Chapter 5: Born on the Same Day, Same Month, Same Year
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation.
In a hushed, cautious tone, Deng Zhi broached a delicate topic, “Madam, the practice of forging handwriting isn’t rare. It’s possible that this is just a misunderstanding,” her voice noticeably lacking its usual luster.
Madam Xu, however, harbored suspicions not grounded in concrete evidence but rather drawn from speculative connections she had pieced together from Chao Chao’s innocent comments.
Tears swelling in her eyes, Madam Xu commanded with resolve, “Bring a brazier here, and let us keep this matter to ourselves.” Her heart pounded, engulfed in a storm of emotions.
Could it really be him? Had the man she had sacrificed everything for turned against her? Why! It was Lu Yuan Ze who had passionately pursued her, begging her to be his wife.
Now, anger had replaced the despair that once filled Madam Xu, her eyes blazing red with fury.
Reflecting on her life since joining this household, she recalled how Lu Yuan Ze had asked her to teach him her handwriting. Initially, this made her feel a deep sense of belonging, but that feeling had now morphed into a chilling realization of entrapment.
He had often complained about the restrictions imposed by her family, leading her to cut ties with them, ignore their gifts, and even refuse the sour plums her mother had sent to alleviate her morning sickness during pregnancy!
Madam Xu now saw herself trapped in a web of deceit, afraid that any false step might unravel her.
“Beautiful Mama, don’t be afraid. Chao Chao will protect you. Chao Chao loves you, kiss…” her daughter’s innocent voice broke through her thoughts.
Her gaze settled on her daughter, Lu Chao Chao, who looked back at her with unconditional love, her lips puckered in anticipation of a kiss.
“I’ll defend Mama; let’s see who dares to challenge us. Fight, Mama!” Chao Chao declared with the fierce determination only a child could muster.
Embracing Lu Chao Chao, Madam Xu felt a heavy weight lift from her heart. How had she been blessed with such an angelic child?
After a tender embrace and kiss with Lu Chao Chao, Madam Xu placed her down, poured lamp oil over a wooden carving, lit it, and watched as it burned in the brazier, feeling a wave of relief wash over her.
“Madam, you should rest. Your body is still fragile from childbirth; the stress of crying and sweating could harm your health,” Deng Zhi advised, her sympathy deep for her mistress, whose world seemed turned upside down.
Feeling exhausted and close to collapse, Madam Xu recognized the need to take care of herself.
“Please check on Yan Shu, make sure he is well.” Normally, she would have attended to her eldest son herself, but her current condition confined her to her bed.
“The servants are tending to him as you instructed. You needn’t worry,” Deng Zhi reassured her, providing comfort during these turbulent times.
Madam Xu exhaled deeply, her face reflecting profound anxiety.
“Mama, you mustn’t give up. If you falter, we all suffer…” Lu Chao Chao silently encouraged her mother.
Strengthened by her daughter’s silent encouragement, Madam Xu found the resolve to focus on her recovery, particularly important during the sensitive postpartum period. Throughout this time, Lu Yuan Ze hadn’t returned home once, further chilling her heart.
“Have we finalized the date for the baby’s one-month celebration?” Madam Xu inquired, feeling somewhat refreshed after some rest and contemplation.
“The date has been set, and we’ve sent out invitations to Deshan Hall and the Marquis. However, the old madam has expressed some concerns and suggests we might consider a different date,” Ying Xue reported. “The little miss has grown incredibly charming over the past month; it’s truly extraordinary. I’ve never seen such a beautiful baby,” she remarked, her admiration clear.
Hearing this praise, Madam Xu gently stroked her daughter’s cheek. She noted with a sense of isolation that neither the old madam nor her husband had visited during her confinement period after childbirth. She even wondered if the old madam knew of her granddaughter’s birth. Could it be that the child born to the mistress was receiving all the attention?
That child was treated like a treasured possession, whereas her own Chao Chao seemed to be an afterthought, acknowledged only with a modest gift from a nanny. Madam Xu resolved to compensate for this neglect by showering all her love on her daughter.
During their conversation, a servant announced that Nanny Lin had arrived, sent by the old madam.
Deng Zhi welcomed Nanny Lin, who entered the room with a friendly and warm demeanor.
“Madam, the old lady has been unwell, and the Marquis is busy with his duties at court. Perhaps it would be wise to postpone the one-month celebration to the baby’s hundred-day anniversary?” Nanny Lin suggested, appealing to Madam Xu’s renowned benevolence and understanding.
“Hmph, liar! Dad’s attending Lu Jing Yao’s one-month celebration. Don’t listen to her, Mama!” Lu Chao Chao silently protested.
Madam Xu’s heart raced, pondering whether the old madam was aware of these nuances.
“Please tell my mother-in-law that Chao Chao is my only daughter, and I will not allow her to be sidelined. I’ve already invited the grand princess to honor us with her presence, making it now difficult to cancel the celebration,” Madam Xu declared firmly.
Nanny Lin, momentarily taken aback by the stern response, found herself speechless. However, the mention of the grand princess sparked her interest, recognizing that forming a connection with her could greatly benefit the Marquis’s household.
Given that the grand princess was the king’s only sister and had been childless after many years of marriage, she occupied a special place in the king’s heart.
“I will relay your message to the old madam. Given these circumstances, I am confident she will agree,” Nanny Lin concluded, almost certain of the old madam’s forthcoming approval.
However, a complication arose: the old madam and the Marquis had already committed to attending another function, creating a potential scheduling conflict.
Out of personal curiosity, Nanny Lin took a moment to observe the newborn and was immediately struck by her radiant beauty. The baby, with her plump, tender arms reminiscent of lotus roots and her skin glowing with vitality, was undeniably enchanting, outshining the child of the other family in every aspect.
Merely half an hour after Nanny Lin’s departure, word arrived that the old madam had approved the chosen date for the celebration.
That same evening, the Marquis returned home after a prolonged absence.
“Why did you choose the sixth of March? That day…” His tone laced with irritation.
The sixth of March had been earmarked for celebrating the first month of his favored daughter, Jing Yao.
“Husband, you’ve been away for a month, and upon your return, your first act is to find fault with me. I made arrangements on your behalf, even extending an invitation to the grand princess to grace our home. How could that be considered a mistake?” Madam Xu, struggling to hold back her tears, reached for her handkerchief.
“We’re supposed to stand by each other. I’ve always endeavored to be supportive of you. Reflect on our shared history; you are well aware of my character,” Madam Xu implored, urging him to acknowledge her dedication and sincerity.
“I have remained loyal and attentive to my mother-in-law, despite her health challenges, and have consistently shown kindness to my sister-in-law. Have I ever brought dishonor to our family since I became part of it?”
Lu Yuan Ze found himself cornered by his own criticisms, realizing that his wife’s conduct and her illustrious family background surpassed that of his mistress.
“My love, I didn’t intend to reproach you. We’ve grown up together; you understand me better than anyone and have always acted with consideration,” Lu Yuan Ze quickly tried to soothe her, his apology infused with genuine warmth.
“Then assure me, you’ll be here on the sixth of March. It’s possible my elder brother might also be in the capital around that time,” Madam Xu requested, seeking his commitment while drawing nearer to him, the lingering scent of another woman on him stirring a poignant sense of abandonment. She had severed ties with her own family, seldom speaking of her brother.
Despite his initial reluctance, Lu Yuan Ze immediately gave his word.
“No, no, this is dreadful! The Xu family will be embroiled in a scandal concerning witchcraft artifacts on the sixth of March. I must devise a plan to thwart these malefactors…” Lu Chao Chao seemed to communicate, her expression one of genuine concern.
“And regarding my brother-in-law’s anticipated return, he’s expected to receive a promotion, isn’t he?” Lu Yuan Ze inquired, his disdain barely concealed.
Madam Xu offered a gentle smile, “I am merely a woman, detached from the intricacies of court politics. My brother serves on the frontier, where each advancement is the result of confronting danger.”
“Our Chao Chao must indeed be blessed. There has been a severe drought in the north, causing much suffering. Yet, on the day Chao Chao arrived, the heavens opened, allowing us to distribute sweets in celebration,” Madam Xu shared, her voice brimming with pride as she reminisced about sharing sweets to commemorate the occasion.
Lu Yuan Ze’s face momentarily softened as he listened, but soon after, his thoughts drifted, his attention meandering as he stared off into the distance.