Madam Du lay weakly on her couch as Baixiang bustled about with several maids, alternating between helping her take medicine and inquiring about her stomach pain. Annoyed and uncomfortable, Madam Du waved them away. Baixiang dismissed Songxiang and Jinzhu, then settled by the window with Madam Du’s undergarments, sewing while keeping watch.
Through the cyan-colored gauze curtains, Madam Du observed Baixiang’s serene expression as she worked diligently. Truthfully, among the dozens of maids she had employed, Baixiang was the most intelligent, beautiful, and attentive. However, her excessive cleverness made her somewhat untrustworthy, especially given how much she knew. Casually, Madam Du said, “Baixiang, Manager Ma is retiring. I’m planning to have your brother replace him and manage that estate for me…”
Baixiang froze. The estate Madam Du mentioned was her largest dowry property, yielding the most produce. If her brother secured this position, their family’s livelihood would be assured, and they would gain prestige. However, she wondered why Madam Du was suddenly being so kind. Perhaps there was another task like before that needed her assistance? Gripping the fabric tightly, she forced a smile and said, “Thank you, Madam. But my brother is simple-minded. I fear he might disappoint you.”
Madam Du replied nonchalantly, “Who’s born knowing everything? He can learn.”
Baixiang nervously swallowed, desperately trying to think of a reason to refuse. Looking into Madam Du’s inscrutable eyes, her heart clenched. She couldn’t refuse… As a servant, one must accept both the kindness and malice of their master; to refuse would be disloyal. Baixiang despised her status as a servant. She heard her robotic voice say, “Thank you, Madam.”
Madam Du smiled with satisfaction. “That’s better. You all must be diligent and not disappoint me. There’s a long road ahead.”
Baixiang lowered her head in distress. Her dreams were beautiful, hoping for the master’s protection and affection, but she had forgotten one crucial fact: her family was still in Madam Du’s grasp. This matter couldn’t be rushed.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps approached the room, disturbing the silence. Baixiang rose, irritated, intending to scold the ill-mannered maid or woman, but it was Jinzhu who entered.
At just fourteen, Jinzhu had beautiful, lively eyes and skillful, thin red lips. Her eyes now sparkled with barely concealed excitement, her lips curved in a joyful arc as she announced in her clear, pleasant voice, “Madam, Concubine Xue couldn’t bear the humiliation and hit her head against a pillar!”
Madam Du sat up abruptly, her eyes gleaming as she asked urgently, “How is she?”
Jinzhu replied, “She’s bleeding and unconscious. The guard was terrified, repeatedly saying it was Xue’s own decision and that they had followed the Old Madam’s orders. They didn’t stuff her mouth with horse dung; they only threatened to do so, but she couldn’t bear it.”
Everything was proceeding as planned.
“How thoughtless,” Madam Du pursed her lips, looking at Baixiang. “Go check on her for me. If she’s awake, berate her severely in front of everyone.”
Publicly kicking someone when they’re down? This wasn’t Madam Du’s usual style (she preferred to do such things in private). Baixiang hesitated, “What should I say to her?”
Madam Du raised an eyebrow, with a half-smile, “Do I need to teach you?”
It was clear: speak from the perspective of the main wife, scolding Concubine Xue for being inconsiderate and unfilial, essentially establishing that Madam Du opposed her actions. Baixiang immediately bowed and left, jealously eyeing Jinzhu, who remained in Madam Du’s room, growing increasingly favored.
Madam Du looked up at Jinzhu, “Where’s the Duke? Has he not returned?”
Jinzhu quickly responded, “Not yet.”
After a moment’s thought, Madam Du said, “Go tell Mama Niu to find a way to inform the Young Madam about this. Have her persuade the Young Madam to stop being stubborn. This situation might take a turn.”
From now on, the Old Madam and Jiang Zhong would have two more enemies. Unlike Wang Ayou, if they wronged her, she would exact her revenge bit by bit.
“Yes,” Jinzhu acknowledged and quickly withdrew.
She carefully avoided the eyes and ears around her, reaching the courtyard outside Jiang Yunqing’s quarters. Peering in, she saw Mei’er, one of Mama Niu’s young maids, standing at the door, looking around. Jinzhu coughed softly.
Mei’er hurried over, whispering, “Sister Jinzhu, the Young Madam is inside. Someone just called Mama Wu away to talk, and she disappeared. I’m watching to see where she went.”
Jinzhu waved her hand dismissively, speaking quietly, “Never mind her. Go fetch Mama Niu for me, and make sure no one knows.”
Watching as both of Jiang Yunqing’s attendants disappeared—one claiming to fetch fruit, the other pastries—leaving only two young maids staring intently at her, Mudan couldn’t help but find it amusing. Everyone seemed quite busy today.
Knowing that the Old Madam and Jiang Zhong wouldn’t starve Jiang Yunqing, she decided it was time to take her leave. She stood up and addressed the slightly older and better-dressed of the two maids, “I’ll be heading back now. Take good care of your mistress.”
The maid quickly stepped forward and bowed, “This servant is called Xiangcheng. Young Madam, please stay a while longer. Perhaps our mistress will wake up soon…”
“No, thank you,” Mudan shook her head. As she walked out, she saw Mama Niu hurrying over. The older woman barely had time to bow before rushing into Jiang Yunqing’s room. Mudan peered through the beaded curtain and saw Mama Niu vigorously pressing Jiang Yunqing’s philtrum, urgently saying, “Young Madam! Young Madam! Wake up quickly! Something’s happened to Concubine Xue!”
Jiang Yunqing’s eyes fluttered, slowly opening. She gazed at Mama Niu with a blank expression, still somewhat doubtful. Mama Niu leaned close to her ear and whispered rapidly. Jiang Yunqing’s face contorted with shock and grief, but no tears came. She weakly extended her hand, pointing at the water cup on the table. Mama Niu hurriedly helped her sit up and brought the cup to her lips.
Jiang Yunqing drank greedily, large gulps making her choke and gasp for air, yet still, no tears fell. Mama Niu gently rubbed her chest, softly comforting her, “Don’t rush, don’t rush. It won’t be too serious. Taking care of yourself is the most important thing right now.”
Mudan quickly turned and strode away. This Duke’s mansion suffocated her.
However, she still needed to bid farewell to the Old Madam. After a moment’s pause, she slowly walked towards the Old Madam’s quarters. Shu’er whispered, “Aren’t we going to check on Madam Du?”
Mudan shook her head. After the last incident, she, Jiang Changyang, and Madam Du all understood what had transpired. That’s why Jiang Zhong and the Old Madam didn’t interfere with how they treated Madam Du. Whether they inquired about her or not made no difference, as long as they didn’t cause a public scene. Given this, why should she make things uncomfortable for herself and others?
The Old Madam’s room was eerily quiet. She lay reclined on her couch, breathing heavily. She hadn’t expected Concubine Xue, a mere maid-turned-concubine, to attempt suicide! True, she had threatened to stuff horse dung in Xue’s mouth, but had she done it? Of course not! She wasn’t that foolish—Jiang Yunqing still needed to marry! It was obvious that no good family would want a daughter whose mother had been subjected to such treatment by household servants. It was merely meant to frighten Concubine Xue. What a fool, more brainless than a pig! While this incident would indeed bring shame to the Duke’s household, how would it benefit Jiang Yunqing?
Suddenly, Mudan spoke, “Grandmother, it’s getting late. I should return home. Another day, when we have time, I’ll come with Changyang to visit you.”
The Old Madam’s eyelids shot up, her gaze filled with severity as she looked at Mudan. Confused but undaunted, Mudan met her gaze steadily. Jiang Changyang was right—those who desire nothing are truly strong. She sought nothing and had done no wrong, so why should she endure baseless anger? After just two breaths, the Old Madam averted her gaze and gestured to the crescent-shaped stool beside her. “Mudan, sit down. I have something for you.” She motioned for Hong’er to fetch something from inside.
The Old Madam wasn’t directing her anger at Mudan. She had been thinking about how she had been asleep earlier, and with Du Shi claiming illness and not managing affairs, it was fortunate that Hong’er had been quick-witted enough to falsely relay her orders, having the small courtyard guarded and restricting access. Otherwise, the entire household would likely be in an uproar by now, making it difficult to contain the situation.
As she pondered this, Hong’er emerged carrying a silver-inlaid lacquer box adorned with intertwining floral patterns. The Old Madam’s face softened into a benevolent smile as she took a small key from her waistband, unlocked the box, and handed it to Mudan. “Open it and take a look.”
Mudan hesitantly accepted the box and gently opened it. Inside were pairs of golden hairpins with precious stone inlays, golden flowers, dangling ornaments, and armbands—a complete set. The setting sun’s rays filtered through the layers of curtains, falling on the box’s contents. The tiny gold beads emitted a soft, ever-changing gleam, like sunlight reflecting off water. The ruby, sapphire, and emerald stones refracted dazzling rainbow hues.
Mudan calmly closed the box and pushed it back towards the Old Madam. “Grandmother, these are truly exquisite pieces, both in materials and craftsmanship.”
The Old Madam smiled and pushed the box back to her. “They’re all yours.” Seeing Mudan’s surprised look, she continued with a hint of embarrassment, “I started preparing these when Changyang was born, thinking I’d never have the chance to give them away. They were meant to be your wedding gift, but…” She sighed. “You’re quite good, worthy of these. Please accept them. Don’t think they’re not good enough.”
Mudan lowered her eyes and smiled, “I hope you won’t be angry, Grandmother, but Changyang told me not to accept anything from you. He said it’s not easy for you to save these things…”
What? The Old Madam grew angry, wanting to lash out at Mudan but realizing it wasn’t the right moment, so she held back. Just then, Lüjiao peeked her head in at the door, and the Old Madam redirected her anger, snapping, “What is it?”