Xianglan calmly plucked a hairpin from her head, adjusted the lamp wick, and said leisurely, "If Madam sent you to ask, you should preface your words with 'Madam asked me to inquire' next time. If not, then please speak more politely. Though I may be untalented and have always served others, I did spend some years in a respectable household. It matters little if you speak to me this way, but if you use the same tone with outsiders, I fear people will laugh at the Song family's maids for lacking manners." Her words were mild yet sharply impolite.
Fangsi's face immediately flushed crimson. She sneered, "You certainly put on airs! Are you implying that I lack manners? I serve by Madam's side—are you suggesting Madam doesn't know how to train people?"
Xianglan smiled, "I wouldn't dare. I'm clumsy and rash. If anything I said just now offended you, sister, I apologize. As someone by Madam's side, your magnanimity surely differs from others—you wouldn't stoop to my level, would you?"
Fangsi had intended to assert authority over Xianglan but found herself outmaneuvered. Xianglan's two remarks had blocked both her advance and retreat. As she stood there awkwardly, she suddenly heard chattering and laughter at the door—Junxi and Yuexi had returned. Shooting Xianglan a glare, she flung the curtain aside and stormed off.
She rushed behind the rose trellis, stomping her feet in fury.
She had always known that Xianglan, with her fox-like allure, was surely a seductress—and today she had witnessed it firsthand! Fabric for making clothes should be chosen by the masters first, yet Eldest Master had reserved two bolts specially for her and even touched her hair! If she hadn't entered, would he have progressed to caressing her face and kissing her? Disgusting! Shameless! Eldest Master must be blind, always drawn to these delicate-looking little fox spirits—all these years he never recognized her worth. There was previously Hongxiu in his chambers; given their childhood bond, she could accept that. But after Hongxiu was gone, in terms of seniority, looks, figure, wit, and loyalty—by any measure, it should have been her! Even Madam favored her—why wasn't she chosen?
Fangsi wiped away tears of frustration.
She knew she wasn't as beautiful as Xianglan, but in every other aspect, she surpassed that little minx! Eldest Master had been weakened by feminine charms. This couldn't continue!
Fangsi took out a handkerchief, wiped her face, and headed straight to Song Yima's room. Inside, she saw that all the fabric had been selected and put away. Guo Mama was directing servants to set the meal. Song Yima reclined on a daybed, fingering a string of prayer beads, eyes closed, murmuring sutras.
Song Yima was a virtuous woman. Since her husband's death, her heart had turned to ashes. She observed vegetarianism, recited Buddhist prayers, seldom left her quarters, and mostly wore dark clothing. A headband stretched across her forehead, and she wore no makeup. Though naturally elegant and dignified, such attire made her appear a decade older.
Noticing Fangsi's angry expression and abrupt manner, Guo Mama shot her a warning glance and gestured toward Song Yima with her chin. Fangsi collected herself, halted, straightened her dress, placed the fabric she carried aside, picked up a palm-leaf fan near the daybed, and tiptoed over to gently fan Song Yima.
Song Yima opened her eyes and, seeing Fangsi beside her, asked, "Did Eldest Master like this color?"Fangsi promptly replied with an apologetic smile, "Of course I like it. How could I not? The Eldest Master mentioned that a cloak would be too warm, and since there's no skilled seamstress in his quarters, he praised my needlework and asked me to make him a pair of trousers."
Song Yima, with her eyes closed, chuckled, "Amitabha, child. Since he's earnestly asked you, make him two pairs." Then she inquired, "Has the Eldest Master eaten anything?"
Fangsi replied, "When I went over earlier, the meal hadn't been served in his room yet."
Song Yima said, "Tan girl has strong internal heat, so a bowl of porridge in the evening is enough to curb her hunger. But the Eldest Master works hard all day and needs more sustenance at night. Later, take another bowl of soup over to him." As she spoke, she stood up.
Fangsi hurriedly supported her arm, but Song Yima laughed, "I'm not so old that I need to be helped yet," and sat down at the table.
Guo Mama smiled and said, "Let her assist you. It's her duty."
Fangsi stood by to serve the dishes. After taking a bite, Song Yima suddenly remembered, "Has that new maid in the Eldest Master's room picked out her fabric yet? Don't forget about her."
Fangsi, seething with resentment inside, maintained a smiling face and said, "She's chosen." Then, glancing at Guo Mama's expression, she added, "But there's something..."
Song Yima looked at Fangsi. "Speak up. Why hesitate?"
Fangsi said, "When I entered the room earlier, I saw the Eldest Master had specially set aside two bolts of fabric for that maid. I know it's not my place to say, but his actions are truly improper. How could he bypass Madam and the young lady and directly reserve them for that maid?"
At this, Song Yima set down her chopsticks. "What fabrics did he reserve?"
Fangsi replied, "Imperial Concubine-Colored Cocoon Silk and sky-blue fine cloth."
Song Yima picked up her chopsticks again and smiled. "Nothing too precious. Aren't all the fabrics delivered today of that sort? Perhaps the Eldest Master was concerned that the new maid, being shy, might hesitate to choose, so he had two bolts set aside for her. Young girls aren't like us—they look lovely in bright colors."
Fangsi quickly added, "I understand that, but when I entered, I saw the Eldest Master with that maid..." She glanced upward and lowered her voice. "Since Sister Hongxiu left, the Eldest Master's quarters have indeed lacked a proper attendant. But the imperial exams are only six months away. I'm afraid someone might lead him astray, distract him with frivolities, and ruin his studies. Given the family's current situation, the Eldest Master is Madam's only hope. We servants have served him all this time, hoping he'll pass the exams with honors and restore the family's fortunes. First, to comfort the late master's spirit; second, to ease Madam's heart; third, so the eldest young lady can marry with dignity; and fourth, for our own security."
This speech struck a chord. Song Yima set down her chopsticks again and urgently asked, "My dear, what exactly did you see in the room? Thank goodness you're clever and reliable, or I'd still be in the dark."
Fangsi said, "It wasn't much, but when I entered, I saw the Eldest Master reaching out to touch the maid's hair, as if he were about to pin a flower in it. With anyone else, it might not matter, but the Eldest Master has always been solely focused on his scholarly pursuits. Even with the previous Hongxiu, he never exchanged a flirtatious word. And this maid has only just arrived..."Song Yima was taken aback for a moment. When the maid named Xianglan had entered earlier to kowtow, she had examined her carefully—the girl was truly a stunning beauty, with an elegant and graceful demeanor, genuinely first-rate in every aspect.
Seeing Song Yima remain silent, Fangsi spoke again: "Madam must make a decision. At this critical time for Eldest Master, having such a bewitching and delicate maid by his side is truly worrisome. Moreover, that girl's background is unclear—who knows where she was bought from? If she had been corrupted somewhere before entering the mansion, learning all sorts of vulgar tricks, and our master is such a proper and honest young man, it would be disastrous if his character were ruined!"
Guo Mama immediately chimed in: "That's true. That maid's origins are unknown, and she arrived covered in injuries. Who knows what trouble she might have caused before? Perhaps she made some mistake and was driven out by her previous master. To speak bluntly behind closed doors, with such striking looks, if she was expelled from a wealthy household, who knows if she's still pure or if she's picked up some flirtatious habits? There are always those who love to gossip, constantly spreading rumors about others. In the future, when Eldest Master becomes an official, he must maintain a spotless reputation—he cannot afford to make even the slightest misstep. If nothing happens, it's fine, but if someone utters a single word of 'corruption,' who knows how many villains might follow, throwing stones when he's down and tripping him up? Our anxiety and distress would be secondary, but what about Eldest Master's reputation?"
As Guo Mama spoke, Song Yima nodded in agreement.
Fangsi moved the soup closer to Song Yima and asked in a low voice: "Madam, what do you think about this matter..."
Song Yima sighed and said: "Fortunately, I have you two to help me strategize, otherwise I wouldn't have realized the seriousness of the situation. However, when the girl was purchased, Eldest Master told me that she was someone he had his eye on and intended to promote in the future. He had known her before and had always wanted to ask her master for her, but never had the opportunity. Unexpectedly, she fell victim to someone's scheme, so he seized the chance to buy her. Her background is actually clean, and we know her roots well."
Song Yima's statement that "she was someone he had his eye on and intended to promote in the future" struck Fangsi like a bolt of ice to the heart. Song Yima then said to Guo Mama: "Eldest Master grew up under your care since childhood—he knows his limits best. He also told me that he plans to add someone to his chambers only after next spring's imperial examinations. For now, having her by his side is just to help serve tea and water, and to grind ink while he studies."
Upon hearing this, Guo Mama exchanged a glance with Fangsi and smiled: "As long as Madam is clear about the situation, that's what matters. Look at all this fuss—we mother and daughter have been speaking out of turn. We deserve a scolding! We deserve a scolding!"
Fangsi also forced a smile: "Isn't that true? Especially me—I really deserve a slap on the mouth!" As she spoke, she lightly slapped herself twice.
Song Yima grabbed Fangsi's hand and laughed: "Silly child, why are you actually hitting yourself? I'm not blaming you—I'm grateful to you both beyond words. You two, mother and daughter, always think of us in everything, working day and night to protect our family's reputation and dignity. Ever since the master passed away, everyone has been stabbing us in the back and bullying us widows and orphans. Only you have stayed by our side, wholeheartedly defending us. I keep thinking that I must never let you down." At the mention of the master, tears began to roll down her cheeks.Guo Mama and Fangsi hurriedly followed suit in shedding tears. After a moment of silence in the room, Guo Mama wiped the corner of her eye with a handkerchief and forced a smile, saying, "Everything was perfectly fine, so why bring up this sad matter again? It's all Fangsi's fault—this little minx deserves a beating for making Madam shed tears once more."
Song Yima patted Fangsi's hand and said to Guo Mama with a smile, "With me protecting her, you can't lay a finger on her." Then, gazing at Fangsi affectionately, she added, "Our eldest son is an unfortunate one, failing to see your virtues. But rest assured, as long as I am here, your future will not be neglected."
Fangsi pretended to be coy and lowered her head, but the grievances in her heart surged up, instantly moistening her eyes.
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