Chapter 8: The Wood

August 1, 2023AwkwarDerp

Luo Madam smiled: “That child, she has always been like that. When you ask her what’s nice, she will look left and right and say everything is nice, even when they’re not.” As she was talking, her expression gradually straightened, then loudly called for Luo Qiao and asked, “Has Lian Qiao returned yet?”

Luo Qiao smiled: “She just returned. She said the maids at 4th Master’s place baked some potatoes, that’s why she came back late.” She paused a bit, then continued, “Lian Qiao also brought us some to try. How about I bring it up for you?”

“Is that thing any good?” Before Luo Madam could continue, Wu Xiao Quan had already interrupted and said, “Be careful or you’ll get a stomach pain.”

Luo Madam nodded: “You guys go ahead and eat it. Everytime, you see food, your eyes widen.” Then she continued, “What was the name of the maid that went with Lian Qiao to deliver food to the 4th Young Master?”

“It was Du Juan.”

“Go ask her what did Lian Qiao do when she got back from the 4th Young Master’s place?”

Luo Qiao was stunned.

Luo Madam noticed her expression: “If you can’t ask, tell me and I will order someone else to ask.”

Luo Qiao quickly smiled: “Madam, do not worry! I know what to do.”

As she was about to walk away, Luo Madam called out again: “Come back.”

Luo Qiao stood respectfully waiting for order, while Luo Madam took her time, sipping her tea. 

Wu Xiao Quan stood up and said with a smile, “The current weather is a little cold. I will go bring you a new pot of hot tea.” After saying that, she hurriedly left the room, but hid behind a closed door to listen. 

“You—Luyun Pavilion—The 11th Lady—Next several days—who will she meet…”

At first, she could still hear voices but then it suddenly went silent

Wu Xiao Quan casually walked out and pointed at a maid nearby: “You—Go get Luo Madam a pot of hot water.” 

The maid dashed to the kitchen and brought back a pot of hot water.

Wu Xiao Quan took the tray and was about to enter the room. Suddenly, Luo Qiao came out at the same time: “Luo Madam said she’s a bit tired. You should go back first.”

Wu Xiao Quan nodded and smiled, “I’ll just sit outside. Today, Mama Xu is not here, and nobody will be here to serve Luo Madam when she wakes up. You don’t have to worry about me.”

Luo Qiao smiled back and then walked away. 

Wu Xiao Quan tiptoed to the door curtain and gently lifted up, enough to take a peek inside. 

She saw Luo Madam holding a letter tightly in her hand, and the corners of her eyes were filled with crystal water. 

***

The 11th Lady’s hands clenched into fists. When she first read the letter, she wanted to remain her everyday calm expression, but her feet became impatient.

“The First Old Master and the Eldest Young Master have been sending letters back and forth…One after one.”

First, it was a letter asking her to make a screen—

Then, it was to send Mama Xu to the Ci’an Temple—

Then asked us to recite Sutras—

Zhun Ke is the legal son, but cannot be the heir—

Does it mean first or not, it doesn’t matter?

Her footsteps suddenly stopped.

The sudden change of movement caused Binju, who was walking behind her, to nearly bump into the 11th Lady. 

“The 11th Lady, what’s wrong?”

Binju noticed a tear of sweat on the 11th Lady’s forehead. 

“Nothing, nothing!” The 11th Lady noticed Binju’s worrying gaze, she couldn’t help but smile to comfort her, “I just can’t figure some stuff—”

“Would you like to wander around the forest for a bit?” Binju laughed after hearing the 11th Lady’s words. 

Whenever the 11th Lady feels upset, she will go to the forest in front of Luyun Pavilion. After a walk, her mood will be much better. Thinking that Luo Madam just sent someone new to their residence, the 11th Lady must want to take a break. 

The two of them went to the Huangyan Tree Forest. 

The white snow is laying on the green leaves. The cold freezing air blew by, gradually lightening the 11th Lady’s mood. 

Binju noticed the calm expression on her face: “11th Miss, Dongqing Sister told me to tell you, we will listen to your order.” Her tone sounded cautious. 

The 11th Lady was stunned.

Binju continued, “11th Miss, do you remember when we first arrived at Luyun Pavilion?”

How could she not remember?

At that time, with the support of Dongqing, standing in the middle of the house, next to her were Binju, Qiuju, Yuexiang. The 11th Lady slowly said: “From now on, this is our home.” Later on, she found out that Yuexiang frequently visited Luo Madam’s residence, so she decided to feed Yuexiang laxatives, applying the withdraw when sick Luo Family’s rule, sending Yuexiang out of her residence, and replaced her with Zhuxiang, who was recommended by Concubine Lu. Of course, it wasn’t easy for her to carry out this whole scheme. For instance, drugging Yuexiang enough for Mama Xu to send her away, and get Zhuxiang inside. It might seem like this is all a waste of time, but the result is worth it. Plus, it definitely stops the people around the 11th Lady from doubting her ability.  

“Dongqing Sister said she will always remember your words.” Bingju laughed, “From now on, this is our home.”

The 11th Lady couldn’t help but hold Binju’s hands tightly. 

“I was just thinking about it.” Binju laughed, “With 11th Miss, Dongqing Sister, Qiuju, Zhuxiang, Mama Xin and Mama Tang, we will definitely live well.”

The 11th Lady felt a sudden warmth in her heart. 

That’s right, she had worked so hard for these past three years and it was for the sake of people around her. How can they not support her during this critical time?

She smiled and asked Binju: “Are there any official families that are looking to send their daughters to become concubines? Not the poor kind, but the one that wants to flatter their leaders.”

Binju thought about it for a moment: “I don’t think so!” But Binju wasn’t sure either. 

The 11th Lady couldn’t help but sigh. 

Binju entered this residence when she was 5, how could she possibly know about other official families?

She raised her head up. 

The sky is clear blue, but her gaze could only reach a small part of the sky. 

A long sigh.

***

The 11th Lady and Binju returned to Luyun Pavilion.

As usual, the atmosphere in the Luyun Pavilion is cold and quiet. This is because everyone tries to do their own things without interfering with other people’s lives. 

The Luyun Pavilion consists of five rooms, and two floors, the living room in the middle is shared, and behind the living room there is a staircase leading to the second floor. The 11th Lady’s two rooms are on the east side. At the front, the room is partitioned, one side is Binju and Dongqing’s room and the middle of the place is the banquet room, behind the banquet room is Qiuju and Zhuxiang’s room. The back room is also divided, one side is the study room and the other one is the embroidery room, with a bed. Meanwhile, Nanny Xin, Nanny Tan, other nanny and kitchen workers lived together in the three rooms-wide behind Luyun Pavilion. 

When they walked in, Nanny Xin and Nanny Tang were chatting around the fire. When they saw The 11th Lady, both of them stood up with smiles on their faces.

Nanny Xin was the first to speak, and handed her the heating gloves: “I’ve been adding coals, keeping it warm for you!”

The 11th Lady took the heating glove and smiled. Nanny Xin adorably stared at her. 

Nanny Xin walked towards the east wing, then raised her voice: “Qinju, Miss is back.”

Dongqing came running out: “Miss, you’re back!” She lifted the curtain to welcome the 11th Lady. 

The 11th Lady and Binju walked inside together, and immediately saw Amber. 

She was tall and slender, her skin was milk white, she was beautiful. She wore a simple green and blue robe, but it did not diminish her beauty at all. 

Amber respectfully bowed: “11th Miss, my name is Amber.”

In the past, the 11th Lady often saw her at Luo Madam’s residence. 

The 11th Lady laughed warmly, asked how old she was, how many people were there at her home, and whether she felt comfortable coming here. Then, she also added some sentences like ‘sorry to cause you trouble’ and ‘I’m counting on you to help me around here’.

Amber politely answered every of the 11th Lady’s questions. 

Amber started to talk about herself, how she is the only child and both parents worked as farmers. Then, she proceeds to compliment Dongqing, telling her she was as beautiful as a painting, and that her presence makes her feel warm, it is like having an older sister, and added ‘I was brought up without being taught etiquette, therefore I do not know the rules. Dongqing Sister and Binju, please do not hesitate to discipline me if I did something wrong’.

The 11th Lady was very satisfied with her attitude, she turned to Binju: “You go show Amber around. Dongqing, come help me change my clothes.”

Amber obediently followed the 11th Lady’s order, she did not try to take Dongqing’s job and followed quietly after Binju. 

Upon seeing this, the 11th Lady was very satisfied. 

A smart person will not carelessly react. 

As soon as they are alone, the 11th Lady explains to Dongqing why Amber is here. Luo Madam wants Amber to have control over the house. 

Dongqing has already guessed it. 

What she was worried about was whether Luo Madam would agree to Nanny Yao’s request, making her marry Nanny Yao’s nephew. 

“Luo Madam didn’t say anything about it.” The 11th Lady shook her head, “I have to embroider a screen this time, and Luo Madam wants you to help me. I do not think the marriage will be discussed until March.”

Seeing the 11th Lady’s calm expression made Dongqing’s heart at ease. She looked at the 11th Lady: “How can I help?”

The 11th Lady often embroidered Buddhist scriptures for Dongqing to sell at the market. They have about two, three hundred silver in their pocket, plus Concubine Lv also secretly gives the 11th Lady gold and silver jewelry. 

“Leave a hundred silver, the rest—hand them all over.”

Dongqing was a little surprised: “All of them?”

“You just do as I say.” The 11th Lady pointed at the jade attached to the peach blossom, “You will need to give Amber the key, then think of some way to keep her away from me. I have something to do.”

Dongqing nodded, “Don’t worry, Miss.”