged with drunkenness.

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Tao Siyao thought for a moment, then leaned back against the cushion as Ah Wu suggested. Looking at Ah Wu opposite her, she saw that Ah Wu had already kicked off her shoes and was curled up on the low couch, popping a candied cherry into her mouth.

Zi-Shan and Tao Siyao’s head maid, Juan-Xian, were already sitting outside the pavilion. Ah Wu had another table set up for them, intending for them to enjoy themselves together.

After Tao Siyao had drunk three cups, Ah Wu finally spoke: “How does the Secondary Consort find life at the Prince Qi’s mansion?”

Tao Siyao was a thoughtful person, and after considering the question carefully, she sighed, “Seriously speaking, if I married into any other family, life would not be as comfortable as at the Prince Qi’s mansion. The Princess is a tolerant mistress. Everyone in the residence is very well-behaved, and there’s no one who flatters or disobeys. We are provided with good food and drink. To be honest…” Tao Siyao said, “Even if I married someone else, I would not be able to serve my husband properly. If I really married into another family, I am afraid the issue of having children would drive me to my death.”

Ah Wu knew Tao Siyao was a smart woman. When Ah Wu first entered the mansion, although Tao Siyao was a bit unreliable, she quickly adjusted her mindset and had quietly served as a secondary consort for the past few years, causing Ah Wu no worry—that was the greatest comfort she could offer.

“Since you think this way, I will also say a few words from the heart,” Ah Wu said, taking a sip of wine. “We are both consorts of Prince Qi, whose titles are on the Jade Tablet. As long as we do not overstep our bounds, our lives will not be bad. Men are always busy outside; is life in the inner courtyard not still shared by us women? Do you not think so?”

Tao Siyao understood that Ah Wu was subtly advising her that it was better to live a carefree life than to focus her attention on the Fourth Prince. However, Ah Wu’s words were easy for her to accept. What young woman would not yearn for the tales of talented scholars and beautiful women in plays? To Tao Siyao, Prince Qi truly met all the requirements of such a scholar.

Over the years, Tao Siyao had entered the mansion even before Ah Wu, yet Prince Qi had never given her a second glance. Tao Siyao’s feelings had faded considerably, and she nodded in agreement when she heard Ah Wu’s words.

“However, these are turbulent times. Our lives, honor, and disgrace all rest on His Highness’s shoulders. But the women of the household should not interfere in men’s affairs outside the home. If we keep our own household clean, that will be enough,” Ah Wu said.

Tao Siyao did not understand Ah Wu’s meaning. Was she advising her to try to reconcile her family with the Fourth Prince, or was she implying she should not contact her family? Her words were contradictory. But as a married daughter/young lady, she had no right to advise her father. Tao Siyao knew that choosing sides was crucial now, and she did not know Prince Qi very well. Unsure of Ah Wu’s meaning, Tao Siyao was in a dilemma.

Ah Wu naturally noticed the confusion in Tao Siyao’s eyes. “What I mean is, we should all avoid suspicion now. We do not need to have too much contact with your family. If you miss your father and mother, just send someone to inquire after them and let them know you are safe.”

Tao Siyao nodded hurriedly, “That’s exactly right.” She was secretly grateful to Ah Wu. She had originally thought that Princess Qi’s courteous treatment was to encourage her to go back and persuade her father. Tao Siyao secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Ah Wu could tell from Tao Siyao’s expression that Tao Yingshi was probably still undecided. Ah Wu sighed inwardly. If Tao Siyao could give birth to a son, Tao Yingshi would be much more at ease. However, Chu Mao was clearly ignoring Tao Siyao, and Ah Wu could not just kidnap him to Qiongzhi Courtyard.

“Now I am just beginning to manage the household affairs. When I was a young lady at home, I only knew how to act coquettishly in front of the madam. I have not learned any practical skills. I invited you here today because I want to ask you for a favor,” Ah Wu said, looking at Tao Siyao. Tao Siyao’s heart skipped a beat, but she was not sure if Ah Wu would do such a thing.

“I’d like to ask you to help me manage the household affairs. I’d like to entrust you with the garden and the sewing room. I wonder if you are free?” Ah Wu asked. Tao Siyao was naturally free; what could a woman in the inner quarters possibly have to do all day?

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Tao Siyao was startled. The garden and the sewing room were lucrative places. The garden’s annual output and the sewing room’s clothing for the entire household for all four seasons—everything cost money. Where money was spent, money was made. Even Tao Siyao was somewhat uneasy.

“No, no, to be honest, Your Highness, I was a silly girl at home; I never learned anything.” Tao Siyao shook her head.

“Then let’s learn together,” Ah Wu said, not allowing Tao Siyao to refuse. “This world lacks many things, but it does not lack people who will side with the powerful. You are kind-hearted and do not hold grudges, but to be honest, even Yulan Hall has its shortcomings. But we are family, sharing both honor and disgrace. You may not believe me now, but time will tell, and you will understand me in the future.”

Tao Siyao was tempted. For a woman in the inner quarters, what Prince Qi could offer might not compare to what Princess Qi could offer. If she refused Ah Wu now, she might become part of another faction. Compared to the illegitimate Nanny Hao, Tao Siyao valued Ah Wu more.

“Then I will give it my best.”