In the eastern room.
Madam Zhu sat on the couch, holding her forehead, her eyes vacant. Before her eyes, the scene of her son’s departure kept replaying: her son bidding a solemn farewell to his grandmother, showing utmost respect. When saying goodbye to her, he merely told her not to worry, with just a few brief words.
This was fine; after twenty years, she knew the old lady’s place in her son’s heart and didn’t expect to surpass her.
But just before leaving, Madam Zhu noticed that his gaze was fixed on Lady Qiao’s face.
The way her son looked at Lady Qiao once again stirred deep feelings of anger and loss within Madam Zhu.
She dared not confront Madam Xu directly. But she had no reservations about her daughter-in-law, whose status was naturally unequal to her own.
A daughter of an enemy family, by what right did she outrank her in her son’s heart?
The more Madam Zhu thought about it, the angrier she became. Her head ached, and her chest throbbed faintly. Hearing footsteps behind her, she turned to see Wet Nurse Jiang approaching.
Wet Nurse Jiang brought Madam Zhu a cup of stewed snow frog. Madam Zhu took a couple of sips before setting it down.
Wet Nurse Jiang urged, “Madam has been working hard these days. Snow frogs are excellent for nourishing the spirit and calming the mind. Please have a few more sips.”
Madam Zhu pushed the cup away, shaking her head, “I really can’t eat anything. Seeing that Qiao girl’s pretentious behavior makes my chest tight and unbearable.”
Wet Nurse Jiang sighed, “How could I not feel the same way? Who knows what she said to the Old Madam, but now the Old Madam only has eyes for her. Yesterday, Shi from the food storage came to complain to me, saying that although the Young Madam hasn’t removed her from her managerial position, she’s assigned someone else to handle the accounts. In just a few days, she’s started moving against Madam’s people. Given more time, I’m afraid Madam might not even have a place to stand.”
Struck at her core concern, Madam Zhu’s heart began to race, and her face grew even more unsightly. After a while, she said, “With Blind Granny backing her, what can I do?”
Wet Nurse Jiang looked behind her, then leaned in and whispered, “Madam, as you instructed, I went to visit Zheng Shu a few days ago. When I returned, there were some things I couldn’t bear to tell you. I was afraid it would upset you.”
Madam Zhu urged, “What things? Speak quickly!”
Wet Nurse Jiang sighed, “When Zheng Shu returned home, her family’s aunt, fearing pressure from the Old Madam, hastily arranged a marriage for her. Her husband is rough and inconsiderate. Zheng Shu’s life is now very difficult. When she saw me, she couldn’t stop crying. When I returned, I didn’t dare mention it, fearing it would sadden you.”
Madam Zhu’s face showed pain, “It’s my fault for harming my niece!”
Wet Nurse Jiang said, “How is it Madam’s fault? Zheng Shu still speaks of you with utmost gratitude. It’s only when she mentions… ” She paused, gesturing towards the western room, “that person in that room, that she expresses deep hatred.”
Madam Zhu gritted her teeth, “How could I not hate her too? But what can I do?”
Wet Nurse Jiang’s eyes flickered, “There is a way. It just depends on whether Madam is willing to take action.”
Madam Zhu was startled, “What way?”
Wet Nurse Jiang leaned in close, “The great shaman knows the art of curses. I’ve heard that if one obtains a person’s birth date and time to make a doll, and the great shaman casts a curse with sufficient resentment, within ten to fifteen days, that person will surely fall violently ill and die. The best part is that there will be no unusual signs, and others will not suspect anything.”
Madam Zhu was shocked, “You want me to take Lady Qiao’s life?”
Wet Nurse Jiang quickly knelt, “Forgive me, Madam! I spoke out of anger and talked nonsense! If Madam can’t bear it, just pretend I never said anything!”
Madam Zhu waved her hand, “I’m not blaming you!” Her mind was in turmoil, unable to decide. Her breathing became rapid, her face alternating between red and pale. At one moment, she felt Wet Nurse Jiang’s plan suited her perfectly. The next, she felt terrified and dared not act.
Wet Nurse Jiang, observing her expression, said softly, “Madam, forgive my impertinence. The Qiao family already has an irreconcilable feud with you, wishing to eliminate them to appease the spirits of the late master and young master in heaven. Madam, in your kindness, not only does Lady Qiao not appreciate you, but she opposes you at every turn. Only someone like you could tolerate her, yet you find yourself retreating step by step.”
Madam Zhu clenched her fist, her nails digging deep into her palm, and said through gritted teeth, “What you say is not without reason! If I keep giving in, I’m afraid she’ll back me into a corner!”
Wet Nurse Jiang said, “It’s not that Madam won’t tolerate her, but rather avenging the late master and young master!”
Thinking of the pain of losing her husband and son, Madam Zhu felt as if her heart was being cut by a knife. She turned to Wet Nurse Jiang, “How can we do this properly?”
Wet Nurse Jiang lowered her voice, “To be honest, this plan isn’t mine, but Zheng Shu’s idea. If Madam agrees, I’ll make another trip out of the manor and entrust this matter to Zheng Shu. She can do it secretly, avoiding suspicion. If it works, no one will suspect Madam!”
Hearing it was her niece’s idea, Madam Zhu felt even more aligned with the plan and no longer hesitated. She nodded, “That’s good. Find an opportunity in the next couple of days to make another trip. Convey my words to her, tell her to be extremely careful and not leave any evidence.”
Wet Nurse Jiang agreed.
…
Near the south gate of the city, there was a family surnamed Liu. Though their ancestors were not prominent, they were a small household with a three-courtyard house, a hundred mu of land, and several servants. Last year, their son was recommended for his filial piety to work as the chief clerk in the neighboring Chang County yamen. They were a modest but respectable family, better off than some but not as well-off as others.
Six months ago, a matchmaker came to arrange a marriage between a niece from the Zheng family and the Liu family’s son. The Liu parents learned that although Zheng Shu was an orphan, she had an aunt who was the main mistress of Marquis Wei’s household. Zheng Shu had lived in the Wei manor for many years before returning to her family.
Although they didn’t know why Zheng Shu was unmarried at her age and why she had returned to the Zheng family alone, they thought that if they could use this opportunity to connect with the Wei family, they wouldn’t worry about other things for the time being. Not only did they not hesitate, but they also felt they were marrying above their station and immediately agreed to the marriage.
Three months later, Zheng Shu entered their household. The Liu parents, seeing Zheng Shu’s outstanding beauty and substantial dowry, were delighted. Because of her connection to the Wei manor, they didn’t dare to put on airs as elders and almost wanted to worship her. The Liu son, loving his new bride’s beauty, was also pleased.
The Liu family thought they had been blessed with a good marriage, unexpectedly gaining a good in-law relationship. However, they never imagined that after less than half a month, Zheng Shu would start showing her true colors. Every day, she would either complain about the coarse food being inedible or scold the servants for their clumsy service. At first, the Liu parents endured it, thinking she was used to a life of luxury in the Wei manor and it was natural for her to take time to adjust to their household.
They became even more careful in their treatment of her. Little did they know that Zheng Shu, confident that the Liu family wouldn’t dare to do anything to her, would vent all her resentment and dissatisfaction from being driven out of the Wei manor onto her new family. After some time, she not only frequently scolded the servants but also started to talk back to her parents-in-law.
As for her husband, she would mock and ridicule him, calling him useless. She would sleep with him when she was in the mood, but when she was disgusted, she would shut the door and not let him into the bedroom. By now, the Liu parents deeply regretted their decision. They hated themselves for being greedy for wealth and status, planting the seeds of their misfortune.
Zheng Shu would often bring up the Wei family’s mistress to intimidate them, and they didn’t dare to think of doing anything. As for the Liu son, he now feared his wife like a tiger and simply avoided coming home, staying in the county most of the time and only returning a few times a month. The household had become Zheng Shu’s domain.
On this day, it was already late morning. Zheng Shu, having drunk too much the night before, had just woken up. As she lazily got up and was having her hair combed, the Liu parents saw a blue-felt mule cart stop at the gate outside. An old woman, slightly limping, alighted from the cart.
Recognizing her as a respectable old servant who had come from the Wei manor a few days ago, they hurriedly went out to welcome her. Wet Nurse Jiang barely acknowledged the Liu parents, giving them only a cursory glance before entering as if it were her own home. Inside the room, Zheng Shu heard that Wet Nurse Jiang had arrived and showed a pleased expression.
She hurriedly welcomed her into the room herself, calling for the maidservant to bring tea and fruits, smiling, “Aunt came to see me just a few days ago, I thought I wouldn’t know when I’d see you again!”
Wet Nurse Jiang smiled and responded with a few pleasantries, then gave her a meaningful look. Zheng Shu understood that she had something to say, so she dismissed the servants from the room, closed the door tightly, and asked, “Aunt has returned so soon, do you have something to tell me?”
Wet Nurse Jiang beckoned her closer and whispered in her ear. After listening, Zheng Shu’s expression changed slightly. As she hesitated, Wet Nurse Jiang said, “This is on Madam’s orders. Madam is now suffering greatly from Lady Qiao and has no choice but to do this. However, she can’t act directly herself, so she considers you a confidant and wants to entrust this secret task to you. Think about it, if it weren’t for being harmed by that Lady Qiao, would you have been driven out of the Wei manor and now be forced to marry into such a declining family?” As she spoke, she cast a disdainful glance around the room’s furnishings.
Zheng Shu, touched by these words, gritted her teeth and said, “Aunt speaks the truth!”
Wet Nurse Jiang’s face showed a smile, saying, “Madam said that if this matter is accomplished, no amount of gold or silk is too much to reward you. For this visit, Madam has already provided some money for convenience.” As she spoke, she took out a money pouch from her bag, and untied it, revealing gold ingots inside.
Zheng Shu, who already harbored hatred for Lady Qiao, had thought her life was set when she was forced to marry into the Liu family. She never expected her aunt to suddenly plot to eliminate Lady Qiao, which perfectly aligned with her wishes. Moreover, her aunt had sent her trusted Wet Nurse Jiang to ask her to do this task. How could she not agree? After pondering for a moment, she made up her mind and said, “I’ll take the money first, it will be needed to arrange things with the great shaman. The great shaman doesn’t easily agree to help. Fortunately, I have some previous acquaintance with her. If I plead earnestly, it might just work. You go back and wait for news.”
Wet Nurse Jiang was delighted. The two reminded each other repeatedly to keep absolute secrecy, whispering and plotting in detail. After they had agreed on everything, Zheng Shu casually saw Wet Nurse Jiang out.
…
Three days had passed since Wei Shao left Yu Yang with his troops.
Without Wei Shao around, Xiao Qiao was freed from the duty of serving her husband, giving her much more freedom of movement. Over these three days, apart from some household matters that required her attention, she would go to the north room as soon as she opened her eyes in the morning, and only return after Madam Xu had retired for the night.
On this evening, after taking her medicine and before retiring, Madam Xu smiled and told Xiao Qiao that she need not keep such close watch over her starting tomorrow.
Xiao Qiao said, “With my husband away on campaign, the western room feels so empty. There’s no point in me staying there alone. I’d rather come here to keep Grandmother company. I just hope Grandmother doesn’t find me clumsy and in the way.”
Madam Xu shook her head and chuckled, “How could that be? Grandmother wishes you could always be by my side. I’m just afraid it’s too taxing for you. Besides, keeping an old woman like me company can’t be very interesting, I know that.”
Xiao Qiao smiled and said, “Grandmother’s kindness is something I can never get enough of. How could it not be interesting? When Grandmother recovers, you won’t need to chase me away, I’ll slack off on my own. I hope Grandmother won’t blame me then.”
Wet Nurse Zhong, who was standing nearby, said, “The Young Madam shows such filial piety. This is as it should be. Old Madam need not worry. Once you’re well, you can shower her with more affection in return.”
Madam Xu laughed and said, “Very well. With my grandson away, I’ll enjoy the blessing of my granddaughter-in-law’s company.”
Xiao Qiao helped her lie down and settled her in. She sat by her side, watching as Madam Xu gradually fell asleep, before getting up. Wet Nurse Zhong saw her out. Returning to her western room, she felt weary. She went to the bathing room for a hot bath, then came out and dressed. She sat alone in front of the lamp.
It was already quite late. The daytime clamor had subsided. The vast Wei manor had sunk into the quietude of the night.
As Xiao Qiao was absentmindedly drying her long hair, suddenly Chun Niang entered and whispered something in her ear. Xiao Qiao told her to bring the person in. A moment later, Wet Nurse Huang from the eastern room entered furtively. Once inside the room, she bowed to Xiao Qiao.
Xiao Qiao told her to dispense with formalities and offered her a seat. Wet Nurse Huang repeatedly declined, saying she didn’t dare.
Xiao Qiao smiled and said, “Chun Niang says you have something to tell me?”
Wet Nurse Huang then stepped forward and said in a low voice, “These past few days, following Young Madam’s instructions, I’ve been keeping a close eye on Madam and Wet Nurse Jiang. This afternoon, after Madam fell asleep, Wet Nurse Jiang changed her clothes and quietly slipped out through the back door of the manor. She didn’t take a carriage, nor did she bring anyone with her. I found her behavior suspicious and secretly followed her. Young Madam, do you know where she went?”
Wet Nurse Huang paused. Seeing Xiao Qiao’s gaze upon her, she continued in a hushed tone, “She went to a large, walled residence in the west of the city. When I followed her there, I saw her slip in through the back door, as if someone inside was waiting for her. She disappeared immediately. I couldn’t get too close, so I just waited at a distance. After less than a tea’s time, I saw her sneak out, hurriedly returning to the residence. The more I thought about it, the stranger it seemed, so I came to report to you as instructed by the lady.”
Xiao Qiao asked, “Do you know who lives in that house?”
Huang Aopo replied, “I’ve been in Yuyang for decades, so I know a few things. It seems to belong to a widow of the Li clan, a country marquis.”
Xiao Qiao asked her to describe the location clearly. After thoroughly questioning her and ensuring there were no omissions, she handed Huang Aopo a reward. Huang Aopo hesitated but accepted it gratefully.
Xiao Qiao smiled and said, “You did well today, Aopo. Don’t let this information slip. If you notice anything unusual, come back to tell me.”
Huang Aopo quickly replied, “I can’t accept such a favor from the lady. My only wish is to serve you. I’ll take my leave now to avoid drawing attention.”
Xiao Qiao nodded with a smile. Once Huang Aopo departed, she pondered for a moment before asking Chun Niang, “The other day, you helped me send a letter. Is that person still around?”
Chun Niang replied, “He should still be here. From what I gathered, that young man seems to have friends in Yuyang and plans to linger for a few more days before returning.”
After Chun Niang spoke, she noticed Xiao Qiao was silent, seemingly lost in thought. Initially hesitant to interrupt, she finally couldn’t hold back and asked, “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed preoccupied lately. What is the matter? Why do you inquire about that young man?”
The “young man” Chun Niang referred to was the one who had delivered a letter to Yuyang on behalf of Da Qiao a few days prior. Da Qiao had mentioned in her letter that the young man’s name was Zong Ji, a scion from a prominent family in Xuzhou. He had a longstanding feud with the Xue family.
After his family fell apart in his youth, he sought out a master to learn martial arts and became a wandering hero, traveling with a sword. A few months ago, he returned to Xuzhou to assassinate Xue Tai but failed and was injured. He was then rescued by Bi Zhi. The code of honor among wandering heroes led him to vow his loyalty to repay the life-saving debt. Upon learning that he and his wife were sending a letter north to Yuyang, he mentioned that he had friends from his youth there and offered to deliver it.
In these tumultuous times, communication between the North and South was fraught with danger, and countless letters were lost along the way. With Zong Ji’s promise, Da Qiao immediately wrote a letter and asked him to deliver it to her sister.
Da Qiao also noted in her letter that if there was a reply, it could be safely given to Zong Ji for the return trip. Previously, Xiao Qiao had written a response, which Chun Niang had delivered to Zong Ji at the inn where he was staying.
Hearing Chun Niang’s question, Xiao Qiao contemplated for a moment and said, “Tomorrow, accompany me to meet that young man. I have something to ask of him.”