[JXSY] Chapter 6: Concubines

April 17, 2023AwkwarDerp

Concubine Yuan quietly accepted the paper drafts, carefully examined them, picked out a pair and then handed them to Luo Madam: “These two are the best!”

Luo Madam was stunned at her choice and said: “Is just having one big letter in the middle good enough?”

Concubine Yuan replied back: “Of course, because the 5th Lady’s penmanship is not very skilled yet. Writing small characters would be hard to see but if you write it big, the painting will look nicer.” 

Upon listening to her words, the 5th Lady felt embarrassed. 

Her master also said the same thing as Concubine Yuan. 

At that time, she was not convinced by his words, so she privately found a famous person very skilled in calligraphy and practiced with him.

Luo Madam sighed at her words and handed the draft that was picked out by Concubine Yuan to the 5th Lady: “This one.”

When the paper was being handed over, the 11th Lady took the opportunity and peeked at the design; it turns out that the wording was in the shape of a circle. 

“Since everyone is satisfied, let’s do this one!” There was a bit of exhaustion in Luo Madam’s voice, “5th Lady, quickly finish writing it so your 11th Sister can embroider it.”

The 5th Lady didn’t dare to argue. After receiving the order, she half-bent and answered, “Yes.”

Concubine Yuan suddenly looked at the 11th Lady: “You have to embroider this whole piece? In this short period of time?”

The 11th Lady kindly answered, “Yes.”

Concubine Yuan nodded her head and didn’t ask anything else. Luo Madam was curious why she asked such a question. 

“At first, we wanted to ask the 11th Lady to help make hanging decorations.” Concubine Duan explained. “Looks like the 11th Lady doesn’t have any free time.”

11th glanced at Luo Madam, it didn’t seem like Luo Madam minded, then she laughingly said: “5th Sister needs two days to write calligraphy, what kind of decorations do you want to make?”

“I want to make windproof coats for Xiu Ke.” Concubine Duan laughed, “I want to ask 11th Lady to make two wufu hangings.” 

*[wufu hangings = or also called Chinese knot hanging piece, a common use of decorations as a blessing for good fortune, TN]

Using a single thread to form a wu bianfu (five bat motif) was her teacher’s specialty and was later taught to the 11th Lady. 

Bianfu, the ‘fu’ in blessing, five bats represent the idea of longevity, prosperity, health, wisdom and peace. All five blessings are woven together with a single thread, making this gift extra special.

Three year old Xiu Ke is Da Ye’s eldest son and also Luo Madam’s favorite. 

Upon hearing his name, Luo Madam’s expression softened: “Not sure if he’s being taken good care of?”

Three years ago, Luo Great Old Master passed away. The Luo family’s three brothers resigned from their position and returned home to mourn. This year on the 24 of October, after the third year, the three brothers had to return to the Capital to report to the Public Works Department. Luo Madam also understands that house duties need to be taken care of, therefore she lets the children, Concubine Lu, to Yanjing with the First Old Master. There’s a couple of reasons why Luo Madam wanted to do this, first, so The First Old Master isn’t alone, second was to use the opportunity for them to reunited with their brothers and sisters-in-law, use the influence of the Yongping family to enroll in Yanjing school, and take the state examination – Due to mourning, Luo Zhenxing was unable to participate two years ago.

“Xiu Ke has his grandmother,” Nanny Wu Xiao laughed, “Madam can rest assured.”

As soon as the 11th Lady knew who this gift was for, of course she immediately agreed: “For other things, I don’t dare to promise, but for this, I will be able to do it.”

“That’s great!” Concubine Duan laughed, “I will go prepare some color threads.” Then pretended to be in a rush. 

“Then, you’re going to help Concubine Duan with the gift instead.” Luo Madam laughed as she gave orders to the 11th Lady, “For now, let Nanny Wu Xiao accompany me.”

Understanding her intentions, the 5th Lady and 11th Lady stood up and exited the room. 

Concubine Duan pulled the 11th Lady’s hand: “Let’s go to my place, I will tell Caixing to make osmanthus cake for you.” Pausing for a moment, then Concubine Duan added. “The 5th Lady should join us.”

Seeing Concubine Duan’s insincerity, the 5th Lady was a little unhappy, then she remembered that currently these concubines hold nothing but just a title, there’s no need for her to be polite: “No need.” The 5th Lady said coldly, “I dare not to delay the task given by Luo Madam.”

Concubine Duan seems like she wanted to say something but was pulled by Concubine Yuan and headed for her residence: “Then, we won’t stop you anymore. The 5th Lady, please go ahead.”

The 11th lady was pulled by Concubine Yuan, she could only turn to look at the 5th Lady: “Sister, please be careful on your way back.” Then follow Concubine Yuan out. 

The 5th Lady watched as the three shadows slowly faded. She stood there, biting her lips in dissatisfaction, then turned to go back to Jiaoyuan. 

***

Concubine Duan said: “Why do you have to be nice to her? You’re also very pitiful.” 

Concubine Yuan laughed: “Who is not pitiful in this place? If you’re miserable, then there’s always someone else more miserable than you. After all, we are already like this, we are just waiting to die, what else are we afraid of.”

Concubine Duan held back her words as she looked at the 11th Lady, then smiling said: “Sit down, I will go get the thread.”

These two concubines actually lived very close to each other. In addition to practicing Buddhism, Concubine Duan enjoys embroidering clothes for children in the house, which makes her and the 11th Lady very similar. The 11th Lady was first introduced to Concubine Duan by her servants, who knew she enjoyed embroidering and had been taught by Master Jian. She came to understand that the 11th Lady was a very gentle and warm person after several meetings. While she’s very quiet, she’s very attentive and generous to those around her. Later, Concubine Duan frequently invited her over, or she would stroll over to the 11th Lady’s place to chat or embroider. In contrast, Concubine Yuan does not have any other interests aside from reciting the sutras. Occasionally, both concubines would greet each other, but Concubine Yuan would just nod and leave. 

But today the situation is a little different. 

Concubine Duan went to get the thread, while Concubine Yuan, not only did not go back to her place like usual, but also gave order to Concubine Duan’s maid Caixing: “Your mistress said to go make osmanthus cake for the 11th Lady, go quickly!”

Thinking about Concubine Yuan’s serious face, Caixa immediately follows orders. 

Concubine Yuan turned and yelled at her own servant: “Why are you standing there? Don’t you see the guest? Go make us some tea.”

Upon being scolded, Caiyun’s face immediately turned red, then turned to greet the 11th Lady and walked out. 

The 11th Lady took the tea in front of her and sipped it: “This tea is really good. Is this Longjing tea from Xihu?”

It was rare to see Concubine Yuan’s smile: “That’s right, this is Longjing tea from Xihu, however the Tieguanyin tea from Fujian is great, you must try it.”

The 11th Lady was a little stunned at her response. 

Her father is Luo Huazhong, who is the First Old Master of the Luo Family. He has dominated his current position in Fujian for three years straight, which it’s why he couldn’t move to other places. For him, remaining here was the biggest regret of his life, but in return, his position is considered to be very important in Fujian. Even during the mourning period, his previous workers took time to visit and send their condolences with expensive gifts, and one of them was Tieguanyin tea.

Of course, Luo Huazhong’s status as Fengjiang is not small. Whether it’s in the palace court or the eyes of the Emperor, his influence is greatly. As long as you don’t commit conspiracy crimes or betray the country, sooner or later you will be promoted, let alone his connection with Marquis Yongping, nobody dares to belittle him.

[Fengjing = names for high ranking officials of the province, TN]

For a moment, her mind wandered. 

She felt like something was sparked, but couldn’t make out what it was!

The 11th Lady looked at Concubine Yuan — then suddenly realized, Concubine Yuan’s pupils were as clear as water. The more she looks at it, the more she’s pulled in by her eyes. 

An ordinary person suddenly displayed an appealing aura in front of you, very different from her usual character. The 11th Lady feels like something will happen today. 

Although Concubine Duan likes to embroider clothes for young children, but the person she’s working hard for right now isn’t just anyone — but the young master of the Luo family. She’s asking her to do something that only Master Jian can do. 

“Take a pair of earrings and shake it back and forth in front of your eyes, naturally they will follow the movement.” Concubine Yuan laughed at her, “If you start today, you will master the skill.”

The 11th Lady pretended not to understand and put on an embarrassed expression. 

Concubine Yuan suddenly laughed: “Qingtong is such an honest person, yet she gave birth to a daughter like you. It’s interesting.”

Qingtong is Concubine Lv’s name.

“I’m not sure I understand your words.” The 11th Lady responded calmly. 

“It doesn’t matter if you understand or not, the important thing is you’re not deaf.” Concubine Yuan’s face remained the same while observing the 11th Lady’s innocent reaction, “Counting the day, the First Old Master and the Young Master should have arrived in Yanjing. Not sure what happened, but Luo Madam received a letter from them asking you to help with the birthday gift. After reading the letter, Luo Madam sent Nanny Xu to Ci’an Temple to burn incense and contributed money, then rewarded you with the beautiful Amber to assist you. Afterward, asked me and Concubine Duan to recite the sutras a thousand times, don’t you find it strange?”

Just picking out a piece of thread, does it have to take that long?

The 11th Lady is certain that these two concubines were digging a hole for her to jump in. 

With one wife, six concubines and numerous sons and daughters from the same father, who are constantly fighting, not even a ghost would believe the Luo family is harmonious. 

But no matter what the nature of this is, the 11th Lady will not fall into it — not willingly or forcefully. 

“Luo Madam believe in Buddhism, sending Nanny Xu to Ci’an Temple to donate money and burn incense and asking you to recite sutras is normal,” The 11th Lady smiled while looking at Concubine Yuan and then continued, “As for rewarding me with a maid, I don’t see what’s strange about it. Binju and Dongqing were also rewarded by Luo Madam, both are extremely loyal and generous. Therefore, I don’t quite understand what Concubine Yuan is saying.”

“There’s really nothing strange.” Concubine Yuan continued to observe her expressions, “I’m just saying, if people want to understand, they will.” 

The 11th Lady laughed and remained quiet, she lowered her head and blew on the steaming hot tea before taking a sip. 

The room became silent.

“This Caixia, put the thread under my pillow, and made me look everywhere for it.” A moment later, Concubine Duan laughingly walked in, “I’ve made you wait for a long time!”

“Not at all!” The 11th Lady’s smile was warm, “I have Concubine Yuan with me.”

Concubine Yuan laughed and nodded her head, then passed the thread to the 11th Lady: “See if this thread is a good fit.”