Spring Message in the Snow – CH 073

Chapter 73

The imperial palace bestowed many rewards. Upon returning home, Surou had Nanny Fu lead the inventory and store the goods in the treasury. She also had Jiao Yue invite Governess Wu and several stewards from the household.

Surou sat at the head of the table, her face radiant, and said, “Everyone has worked hard for this wedding. Now that everything is settled, it’s time to reward those who have contributed. Everyone in the household will be rewarded according to their rank. Each of the nannies will receive five taels, first-class maids and servants three taels, second-class two taels, and third-class one tael. The servants and other assistants who handle external affairs will also be included. Please have the stewards calculate the number of people and report to the accounting office. Bring me the accounts later. If the amounts are correct, the rewards can be distributed tomorrow.”

The stewards and servants, upon hearing of the rewards and that the amount was more than they had originally expected, beamed with joy. They bowed and thanked her, saying, “Your Highness is so considerate, treating us servants like human beings. From now on, we will certainly serve our Master and Your Highness well.”

Surou nodded. “I only wish for peace and tranquility in the household. I also ask the stewards to oversee everything for me, ensuring everyone performs their duties diligently and avoids trouble.” She smiled. “I am young and new to managing the household. If there are any shortcomings, I hope the stewards will speak up for me. My family has always been harmonious and peaceful, with no backstabbing. I hope our household will be the same. People are all human, and I dislike gossiping and backbiting. If there are any complaints, let’s speak openly; it will make everyone feel better.”

The stewards naturally agreed, smiling obsequiously, “The Princess is a straightforward person, and we are also straightforward. Since the Princess has given such an order, none of us will disobey. We will definitely do our best to carry out the Princess’s orders. Anyone who dares to cause trouble will not only be punished by the Princess, but we will also not let them off the hook.”

Surou said, “Alright, you may go and get back to work.” She then gently called to Governess Wu, “Please wait, Nanny.”

The group of stewards bowed and withdrew from the main room, leaving Governess Wu bowing slightly, “As Your Highness commands.”

Surou had never actually intended to compete with her, and even after hearing Helian Song’s words, she planned to try her best to improve relations with her. She gave Jie Lu a wink and said gently, “Today we went to the palace to express our gratitude, and the Emperor and the Empress bestowed many gifts. I saw a very good old ginseng among them, and I was thinking of giving it to Governess Wu to nourish her body. Governess Wu has worked so hard taking care of the Heir Apparent for so many years, and you’ve been so diligent in managing everything. I am very grateful to you.”

Governess Wu’s face showed a hint of melancholy, perhaps recalling the hardships she had endured over the years. She sighed, “The Heir Apparent was raised by my own hands. To be presumptuous, I consider him my own child.”

Surou agreed, “We are all devoted to the Heir Apparent, and we should treat each other well so as not to put him in a difficult position.”

Just then, Jie Lu brought over a brocade box and presented it to Governess Wu, smiling, “Nanny, look! What a beautiful old ginseng!”

Governess Wu opened the box and examined it. It was indeed a gift from the Emperor. The ginseng roots were clearly defined; if sold in the marketplace, it would be a priceless treasure.

She then tucked her hands behind her back and curtsied, saying, “Thank you, Your Highness. Such a precious gift from the palace is bestowed upon an old woman like me. How can I possibly accept it?” Of course, she did not refuse and accepted it, turning to hand it to the maid beside her.

She accepted the gift; after all, the Emperor’s favor was due to the wet nurse’s son, and she appreciated it because of him. As for the new Princess’s methods of managing the household, she still disagreed and had something to say.

She then curtsied and said, “Your Highness, do you know how many servants we have in total? Although Your Highness wants to unite everyone, you cannot be too hasty. We have over forty maids and servants of first, second, and third rank, plus the servants and guards who run errands outside, making a total of eighty-six. According to Your Highness’s previous order, this reward alone would cost four or five hundred taels of silver. How much wealth would that require to withstand such a drain? In my opinion, a reward of one or two taels each would be enough to share the joy. After all, most of them are hired, and we do not know what tomorrow will bring. There’s no need to be so strict about rank.”

Therefore, everyone could see that it was not that the mistress did not want to win over this wet nurse; it was simply that she was unyielding. It was as if she would not be worthy of her status as the Heir Apparent’s wet nurse if she did not offer some dissent.

Surou, ever good-natured, was not annoyed. Smiling, she said, “Before issuing this order, I had already had it tallied. According to my method of distributing rewards according to rank, it totals three hundred and seventy-four taels. You’ve been frugal and hardworking these past years, so this amount should not be much for the Prince’s Mansion. Of course, if the accounts cannot even cover this, I can pay for it myself.”

Governess Wu, of course, understood her meaning. Today’s reward distribution was a way to check the accounts. She herself had indeed been frugal and hardworking these past years, as Surou claimed, all to ensure a good financial record for the future mistress of the house. Now that the mistress had entered the household, and over three hundred taels had been given out by Surou on the third day, she was genuinely worried. With such extravagance, no amount of money would be enough for her.

She was filled with worry, and the old Nanny Fu was about to speak up to comfort her again, “The Princess is in charge of the household. If she is rejected by you the first time she handles the household affairs, then no one will take her words seriously in the future. Although you are good at managing the household, our Princess is not just a delicate lady who hangs paintings and arranges flowers in her boudoir. She runs a girls’ school and teaches noble ladies accounting and management. Naturally, she can also manage the household well. Just like what the Heir Apparent said last time, you have worked hard all these years and deserve to enjoy your retirement. People say that children and grandchildren have their own blessings. Since you treat the Heir Apparent like your own son, if you keep forbidding this and that when the new bride enters the house, even the mother-in-law will be gossiped about. Let alone you, who is just the wet nurse of the household.”

These words, though neither too harsh nor too mild, left Governess Wu somewhat embarrassed.

However, the words of a mere maidservant were hardly worth taking to heart. Governess Wu turned to Nanny Fu and smiled. “You are brought by the Princess Consort, so you should indeed prioritize her preferences. But I am a member of the Heir Apparent’s household; I not only need to please the Princess Consort but also safeguard this household for the Heir Apparent.”

Surou raised an eyelid. “Nanny, that’s not right. Our initial intention is to safeguard the Heir Apparent’s household. Does my happiness mean the household will be ruined? Actually, without fear of offending you, Nanny, I think you are worrying too much; it’s not good for your health. When you have some free time in a couple of days, I will invite a good physician to examine you. If you take care of yourself, Governess Wu’s mood will improve; that’s a blessing for us.”

Sure enough, Governess Wu became agitated by her words, her face turning ashen. “This servant has always been healthy; there’s no need to call a physician. However, if there’s a good physician, please have him prescribe some mild tonics for the Princess so that she can bear children for the Master as soon as possible. That’s the most important thing.”

Surou could not help but smile. “It’s only been three days since the wedding, and Governess Wu is already pressuring us to have children. That’s too hasty.”

Governess Wu was indeed anxious. The Master would be returning to Longyou in the future and would inevitably need to leave a child or two to raise in the capital. Now that the new bride had entered the household, the most important thing was to have children, so there was no need to put on airs as a princess; getting the Master an heir as soon as possible was the real priority.

However, the truth was never pleasant to hear. Governess Wu gave a vague smile. “I am doing this for the good of the young master and the princess. Many children and grandchildren bring good fortune. Even the princes and princesses of Longyou surely think the same way.”

Surou understood. No wonder this nanny did not take her seriously; in her heart, she was destined to be abandoned in the capital sooner or later. She would become a princess in name only, a hostage with her child, while Helian Song returned to Longyou, married, had children, and was surrounded by grandchildren. Who would remember her then?

What a long-term plan! It was a pity she treated people like fools.

“Having a child is a matter of fate; it’s not something you can just decide to do. There’s no use in worrying, Nanny. Let nature take its course,” she said. Then she added, “Tomorrow I am returning to my parents’ home. The day after, please have Nanny bring the Heir Apparent’s household accounts to the main room. Have the accountant settle them beforehand, ensuring nothing is wrong. If I discover any concealment, the person on the books will be replaced. I do not care how many years they’ve served in the Heir Apparent’s household or whether they are considered a senior employee.”

Her desire to reclaim power and inspect the accounts was perfectly justified, and Governess Wu could not object, so she said, “Yes, I will give the order later.”

Surou nodded, her eyes lowered, and said, “I am tired. Nanny, you can go now.” Watching Governess Wu bow and leave, she turned to Jiao Yue and instructed, “Tell the kitchen to make the meal light tonight.”

Jiao Yue also obeyed and left.

Nanny Fu, standing to the side, said, “This wet nurse is getting more and more confused. In all my years, I’ve never seen a servant and mistress vie for power. What is this? She’s more like a mother-in-law than a mother-in-law, truly without any manners.”

Surou did not take it to heart and simply chuckled, “She’s highly accomplished and experienced; let her be. The people working below are all capable; they know who pays their salaries, and they will naturally know who to obey in the future.”

Nanny Fu sighed softly, “She readily agreed when you mentioned wanting to see the accounts, but I wonder if there’s anything to hide.”

Surou leaned against the pillow and said, “It’s just looking at the accounts. If you want to see them, she will let you, but whether the finances will be handed over afterward is uncertain.”

Quelan, standing nearby, said, “What can we do then? She’s keeping both hands on the reins; should we disturb the Heir Apparent?”

Surou said no need. “If she truly displeases me, I have my own ways.”

Jie Lu sighed, hands tucked behind her back. “That Governess Wu is so heartless. People say that those who accept gifts are bound to be grateful. My Lady received such fine ginseng from the Forbidden City and specially sent it to her. Anyone else would have been moved to tears of gratitude, but she just took it and continued on her own terms.”

“Because in her eyes, this reward from the Forbidden City is only for the wet nurse’s son. She eats what the wet nurse’s son gives her, so she does not need to thank me,” Surou said, slowly getting up and moving back to her inner chamber. The contest with Governess Wu would take time; there was no need to rush. She simply told them she would rest for a while, and once she closed her eyes, she slept until evening.

After getting up and going outside, he saw Helian Song already in the front hall. He had not been interested in interfering with her household affairs earlier, having taken a half-hour nap in his study. When he returned and found her still asleep, he waited anxiously until she got up.

The maid brought in the prepared dinner: simple porridge and side dishes, plus a sour-filled steamed bun for each person. They ate slowly, and afterwards, as usual, took a stroll in the garden to digest. He followed beside her, quietly asking, “Should we send everyone away tonight? Or should we keep a couple, just in case Governess Wu asks?”

Thinking of Governess Wu’s previous actions, she felt uneasy, but she did not intend to tell him. She simply continued her leisurely stroll along the blue-brick path.

He turned to look at her. “What are you thinking about?”

She shook her head. “Nothing.”

He knew something was on her mind. But Governess Wu had put her in a difficult position again, so he did not say much. He only said, “Do not be upset over unnecessary things. I will not advise you to keep tolerating things. Now that you’ve entered the Prince’s Mansion, you are a proper Princess Consort, and you are the most senior person here. While you should respect the old companions, they cannot be disrespectful. Do not worry; if you really cannot speak up, I will. After all, I was raised by her, and she will not hold a grudge against me.”

This statement was important. Although men should not interfere in domestic affairs, his clear stance was a comfort to her.

“I can handle it myself. You do not need to interfere,” she said calmly.

After walking a while, she followed the lamplight back into the courtyard. She washed, changed her clothes, and stood in the inner chamber, thinking carefully. Last night, she had to send everyone away to chase him away, but since she had relented and agreed to let him stay, there was no need to be so discreet anymore.

She gave the order to leave two people in the courtyard to attend to him, and the rest could leave. The door closed, and footsteps echoed in the corridor heading west. The two small side rooms on the west side were for close associates. Hearing the front hall was quiet, she assumed he was asleep, so she went to blow out the candle, took off her shoes, and got into bed.

She had just lain down when she heard a rustling sound outside.

“Smack!”

He muttered, “A mosquito!”

Although it was already autumn, it was still a bit warm during the day when the sun was shining. He had fumigated the courtyard to kill the mosquitoes, but it had not completely eradicated them. Surou sat up and asked, “Did you kill it?”

He said no, “It bit my face.”

He had thought his wife would be understanding and, to avoid a humiliating return to his parents’ home the next day, would allow him to sleep in. But she remained heartless, her words devoid of any warmth: “Feed it well, and it will not bite you anymore.”

He felt a sense of despair. “If it only took one bite and ate its fill, I would not bother with it. But it’s picky; it has to try three or five times before it will actually do its job.”

Sigh, mosquitoes were just so annoying. She thought for a moment and then said, “Cover your head; maybe it will fly away.”

He said dejectedly, “I cannot breathe under the covers. Is my wife trying to suffocate me?”

No this, no that; all he wanted was to sleep in the inner chamber. She said, “Have the maid light a mosquito repellent.”

The people outside were silent for a long while before a voice came from behind the screen. In the dim light, she saw him standing there holding a quilt and pillow, cautiously asking, “My wife, may I sleep in the inner chamber? Like last night, the footstool is fine too.”

Surou asked helplessly, “Can mosquitoes not fly into the inner chamber?”

He said they could. “I want to get into bed, but you will not let me.”

Speaking of the bed, he envied the low-hanging curtains of the bed, but apart from a brief stay last night under the pretext of removing thorns, he had never had the chance to touch it again. It was truly sad to think about.

Sure enough, the person inside the canopy bed was as cold as ever: “You could have slept in the study, but you insisted on squeezing in.”

He had no rebuttal, saying, “It was me who insisted on squeezing in; it was me who insisted on being closer to you.”

Having said that, he lay down on the small footstool. The footstool was too short, and he was tall, so he had to curl up to barely fit. But he could see her just by peeking out, a faint silhouette, so very close. It was like sharing a bed!

Still feeling resentful, he reached his hand through the soft curtains, slowly up the edge of the bed, and shook it at her. “Wife, let’s hold hands.”

Surou frowned. “Why are you holding hands in the middle of the night?”

He said, “Holding hands, so you know I am here with you.”

This cloying, annoying habit!

She inwardly scorned him but still reached out her hand.

Her vision was obstructed, and she could not see anything in the haze. It was precisely because she could not see that her sense of touch became all the more acute. From before their marriage until now, aside from that hasty embrace on Mid-Autumn Festival night, it seemed all the budding intimacy had been inextricably linked to this hand. Ever since that encounter with the Grand Tutor and his wife, he had begun his exploration, familiarizing himself with every joint of her fingers and every inch of her skin, like a reunion with an old friend, filled with an undeniable familiarity.

Fingertips touched, a greeting, then a gentle approach, gradually spreading and climbing, like seawater soaking into a sandy beach… It seemed every subtle touch could stir a shiver.

Surou was utterly disdainful, sensing that this man was clearly deliberate, because today’s hand-holding was different from usual.

She wanted to pull her hand away, but he would not let her, muttering, “What’s wrong… do you not like this?”

“I am sleepy; how can I sleep holding hands?” Especially since his fingertips were restless, teasingly brushing against her palm and between her fingers, causing an unbearable itch, further solidifying her determination to pull away.

But she could not shake him off; he was like the nectar just seeping from a peach tree—getting him on meant certain death.

She tried to pull her hand back, but after a few tries, the pulling force suddenly disappeared. Looking down, she saw he had swum to the edge of the bed, only his head peeking out. He whispered, “My wife, did you not want me to be bitten by mosquitoes and allow me to get in bed? Otherwise, why did you pull me?”

Surou was speechless, about to retort, when she saw in the dim light that his tall, muscular figure had already passed through the bed curtains and climbed onto her bed.

She was both angry and annoyed, pounding the bedboard, saying, “I knew you’d been planning this for a long time! Stings, mosquitoes—it’s all just your little tricks.”

This time, he did not explain much. He stretched out his long arm and pulled her down to lie down.

Strange, why did their bodies, which were clearly still unfamiliar, suddenly feel so compatible as they drew closer? He held her tightly in his arms, his chin resting on the top of her head, his low voice alluring as he whispered, “Just like this… I am content with just this. You do not know, I think about this every day, wanting to share a bed with you, wanting to sleep neck to neck with you.”

Surou spat, “Shameless!”

He smiled. Shameless it is; he was a normal man. Seeing his new wife keeping him at arm’s length, her outward calm masking the torment in his heart.

She was fragrant, soft, gentle, and light. In the darkness, she was far more unapproachable than she appeared during the day.

Yes, he loved to offend her. He gently stroked her narrow, thin back, sighing, “I really did resort to any means to marry you before. It was all my fault; please forgive me. Now that we are married, let’s put the past behind us and live our lives together wholeheartedly, alright? This afternoon, I will have the servant prepare a ruler. Tomorrow I will make a stand and put it on the table where it’s easily visible. If I do anything wrong again, use that to hit me; do not use your hand, so it does not hurt.”

Surou felt even more contemptuous. He really would do anything to please her.

He waited but did not get a reply. He bent down to face her, gazing at her in the darkness, and asked, “Why are you not saying anything? Is the ruler bad? Do you want to use a stick?”

A stick was out of the question; it would be too noisy and alert everyone. She scoffed, “Preparing more instruments of torture is useless. Everyone knows you say one thing and mean another…”

As she finished speaking, she found him leaning in, their lips almost touching. He murmured, “My words are true to my heart. If you don’t believe me, my wife, then come and check.”