Chapter 157
Chapter 157: The Meng Family Pays a Visit
Hearing her, the Eldest Master looked guilty. This was the Lin Family’s problem, yet Yan’er had to worry about it. He said in a low voice: “The bow is already drawn. Since it is like this, let us make the fire bigger.”
Xia Meng Yan arched a brow, slipped her hand through his arm, and teased with a smile: “Uncle, how do you plan to do that?”
“By letting the fish swim over on their own,” he said.
They shared a knowing smile.
News that Second Madam had been confined spread quickly through the Lin Family, and at the same time, the steward’s authority returned to Madam Jia.
Nanny Sun could not close her mouth for joy. While combing Madam Jia’s hair that morning, the lines at her eyes never relaxed: “I knew it. Second Madam has no sense. She even dared offend the Old Master’s honored guest. It serves her right to be confined.”
Madam Jia, newly energized, said: “Do not celebrate too soon. Remind everyone below us to watch the Restful Virtue Pavilion. Do not let any fool offend that side again.”
“I understand,” Nanny Sun said, happy for her mistress. In the end, no matter the quarrels, Eldest Master and Madam were one. If there was trouble, Eldest Master would side with Madam. See, he grabbed the chance and took back the steward’s seal.
Just then a maid came to report that Madam Meng had arrived.
—
After questioning Nanny Gui last night, Xia Meng Yan was tired. Nanny Song kept the breakfast warm and did not wake her.
Duan Yi Chen and Song Mo each took a post, one watching inside the manor and one outside. They worked together with rare harmony.
Chun Yue came in, glanced at the room, and went to Nanny Song to whisper: “Madam Meng is here. She is in the physician’s courtyard.”
Duan Yi Chen paused with the thumb ring in his hand, seemed to think of something, then stood and walked out.
Chun Yue and Nanny Song were puzzled. Duan Yi Chen’s identity was special. In the Lin Family, only their lady could question him.
“Send someone to find out what is happening in the physician’s courtyard,” Nanny Song said. She understood her lady’s plan. Last night, the second branch offended Divine Physician Luo. Today, the Meng Family came to call. She did not believe in coincidences.
Chun Yue nodded and went to inquire.
A cup of tea later, Chun Yue hurried back: “The physician has asked for the Eldest Miss to come over.”
Nanny Song frowned. Why would the physician ask their Eldest Miss to come greet guests? Besides, her identity was not suitable for receiving visitors.
“Have the messenger wait. I will go in and tell the Eldest Miss,” she said, and turned into the room.
Hearing movement, Xia Meng Yan had already opened her eyes: “What is it?”
Nanny Song lifted the curtain and reported everything: “I fear this is no good thing.”
Sitting up slowly, Xia Meng Yan let Nanny Song help her stand: “This time Maternal Aunt is using her head. Calling me over does two things. First, it makes me offend people so if the house is blamed, she has an excuse. Second, it must involve Master, and she does not know how to answer.”
Nanny Song’s face showed displeasure: “Now she thinks of you? Is that how a senior should act?”
“Do not blame her. She just got the household reins back and already has a hot potato in her hands. Of course she is nervous,” Xia Meng Yan said as she changed into clothes fit for guests, then took Nanny Song and Chun Yue to the parlor.
Madam Jia and Madam Meng sat across a small table chatting.
“I heard the Eldest Young Master took first place again in the exam,” Madam Meng said. Her forehead was full and her cheeks round, the look of a rich household’s lady.
Hearing her son praised, Madam Jia’s smile turned more genuine: “Do not flatter him. If he hears, he will get proud.”
“The Eldest Young Master has reason to be proud. In a few years, he should go to the Capital, right?” Madam Meng said kindly.
The words pleased Madam Jia. Going to the Capital meant the Imperial Examinations. With the Xia Family behind them, her eldest son had a good chance. But she did not dare speak that aloud: “It is still early. We will see how he plans.”
“I envy you. Such a good son. Not like my unfilial boy, always making trouble and driving me mad.”
“Huai Ren is still young. Give him two years,” Madam Jia said.
“I hope so.”
A maid came to report: the Cousin Miss had arrived.
Madam Meng looked toward the doorway.
A young woman entered in a brocade dress embroidered with begonia branches. Her skin was whiter than snow, her brows and eyes were finely drawn. She moved like a spring of clear water, calming to watch. If not for the curve of her pregnant belly, Madam Meng would have thought she was perfect.
“Meng Yan, this is Madam Meng,” Madam Jia said, inviting Xia Meng Yan to sit beside her.
Madam Meng smiled and said: “Oh my, this miss is truly lovely.”
Xia Meng Yan bowed slightly: “Xia Meng Yan greets Madam Meng.”
“Please, get up. In your condition, no need for ceremony,” Madam Meng said, making a polite motion to help.
With Nanny Song’s support, Xia Meng Yan sat down.
The parlor fell quiet for a moment.
Unbothered, Xia Meng Yan acted as if she had noticed nothing and sat obediently.
Madam Jia was anxious. She had called Xia Meng Yan here to help her decide.
Setting down her tea, Madam Meng looked at Madam Jia and said: “I came without much notice to ask a favor. Please say yes, Sister Jia.”
Madam Jia clenched her handkerchief. So it had come: “Say what you need. We all live in Man Lin City. If I can help, I will do my best.”
Xia Meng Yan kept a polite smile. This time Madam Jia had been smart. The moment Madam Meng arrived, she sent for her. She must have guessed this had to do with Master.
“The Meng Family has a relative who hurt his leg half a year ago,” Madam Meng said plainly. “We have been looking for a cure. I heard there is a Divine Physician visiting at the Lin Manor. Please help me meet him.”
Madam Jia’s face showed worry, but she was secretly glad she had called Xia Meng Yan over: “To tell the truth, I do not know if he is really a Divine Physician. He does like to work with herbs. But he said from the start he will see no one. I cannot help.”
“Why will he not see anyone? Whatever the Divine Physician wants, money or fine herbs, we can provide. He has only to ask,” Madam Meng said.
Madam Jia looked at Xia Meng Yan and said with a troubled face: “Meng Yan knows about this too. I am not trying to make things hard for you, Madam Meng.”
Xia Meng Yan did not expect Madam Jia to toss the matter to her so directly. She smiled and said: “Maternal Aunt is right. The physician staying here loves quiet and has a strange temper. No one in Lin Manor may go near his courtyard. We usually cannot see him either.”
Madam Meng did not give up: “People with true skill often have odd tempers. I came today to meet him. Please introduce me. Even if he refuses, the Meng Family will not blame the Lin Family.”
The Meng Family had come prepared. Xia Meng Yan glanced at Madam Jia and signaled her to agree. In business, the Meng Family and the Lin Family were equals. Better not to offend them.
Madam Jia pretended to hesitate, then sighed: “He is the Old Master’s honored guest. I will send someone to notify him. Whether you can meet depends on fate.”
Madam Meng stood to bow: “Thank you. Whether it works or not, the Meng Family will remember the Lin Family’s kindness.”
Madam Jia told Nanny Sun to go in person to inform the Old Master. She stayed to keep Madam Meng company.
Xia Meng Yan thought the matter was settled and she could leave, but Madam Meng asked with a smile: “Miss Xia is due soon, yes? Do you have a midwife? The Meng Manor has an experienced midwife. If you need, I can have her come.”
“Thank you, Madam Meng. I have already found a midwife,” Xia Meng Yan replied with a light smile.
Madam Meng said: “After the baby is born, do you plan to marry again?”
Xia Meng Yan blinked in surprise. It was the first time someone had asked her so directly.
Seeing her look over, Madam Meng’s smile stayed open and calm: “You are young and very pretty. Marriage is not the only path, but a single mother can draw gossip, and that is not good for the child.”
Xia Meng Yan pressed her lips and admitted there was some sense in that: “Madam Meng has more life experience and sees farther than I do. But for now, I have no plans to remarry.”
“That is fine. People change their minds. When the time comes, Miss Xia will agree,” Madam Meng said.
Xia Meng Yan frowned slightly.