Description
First of all, this is not a story where the cannon fodder chambermaid counterattacks and gives the main wife a beat-down!
As a lowly s*ave who had been sold a total of six times, Xiao Hua has long become apathetic to her situation.
In her past life, she was a cannon fodder chambermaid who was beaten to death. In this life, she decided to turn over a new leaf and live honestly, yet in the end still ended up being sold off.
This prince's estate seems to have pretty good benefits? She could be released at twenty-five, and they'd arrange a place for her to live under their jurisdiction? They'd even get rid of her s*ave records?
Great! That's great! Xiao Hua thus decided to stay in the Jing Prince Estate and do her job properly. It's a shame she could never overcome the whims of fate….
The master she serves is a "mute boy", with several influences above him watching like tigers eyeing their prey. To say she doesn't want to be pampered is definitely a lie. This is the road to survival of a "discreet girl" who clings on to her master's leg and is solely pampered, yet feels that he never pampers her.
The road from a cannon fodder chambermaid to a beloved imperial consort is a little long….
Associated Names
A cannon fodder chambermaid wants a counterattack!
Xiao Hua awoke with a start. Chills ran down her spine as she realized she'd had another nightmare.
She wiped the cold sweat off her brow, and looked around with lingering fear in her heart.
Dawn was breaking, and her surroundings gradually became clear.
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Two tester beds 1 lay near the walls of the small room. Between the beds a lady's makeup box rested on a stand. A square table stood in the center of the room, and a washbasin in the corner completed the picture.
The layout was simple, but in the Jinyang Marquis Estate only the young masters' senior maids could live in such a double room. All the other maids lived 8 per room.
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From her position, she could faintly see Bi Yuan's hair peeking out of the blankets on the other bed.
Xiao Hua let out a breath and lay back down.
She gazed blankly at the sky, which still showed signs of lingering dusk. She remained spaced out until she heard movement outside the door. She shook herself awake, and gave her arm a pinch.
Ouch!
She was really back…back as her fourteen year old self.
Today would be Xiao Hua's first day as a senior maid, and she dared delay no further. She hurriedly dressed herself, and got out of bed.
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Bi Yuan's bed showed no signs of movement and she left it that way, carefully stepping out with the washbasin to freshen up.
The servants' small wayside pavilion housed the young and elderly maids that served the Jinxiu2 Pavilion. It had a small kitchen, where old kitchen maids were responsible for heating water. The maids could therefore take advantage of this hot water to freshen up.
Xiao Hua carried her washbasin to the small kitchen, passing through the hustle and bustle of the wayside pavilion. A servant's life was not as easy as their masters', so while most of the latter were still asleep the former were already up and running.
Once she reached the kitchen, she saw that the old woman by the stove had indeed already heated the water. Seeing Xiao Hua, she smilingly drew the water for her.
"Little lass Xiao Hua, you're up early! Oh…that's right. I hear it's your first day of work. Don't be late!"
This old kitchen maid was surnamed Wang, and everyone called her Grandma Wang. She was well advanced in age, and should have long been retired from the household. In recognition of her many years of dedicated service and her lack of children to take care of her, the madam of the house left her a place and role.
Grandma Wang wore a light gray traditional skirt, her snow white hair bunned up and adorned with a headband. Her face was full of wrinkles, her cheeks shriveled and her front teeth missing. Yet she was still spry, with spirited eyes and keen ears.
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"Yes, Granny Wang, it's my first day on the job."
Grandma Wang's smile held no underlying motives, no intent to curry favor, and no contempt of Xiao Hua's unstable new position. Therefore, Xiao Hua was willing to converse with her a little.
The point in time she returned to was very unfortunate. Unresigned to her lot in life doing hard labor, she used various means and got the young master to elevate her position. Rumors of her achieving her status through trickery spread through the Jinxiu Pavilion, and everyone declared her new position to be precarious. Words spoken to her were filled with either barbs or ulterior motives.
Luckily Xiao Hua was no longer the blabbermouth of her past life. Though it didn't seem like a big deal, her current taciturn self was only willing to speak due to Grandma Wang's sincerity and lack of disdain.
"Then hurry along and clean yourself up. Dress up nicely and go work. Such a lively-looking young lady like yourself definitely has some promising prospects for the future."
Xiao Hua smiled, and without speaking further carried the washbasin to go freshen up.
In the minds of these servants, the so called "promising prospects" referred to becoming the personal chambermaids of the young masters, or giving birth to their children and being raised as a concubine. She had thought the same in her past life, but unfortunately….
After freshening up, she poured the water out and returned to the kitchen for a new basin of water.
Grandma Wang spoke while drawing her water again. "Xiao Hua is really thoughtful, this water is for Bi Yuan isn't it? These past few days you've been fetching her water for her. Well, she does have a lot of sway in the Jinxiu Pavilion, and she's also a senior maid who's responsible for many things. She's certainly worth buttering up."
It's a pity she had failed to understand this in her past life. As a newbie she had been constantly reprimanded by Bi Yuan, and to suck up to her she indeed fetched her water every morning. One day Grandma Wang had said the same words to her, yet her previous self felt that this wise elder was poking fun at her little scheme. She'd flipped out, and even had an argument with Grandma Wang.
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From that moment on she had never fetched water for Bi Yuan again. In fact, whenever their paths crossed her face would be filled with dissatisfaction. Past and present grievances accumulated in her heart. She felt that she wasn't any worse in comparison. They were both senior maids, so why would she have to curry favor with her?
Now, as she heard the words that had once flustered her so, Xiao Hua merely lowered her eyes bashfully.
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"You're right. I'm still young and just starting out as a senior maid. I'm hoping sister Bi Yuan can show me the ropes. I want to properly learn from her, so fetching water is no big deal. It's an act of respect."
Grandma Wang's wrinkled face blossomed into a smile. "That's not what I meant. You are the youngest one though, so you should properly learn from them all." She was referring to the three senior maids.
"Granny Wang, I'll stop bothering you. I'm heading out."
Xiao Hua carried the washbasin out of the kitchen and almost ran headlong into Bi Yuan who was standing outside the door.
Bi Yuan was 17 years old with a shapely face, large eyes, luscious lips, fair skin and a curvaceous figure. Her expression was slightly unnatural, having most likely overheard the conversation.
She glanced at Xiao Hua and merely said, "I didn't see you when I awoke so I came to wash up."
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Xiao Hua's expression remained neutral, and she did not point out how hard it would be for Bi Yuan to wash up while the room's only washbasin was in her hands. She quietly said, "I just finished washing and was about to get big sis some water."
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After speaking, she left with Bi Yuan towards their room.
Xiao Hua was only 14 this year. She was unlike the other girls who were all well developed at 14. Apart from her height and her porcelain features, she could easily pass for a child with her skinny arms and legs, immature figure and budding breasts that could only be seen upon closer examination.
The bowl of water in her hands seemed perpetually at risk of spilling, or causing her skinny arms to snap.
Seeing this, Bi Yuan was reminded of the conversation she overheard. She found the sight of her struggling with the weight a little hard to bear, and took the basin from her hands.
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"I'll go wash up, go back first and tidy up a bit."
"Yes."
Back in her room, Xiao Hua combed her hair back into a double bun, and rearranged the edges of her sleeves and skirt. Without adding any frills or jewelry, she sat on her bed waiting for Bi Yuan to return.
When Bi Yuan returned, she sat in front of the makeup box as she applied a layer of makeup, lined her eyebrows and applied some rouge on her lips. Only then did she look at Xiao Hua, who remained seated with her head lowered.
"Stand up, let me take a look."
Xiao Hua lowered her eyes and stood for Bi Yuan's inspection.
She wore the standard pale green maid outfit that was only given to the senior maids in the Jinyang Estate. Her palm-sized face contained eyes that were bright and large with a hint of charm. Her slender body exuded an impression of respect and timidity.
Apart from her beautiful pair of eyes, she was still a child.
Bi Yuan let out a sigh of relief in her heart.
When the young master suddenly elevated the yard sweeper girl to fill the open senior maid position, rumors spread that Xiao Hua only caught his eye by purposefully putting herself in his path and showing herself off. Bi Yuan had found it hard to swallow when the young master arranged for Xiao Hua to be placed in her room and requested that she watch over her. She had made up her mind to thoroughly discipline this unruly lass.
Ezoic
As it turned out, she was just a 14 year old, undeveloped child. She was respectful, dressed conservatively, and despite being at the age when girls liked to show off their beauty, she not so much as used a flower to embroider her hair, let alone put on makeup. After observing her for a couple days, Bi Yuan realized that this lass was one that didn't stir up trouble and knew her place. Only then did she offer to show her the ropes.
Her promotion was probably due to her fresh appearance and charming eyes.
Having served the young master from a young age, Bi Yuan was aware that he had no lascivious tendencies. He merely enjoyed beauty in its various forms, and his personal maids all exemplified it in one way or another. Even the sweeper girls in his yard needed to look decent.
No matter how exquisite and delicate, what could a child possibly do? Especially one whose face was her only decent feature. Bi Yuan's attention should be on Liu Ye and Cui Lan, the other senior maids who were slightly older.
Bi Yuan glanced at the brightening sky and turned to leave. "Let's go."
Xiao Hua remained silent and followed behind Bi Yuan as she walked out.
The Jinyang Marquis Estate occupied a large area of land. Just the backyard alone housed many pavilions. The Jinxiu Pavilion of the 4th young master Ruan Siyi was one of the most beautiful residences in the Estate, only losing out to the main pavilion of the lord marquis and madam, the Jingci pavilion of the old madam and the Honghao Pavilion of the main heir.
The Jinxiu Pavilion was a two compound pavilion with two entrances. There were two houses in the main yard. The first one belonged to the 4th young master's wife, and the other to the 4th young master. Both houses included a small garden, to the side of which were the wayside pavilion of the servants, as well as an empty lateral pavilion intended for the young master's future concubines.
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The 4th young master was seventeen this year and recently married to his wife Qiao-Shi. 1 Qiao-Shi was not good looking, and was not well liked by the 4th young master. They got into an argument on their wedding day, and ended up awkwardly living in separate houses. This was known throughout Jinxiu Pavilion.
Having arrived at the second house, Bi Yuan and Xiao Hua lightly opened the door and entered.
The house consisted of three inner rooms. The east room was the bedroom, the west room the young master's study, and the middle a living room with a square table, a few chairs and a calligraphy inscribed painting by the young master on the center wall, giving off an air of simplicity and tranquility.
Cui Lan, who was on duty the previous night, did not hand over her shift and leave upon seeing Bi Yuan arrive. Instead, she entered the bedroom, presumably to wake the young master.
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Although the young master was married, he had yet to be given any official duties. His daily routine remained the same, learning from his teacher in the study room. Such was his life for over a decade, so there wasn't really any opportunity for him to sleep in.
Bi Yuan glared darkly at Cui Lan's back and followed her inside.
Xiao Hua ignored the tension between the two. Seeing as no one paid attention to her, she turned and ordered Xia Tong, the junior maid outside the door, to bring in the things their young master needed to wash up. She needed no directing since she was familiar with her duties from her past life.
Xia Tong glanced furtively at Xiao Hua, and left to complete her task.
At this moment, senior maid Liu Ye walked in.
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Liu Ye was 17 this year. Tall and shapely, with large eyes and an elegant nose. Her hourglass figure turned many a head. She glanced at Xiao Hua upon entering, and without a word hurriedly entered the inner room.
Xiao Hua and Xia Tong carried the washbasin inside. Xia Tong placed it on the table, and left the room with her head lowered.
Junior maids were not permitted to enter the room casually without being summoned. They usually served outside the door, and even if they entered it would be for odd jobs and couldn't remain for long. Especially not with three senior maids glaring by the side the way a tiger watches its prey. Despite being a senior maid, Xiao Hua chose to leave the room along with Xia Tong.
Only men, who were naturally oblivious to these things, failed to notice the sparks flying between the three girls inside.
Xiao Hua could make out the atmosphere inside even with her head lowered. Might as well retreat outside, and keep her distance like a good girl.
Ezoic
A few junior maids outside were setting up the table for breakfast. Seeing Xiao Hua come out, their lips curled in mockery. Xiao Hua pretended not to notice, and found a corner to silently stand in.
Moments later, escorted by the three senior maids, the 4th young master walked to the table and sat down. The junior maids dillied and dallied until Liu Ye could no longer tolerate it and let out a cough. They left with their heads bowed.
Xiao Hua already found the atmosphere hard to bear on her first day. How did she in her previous life put up with the hidden and overt competition between these women for so long?
Ezoic
She could only put up with it for now, having been brought back at such an unfortunate point in her life. Not earlier, not later, it just had to be the moment when the 4th young master decided to raise her up. Could she have refused the position? A sweeper girl who managed to reach the heavens after countless efforts, only to turn it down? Others would see her as some sort of freak.
Xiao Hua currently just wanted to avoid drawing attention to herself, so she could only tuck in her tail and behave.
Ezoic
Although Xiao Hua made great efforts to reduce her presence, it would be hard not to notice an extra person in the room. The 4th young master Ruan Siyi recalled the lass with the delicate face and charming eyes that he recently promoted.
"This is that little lass?" he directed the question at Bi Yuan.
Since he originally thought she looked promising, he handed her over for Bi Yuan to take care of.
Bi Yuan smiled and said: "Yes, young master. I've been taking Xiao Hua around for the past few days, and brought her to begin her duties now that I feel she's competent enough."
"I see." The 4th young master left it at that and continued his meal.
Ezoic
In her past life, Xiao Hua had been eager to show herself off and had interrupted Bi Yuan, causing the young master to notice her. Then, due to her quick wits and her acting well-behaved, she was able to catch his eye on her first day at work. He quickly grew to enjoy having her serve by his side even more. Xiao Hua had achieved her goal, but in the process made herself a target for the other three senior maids. They felt threatened by her abilities at such a young age, and considering her unorthodox promotion, they decided to jointly try and force her out.
In this life, Xiao Hua continued to stand respectfully with her head lowered and did not act out. The 4th young master therefore put the girl, who in another life surprised him countless times, to the back of his mind.
With her eyes lowered, Xiao Hua let out a sigh of relief. The three sharp gazes circling about her head finally moved away.
The struggle between the senior maids had intensified. They did not just compete internally, but also worked together to prevent others from catching the young master's eye. How was she so foolish in her previous life to have charged in head first without seeing the situation clearly? She didn't even think to show some restraint after catching his eye, smugly rejoicing on the inside without realizing her thoughts were easily visible.
What was she thinking at the time?
Ezoic
Oh, right. After suffering for so many years, having been bought and sold repeatedly, she finally ended up in the cradle of wealth and prosperity known as the Jinyang Marquis Estate. She definitely had no intentions of leaving again. For the sake of putting all her bitter days behind her, and not having to be beaten and starved ever again, she rushed to become someone important after roughly understanding the situation.
Little did she know that under the peaceful surface of the Jinxiu Pavilion was a raging inferno.
It started with the newlywed wife not having the young master's favor. Next was the news of an open spot for a maid in the young master's residence. The Jinyang Marquis Estate had strict rules regarding the young masters. One was that prior to marriage, they were not allowed to have chambermaids. If any of the maids were caught fooling around with young masters who were not of age, the punishment ranged from expulsion to death by beating. Thus after the 4th young master's marriage, all the maids in the pavilion started to become restless. When news of the opening spread, all the maids were breathless in anticipation. The three senior maids by his side also started to viciously compete.
A lass with no foundation who was sold into the Estate barged into this mess thoughtlessly. It was no wonder she became a target.
At the time, she didn't understand why everyone was against her. She assumed that they were just jealous of her. Thus after feeling wronged for some time, she became even more smug and brazen, not knowing to exercise restraint.
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Only after being beset by overt and hidden plots from all sides, and suffering many times, did she know to be afraid. But at that point, it was too late to retreat. She could only grab on tightly to the young master, crawling into his bed and obtaining his favor, seizing onto the slim chance of survival.
Xiao Hua always knew she was good looking, especially once her living conditions improved after entering the Estate. The young master had liked her from the get go, and she worked to adapt herself to suit his tastes more. As she grew, the young master grew to like her more and more. She lived the good life for a while in her past life, and the young master took her side in everything.
First as a chambermaid, then as a concubine despite not having given birth.
Thus she had grown evermore arrogant, offending countless others in the process. She did not know her cause of death up until the moment it happened. Only after reincarnating and thinking deeply did she realize –
One does not know the extent of one's foolishness until disaster strikes.
The "Shi" in Qiao Shi is a term that loosely translates to "maiden named". In this case, the term of address is similar to "maiden-named Qiao". I considered translating it as Madam Qiao, but the word for madam is something else again…so I left it as is.
The 4th young master finished his meal and was sent off by the three senior maids.
A few junior maids came in and swiftly cleared the table before stepping out.
Bi Yuan's expression soured and she fired off the first salvo at Cui Lan. "Cui Lan, you're so diligent! Even after an overnight shift, you still insist on staying to serve the young master!"
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Cui Lan glanced sideways at Bi Yuan and curled her lips. "Well, I guess I better head back and rest." Since she had already achieved her objective and the young master was no longer present, there was no reason to stay for a verbal spar.
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With a twist of her hips, Cui Lan walked out and left Bi Yuan behind to her stewing anger. Liu Ye, who had always been a girl of few words, was also scheduled to be on duty today so Bi Yuan didn't have an excuse to vent her anger. Seeming unwilling to remain in the same room as Bi Yuan, Liu Ye also left with a swish of her headband.
The usually calm Bi Yuan could endure no longer, and angrily tore her handkerchief. Xiao Hua shrunk her head down and didn't dare make a sound.
Bi Yuan finished her tantrum before glancing at the silent Xiao Hua.
Ezoic
"Go clean up young master's bed a little."
Like a pardoned convict, Xiao Hua entered the inner room.
After taking her time with the bedding, Xiao Hua also took the initiative to take a washbasin and cloth to wipe down the room. Bi Yuan sat for a while before heading outside to the yard, catching and berating a few maids who were chatting around or working sloppily before finally venting her frustration.
Time passed quickly, and noon arrived in the blink of an eye.
Liu Ye appeared out of the blue, and after a moment Cui Lan also arrived at the house. Although Cui Lan had just awoken, she was still meticulously dressed up, complete with painted eyebrows and rouged lips. Her small, tender cherry lips glistened, making it hard for one to resist stealing a kiss.
Bi Yuan gritted her teeth so hard they almost cracked. These two unscrupulous wenches, disappearing as soon as the young master left and reappearing as he was about to return.
Yet she could find no pretext to scold them. Cui Lan was "hardworking and considerate," forgoing her own sleep and rest, while Liu Ye had finished all her tasks on hand.
Ezoic
Could she point and curse at these ladies for fawning over the young master? She was just the senior maid in charge of overseeing the work. She could fuss over their work, but not over something like this.
After getting there, Cui Lan and Liu Ye sat down without exchanging any words, leaving Bi Yuan muttering darkly at the side.
Having been caught in the crossfire, Xiao Hua could only shrink down and pretend to be invisible.
The scene before her eyes was both familiar and foreign, since she was previously the recipient whereas now she could watch with some amusement as a bystander.
Ezoic
The silence in the room was deafening. Cui Lan suddenly spoke: "You must be Xiao Hua?"
Cui Lan was also 17 this year, with a petite and delicate appearance. Her fair face had two dimples often visible on her sunny expression. The fact was that each of the three senior maids by the 4th young master's side had their own unique charm. Bi Yuan was composed and graceful, Cui Lan was dainty and cute, and Liu Ye was flashy and seductive. All were considered top-notch amongst the servants.
Xiao Hua glanced at her and respectfully replied: "That's right, big sis Cui Lan."
Cui Lan snuck a glance at Bi Yuan and smilingly said: "I see. Learn properly and work properly. If you need any help you can come ask me."
Xiao Hua's kept her expression neutral. "Yes, big sis Cui Lan."
Bi Yuan spoke with an unpleasant tone. "Xiao Hua, go check if the main kitchen is done preparing young master's lunch. Take two maids with you and bring it over if it's done."
Xiao Hua responded affirmatively and left, calling over Xia Zhi and Xia Lan, two junior maids who were in charge of bringing the meals.
Ezoic
Xia Zhi and Xia Lan were in the midst of chatting with a few others, and upon being summoned to the kitchen by Xiao Hua, let out a clear "ai" of complaint before falling in behind her. The other maids were silent, but their eyes were filled with a mixture of sympathy and schadenfreude.
How could there not be schadenfreude? So what if she was promoted to senior maid, wasn't she still forced to do the same errands as a common maid?
Xiao Hua understood their thoughts, yet had no thoughts of retaliating. In her past life she was not so tolerant, but that just ended up attracting everyone's hatred and jealousy, causing her to fall into dire straits.
Looking back, their reactions were only natural. Senior maids were supposed to be selected from junior maid candidates. Who expected a stumbling block like her to appear and cut off their path to success? No wonder they hated her.
The three of them left Jinxiu Pavilion and headed towards the main kitchen.
Ezoic
Seeing no one else around, Xia Zhi sidled up, "Big sis Xiao Hua, looks like big sis Bi Yuan isn't treating you like a senior maid."
Xia Zhi's face was full of sympathy and her eyes full of hidden meaning. The words "big sis Xiao Hua" was full of implications.
Within the estate, seniority in status came before age. Despite being two years older than her, Xia Zhi had to call her "big sis" since she was a senior maid. However, her tone made it clear she was unwilling.
"That's right. She's clearly treating you like a common maid, making you personally do such a small task." Xia Lan's tone appeared to be indignant on Xiao Hua's behalf.
Xiao Hua understood their meaning. Due to her stealing their opportunity, they wanted to incite conflict between her and Bi Yuan. No matter who ended up winning, they could watch from the sidelines as tigers fought. Of course, her losing would be for the best. If she offended Bi Yuan and allowed her the opportunity to demote her, everyone else would have a chance to benefit.
Ezoic
Such an obvious ploy, where they underestimating her due to her age?
She was certainly young, and couldn't be said to be too smart. Otherwise, in her past life she wouldn't have been urged on by the junior maids, as well as Bi Yuan's constant attempts to make things difficult for her, to start going blow for blow against her.
Unfortunately for them, she had reincarnated and what she experienced in her past life far exceeded these small schemes. How could things go as they planned?
Xiao Hua concealed the light in her eyes and gently said: "Big sis Bi Yuan is doing this for my sake. I'm still young and have never served by the young master's side before. It's only natural for me to try and accumulate more experience."
Xia Zhi and Xia Lan looked at each other and had no more to say.
Ezoic
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Lunch was brought back, and the 4th young master had also returned from the front courtyard.
During this time, he showed concern for Cui Lan and asked why she hadn't ended her shift and gone to rest. Cui Lan snuck a look at Bi Yuan, and cutely said: "Young master treats his servants so well, this servant only wants to wholeheartedly attend to master."
These words caused the 4th young master to be even more sympathetic towards her, and caused Bi Yuan to glare daggers at her.
After setting the table, Xiao Hua used the empty food containers as an excuse to leave the room, leaving behind three senior maids locked in silent combat to serve the young master during his meal.
Xiao Hua sometimes wondered just how dense the 4th young master had to be to not notice, or was it that he didn't feel like dealing with it? After all, the thoughts of men and women were rarely on the same wavelength, and the young master was probably thinking about his future assignments. A teenager's ambition demanded great assignments and vast undertakings, though unfortunately he might have to be disappointed.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua only understood this after becoming his chambermaid and accidentally finding out about it. Only then did she understand why the previously genteel and refined 4th young master would later change so drastically.
4th young master Ruan Siyi was actually a very outstanding young talent.
Well learned and temperate, refined and elegant, scholarly and of noble birth. Within the estate he was the cherished second son of the master's principal wife, and outside the estate he was also widely known as a young talent.
It was a shame –
As the second son in the Jinyang Marquis Estate, even if he was a talented scholar he could not take the imperial examination to embark upon the path of an official. This was because of his older brother, the main heir with whom he shared a mother. To avoid instability in the hearts of the household, he was not allowed to outshine him.
Ezoic
To put it plainly, he could be useless if he wanted to be, but he was not allowed to be overly talented. The best was to quietly take care of some trivial responsibilities for the family, and honestly pass his days. He would not lack for food, drink and reputation as part of the Jinyang Marquis Estate, but that would be the extent of it.
To those without ambition, such a life sounded pretty enticing. Unfortunately the 4th young master was not such as person. He may not have visions of grandeur, but he also couldn't bear muddling along waiting to die.
As a teenager still full of spirit, he encountered setback in his marriage, and then setback in his prospects. No wonder he went off the deep end in her previous life, becoming a useless young master who only drank, ate and played around.
Of course he was not aware of that at the moment, and the situation had not yet come to pass.
Xiao Hua sighed in her heart. Junior maid Xia Tong's voice sounded next to her ear.
Ezoic
"Big sis Xiao Hua, why don't you go inside instead of hanging around with us outside the door."
The expressions of the surrounding junior maids seemed to agree while containing a hint of mockery.
Xiao Hua lowered her head slightly out of habit and said. "Clumsy as I am, having the three older sisters serving inside is enough."
The surrounding maids no longer spoke, but grumbled in their hearts. We can't go in because our status isn't high enough. You have the status but simply allow yourself to be suppressed, wasting this opportunity.
No matter how others felt about it, Xiao Hua had made up her mind. In this life she wasn't going to interfere in this mess. She'd quietly tuck her tail in and honestly pass her days, waiting until she was released from service.
Ezoic
Riches, honor, status, she wouldn't consider it. She didn't have a spare life to consider it.
No matter how eloquently they spoke, she wasn't going to have anything to do with it. Once the food was finished, Liu Ye called for someone to come clean up. Her eyes flashed when she saw Xiao Hua but she ended up not commenting.
As the three elder maids prepared the young master for his afternoon nap, the junior maids outside the door went off to eat their own lunch, leaving just two at the door. Xiao Hua also left for lunch, and seeing no one pay attention to her upon returning, went to sit in the tea room.
She sat until her shift ended in the evening. The young master had gone to the front courtyard after waking up, but Xiao Hua did not try to participate in serving him.
Bi Yuan was presumably overly angered by Cui Lan and Liu ye, and did not ask Xiao Hua where she ran off to in the afternoon. She waved her hand and allowed her to end her shift.
Ezoic
Whether the three hardworking senior maids planned to end their shift didn't affect Xiao Hua. They were eager to hang around the young master for a while, preventing others from showing off to him while also avoiding giving each other opportunities.
A senior maid as tactful and unobtrusive as Xiao Hua was something they all wanted to see, and it so happened to suit her wishes as well.
Xiao Hua returned to the small wayside pavilion after getting off work. The people in charge of the servants' dinners were coming around and she took her portion. After eating, she headed towards the small kitchen to fetch hot water, planning to wash herself and sleep.
In the small kitchen, Grandma Wang who was tending the fire smiled upon seeing her. "Xiao Hua lass, done with your shift?"
"That's right Granny Wang."
Ezoic
Grandma Wang handed her a small stool. "Here, come chat with this old lady for a bit."
Xiao Hua put down the washbasin in her hands and sat down beside Grandma Wang.
Ezoic
Grandma Wang stirred the stove embers. "How was work today? Was there anything you weren't used to?"
Xiao Hua quite liked this jovial grandma. Ever since reincarnating, she didn't really have anyone to talk to. The lower maids were either jealous or secretly dismissive of her unorthodox promotion. Even the "good sisters" she was previously close with as a sweeper girl were now estranged, and she also didn't feel like speaking with them. Now, sitting in the warm kitchen next to a kindly old granny, she couldn't help but start speaking more.
"I didn't really have to consider whether or not I was used to things. I merely followed the older sisters, learning how to serve the young master. Otherwise it was quite leisurely. I sat in the tea room in the afternoon, and before I knew it my shift had ended."
Ezoic
Grandma Wang smiled and didn't ask further, instead casually chatting with Xiao Hua about the characters and taboos of the estate's young masters. She also brought up some of her old friends who were competent in their tasks and cleverly performed their roles, catching the master's eye and receiving additional responsibilities. After giving birth to children, they returned to duty and were now all elders in charge of various things.
Xiao Hua listened silently without speaking, but her eyes flashed briefly.
Grandma Wang spoke for a while before remembering Xiao Hua was here for water.
"Look at this old lady, my old mind is wandering. You are here for water but I am chattering the night away."
"It's fine Granny Wang. I'm off work so there's nothing for me to do."
"Enough, enough, I know you're just trying to comfort this old lady. Go wash up and rest, you still have to get up early for work."
Ezoic
Xiao Hua drew the water, washed herself simply and lay down. Bi Yuan had yet to return, though she always returned very late so Xiao Hua was not surprised.
She understood Grandma Wang's words clearly. She was pointing out another path for her to follow.
That's right, having struggled harder than anyone else, the previous her would have never chosen that path.
Her eyes shut and her heart grew calm. The current her only wanted to reach the age where she could be freed from service. What happens after that can be decided later.
Ezoic
Just like that, Xiao Hua started her life as a senior maid. Although a senior maid in name, she often times performed the duties assigned to common maids.
She just never refused, was always unflustered, quick with her hands and feet, and never participated in gossip. Most importantly, she never made a move towards the young master.
Ezoic
Gradually, the other three senior maids let down their guards towards her, and even turned a blind eye to her occasional slacking.
The lower maids also got to clearly see Xiao Hua's behavior, and the mockery died down on the surface. They took her for a blockhead with no ambition, but refrained from finding trouble with her. They treated her as an invisible person, only a senior maid in name.
Xiao Hua was more than happy with the situation. Starting and finishing her shift on the dot, shirking her duties on occasion, her days passed by quite leisurely.
Today after her shift ended, Xiao Hua went to the kitchen again to chat with Grandma Wang.
Ezoic
One was an elderly person without much company and the other someone unwilling to provoke anything and disinclined to interact with people. They matched up quite well and got along quite happily.
Xiao Hua sat in her old spot and fished out a bundle of snacks from her bosom.
"Granny Wang, the old kitchen maid in the main kitchen gave this to me today. I brought some back especially for you to try."
Being a senior maid came with benefits. Just wearing the uniform, let alone serving by the 4th young master's side, was enough to cause the old ladies in the kitchen to eagerly suck up to her. Xiao Hua wasn't a stickler for rules either, and if someone gave her treats she would accept. She would bring it back to eat herself, or share some with Grandma Wang.
"You lass, still thinking of me while eating cake. You know, my teeth aren't as good anymore so I love eating soft things." Grandma Wang's face blossomed into a smile. She knew Xiao Hua's character, but she also didn't refuse.
Ezoic
Xia Hua opened the bundle, and both young and old began eating the cake.
"Xiao Hua, how were these past couple of days? The old ladies heard a lot of common maids chattering about the huge argument Bi Yuan and Cui Lan had. You weren't swept into it, were you?"
Xiao Hua shook her head and craftily smiled.
"I saw things were heading south before they started and got out of there. I only returned after they were done."
Grandma Wang was relieved and smilingly said: "You sneaky lass. That was definitely the right move. Those three were born into the household, and since you aren't interested you might as well avoid getting mixed into it and stay further away."
Ezoic
After getting to know Xiao Hua better, Grandma Wang also realized she had no interest in climbing the ranks. She was merely swept along by the waves due to her controversial position.
Grandma Wang had no children, and normally only had Xiao Hua to talk to. She started viewing her as her own granddaughter, thus unavoidably becoming concerned with her affairs. In the past Grandma Wang had always kept to herself and minded her own business, but now with Xiao Hua in her heart she naturally kept her ears open to current events.
With so many servants passing through the little wayside pavilion, gossip would inevitably spread. People were aware of Grandma Wang's status as a loner who rarely interacted with others and weren't as guarded around her, allowing her to pick up many rumors.
Grandma Wang laughed and chatted with Xiao Hua a little more before lowering her voice and whispering by her ear: "The 4th young master's wife has broken several bowls now. It seems like she's unable to hold in her anger any longer."
Xiao Hua furtively squeezed Grandma Wang's arm, indicating that she understood.
Ezoic
It was also around this time in her previous life that Qiao-Shi could no longer sit still. Whether the same events would come to pass in this life remained to be seen. But Xiao Hua reasoned that having remained low key and avoided offending anyone, there was no reason for her to be implicated in anything.
They talked a little more while eating their cakes with gusto. The maids passing by the small kitchen all looked upon the two with contempt.
Most of it was still directed at Xiao Hua. The whole Jinxiu Pavillion knew that she had no prospects, clinging onto her senior maid title while never performing her "proper duties".
Strangest of all was what happened when numerous common maids tried to screw her over and went to snitch on her to the three other senior maids. Those three normally stuck their noses in everything, and took delight in exercising their authority as senior maids. Yet in this case, they ignored it and didn't say a word. In fact, those who continued to insist were the ones who got scolded instead.
Afterwards, people finally understood. The three senior maids were competing fiercely with each other. Having the 4th senior maid spot occupied by someone who stayed out of the way was exactly what they wanted. If they took action and switched her out for someone else, wouldn't they be increasing the number of competitors? They'd have to be idiots to do something like that.
Ezoic
People gradually stopped coming to provoke Xiao Hua, knowing she was under the three senior maids' protection. Xiao Hua's days became even more ideal, miles ahead of those days in her memory.
The days grew warmer as April arrived.
Everyone switched out their traditional light jackets for button ups. Flowers were in full bloom in Jinxiu Pavilion. The 4th young master loved flowers, so the pavilion was filled with them and tended daily by gardeners.
On this day, Xiao Hua was setting the table with two junior maids when a common maid announced the arrival of Chun Tao, the personal maid of the 4th young master's wife. The 4th young master had just changed clothes and come out from the house. Although he resented Qiao-Shi in his heart, she had kept to herself these past few days and he did not want to embarrass her in front of the servants, and so allowed Chun Tao to enter.
Ezoic
Chun Tao walked in carrying a tray that held a small porcelain goblet.
"Young master, the madam said you must be tired from all the studying. She personally brewed a bowl of nourishing soup and bid this servant bring it to you."
Chun Tao accompanied Qiao-Shi as her dowry. Her figure was small and round, with narrow eyes and a stubby nose. Qiao-Shi herself was not good looking, and the maids by her side were also nothing much to look at.
Xiao Hua was familiar with Chun Tao. In her previous life, Chun Tao had been a huge help to Qiao-Shi. Despite being mediocre in the looks department, she was quick with her hands and wit. She remained unwed after coming of age, and continued to serve wholeheartedly by Qiao-Shi's side. At the time of Xiao Hua's death, Chun Tao was the matron in charge of the Jinxiu Pavilion.
Was Qiao-Shi trying to gain his favor?
Ezoic
Recalling Qiao-Shi's dumb-as-a-pig appearance, the 4th young master immediately lost his appetite.
Yet since her maid was already here, he couldn't act too outrageously.
The 4th young master gestured for a maid to take the soup and allow Chun Tao to leave. Xiao Hua happened to be closest and received the goblet in her hands.
As she started to make room on the table, the 4th young master suddenly spoke: "I shall bestow this soup upon you."
At this moment there were several maids, and it wasn't clear who the young master was referring to. However, it was certainly impossible for it to be a junior maid, leaving the four senior maids as options.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua being one of them.
Xiao Hua moved swiftly without thinking, retreating after placing the goblet on the table.
Bi Yuan happened to be by her side and smoothly raised her hand in acknowledgement.
"Thank you for your grace, young master." Her voice was graceful and intimate.
Cui Lan and Liu Ye were too far away, and could only curse their own inadequacy as they glared daggers at Bi Yuan.
Ezoic
In reality the 4th young master had watched Xiao Hua carry the bowl over, and conveniently decided to offer it to her. But seeing Xiao Hua place it down and Bi Yuan's misunderstanding, he didn't say anything to the contrary.
This life was different from the past. Xiao Hua did not know to show restraint previously, and used all sorts of means to serve the young master closely, often acting cleverly in front of him.
The 4th young master was truly fond of the sweet talking, clever and exquisite little maid, and when Qiao Shi offered the soup at that time, he had looked at Xiao Hua's delicate and frail figure before offering it to her directly. This time, his wording was much more ambiguous.
The soup ended up going to Bi Yuan as Xiao Hua stood in the corner, her expression fluctuating erratically.
She didn't react as Chun Tao came to deliver the soup, and only when the young master tried to "bestow" it upon her did she remember an already distant memory.
Previously around this time, Qiao-Shi had given the young master her handmade soup. Yet due to his dislike of her appearance even her gifts were viewed with disgust, and he had casually offered it to Xiao Hua instead.
Ezoic
Back then, she had just been promoted to senior maid and was certainly ecstatic at receiving the young master's grace. She had accepted it without much thought, taking the opportunity to rub it in the faces of the other three senior maids who were always against her.
Ezoic
In the end, the soup ended up in her belly. Not only did it cause the other three maids to hate her even more, it was also a brutal blow to Qiao-Shi's heart.
When Qiao-Shi found out, she called her over for questioning and found an excuse for Chun Tao to slap her across the face.
Having gotten the 4th young master's ear at the time and having caught an undeserved blow to her face, Xiao Hua ran crying and complained to her master.
Ezoic
The 4th young master's desire to protect the fairer sex was stirred and he ended up having a huge argument with his wife. The couple's relationship became even more irreconcilable.
Due to her husband treating a maid better than his own wife, Qiao-Shi felt extremely wronged and could no longer sit still. No longer caring about her reputation, she ran off to find her mother in law, the Jinyang Marquis Estate's madam, to mediate.
The madam thought it inappropriate to meddle too much in the married couple's affairs, but was also at a loss towards her younger son's attitude. She ended up ordering one of her senior maids to Jinxiu Pavilion and to punish the "main instigator" of the situation, hitting her 5 times with a plank. No matter what, a maid was a maid. To use her as a scapegoat to assuage the master's anger was only natural.
While the master's anger was indeed assuaged, Xiao Hua's heart was filled with fear and resentment from the beating.
It was her first time being beaten by the plank. Despite having served in several households previously, how could these smaller households use a plank to punish their servants? Especially doing so in front of the entire pavilion, resulting in countless mockery and ridicule. The other three senior maids grew even bolder with their insults.
Xiao Hua let loose after that incident and decided not to string the 4th young master along anymore, climbing directly into his bed.
At the time she had simply reasoned that becoming the young master's chambermaid would prevent anyone from beating her in the future. Furthermore, it would mean even better treatment from the young master going forward. Didn't they enjoy ridiculing her? Let's see them mock someone staying in the young master's room.
It was a good plan, but reality was cruel. This move not only caused Qiao-Shi to thoroughly hate her, but was also adding oil to fire, causing the entire pavilion to boil over.
It wasn't just the senior maids who couldn't sit still, even the common maids began to stir. Bi Yuan ran off to seek council with her own parents, intending to have the madam place her into his room as well. Cui Lan and Liu Ye hated her on one hand, and tried to imitate her on the other and climb into his bed as well…
The Jinxiu Pavilion had been thrown into chaos.
At that time Qiao-Shi had just married in not long ago, and didn't have the young master's favor, making it impossible for her to control the servants. Her skin was also not thick enough to get the estate's madam to come mediate a second time. Especially when considering the question: which major estate's young master wasn't sleeping with his maids? The principal wife could only watch while silently controlling and punishing on the side.
Ezoic
But exercising such control required support from the husband. Ever since she married in, the 4th young master had never once slept in her room. There wasn't anyone in the pavilion who wasn't laughing at her, and none of the maids took her seriously. She couldn't coax her man and her mother-in-law felt her to be useless. She had ended up appealing to her grandmother-in-law, the estate's old madam, acting cute and clever in front of her. The old madam took pity on her and helped her mediate a couple times, subjugating many of the pavilion's maids in the process.
But it was too late. Not only did Xiao Hua take the opportunity to stabilize her position and become the young master's chambermaid, the number of chambermaids in his room had even increased during this time.
Qiao-Shi was helpless, forced to grit her teeth and silently endure. Although she had her hidden schemes, they could not keep up with the 4th young master's later debauchery. He went as far as to bring back a few prostitutes from the brothels, causing the Jinxiu pavilion to truly break out into a battle royale amongst flowers.
Recalling how she ended up working with Qiao-Shi and Bi Yuan to deal with the women that came in later, and turning their blades upon one another after, Xiao Hua couldn't help being lost in thought…
The young master finished his meal and left for his afternoon nap. Only then did Bi Yuan drink the already cold soup in front of Cui Lan and Liu Ye. Their expressions were as one would expect.
Xiao Hua looked at Bi Yuan with some pity, not knowing if Qiao-Shi would let her off.
Ezoic
But considering Bi Yuan's backers, Xiao Hua reasoned that Qiao-Shi wouldn't be so foolish.
After all, Bi Yuan wasn't Xiao Hua. She was born into the household. Her mother was one of the estate madam's highly reputable senior maids and her father was a steward of the marquis. She had served the young master from a young age, and had a high reputation within the estate. If Qiao-Shi intended to scare the monkey by killing the chicken using Bi Yuan as the chicken, she would be made a laughing stock.
Today, the 4th young master went excitedly to the front yard and only returned in the middle of the afternoon. However, his expression was unpleasant, as though having argued with someone.
The senior maids inside the house didn't dare make a sound, waiting upon him softly and quietly.
Upon returning, the young master went into his study and ordered that no one was to disturb him in the meantime.
Ezoic
The senior maids who were usually at odds had stopped glaring daggers at each other, and only looked around with eyes full of concern. Xiao Hua's kept her eyes to her nose and nose to her chest, standing with her head bowed and pretended not to have seen anything.
The gloomy atmosphere remained throughout the afternoon. Xiao Hua who would normally go slack off also honestly remained on duty.
4th young master Ruan Siyi sat in the study, his elegant face warped and twisted, his heart unable to calm down for a long while.
Hearing his father's words from this afternoon gave him the impulse to smash everything.
What a joke. His life had been smooth sailing up until this point, yet it was only now that he realized where his place was. If things really proceeded as his father planned, what was the point of all his previous hard work if he was just expected to work an idle job for the rest of his life?
Ezoic
Yet he had no choice but to accept it all, because he was a son of the Jinyang Marquis Estate.
The Grand Xi Dynasty had rules. The children of noble families were not allowed to rise up by taking the imperial examination. The talented could only receive a meritorious posting by obtaining a spot working for the emperor. Noble families would push for their main heirs to receive this position firstly to ensure their clans would not decline once the heir succeeded his father, and secondly to prevent the other sons from supplanting the main heir, causing strife in the family.
Although Ruan Siyi often praised himself as being smarter than others, he had failed to understand this concept up until today. When his father had informed him of his future posting, his disappointment caused him to continuously press his father for answers. Finally, his enraged father had let it slip. Only then did he understand the machinations involved.
Ruan Siyi thought about the other noble families' situations for a long time, and finally buried his pain-filled face into his hands.
His blood related brother, who had always looked out for him, was the heir. How could he fight with him?
Ezoic
He had sought out his mother after arguing with his father, and like a child he had poured his heart out. He recalled what his mother said –
"Siyi, mother loves you and your brother both equally, since I was the one that carried you guys for 10 months. However, you should know that this large estate does not just have the two of you, but also the sons birthed by those concubines…"
How could he not understand? It was what the noble families feared most: instability in the hearts of the commoners. Of course there were examples of families who weren't clear on this concept. They all ended up filled with unending internal strife as everyone fought for the title of nobility, resulting in their decline.
Although he understood the reasoning, it was ultimately still hard to accept.
Thinking of how his parents had spoiled him from birth, he realized they were probably trying to turn him into someone unambitious. It was unfortunate that he understood too late, having foolishly wasted over a decade studying daily and improving himself. His parents probably felt awkward about it, but wasn't sure how to tell him in advance…
Ezoic
It wasn't until the sky turned dark that the 4th young master left the study. His expression had also returned to normal.
Bi Yuan asked whether they should set the table, and the young master smiled and nodded as usual.
At that moment, everyone felt relieved.
Xiao Hua snuck a glance at the 4th young master's face as she left to fetch the food. She felt that there was unrest hidden beneath the surface, but what could be the cause? She was unable to figure it out at the moment.
Having delivered the food, Xiao Hua took the opportunity to leave.
Ezoic
In any case, her shift had already ended. The other three were eager for her to leave. They had always turned a blind eye to her leaving on the dot and didn't hate iron for not turning to steel.
She felt the junior maids behind gazing at her back, hating that same iron for not turning to steel. Xiao Hua smiled evilly. She was probably the first senior maid ever who "followed rules to the letter" and left her shift on the dot.
Yet what did it matter? She wasn't like the others who wanted to climb the ranks, and she also didn't want to fight for the young master's favor. In fact, if her master was female she would still serve loyally while hoping to meet a good husband.
For now, it was better to let go. Let others have the juicy meat. She was satisfied with what she had.
Apart from Xiao Hua, no one seemed to notice the 4th young master had changed slightly. Based on her previous and current lives, Xiao Hua's conclusion was: "has the young master become aware of his situation?"
Ezoic
Yet no one answered her, and there was no way she could ask. She just needed to watch and stay out of it.
Today after lunch, the young master did not retire for his nap. In a rare display, he pulled the three senior maids to his study and sketched portraits of them.
Xiao Hua went to eat her own lunch, then came back and stood outside the door like a statue.
It was high noon, and the sun shone warmly while a gentle breeze blew. Xiao Hua started to feel sleepy while listening to the chittering and chattering coming from the study.
Ezoic
The few junior maids stood by the flowerbeds whispering to each other. Xiao Hua could hear them but acted as though she couldn't.
She didn't have to listen to know what they were talking about. Bi Yuan and the other two foxes had mesmerized the young master so much that his personality flipped. The other maids were most likely muttering with jealousy, which she chose to overlook as long as they didn't pull her into it.
Ever since the day Bi Yuan drank the soup, the young mater's wife Qiao-Shi's side had shown no response. Xiao Hua guessed that things had changed since the last time, or it could be due to her not jumping out rashly this time. Regarding how the pavilion would develop in the future, she was now in the dark as well. Looking at the scene today, things would get messy sooner or later.
What could she do as a maid but watch from the side without getting involved? She had no way to fix things.
Within the main residence's eastern room.
The 4th young master's wife Qiao-Shi listened to the common maid's report, twisting her handkerchief in anger. Matron Chen, who was standing to the side, slipped the common maid a few pieces of silver and sent her off.
"Matron Chen, look at the kind of person I married. Not only did he give away the soup I brewed to a maid, but now he's also fraternizing in a room with the maids in broad daylight." Qiao-Shi raised her voice and with a wave of her hand swept a teacup to the floor.
Ezoic
Matron Chen gestured for Chun Tao to shut the door before turning to placate Qiao Shi.
"My dear madam, you must by all means lower your voice. This place isn't our home. We cannot afford being overheard and drawing the young master's ire."
Ezoic
Qiao-Shi's face had turned red from anger, and she couldn't prevent herself from crying.
"Why does my life have to be so hard? It isn't my fault I'm not attractive. If he had issues with my appearance why did he come to my house and propose back then? After I married into the family, he argued with me on our wedding night. The entire estate found out about it, throwing my dignity to the floor and trampling over it for good measure…"
No one would want their own husband to resent their appearance. It was the same for Qiao-Shi, but unfortunately appearance is determined from birth. How could one control it? Apart from being angry at herself and being angry at the 4th young master, Qiao-Shi was at a loss.
Ezoic
Qiao-Shi was the eldest daughter of a high ranking official in the Ministry of Appointments. Her parents pampered her from birth and her servants were also full of flattery and praise. Up until now, her only setback in life was the situation of her marriage, where she was disliked by her husband and looked down upon by his servants.
When she thought about how her life had been after marriage, Qiao-Shi was filled with heartache and the tears wouldn't stop flowing.
Matron Chen walked over, consoling her while wiping away her tears.
"My dear young miss, you mustn't cry. If you cry your eyes will swell up…"
Matron Chen was Qiao-Shi's wet nurse and was also part of her dowry. They naturally had a very close relationship. Matron Chen practically loved Qiao Shi as her own daughter, and it was hard for her to see her house's young mistress grieving to this extent. It wasn't just Qiao-Shi at a loss, Matron Chen herself was at a loss of what to do. It wasn't as if she could force the young master to her young miss's room and forbid him from getting close to the maids by his side. Especially since they were also at fault in this situation.
It's a bit of a long story.
Upon getting married, Qiao-Shi was resented by her husband. The 4th young master didn't even consummate their wedding night, moving directly to the guest house. Qiao-Shi endured her anger until the bridal homecoming 1, where she aired her grievances. Only then did her family members tell her the reason.
As it turned out, Qiao-Shi's parents spent a lot of effort for this marriage. The Jinyang Marquis Estate was a reputable family whose nobility was bestowed due to merit. Their foundations ran deep, their nobility unquestionable. Especially Ruan Siyi, who despite being the main bloodline's second born son already had a reputation in the capital as a talented scholar. His appearance was also quite outstanding. Although he would not be the one to inherit the noble title, he wouldn't be lacking in status as part of the Jinyang Marquis Estate.
Since he wasn't the main heir, their daughter wouldn't have to become a noblewoman. Everything could be left for her future sister-in-law to worry about. Besides, the wife of the heir was said to be famously dignified and magnanimous, meaning their daughter wouldn't be bullied by her in the future. The Jinyang Marquis Estate's madam was also known in the capital as someone who dotes on her daughter-in-law. How could Madam Qiao's heart not be stirred?
This marriage would be perfect in every way, though Madam Qiao was worried that her daughter was not a worthy enough candidate. For the sake of making the marriage happen, Madam Qiao specially invited someone close to the Jinyang Marquis Estate's madam to make the marriage offer, and also made some changes to the accompanying portrait of her daughter. The marriage had also suited the estate madam's intent, and since she had the portrait of the candidate in hand she didn't ask to meet in person before agreeing to proceed.
Ezoic
Honestly speaking, Qiao-Shi wasn't ugly. She had a small round face and phoenix eyes 2. It was just that her figure was round and full, and her short neck made her look rather robust. The issue was Ruan Siyi, who had a fondness for beautiful things since young, and the maids around him were as lovely as flowers. How could he endure having brought back a wife who was as clumsy as a pig?
After lifting her veil, Ruan Siyi was severely disappointed and disgusted, intending to turn around and leave. Qiao Shi had turned pale with fright and grabbed onto him, causing the two to start arguing. In the end, the news had spread throughout the estate.
Ezoic
Qiao-Shi's father was also upset his daughter was disliked, up until he noticed his own wife hemming and hawing. Only then did he find out about her absurd arrangements. Marriage was supposed to be a wonderful occasion, but due to their subterfuge things had turned sour. As a high ranking official in the Ministry of Appointments, was his daughter not even worthy of an estate's second son?
Ezoic
Despite this thought, when all was said and done his family was the one in the wrong first. Since things had already developed to this extent, Qiao-Shi's parents could only convince their daughter to go back and properly try to coax their son-in-law.
Boys will be boys, preferring a good appearance above all else. By first coaxing her man and then giving birth to a son, Qiao-Shi would be in a much better position. If her man liked beauty, give him a couple of pretty concubines afterwards. Their status would be lower than the principal wife's regardless. The principal wives of major families in the capital all had to put up with this. A wife is chosen based on her virtue and worth. A concubine is chosen based on her looks.
Qiao-Shi knew her parents were right, and that it was for her own good. She knew clearly in her heart that having gotten married, she could only suck it up if her husband hated her. Her heartache and sadness could only be kept to herself.
After returning, she had intended to make a few small gestures to ingratiate herself to her husband, but cared too much about her dignity, and had trouble thickening up her skin enough to follow through. Only after hearing rumors that the madam was looking to fill another personal maid opening for her son did she, under constant urging by her wet nurse, finally make a gesture of goodwill towards her husband.
Ezoic
This gesture was precisely the bowl of nourishing soup, yet unexpectedly her sentimental gesture was casually given to some scruffy maid. Already resentful and heartbroken at this, she had then encountered the episode of "the young master hanging out with his maids in the study".
Qiao-Shi sat and cried disconsolately. Matron Chen, unable to calm her down no matter how she placated her, could only curse those maids for angering her young miss.
"Those shameless, lowly hussies. Already unable to sit still, are they lacking men that desperately?"
Hearing Matron Chen's words, Qiao-Shi cried even harder.
Wasn't that the case?
Ezoic
Her husband was the Jinxiu Pavilion's only male, and he wasn't willing to get intimate with her. Why wouldn't the maids be falling over each other to get at him?
Matron Chen realized she misspoke and continued to placate her while beating herself up over it, spending ages before Qiao-Shi finally stopped crying.
Qiao Shi sat and pondered for a while before saying bitterly: "No, I can't just sit here and do nothing! He doesn't care for me, and no one takes me seriously in the entire pavilion."
Matron Chen let out a sigh, but did not say anything.
The young miss had just married in and didn't have any backing in the estate. The 4th young master was also unwilling to sleep in the same room as her. Which maid in the pavilion wasn't laughing at her? The young miss didn't go out often so she wasn't aware, but Matron Chen knew the truth clearly in her heart, though she did not dare mention it to her young miss.
Ezoic
"Those lowly hussies dared hang out with my husband in his study in broad daylight, they're clearly not taking me seriously. If I don't put them in check, they wouldn't know that my position as the principal wife is above them."
Matron Chen saw that Qiao-Shi had made up her mind to kill the chicken to scare the monkey, but did not try to stop her.
It wouldn't be a bad thing if she could scare everyone one else by making an example out of someone. Make those silly little girls restrain their restless hearts a little, while also letting them see that this Jinxiu Pavilion was not without a mistress.
"Young mistress, we can't put all three of them on the chopping block right? Wouldn't things get out of hand?"
Her young mistress was preparing to deal with those troublemaking wenches. Having been provoked by the maids outside these past few days, Chun Tao was naturally happy to see this development, though she also considered more aspects than her mistress.
Ezoic
"Taking care of all three of them at once is too obvious. Should we first pick out a chicken to kill for the monkey?"
Xiao Hua was luckily overlooked in this case, though it was also due to her efforts at remaining low key and not provoking anyone.
Qiao-Shi considered it briefly. "Go send that Bi Yuan over later. Tell her I have a few questions to ask her. Didn't she drink my soup the other day? You can use that as the pretext."
Chun Tao left with orders in hand, preparing to wait until the young master left before calling Bi Yuan over.
Ezoic
The 4th young master stepped out of the study, and Chun Tao accordingly took Bi Yuan away. Xiao Hua suddenly had a bad feeling in her heart.
Bi Yuan came back not long after. Despite her efforts to cover it with her handkerchief, it was possible to tell that her face was swollen.
The moment she entered the room, she rushed to the bedside and started crying loudly.
The huge commotion attracted the attention of many of the maids. Those with a bit of conscience crowded over and comforted her.
Cui Lan and Liu Ye appeared out of nowhere and crowded over as well, asking her what happened with faces filled with concern. Whether the concern was real or not, Xiao Hua didn't know.
Ezoic
Seeing everyone comforting Bi Yuan, it wasn't appropriate for her to continue pretending to be made of wood. She also stepped up and acted along, saying a few words of comfort to Bi Yuan and attentively fetching water and towel for Bi Yuan to cool the swelling.
Bi Yuan sat there with pain and resentment in her heart. Despite being a servant, she had never been hit before in her life. There wasn't anyone who didn't give her some face when she walked around. The 4th young master's wife had called her over, and accused her of duplicitous conduct without giving her any chances to explain herself, allowing the maid by her side to slap her face.
This wasn't just a slap in the face. This was making an example out of her by hitting her face!
How could Bi Yuan, who was used to things going her way, accept it? She would often put on airs, and cared a lot about her image. No wonder she was crying so plaintively.
The commotion drew a bunch of the pavilion's common maids. Taking advantage while the other maids comforted Bi Yuan, they crowded outside the door and watched.
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They couldn't be blamed for being drawn to the action. The 4th young master not liking his wife was known to all, and this was his wife's first time coming out guns blazing. They would certainly try to find out what happened, while also taking the chance to see which way the wind would blow in the next few days.
The fox mourns the death of the rabbit 3. If even Bi Yuan, who was the Jinxiu Pavilion's most respected senior maid, was hit by the wife, the others would naturally start thinking about themselves, especially since many of them had had similar intentions towards the young master.
Due to everyone's consolation, Bi Yuan finally stopped crying after a while and let Xiao Hua cool the swelling. With an indignant heart she disclosed the reason she was slapped.
Xiao Hua's heart was startled when she heard the reason, and the other maids were even more shocked.
The 4th young master's wife hit Bi Yuan over a bowl of soup? Moreover, it was soup that the 4th young master himself had given to Bi Yuan.
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Was she stupid or was she dumb? Wasn't this clearly slapping the young master's face?
Of course there were several maids who knew things weren't so simple. The scene in the study had been witnessed by many. Each pair of eyes in the pavilion were sharp, and the gossip had also secretly spread. Even some of the maids were cursing Bi Yuan's group for being shameless.
But in this situation they certainly wouldn't mention it to the person's face. They all played along and agreed it was due to the soup.
Soon afterwards, the whole pavilion was aware that the young master's wife had made an example out of Bi Yuan by hitting her, with the reason being that the young master had given her his wife's soup.
There were even some maids who said that the soup wasn't made personally by the 4th young master's wife and that she had only been watching on the side. Those around quickly covered the mouths of these maids whose mouths didn't have a filter. Wasn't that how all their masters or mistresses "personally" made soup? They didn't need brats like you judging whether it was true or not.
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Regardless, the rumors spread throughout the pavilion, and there were even those kind souls who spread it outside the pavilion.
Pretty soon the entire estate had heard about it, which of course included Bi Yuan's mother.
Tradition where the newly-wed bride returns home to her family
Elegantly slanted eyes, like that of a phoenix
Idiom: feeling sympathy for someone in similar circumstances
Matron Qu was a maid who was part of the estate madam Tian-Shi's dowry.
She was born into the madam's maiden household, and as a maid she was one of the few who weren't constantly scheming how to get into the estate master's bed. Therefore, Tian-Shi held her in high regard. Once she came of age, Tian-Shi acted as a matchmaker and introduced her to one of the stewards in the main pavilion.
While Matron Qu married that steward, several other maids by Tian-Shi's side had succeeded in climbing into the estate master's bed, and became his chambermaids.
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At that time, there were those who mocked Matron Qu. Her appearance was excellent, and as the pavilion near the water 1 why didn't she make plans for herself?
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She had merely smiled at the time. After marrying the stweard, Matron Qu took a break from her duties and returned home to enjoy her married life. Three years passed and she gave birth to two children, one was Bi Yuan's older brother, the other was Bi Yuan.
After her post-natal period, Tian-Shi called her back to become the baby 4th young master's wet nurse.
Many were envious of her and said she was blessed with good fortune. Those that laughed at her previously for not climbing the bed no longer laughed, because only then did they realize that the lady who was gentle and generous while at her maiden home had several tricks up her sleeve to deal with her husband's chambermaids. Before you were let off since you knew your place. Now that you've climbed into my man's bed watch me keep you on a tight leash.
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Matron Qu was the 4th young master's wet nurse for five years. She put her whole heart into it, to the extent that Tian-Shi as the birth mother was unable to point out a single issue. When the young master turned five, the estate master said that a grown man shouldn't be coddled by a wet nurse anymore to prevent him from ending up with the air of a housewife. Tian-Shi thus transferred her back beside her to be a senior maid.
While Matron Qu became a head maid, those initial bed climbing maids had all disappeared to who knows where.
Many thought Matron Qu was someone with great foresight, and Matron Qu thought of herself the same way.
Having served her mistress from birth, wouldn't she have lived her life in vain if she didn't understand certain things? As long as her mistress could remain stable in her position as the Jinyang Marquis Estate's madam, glory and wealth would rain upon her as long as she continued serving wholeheartedly. No need to become a mistress. A position as a senior maid, with a husband, a son and a daughter was plenty. Her husband didn't even dare take a concubine. Who could say her life wasn't good?
As Matron Qu finished listening to the common maid's report regarding Bi Yuan's situation, she remained expressionless.
Only after finishing her tasks for the day did she make her way over to the main pavilion where the madam lived.
Upon seeing Matron Qu, the maid at the door didn't even announce her presence before allowing her to enter.
As Matron Qu entered, Tian-Shi was leaning on the recliner with her eyes closed as a maid massaged her legs.
Tian-Shi was now over forty years old, but still looked like someone in her twenties. The years left no marks upon her visage, except for traces of maturity and a graceful bearing, as though time was giving her special treatment.
Fate truly was kind to Tian-Shi. Being noble born, marrying into an excellent household, and becoming in charge of household affairs upon marriage as the principal wife. Her mother-in-law was also magnanimous, and did not micromanage. She got along well with her husband and had a pair of sons and a pair of daughters.
The only imperfection was that men inevitably wanted to take a few concubines, and the resulting fruits of those unions.
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However she was skillful, showing filial piety to her mother-in-law while showing respect to her husband. Kind in front of others while mercilessly strict in private. Those concubines and their children had long been suppressed by her into inexistence within the estate. Now that she even had a grandson, the only thing that could cause her worry apart from her husband's matters in court was her younger son Ruan Siyi.
Matrin Qu didn't say anything as she entered, and directly dropped to her knees at the madam's side.
The maid massaging the madam's legs was startled. Only then did Tian-Shi open her eyes and gaze upon Matron Qu who was kneeling on the ground.
Seeing her lying prone, Tian-Shi wrinkled her brows and waved her hands for the maid at her side to help Matron Qu up.
Matron Qu refused to rise, continuing to lay there, rambling about how she had lost face for her young mistress.
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Upon hearing the phrase "young mistress" the estate madam's originally furrowed brow relaxed.
That's right, young mistress. She was indeed Matron Qu's young mistress for many years. That was back when Matron Qu wasn't called Matron Qu yet, but rather Dié'er 2. In the blink of an eye many years had already passed.
"Alright, talk to me. What's the matter?"
Tian Shi wasn't a fool. Seeing Matron Qu put on this performance, she had definitely messed up somewhere and was here to ask her for forgiveness. Regardless, Matron Qu had followed her wholeheartedly for so many years. She had already planned to let her off as soon as she said "young mistress".
The estate madam's change in expression was within Matron Qu's expectations.
As stated previously, how could those that were able to stably maintain their positions in the enormous Jinyang Marquis Estate be fools?
While Tian Shi understood Matron Qu, would Matron Qu not understand her own household's young miss?
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Matron Qu knelt and explained the situation without embellishment. She merely said her daughter Bi Yuan was given a bowl of soup by the young master and therefore hit across the face by his wife.
Her tone was without complaint, just recounting the story and even criticizing Bi Yuan for being short-sighted. She happily received the young master's grace and offended his wife. Being hit wasn't a big deal, she was just worried that the young master's wife would hate her in the future. She begged Tian-Shi to remove Bi Yuan from the young master's side to prevent harming the relationship between the 4th young master and his wife. She criticized herself for not raising her daughter well, causing the madam to lose face.
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Tian-Shi was the one who originally placed Bi Yuan by the young master Ruan Siyi's side. This incident resulting in a beating could indeed be seen as losing the madam's face.
Matron Qu's words were very appropriate, without complaint and without mentioning anything else. She played the role of a servant who worried for her master and was unbiased towards her own daughter very well.
Yet Tian-Shi couldn't help but realize how serious the situation was. Qiao-Shi had made such a large commotion and hit Bi Yuan? If the master bestowed something from above, how could those below refuse the offering? Was Qiao-Shi complaining about Yi'er 3 giving her the cold shoulder, or was she giving him a slap to the face? Or was she including Tian-Shi's face in the slap as well? After all, Bi Yuan was someone placed by Tian-Shi.
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She was suddenly discontent with Qiao-Shi in her heart.
Regarding Qiao-Shi, her daughter-in-law, Tian-Shi couldn't say she was fond of her, but also couldn't say she disliked her. While discussing the marriage proposal initially she had looked well upon her family background. The precious princess of a high ranking official in the Ministry of Appointments. Apart from her slightly lacking appearance, just based on her background she was a worthy match for her Yi'er.
Since her Yi'er was the younger son, he couldn't inherit the title of nobility. No matter how much he was pampered at home, he couldn't avoid having a slightly lower status. In the future, he could only take an idle post to pass the days. Therefore, Tian-Shi was still satisfied with Qiao Shi as a daughter-in-law based on her status.
Yet when considering the 4th young master's dislike towards Qiao-Shi, Tian-Shi was unavoidably at a loss.
Yi'er, this child, was outstanding in most aspects. He was good at studying, and if the imperial court hadn't ruled that the offspring of nobility couldn't take the imperial exam, her Yi'er would have no problem ranking within the top 3 candidates.
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His only flaw was his love of beauty. This wasn't to say Ruan Siyi was a lecher. Tian-Shi was clear about her own son's character. Yi'er that child just liked beautiful things, so Qiao-Shi who wasn't anything special to look at was a major eyesore.
Unfortunately since she had already married in, they had to be resigned.
Hearing her son often complaining to her about having picked out a mediocre wife for him, the estate madam was also slightly regretful. She could only blame herself for not taking a look in person initially. Yet who would have expected the likeness portrait to have been altered?
Tian-Shi didn't realize that Qiao-Shi's mother had spent a lot of effort for the sake of her daughter's marriage into the estate, not just making some alterations to the portrait. In fact, it couldn't really be called alterations, just that it was painted a little more abstractly. The portraits of this era were painted abstractly to begin with. She had also convinced a good number of people to bring up the proposal. Tian-Shi listened to these people, took a look at the portrait and decided on Qiao-Shi. Who knew that the bride was not much to look at in person?
Looking at the portrait, Tian-Shi had initially thought that the lass looked pretty decent.
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But there was nothing that could be done even knowing the portrait had been altered. The principal wife was married for her worth, and a concubine taken for her looks. Could you return someone's daughter because they weren't beautiful? Of course you couldn't, so Tian-Shi could only console her own son, and promised that if he took beautiful concubines in the future she wouldn't hinder him.
This was the reason rumors of a chambermaid spot opening up in the young master's room had spread. It was actually premature, since Tian-Shi had only the intention but had not decided whether or not to influence what goes on in her son's room yet.
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Back to the topic at hand, when Tian-Shi heard that Qiao-Shi had caused such a commotion, her dislike of Qiao-Shi increased. She felt in her heart that Qiao-Shi was quite petty, and not suited for a position of power.
"Alright, alright. Quickly get up. It's not that big of a deal." Tian-Shi indicated for the maid beside her to help Matron Qu up. Since it wasn't appropriate for her to blame her own daughter-in-law, she could only placate Matron Qu: "Bi Yuan will stay in Siyi's pavilion. If Qiao-Shi has a problem with it, she can come talk to me about it."
Tian-Shi was also prepared to use this situation to beat some sense into Qiao-Shi, letting her know that it's fine if she wanted to hit her face, but she could not hit her husband's face. Married couples were supposed to be united. If you hit your husband's face, how could you be a good wife?
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Therefore, after pondering for a bit she added: "Tomorrow I will let Xiu É go give Bi Yuan that lass some medicine for her wounds. She's considered to have suffered some grievances this time."
"Thank you madam for your sympathy!"
Matron Qu knelt to the floor once more and shed tears of gratitude.
This was her original intent!
Matron Qu finished expressing her gratitude and asked to withdraw. Only after leaving the main pavilion did she harshly spit a wad of saliva onto the floor.
Pah! Don't think that just because you're the 4th young madam you can act as you please! A madam without the support of her husband wasn't that much more powerful than her servants. This time I will make you improve your memory, and remember in the future not to touch someone before having a stable footing!
Ezoic
Therefore it is said: who in this large residence was truly virtuous and kind? Even Matron Qu had manipulated her mistress without leaving a trace.
Translator's thoughts:
Yikes these chapters are long. This one especially since I decided to translate the author's notes (rant?) which was almost half the length of the chapter. Thanks for reading up to here, I will continue doing my best going forward.
Spoilers for side characters in 2nd last paragraph of Author's notes.
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Author's notes:
People have been pointing out that Tian-Shi was negligent in picking such a wife for her son. It was mentioned in the story that the wife's family spent a lot of effort into making it happen. You couldn't say anything if the portrait was too abstract, that could just be the artist's style. Furthermore, Qiao-Shi isn't ugly. She just can't be described as beautiful. In modern terms, she could be called fresh and pretty. It's just that the young master's standards of beauty are much higher than normal people. Just like how everyone has their own preferred looks. A person could be an 8 to one person, a 6 to another and not attractive to someone else. It's just a matter of perspective. Qiao-Shi's family also couldn't be said to be without conscience. Normally speaking, once you take the bride that's it, what could you still be grumbling about? Her mother at least still felt some guilt over it, and even though her daughter was angry she still criticized herself at first. In fact they didn't have to feel guilty. A high ranking official's daughter being matched with a second son was more than enough. As someone in Qiao-Shi's father's position, marrying off his daughter wasn't so simple. The background of the Jinyang Marquis Estate was taken into consideration, as well as Ruan Siyi being talented, good looking as well as a second son. In normal families they only had to worry about their daughter marrying rich. In this case the father had to consider his daughter's personality, which didn't fit that of an estate's main wife. Instead he chose for her to marry rich but in a position where she wouldn't have to do much work and not have to interact much with her mother-in-law. It was only upon seeing such a good match and opportunity that they decided to alter the portrait and have people bring up the proposal. Since these people could convince Tian-Shi, they were of course not outsiders, and instead were people close to her, which was why Tian-Shi didn't bother going to check it out in person. Furthermore, Tian-Shi also had plans in her heart. From the phrase "Looking at the portrait, Tian Shi had initially thought that the lass looked pretty decent" you can tell she didn't think it appropriate for the wife to be some great beauty. Especially the following line about the wife being married for her worth and concubines for their looks.
How could she not know her own son's personality? She just thought well of the bride-to-be's family background, and thought it a good match. Even if she wasn't a beauty, how could everything be perfect? She just didn't expect her son to have such a big reaction. Her complaints about Qiao-Shi and her family was merely her taking out her anger on them after being incessantly bothered by her son's complaints. Venting anger is something everyone does. Therefore, in deciding who was in the wrong, both sides are to blame. But to look at the root cause, the 4th young master is the majority, being not quite mature enough. Otherwise he and Qiao-Shi would not have fallen out to this extent.
But don't worry everyone, because a lot of people are saying it's a shame for Qiao-Shi. The husband and wife wouldn't have ended up this way if it weren't for outside interference. The end of this piece has a happy conclusion for Ruan Siyi and Qiao-Shi. Let's give Qiao-Shi happiness.
Having written so much, a lot of it were things I didn't want to say. But seeing some of the comments asking questions, I decided to provide some general explanations. To be honest, a lot of it is written in the story, it's just a bit fragmented. Since they aren't main characters, going into too much detail would make people say the story is getting bogged down. But it is reflected in many places.
Idiom: in a position to take advantage due to proximity to something
Pronounced Diyeh Er, an intimate way of calling someone by adding Er. Her full name is presumably Qu Dié
Pet name for Ruan Siyi, similar to Die'er above
The 4th young master returned at dusk and heard the story of Bi Yuan getting hit over the soup he had given her.
Qiao-Shi definitely couldn't tell Bi Yuan that she was making an example out of her for cavorting with her husband in broad daylight. The soup she "personally" made was just an excuse.
Of course, this excuse would only fool those who weren't familiar with the situation. The event with the bowl of soup happened several days ago. No one in the Jinxiu Pavilion wasn't aware of the real reason Bi Yuan was hit.
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Bi Yuan's eyes were red from crying, and upon seeing the young master return cried even more plaintively, as though her mom had passed away.
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The few maids on the side all spoke up at once to tell the young master what had happened as if they were the main character in this situation. They also freely embellished a few details, making Qiao-Shi out to be very vicious and vengeful.
They couldn't really be blamed for provoking the situation. The fox grieves when the rabbit dies. If the 4th young master really indulged his wife's fierceness, they wouldn't be able to rest easy in the pavilion anymore.
Bi Yuan lowered her head and wiped away her tears, extremely satisfied in her heart. People were speaking up for her, and she didn't have to personally exaggerate the story to the young master.
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Xiao Hua looked from afar at the crowd of maids surrounding the young master, whose face was alternating between green and red.
The situation was unfolding in a similar fashion as her previous life, but this time the main character was Bi Yuan instead of her.
"Young master, you have to help mediate for big sis Bi Yuan. Even if it's the young madam, she can't just humiliate someone for no reason." Cui Lan spoke in a lovable voice to the side.
"Precisely, precisely young master. The young madam can't just shadily have someone beaten over a bowl of soup. Especially since…" Liu Ye paused, and then stammered on, "Especially since the soup was given to Bi Yuan by the young master. By hitting Bi Yuan, isn't she also slapping young master's face…"
Liu Ye didn't complete her sentence, but she had already stirred up people's thoughts. This Liu Ye was also no saint. Her skills as an instigator did not lose out to anyone.
Qiao-Shi's move in killing the chicken to scare the monkey was truly muddleheaded and she had chosen the wrong target. If she had chosen a common maid without any backing, the rest would have felt fear without being able to react too much. Her mistake was being too hasty, making an example out of Bi Yuan, who was the senior maid in charge. Since even the head of the servants was beaten, the rest would certainly feel sympathetic and unite against their common enemy. Even more so since Bi Yuan was someone close to the young master.
As the saying goes, if you hit the dog its owner will show up.
As expected, the young master's expression turned dark upon hearing these words.
Without saying anything else he left the room. Whenever Qiao-Shi was involved, his gentlemanly character was shoved to the back of his mind. It was apparent how much he disliked her.
When the young master entered the main residence, Qiao-Shi was in the middle of eating dinner.
His usually mild and handsome face was filled with rarely seen fury. The moment he entered he swept Qiao Shi's meal to the floor, and gave Chun Tao who was about to serve her an aggrieved kick.
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The room was filled with crashing and clattering. Qiao-Shi's clothes were also stained by the spilled meal.
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Seeing the young master in such a rage she was also a little baffled, but as his treatment of her sank in, her eyes immediately turned red.
Chun Tao who was kicked to the floor was unable to get up, and Matron Chen did not have the ability to care about her as she immediately pulled Qiao-Shi to the side and wiped her stained clothing. Seeing the young master making such a commotion, she was worried he would lay his hands on Qiao-Shi, and so used the dirty clothing as an excuse to pull her away.
After flipping the table and kicking the maid, the young master had actually somewhat calmed down, watching Matron Chen busily wipe Qiao-Shi's clothing with a calm expression.
Only now did Qiao-Shi react, letting out a scream.
"What is the meaning of this? You normally don't bother to come see me, and when you do show up, it's to flip the table and hit my maid?"
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If Qiao-Shi had understood the 4th young master well, she wouldn't have chosen to scream accusations at him at this moment. She should have first gone up and acted soft, admitting her mistakes. Once he had calmed down, he would have reflected on his actions and realized he had lost his temper. While he wouldn't have expressed it outwardly, he would have at least felt a little guilty towards Qiao-Shi. If Qiao-Shi expressed her grievances then, the couple's relationship might have eased a little.
As a whole, the young master was still a decent person. He would never abuse women because he felt such behavior was unbecoming of a man. The reason he lost his temper this time was firstly due to his recently unstable mood, and secondly because he felt Qiao-Shi didn't give him face. Of course, there was some intention of white knighting, since Bi Yuan had served him from a young age and their relationship was definitely uncommon.
Unfortunately, Qiao-Shi didn't truly understand the 4th young master, and ended up yelling accusations.
The anger in his heart had yet to fade, and Qiao-Shi's hysterics grated upon his ears, her inelegant sorry figure reflected in his eyes –
Her pair of small eyes bulged out of her round face, her neck rising and falling, the picture reminding him of a toad.
The 4th young master immediately turned his face away in disgust.
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In his heart, he started complaining about his family picking such a wife for him again. Not only was she clumsy and round like a pig, but sharp and unkind with her words.
In reality, was our Qiao-Shi really as unappealing as the young master made it out to be? Her figure was just a little rounder and her shorter neck made her appear a little stouter, but definitely not comparable to a pig. It was just that the young master liked beautiful things since he was a child, and the pavilion's maids where all good looking. Having gotten used to such beauty made it harder to accept Qiao-Shi's appearance.
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Qiao-Shi saw the young master not just ignoring her but also appearing to be disgusted, she felt something snap in her mind.
"Ruan Siyi, what is the meaning of this! You shun me on a regular basis and are unwilling to get close? Fine. But the moment you show up, you flip the table and hit my maid…." Qiao-Shi yelled while crying, grabbing Matron Chen's handkerchief and throwing it at the young master.
Upon seeing the disgust in his eyes, she immediately recalled their wedding night. When the veil was lifted, her heart had been filed with expectation, shyness and some timidity, yet it was met with his startled and poorly concealed look of disgust.
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The 4th young master saw Qiao-Shi's shrew-like behavior and his temper instantly flared again, not caring if it was a loss of face to argue with his wife and denouncing her as soon as he opened his mouth: "I felt that the soup you gave me was too oily and didn't want to drink it, so I gave it to Bi Yuan. You slapped Bi Yuan over a bowl of soup. Does such shrew-like behavior still show an ounce of consideration for your husband's dignity?"
"Dignity?" Qiao-Shi sneered and wiped her tears resentfully. "Did you ever leave me any dignity? The night of our wedding you argued with me until the whole estate heard about it. If you disliked my appearance, why did you marry me initially? Now you even come slap my face over a maid. Since she's a mere maid, I could have had her beaten to death instead of just giving her a slap, and no one would say a word."
The young master stood there, his pale and handsome face turning red in anger.
Qiao-Shi's words were not wrong. The servants that entered Jinyang Marquis Estate had all signed life and death contracts. Masters who had disobedient servants beaten to death could be found everywhere, and not once did any authorities come get involved.
Life wasn't worth much, especially that of servants.
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The young master understood this concept but had always cherished the opposite sex and never abused the maids by his side. He was deeply against those that would beat their maids randomly, often saying that this was an act of destroying something beautiful with a wicked hand. But he couldn't refute Qiao-Shi's words, especially since he was always someone who was good with logic and reasoning. He wouldn't call something white if it was clearly black.
He became aware of his inelegant actions at this moment. Why would he be so stupid as to come argue with his unattractive wife?
"I don't care how you treat the maids by your side, but you're not allowed to touch the maids by mine." The young master spoke and gave Qiao-Shi a disdainful glance. "Really, what a shrew!"
After speaking, he flung his sleeve and walked out the door.
Qiao-Shi was silent for a long while before laughing loudly in distress.
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Matron Chen saw that her behavior wasn't quite normal, and went up to placate her. Qiao-Shi shook off Matron Chen's hand, picked up the decorations in the house and threw it to the floor.
A cacophony of crashes and clattering sounded, just like the broken pieces of her heart.
The argument in the main residence was too intense, and could even be heard from the guest house.
After some time, the 4th young master reappeared with a dark expression.
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After returning, he sat there without saying anything. Following the crashing and clattering sounds from the main residence, his expression turned even darker.
Dinner had been served and the few maids lightly set the table. Bi Yuan could also no longer nurse her sadness, and hurriedly stood to serve the young master his meal.
He gave her permission to rest but Bi Yuan refused, saying that no matter how serious the situation, serving the young master was most important.
The 4th young master was very moved, and looked at Bi Yuan with a gentle gaze with eyes like they were about to water. No longer angry, he began to eat while being served by the maids.
Those that could become senior maids were all skilled. Xiao Hua watched as Bi Yuan, Cui Lan and Liu Ye's interruptions and antics caused the young master's expression to gradually improve.
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After dinner, the young master's habit was to read and write. The maids all crowded around grinding the ink or lighting the lamps.
Xiao Hua let out a breath and slowly retreated outside.
The nightscape outside was as beautiful as the moon and water. The lights flickered behind while the birds chirped. Xiao Hua took a look at the pitch black main residence that was close by.
Though she was beaten to death on Qiao-Shi's orders in her previous life, and even suspected her to be the one that slipped her an infertility pill, she couldn't find it within herself to hate her.
Qiao-Shi was also a very pitiful woman. Her appearance wasn't her fault. Her mistake was in marrying the beauty loving, and eventually frivolous 4th young master.
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In her last life, Qiao-Shi had never experienced happiness the entire time she was a principal wife at the estate. There was always someone jumping around above her, first Bi Yuan then Xiao Hua herself. Afterwards there were many other girls that the 4th young master brought in….and since she had no backers to rely on, she could only watch helplessly as her husband held public displays of affection with these birds. She lived alone for years, without being able to give birth to a child…
Without a child, even her mother-in-law didn't treat her well. In the end, she was forced to turn from a pampered girl into one who schemed deeply, gradually becoming ruthless in the end.
But in her previous life, right up to when she died, Xiao Hua had not seen Qiao-Shi give birth to a child….
Often times Xiao Hua was unwilling to recall her death in her previous life since it was a memory that was both laughable and terrifying. She had caused her own death.
When she found out someone had slipped her an infertility pill, she instantly lost her mind. Without questioning or investigating, she had slipped every woman within the 4th young master's pavilion the infertility pill. She had known she was done for. A concubine who already intimately serviced someone but was unable to have children had no future…
Xiao Hua had analyzed her attitude at that time multiple times. She felt that it wasn't just because she knew she was finished that she would make such a crazy move. It was because she was tired. Tired of the kind of life where you have to start contending with people as soon as you opened your eyes in the morning.
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Before she could complete her plan, she was caught red-handed by Qiao-Shi. With both witnesses and material evidence, the only thing left to her was to await death. The 4th young master had tried to prevent it, but unfortunately Qiao-Shi had escalated the situation to the previous estate madam. The order came down right away to have her beaten to death.
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She still couldn't forget the initial feeling of being beaten to death. The bone penetrating pain, the feeling of being beaten into pulp inch by inch, the feeling of organs being shattered into pieces…
Only at the moment of death did she truly understand that she had been a dancing clown from the beginning until the end. It wasn't that people wouldn't deal with you, they just hadn't found the right opportunity. As soon as the time was right, having her beaten to death was a matter of minutes, without even the need to compensate anyone for her life.
How could it be forgotten? A concubine, despite having a higher status than others, was ultimately still a servant. Having signed the life and death agreement, if the master's household wants you dragged out and beaten to death that's exactly what happens.
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Xiao Hua tightened her robes, and slowly made her way to the small wayside pavilion. As she passed the small kitchen, Grandma Wang called her from inside.
She brought out a bowl of rice from the corner and shoved it at her, "Haven't eaten yet right? I noticed you hadn't left your shift yet all this time, and also heard them say it's gotten really chaotic over there. I left you some food."
Xiao Hua suddenly felt the chill in her bones dissipate and smiled, "Thank you, Granny Wang."
Grandma Wang said gruffly: "No need for thanks, hurry and eat. I kept it warm for you all this time."
Xiao Hua sat on her stool and explained the situation from start to finish while eating.
Grandma Wang sighed, "Obtaining riches and status is a matter of fate. As a servant, if the master wants you slapped you get slapped. You wouldn't be able to resist even if you were beaten to death. Luckily you've got a good head on your shoulders and didn't get caught up in this mess."
She continued slowly: "I've worked in this estate for several decades, and watched countless concubines vanish. Making them vanish like that, it's a pretty good move…" She pointed upwards at the heavens, "Looks like those that are able to remain to this day are unavoidably all honest people. The dishonest ones have long since disappeared to who knows where."
While Xiao Hua understood who Grandma Wang was referring to, she couldn't help but shiver. In her previous life, she had never paid attention to the estate's affairs. The Jinxiu Pavilion was already enough to keep her occupied. Unexpectedly, it was this filthy everywhere.
Grandma Wang saw her fear and consoled her: "Not getting mixed up in it was the right thing to do. The amount of dirty secrets in such a large residence is overwhelming. Just do your job properly and wait to be released. It's a shame though. Such a beautiful and spritely little lass, it's really a shame…"
Grandma Wang took advantage of the light to size up the lass in front of her.
A palm sized face, exquisite features, fair skin, and most eye-catching of all were her pair of eyes. Long eyelashes and large eyes with an upward tilt, oozing a seductive charm whether or not she smiled. In her long life, it was her first time seeing such an exquisite child. While she had yet to mature, she was sure to grow into an unparalleled beauty.
Ezoic
Xiao Hua let out a snort of laughter, "Granny Wang, what's such a shame?"
Grandma Wang patted her face, "Little lass, laugh a little less in the future. You'll provoke a calamity."
Xiao Hua was startled. She touched the corner of her eyes and silently nodded her head.
She knew she had a pair of beautiful eyes. After all, in her previous life the 4th young master had on several occasions stroked her face saying her eyes could steal his soul. Whenever he got caught by her puppy eyes, he would be willing to promise her anything.
Ezoic
The reason she was always favored in her previous life was due to this body and this pair of eyes.
Ezoic
Having returned, she had always kept this in mind. In front of others she always had her head slightly lowered, hiding her eyes. She would rarely laugh sincerely, and whenever she laughed it remained wooden, not reaching her eyes. Only in front of Granny Wang could she laugh properly.
Grandma Wang saw that she had finished eating, and rushed her off to bed. "Hurry and rest up. These days are not going to be peaceful. You need to be on your guard."
"I know. Thank you granny. You should sleep early too."
Xiao Hua returned to the room, disrobed and lay down without even lighting the lamp.
Too many things had happened today, leaving her mind a complete mess. She had the weird feeling that things were overlapping with her past life, but at the same time felt that the situation was extremely chaotic.
After reincarnating, she would always have a surreal feeling, as if everything in front of her was a dream.
After all, she herself wasn't clear why she was able to return. She only knew she lost consciousness after being beaten to death, and when she woke up it was the night she was promoted and placed into Bi Yuan's room. That night Bi Yuan was on night duty so the room was empty. She had pinched her arm until it was bruised. She couldn't believe that after dying she resurrected and returned to the past. Her disbelief lasted until the next morning after Bi Yuan finished her shift and returned. Upon seeing Xiao Hua with thoroughly red eyes and a distracted expression, she made fun of her for being so short-sighted and getting overexcited before she even started working.
Ezoic
She had only believed she returned after seeing Bi Yuan well and alive.
Because in her previous life, Bi Yuan died a few short years after becoming the 4th young master's chambermaid, dying even earlier than her.
Xiao Hua let her imagination run wild, and drifted off to sleep while in a daze. Her sleep was restless, unable to find peace even in her dreams. All sorts of images appeared in her mind, including Bi Yuan, Cui Lan, every girl that she had struggled with in her past life, and also Qiao-Shi…..
Qiao-Shi walked towards her, with disheveled hair and crying tears of blood. Laughing and crying while muttering to herself. Xiao Hua felt anxious in her heart, trying to get closer to hear what she was saying. Yet no matter how hard she ran, she could never reach Qiao-Shi. As she finally got close, she could only hear a single phrase –
I won't let a single one of you off….won't let a single one off….a single one off…..
Ezoic
Xiao Hua was suddenly startled awake. The room was frighteningly dark and silent, the only audible thing her own rough breathing.
The room door creaked open and Xiao Hua was fiercely startled, "Who's there?"
"It's Bi Yuan. What's wrong, had a bad dream?"
Bi Yuan lit the lamp. The oil lamp's light was only pea-sized, unable to lift the darkness and casting an eerie light upon her face.
Xiao Hua was startled once again, and was about to scream when she heard Bi Yuan say, "Hmm, why is the lamp wick so short?" She turned and used something to pull on the wick. The room gradually brightened.
Ezoic
Bi Yuan saw Xiao Hua whose face was drenched and pale, "You really had a nightmare?"
"Yeah." Xiao Hua smiled with some lingering fear in her heart, and glanced at Bi Yuan before lying back down.
Bi Yuan carried the oil lamp to the bedside, fumblingly taking off her clothing and lay down before blowing out the lamp.
The room was plunged into darkness once more but Xiao Hua was unable to close her eyes.
In her past life Bi Yuan died by falling into the well. When they fished her out, her body was bloated from being soaked for so long. Xiao Hua saw it with her own eyes. Everyone called it a suicide, but Xiao Hua was the only person who didn't believe that. Having fought against Bi Yuan for so many years, she was extremely familiar with her character.
Ezoic
She might have been upset, she might have despaired, but she definitely wouldn't have killed herself because she couldn't bear to leave the young master behind.
Bi Yuan was deeply in love with the 4th young master. Xiao Hua also only slowly realized after competing with her for some time.
That's right, who wouldn't adore the young master.
An unparalleled lord amongst a field of jade-like beauties.
Handsome, genteel and refined. Well-learned and most importantly warm and considerate. His tenderness would always inevitably give people the feeling of being cupped in his hands.
Ezoic
She recalled that she was also quite smitten with him at first. The reason she resorted to all sorts of means at the time was not just to elevate her status, but was also because she was charmed by that tenderness.
Yet afterwards her feelings cooled under the 4th young master's tenderness and affection, because it was too tiring.
Men like him were naturally born to be surrounded by women, and his treatment of them was both kind and unkind at the same time. Kind because of his innately tender nature. Unkind because he was generous with his tenderness, never able to keep his gaze on just one woman.
Not even Xiao Hua, who was his favorite concubine in the past, could keep his undivided attention. He was always easily stolen by other good looking little flowers. The flower didn't have to be the most beautiful, as long as it was fresh.
Xiao Hua got to understand his innate character in her past life, and thus gradually retracted the affection in her heart. Her actions afterwards were mostly for the sake of his support and shelter.
Ezoic
If she had really fallen in love with such a man, Xiao Hua thought her past life might have been even more pitiful. Just like Bi Yuan, who wantonly attacked the girls around her as if in a cock-fighting ring.
Therefore she had never believed it when they said Bi Yuan threw herself into the well. The woman who had just been pecking at her ferociously the day before, how could she have thrown herself in the well the very next day? Her woman's intuition told her it was Qiao-Shi, even though at that time Qiao-Shi rarely showed her face.
Including the case of the infertility pill, she had a flash of clarity at the moment of her death. She realized that the 4th young master hadn't had an heir thus far. He had no issues with his body, yet none of the girls got pregnant with his child, not even a miscarriage.
Then she thought of Qiao-Shi.
Was it because Qiao-Shi couldn't have a child that none of the girls in the young master's entire pavilion could have a child? Or was it that she wasn't the only one who had been slipped a pill? Had all the girls been slipped one as well, and she had only coincidentally found out about her own situation?
Ezoic
Xiao Hua involuntarily had these kinds of thoughts many times since reincarnating, but they would always give her the chills.
Author's note:
Actually life as a servant in ancient times was quite tragic. How was it tragic? It will be shown in bits and pieces later on. It was not as glamorous as "Dream of the Red Chamber" made it out to be. Senior maids were raised as "secondary wives". At most, it was like raising a dog. If they want to play with you they throw you a bone. If they no longer want you, it's a wretched ending. Xiao Hua did not understand this in her previous life, and in this life understands it too well so she's very sensitive. She's actually just self-aware, knowing what she can touch and knowing what she can't. Don't feel like Xiao Hua is too cowardly, guessing that Qiao-Shi was the main culprit yet not daring to go take revenge for her past life. As stated, this story is not about a cannon fodder chambermaid who reincarnates and gives the principal wife a beatdown. Furthermore, she had lived too chaotically in her past life, and so it's merely a guess at the culprit. And in this life nothing has happened yet. Of course, even if it wasn't just a guess, she still wouldn't go get revenge because she knows she doesn't have the resources. Her way of thinking is very simply to survive.
The result of a sleepless night was a pair of swollen eyes and a drowsy work shift the next day.
Unfortunately Xiao Hua was soon startled wide awake.
The events of her past life went as follows: the young master bestowed her the soup, she was slapped by Qiao-Shi, the young master argued with his wife and Qiao-Shi went to ask the madam to mediate. To placate Qiao-Shi, the madam had bestowed her a few hits with the plank.
Ezoic
This time Bi Yuan was the main character. When Qiao-Shi went to the main pavilion to seek an audience with the madam, the madam's cough happened to flare up and she was refused entry. Then moments later, the main pavilion's senior maid Xiu É came to the Jinxiu Pavilion to deliver Bi Yuan a bottle of medication for injuries.
Xiu É did not say a word throughout, but the whole Jinxiu Pavilion, even the whole Jinyang Marquis Estate understood the madam's meaning.
Ezoic
What could it mean? You hit someone's face and afterwards the estate's madam sent someone with medicine. Why don't you go ponder the meaning of that by yourself?
After Xiu É left, Bi Yuan's face was filled with poorly concealed satisfaction whereas the main residence on Qiao-Shi's side had its front door firmly shut and was silent as if no one was home.
The atmosphere within the Jinxiu Pavilion flared up even more.
It should be said that the Jinyang Marquis Estate's madam had made a mistake this time. Her intention was to knock Qiao-Shi down a few pegs while placating Matron Qu a little. Who knew that it would give the maids in the pavilion the wrong signal?
Ezoic
The other common maids could be overlooked, but Cui Lan and Liu Ye were unable to sit still.
The rumor that the madam intended to give the young master a chambermaid had constantly circulated throughout the estate, though who it would be was unknown.
Now that the fourth young madam had used an excuse to hit Bi Yuan and the madam had immediately sent over medicine, along with the fact that Bi Yuan had always had a lot of credit in the madam's eyes, she seemed to be the shoo-in for the chambermaid position.
If Bi Yuan became the person in the young master's room, what would happen to them?
Apart from Xiao Hua, the senior maids weren't young anymore. The estate rules stated that maids have to be released when they turned 18, with 19 being the limit. Cui Lan and Liu Ye were both 17 already. Would they really have to get matched with some servant or get released and be married to some commoner?
The quality of life in the Jinyang Marquis Estate had always been superior. Senior maids weren't that much worse off compared to their masters. Not only did they get a few pieces of silver every month as salary, they had several outfits for every season and from time to time the master would bestow a few rewards. None of them were willing to be released from service and be matched with another servant, especially after having had a taste of the good life.
Cui Lan and Liu Ye grew anxious. The two of them might have thought they hid it well, but Xiao Hua was able to tell. Their current feelings were similar to hers previously after all. While the reincarnated Xiao Hua understood things clearly, they were unable to see through it.
Wealth and status blinds one's eyes. Wealth and status could also take one's life!
The 4th young master hadn't gone to the front yard to study these past few days. Bi Yuan was curious and asked about it. The young master said his posting would be announced in the next few days so his father asked him to rest at home in the meantime.
Ezoic
On this day, the 4th young master left to meet some friends. The maids in the guest house started arguing.
The reason it started would make one speechless. Essentially, Cui Lan could no longer hold her tongue and spoke a few words of ridicule to Bi Yuan, who then retaliated. As the two began to fight, Liu Ye appeared to try and smooth things over, but in reality her words were all in support of Cui Lan.
Bi Yuan wasn't stupid and could clearly tell. However, her thoughts were different from others, her expression becoming cold.
The argument ended without a peaceful resolution. Liu Ye pulled Cui Lan away under the excuse of stopping the fight, and Bi Yuan sat there contemplating in silence for a long while.
BI Yuan only spoke as it was about to get dark. She said as the senior maid in charge of things, she couldn't always let Cui Lan and Liu Ye work so hard on the overnight shift. From now on, everyone would rotate shifts, which also included Xiao Hua.
Xiao Hua was dumbfounded at having somehow attracted calamity, but she was also clear that senior maids were supposed to have night shifts. Bi Yuan as the senior maid in charge didn't have to, but could decide whether or not depending on her mood. Since no one arranged a night shift for Xiao Hua before, she was not aware of this situation.
Only after Bi Yuan announced the night shift schedule did she understand.
Ezoic
Bi Yuan and Liu Ye would take a night, Cui Lan and her would take the following night.
After hearing the arrangements, Cui Lan and Liu Ye's face darkened on the spot, and Xiao Hua could only smile bitterly. She was being used as an obstacle.
Of course, she had no way to resist. Xiao Hua showed no outward disagreement, but in her heart she was grimacing endlessly.
Tonight Bi Yuan and Liu Ye would be on duty so Xiao Hua left on the dot.
After dinner, she finished washing up and was preparing to sleep when Cui Lan knocked on the door and entered.
Ezoic
"Big sis Cui Lan, what's the matter?"
Cui Lan did not waste her time exchanging pleasantries, saying bluntly, "In the future when we're on night duty, I'll take the first half and you can take the second half."
Xiao Hua pondered a while before nodding her head.
She understood Cui Lan's intentions. She could interact with the young master a little during the first half of the night, and in the second half the young master would be sleeping. The person on the second shift would only be sitting there idly.
Cui Lan saw that Xiao Hua was easy to talk to after all. She clenched her teeth and spoke again: "If I end up doing something, just pretend you didn't see it. Understood?"
Ezoic
Xiao Hua looked at Cui Lan in amazement. She couldn't sit still after all?
While it didn't bother her, she also didn't want to offend Bi Yuan.
Bi Yuan's intentions were very clear. She wanted her to keep an eye on Cui Lan. Tomorrow before her shift started Bi Yuan would probably come talk to her about it. She needed to figure out how to keep herself from getting involved.
Cui Lan was well aware of Xiao Hua's misgivings, otherwise she couldn't have come to discuss with her beforehand. During this time she had also realized Xiao Hua was just a blockhead. Of course it might be due to her young age that she didn't have such inclinations, and perhaps things would change as she got older.
If Xiao Hua knew Cui Lan thought of her that way, she would definitely jeer that age had nothing to do with it. Wasn't she also young in her past life, climbing into the young master's bed at 14? She just didn't have the inclination to do so this time around.
Ezoic
Back to the topic at hand.
Cui Lan told Xiao Hua comfortingly: "Even if something happens, it would be on me. What would you have to do with it?"
Hearing Cui Lan put it that way, Xiao Hua could only dumbly nod her head, but her heart was a mess. She didn't want to offend Bi Yuan, but also didn't want to offend Cui Lan. Offending Cui Lan most likely meant offending Liu Ye as well. How was she supposed to avoid getting involved?
Because she had a shift the next night, Xiao Hua got the morning off. Besides, no one asked her why she wasn't at work in the morning. She slept in until noon before getting up.
She saw Bi Yuan's bed had remained untouched, and thought in her heart that Bi Yuan was really going all out. Having stayed on duty the whole night, and continuing her shift during the day, she was probably also afraid of Cui Lan and Liu Ye combining forces, and wanted to keep a close watch. But was this something that can be prevented by watching? Xiao Hua felt anxious.
Ezoic
After lunch, she saw there weren't many people around the wayside pavilion and went to the small kitchen.
Grandma Wang was still in her old spot in front of the stove. Seeing Xiao Hua deep in thought, she pulled her into the small kitchen.
The kitchen was divided into two rooms. The outer room was the kitchen itself and the inner room was where Granny Wang slept.
Grandma Wang was old and slept little. While heating water was idle work, it meant having to stay in place. People came throughout the day for hot water, so Grandma Wang had renovated the inner room that used to store firewood. She had cleaned out a corner for a wooden bed and normally slept there.
This was Xiao Hua's first time seeing the inner room. Two-thirds of it was occupied by neatly stacked firewood, and against the corner rested a wooden bed surrounded by a mosquito screen made of grey cloth. At the foot of the bed was a cabinet for storage, as well as two large chests.
Ezoic
"No one comes in here, it's more convenient to talk." Grandma Wang spoke as she pulled Xiao Hua over to sit on the side of the bed.
Seeing the simple and crude surroundings, without even a window for light, Xiao Hua felt it hard to bear and couldn't help but say: "Granny Wang, living like this is way too difficult."
Grandma Wang waved her hand carelessly, "A lonely old lady without any relatives, being granted some food by the estate is already pretty good. I feel this place isn't bad. I don't have to be bothered by outside things in here. Once I get too old and can't move anymore, someone will even bestow a simple coffin for me to be buried in."
Hearing Grandma Wang speak like this, Xiao Hua's heart felt even more stifled.
Grandma Wang smiled and patted her head, "Why are you getting upset for this granny, little lass. It's already a miracle this granny managed to live for so long…"
This was the first time Xiao Hua heard Grandma Wang talk about her own affairs. Grandma Wang was old, and had long since had an elderly appearance. Therefore, others always thought she was one of the estate's old work maids, but that wasn't really the case.
It was a pretty typical story. Grandma Wang wasn't called Grandma Wang in the past. When she was young, she served as the personal maid of the estate master's father. She was sold into the estate at a young age, and only after working for several years was she assigned to the old master's side.
Ezoic
Ezoic
A typical beginning and a typical process. Grandma Wang became the old master's chambermaid. Unfortunately, the old master was not typical. That is to say, he was not a benevolent person. His way of doing things was much harsher than that of the current estate master.
The old master was frivolous, with many women by his side. He was also a master who got tired of things quickly, liking the new and hating the old. Those he'd slept with many times were placed within the pavilion where he no longer spared them much thought. He would collect new people from the estate while his wife would dispose of them in the back. According to Grandma Wang, people would be gone without rhyme or reason. Some died of illness, others just disappeared.
Grandma Wang was similar to Xiao Hua in her previous life, also someone who has suffered enough and didn't want to suffer anymore. It's just her appearance couldn't be said to be top notch, and wasn't extremely favored by the old master. Still, having had such a long relationship, she still had some significance to the old master.
Ezoic
A few years passed like this, during which she had gotten pregnant several times. Yet each time would inexplicably result in a miscarriage, and after several miscarriages her health had started to fail. Upon realizing that she had lost favor with the old master, who hadn't visited her room in a while, Grandma Wang knew she would shortly end up following the footsteps of those people. She gritted her teeth and pretended to have a fall, allowing the broken porcelain on the floor to scar her face. She had gone to the estate's old madam to beg for a path to survival, willing to do any kind of work. The old madam saw that she was tactful, and with her health failing and face ruined she arranged a spot for her in a wayside pavilion as a common old maid, forbidding her from appearing before the old master in the future.
This was why Grandma Wang normally avoided seeing people, and had holed up in the same place for several decades. After she had gotten older and was unable to perform the common chores, she was arranged a job heating water. The water was normally fetched by the common maids, she herself only needed to watch the stove.