Gu Xi thought that things between Yu Tang and Pei Yan were indeed not simple.
Miss Wu, on the other hand, was thinking: Did Miss Gu drag me here to hint that there’s a private relationship between Miss Yu and Pei Yan? But she was only following her family elders’ orders to leave a good impression before Pei Yan, so that when the Wu family went to propose marriage to the Pei family, Pei Yan would at least have met her and it might increase her chances somewhat.
Did she dare to control whom Pei Yan liked?
But if this Miss from the Yu family popped up and stole her spotlight, causing her to lose the position of Pei Yan’s legitimate wife, she couldn’t possibly remain indifferent and silently exit the stage like that.
Miss Wu thought of Pei Yan’s nearly perfect face and couldn’t help but secretly grit her teeth.
No wonder the young ladies of the Li family fought tooth and nail—being able to marry a husband like Pei Yan with superior talent and looks, as a woman, one would be satisfied for life, wouldn’t one?
Her gaze toward Chen Shi suddenly became sharp as she said: “How rare indeed—Third Master Pei even sent someone to help you out. This is a great kindness!”
Chen Shi didn’t think that much of it.
The Yu and Pei families’ social standings were far too different, and there was also an age gap between Yu Tang and Pei Yan.
Hearing this, she nodded in agreement and said gratefully: “That our young lady could wake up so quickly—we really have Third Master to thank. I was just thinking, once our young lady can get out of bed, we should ask the temple’s abbot to light an eternal lamp for Third Master.”
Chen Shi’s expression was sincere, not seeming false.
Miss Wu couldn’t help but feel uncertain in her heart. She could only nod toward Qing Yuan and call out “Miss Qing Yuan.”
Qing Yuan hurried to bow to Miss Wu and Gu Xi, respectfully saying “I wouldn’t dare” repeatedly.
Miss Wu was merely being polite on the surface, but Gu Xi’s heart felt as if a cat was hidden inside, scratching fiercely.
She said: “Miss Qing Yuan has worked hard! Miss Yu hasn’t brought many servants with her—please look after her more.”
Though Qing Yuan was just a maid, being able to serve in Pei Yan’s quarters meant she was a shrewd and clever person. Never mind outsiders—even within the Pei family, quite a few people were watching Pei Yan’s marriage prospects, either wanting to marry their maternal relatives to him or wanting to make connections for their in-laws. Because of this, those of them serving at Pei Yan’s side had all been flattered before. Qing Yuan had also heard about what the Wu family was planning these past few days. But Gu Xi… she was a bit uncertain about her. Yet what Gu Xi just said… when young ladies from good families traveled, whether people or things, for convenience and comfort, they would bring what they were accustomed to using. Gu Xi’s words were clearly saying Yu Tang came from a humble background and couldn’t even afford to employ servants.
Thinking of the conflict between the First Madam and their Third Master, how could she be polite to Gu Xi?
Qing Yuan smiled cheerfully, but her words had needles wrapped in silk: “Thank you for Miss Gu’s concern. Miss Yu’s side is indeed a bit short-handed. Speaking of which, it’s because we stewards didn’t arrange things well. Had we known, we should have brought Liu Xu and the others from the residence. Miss Yu often visits the Pei residence, and Liu Xu has served her for a longer time—she’s indeed more suitable than I am. However, fortunately Miss Gu, you’ve reminded me. I’ll go inform Third Steward right away and have him quickly bring Liu Xu and the others over. Otherwise, Miss Yu came here following Old Madam Pei, and even if the accommodations are uncomfortable somewhere, she probably wouldn’t speak up—we’d just be letting Miss Yu suffer in vain.”
Chen Shi was completely confused. Being rather honest by nature, and since what Gu Xi said was the truth, she was greatly alarmed and quickly said: “How could we possibly trouble the young ladies from the Pei residence to come here? Having me and Shuang Tao here is enough. Miss Qing Yuan coming over is already treating our thoughtless girl generously.”
How could Qing Yuan let Gu Xi and Miss Wu leave with something to laugh about? She quickly smiled and said: “Madam Yu needn’t be so polite. This was originally our oversight. The physician said once Miss Yu woke up, she’d be fine, not to mention there’s medicine sent by the old madam! You should know, the medicine from the old madam’s quarters is all personally prepared by Imperial Physician Yang—it’s extremely effective. Ordinary medicine pills can’t compare. Just set your mind at ease and go listen to Master Wuneng’s scripture exposition with the old madam. Such grand occasions only come to our Lin’an City once every ten years.” As she spoke, she sighed and continued: “It’s a pity our old madam doesn’t much like going out these days. In Hangzhou City’s Lingyin Temple and Yongfu Temple, who doesn’t know our old madam? Otherwise, when you have time, you could follow our old madam to Hangzhou—Lingyin Temple and Yongfu Temple often have temple fairs. Especially Lingyin Temple—not only is their vegetarian food delicious, but on the first and fifteenth of the month they give out medicine packets. If you happen to encounter the Laba Festival, sitting down to eat a bowl of hot Laba porridge is quite enjoyable too.”
Chen Shi was the type who, if someone showed her a foot of respect, would show them ten feet in return. Hearing this, she smiled and said: “I’ll take Miss Qing Yuan’s auspicious words—perhaps one day I too can follow Old Madam Pei to Lingyin Temple to broaden my horizons.”
Qing Yuan laughed merrily. She bowed to Miss Wu and Gu Xi and said: “Third Master instructed that if Miss Yu woke up, I should tell Steward Hu to send a medical woman over to apply moxa incense moxibustion for Miss Yu—she’ll feel much more comfortable.”
Hearing it concerned her daughter, Chen Shi couldn’t be bothered with politeness and immediately saw Qing Yuan out: “Then I’ll trouble Miss Qing Yuan.”
Qing Yuan didn’t even glance at Miss Wu or Gu Xi. She smiled and said: “No trouble at all. This was something Third Master repeatedly instructed before leaving. How would we servants dare be negligent? We only ask that if we do anything inadequate, you’ll be understanding and not let Third Master know.”
Chen Shi quickly said: “Look at what you’re saying, Miss. When our young lady was unconscious, we have you to thank for helping look after her, and A’Ming for helping decoct medicine—you did better than I could have. I’m grateful beyond measure. How could it be as you say, that there was any negligence?”
The two spoke as they went out the door.
Miss Wu and Gu Xi exchanged glances, both discovering the other’s expression was extremely unpleasant. Miss Wu was particularly angry in her heart. She said stiffly to Gu Xi: “Since she’s fine and we’ve observed the proprieties, let’s head back and rest early! Master Wuneng’s scripture exposition doesn’t really begin until this afternoon. I’ve come with such difficulty—I don’t want to miss this grand event.”
Gu Xi nodded woodenly and, quite impolitely, walked straight out the door with Miss Wu while their host wasn’t present.
They encountered Chen Shi, who was returning, in the courtyard.
Chen Shi asked in surprise: “You’re not staying a bit longer? You’re in such a hurry to get back?”
Miss Wu laughed coldly: “We’re not staying! If we sit any longer, we’ll miss Master Wuneng’s scripture exposition.”
Chen Shi was born in the marketplace and grew up in the marketplace. Not everyone had so many formalities, and she didn’t feel there was anything disrespectful about what Miss Wu and Gu Xi were doing. She smiled: “Then I’ll see you out. Our young lady hasn’t woken yet, and I’m an old woman with no one to talk to. When our young lady wakes up, come play again.”
Her tone was very sincere.
Miss Wu looked at Chen Shi a few more times.
But Gu Xi’s heart was exploding with anger. She pulled Miss Wu out the door, and only when they could no longer see the corner gate to the courtyard where Yu Tang was staying did she say through gritted teeth: “I only knew Miss Yu was good at pretending—I didn’t expect her mother to be even better at it. Actually telling us to come play again when she wakes up—what forbearance. I dare not be close friends with people like this.”
Miss Wu’s family had some rough servant women who’d grown up among water bandits from childhood—they spoke and acted without much restraint. In her view, Chen Shi didn’t seem to be putting on an act. But Gu Xi appeared very angry, so she didn’t want to argue with her over this small matter.
She nodded perfunctorily, and the two parted ways at a turn in the path.
As soon as Gu Xi returned to her lodgings, she couldn’t control her temper.
She didn’t dare smash things in the room, afraid of leaving traces that would get out and people would say she lacked wifely virtue. But she was so angry her chest hurt, so she could only pace rapidly back and forth in the room to calm down.
He Xiang watched her with concern, even lightening her breathing.
After about the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, Gu Xi felt somewhat better in her heart. Only then did she say to He Xiang: “That one called Liu Xu—do you still have contact with her?”
When they’d stayed at the Pei residence, it was Liu Xu who served on Yu Tang’s side and Liu Xu who served on Gu Xi’s side.
He Xiang shook her head and said softly: “We live in Hangzhou after all. But we got along quite well before—I even gave her a comb. Does Miss have something you want me to do?”
Gu Xi bit her teeth and said: “You don’t need to come with me to the scripture exposition this afternoon. Watch Miss Yu’s side. See whether the Pei residence will send Liu Xu and the others over. If they do send them, find a way to strike up a conversation with her. Who knows when she might be useful?”
He Xiang acknowledged the order.
Gu Xi’s mind was in chaos. She’d just lain down when it was time for Master Wuneng to begin his exposition. She had no choice but to redo her hair and makeup.
With her usual midday rest interrupted, she yawned repeatedly, forcing herself to go to the dharma hall.
Meanwhile, Yu Tang had a beautiful sleep. When she woke, it was a bright and lovely spring afternoon. Golden sunlight slanted in through the latticed window—even the air felt warm.
She lay quietly in bed for a while. The two little maids who’d come to help Qing Yuan had already brought water in to serve her while washing her face.
Yu Tang smiled and asked them: “How should I address you two young ladies? So I can converse with you both!”
Both performed curtsies, repeatedly saying “we wouldn’t dare.” The one with a rounder face called herself “Qing Ping,” while the one with a thinner face called herself “Qing Lian.”
Yu Tang smiled and greeted them, letting them serve her while changing clothes. In her heart she thought: Those with “Qing” in their names are probably all maids from Pei Yan’s quarters, while those named after gemstones should all be maids from Old Madam Pei’s quarters. But perhaps not necessarily. The maid at Fifth Miss’s side was called A’Shan.
Could she have been a gift from Old Madam Pei?
As Yu Tang’s mind wandered randomly, she discovered that Qing Lian, whose expression was somewhat cold, had excellent hairdressing skills, while Qing Ping, who was usually smiling, didn’t seem to show anything particularly outstanding yet. But between the two, Qing Ping was clearly in charge.
Quite interesting!
Yu Tang was just pondering this when Qing Yuan came in.
She was smiling cheerfully, holding a small bamboo basket in her hands. As soon as she entered, she said: “Miss Yu, Steward Hu heard you’d woken and specially had me bring over this basket of cherries. He also said if you find them to your taste, just let us know, and next time he goes down the mountain to bring things for Old Madam Pei and the others, he’ll bring you another basket.”
Yu Tang expressed her thanks.
Qing Ping went to wash the cherries.
Yu Tang had her send some to Miss Xu and Third Madam Yang’s places as well.
Qing Ping smiled and agreed.
Qing Yuan then led a woman inside.