He Jiao took note of all the changes of her mistress.
Having watched her grow from a baby to a married woman, she knew her mistress from the inside out. Of course, there were hidden secrets she would never be privy to, she was not a mind reader, but Zhang Xuehua sought her confidence in her secrets.
The conflicting feelings Zhang Xuehua felt for her parents was not hard to hide in private. Zhang Xuehua cared for them, loved them even, but their inattentiveness frayed their familiar bonds. Even more so after opportunities she was promised were rescinded, given to her eldest brother to give him face.
Despite not being given honors, Zhang Xuehua was still a great cultivator in the nearby areas. She was never allowed away from her natal sect by Zhang Furen's orders while Zhang Gongzi was allowed further than the sect. Her talent transcended their area, prompting many to request her assistance. The same gesture was extended to the second eldest son to the youngest sibling. To the minor sects, the Zhang siblings created their own legacies, leaving their eldest brother to be given his birthright in relative peace.
Zhang Xuehua mastered all of her studies while growing stronger as a cultivator. Becoming an example for her little sisters to follow. Their elder sister's marriage to a sect leader was the right incentive for them to accept nothing but the best husband for their marriages. Well, Zhang Furen selected the right husband for them, of course.
Last He Jiao heard, the youngest Zhang sisters married out the sect to wonderful families who expressed their approval and affection.
He Jiao was certain Wen Zongzhu picked Zhang Xuehua for her level of cultivation. Her golden core would be valuable in giving Wen Zongzhu powerful children. There were other women from one of the great five sects, kissing up to Qishan Wen for an alliance, but Zhang Xuehua was selected by Wen Zongzhu himself.
Zhang Furen accepted the betrothal before Zhang Xuehua even heard a rumor of it.
Wen Zongzhu's tolerance to his wife's seclusion was a sign of his possible affection. Had he been a different husband, he wouldn't have let her lay about her rooms, doing none of her wifely duties outside of the mandatory once a month copulation. Wen Zongzhu was the one who handled the paperwork on top of his sect duties. Even if he was dismissive of his wife, he never forced her to do anything she wanted to do.
All He Jiao cared about was her mistress' well-being. Wen Zongzhu never laid a finger on Zhang Xuehua, unless it was during their nights together to create another child.
The fear of abuse lingered in He Jiao's inner thoughts.
Wen Zongzhu was an extremely controlling man. As expected of a leader of a large sect that was always expanding. His reputation as an arrogant and violent man was not for show. The servants in Qishan Wen were meticulous in not messing up near Wen Zongzhu. He showed no mercy to those who didn't serve him well. His own elders tiptoed around their Zongzhu, not wanting to be dismissed because of a sudden anger burst from the man.
At the beginning, these rumors did somewhat scare Zhang Xuehua. Yet, the benefits of being kept hidden from her natal sect and being pampered for the remainder of her life soothed down her concerns. Zhang Xuehua could remain ignorant behind those large borders and live without concerns.
And she had every right to relish in her state of comfort.
Although, the leisure lifestyle impacted Zhang Xuehua more than she cared to acknowledge. She lost herself in her thoughts, not wanting to engage with anyone outside of her rooms. A looming cloud of sadness persisted after the birth of her son. The twinkle in her eyes lessened to a dim.
No matter what He Jiao did, Zhang Xuehua had not broken out of this fog.
In recent weeks, He Jiao dared to hope for a new horizon.
The latest night with Wen Zongzhu transformed her mistress into a new woman. There was a sparkle in Zhang Xuehua's eyes as she spoke to her. The mischievous lacing of her tone was unexpected. She appeared excited over having spent the night with her own husband, going so far as to inform her of Wen Zongzhu's satisfaction .
During the previous months of going through her duty, Zhang Xuehua muttered, "It was fine." Almost tired of having gone through the act itself.
This new woman was eager, thrilled to have made an impression on her powerful husband. Asking questions about her family while she left her section of the sect for the first time in years . Even running back to her wing to retrieve her own son and began spending time with him.
The sight of Young Master Wen's eager twinkling eyes was too much for He Jiao to bear. The young master yearned for his mother, wanting her to come around more often. He Jiao could only soothe him down enough with promises of future visits.
Her promises were not broken.
Zhang Xuehua yanked herself out of her self imposed seclusion and began taking the reins of her life.
He Jiao let herself cry after everyone went to bed and she finished her duties for the night. There were nights where she couldn't sleep well, tossing and turning, thoughts circulating around her mistress.
That night, she slept deeply.
Her wishes and desires were answered.
All she wanted was for her mistress to blossom alongside her new husband. For Zhang Xuehua to become happy and fulfill her dreams of freedom. Adding in a resurgence in cultivation was an added bonus. He Jiao knew her mistress had not abandoned physical and meditational aspects of her training. Her golden core wouldn't have been sparkling strong and bright. Her muscles would have dissolved from misuse.
Outside her view, Zhang Xuehua continued the discipline she learned from her Shifu in the Zhang sect. Underneath the blank face, her automatic daily exercise kept her from simply melting onto her bedding.
But, she didn't use her sword. She ordered He Jiao to keep it hidden from sight in order to stop herself from using it.
He Jiao remembered that faithful first night.
After unpacking her mistress' possessions, Zhang Xuehua arrived at her new rooms, accompanied by Qishan Wen servants. Her mistress was beautiful in red robes. Every inch of expensive fabric was embroidered with gold patterns. Her make up was done by He Jiao's hand, well placed and purposeful to amplify her features. The veil was prepared by her mistress' sisters, who cried rivers of tears before she left.
Once the Qishan Wen servants left, He Jiao removed her mistress' sword from her possessions. Ready to place it against her vanity in case she needed to grab it. Of course, being a newly married woman, she didn't need to use a sword to consummate her marriage.
Her mistress' visceral reaction to her sword was heartbreaking to see.
" Put it away, I can't… I can't bear to see her."
"But, Wen Furen. You're a cultivator. A cultivator is no one without their weapon."
"I'm married now. I can't…be a cultivator anymore."
He Jiao followed her orders. Making sure to wrap her sword in silks and the softest of materials. Zhang Xuehua might have locked away her sword, but He Jiao felt in her heart that she would open those doors and take the sword out herself.
Three years passed before effective change happened. Vast changes where Qishan Wen fluttered with whispers about seeing their Wen Furen making her appearance. How Zhang Xuehua was planning out her entrance to the clan itself.
Peeking into her mistress' rooms, He Jiao saw her sleeping away. Limbs splayed all over her bed, her blanket half haphazardly on her body as she lightly snored.
Closing the door, He Jiao left to check on Wen Gongzi, then to the kitchens.
He Jiao's body filled with satisfaction and the nervousness of the last few years slipped off her shoulders.
She couldn't be prouder of her mistress.
"The young miss is exceptionally brilliant!" Shifu proclaimed out loud as Zhang Xuehua completed her set without mistakes. His usual frown quirked up in a satisfied smile. "Zhang Zongzhu, you should be proud. Your daughter will serve your sect well."
Zhang Zongzhu, who left his wife's side to do his daily walk through his sect. He usually walked through the training grounds giving his disciples a glance before he disappeared out of sight. On this day, he stuck around to watch his daughter with interest.
His presence was a surprise visit to the senior disciples who rarely saw him away from his needy wife. The newer disciples showed off, wanting their sect leader to see their improvements.
Due to her enhanced hearing, Zhang Xuehua forced herself not to look in their direction. Her Shifu's compliments were rare, giving sparingly to almost all the Zhang sect disciples. She wanted to stop, turn to them, and preen, but she controlled herself.
The thought of being in the line of sight of Shifu's glare of disappointment was something she wanted to avoid.
So far, she had not received this glare due to her meticulous hard work.
In the training grounds, she was a cultivator, not a young miss of a sect. Everyone addressed her as Zhang Shimei or Zhang Shijie. She proved her abilities through hard work and hidden tears in Ze Gege's arms.
Her Ze Gege never begrudged her for crying. He soothed down her anguish through well placed words and further instructed her whenever time allotted Zhang Xuehua to do so. Her extra lessons in etiquette and the arts kept her for most of her afternoons.
Her grace and control of her body brought awe in the Zhang sect disciples. Her and Mingzhu moved as one unit, never straying from the examples of the Zhang sect poses. A mixture of larger sect examples, but with a flair of the Zhang sect.
All her hard work paid off.
She succeeded in making Shifu proud of her.
Her father's incredulous tone of Shifu's immense compliment stung deeply. "Head disciple?"
"Yes." Shifu hummed. "She's a good candidate in my opinion."
Zhang Zongzhu's voice stuttered when he spoke. "Shifu-"
Shifu's voice went icy. "I would prefer not to have to fight you on this observation, Zhang Zongzhu."
Zhang Xuehua transitioned into another form. Shivers coursed through her body, causing her to miss her position by a small fraction. She redid the position, making sure to capture the movement correctly.
"Who else will lead these young disciples to greatness?" Shifu harrumphed. "Your eldest cannot command the disciples as well as your other children. I look for talent , not birthright."
"Shifu, I..."
"I am planning to leave, Zhang Zongzhu." Shifu informed him. "You've known of my plans for years. Yet, you continue to leave this vital spot empty to soothe your wife's whims. Be far from it from me to criticize your marriage. I chose not to marry in this lifetime. I have yet to regret this decision. But I advise settling this issue sooner than later."
Talk of the lead disciple brought tension between the Zhang siblings.
Well, tension between Zhang Haoran and the younger Zhang siblings. Zhang Xuehua was especially distant from her eldest brother, finding whatever solid excuses to not be in his presence.
Everyone knew that the head disciple role remained empty because of Shifu's persistence in wanting a talented cultivator in this position. Nepotism was never an option. Finding the idea of giving the position because the person was a future sect leader was a foolish move.
Despite Zhang Furen's insistence, Shifu kept this position open for anyone to strive hard for.
Bringing continual contempt between Zhang Furen and Shifu.
Due to busy scheduling, Zhang Yize, Zhang Xuehua's second oldest brother, was currently on a mission. Word spread to him through a courier, bringing a congratulatory letter to Zhang Xuehua's desk.
Zhang Xuehua listened to her little sisters awed compliments over their elder sister's supposed new role. She tried not to let the words get to her head. Constant disappointment was enough to cause hesitation inside of her heart. She didn't dare stew in pride to guard her heart from the inevitable retraction.
Days of thought prompted her to speak to her parents. After all, she had nothing to lose in bringing up her opinion on this whole situation.
She waited until the end of a busy week for her to make her move.
Having intercepted a servant who carried the tea tray for her parents' nightly teatime, Zhang Xuehua used this as an excuse to enter her parents' wing of Zhang manor. Unless it was an emergency, or Zhang Haoran, none of the Zhang siblings were allowed to enter. This was presumptuous of her to do, but she wanted to speak to them about this rumor.
Her hand paused before she knocked on the wooden sliding door. The nagging awkwardness of disturbing her parents caused her to hesitate. They might reject her from even walking inside of their area.
And from the sounds of her mother's echoing voice, they would turn her away.
"No, no!" Zhang Furen snapped. "This is unacceptable! A-Ran is supposed to be the head disciple!"
Zhang Zongzhu sighed. "San Niang, Shifu is getting impatient in having the head disciple role remain empty. He spoke of leaving our sect to explore newer ventures and would feel more comfortable leaving a head disciple in his place. The fact he stayed this long is a blessing."
"Because you keep relenting to his whims! A-Ran is your heir, he deserves the position!"
"Do you have any idea how many disciples would be perfect for the role? Many. And two of them are our own children." Zhang Zongzhu inquired. "I am thinking of the future of this sect. We won't elevate if our disciples' numbers are low."
Zhang Furen scoffed. "You act as if we don't have multiple inquiries by new disciples wanting to enter this sect."
"The disciples prefer A-Hua and A-Ze!" Zhang Zongzhu raised his voice. "Don't think I sit behind my desk all day and don't speak to my own disciples! If we place Haoran as Lead Disciple, none of the disciples will respect him."
"Then, run them out! We have no need for disloyal disciples." Zhang Furen harrumphed. "Besides, A-Hua will soon start her wife training. Remember, she will be married out, she won't stay here. Her being the head disciple is a waste of time!"
Zhang Xuehua bit the inside of her cheek and let out a shaky slow breath.
She crouched low to set down the tray. She mentally excused this action through claiming her arms were cramped from keeping the same position. This was incorrect. Emotions swelled inside of her chest, causing tears to prickle inside of her eyes.
This was so unfair.
Zhang Haoran received everything just because he was the eldest and a son.
She hastily wiped away her tears before she retreated from the area. Being caught by her parents was a humiliating thought. She knew her mother wouldn't soothe her sadness, reproaching her for eavesdropping. Her father would make an attempt, but side with her mother in the end.
Being lost in her frantic thoughts, she didn't watch where she was going. She bumped into someone who wrapped their arms around her. Before she fought off the embrace, she inhaled her second eldest brother's familiar scent.
Ze Gege.
He always smelled of freshly ground dirt and musk.
"Meimei. It will be alright." Zhang Yize patted the top of Zhang Xuehua's head.
The fact she just returned from her parent's section meant she heard their argument. There was nothing more he needed to ask to inquire why she was upset. Her frown and unshed tears told him everything he needed to know.
"Do you want to be a lead disciple?"
Zhang Xuehua wiped away another set of tears. "Even if I want to be a lead disciple, A-Niang will force me to quit for….you know…"
Zhang Yize grumbled. "Yeah…I know…" He pressed a kiss on top of Zhang Xuehua's head. "She did the same guilt trip on me when Shifu wanted me to take on the mantle and made a convincing argument with A-Die. I prepared myself for the ceremony and the rumor spread through the disciples."
Snapping her head up, Zhang Xuehua's eyes widened. "I always wondered why you were not given the role. Ze Gege, you're an amazing cultivator!"
Zhang Yize let out a sigh. "I can't be better than A-Niang's precious son. Not that holding back did anything, Shifu still noticed and tried to push the issue. A-Die folded after A-Niang cried in his lap, wanting her precious Zhang Haoran to take on the role. The lead disciple has been left empty because Shifu fought against the issue. A-Niang can't fire him, he's one of the few cultivators willing to work in such a small sect."
Zhang Xuehua cuddled against Zhang Yize's side in an attempt to hide her displeasure. "I think we will only find happiness away from here."
"Away?" Zhang Yize inquired. "Being a lead disciple is not that big of an issue-"
"Then, why is A-Niang insistent that we lower our talents because Zhang Haoran can't perform his superior might over us? Why can't we have something to call our own?" Zhang Xuehua ranted. "The only way I can do that is getting married and leaving this sect. Ze Gege, would you play with the idea of marrying out of this sect?"
Zhang Yize went silent. He rubbed down Zhang Xuehua's trembling back, doing his best to calm her down.
He leaned closer to her ear, admitting. "Yes. If there is a bride from a richer family willing to take me, I will marry into her family and leave. I care little if A-Niang cries that my bride should marry into the Zhang's. I'm not subjecting her to his madness."
Zhang Xuehua wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly. "You have my full support, Ze Gege."
"Thank you, Meimei."
The Zhang disciples muttered in confusion as the ceremony for the lead disciple was held. The recipient of the role was given to Zhang Haoran, not Zhang Xuehua.
Rumors of Zhang Xuehua being given the role was a prevalent rumor. With as much validity as Zhang Yize's previous announcement of being the next head disciple. Yet, Zhang Yize backed out, citing wanting to work on his own cultivation before taking on the responsibility of leading the disciples. Which was odd, Zhang Yize already helped Shifu in training with no issues whatsoever.
The disciples knew the real reason behind this ceremony. Zhang Furen, once again, forced Zhang Zongzhu's hand in giving their eldest son the title of head disciple.
This was quite apparent when the second eldest son and eldest daughter were stone faced throughout the ceremony. Showing no form of support for their eldest brother, who stood before them, accepting the role with a stiff nod.
"Children, come congratulate your elder brother." Zhang Furen beamed in delight, seemingly ignoring the tension of the training grounds.
Zhang Yize broke from their group, walking up to Zhang Haoran with an expressionless face.
Zhang Xuehua managed to catch Zhang Yize's hiss. "Remember, you only got this role because A-Niang cried to father to reject your own siblings for your sake." Zhang Yize slapped Zhang Haoran's back. "Enjoy being third place."
Zhang Xuehua thought she saw flickers of hurt in Zhang Haoran's eyes, but she pushed away the thought. He didn't have to work hard to gain their mother's affection. The mere fact he was born first and was a boy solidified his place in their mother's heart.
Their mother was ignorant of her eldest two sons' tension as she happily spoke to Zhang Zongzhu. Zhang Zongzhu sneaked glances at the awkwardly quiet disciples and his children. Shifu in particular appeared as if someone soiled his shoes.
When he locked eyes with Zhang Xuehua, she immediately turned away from him. Having known he would give into her mother's demands; he should have never given her hope for a role Zhang Haoran would receive.
"My apologies, but I am feeling peckish." Zhang Xuehua said out loud, prompting her two little sisters to say the same. "If there is nothing else, we will be taking our leave."
Awaiting no dismissal, Zhang Xuehua quickly walked away from the training grounds, her younger sisters rushing along with her. Zhang Yize caught up with them, his irritation at this farce of a ceremony apparent on his face.
Not wanting to ruin their appetite through sitting at this celebratory dinner, they decided to eat outside of the sect. Zhang Yize and Zhang Xuehua fought to pay for their whole dinner, causing their younger sisters to laugh. After they finished eating, they went on a little excursion through the market.
The punishment that happened due to their absence only brought the siblings closer together.
In the midst of her growth as a woman, Zhang Xuehua felt the pressures of her gender. Before she blossomed, the restrictions were absent, letting her believe she could continue on her usual cultivation adventures. Once she grew old enough, her father spoke of betrothals and finding someone for his eldest daughter.
Safe to say, Zhang Xuehua grew anxious about her mannerisms and behavior. Despite her growing reputation as a cultivator, she was yanked out of missions more often than not. The excuse of expanding her quality as a woman was used to keep her from accompanying the Zhang disciples.
Signs of rebelling were soon curbed by her parents. Well, her mother's sudden interest in her daughter yanked Zhang Xuehua from the thought of fighting against her wishes. For the first time in years, her mother paid close attention to her.
This attention soon expedited when Zhang Yize married out of the sect.
Zhang Yize's marriage to a higher-ranking sect brought Zhang Furen's attention onto her eldest daughter. There was no anger in her eyes over her son's decision. Not at all. She saw the opportunity of rising up the ranks for Zhang Haoran to receive benefits of his siblings' marriages. He could even marry a woman from one of the big four sects.
Zhang Xuehua's freedom as a cultivator ceased the moment her mother began rushing her wife lessons. Even if Zhang Xuehua wanted to fight against her mother, filial piety and growing insecurities caused her to cave.
The previous bravery of her youth dwindled down. Comparisons between her outer appearance and other women soon began. Her mother's nitpicking and overbearing interest in marrying her off brought Zhang Xuehua to tolerate her well-meaning lectures.
Of course, she used herself as a shield for her younger sisters to enjoy their remaining moments of freedom. Considering that once Zhang Xuehua married out, her sisters would be the next in being betrothed.
She prayed their marriages would be peaceful and a shield to their natal sect.
Opening her new light brown eyes, the Dreamer processed the memories of the Original.
As she slowly awakened, the buildup of indignation was hard to ignore.
Seeing through her eyes and feeling her emotions, brought on a new level of understanding to her downfall in her insecurities. The brave and outspoken girl was pushed down into the mold of a proper wife through years of disappointments. Wanting crumbs of attention from her mother, a woman whose attention was placed on elevating her eldest son.
The Dreamer ran her hands over her face, exhaling harshly.
She understood the sentiment of making one's parents proud. Memories of her mother's reaction to her announcement of being an accountant was of pure joy. The same expression she showed to the rest of her children who chose work in blue collared or medical careers. She just wanted them all to find their fulfillment and happiness.
Zhang Furen only sprinkled attention to her other children when it came to finding perfect betrothals for them. The secondhand benefit for Zhang Haoran was her mission all along. The Zhang children discovered her intentions through overhearing her speaking to their new family's matriarchs, searching for a proper wife for her son. Instead of using a matchmaker or having attended gatherings, she thought using her children's new families for match matching as appropriate.
Zhang Xuehua couldn't leave her natal sect fast enough.
The notoriety of Qishan Wen kept her parents from thinking of coincidentally passing by. Wen Ruohan terrified them just as much as they respected his power.
"Yeah…fuck that shit." Dreamer sat up, glancing at her wardrobe which housed her new sword. "Mingzhu is not going to gather dust. Original, I have to repeat this in case you're out there somewhere."
She breathed in and exhaled.
"No offense, but I am not going to vie for your mother's attention. She's a bitch. My own mother would have never tolerated this sort of bullshit." Tapping her chest, she added in. "I understand your inner turmoil in having to produce an heir and remembering your own brother's preference over you and your siblings. You didn't want to repeat the same behavior, but you loved your son so much. Depression is such a bitch to handle."
A sense of understanding washed over the Dreamer.
Interesting.
It appeared the Original Zhang Xuehua lingered around. Watching the Dreamer adjust to her place in relative silence, maybe as a means of protection or to see if she didn't screw up badly.
Either way, Dreamer would try her best to make use of her new life.
Smiling lightly, she beamed. "Original, be reassured that I won't ruin your reputation. I already have so many ideas to keep everyone from dying. You can be sure of that."
As she got ready for the day, Zhang Xuehua brought out Mingzhu from her dust filled dungeon. Her sword sang in delight when she unsheathed the sword to gaze on the pearl sheen of the blade. Through using Original's memory, she connected herself to the sword, mending the fraying bond between sword and cultivator.
Zhang Xuehua shivered from the intensity of the bond. Mingzhu didn't speak in the normal sense, but the sense of reprimanding was clear in the energy. All Zhang Xuehua could do was mutter apologies, apologizing for Original and for her own lack of action in taking her out the dark and gloomy closet.
"You probably heard from the closet," Zhang Xuehua chuckled as she felt a spark of indignation. "Yes, yes. This humble one apologizes for her actions. I have so much to tell you."
Spending time informing Mingzhu of her new life, using Original's memories, the sword slowly soothed down. Previous annoyance of being abandoned clung to the sword, but she somewhat forgave Zhang Xuehua for her ignorance.
By the time He Jiao arrived, Zhang Xuehua had found the belt that was previously used to keep the sword on her waist. She couldn't help but tie the belt over her sleeping robes to display her sword.
At the sight of her sword, He Jiao didn't bat an eye before dressing her in Wen Sect robes. He Jiao's sudden impulse to hum brought amusement to Zhang Xuehua. Even He Jiao was happy for the reappearance of Mingzhu.
Out of all the inhabitants of her wing of the Wen sect, Wen Xu was the most excited to see Mingzhu on her hip.
"A-Niang! You have a sword?!" Wen Xu ran away from his nanny and slammed against Zhang Xuehua's legs.
Giving Wen Jia a smile and a nod, Zhang Xuehua winked down at her son. "Yup! Kept her hidden out of sight and everything." She crouched down, picked up her son, and placed him on her right hip. "I thought it was about time to bring her out."
Wen Xu moved around to get a better peek at the sleek black sheath. "What's its name?"
"Her name is Mingzhu." Zhang Xuehua answered.
"Why Mingzhu?" Wen Xu wrinkled his nose. "The sword doesn't look like a pearl."
"Not until I unsheathe my sword." Zhang Xuehua told Wen Xu. "How about this? Why don't you accompany me to meet with the staff leads? I might not be able to visit you at all today once I finish my rounds."
Wen Xu pushed out his lips in thought. "Hmm… okay." He nodded his head. "I will go with A-Niang."
Zhang Xuehua pressed a kiss against his temple. "Then, it's settled!" She looked at Wen Jia when she said. "I'll be taking Xu-er for the day. Everyone may have the day off."
Wen Jia appeared visibly excited while the other caretakers whispered in delight. As Zhang Xuehua, Wen Xu, and He Jiao left Wen Xu's bedroom, the whispers soon grew loud and cheers spread throughout the women.
Zhang Xuehua chuckled. "Goodness, a day off work seems to have brightened up their day."
Zhang Xuehua was glad for this body's hidden upkeep of her body. Original might have kept to herself in her rooms, but she made sure to exercise behind closed doors. The cultivation forms were almost second nature to Zhang Xuehua's body. Her vitality would have weakened to the point where Dreamer wouldn't have been able to carry Wen Xu. The toddler was more or less living in her arms.
Zhang Xuehua knew this would be an issue when Wen Xu grew older. The boy was always eager for her to pick him up whenever they crossed paths. As much as she tried to backtrack on this habit, but one look at his sparkling brown eyes and she caved.
Sue her, Wen Xu was an adorable child.
As they grew closer to their location, she spoke to Wen Xu about listening and watching her interactions with the leads of the various departments of Qishan Wen. Wen Xu was the future sect leader. He needed to see a multitude of examples on how to interact with people. If Wen Xu followed Wen Ruohan's example, he wouldn't gain the confidence of his servants.
Zhang Xuehua loved his assertiveness and power, but Wen Xu was his own person. She knew he was a calculating and pondering sort of young man in the future. He could emulate his father in his own improved ways.
Zhang Xuehua said. "Now, Xu-er, as you grow older, you will learn the power of listening."
"Listening?"
"Yes." Zhang Xuehua poked his nose. "I know it's hard for a growing child to pay attention, but you will find that people respond well to a listening ear. Even faking attentiveness is a good way to gain information."
Wen Xu nodded his head.
"Currently, A-Niang is reintegrating into Qishan Wen. I can't lead this household without getting to know every single lead and those employed under their watch."
Wen Xu huffed out. "Why do I need to know about the servants?"
"Because knowing every single aspect of your sect will help you run it better." She answered. "Of course, Wen Zongzhu is far too busy to recall such details. Which leaves me as the one to keep track of everything for him to have less to worry about."
Wen Xu hummed. "So…I don't have to actually listen?"
Zhang Xuehua pinched his chubby cheek. "Hey, hey, I didn't say that. Is my position not important, Xu-er?"
Thinking he offended her; Wen Xu hunched his shoulders. "No! A-Niang is important!" He peeked through his long lashes. "Are you mad?"
Zhang Xuehua placed a kiss on his cheek, calming down his panic. "I'm not mad. You're learning. All a mother wants is for her children to be open to learning. In fact, I never stopped learning something new every single day."
Which wasn't an exaggeration.
This new way of life was a vast contrast to her cushy life in the modern era. Her expected amenities were not accessible or backtracked to the dark ages.
The idea of not having an accessible shower was mind boggling. She was accustomed to hopping into a shower at a moment's notice. Now, she needed to wait on other people to boil water for her bathtub and use less than pleasing bath products.
Sighing, she kissed Wen Xu's cheek again. "I won't get mad if you get bored. You're still so little-"
"Not little!" Wen Xu pouted. "I'm a big boy."
Zhang Xuehua bit back a laugh and conceded to Wen Xu's declaration. "Why, of course. You're growing into a fine young boy. And this young boy will be a good boy for his mother, right?"
Wen Xu nodded his head fiercely, determination clear in his eyes.
Zhang Xuehua knocked on the door to the servants' quarters and a young girl opened the door. Her indifferent expression changed in an instant. Upon recognizing Zhang Xuehua and Wen Xu, she scrambled back inside to look for her lead.
Zhang Xuehua suspected the added urgency came from the sight of her sword. The servant girl peeked down at her waist, almost palling at seeing Mingzhu.
Which was to be expected, Zhang Xuehua hid her sword. Many of the servants assumed she didn't have a weapon, but only a golden core. Possibly leaving her sword back in her natal sect on account of marrying such a powerful cultivator.
Despite Zhang Furen's insistence for Zhang Xuehua to leave her sword behind, she disobeyed her mother one last time and brought Mingzhu in between her personal items.
Once the lead servant arrived, the reintroductions started.
The inclusion of her son brought a level of comfort to every single interaction. Their eyes sparkled at the sight of their future sect leader. Wen Xu rarely left his area of Zhang Xuehua's section of the manor home, which made his presence a welcome sight.
"This one is grateful for your patience," Zhang Xuehua bowed her head. "I wanted to reintroduce myself before I begin looking through the sect's budget logs. Worry not, I will do my best to balance all the departments for higher budget potential and possible raises depending on the year's revenue."
She repeated the same sentiment to every single department head she spoke to.
The lead servant bowed deeper than Zhang Xuehua to shield her sheepishness over her politeness.
Zhang Xuehua listened to her concerns over cleaning products, limited servant robes, anything the lead servant managed to think about on the spot. Making mental notes of everything, Zhang Xuehua excused herself to go to the next department lead.
The lead gardener shuffled into an awkward salute, accidentally flicking dirt onto her robes. Zhang Xuehua ignored the dirt as she continued on speaking.
The kitchen lead bowed low as well. Offering a small snack to mother and son as Zhang Xuehua inquired about the kitchen utensils and access to water sources and wood.
As Wen Xu ate his fill, Zhang Xuehua listened well while observing the kitchen. She hid her astonishment at seeing gold accents on random kitchen wares.
By the end of the morning excursion, Wen Xu passed far beyond his usual nap. Zhang Xuehua put aside the idea of speaking to the lead disciple and Qishan Wen's shifu for another day. Wen Xu needed to have a nap in the privacy of his rooms.
"Ah, Wen Furen, Wen Gongzi." An elder called to them as they entered the main entertainment room on her way to their section. "You are both a welcome sight to witness on this bright sunny day."
Zhang Xuehua turned to him, recognizing him as one of the few elders Wen Ruohan respected, Wen Liang. He outlived more than two sect leaders and won the respect of all three sect leaders, gaining him the untouchable reputation in Qishan Wen. The one who was able to temper through Wen Ruohan's worse bursts of anger and soothed them down with the experience of a saint.
Best not to snub the man and walk away. After all, this old man might turn into a great asset for her in the near future. He was already as close to a confidant to Wen Ruohan as he could get.
"Elder Liang." Zhang Xuehua managed to bow with Wen Xu in her arms.
Wen Xu managed a decent bow as Zhang Xuehua kept a good grip on him. Otherwise, he would have fallen face first onto the floor. Not that Zhang Xuehua would have let him fall in the first place.
"It is such a pleasure to see you." Zhang Xuehua smiled.
Elder Liang bowed deeply. "I express the same sentiment." He smiled down at Wen Xu. "I am glad to see you and Wen Gongzi outside of your area. I wondered if you would ever bring him out to show the young one off."
Zhang Xuehua adjusted Wen Xu onto one arm to rub the back of her neck. "I wanted to keep Xu-er to myself for another while longer."
Elder Liang hummed. "Talk of your sudden trips have spread throughout Qishan Wen. Why the sudden strolls?"
"I began speaking to the lead staff leaders and some of the main servants to reintroduce myself." Zhang Xuehua informed him. "I found it best to show my face and restart communications. After all, I am going to begin my duties as Wen Zongzhu's spouse."
Elder Liang nodded his head in approval. "Ah, good. Good. I have all the confidence that you will succeed in this endeavor. It is about time you have resumed your role in this sect." He addressed Wen Xu. "Wen Gongzi, how are you feeling today?"
"Happy!" Wen Xu answered. "A-Niang has seen me every single day. I have been waking her up from her sleep too."
Elder Liang let out a chuckle.
Their communication lasted another five minutes before Wen Liang dismissed himself. "I have taken far too much of your time, Wen Furen."
"Not at all!" Zhang Xuehua denied his claim. "I am always eager to listen."
She kept the smile on her face until Wen Liang walked around the corner. The deep sigh she released was copied by her son. He exaggeratedly exhaled with a large smile on his face. Zhang Xuehua couldn't help but pepper his face with kisses before they resumed their way back to their section.
Zhang Xuehua and Wen Xu slept for a good three hours before being awakened by He Jiao.
TBC