Chapter 107

Chapter 107: Another Invitation to Watch Cuju

Tao Yi Ran had anticipated this reckoning and only regretted that she had listened to others’ flattery. But since matters had come to this, all she needed was for this convenient mother-in-law to raise her hand high and set it down lightly.

Madam Wang regarded her coldly and felt fortunate that two days before the wedding she had switched the bridal courtyard and schemed to secure Xin An as a daughter-in-law. If Tao Yi Ran had been the one to marry in, she would have died of regret.

She repeated coolly: “Poor judgment?”

Her voice rose as she rebuked her: “Leaving aside that you are from an official’s family and grew up with books, even ordinary girls know that after marriage one’s words and conduct must differ.”

She pressed on with a cutting question: “When unmarried girls and young men sit playing and teasing each other with music, can you claim not to know what that is for?”

She concluded icily: “Knowing it was improper and still pushing in, you have trampled the marquis manor’s reputation underfoot.”

Never before had Tao Yi Ran been reproved so sternly; tears welled in aggrieved silence. Madam Wang, unmoved, said crisply: “You are the Heir Apparent’s wife of this marquis house. You have rank and you have dignity. Do not imitate conduct unfit to be seen on a proper stage.”

She finished with measured force: “You chose this path yourself. What should be done and what should not be done must be clear in your heart.”

Her judgment fell without hesitation: “You are confined to your quarters for half a month to reflect. You may withdraw.”

Tao Yi Ran bowed again and turned, stumbling once before she left in embarrassment. Madam Wang lifted her teacup, sipped lightly, and the corner of her lips curved.

Before long Xin An arrived, sat with composure, and drank her tea. Madam Wang dismissed the attendants and asked: “You said a small matter occurred today. What was it?”

Xin An did not conceal it. She explained Madam Tao’s plan and said she had already been aware of it, adding: “Nan Feng bribed one of Elder Sister-in-law’s close maids.”

Madam Wang raised a brow and asked with caution: “Is she reliable?”

Those who served by the side were the hardest to buy; Madam Wang worried they might be bitten back in turn.

Xin An answered evenly: “Reliability depends on the price of the benefit. Elder Sister-in-law is frugal, and her maid is naturally not well off.”

Madam Wang nodded: “It seems Nan Feng serves you quite handily.”

That girl had originally been prepared as a bed servant for Tang Mo; Tang Mo had never taken her, and unexpectedly she had fallen into Xin An’s service. That at least repaid the effort Madam Wang had invested in Nan Feng.

Xin An smiled and said: “It is thanks to Mother’s training. Only, Madam Tao has plenty of schemes. Had her plot succeeded, it would have killed three birds with one stone. Fortunately, Elder Sister-in-law is timid; I frightened her with a couple of sentences and she held back. Madam Tao likely will not give up.”

Madam Wang let out a cold laugh: “I will handle this. If she dares make a move, then Mother will invite you to watch a good show.”

Judging others by herself, she had long guessed the Tao family would act and had prepared in advance.

Xin An rose and said softly: “Thank you for your trouble, Mother.”

Madam Wang waved it away with warmth: “You and I are mother-in-law and daughter-in-law as close as mother and daughter; no need for courtesy. You have been tired all day; go and rest early.”

Xin An stood and said: “I had Auntie Wang stew some bird’s nest and keep it warm. I will send it over shortly. Please rest early after you have it.”

Madam Wang asked with concern: “Did you send some to your grandmother?”

Xin An replied: “Auntie Wang has already delivered it.”

Madam Wang was even more satisfied with Xin An: “You are thorough in your work; I am at ease. Go on.”

After offering a bow, Xin An left. Madam Wang was not wrong; Xin An was indeed worn out today, sore in the back and aching all over.

When she returned to Qiu Shi Courtyard, Auntie Wang immediately brought in the bird’s nest: “You surely did not eat your fill at the banquet. The small kitchen has also made porridge and simple dishes. Do have some later.”

Kicking off her shoes, Xin An reclined on the beauty couch. She took the bowl and ate a spoonful. She had not felt hungry at first, but once the bird’s nest touched her tongue her stomach rumbled. In just a few mouthfuls she finished and then instructed Auntie Wang to give Nan Feng five taels of silver. Auntie Wang asked nothing, fetched the silver, and handed it to Nan Feng. After taking it, Nan Feng came in to see Xin An. Xin An smiled and said: “You handled matters well today. Going forward, do not grow lax, but do not rush either. Take it slowly.”

Nan Feng nodded: “This maid understands. Since young madam has put faith in me, I will not disappoint you.”

Auntie Wang said with a smile that they had also stewed white fungus soup: “It is warm and just right to drink. Miss Nan Feng, have a bowl first to settle your stomach. The dishes will be ready shortly.”

Nan Feng curtsied lightly: “Thank you, Aunt.”

She had rested only a short while when a small commotion rose next door. Chun Lv came in quickly to report: “Young madam, Eldest Young Madam has fainted.”

Xin An smiled and thought to herself: [Who knows whether she truly fainted or is pretending. Her delicate-weak act grows more polished by the day.] She instructed calmly: “Tell the kitchen to prepare hangover soup for Second Young Master. When he returns, he is to drink it.”

Soon the main gates of Qiu Shi Courtyard were shut. That night Xin An did not know when Tang Mo came back; when she opened her eyes, Tang Mo was already about to go out on duty.

Tang Mo leaned in with a smile and asked gently: “Awake?”

Xin An blinked herself fully conscious and asked with amusement: “What time did you come back last night?”

Tang Mo sat on the edge of the bed, still smiling: “Late. You were asleep when I returned, and I was afraid of disturbing you, so I slept next door. I drank the hangover soup, and just now I had a bowl of porridge. My stomach feels much better.”

Xin An found it funny and thought, teasing herself: [I did not ask about your stomach.]

Tang Mo continued cheerfully: “I will come back for supper tonight. Also, tomorrow is my day off. There is a cuju match; let us go watch it together.”

Xin An answered with bright interest: “All right. Then I will rest well today, and tomorrow we can go out and enjoy the whole day, how does that sound?”

Tang Mo agreed, and seeing that it was about time he rose and said: “When I return I will speak to Mother. You should rest. Mother just sent word that there is no need to pay respects today, and you can visit Grandmother later.”

He added as he headed out: “You were tired yesterday, especially on the first day. Rest well. I am going.”

Watching him stride off briskly, Xin An, though she had not yet asked about last night’s banquet, could tell at a glance that it must have gone well.

While combing Xin An’s hair, Chun Yang chatted: “Second young master came back together with the Heir Apparent last night. Both were very drunk. Second young master could still walk on his own; the Heir Apparent was carried into Chun Hua Courtyard.”

She added informatively: “He only went to sleep after drinking the hangover soup. Auntie Wang had bird’s nest porridge ready early this morning; second young master had two bowls.”

Chun Yang concluded with a smile: “Second young master was in fine spirits last night when he came back.”

Xin An’s attire was comparatively simple today. She wore the everlasting flower hair ornament Madam Wang had given her earlier and did not adorn herself with too many pieces. Stroking her hair lightly, she said with a small smile: “I will wash my hair this afternoon.”

Chun Yang replied: “We prepared a new hair-washing paste and added a few medicinal ingredients. It is said that after washing, the hair will be black and glossy.”

After breakfast, Chun Lv came in to say that the next door had summoned the physician again: “It is truly odd. The doctor has come several times now and has only prescribed once, and that was just tonics. This time he did not even write a prescription, only said to continue with the previous tonic and to rest more.”

Chun Lv muttered with exasperation: “She has not even gone out the door. How else is she to rest?”

Chun Yang laughed in a low voice: “After what happened yesterday, if she did not fall ill for a spell, how else could she get through it?”

Xin An glanced up and said mildly: “Do not speak such plain truths. In the future, keep such remarks within these walls only. Not a single word beyond this room.”

The two maids nodded obediently in unison: “We understand.”