Chapter 120
Chapter 120: The Only Woman Who Can Continue the Family Line
First Madam’s gaze latched onto the jade Buddha resting at Xiao Man’s throat—sharp, measuring, as if she could weigh its value with her eyes alone.
She turned to Matron Zhou and spoke under her breath. “On the way back, have Xiao Man ride in my carriage. I have questions for her.”
Matron Zhou bowed at once.
In her heart, everything was already clear. First Madam had swallowed every word Abbess Xu Ci spoke, and now she meant to clutch Xiao Man like treasure—never letting her slip away again.
First Madam proved it immediately.
She went straight to the main hall and made an incense donation so large that even the monk receiving guests clicked his tongue. Then she sought out the abbot in person, humble as any believer, and obtained a consecrated Guanyin Bodhisattva jade pendant.
Men wear Guanyin; women wear Buddha.
Wasn’t that perfect? A neat pair—matched to the jade Buddha now warming against Xiao Man’s skin.
First Madam’s chest filled with sweet satisfaction, as if she could already see a plump grandson waddling toward her with arms wide open.
It wouldn’t be long now. The Heir Apparent’s Manor would welcome a new child. The line would continue.
The party prepared to return.
Matron Zhou hurried up to Xiao Man’s side and whispered close to her ear. “Xiao Man, you’ll ride in the front carriage. Madam wants to speak with you.”
Xiao Man wasn’t surprised.
From the moment Abbess Xu Ci placed that jade Buddha around her neck, First Madam’s eyes had changed—scrutiny, calculation, and something fever-bright that made Xiao Man’s skin crawl.
Xiao Man nodded lightly.
Matron Zhou looked delighted by her calm. She patted Xiao Man’s hand as if bestowing a blessing. “Miss Xiao Man, your great fortune has arrived. Catch it properly. This matron has always believed in you.”
Xiao Man forced a stiff smile. “Thank you for your kind words, Matron.”
She drew a breath and stepped toward the front carriage.
A hand shot out and blocked her.
Huang Qi.
“You’ve got it wrong,” Huang Qi snapped, eyes full of scorn. “Your place is in the back carriage.”
Matron Zhou’s brow tightened, ready to scold—but the curtain of the front carriage lifted first.
First Madam looked out. Her face was smooth, her voice leaving no room for argument. “That’s right. Xiao Man. Get in.”
Huang Qi’s mouth fell open.
She watched, stunned, as Xiao Man climbed into a carriage Huang Qi herself wasn’t even qualified to sit in.
Her head buzzed. She turned and rushed to Matron Zhou, voice trembling. “Matron Zhou… what is happening? On the way here, didn’t we sit together in the back?”
Matron Zhou flicked her a look. “You truly have no eyes. From now on, mind your manners when you see Xiao Man. She’s not the same anymore.”
Huang Qi stared, disbelief twisting her face. “Just because she bowed in a temple, she’s different?”
“Enough.” Matron Zhou grabbed her sleeve. “Stop standing there like a post.”
She dragged the still-stunned Huang Qi toward the rear carriage.
As she went, Huang Qi’s thoughts spun wildly. “Matron, should I go back in and worship again right now? Donate more money? Ask for a fortune charm or a safety talisman—because I feel like I missed something huge.”
Matron Zhou poked her forehead, exasperated. “It’s not that you missed it. You simply don’t have the fate for it. A fortune charm? What, so you can win at cards?” She shoved her forward. “Get in. I’ll explain once we’re moving.”
Inside the front carriage, the air turned thick.
First Madam’s gaze swept over Xiao Man like a searchlight, from hair to hem, until Xiao Man could hardly sit still.
“Xiao Man,” First Madam said at last, her voice almost warm. Almost. “Later I’ll have Doctor Wang take your pulse properly and nourish you. You’re too thin.”
Xiao Man’s heart lurched.
She shifted instinctively, trying to create distance.
But the carriage was small. No matter where she moved, she stayed trapped inside First Madam’s attention.
Then First Madam reached out.
Her hand landed on Xiao Man’s hip and squeezed—twice.
Humiliation hit like a slap.
“Tsk.” First Madam’s brows knotted. “Do you even eat? There’s no flesh at all.” Her eyes narrowed, distrust blooming. “Did the abbess read it wrong? Where I’m from, they say a big backside means a woman bears children easily.”
Xiao Man went rigid, shame rushing hot and violent.
She forced herself to lift her head and meet First Madam’s eyes. “First Madam, my hometown says the same—big backsides bear sons. Shouldn’t you choose a few more maids for Eldest Grandson Young Master, then? Pick the ones who eat well, with big backsides.”
First Madam snorted. “I’m not picking a pig.”
Her gaze sharpened again, cutting off any hope. “Qing Xuan doesn’t need other maids. He only needs you. Starting today, your foremost duty is to care for Qing Xuan’s health.”
Then she added, as if dropping an iron lock into place, “If Qing Xuan loses even one jin, your contract is extended by a year.”
Inside, Xiao Man screamed.
Outside, she lowered her head and squeezed out obedience. “Yes. This servant will do her utmost and care for Eldest Grandson Young Master properly.”
“Good.”
Satisfied, First Madam leaned back against the cushions. The carriage rocked gently. Her eyelids lowered, and before long, sleep claimed her.
Xiao Man sat in a cramped corner of air and silence, unable to sleep, afraid to move—so confined that even lifting the curtain to glance outside felt like a luxury she wasn’t permitted.
In the rear carriage, Huang Qi could no longer hold it in. She leaned toward Matron Zhou, urgent and bewildered. “Matron Zhou, what happened? We worshiped at the temple, and suddenly everything flipped.”
Matron Zhou rested with her eyes closed, composed as if this were obvious. “Silly maid. Why do you think we went today? We went for Xiao Man.”
Huang Qi froze.
“In the temple, Abbess Xu Ci said it herself,” Matron Zhou continued, opening her eyes at last, the light in them sharp. “Xiao Man is the only woman in this world who can continue Eldest Grandson Young Master’s line. Tell me—would First Madam not treat her like a treasure?”
“The only woman who can… continue Eldest Grandson Young Master’s line?” Huang Qi repeated slowly, as if tasting each word for poison.
“But bearing children—doesn’t any healthy woman do that? It can’t be only her.”
Matron Zhou stared at her, then spoke each word with deliberate certainty. “Yes. It really can only be her.”
Huang Qi’s eyes widened, shock giving way to sudden understanding—then, just as quickly, to envy she couldn’t hide. “Then… then Xiao Man’s status is going to soar.”