As Ming Shu was about to ask, Lu Chang and Lu San Niang were already slowly approaching, supporting Madam Zeng on either side.
“Mother twisted her ankle in the woods,” Lu Chang answered Ming Shu’s unspoken question. “Lu San Niang’s maid went to find help and called me over. I arrived just moments before you.”
His tone remained calm and even, briefly explaining what had transpired.
“Mother, you’re hurt? Is it serious?” Ming Shu asked anxiously, trying to get closer to Madam Zeng. However, with Lu Chang and Lu San Niang flanking her mother, Ming Shu couldn’t help and could only worry from a distance, feeling like an outsider.
She stared at her mother’s foot, feeling guilty. If she had stayed with her mother, this wouldn’t have happened.
Madam Zeng, fearing they would make a fuss over her injury, almost wanted to jump to prove she was fine. “I’m really not—” she began.
Lu San Niang interrupted her: “It’s all my fault. You entrusted Madam to me, and I failed to take proper care of her. Ming Shu, I’m so sorry.”
She lowered her eyes, appearing remorseful and sad, as if she were Madam Zeng’s daughter instead.
Her words were cleverly chosen, subtly implying that Ming Shu had abandoned her mother to go play, shifting the responsibility onto herself. In comparison, one appeared irresponsible and playful, while the other seemed well-mannered and filial. How could such a refined young lady not win favor?
If others were present, they might have quietly praised Lu San Niang.
“It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have left Mother. How could I blame you?” Ming Shu reproached herself, like a child who had made a mistake.
“It’s not Ming Shu’s fault. I was the one who called her away,” Song Qingzhao quickly explained.
Lu Chang took a deep breath, suppressing the impulse in his chest, and said, “What are you all doing? No one is blaming you!” He turned to Ming Shu and added, “Lu San Niang injured her hand while helping Mother. You should support Mother now, so she doesn’t have to exert herself further.”
Ming Shu nodded, moving to take over from Lu San Niang: “Lu San Niang, let me help.”
Unexpectedly, Lu San Niang didn’t loosen her grip at all, instead holding on tighter. “It’s no trouble. I can manage.”
By now, they had reached the entrance of the path, where they could faintly see figures outside. Lu Chang and Lu San Niang were still supporting Madam Zeng, creating a scene that invited speculation.
Seeing that Lu San Niang wouldn’t let go, Lu Chang released his hold and said, “Ming Shu, come and support Mother.”
Ming Shu quickly moved to Lu Chang’s side to take his place supporting Madam Zeng. Now it was Ming Shu and Lu San Niang supporting Madam Zeng, with Lu Chang walking beside Ming Shu and Song Qingzhao leading the way in front, guiding them to a nearby pavilion in the Guo Gong manor to rest.
As Madam Zeng stepped into the pavilion, a doctor arrived shortly after.
“I’m fine, really! There’s no need for such a fuss. Please check on Lu San Niang instead,” Madam Zeng insisted.
Despite her protests, the doctor examined her foot. Soon, Lady Xu and Lu San Niang’s mother, Madam Feng, arrived, crowding the small pavilion. Madam Zeng had to muster her energy to respond to the concerned greetings of the noble ladies, feeling quite overwhelmed.
Finally, the doctor confirmed that Madam Zeng’s ankle was unharmed, and the attention shifted to Lu San Niang.
Left with only Ming Shu, Lu Chang, and Qingyao, Madam Zeng wiped the fine sweat from her brow. Glancing at the silhouettes behind a screen, she whispered, “I’m not that delicate. I’ve walked hundreds of miles during our escape before. How is a twisted ankle anything to worry about? Why are they all so concerned?”
She couldn’t understand the ways of wealthy families, making such a fuss over a minor issue.
“Mother, ankle sprains can be unpredictable. It’s better to be sure, in case there’s any bone damage,” Ming Shu reassured her.
Madam Zeng replied, “Wouldn’t I know if I had bone damage? I told Lu San Niang I was fine, but she insisted on sending her maid for help and even called Lu Chang… Oh, Lu Chang, I hope this didn’t interfere with your duties?”
“It’s no trouble. I’ve already explained to the Third Prince,” Lu Chang answered.
“That’s good,” Madam Zeng relaxed. “You must thank Lu San Niang for me today.”
“Of course,” Lu Chang agreed readily, but then passed the task to Ming Shu. “She’s your friend, remember to thank her.”
Ming Shu glanced at him sideways. “Brother, her friendship with me isn’t for my sake. It’s for other reasons.”
“And?” Lu Chang asked.
“Actually, Lu San Niang is quite nice. She’s gentle, graceful, understanding, from a good family, and quite pretty…” Before she could finish, Lu Chang placed his hand on her head.
“Shut up,” he said, glaring at her with a look that suggested he might lose his temper if she said another word.
Ming Shu gave a forced smile.
Clever as she was, she understood the purpose of this gathering. It was an opportunity for the ladies of various households to find suitable matches for their children. Lu Chang, with his bright future and handsome appearance, was undoubtedly the prime catch at this event. She had witnessed his charm during the Top Scholar’s parade.
Earlier, while chatting with the ladies, Ming Shu had noticed Lady Xu constantly bringing Lu San Niang’s mother, Madam Feng, closer to Madam Zeng, frequently mentioning Lu San Niang. It was clear she was trying to act as a matchmaker. Ming Shu hadn’t thought much of it then, but seeing Lu Chang and Lu San Niang supporting her mother in the woods had stirred unexpected feelings. It was as if they were a family, and she was just an outsider.
Ming Shu couldn’t quite describe the feeling, but it wasn’t pleasant. It was as if something precious to her had been suddenly taken away. However, she also understood that Lu Chang would eventually marry, and she too would be wed. They would become like other siblings in the world, each with their own independent lives and families, never as close as they were in their youth.
She had to learn to accept this.
As voices and footsteps approached from behind the screen, indicating the doctor had finished examining Lu San Niang, Lu Chang frowned. “Stay with Mother. I need to return to the Third Prince,” he said, hurriedly leaving the pavilion before the ladies arrived.
Lu San Niang and the other ladies entered, and a flash of disappointment crossed her eyes when she saw Lu Chang had gone. Quickly regaining her composure, she greeted Madam Zeng warmly, now calling her “Aunt Zeng” and Ming Shu “Sister Shu,” treating them like family.
Madam Feng also became increasingly warm towards Madam Zeng and Ming Shu, with Lady Xu beside them speaking highly of everyone. The others present, understanding the situation, joined in with playful comments.
Ming Shu seized an opportunity to quietly beckon Qingyao, and the two slipped out of the pavilion.
“Tell me exactly what happened after I left Mother,” Ming Shu instructed.
Qingyao scratched her head, recalling, “After Lady Meng called you away, Lu San Niang stayed with Madam. There were many people admiring a prized peony. I was behind Madam, but someone pushed me, and I was squeezed out of the group. I thought I’d wait outside until the crowd dispersed, but when it did, both Madam and Lu San Niang were gone. I searched nearby but couldn’t find them. I asked a Song family maid, who said she thought she saw Madam and Lu San Niang heading towards Hefei Rock. I went that way, but it turned out to be the wrong direction.”
She looked upset, feeling she had failed in her duty as a personal maid.
Ming Shu asked, “Do you remember what that Song family maid looked like?”
Qingyao nodded, “Yes, she was dressed like the other Song family maids. Round face, ordinary looking, about my height, with two small moles on her left cheek, and silver gourd-shaped earrings. If I see her again, I’ll ask why she gave me wrong directions.”
“Alright, I understand. Go back and stay with Madam. Don’t leave her side again,” Ming Shu instructed.
Just then, Song Qingzhao returned from seeing off the doctor. Ming Shu waved to him from the corridor. “Young Master Song.”
“Ming Shu? Why are you out here?” Song Qingzhao asked, puzzled.
Ming Shu shook her head, not explaining. “Young Master Song, I have something to ask you.”
“Didn’t I tell you not to call me Young Master Song?” Song Qingzhao said, displeased with her formality. “What is it? Just ask.”
“Does your household have a maid about this tall,” she gestured, “with a round face, two small moles on her left cheek, wearing silver gourd earrings today?”
This stumped Song Qingzhao. “My family has many maids… I don’t usually pay attention to them. The person you’re describing, I…”
He couldn’t think of anyone matching that description.
“It’s fine, I’ll look for her myself,” Ming Shu said, not wanting to trouble him further.
“Wait, I’ll find the maid supervisor for you. She might know,” Song Qingzhao quickly offered.
In less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Madam Song, the housekeeper, had found the maid based on Ming Shu’s description.
The girl, named Xing Xiang, was a third-class maid in the Duke’s mansion. Currently assigned to the Hundred Flower Garden, her duties included guiding guests and other simple tasks. When Ming Shu found her, she was in the garden, head bowed, fiddling with a ring in her hands.
“Thank you, Madam. You may go now,” Ming Shu dismissed the housekeeper, having found her quarry.
Song Qingzhao nodded to Madam Song, who then bowed and left. He stood beside Ming Shu, puzzled. “Why are you looking for her? Has she done something wrong?”
Ming Shu didn’t answer directly. Instead, she gave Song Qingzhao an odd look and said, “When the meat is too fragrant, many will covet it. It’s likely one or two have developed ill intentions.”
She didn’t mind others admiring her brother. If they truly liked him, they should come forward openly to court him. Whether it succeeded or not would depend on fate, and she would naturally give her blessings. However, if anyone harbored crooked thoughts, attempting to use the dirty tricks of the inner court against her family, especially exploiting her mother…
Ming Shu was determined to protect Lu Chang.