Chapter 053

Chapter 53: Tang Mo Sells Servants

Warmhearted by nature, Steward Yang spoke of Xia’er with real regret. Tang Mo frowned tightly. Every household has its troubles, and he did not care to pass judgment. He disliked messy family entanglements for fear of future trouble. But he had indeed taken a liking to Er Shan’s potential and felt that, given proper training, the boy would be useful.

He ordered: “Go tell the two families this: I will take Er Shan and… Xia’er with me. Give each household two taels of silver.”

Steward Yang had expected as much. Smiling, he went to see to it. When the Zhao brothers heard that their children had been chosen, they were delighted. Er Shan’s father even wanted to switch him out and have his brother take the post instead. Only after Steward Yang scolded him soundly did he give up the thought.

Before they arrived, Tang Mo had already placed Xia’er under Xin An’s charge, saying: “She is just an add-on. Arrange her as you see fit.”

If one wanted a post in the marquis’s household, seniority alone would keep Xia’er from any coveted spot.

Xin An noted that the Xin family residence, once refurbished, would need people to sweep and keep things tidy. She decided: “Take her back to the household and train her for a while, then send her over.”

Qiu Shi Courtyard could not accommodate more maids anyway.

An hour later, Steward Yang returned with both youngsters. “Your servant Zhao Er Shan kowtows to the young master,” Er Shan declared, kneeling. He wore clothing that was eighty percent new, and he had brought along his newly washed cousin. The clothes on both obviously did not fit—one too large, the other too small—clearly hand-me-downs.

Xia’er’s voice trembled as she followed his lead: “Your maidservant Zhao Xia’er kowtows to the young master.” She did not dare raise her head. Her cousin had said he would take her to a better life, and she had thought she was dreaming. Kneeling here at last gave the dream a touch of reality, yet she still feared she might do something wrong and be sent back.

Tang Mo acknowledged them with a soft “Mm.” Steward Yang presented their indenture contracts and instructed both to serve wholeheartedly, never harboring divided loyalties.

Er Shan banged his head to the floor, vowing stoutly: “I said yesterday already, as long as I can serve with my cousin under the young master, I will never waver in this life. If I ever harbor betrayal, let five thunders strike me dead.” His head truly hit the ground with a crack. Seeing this, Xia’er wanted to speak, but the words did not come; she could only follow and kowtow, saying louder than before: “Your maidservant is the same.”

Tang Mo told them: “Get up.” He handed Er Shan over to Lai Lai, instructing: “Teach him the rules. Learn them well, and you will know how to serve.” Then he told Xia’er: “You will be arranged by the young madam. Go.”

“Go” where? Xia’er panicked. Lai Lai stepped forward and said: “Come with me. I will take you to kowtow to the young madam. Er Shan, you too.”

Xin An was watching the gardener dig up jasmine; she meant to take some back to plant at the Xin family residence. When Lai Lai brought the pair to kowtow, she took one look at Xia’er and found the girl truly pitiful. She told Chun Yang to take Xia’er to wash again and said: “From now on, follow your elder sister Chun Yang and learn the rules. Learn well. As long as you do not make mistakes, you will not be punished.” The poor girl’s exposed wrist showed bruises, their color telling they were from the past two days.

Overjoyed, Xia’er kowtowed again. Light returned to her eyes. In terms of looks she was not remarkable; a bit dark, likely from long years of labor. Dirt clung under her fingernails, the backs of her hands were rough, and the tiger’s mouth was cracked. You would never guess she was only twelve or thirteen. She could only start as a cleaning maid.

Chun Yang and Lai Lai each led one away. Xin An continued overseeing her jasmine. Sleepy after lunch, she took a nap. Tang Mo said they would return to town tomorrow. After their nap they strolled by the Lotus Pond. As for trying any fresh new foods, he did not dare.

They still slept in one bed that night, mainly because there was nowhere else to go. After half a day they had both returned to normal; neither mentioned the morning, and in Chun Yang’s eyes they looked harmonious once again.

At dusk, after the sun had gone down, they went out walking together, with Lai Lai and Er Shan following behind. A pack of children tumbled about on the field ridge. Finding it amusing, the two stopped to watch. Just then a little boy bolted toward them, yelling “Brother-in-law” before he even got close. Tang Mo even looked over his shoulder, thinking someone must be behind them.

“Brother-in-law, brother-in-law,” the grimy boy cried when he reached them, tilting his head to stare at Tang Mo and announcing: “You are my brother-in-law.”

Tang Mo: “?”

Xin An: “?”

Before either could react, Er Shan stepped forward and slapped the boy’s backside, scolding: “Stop yelling nonsense. This is the young master. Your brother-in-law is not here.”

The boy wailed and burst into tears, still protesting: “He is brother-in-law, he is brother-in-law. Mother and father said third sister went to be his concubine. He is brother-in-law.” His parents had said it was the wretched girl’s good fortune. A Daoist had said she was blessed, and when she rose in the world she would give him money so he could live well. He had not misheard.

Er Shan was livid and slapped the boy across the face, warning: “Dare talk nonsense again and see what happens. Your third sister is a maid, going to the marquis’s household to sweep and wash, understand? Your parents are talking rubbish.” He turned and dropped to his knees before Tang Mo, begging: “Young master, this brat is babbling nonsense. Please do not blame Xia’er. Xia’er, she…” He ground his teeth in fury. Xia’er had finally escaped the fire pit, and he dreaded that the young master would be angered and send her back. As for himself, he would have no chance either. A man of the young master’s station could hardly be short of attendants.

Tang Mo actually laughed from anger. An add-on maid he had not even gotten a clear look at, and now he had filth splashed over him. He shot a guilty glance at Xin An and, seeing her expressionless face, turned a cold eye on the bawling boy. A seven- or eight-year-old knew nothing; it was the adults who had filled his head. Pure daydreaming. He said to Er Shan in a low, hard voice: “Go inform Steward Yang to sell that family off. I do not want them offending my eyes again.” [They dare imagine themselves my father-in-law. What are they.]

People with a bit of nerve crowded closer to watch. Their faces shifted from dawning understanding to gloating and then to a touch of pity. Only yesterday the Zhao couple had been riding high, shouting that their Xia’er had caught the young master’s eye and might very well have great fortune ahead. They even claimed a fortune-teller said their Xia’er was blessed. Others had said that Xia’er worked the fields every day and had never even seen the young master; how could he have taken a fancy to her? It turned out she was to be a rough-servant maid. Still, a rough-servant maid was better than living in the Zhao family. Poor Xia’er.

Er Shan did not hesitate; he sprinted off to find Steward Yang. Face cold, Tang Mo turned and left. Any good mood was gone.

Steward Yang moved with speed. In short order he had the Zhao couple bound and their mouths gagged so they could not make a scene. Of all the households on the estate, theirs was the worst. People disliked them already. The man stole grain, the woman stole eggs. Earlier, the pair had been punished for stealing grain from the fields. And now they dared covet the young master as a son-in-law. Steward Yang was furious. From here on out the whole estate would be looking to the Second Young Master to get by. Letting these two delusional fools offend him would help no one.