Chapter 147

Chapter 147: Chun Hua Courtyard Raises the Curtain on the Conflict

Thinking back over the past two days, Tao Yi Ran could only recall that yesterday Concubine Yue had been alone with Tang Rong, so she suspected Concubine Yue had urged him to invite Auntie Cai back. She had no idea that it was her own actions that made Tang Rong resolve to summon the woman.

The secret meeting with Tang Mo was one matter. Beyond that, Tang Rong discovered she had not the slightest guess as to why the Grand Matron was going to offer incense, and even spoke words showing dissatisfaction with Xin An. As for why Xin An would go today, Tang Rong felt one did not need to exert a single brain cell to know. Stripped of all the useless literary talent, she simply did not possess Xin An’s quick wits.

They had entered the residence on the same day, yet the other woman prospered, even paying a call at the Second Prince’s manor, while she herself stumbled within her own courtyard. Her reputation had been damaged, she had no countermeasures at all, and she had even set her sights on Tang Mo, leaving every matter to a man who had to lie down for all things.

Auntie Cai’s return was imperative.

All along the road, Tao Yi Ran said nothing, her expression grave. One did not need to guess to know she was pondering a response.

Xin An, too, fell silent, likewise thinking how to make use of Auntie Cai to do a little work for her revenge. [In her past life, Auntie Cai had tormented and humiliated her thoroughly. How could she not repay it now?] [A dog-eats-dog spectacle is well worth watching.]

At the gate of Qiu Shi Courtyard, Auntie Liu, face dark and anxious, ushered Tao Yi Ran inside. Xin An strolled in at an easy pace, and Nan Feng quickly reported the gist.

Nan Feng said crisply: “Concubine Yue? When Auntie Cai left, she handed Concubine Yue the fifty taels the Heir Apparent had given her. Yesterday Concubine Yue spoke to the Heir Apparent about Auntie Cai.”

“With Auntie Cai back, the old retainers of Chun Hua Courtyard are delighted, while those from the Tao family are feeling blocked and have already begun grumbling in private.”

“However, as soon as Auntie Cai returned she summoned the entire courtyard and scolded them, sharp and harsh.”

Chun Yang and Chun Lv stood by in attendance. Hearing Nan Feng’s words, Chun Yang remarked with some relish: “It seems next door will be lively.”

Nan Feng’s lips curved: “Auntie Cai is back in force this time. Auntie Liu is no soft persimmon either. Liveliness is guaranteed.”

Xin An lifted her eyes and felt that Nan Feng had grown ever more seasoned. Not only did she do her tasks well, her mind was more agile by the day. With a little more cultivation, she would become the most capable right hand. [It was hard not to feel a measure of pride, since this was a windfall she had picked up for nothing.]

She cautioned in a level voice: “Keep such talk inside the room. Auntie Cai is an old servant of the house and knows much. Nan Feng, be more cautious from now on.”

“Auntie Wang, remind everyone in the courtyard: once they step past the gate, they are to keep their mouths shut.”

Auntie Wang nodded and added stoutly: “We at Qiu Shi Courtyard will not pick fights first, but if the folks across the way lack sense, then even if Auntie Cai herself comes out, it will do no good.”

Xin An chuckled: “It is rare to hear you speak with such spirit, Auntie Wang.”

Auntie Wang cleared her throat, patted at the dust that was not on her clothes, and said with studied casualness: “I may not be as formidable as Auntie Cai, but if anyone wants to bully the young madam, that will not do.”

They were all longtime servants to their masters. [Was she to be any lesser than Auntie Cai or Auntie Liu?]

The room broke into laughter. Chun Yang and Chun Lv declared that Auntie Wang was their second anchor, ready to go wherever she pointed.

The laughter floated out the door. Several servants sweeping the courtyard felt genuine envy. A master who was generous and broad-minded was their good fortune, and if they could someday serve inside rather than outside, that would be greater fortune still.

In contrast to the warm bustle at Qiu Shi Courtyard, the atmosphere at Chun Hua Courtyard was odd. Tao Yi Ran’s people were dissatisfied and full of worry, while the old hands of the marquisate were all smiles. The two sides even traded skirmishing glances.

Having thought matters through, Tao Yi Ran did not cry before Tang Rong this time. Instead she took a step back, and, in front of him, told Auntie Liu to hand over all the courtyard duties to Auntie Cai. She even said with composure: “Auntie Cai is a veteran of the household and experienced in her work. You must apply yourself and learn.”

Auntie Liu answered respectfully, her face betraying not a trace of unwillingness. Only then did Tang Rong nod, thinking Tao Yi Ran reasonable, and ask: “Did the incense offering go smoothly?”

She replied evenly: “The Grand Matron’s people had arranged matters in advance, so everything went smoothly.”

After last night’s scolding, Tang Rong did not mention it again, and Tao Yi Ran pretended nothing at all had happened, saying instead: “We had planned to dine at the temple, but I was thinking of Lord Rong, so I came back early. Are you feeling better?”

Tang Rong nodded: “Much better.”

The wound had passed the first two days of tearing pain; now, as new flesh grew, there was itch beneath the pain. It hurt and itched, he could not scratch, and he could hardly writhe on the bed without image. The sensation was truly unpleasant.

Tao Yi Ran could not fathom it. After a couple of perfunctory words, she set herself to serve Tang Rong his meal. Before long, Auntie Cai returned. Seeing this scene, she was satisfied. Once Tang Rong had finished eating, she smiled and said: “Young Madam has worked hard half the day. Please go next door to take your meal and do not tire yourself.”

Tao Yi Ran did not want to leave, certain that Auntie Cai meant to say something to Tang Rong. But when Tang Rong also told her to go eat, she could not stay.

Outside, she wanted to send someone to eavesdrop, but Auntie Liu said with a troubled face that the courtyard had now split into two camps, watching one another, and it was truly difficult to act. Tao Yi Ran frowned slightly: “We must still think of a way to send her away.”

“I fear that will not be easy,” Auntie Liu sighed. For the moment she could think of nothing. Tao Yi Ran sat slowly, thought for a moment, then beckoned Auntie Liu close and whispered in her ear. Auntie Liu’s eyes lit at once: “Rest easy, Young Madam, I will find a chance to go back to the Tao family this afternoon.”

Tao Yi Ran meant to start with Auntie Cai’s family, and help from the Tao clan would be indispensable.

“Serve the meal,” Tao Yi Ran said.

“Yes,” came the answer.

With a plan in hand, mistress and servant felt steadier. Auntie Liu, as if nothing had happened, ordered the dishes brought in, giving the impression that Auntie Cai’s return had not affected her in the least.

In the bedchamber, Auntie Cai was recounting the day to Tang Rong: “Gan Lu, who serves the Grand Matron, sent word to the Second Young Madam yesterday. The Second Young Madam quickly arranged for people to go to South Crossing Temple ahead of time. A vegetarian meal had also been arranged for today. The Grand Matron’s intention was to return after dining, but the Young Madam worried over the Heir Apparent’s wound and asked to return first, so the Grand Matron said they would come back together.”

“The Second Young Madam said the meal that went unused is to be counted as incense money.”

Having returned to serve again, Auntie Cai was far more cautious, her manner shorn of her earlier arrogance. Her purpose was to become once more the most capable person at Tang Rong’s side, and only then to deal with Tao Yi Ran gradually.

[The enmity between the two had been sealed the moment she was driven from the residence.]

Tang Rong knit his brows lightly. He did not speak ill of Tao Yi Ran before Auntie Cai, but only asked: “What do you think?”

Auntie Cai bowed: “The Young Madam is concerned for the Heir Apparent, and the Old Madam is a considerate person. I only fear that the Second Young Madam may feel displeased.”

“After all, she took pains to arrange the matter.”

Tang Rong drew a long breath: “Where the Young Madam is less than thorough, you must remind her more in the future.”

“Yes,” she replied.

Tang Rong turned his head slightly toward her: “You have only just returned and I set you to work at once. It is hard on you. Go down and rest.”

“To be able to serve the Heir Apparent again is this old servant’s blessing,” Auntie Cai said with a humble smile. “Even if it is hard, I am delighted.”

Tang Rong’s lips curved faintly. After she offered a few more words of caution, she withdrew. Tang Rong closed his eyes. His fingertips itched to reach for the wound, but he forced himself to resist.