Zidai looked at Shuran with pleading eyes, but Shuran acted as though she hadn't seen, bowing her head in acknowledgment while thinking to herself: "These two maids must have learned something they shouldn't have. The Master fears they might gossip outside, so he wants their tongues cut out. Fortunately, these two are illiterate - otherwise, their hands might have been crippled too."
Watching Lin Jinlou walk away into the distance, Shuran thought for a moment, then beckoned Cun Xin who had followed her over. She said: "Go tell Mama Han that Zidai has committed a serious offense and the Master intends to punish her severely. If she wants to beg Taitai for mercy, she should go quickly, but don't let on that I told her." Cun Xin acknowledged and left immediately.
Shuran reached up to smooth her hair bun. Mama Han was after all a respected figure - if Zidai were dealt with quietly, it would surely earn her enmity. Let Mama Han use her influence to get Taitai involved, let Taitai speak with the Master herself. If Mama Han came pleading directly, a simple "The Master himself pronounced the judgment" would suffice to dismiss her, and Zidai would find it difficult to reverse her fate.
In household affairs, one must act without leaving any openings. She had maintained her grandeur for so long precisely because she avoided making unnecessary enemies. Who could guarantee they would always achieve merit and please their masters? Remaining faultless was what made others willing to grant you favors!
Shuran pointed at the two on the ground and said: "Take them both outside for now."
When Cun Xin arrived at Clumsy Guard Garden, Mama Han had just undressed and gone to bed, lying awake tossing and turning. Qin Shi had returned from the temple frightened and disheveled, and with Zidai missing. Mama Han had been extremely anxious, tentatively asking a couple questions, but seeing Qin Shi's cold expression, she didn't dare press further. She could only sigh alone, thinking Zidai was likely beyond help. What frightened her more was that Qin Shi hadn't offered any comfort, but had instead become somewhat distant. Yesterday upon returning, she had immediately ordered Lu Lan to open the chests and take fine silks along with various gold and silver jewelry to send to Chen Xianglan's family, calling it New Year's gifts - but these gifts were far too generous! Mama Han grew increasingly suspicious and uneasy, unable to even eat her dinner properly. She had intended to question Qin Shi properly upon her return, but unexpectedly Hongjian came back to fetch Qin Shi's clothes, saying: "Taitai is staying at the old lady's place tonight. Those assigned to night duty should remain, everyone else may rest." Left with no choice, she had gone to bed distractedly.
Just then, Cun Xin called at the door outside. Xiao Fang'er lit a lamp and opened the door. When Mama Han threw on her clothes and heard the news, she was immediately terrified out of her wits. Hastily putting on her clothes, not even bothering to properly comb her hair, she slipped on her shoes and rushed out, going straight to the main courtyard of the main house. Lifting the curtain and entering the room, she saw Qin Shi had already washed up, her hair loose, while Hongjian combed it stroke by stroke with a fine-toothed comb.
Qin Shi saw Mama Han enter through the mirror but paid her no attention. Mama Han silently knelt down. Qiang Wei entered carrying a copper basin and froze at the sight. She thought to address Qin Shi, but saw Hongjian signaling her with a slight shake of the head. Qiang Wei closed her mouth and quietly retreated.
Only after Hongjian had combed Qin Shi's hair one hundred strokes, tied the glossy black hair into a bun, and served fragrant tea did Qin Shi finally turn around. Looking at Mama Han, she said: "What brings you here so late at night?"Mama Han knelt until her legs and feet went numb, swollen and aching. Upon hearing this, she quickly said, "It was this old servant's lack of consideration to disturb Taitai's rest so late at night. But now Zidai, for some unknown offense, has angered Master and is to be severely punished and sent away. I beg Taitai to show mercy and spare her life." As she spoke, she kowtowed repeatedly.
Qin Shi saw her disheveled clothes and messy hair, and with each kowtow, her nearly bald scalp became more visible. Qin Shi sighed inwardly, but then remembered Zidai's betrayal at Qixia Temple, and her heart hardened again. She said coldly, "Zidai is already a person of Knowing Spring Pavilion. Since Master wishes to deal with her, it is not my place to interfere."
Mama Han pleaded, "Taitai is the most benevolent and wise. That child Zidai has always been loyal to you and Master. Even if she has countless faults, this one virtue alone shows she is good at heart. Taitai..."
Qin Shi had initially felt some nostalgia, but upon hearing the words "loyalty," her resentment grew stronger. She said indifferently, "Since Master is punishing her, Zidai must have committed some offense. Do you know what crime she is accused of?"
Mama Han was taken aback and fell silent. She did not know what Zidai had actually done, but seeing Qin Shi's icy expression, her heart sank. She was unsure whether she should continue pleading for Zidai and glanced at Hongjian, hoping she would say a few kind words or offer some guidance.
Hongjian kept her eyes fixed on the tips of her shoes and remained silent. It was not that she was unkind, but Zidai had acted so despicably that night—the mere memory of her midnight outburst still made Hongjian's chest tighten with anger. How much more furious must Taitai be, who had always favored Zidai? Why should she go against her mistress now? Besides, Zidai had never been friendly with her. Before gaining favor, Zidai would approach with a flattering smile and call her "Sister Hongjian," but later she became so arrogant that she even pushed Hongjian aside in front of Taitai. Though Hongjian never spoke of it, she was displeased. But this time... Hongjian understood clearly that it was not just Zidai—even Mama Han's longstanding reputation would likely be ruined.
Mama Han grew increasingly anxious and frustrated. She had thought that something major must have happened during this trip, and that Lin Jinlou was taking his anger out on the servants and maids who accompanied him. She had hoped that by pleading with Qin Shi, she could save Zidai. She never expected such an outcome—Qin Shi showed her no face at all. Whether from shame or anger, tears began to roll down her cheeks.
Qin Shi stared quietly at the candle flame on the table for a while, then suddenly let out a soft sigh and said, "Among all the maids, Zidai was only average in perception, temperament, eloquence, and cleverness. Her only advantage was her good looks, which suggested she might bear children well, and she was also related to you, which is why I promoted her. I gave her all the face she deserved. But she chose not to walk the righteous path, engaging in sneaky and disgraceful acts that disgust her masters. It brings me no honor either." Zidai lacked depth but had a bit of cunning and ambition. Qin Shi had pushed her into Knowing Spring Pavilion to rival Xianglan for favor. Xianglan was beautiful and somewhat talented—such women often had higher aspirations and were the most restless. By supporting Zidai, Qin Shi intended for the two of them to compete like tigers, so that any future wife Lin Jinlou married could reap the benefits without a concubine monopolizing his favor and disrupting the household peace."I always thought Zidai was at least sensible and knew how to serve, and what I valued most was her 'loyalty.' But as the saying goes, 'Sturdy grass withstands high winds; a loyal minister stands out in times of turmoil.' I used to think the one with the worst temper and seductive tricks was actually the most righteous..." Qin Shi spoke with a hint of sorrow, sighing as she gazed at the flickering candle flame. Slowly, she continued, "Now that I think back, when she was with me, she always let others take the easy, pleasing tasks while silently handling all the difficult, thankless work herself. She never said much or complained. I only saw her as stubborn and dull, not a likable personality, so I disliked her. But now I realize that child was just quiet—in truth, she was an extremely kind-hearted person..." As Qin Shi spoke, she thought of Xianglan, whose fate was now unknown, and couldn't help shedding two tears. Hongjian also silently wiped the corner of her eye.
"Still, Zidai did serve me once." After weeping for a moment, Qin Shi suddenly straightened up and took out a handkerchief to dab her eyes. When Zidai had attended her, she had exerted herself wholeheartedly, a hundred times more diligent than an ordinary maid. Qin Shi was not an unfeeling person—she remembered this kindness.
Mama Han grew tense upon hearing this. From Qin Shi's earlier words, she had guessed she was praising Xianglan, but the implication was that Zidai was neither loyal nor righteous? Mama Han's heart tightened, and she stared fixedly at Qin Shi.
But then Qin Shi said to Hongjian, "She can no longer stay in the mansion. Give her a few taels of silver—that will fulfill our master-servant bond."
Hongjian bowed and replied, "Yes." Secretly, she curled her lip, thinking that their Taitai was truly compassionate; otherwise, someone like Zidai would have been beaten and sold off, and that would have been letting her off easy.
Mama Han felt as if a thunderbolt had struck her head—a "boom" that left her entire body weak and limp. Taitai must know Lin Jinlou's methods, yet now she wouldn't even intervene, merely giving some silver. It seemed she had thoroughly taken a dislike to Zidai. Her beautiful, clever, and obedient niece—with such qualities, she deserved a bright future, to be half a mistress by a gentleman's side, adorned in gold and silver, enjoying fine food and drink, and lifting their whole family to a life of Grandeur. But to be driven out like this... she feared Zidai wouldn't even be able to marry a respectable steward, estate manager, shopkeeper, or guard!
Seeing Qin Shi's cold expression, Mama Han knew pleading was useless and worried she might incur displeasure herself. She kowtowed and withdrew, drifting out as if in a daze. Outside the courtyard, the area was brightly lit. Shuran stood under the large red lanterns of the Hanging Flower Gate, and beyond the second gate, several old women and guards were restraining two maids bound like zongzi, with Ji Xiang overseeing them. Spotting Shuran from afar, Mama Han tried to detour around, but Shuran, sharp-eyed, immediately called out with a smile, "Mama Han is here."
Zidai grew agitated upon hearing this, writhing desperately. With a handkerchief stuffed in her mouth, she could only emit "mmph" sounds. Under everyone's gaze, Mama Han had no choice but to steel herself and approach. She glanced surreptitiously outside just as Shutong, who had just had her tongue cut out, lay as if dead, being carried away on a plank by two old women, the ground stained with blood. Mama Han was so terrified her legs turned to jelly, and she stammered repeatedly, "What... what is this?"Shuran stood with her back to the main gate, lowering her voice as she said, "Mama, don't look outside. It's a bloody scene—I'm terrified myself and only dare to stand inside the gate, not daring to look. These two have committed grave offenses, and the Master is imposing severe punishment: their tongues are to be cut out, Shutong is to be banished to the Manor, and Zidai is to be sent off to be married to a servant..."
Noticing Mama Han's face had turned as pale as gold leaf, she continued, "I had Shutong drugged into unconsciousness before the punishment was carried out, and I've been stalling for time, waiting for you to bring help from Taitai to save Zidai. Have you succeeded?" Her words were filled with genuine concern, as if she truly cared for Zidai's safety, but inwardly she thought, "Seeing how she tried to avoid involvement earlier, it's clear she didn't get any favor and instead got herself into trouble. Zidai is doomed this time." She felt a twinge of sympathy, but recalling Zidai's usual behavior, that sympathy quickly faded.
Mama Han stammered, her face alternating between red and white, before finally saying after a long pause, "I appreciate your concern, girl, and I'll remember this kindness... but as for Taitai, Taitai... Ah, I suppose it's just my ill fate—nothing goes right. I wanted to help my own niece, but I've only earned the displeasure of Taitai and the Master. It's also my fault for not disciplining her properly."
A faint, contemptuous smile flickered at the corner of Shuran's lips but vanished instantly as she sighed along with Mama Han, saying, "There's no need to blame yourself, Mama. This is simply Zidai's destiny."
At that moment, Mama Han walked to the outer gate. When Zidai saw her, she struggled desperately, making muffled "uh-uh" sounds in her throat, tears as large as beans streaming down her cheeks, her gaze pitiful and desperate. The old woman guard beside her strained to hold her down; even bound, Zidai seemed capable of leaping up.
Mama Han dared not look at the torture instruments nearby, but seeing Zidai's face only made her more fearful. She forced out the words, "My child, this ordeal of yours... Ah, your aunt pleaded with Taitai for you, but I'm afraid it's no use. You must try to calm yourself. I won't abandon you—I'll make proper arrangements for you in the future." With that, she hurriedly turned and left.
Zidai stared in horror, shaking her head wildly until her dark hair became disheveled and tangled, resembling a female ghost. The veins in her neck bulged, and the sounds from her throat grew even more terrifying, bordering on madness. Yet, she could only watch helplessly as Mama Han's figure receded into the distance, eventually disappearing around a corner.
Shuran sighed silently, exchanged a glance with Ji Xiang, and gave a slight nod. Ji Xiang then ordered the guard to remove the handkerchief from Zidai's mouth and, before she could scream, gripped her jaw and poured the drugged liquid down her throat. In her dazed state, Zidai seemed to hear someone speaking. Shuran sighed and said, "After all, she's not her own daughter. When Zidai was in favor, she basked in the Grandeur, boasting everywhere and putting on airs as the new concubine's relative—almost claiming to be Taitai's kin. But now? She can't wait to wash her hands of it and stay far away, leaving her to life or death. Ah!"
Ji Xiang remarked, "New concubine? The Master hasn't even taken her yet—what kind of new concubine is that? Tsk, speaking of which, you have to admire that one. Haven't you noticed? These past two days, with her absence, the Master hasn't slept a wink, acting like a madman. We'd better keep our distance—whoever gets close is bound to suffer and become his punching bag."Mama Han quickened her pace for a while, only slowing down when she turned her head and could no longer see the two large red lanterns swaying on the Hanging Flower Gate. Leaning against the wall, she covered her chest—her heart was filled with guilt and her conscience troubled. Shedding a few tears, she covered her mouth and sobbed softly, murmuring to herself, "My child, don’t hate me, don’t hate your aunt. Your aunt had no other choice. I couldn’t persuade Taitai no matter how hard I tried—what else could I do? I still have to serve Taitai in the future! Rest assured, your aunt will take care of you from now on. I’ll also find a way to get your siblings into the mansion to take up duties."
She schemed in her heart like this, unaware that not long after, she was assigned by Qin Shi to serve Lin Dongxiu and eventually followed Lin Dongxiu when she married into the household of Marquis Yongchang. At first, it was a life of Grandeur and dignity, but Lin Dongxiu was tight with silver and seldom generous. Having grown accustomed to a respectable life, Mama Han resorted to embezzling silver by any means possible. Later, when her actions were thoroughly investigated, she was expelled from the Marquis’s household and felt too ashamed to return to the Lin Family. Fortunately, Wu Mama came to her aid and found her a job overseeing a Manor.
By this time, Zidai had already married a lame cook from the mansion—a short, stout, and burly man who specialized in preparing meals for the servant boys and attendants outside the second gate. He was fond of drinking and gambling but, thankfully, still knew how to provide for his family and make ends meet. Zidai gave birth to two children in three years, her bosom sagging nearly to her navel and her figure grown so plump she resembled a woman in her forties or fifties, having completely lost her former beauty. When she saw Mama Han arrive, her expression instantly darkened. She turned back into the courtyard, slammed the door shut with a "bang," and refused to see her for the rest of her life.
No update tomorrow~ Ah, I originally intended to have Xianglan appear in this chapter, but once I started elaborating on Zidai and her aunt, I couldn’t stop. These two can now exit the stage. Xianglan will definitely appear right at the beginning of the next chapter! Thanks to 1301429098 and Yerenlyg for the Peach Blossom Fans, to Linxi, Jojo8129, and Ningruoying for the Peace Talismans, and also to everyone for the pink votes^_^
OpenNovel