On a cold winter day during the Lesser Cold period, snow began falling as darkness descended. The lanterns illuminated each flake with golden glints that spun in the wind before vanishing from sight. Several young maids who loved snow came running out with giggles and laughter to catch the snowflakes, but upon seeing the approaching visitors, they quickly curtsied with bent knees.
“Sister-in-law Zhong. Sister Mo Zi.” Everyone now knew that Mo Zi, who guarded the bamboo grove, was one of Third Madam’s four dowry maids. For others, watching over a grove might indicate being out of favor, but this one was different—she came and went as she pleased, could see the madam without announcement, and each time she returned, she not only made the madam happy but was also highly valued by Third Master, who would readily engage in lengthy conversations with her.
Mo Zi nodded with a smile, saying to Zhong’s wife, “This snow will fall all night. Tomorrow we’ll be able to build snowmen.”
After three months working here, Zhong’s wife had figured things out. This time, Third Master had put his full heart into matters concerning Third Madam. Although Third Master had instructed her to strictly manage Mozhi Courtyard, saying Third Madam wasn’t to leave, he himself was the one constantly breaking the rules. At first, when he took Third Madam to the study, their comings and goings were somewhat stiff-faced, but later on, the young couple going in and out of the courtyard was like going on spring outings—full of conversation and laughter.
“That would be wonderful. Tomorrow our courtyard will certainly be lively. Not only do the young ladies love being close to Third Madam, but Third Master will also come up with creative activities.” Zhong’s wife was also a veteran who had served Xiao Yong for many years and understood when to turn a blind eye. In her view, Jin Si’s days of exclusive favor had passed, and the legitimate wife would become the heart’s desire of everyone at Yonggu Studio. Why should she sing a contrary tune and end up pleasing no one? “Just the other day, Third Madam took some wild game sent from the estate to Old Madam’s place. Third Master didn’t accompany her, saying that within this prince’s mansion, Third Madam could go wherever she wished. I observed that Third Madam’s illness has completely recovered.”
It wasn’t that her illness had recovered, but rather that Xiao Sanlang’s momentary spite in placing Qiu Sanniang under house arrest had faded from his heart. A clever person should understand that forced confinement was not a long-term solution.
“Though the illness is better, her body still needs care.” Cold wind drilled straight into their necks as icy snowflakes stuck to their faces. “Sister-in-law Zhong, please be attentive and don’t let the madam overtire herself. By the way, didn’t you mention some time ago that your husband had a serious illness and was somewhat qi-deficient? The madam once rewarded me with a wild ginseng root, five years old—it may not provide great tonification, but it should help nourish his qi. I have no relatives here and have no use for it. Sister-in-law Zhong has looked after me in many ways, so please accept this as an early New Year gift.”
Before entering the inner courtyard, Mo Zi took out the prepared ginseng box and pressed it into Zhong’s wife’s hands.
Zhong’s wife made a show of pushing it away before hurriedly accepting it with thanks. After glancing around to ensure no one was watching, she said in a low voice, “My husband says that a couple days ago, the princess consort mentioned to the prince that since the madam has had no children yet, perhaps Si Niang’s two children should be brought to the madam’s courtyard to raise. The prince said it was up to the princess consort to decide. This kind of talk isn’t appropriate for an outer courtyard steward like me to tell the madam directly, but if you care, give the madam a heads-up. I think raising one’s own children is far better than raising someone else’s. Besides, Si Niang’s pair of children already understand things and are backed by Old Madam’s favor—if the madam takes them on, there will certainly be trouble. Push it off if you can. It would be best to take advantage of Third Master treasuring the madam like a precious jewel and quickly get pregnant herself.”
“My, it seems this ginseng wasn’t given in vain.” Mo Zi smiled with pursed lips. “I thank you on the madam’s behalf.”
“It’s also because Miss Mo Zi treats people sincerely that I said anything. If my husband knew I was gossiping, I’d certainly get an earful.” Zhong’s wife also smiled, then turned to busily attend to her duties.
“Next time don’t just gossip about these things with me—I’m more concerned about national affairs.” Because they affected her personal interests. As the day of the Great Qiu envoy delegation’s arrival drew closer day by day, her heart somehow felt uneasy. Of course, she was just talking to herself.
Abandoning the corridor, walking through the courtyard, snow falling everywhere. The country where her memories grew was far colder than here, but she fundamentally couldn’t stand that kind of cold. Once winter came, she loved to pile on layers of clothing, unlike those Great Qiu girls whose ancestors were born on the grasslands—no matter how cold, they dressed slim and trim, completely fearless of the chill. That person used to call her “fur bear” in winter.
“Mo Zi, on such a cold day, aren’t you afraid of freezing, wearing so little?” Lu Ju was carrying hot tea into the study when she saw Mo Zi and quickly urged her to walk faster.
It turned out that after all these years, she was no longer a bear. Mo Zi jogged over and stood under the corridor brushing off snow. The flakes were small—one brush and they melted in her palm, refreshingly cool and moist. Turning to face inward, the memories quickly faded.
“Guests?” Zhong’s wife only sold minor intelligence.
“A matchmaker, from Luo Zhou. The madam was so happy to see a fellow townswoman that she wants to keep her for a couple days to chat.” Lu Ju used her elbow to push aside the thick cloth curtain, the teacups on her tray trembling slightly.
Mo Zi helped Lu Ju lift the curtain. “I don’t know how you manage to deliver tea when I’m not here. Every time you get stuck here precariously.”
Lu Ju turned back and stuck out her tongue. “When it’s just me, I get through it precariously.”
Mo Zi laughed and shook her head, following her inside. Immediately she felt a wave of heat—the floor furnace was blazing high, making the room as warm as spring or summer. She had just removed her cotton robe in the outer room and hadn’t yet found a place to put it when she heard Qiu Sanniang calling her from inside.
“Mo Zi, come in and help me look—are these two maids selected well?”
Mo Zi walked into the inner room and first saw a familiar face, saying happily, “Isn’t this Aunt Gao?”
Matchmaker Gao had been sitting at Qiu Sanniang’s lower hand. Hearing someone call her, she looked over but saw a young lady she’d never met before, thinking perhaps she was getting senile.
Seeing Aunt Gao’s confused expression, Mo Zi let out an “ah” sound. “Aunt Gao, I’m Brother Mo. In Luo Zhou, the dark-skinned young fellow who often came to your place for congee.”
Aunt Gao naturally remembered Brother Mo, who had helped her food stall escape difficulty. She gaped at the peach-blossom pink face that looked completely different. “Brother Mo is a girl?”
Qiu Sanniang hadn’t expected the two to know each other, but it didn’t stop her from teasing. “That’s right, Brother Mo is a young lady. She’s reformed that habit of painting herself oil-black. Aunt Gao, what you’re seeing now is the real thing, so you must remember it well, lest when you come to collect payment for the congee, you won’t recognize her.”
Everyone laughed.
The conversation between Mo Zi and Aunt Gao about what had happened since they parted need not be detailed.
After Lu Ju led Aunt Gao and the two newly purchased maids away to wait for dinner, Mo Zi relayed what Zhong’s wife had said.
Qiu Sanniang pondered briefly, only saying she understood, then had Xiao Yi summon Bai He, Hong Mei, and Lu Ju.
Bai He arrived last, wearing her kitchen apron, unusually flustered. “Madam, whatever it is, please wait until this servant finishes cooking. I’m halfway through, and everything’s still in the pots.”
“Isn’t it because Mo Zi is here? She manages things at the shipyard and comes back less and less. Who knows when she might leave, and when we’ll see her next time?” Qiu Sanniang brought out a small gold-decorated black box and placed it on the table, her hand working the lock. “Bai He, how long have you been with me?”
Bai He thought for a moment. “This servant has been with Madam since age seven—it’s been over fourteen years now.”
“Today is your birthday.” Qiu Sanniang now held a key in her hand, fiddling with the lock.
Mo Zi thought that saying “happy birthday” was definitely not the right moment. Qiu Sanniang clearly had something important to say, which was why she had specifically asked Xiao Yi to call her back. Perhaps a birthday surprise? People often don’t realize that the difference between a surprise and a shock is just a thought away.
Bai He didn’t have as many thoughts as Mo Zi—she was simply joyful. “This servant had forgotten. Madam still remembers?”
“I don’t really remember either. You all know—” Qiu Sanniang’s gaze swept over the four senior maids and Mo Zi. “I’m heartless and carefree. I’ve never celebrated anyone’s birthday, not even my own—you all had to insist on celebrating it for me.”
That wasn’t because of being heartless and carefree, but stingy and penny-pinching, to save money. Mo Zi lowered her eyes to stare at her shoe tips, thinking privately. Though to be fair, things were much better now. Look—she was even celebrating a maid’s birthday.
“Madam shouldn’t say such things. How could a mistress celebrate a maid’s birthday? That Madam remembers the date is already Bai He’s blessing.” Bai He was simple and kind, but not foolish—after these few exchanges, suspicion grew in her heart.
“All these years, let me make up for all the gifts at once. How about it?” Qiu Sanniang lifted the box lid and took out a rolled paper and a small booklet.
Mo Zi couldn’t tell at all what that roll of aged paper was, but the booklet was very familiar—identical to the household registration book in her possession.
“Bai He, this is your bond of servitude.” Qiu Sanniang held out her palm upward, supporting the paper roll, and extended it toward Bai He with a slight smile. “Take it. Whether you want to keep it as a memento or tear it up and never think of it again is your decision. Don’t worry about the bond falling into someone else’s hands—with the official seal added, it’s already waste paper. From now on, you’re free in body and free in heart, making your own decisions.”
These words shocked everyone, leaving them unsure how to react—joy and fright were indistinguishable.
Bai He shuffled forward step by step, receiving the paper roll with both hands. She untied the string and looked at it for a long time before bringing it to Mo Zi. “Mo Zi, I can’t read. Help me look at this.”
Lu Ju exclaimed, “Good sister, if you can’t read, why did you look at it for so long? My heart jumped into my throat.”
Mo Zi saw a large “VOID” stamp on the paper roll, with small characters stating “Great Zhou Ministry of Finance seal” and the date, and nodded. “It really is your bond of servitude, Bai He, and it’s been voided.” Should she say… congratulations? But Bai He’s face was so pale.
Hong Mei standing opposite also showed no expression of happiness—instead, there was a trace of worry in her eyes.
Lu Ju, the most guileless, clapped her hands and said directly, “Sister, quickly kowtow to Madam in thanks. From now on, you’re a free person—how wonderful.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Bai He really did kneel down. She knelt heavily, her knees hitting the floor with two loud thuds.
“Does Madam have no more use for Bai He?” Thinking more than Lu Ju, Bai He was very uneasy. “Is that why you had Sister-in-law Zhong find a cook?” She had thought it was to be her assistant, since as a senior maid, she couldn’t always stay in the kitchen. Now looking at it again, this was a planned replacement.
“Bai He, you’ve reached the age to leave the household. Delaying any longer would ruin your whole life.” Several months ago, Mo Zi’s words had awakened Qiu Sanniang—start with Bai He.
Her almond eyes brimmed as she made this arrangement. “Tonight let’s all have a good meal together. Tomorrow morning we’ll help Bai He pack. Xiao Yi, you’ll escort Bai He out through the main gate. Also, Mo Zi—”
“Yes.” She was letting Bai He go.
Mo Zi had thought the first one to gain freedom would be herself. However, for Bai He, who had grown up with Qiu Sanniang from childhood and was loyal as a satellite, freedom was not only not urgent but rather terrifying—