chapter 64

After studying with Momo (wet nurse) Quan for more than a month, many of Yuxi’s habits were slowly changing. Even some of her bad habits were slowly being corrected.

When end of the month arrived, Yuxi would have a day off from morning class and she only needed to go to Tingyun Pavilion to learn etiquette in the afternoon as usual. On her way to Tingyun Pavilion that day, she somehow stumbled upon strolling Yujing.

Yujing was the one who took initiative to greet Yuxi first as she smiled and then said, “I heard that the two momo were female officials of high rank. It is a great blessing that Fourth Sister can learn the etiquette with Third Sister, while been taught by momo who had served the noble. Second Sister envies it very much!” It was nice when one had been told to have a great blessing, unfortunately, when Yuchen was add in the compliment, it was obvious she was mocking Yuxi for gaining benefits from being under Yuchen’s light.

Yuxi responded with a smile on her face, “Yes, I am said to be blessed! However, when one have so much blessings in life, one have to really cherish them.” With this, her eyes could not help falling on the maid standing beside Yujing. This maid was quite unfamiliar. She didn’t know if Yunqi and Yunlang who served Yujing before, had been sold or sent to her family hamlets.

Yujing squeezed her handkerchief tightly. This was no longer mocking her for not being blessed nor not knowing how to cherish her blessings. Normally, she would restrain herself, but once she got so angry, she couldn’t control herself. “You are nothing more than Yuchen’s bum beetle (somebody who like to tag along). I want to see how long you can stay this arrogant.”

Yuxi slightly smiled, “Isn’t that the same as saying that Second Sister is much worse than a bum beetle?”

Hongshan reminded Yuxi in a low voice, “Miss, we have to go. If we are late, Momo Quan will punish you.” Then she looked at Yujing warily, afraid that she would rush up and crazily hurt her Miss, just like last time.

Yuxi smiled and said, “Second Sister, you should continue your slow stroll. I will leave first.”

Yujing looked at Yuxi’s back as her eyes flashed with hatred. If it wasn’t for Han Yuxi, her Grandmother wouldn’t have put her under house arrest, and her father wouldn’t have ignored her. These were all Han Yuxi’s faults, so, she must return this debt back with interest.

Yuxi turned around and she just happened to see Yujing’s eyes full of hatred. She did not know why, but a saying emerged in her mind, ‘when cutting down weeds, cut them to the roots. Otherwise, they will return with the spring breeze (Chinese proverb : one should finish a task entirely, or the effort might be wasted).‘

The maid who caught Yuxi’s eyes just now, was called Sixin, and she had not been by Yujing’s side that long. She looked at Yuxi’s back and deliberately said, “Miss, I’ve heard that Fourth Miss is a coward and always feels inferior. I dare not say a word when I see people bragging about it. But when I finally see Fourth Miss, she is not like the rumours at all. It feels so strange.”

Yujing was already furious. When she heard her maid praising Yuxi, her face was full of rage. She kicked Sixin to the ground and scolded, “You sure have intention to curry favour with that darn girl. Even if I kill you, I won’t let you have the chance to sell yourself for glory.“ Her temperament was known not to be good as she treated her maids with beating and cursing for each of their wrongdoings. Moreover, she always got herself into trouble and her maids would surely got implicated along. Just like the previous affairs where the Old Madam disposed her personal maids, Yunlang and Yunqi.

Sixin knelt on the ground, wiped away her tears and said, “Miss, this handmaiden is wrong. Handmaiden suddenly remembered one thing. Before, handmaiden had heard several mama chatting, as they gossiped about Fourth Miss who had changed to someone else since she gotten well. Seeing Fourth Miss today, handmaiden felt that she was different from the hearsay. This handmaiden was so surprised that handmaiden couldn’t help saying more. “

Yujing immediately caught the main part in Sixin’s words. She tried to remember Yuxi’s past behaviour and compared it with Yuxi’s current behaviour. Didn’t it seem like Yuxi had changed into someoother person?

Sixin lowered her head, hiding the haze in her eyes from Yujing.

Two days later, there was a rumour in the residence, saying that Fourth Miss had been possessed by dirty thing after she was healed from smallpox. The current Fourth Miss was simply a monster, with the real one to be said, had already passed away. As for the evidence, Yuxi’s great changes before and after were used as the best evidence.

The Rose Courtyard was now very well informed of the rumour, and it soon discovered by Yuxi herself. She chuckled, “Possessed by dirty thing? What dirty thing?“ Although her experience was a little strange, but somehow, being told that she was possessed by dirty thing seemed so laughable to her.

Hongshan was so anxious that she nearly fainted, “Miss, how can you still laugh? This matter must quickly be told to Madam!“

Yuxi smiled and asked, “Do you believe I’m possessed by dirty thing?”

Hongshan quickly answered, “This handmaiden naturally does not believe it.” Her Master was perfectly normal. How could she be a monster?

A smile appeared on Yuxi’s face, “Then, that’s enough. Isn’t others busy saying that about me? Then, we will not interfere with this and just let nature take its course.“ She was not afraid of such rumour. She was not at the age of marriage now. Even if there were other rumours coming out now, they would be forgotten in some corners in three to five years from now and would not have influence on her at all. But those people who spread the rumour must have gotten something from this.

Yuxi was not worry because she believed that the rumour would not spread out of the government. Her Eldest Aunt was really indeed managed the household properties, not just acting as a decoration.

The rumour did not last long in the state residence, with Qiu Shi knowing about it at the earliest possible time. She immediately caught two old women who ferociously spread the rumour, and then they were severely canned, directly in front of the other maids. She then ordered a thorough investigation on the matter. As long as they were caught, they would be severely punished.

Qiu Shi’s temper was normally impatient, but after so many years of marriage to the state residence, the heaviest punishment she ever gave was only 20 boards for two old women who took advantaged of their seniority. But this time, she directly resorted to wrath measures which shocked the people working below.

In order to subdue them, Qiu Shi had to trace the source to see who spread such rumour. That person must have been malicious enough to even dare spreading it and certainly needed to be punished.

Qiu Shi acted quickly and soon found out that the news came from Yuru’s courtyard. She thought that Yuru was not courageous enough to do it, and the most important thing was, there was no contradiction between Yuru and Yuxi. She let her people continue to check, soon found the real culprit, Yujing.

With that evidence, Qiu Shi immediately told the matter to the Old Madam, “Mother-in-law, Second Girl is the one who spread such rumour. She clearly wants to destroy Xi girl! They only had a little spat. However, I don’t know why but I can feel that there was a deep hatred between them. Otherwise, how could she spread such vicious rumour?” This time, she had to be ruthless. It was also because, if this incident was not handled well, it would cause immeasurable consequences later on.

The Old Madam really didn’t know about this matter, mainly because Mama Luo did not dare to tell her, for fear that the Old Madam would get anxiously angry.

Seeing that the Old Madam did not speak, Qiu Shi thought the Old Madam did not believe her and said, “If Mother-in-law does not believe it, I can present the evidence.”

The Old Madam and Qiu Shi had been mother-in-law and daughter-in-law for more than ten years. How could the Old Madam not know Qiu Shi’s character? If it wasn’t for a conclusive evidence, Qiu Shi wouldn’t have come to her. The Old Madam’s face was livid. It was normal for sisters to have conflicts and quarrels. She wouldn’t interfere with it as long as it was not too much. However, it was a pity that one of the sisters had the tendency to spread such rumour. “Go and call Second Girl.”

Yujing was not stupid. Why would she admit it? She immediately cried foul, “I didn’t. I didn’t spread such rumours. Someone must have framed me.”

Qiu Shi pointed at the three people kneeling on the ground. Two were old woman from Yujing’s courtyard. The other one was Sixin, Yujing’s personal maid. Yujing explained that she didn’t incite them, but no one believed her words.

Yujing simply refused to recognize what she had not done. “I didn’t, she slandered me. Grandma, do you really believe that I spread this rumour? “

Mama Li said, “Second Miss, these people are servants of your yard. How will they dare to slander you?” Slandering your master, would make you either be killed, or be sold together with your whole family.

Yujing suddenly felt her good fortune had come as her mind worked so well (Chinese idiom : when fortune is on one’s side, one has a mental acuteness all its own) as she cried out, “It must have been that ghost thing who has smeared my name. She retaliated on me by using such vile mean. Grandmother, don’t let that ghost thing fools you. She’s trying to get back at me by spreading such rumour.” Her words perfectly explained the meaning of the old saying that there was no 300 taels of silver buried here (Chinese idiom : a clumsy denial resulting in self-exposure).

The Old Madam couldn’t bear it any longer, that she shouted angrily, “Somebody, take Second Girl back to her courtyard.” Even if Yuxi wanted to retaliate, she won’t be so stupid to use such a method of self-injury.

Yujing was put under house arrest again by the Old Madam.

Yuxi was relieved when she heard the news. At the same time, she heard another news that Concubine Lian had another miscarriage.

On the same day, Concubine Rong was sent to the family temple.

The Old Madam’s behaviour made it easy to think that Concubine Rong was behind the incident. Yuxi was somewhat surprised. Why did the Old Madam act so vigorously this time around?

Hongshan secretly said to Yuxi, “Miss, the person behind Concubine Lian lost her baby this time is probably Mama Li, the mama beside the Madam.” She did not dare to speak ill of Qiu Shi in front of Yuxi, so she took a turn and said that Mama Li was the murderer.

Yuxi reminded, “This matter has nothing to do with us anyway. Don’t discuss it any more.” She had been wondering why the Old Madam was so anxious to send Concubine Rong away. So, this was the reason.

“Without Concubine Rong and Second Miss, the residence would be much quieter,” said Hongshan. This time around, it had been estimated that Second Miss would be under house arrest for another year and a half.

Yuxi shook her head and said, “Who knows?” After Concubine Rong leaved, there was still Concubine Lian. This woman wasn’t someone easy to be deal with. Especially when it came to her recent miscarriage. If it was really done by Eldest Aunt’s hand, how would she herself not know about it. In the future, someone would surely start making trouble.

Hongshan looked at Yuxi and said what had been hidden from the public, “Concubine Lian had two miscarriages in succession, which has greatly weakened her vitality. The doctor said that it will be difficult for her to get pregnant again.”

Yuxi thought that this was a good thing.

The day after the incident, Momo Chang asked Yuru, “Second Miss is been punished. Did Miss intercede for her?” Yuru had a bad relationship with Yujing which she had seen for a long time. However, she had been waiting for the right opportunity to ask Yuru personally.

Yuru’s face turned stiff. Yujing was now been severely punished. She was already kind enough not to drop stones on Yujing who had fallen into a well (Chinese idiom : hit a person when he’s down). Now, her Momo also want her help to intercede. How could it be possible.

Momo Chang was a very conscientious person and said, “Eldest Miss, you and Second Miss are both young ladies from the residence. One honour, all will be honoured. One lose, all will loose.”

Yuru’s face became more stiff.

Momo Chang said, “If Second Miss has a bad reputation, you will be the one most affected.” Now that Yujing’s reputation had gone bad, other young ladies in the residence would also be implicated. However, Third Miss and Fourth Miss were still young, and they were also currently learning from Teacher Song, so they would be less affected by this.

Yuru’s hands shook, but she still stayed silent.

Momo Chang frowned. As an elder sister, Yuru should take care of her younger siblings and set a good example, but she was so small-minded. “But, Eldest Miss does not have to worry about it. This matter will certainly not leak out to the outside world.” Even if there was a meat rotting inside a pot, no outsider would be able to know.

Yuru’s expression at once relaxed.

Momo Chang paused and asked curiously, “Eldest Miss, I see you rarely walk with Third Miss and Fourth Miss. I wonder why?”

Yuru answered somewhat unnaturally, “Third Sister and Fourth Sister are busy, and I don’t feel good at disturbing them.” In fact, if Yuru suddenly saw Yuchen and Yuxi, she would immediately felt so nervous.

Momo Chang remarked, “Third Miss is outstanding in appearance and naturally intelligent. Now that she’s been taught by a famous teacher, with guidance lead by Momo Gui and Momo Quan, her future will be limitless. Although Fourth Miss is not as good as Third Miss, however, her future will certainly end up good.“

As the remarks fell on Yuru’s ears, it was clearly stating that she could not hold a candle to Yuchen and Yuxi. She heard that she currently couldn’t even match Yuxi the clearest, “Is it possible that there’s something in Momo’s mind?”

Momo Chang sighed in her heart and muttered to herself that if Eldest Miss could not understand even this, then, Eldest Miss’ intelligence must have been too bad.

Momo Chang stopped beating around the bush as she said, “Third Miss and Fourth Miss have a bright futures. Eldest Miss need to be more close to them since Miss will depend on this relationships later on. Even if Miss really doesn’t want to be close with them, then, Miss shouldn’t offend them. After a woman gets married, her family’s brothers and sisters would be her greatest helping hands. If there is no help from her family’s brothers and sisters, if her husband’s family turns against her, there will be no bones for her maiden family to collect. In less severe case, she would be sent to her husband family temple where she will spend the rest of her whole lonely life accompanying Buddha. “

Yuru’s expression kept on changing, “Momo, do you really need to scare me with these words just to make me to get along well with my Third and Fourth sisters?”

Momo Chang was patient, “I am not scaring Miss, but there are too many such cases.” Then, she told Yuru a few real cases. These women who did not have the support of their maiden families ended up in a miserable fate.

Yuru was trembling all over.

Momo Chang advised, “If Miss insist on alienating Third Miss and Fourth Miss, it will be Miss who will suffer. I’ve said all I can, I’ll let Eldest Miss judge it yourself!“

The conversation with Momo Chang worked as a warning to Yuru. That night, she had a nightmare. She dreamed of her husband’s family was treating her not goodr, so, she went back to her maiden family for help. The result was, Qiu Shi ignored her, Han Jianming and Han Jianye also ignored her. When she then ask for help from Yuchen and Yuxi, they also ignored her. Finally, she was forced to death by her husband’s family.

Ancient oil lamp made of Princess Tree wood.

Source | (Quzhou Original Eco-oil Paper Umbrella Factory)

Qingxuan heard someone calling for her in her haze. She felt a tingle as she hurriedly got up from bed and lit the oil lamp made of Princess Tree wood.

This time, Qingxuan saw Yuru’s head was full of sweat, with her whole people was terribly shaking that frightened Qingxuan, “Miss, Miss, what’s wrong with you?”

Yuru tugged at Qingxuan’s hand tightly and said, “I had a nightmare.” This nightmare was so terrible since she was forced to die like that. Thinking of this, she again started to get a cold sweat.

Holding Yuru in her arms, Qingxuan gently soothed, “Don’t be afraid, Miss, it’s just a dream.” She also don’t know what kind of dream it was which had scared her Miss like this.

Yuru naturally could not tell Qingxuan about her dream, but she began to think seriously about what Momo Chang had told her.