In the blink of an eye, it was the twenty-third, the time for the Small New Year’s offering to the Kitchen God. In the Chen family kitchen, images of the Kitchen God and Kitchen Goddess were posted, with fresh fruits, fermented rice, and candied melons offered before them. Chen Liu Ye was finally brought back from Baoxiang Temple, looking much thinner than before.
In the following days, they needed to return to Baoding to pay respects at the ancestral temple. Gu Jin Chao didn’t accompany Chen San Ye. It wasn’t until the twenty-eighth that things truly became lively.
The maids and female servants in the mansion all received new clothes for the New Year. Two twelve-year-old girls had just been assigned to Gu Jin Chao’s household, one of whom was Shi Ye, who had been sold from Sichuan to Northern Zhili.
When Gu Jin Chao went to the servants’ quarters to select maids, those who were good-looking or nimble-handed were all placed in front of her. Shi Ye, still called Er Ya (Second Girl), was crouching in a corner wiping cabinets, her hands covered with chilblains. Gu Jin Chao recognized her immediately. In her previous life, Shi Ye had been sent to serve her later, but in this life, she was still being ordered around by the old women in the servants’ quarters, wearing two small buns in her hair, looking thin and sallow.
The old woman accompanying Gu Jin Chao said: “That girl, be more efficient! Don’t you see Third Madam is here!”
Er Ya didn’t dare look up, frightened into paying her respects, quickly gathering up the hemp cloth and laboriously carrying out the wooden basin.
Gu Jin Chao noticed that her cotton shoes were severely worn, with a hole where her big toe was.
In her previous life, the three mistress and servants had depended on each other for survival, and in the end, this girl had even died with her.
Gu Jin Chao pointed to the small girl standing in front of her, whose eyes and eyebrows showed a certain steadiness. Being selected by the Third Madam, she was naturally happy, though she quickly suppressed it. Gu Jin Chao then pointed at Er Ya who was walking to the door: “Keep that one too, send her over together with this one later.”
Er Ya turned back, not yet understanding what had happened. She just saw everyone surrounding the madam as they left. The matron in charge of training walked over, looked her up and down, and couldn’t help muttering: “How did she catch Third Madam’s eye…” Regardless, being chosen by the Third Madam was an honor. Even becoming the lowest-ranked maid in the third household was good—being a first-tier maid was something they didn’t dare even dream of.
Er Ya quickly packed her things and came over with the other selected girl. The people in the servants’ quarters were surprised to see this little maid rise so suddenly. Er Ya was also surprised. When she first arrived, she had witnessed a maid selection once. It was said to be Fourth Branch’s Concubine You, with a grand manner, who had picked the two most clever ones. Someone like herself wouldn’t even be looked at…
Er Ya came nervously to the third household, where the madam bestowed the name Shi Ye upon her, while the other little maid was given the name Shi Qiu.
When Qing Pu got married, several of Jin Chao’s maids went to send her off. The madams of each household sent people with dowry money, making it a grand wedding, though unfortunately, Gu Jin Chao couldn’t attend. The arrival of the two maids helped fill the vacancy in staff.
Gu Jin Chao didn’t intend to promote Shi Ye yet. Shi Ye was rash in her work and unsuitable for personal attendance. However, letting her leave the servants’ quarters to enjoy a more comfortable life at Mu Xiang Hall was feasible.
On the twenty-eighth day of the twelfth month, it was time to paste Spring Festival couplets and window flowers.
Gu Jin Chao accompanied Chen Xi in cutting window flowers for fun, while Chen Xuan Yue wanted to paste them, appearing happier than usual.
Chen San Ye watched from inside the room as Jin Chao accompanied them in the courtyard, all bundled up like balls. The winter plum blossoms outside had just bloomed recently. Plum branches were also cut and placed in a plum vase on the curio shelf.
Chen San Ye smiled; Jin Chao got along well with the children. He lowered his head to continue reading.
In the study, Chen Xi was whispering with Gu Jin Chao, who nodded in support: “…Yes, you can take the brush!”
Chen Xi held the brush with some hesitation, but after a while, she took the red paper and brush to find Chen San Ye, while Gu Jin Chao followed behind with the inkstone. Chen San Ye looked up to see Gu Jin Chao and Chen Xi standing before him, appearing to have a request.
“What is it?” he asked gently.
When Chen Xi didn’t speak, Gu Jin Chao said: “Third Master, we’re asking for your calligraphy.”
Only then did Chen San Ye notice the red paper… so they wanted him to write Spring Festival couplets for them!
“Bring it here.” He put down his book and took the brush, spread the red paper on the kang table, dipped the prepared ink, and began writing with flourishing strokes.
Chen Xi looked at her father with increased admiration. After taking the couplets and walking out, she spoke quietly with Gu Jin Chao.
Chen San Ye heard her praising him from behind, shook his head, and revealed a slight smile.
After pasting the couplets, it was almost noon. The two children finally returned to their rooms.
Gu Jin Chao walked in, and Chen San Ye took her hands to warm them first. He asked her: “Did you have fun?”
A maid brought over a hand warmer, and Gu Jin Chao withdrew her hands to hold it. She played with the children because she liked them, not because she found it fun. Chen San Ye’s question sounded like he was asking a child. Gu Jin Chao could only nod reluctantly.
Chen San Ye found her very adorable and pulled her over to sit on his lap. Gu Jin Chao was startled as his arm encircled her, and then he picked up his book again. He didn’t do anything else, just held her while reading together.
Outside the window, it began to snow again, and the sky grew somewhat gloomy.
Gu Jin Chao was a bit worried. The winter plum blossoms she had planted weren’t very cold-resistant; in extremely cold weather like this, they might not bloom. Soon they would have to go pay respects to Old Madam Chen, but they might not even be able to walk the path…
Sure enough, a little while later, Old Madam Chen sent word that they needn’t come pay respects today.
As a result, she was held by Chen San Ye while reading for the entire afternoon, leaving her waist and back sore. He only released her when it was time for dinner.
Gu Jin Chao inconspicuously moved away from him, but Chen San Ye didn’t mind. After dinner, Gu Jin Chao went to her study to continue practicing seal script, which was now beginning to take shape. She showed her writing to Chen San Ye, who also felt she had made noticeable progress.
“How will you reward me?” he asked, flipping through several pages of paper.
Gu Jin Chao asked in return: “What reward?”
“I teach you calligraphy; I can’t teach for nothing,” Chen San Ye explained. “There must be some compensation.”
Even this require compensation? A husband teaching his wife should be a matter of course.
Gu Jin Chao smiled wryly: “Fine, what do you want?”
Chen San Ye thought for a moment and said: “I haven’t decided yet, but come here first.” He beckoned, and Gu Jin Chao could only walk over, only to be pulled into his embrace again. Gu Jin Chao felt somewhat at a disadvantage and said with gritted teeth: “Third Master, let’s be clear: there can only be one reward.”
“Mm.” He acknowledged. “How much can you give anyway?”
The candlelight flickered, and the west side room fell silent for a moment. But Chen San Ye quickly came up with an idea, and Gu Jin Chao curiously asked him: “What is it?”
Chen San Ye said: “Mm, I’ll tell you tonight.”
…Wasn’t it already evening?
The next day, Gu Jin Chao finally understood what the reward was, and she felt this man was even more of a beast in scholar’s clothing. How could there be such a position?
…On the thirtieth day of the twelfth month, Gu Jin Chao woke up very early. She went with Chen San Ye to pay respects to Old Madam Chen.
The children were all dressed festively, and it was lively inside.
Chen San Ye went to speak with Chen Er Ye, while Gu Jin Chao discussed the third household’s New Year bonuses with Yu Wan Xue. Every year at New Year’s, servants received certain bonuses. She needed to tell Yu Wan Xue the amounts first, so Yu could use them as a reference for her private rewards to servants.
Just as they were talking, Chen Xuan Ran and others came to pay their respects.
Old Madam Chen pulled Chen Xuan Ran close and said: “…Where have you and your brothers been? Only coming now!”
Chen Xuan Ran said: “I was catching up with Seventh Brother on the way. I didn’t get to come back when he placed third in the imperial examination, so I’m making up for the congratulations now.”
Chen Xuan Qing stood behind him with his hands behind his back, just smiling.
Chen Xuan Rang couldn’t sit still and urged Chen Xuan Ran: “Big Brother, you haven’t been back for a year. Let’s test our third-place scholar’s talent.”
Chen Xuan An was curious: “Second Brother, how do we test him?”
Chen Xuan Ran quickly had Chen Zhao bring over her small drum and said: “We’ll play ‘beat the drum and pass the flower.’ Whoever is holding the flower when the drumming stops must compose a poem, specifically in parallel prose. If they can’t compose one…” The brothers often led Chen Xuan Qing in mischief, with the usual punishment being to drink alcohol, but today at home… Chen Xuan Ran paused and said, “Then the punishment will be copying Buddhist scriptures!” This would also please their grandmother.
Old Madam Chen smiled, going along with the young people’s game. Chen Xuan Qing looked a bit helpless; whenever his brothers played like this, Chen Xuan Ran always targeted him.
Sure enough, the flower stopped in his hands just as the drumming ceased. Chen Xuan Ran said with a smile: “Our third-place scholar is newly married, so compose parallel prose about Seventh Brother’s wife!”
Yu Wan Xue felt somewhat embarrassed, and Gu Jin Chao also felt it was inappropriate, to think of suggesting a change of topic. However, Old Madam Chen didn’t mind: “It’s fine, Xuan Qing, just compose it!”
Yu Wan Xue’s cheeks flushed slightly, and several sisters-in-law smiled at her in encouragement.
But Chen Xuan Qing remained silent for a long time. Chen Xuan Ran knew Chen Xuan Qing’s talent; composing parallel prose should be effortless for him. He wondered if his brother had improved after another year of study.
Seeing his continued silence, Chen Xuan Feng also teased: “Third-place scholar, if you can’t compose, you’ll have to copy Buddhist scriptures!”
But Chen Xuan Qing remained composed, and after a while, with lowered eyes, he said: “I cannot compose it. I am willing to copy Buddhist scriptures as punishment.”
Chen Xuan Ran was stunned, and for a moment, the atmosphere in the west side room grew cold. Yu Wan Xue’s face turned pale as well. The story of Chen Xuan Qing composing poems in seven steps was well-known to all, and she naturally knew it too… With her as the subject, why couldn’t he compose?
It was Chen Xuan Ran who smoothed things over: “It seems Seventh Brother has truly regressed rather than progressed. Copying Buddhist scriptures isn’t enough punishment; you’ll have to drink with me later!”
Chen Xuan Qing looked up and agreed with a smile.
Chen San Ye came over, and seeing Chen Xuan Qing there, his expression involuntarily cooled.
Everyone except Old Madam Chen stood up to pay their respects to him, and he nodded. Walking over to Gu Jin Chao, he asked: “What are you all discussing? I could hear laughter from far away…”
Gu Jin Chao also felt awkward for Yu Wan Xue and simply said: “Beating the drum and passing the flower.”
Chen San Ye sat beside her and kept her company for a while, but there wasn’t much else to see. He stayed with her the entire day.
In the evening, they kept Old Madam Chen company for the New Year’s Eve vigil. Chen Xuan Feng led Chen Xuan Yu and others to set off firecrackers, creating a lively atmosphere. After midnight, everyone gradually left. Gu Jin Chao stayed to chat a bit longer with Old Madam Chen, growing drowsy. After Old Madam Chen went to rest, Gu Jin Chao leaned against Chen San Ye’s shoulder for a brief nap.
Except for the sound of firecrackers, everything around was quiet.
Gu Jin Chao suddenly spoke softly to him: “Third Master, do you suspect me of…”
She had drunk some rice wine and it had gone to her head.
Chen San Ye stroked her head without speaking. She must know something in her heart…
After a while, he finally picked her up, and they returned to Mu Xiang Hall.
In the pavilion, Chen Xuan Ran was still drinking with Chen Xuan Qing.