Chapter 12: Chastising the Old Madam
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
The servants had gathered outside the Virtue and Kindness Hall while the Old Madam was still having her meal.
“What is this ruckus outside? How unseemly. How is Madam Xu managing the household? It’s becoming more and more disgraceful,” the Old Madam scoffed, her tone full of disdain.
“They claim she’s the daughter of a prominent family in the capital, but look at her now. Just ordinary.” She continued coldly, “Back then, my son knelt outside her family’s residence for three days and three nights, and they called it a gracious match. Now the entire Xu family has been imprisoned.”
The Old Madam’s expression showed a trace of scorn. She was still simmering with resentment over the recent thunder-strike incident, which had become the talk of the city. Yet, the downfall of the Xu family brought her some measure of satisfaction.
Nanny Lin returned with a report. “Old Madam, it seems the Third Young Master’s book boys committed a transgression. He’s now having the entire courtyard witness their punishment.”
After a pause, she added, “If memory serves, those two lads came from Virtue and Kindness Hall.”
The Old Madam’s face darkened. [Wasn’t this an insult to Virtue and Kindness Hall?]
Supported by Nanny Lin, she stood and headed out immediately.
By the time she arrived, the servants had already gathered. Anxiety showed on their faces as they glanced nervously at the two book boys bound in the center.
“What nonsense is this? What crime have they committed that warrants such punishment? Are we a noble house that casually disregards human lives?” The Old Madam leaned on her cane, her expression stormy. Publicly punishing servants she had sent was tantamount to slapping her face.
Madam Xu bowed politely to the Old Madam.
“Old Madam, these two wretches have deceived their master and led Yuan Xiao astray, luring him to gamble. They are corrupting him!” she declared angrily.
“They came from Virtue and Kindness Hall, personally chosen by Mother. If we don’t make an example of them, won’t it show that anyone can deceive you? People might even believe you deliberately raised your grandson poorly.”
At the mention of gambling, the Old Madam’s brows furrowed deeply. She turned to look at the two boys, who trembled in fear, their eyes full of desperation and silent pleas.
“Save us, Old Madam! It was Pei…” Before they could finish, the Old Madam’s personal nannies quickly gagged them.
The Old Madam’s eyelid twitched. These book boys had been sent by Pei Jiao Jiao, the mistress of Lu Yuan Ze.
Madam Xu glanced at her, fists clenching slowly.
“Today, all of you will watch closely! See the fate of traitors!” With a single gesture, Madam Xu ordered the punishment to begin.
The courtyard echoed with the sound of sticks striking flesh.
The two book boys, bound to benches, were gagged tightly to muffle their cries. Sweat poured from their foreheads, and their tear-filled eyes stayed locked on the Old Madam, pleading silently.
Each blow landed heavier than the last. Within half an hour, blood splattered everywhere, pooling beneath the benches. Their faces turned pale and bluish, blood dripping from their mouths. Their limp bodies collapsed, a bloody mess. The surrounding servants were silent, some maids even bursting into tears from fright.
The Old Madam took a step back, horrified.
“Old Madam, let’s return to the hall,” Nanny Lin whispered, sensing the Old Madam’s trembling.
The scene of the two bloodied boys flashed in the Old Madam’s mind whenever she closed her eyes. She felt as though the punishment wasn’t just meted out on the servants but had struck her as well. Shaken, she allowed Nanny Lin to half-support, half-carry her back.
“Eating my food, breaking my bowls. If you wish to die, I won’t stop you!” Madam Xu’s voice was resolute. Known for her gentle and virtuous reputation, this was the first time she’d executed servants so harshly. The entire household felt on edge.
After administering punishment, she publicly rewarded Lu Yuan Xiao’s loyal servant. It was a harsh warning before sending everyone back.
[Mother is amazing. Mother is so impressive…] thought Lu Chao Chao.
Madam Xu’s heart weighed heavy. She didn’t even glance at Lu Yuan Xiao. The boy trailed behind her, tears streaming down his face.
“Mother, I know I was wrong,” he sobbed, finally realizing the depths of his danger. For three days, he had lost himself entirely. If not for this lesson, he might have gone past the point of no return.
“Mother, please don’t ignore me. It’s my fault for straying and making you angry,” he cried, kneeling before her once they were inside.
Seeing this, Deng Zhi wiped her tears in secret. The Marquis kept a mistress, even fathering children with her, hiding it from Madam Xu. Her three children were either useless or troublemakers, leaving Madam Xu to endure silently.
Madam Xu’s eyes reddened as she helped her son up.
“It’s my fault for neglecting you, allowing others to take advantage,” she said softly. How had her obedient and thoughtful child changed so drastically? The bitterness and grievances in her heart had no outlet, no one to trust.
After reviewing the servants in her son’s courtyard, she found few who were reliable. Fear settled deep within her. [Father keeps a mistress, and her children are clever and promising. But Mother’s children? Crippled, idle, and disgraced. How can she endure living as a constant foil?]
[Third Brother is so disappointing.] Lu Chao Chao sighed heavily.
Lu Yuan Xiao’s crying abruptly stopped. Mistress… Mistress?! Father has a mistress?!
He raised his head sharply.
“It’s not Mother’s fault. It’s my lack of self-control, my love for games. I took advantage of Father and Mother’s love and lost my way.” He paused, carefully observing his mother. When had she grown so haggard? When had her face lost its warmth?
“Father and Mother can’t always shield me. I must strive to improve myself so that you can rely on me in the future,” Madam Xu murmured, her gaze unfocused.
“Father dotes on you, and you’re famous for your love. Doesn’t everyone in the capital envy you?” Lu Yuan Xiao asked deliberately.
Madam Xu caressed his face, her posture wavering slightly.
“Your father…” she fell silent, not saying another word.
Lu Yuan Xiao’s lips pressed into a thin line, unease gripping his heart. After admitting his fault, he shared a meal with his mother and secretly gathered information from Listening Wind Courtyard.
To his shock, he learned that since Madam Xu gave birth to Lu Chao Chao two months ago, his father hadn’t visited her once. Not even when her family was arrested. Chills spread through his body.
In his memories, his father was strict but loving, his parents’ marriage harmonious and full of affection. The manor had no concubines; any maid attempting to seduce his father was promptly dismissed. Madam Xu had even wept with gratitude.
For years, his father’s thoughtfulness had allowed Madam Xu to dedicate herself to managing the household. People praised him as a devoted husband. But now, discovering that he kept a mistress and had children with her, Lu Yuan Xiao felt cold all over.
He thought back to how the book boys coaxed him to skip school, insult his tutors, and gamble. Now, he felt only fear.
[If I am severed from my mother, her left and right hand destroyed, how can she survive?]
That night, Lu Yuan Xiao dusted off his neglected Four Books and Five Classics and sat by the window, earnestly studying.