Zidai looked at Shu Ran with pleading eyes, but Shu Ran pretended not to notice, bowing her head in acknowledgment while thinking to herself: "These two maids must have learned something they shouldn't have. The Eldest Master fears they might gossip outside, so he wants to cut out their tongues. Fortunately, these two are illiterate—otherwise, their hands might have been crippled too."
Watching Lin Jinlou walk away into the distance, Shu Ran thought for a moment, then beckoned Cunxin, who had followed her, to her side and said, "Go tell Han Mama that Zidai has committed a grave offense and the Eldest Master intends to punish her severely. If she wants to plead with Madam for mercy, she should hurry—but don't let on that I told her." Cunxin acknowledged and left.
Shu Ran reached up to smooth her hair. Han Mama was, after all, a respected figure; if Zidai were dealt with quietly, it would surely earn her enmity. If Han Mama had the means, she could have Madam intervene and speak to the Eldest Master. But if Han Mama came to plead herself, a single statement—"The Eldest Master personally decreed the punishment"—would be enough to dismiss her, and Zidai would find it hard to overturn her fate.
In the inner household, one must act without leaving any loopholes. She had maintained her prestige for so long precisely because she avoided making enemies unnecessarily. Who could guarantee they would always achieve merit and please their masters? It was only by avoiding faults that others were willing to grant you favor!
Shu Ran pointed at the two on the ground and said, "Take them outside for now."
When Cunxin arrived at Zhuoshou Garden, Han Mama had just undressed and lain down, tossing and turning restlessly in bed. Qin Shi had returned from the temple in a state of panic and disarray, and with Zidai missing, Han Mama was beside herself with worry. She had tentatively asked a couple of questions but, seeing Qin Shi's cold expression, dared not press further. She could only sigh to herself, fearing that Zidai was likely in grave danger. What frightened her even more was that Qin Shi had not offered any words of comfort but had instead grown somewhat distant. The day before, upon returning, Qin Shi had ordered Lulan to open the chests and take out fine silks, gold and silver jewelry, and other items to send to Chen Xianglan's family as New Year's gifts—but the gifts were far too lavish! Han Mama grew increasingly uneasy and hadn't even managed to eat dinner properly. She had intended to question Qin Shi thoroughly upon her return, but then Hongjian came back to fetch Qin Shi's clothes and said, "Madam is staying at Old Madam's place tonight. Those on night duty should remain; everyone else may rest." Left with no choice, Han Mama had reluctantly gone to bed.
Just then, Cunxin called from outside the door. Xiao Fang'er lit a lamp and opened it. Hearing the news, Han Mama threw on her clothes in such a panic that she nearly lost her soul. She hurriedly dressed, not even bothering to properly comb her hair, slipped on her shoes, and rushed straight to the main courtyard. Lifting the curtain to enter the room, she saw that Qin Shi had already washed up, her hair loose, while Hongjian combed it stroke by stroke with a fine-toothed comb.
Qin Shi saw Han Mama enter in the mirror but paid her no mind. Without a word, Han Mama knelt down. Qiangwei entered carrying a copper basin and was taken aback at the sight. She was about to address Qin Shi when Hongjian caught her eye and subtly shook her head. Qiangwei closed her mouth and quietly retreated.
Only after Hongjian had combed Qin Shi's hair one hundred times, tied the glossy black tresses into a bun, and served fragrant tea did Qin Shi finally turn around. Looking at Han Mama, she said, "What brings you here so late?"Han Mama’s legs had gone numb from kneeling, aching with a dull soreness. Upon hearing these words, she quickly replied, “This old servant was thoughtless, disturbing Madam’s rest so late at night. But now Zidai, for some unknown offense, has angered the Eldest Master and is to be severely punished and sent away. I beg Madam to show mercy and spare her life.” As she spoke, she kowtowed repeatedly.
Qin Shi noticed her disheveled appearance and unkempt hair; with each kowtow, her nearly bald scalp became more visible. Qin Shi sighed inwardly, but then she recalled Zidai’s betrayal at Qixia Temple, and her heart hardened again. Coldly, she said, “Zidai is now a servant of the Hall of Knowing Spring. Since the Eldest Master has decided to deal with her, it is not my place to interfere.”
Han Mama pleaded, “Madam is the most benevolent and wise. That child Zidai has always been loyal to you and the Eldest Master. Even if she has countless faults, this one virtue alone proves she is worthy. Madam…”
Qin Shi had initially felt a flicker of nostalgia, but upon hearing the words “loyalty,” her resentment flared even stronger. She said indifferently, “If the Eldest Master has decided to punish her, Zidai must have committed some offense. Do you know what crime she is accused of?”
Han Mama was taken aback and fell silent. She had no idea what Zidai’s offense was, but seeing Qin Shi’s icy expression, her heart sank. She hesitated, unsure whether she should continue pleading for Zidai. She glanced at Hongjian, hoping she might speak a few kind words or offer some guidance.
Hongjian, however, kept her eyes fixed on the tips of her shoes and remained silent. It was not that she lacked compassion, but Zidai’s actions had been too despicable. The memory of Zidai’s midnight outburst still weighed heavily on her heart, let alone on Madam, who had once favored Zidai. Now that Madam was angered, why should she defy her master? Besides, Hongjian and Zidai had never been close. Before Zidai gained favor, she had flattered Hongjian with smiles and addressed her as “Sister Hongjian.” But later, she had become arrogant, pushing Hongjian aside to curry favor with Madam. Though Hongjian never spoke of it, she had been displeased. This time, however… Hongjian saw clearly that not only Zidai but even Han Mama’s longstanding reputation was likely to be ruined.
Han Mama grew increasingly anxious and frustrated. She had assumed that something major had happened during this trip and that Lin Jinlou, in his anger, was taking it out on the servants who had accompanied him. She had thought 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 absently at the candle flame on the table for a moment, then suddenly let out a soft sigh. “Among all the maids,” she said, “Zidai was only average in perception, temperament, eloquence, and cleverness. Her only advantage was her pretty face, which made her seem fit for bearing children, and her connection to you. That is why I promoted her and gave her all the face she deserved. But she chose not to walk the righteous path, instead engaging in sneaky, underhanded deeds that disgust her masters and bring shame upon me.” Zidai lacked depth but possessed a certain cunning and ambition. Qin Shi had placed her in the Hall of Knowing Spring to rival Xianglan for favor. Xianglan was beautiful and talented—such women often had higher aspirations and were the most restless. By backing Zidai, Qin Shi had intended for the two to compete like tigers, so that any future wife Lin Jinlou might marry could reap the benefits without interference, avoiding the turmoil of a Concubine monopolizing his favor."I had always thought Zidai was at least sensible and attentive, and what I valued most was her 'loyalty.' But as the saying goes, 'Sturdy grass withstands high winds; loyal ministers emerge in troubled times.' I once believed those with foul tempers and bewitching charms were the least righteous, yet she turned out to be the most benevolent..." Qin Shi spoke with a touch of sorrow, sighing as she gazed at the flickering candle flame. Slowly, she continued, "Now that I think back, when she was by my side, she always let others take the easy, flattering tasks while silently handling all the thankless chores herself. She never said much or complained. I only saw her as stubborn and dull, not a pleasing temperament, so I disliked her. But now I realize that child was just quiet by nature—in truth, she was an exceedingly kind-hearted person..." As Qin Shi spoke, thoughts of Xianglan, whose fate remained unknown, brought two tears trickling down her cheeks. Hongjian also silently wiped the corners of her eyes.
"Still, Zidai did serve me once." After shedding tears for a moment, Qin Shi suddenly straightened up, took out a handkerchief, and dabbed her eyes. When Zidai attended to her, she had been wholeheartedly diligent, putting in a hundred times more effort than ordinary maids. Qin Shi was not a cold-hearted person; she would always remember this bit of affection.
Upon hearing this, Han Mama immediately grew tense. From Qin Shi's earlier words, she had guessed she was praising Xianglan, but the implication seemed to be that Zidai was neither loyal nor righteous? Han Mama's heart tightened, and she stared fixedly at Qin Shi.
Then she saw Qin Shi say to Hongjian, "She can no longer stay in the household. 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 Madam was truly compassionate after all. Otherwise, someone like Zidai would have been beaten and sold off, and that would have been letting her off easy.
Han Mama felt as if a thunderbolt had struck her head—"Boom!"—and her whole body went limp. Madam must be aware of Lin Jinlou's methods, yet now she wouldn't even intervene, merely bestowing some silver. It seemed she had utterly taken a dislike to Zidai. Her beautiful, clever, and obedient niece—with such qualities, she deserved a bright future, to become half a mistress by the young master's side, adorned in gold and silver, indulging in fine food and drink, and lifting their entire family to a glorious life. But to be driven out like this... she feared Zidai wouldn't even be able to marry a respectable steward, estate manager, shopkeeper, or Household Guard!
Seeing Qin Shi's indifferent expression, Han Mama knew further pleas were useless and worried she might incur displeasure herself. She kowtowed and withdrew, drifting out in a daze. Outside the courtyard, lanterns blazed brightly. Shu Ran stood under the large red lanterns of the festooned gate, while beyond the second gate, several matrons and Household Guards restrained two maids bound like zongzi, with Jixiang overseeing them. Spotting Shu Ran from afar, Han Mama tried to detour around, but Shu Ran, sharp-eyed, immediately called out with a smile, "Han Mama, you've come."
At this, Zidai grew agitated, writhing desperately. With a handkerchief stuffed in her mouth, she could only emit muffled "mmph" sounds. Under everyone's watchful eyes, Han Mama had no choice but to steel herself and approach. She glanced furtively outside the gate just as Shu Tong, her tongue freshly cut out, lay as if dead, being carried away on a plank by two matrons, the ground stained with blotches of blood. Han Mama was so terrified her legs turned to jelly, and she exclaimed repeatedly, "What... what is this!"Shu Ran stood with her back to the main gate, lowering her voice as she said, "Mama, don’t look outside—it’s a bloody mess. I’m so terrified I only dare stand inside the gate and not look. These two have committed grave offenses, and the Eldest Master is punishing them severely: their tongues are to be cut out, Shu Tong is to be banished to the estate, and Zidai is to be married off to some lowly fellow..."
Seeing Han Mama’s face as pale as gold leaf, she continued, "Shu Tong was drugged into unconsciousness before the punishment was carried out. I’ve been stalling for time, waiting for you to bring reinforcements from Madam to save Zidai. Have you succeeded?" She spoke with such sincerity, as if genuinely concerned for Zidai’s safety, but inwardly she thought, "Judging by her earlier attempt to avoid trouble, it’s clear she didn’t secure any pardon—instead, she’s brought trouble upon herself. Zidai is doomed this time." She felt a twinge of sympathy, but recalling Zidai’s usual behavior, that sympathy quickly faded.
Han Mama hemmed and hawed, her face alternating between red and white. After a long pause, she finally said, "Thank you for your concern, girl. I appreciate your kindness... but as for Madam... Madam... Ah, I suppose it’s my ill fate—nothing ever goes right. I tried to help my niece, only to earn the displeasure of Madam and the Eldest Master. It’s also my fault for not disciplining her properly."
A faint, scornful smile flickered at the corner of Shu Ran’s lips but vanished instantly. She sighed along with Han Mama and said, "Mama, don’t blame yourself. This is simply Zidai’s fate."
At that moment, Han Mama walked outside the inner gate. When Zidai saw her, she struggled desperately, making frantic "uh-uh" noises in her throat. Tears as large as beans streamed down her cheeks, her gaze pitiful and desperate. The Household Guards and matrons nearby struggled to restrain her; even bound as she was, she seemed capable of leaping up.
Han Mama dared not look at the torture instruments placed nearby, but the sight of Zidai’s face made her even more fearful. She forced herself to say, "My child, this time... Ah, your aunt pleaded with Madam on your behalf, but I’m afraid it’s no use. You must take heart. Your aunt 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, making her look like a female ghost. The veins in her neck bulged, and the sounds from her throat grew increasingly terrifying, bordering on madness. Yet she could only watch helplessly as Han Mama’s figure receded into the distance, eventually turning a corner and disappearing from sight.
Shu Ran sighed silently and exchanged a glance with Jixiang, giving a slight nod. Jixiang then ordered the Household Guards to remove the handkerchief from Zidai’s mouth. Before Zidai could scream, they pinched her jaw and poured a drugged concoction down her throat. In her dazed state, Zidai seemed to hear someone speaking. Shu Ran sighed and remarked, "After all, she’s not her own daughter. When Zidai was in favor, she basked in the glory, boasting everywhere and putting on airs as if she were the Concubine’s relative—almost claiming to be Madam’s kin. But now? She’s desperate to wash her hands of her and stay far away, leaving her to her fate. Ah!"
Jixiang said, "Concubine? The Eldest Master never even took her as one. What kind of Concubine is she? Tsk, speaking of which, you have to admire that other one. Haven’t you noticed? The Eldest Master hasn’t slept a wink these past two days, acting like a madman. We’d better keep our distance—whoever gets close will suffer, and might even become his punching bag."Han Mama walked briskly for a while, only slowing her pace when she turned her head and could no longer see the two large red lanterns swaying on the ceremonial gate. Leaning against the wall, she covered her chest, her conscience uneasy and filled with guilt. Shedding a few tears, she sobbed behind her hand and murmured to herself, "My child, don’t hate me, don’t hate your auntie. Auntie had no other choice—I couldn’t persuade Madam no matter how I pleaded. What else could I do? I still have to serve Madam in the future! Rest assured, Auntie will look after you from now on. As for your brothers and sisters, I’ll find a way to get them positions in the mansion."
She mulled over these plans, unaware that not long after, Qin Shi would assign her to serve Lin Dongxiu. Later, she even accompanied Lin Dongxiu when she married into the household of Marquis Yongchang. At first, it was a respectable and dignified life. However, Lin Dongxiu was tight-fisted and seldom generous. Accustomed to a life of comfort, Han Mama resorted to embezzling silver. Eventually, her deeds were uncovered after a thorough investigation, and she was expelled from the marquis’ household. Too ashamed to return to the Lin family, she was fortunate to receive aid from Wu Mama, who helped her secure a job overseeing a manor estate.
By then, Zidai had already married a lame-legged cook from the mansion—a short, stout man responsible for preparing meals for the servants and attendants outside the inner gates. He was fond of drinking and gambling but, fortunately, still provided for his family. Zidai had given birth to two children in three years. Her bosom sagged nearly to her navel, and her figure had grown so plump she resembled a woman in her forties or fifties, with none of her former beauty remaining. When she saw Han Mama arrive, her expression darkened instantly. She turned back into the courtyard, slammed the door shut with a bang, and refused to see her for the rest of her life.
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