The day before, Su Jiu’s head was covered with a veil as she walked from the front courtyard to the back courtyard. On this day, as she passed through corridors and over bridges, she finally saw the magnitude of Ji Manor. Su Jiu blew a raspberry.
This must be as grand as the imperial palace, she thought to herself.
“I heard that the courtyards of Ji Manor took ten years to build. The design is detailed and intricate, and the cost was not considered at all. Luxurious, indeed!” Nanny explained to Su Jiu.
The three of them gazed around as they walked. It took nearly five minutes to get to Jinlan Pavillion.
The Second Mistress cared only for educating her son and avoided overseeing menial tasks. Her quarters were closer to the back of Ji Manor.
After they entered Jinlan Pavillion, a servant led Su Jiu and the others to the flower garden. The Second Mistress, dressed in a light-green silk gown with golden and silver clouds patterns, walked out amidst a group of servants and nurses. She smiled warmly. “Yuejiu, you came!”
Su Jiu stepped back a step and lowered her gaze. “Greetings, Second Mistress.”
“You’re too polite! Quick, have a seat!” The Second Mistress gestured for Su Jiu to sit down and then spoke to the servants. “Go brew some tea, and use the very best tea leaves!”
“Yes!” a young servant-girl replied and went off.
Second Mistress sat at the head seat. Her warm smile grew kinder. “Yuejiu, last night must’ve been tiring. Why didn’t you sleep a while longer? Such a virtuous and dutiful girl, coming here so early in the morning!”
Tiring? Indeed, going to sleep late and then rising early is quite tiring, she thought. For some.
“It’s alright. I don’t find such trivial things tiring!” Su Jiu replied.
Pshhh!
A servant-girl behind Second Mistress giggled and exchanged a scornful glance with Yuan’er.
Speaking of matters of love between men and women with no sign of embarrassment or redness whatsoever! the servant girl thought to herself. And she calls herself a noblewoman!
Chang Huan lifted his head and looked over. His eyes flashed dangerously.
The little servant girl felt the danger in Chang Huan’s eyes, and couldn’t help but feel frightened. She shut her mouth, eyes still glimmering.
The Second Mistress coughed lightly, a hint of a smile in her eyes. “Yuejiu, are you becoming accustomed to Ji Manor? The manor is simple and crude and the servants don’t know what they’re doing. If anything is bothersome to you, feel free to seek me out!”
Before Su Jiu had a chance to reply, Nanny quickly spoke. “You’re too polite, Second Mistress. Ji Manor is many times grander than Su Manor, and everything eaten and worn here is of excellent quality. There’s nothing bothersome at all here.”
“That’s good!” the Second Mistress replied. She picked up a cup of tea and sipped at it slowly.
After a moment of silence, Second Mistress spoke again. “Yuejiu, have you recovered from what was ailing you?”
“She’s completely recovered. Thank you for keeping her health in mind, Second Mistress,” Nanny politely replied.
The Second Mistress nodded her head. “Tomorrow is the day the bride returns to her maiden home. Yuxian might not know too much about these customs. I’ll order the servants to prepare some gifts for Su Manor, and I’ll tell Yuxian to accompany Yuejiu back. The only thing is, Yuxian has seemed pretty busy recently. I’m not certain if he can go.”
“We wouldn’t dare trouble Eldest Young Master! If he hasn’t got the time, then Miss Su can go back to Su Manor alone.”
“Yuejiu is so understanding!” the Second Mistress complimented Su Jiu with a smile. She continued, “In Ji Manor, Yuxian has already taken in three concubines, all daughters from noble families, though none can compare to the Ji family. I hope Yuejiu will get along with them in the future and serve Yuxian together.”
Su Jiu gave an honest smile. “Of course.”
As long as nobody got on her nerves, she would get along with everybody.
“That’s very good.”
After some more chit-chat, Nanny suggested that they take their leave.
“Yuan’er, escort Young Mistress out!” Second Mistress said with a smile.
“Yes, Mistress!”
Yuan’er watched as Su Jiu and the others left. Her lips curved into a smile full of contempt, and she turned back.
“How do you feel about this Young Mistress?” Second Mistress asked, seemingly carelessly.
“I fear she’s no better than those three concubines,” Yuan’er said with obvious ridicule.
“Do you think Yuxian will cherish her?” Second Mistress asked.
“She’s got a pretty face,” Yuan’er smiled, “but she’s a bit naive.”
Who knew if she’d be able to withstand the inner conflicts of a noble family? The three other Young Mistresses were difficult people. Additionally, Yuan’er heard that this Young Mistress had somehow angered Shangguan Yu. By the looks of it, her future at Ji Manor would be rough.
The Second Mistress smiled. “Persevering through times of difficulty is the cost of survival. Whatever happens to her in the future will be her own fortune or misfortune.”
“Yes, there’s no use in Madame worrying about this now. Wait for them to finish their own antics, and make your move then,” Yuan’er said meaningfully as a calculating gaze flashed in her eyes.
By that time, perhaps Miss Su wouldn’t even be in Ji Manor any longer. Or, perhaps she wouldn’t even be alive any longer.
The Second Mistress glanced at Yuan’er with a smile. “Let’s eat!”
“Yes!” Yuan’er replied, and quickly presented to Second Mistress a bowl of soup and some other dishes.
Meanwhile, Su Jiu had returned to Perched Phoenix Pavilion. The moment she entered the courtyard, she saw a young woman wearing a peach-colored gown sitting in the garden. Mrs. Fan stood at the young woman’s side, serving tea. When she saw Su Jiu return, she quickly rushed over. “Young Mistress, you’re back!”
Su Jiu nodded her head and walked into the courtyard.
The young woman in peach stood up as well. She had delicate eyebrows, cherry-colored lips, a face like the full moon, and a beautifully well-proportioned figure.
“Yuchan pays her respects to Young Mistress.”
Mrs. Fan, who stood at the side, explained, “This is Fourth Young Mistress. She’s here to greet you.”
So this was Ji Yuxian’s woman.
Su Jiu’s expression remained unaltered. “Sit.”
“Thank you, Young Mistress.” Yuchan stepped lightly as if she treaded upon lotus flowers. Her movements were elegant, like delicate willow branches swaying in a soft breeze. She sat down on the chair, gracefully, with downcast eyes.
Su Jiu sat down at the side and looked her up and down. So Ji Yuxian likes delicate-looking women, she thought to herself. She glanced at Yuchan a few more times, thinking to herself that perhaps she ought to learn from her.
Chen Yuchan grew nervous under Su Jiu’s gaze. She shifted her position, seeming somewhat uncomfortable.
“Is something the matter?” Su Jiu had stayed at Jinlan Pavilion for quite awhile. By the time she got back, her stomach had begun grumbling. She had very little patience for sitting there with Ji Yuxian’s woman.
Chen Yuchan turned red, and she quickly stood up. “Please, Young Mistress, resume whatever you were doing. Farewell. Tomorrow, I’ll come to pay my respects once more.”
“Wait!” Su Jiu’s eyes widened. “You mean, you’ll come here every day to pay respects to me?”
Chen Yuchan looked up slightly and nodded shyly. “It was different before Young Mistress was here. Now that you’re here, I should pay my respects to you every day.”
Su Jiu frowned. So she would have to sit here every day and meaninglessly face Ji Yuxian’s women?
“Well, ignore the rules. Continue doing whatever you were doing before. Just pretend I don’t exist.”
Chen Yuchan looked at Su Jiu with surprise. “Can I?”
“Why can’t you?” Su Jiu asked, amused.
Chen Yuchan turned red under Su Jiu’s gaze. She bit her lip and lowered her head.
Nanny rushed forward to ameliorate the situation. “Young Mistress likes peace and quiet, so in the future, there’s no need for paying respects every morning. Don’t overthink it, Fourth Young Mistress.”
Chen Yuchan nodded her head, and said gently, “Yes, I understand. I’ll leave.”
Mrs. Fan said, “I’ll escort Fourth Young Mistress out!”
As soon as Chen Yuchan left, Su Jiu asked, “Where are Qiao An and the others?”
“They’re working as security personnel for Perched Phoenix Pavilion. They’re watching the courtyard now,” Chang Huan replied.
“Go tell Qiao An to come here,” Su Jiu ordered.
Chang Huan left to do just that.
In a moment, Qiao An followed Chang Huan into the garden.
“Qiao An, where are the chests of dowry stored?” Su Jiu went right to the point.
“In the innermost room.”
“Take me there to take a look!”
Qiao An looked around and then nodded. “Follow me!”
The day before, Su Jiu’s head was covered with a veil as she walked from the front courtyard to the back courtyard. On this day, as she passed through corridors and over bridges, she finally saw the magnitude of Ji Manor. Su Jiu blew a raspberry.
This must be as grand as the imperial palace, she thought to herself.
“I heard that the courtyards of Ji Manor took ten years to build. The design is detailed and intricate, and the cost was not considered at all. Luxurious, indeed!” Nanny explained to Su Jiu.
The three of them gazed around as they walked. It took nearly five minutes to get to Jinlan Pavillion.
The Second Mistress cared only for educating her son and avoided overseeing menial tasks. Her quarters were closer to the back of Ji Manor.
After they entered Jinlan Pavillion, a servant led Su Jiu and the others to the flower garden. The Second Mistress, dressed in a light-green silk gown with golden and silver clouds patterns, walked out amidst a group of servants and nurses. She smiled warmly. “Yuejiu, you came!”
Su Jiu stepped back a step and lowered her gaze. “Greetings, Second Mistress.”
“You’re too polite! Quick, have a seat!” The Second Mistress gestured for Su Jiu to sit down and then spoke to the servants. “Go brew some tea, and use the very best tea leaves!”
“Yes!” a young servant-girl replied and went off.
Second Mistress sat at the head seat. Her warm smile grew kinder. “Yuejiu, last night must’ve been tiring. Why didn’t you sleep a while longer? Such a virtuous and dutiful girl, coming here so early in the morning!”
Tiring? Indeed, going to sleep late and then rising early is quite tiring, she thought. For some.
“It’s alright. I don’t find such trivial things tiring!” Su Jiu replied.
Pshhh!
A servant-girl behind Second Mistress giggled and exchanged a scornful glance with Yuan’er.
Speaking of matters of love between men and women with no sign of embarrassment or redness whatsoever! the servant girl thought to herself. And she calls herself a noblewoman!
Chang Huan lifted his head and looked over. His eyes flashed dangerously.
The little servant girl felt the danger in Chang Huan’s eyes, and couldn’t help but feel frightened. She shut her mouth, eyes still glimmering.
The Second Mistress coughed lightly, a hint of a smile in her eyes. “Yuejiu, are you becoming accustomed to Ji Manor? The manor is simple and crude and the servants don’t know what they’re doing. If anything is bothersome to you, feel free to seek me out!”
Before Su Jiu had a chance to reply, Nanny quickly spoke. “You’re too polite, Second Mistress. Ji Manor is many times grander than Su Manor, and everything eaten and worn here is of excellent quality. There’s nothing bothersome at all here.”
“That’s good!” the Second Mistress replied. She picked up a cup of tea and sipped at it slowly.
After a moment of silence, Second Mistress spoke again. “Yuejiu, have you recovered from what was ailing you?”
“She’s completely recovered. Thank you for keeping her health in mind, Second Mistress,” Nanny politely replied.
The Second Mistress nodded her head. “Tomorrow is the day the bride returns to her maiden home. Yuxian might not know too much about these customs. I’ll order the servants to prepare some gifts for Su Manor, and I’ll tell Yuxian to accompany Yuejiu back. The only thing is, Yuxian has seemed pretty busy recently. I’m not certain if he can go.”
“We wouldn’t dare trouble Eldest Young Master! If he hasn’t got the time, then Miss Su can go back to Su Manor alone.”
“Yuejiu is so understanding!” the Second Mistress complimented Su Jiu with a smile. She continued, “In Ji Manor, Yuxian has already taken in three concubines, all daughters from noble families, though none can compare to the Ji family. I hope Yuejiu will get along with them in the future and serve Yuxian together.”
Su Jiu gave an honest smile. “Of course.”
As long as nobody got on her nerves, she would get along with everybody.
“That’s very good.”
After some more chit-chat, Nanny suggested that they take their leave.
“Yuan’er, escort Young Mistress out!” Second Mistress said with a smile.
“Yes, Mistress!”
Yuan’er watched as Su Jiu and the others left. Her lips curved into a smile full of contempt, and she turned back.
“How do you feel about this Young Mistress?” Second Mistress asked, seemingly carelessly.
“I fear she’s no better than those three concubines,” Yuan’er said with obvious ridicule.
“Do you think Yuxian will cherish her?” Second Mistress asked.
“She’s got a pretty face,” Yuan’er smiled, “but she’s a bit naive.”
Who knew if she’d be able to withstand the inner conflicts of a noble family? The three other Young Mistresses were difficult people. Additionally, Yuan’er heard that this Young Mistress had somehow angered Shangguan Yu. By the looks of it, her future at Ji Manor would be rough.
The Second Mistress smiled. “Persevering through times of difficulty is the cost of survival. Whatever happens to her in the future will be her own fortune or misfortune.”
“Yes, there’s no use in Madame worrying about this now. Wait for them to finish their own antics, and make your move then,” Yuan’er said meaningfully as a calculating gaze flashed in her eyes.
By that time, perhaps Miss Su wouldn’t even be in Ji Manor any longer. Or, perhaps she wouldn’t even be alive any longer.
The Second Mistress glanced at Yuan’er with a smile. “Let’s eat!”
“Yes!” Yuan’er replied, and quickly presented to Second Mistress a bowl of soup and some other dishes.
Meanwhile, Su Jiu had returned to Perched Phoenix Pavilion. The moment she entered the courtyard, she saw a young woman wearing a peach-colored gown sitting in the garden. Mrs. Fan stood at the young woman’s side, serving tea. When she saw Su Jiu return, she quickly rushed over. “Young Mistress, you’re back!”
Su Jiu nodded her head and walked into the courtyard.
The young woman in peach stood up as well. She had delicate eyebrows, cherry-colored lips, a face like the full moon, and a beautifully well-proportioned figure.
“Yuchan pays her respects to Young Mistress.”
Mrs. Fan, who stood at the side, explained, “This is Fourth Young Mistress. She’s here to greet you.”
So this was Ji Yuxian’s woman.
Su Jiu’s expression remained unaltered. “Sit.”
“Thank you, Young Mistress.” Yuchan stepped lightly as if she treaded upon lotus flowers. Her movements were elegant, like delicate willow branches swaying in a soft breeze. She sat down on the chair, gracefully, with downcast eyes.
Su Jiu sat down at the side and looked her up and down. So Ji Yuxian likes delicate-looking women, she thought to herself. She glanced at Yuchan a few more times, thinking to herself that perhaps she ought to learn from her.
Chen Yuchan grew nervous under Su Jiu’s gaze. She shifted her position, seeming somewhat uncomfortable.
“Is something the matter?” Su Jiu had stayed at Jinlan Pavilion for quite awhile. By the time she got back, her stomach had begun grumbling. She had very little patience for sitting there with Ji Yuxian’s woman.
Chen Yuchan turned red, and she quickly stood up. “Please, Young Mistress, resume whatever you were doing. Farewell. Tomorrow, I’ll come to pay my respects once more.”
“Wait!” Su Jiu’s eyes widened. “You mean, you’ll come here every day to pay respects to me?”
Chen Yuchan looked up slightly and nodded shyly. “It was different before Young Mistress was here. Now that you’re here, I should pay my respects to you every day.”
Su Jiu frowned. So she would have to sit here every day and meaninglessly face Ji Yuxian’s women?
“Well, ignore the rules. Continue doing whatever you were doing before. Just pretend I don’t exist.”
Chen Yuchan looked at Su Jiu with surprise. “Can I?”
“Why can’t you?” Su Jiu asked, amused.
Chen Yuchan turned red under Su Jiu’s gaze. She bit her lip and lowered her head.
Nanny rushed forward to ameliorate the situation. “Young Mistress likes peace and quiet, so in the future, there’s no need for paying respects every morning. Don’t overthink it, Fourth Young Mistress.”
Chen Yuchan nodded her head, and said gently, “Yes, I understand. I’ll leave.”
Mrs. Fan said, “I’ll escort Fourth Young Mistress out!”
As soon as Chen Yuchan left, Su Jiu asked, “Where are Qiao An and the others?”
“They’re working as security personnel for Perched Phoenix Pavilion. They’re watching the courtyard now,” Chang Huan replied.
“Go tell Qiao An to come here,” Su Jiu ordered.
Chang Huan left to do just that.
In a moment, Qiao An followed Chang Huan into the garden.
“Qiao An, where are the chests of dowry stored?” Su Jiu went right to the point.
“In the innermost room.”
“Take me there to take a look!”
Qiao An looked around and then nodded. “Follow me!”
