Blossom

Miao Anping and his cousin sat down with a chuckle, as a young maidservant brought in tea and snacks.

His eyes followed the young girl, making her hands tremble and the teacup rattle.

Miao Ansu frowned and scolded lightly, "What are you looking at?"

"Heh heh!" Miao Anping grinned mischievously and said, "This must be your husband's maidservant, right? She looks unfamiliar to me. Dressed like this, all gold and silver—if I hadn't met her in your room, I'd have thought she was a young lady from some wealthy family! Little sister, you’ve really landed in a nest of fortune now! Unlike your elder brother here, who doesn’t know where his next meal is coming from and is still worrying about making ends meet!"

Miao Ansu felt a surge of irritation and had the urge to hurl her teacup at Miao Anping’s face.

Her marriage was a classic case of "a donkey’s dung—glossy on the outside." Leaving aside Song Han’s status, ever since their wedding, he had never so much as glanced at her properly. Even in marital matters, he never showed her any respect—he treated her exactly as he treated Ji Hong, sometimes even worse. She vaguely sensed that Song Han was deliberately humiliating her. Every time she thought about it, she felt deeply ashamed yet helpless.

But she had just married into the family and had no choice but to endure everything.

She had been eagerly looking forward to her "visiting the bride’s parents a month after the wedding" so she could discuss this matter with her mother.

Yet when she returned, instead of asking how she was doing, her parents, brothers, and uncles all hinted that now that she was living in luxury thanks to the Miao family’s reputation, shouldn’t she help out the family a little?

Everyone was eyeing her scented sachet!

At that moment, she finally saw her true standing in the Miao family clearly.

"When husband and wife are at odds, even the neighbors bully you!"

If the Miao family saw her and Song Han happily in love, things might be different. But if they knew Song Han only treated her with superficial courtesy, would the Miao family still regard her with any respect?

She swallowed the words she had intended to say.

Home was no longer a shelter from the storm for her!

Hugging her shoulders, she felt nothing but overwhelming loneliness and desolation, along with a fear of the unknown.

Using Yuan Ge’er’s upcoming hundred-day celebration as an excuse, Miao Ansu reluctantly stayed for two days before returning to The Duke of England's Mansion.

Unexpectedly, her dear brother actually followed her there.

What did he want?

Miao Ansu sneered, "Marry a chicken, follow the chicken; marry a dog, follow the dog. This fortune of mine was bestowed by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and the Second Master. As a woman confined to the inner chambers, I can’t carry a load or lift a hand—I’m merely living off the scraps others throw my way."

So she was shutting him out at the door!

Miao Anping’s expression darkened instantly. "Little sister, you can’t say that. If it weren’t for the Noble Consort, would Her Majesty the Empress Dowager even know who you are? If you burn bridges like this, don’t blame us elder brothers for not standing up for you when the time comes!"

Miao Ansu was furious.

But in the end, she didn’t dare to openly clash with Miao Anping.

Already disregarded by Song Han and with no backing from her family, over time, would this household even take her seriously?

Suppressing her rage, Miao Ansu said softly, "What do you mean by that, elder brother? You rarely visit, yet the moment you see me, you prick at me as if I’m some ungrateful wretch. There’s no one else here—if you have something to say, just say it outright. Why beat around the bush? Do you expect me to read between the lines?"Miao Anping had come with a request, so naturally he wouldn’t argue with Miao Ansu. Hearing her words, he immediately seized the opportunity to back down: "Your brother isn’t good with words—surely you won’t hold it against me?" As he spoke, he glanced at his cousin and lowered his voice. "I came for a reason. I heard Jurong County is adding two new constable positions. Could you ask Second Master to save one for our family? That way, the Miao family can have a future—no longer needing to kowtow to others at every turn. Who knows, we might even rise from petty clerks to proper officials!"

Clerical positions could be hereditary.

Miao Ansu laughed in sheer exasperation. "Do you think Second Master is some high-ranking official in the Ministry of Personnel? That we can just do as we please?"

Miao Anping brazenly replied, "Second Master might not have much influence himself, but his father, the Duke of Yingguo, certainly does! And so does his elder brother, Song Yantang! Even if those two can’t help directly, they know far more powerful officials than commoners like us. Connections lead to connections—how could it not work out? You’re just afraid of trouble and don’t want to help, aren’t you? Don’t be foolish! Your sister-in-law is addressed as ‘Madam Dou’ wherever she goes—need I remind you how illustrious her family is? Right now, you’re ashamed of your own family, trying to curry favor with the Songs by turning your back on us. But in a few years, when the Miao family can’t even afford silver lockets for your children, let’s see how you’ll save face then!"

Miao Ansu was so furious she nearly burst into tears, but she couldn’t deny there was truth in his words.

Reluctantly, she said, "I’ll try asking Second Master."

Only then did Miao Anping crack a smile, sprawling casually in the Grand Preceptor’s Chair. "We’ll have lunch here today. Tell the kitchen to prepare some good dishes—I’ll have a few drinks with my brother-in-law."

Miao Ansu dared not let Song Han entertain them. If Miao Anping noticed anything amiss, her family would tear her apart!

She retorted, "Not everyone is as idle as you! Second Master attends lessons every day—how could he drink at noon? If you want to drink, do it with Sixth Cousin!"

Her sixth cousin, ever the jester, sidled up with a grin. "Paternal Aunt, I heard the Duke of Yingguo was once the Emperor’s foster son—anything the palace has, his household has too. I’m not asking for much—just bring out a few jars of that imperial wine for us to taste. That way, our visit to the Duke of England's Mansion won’t be in vain, and I’ll have something to brag about when people ask later!"

More like bragging to the local idlers back home!

Miao Ansu couldn’t be bothered to expose him. She signaled Ji Hong with a glance to arrange things with the kitchen.

A fine banquet was manageable, but imperial wine? Did the tea and wine storeroom even have any?

Ji Hong fretted in circles before seeking out Qi Xia.

Since Miao Ansu’s arrival, Qi Xia had only served in the study, keeping a peaceful distance from her and her people.

Hearing Ji Hong’s request, Qi Xia said, "I can’t help with this. Serving imperial wine to guests requires Madam’s approval. But the private kitchen in Cassia Fragrance Courtyard might have some stored away—why not check there?"

Ji Hong pleaded, "Dearest sister, I don’t know anyone over there—please go for me! I’ll remember your kindness!"Qi Xia inwardly sneered, thinking, "What kind of person are you that I should expect you to remember my kindness?"

Yet her expression remained unchanged as she smiled and said, "You may not know this, sister, but the Second Master has already given strict orders. Those of us serving in the study are forbidden to wander about. If anyone is caught breaking the rules, they'll be immediately dragged to the outer courtyard for twenty strokes of the paddle and handed over to a slave trader. I certainly don't have the courage to disobey the Second Master's command."

Ji Hong was at a loss. Pacing anxiously in her room, she finally came up with a clever plan—she went to the kitchen and obtained some fine Jinhua Wine, presenting it as the imperial-bestowed Pear Blossom White at Miao Anping's banquet.

Miao Anping drank it but couldn't help feeling suspicious.

Ji Hong insisted it was the imperial-bestowed Pear Blossom White: "This servant doesn't drink, so I wouldn't know how it tastes. The wine steward said this was the imperial-bestowed Pear Blossom White, so I brought it over. For this matter, I even had to plead before Madam. It took nearly an hour just to sign for the wine and transport it."

Miao Anping had never tasted imperial-bestowed wine before, and his cousin added, "Perhaps this is exactly how the imperial-bestowed Pear Blossom White is supposed to taste."

"True!" Miao Anping agreed. "This wine is indeed richer than what we usually get in the market, though it's rather mild."

"His Majesty must take care of his health, so surely the Imperial Physicians forbid him from drinking strong liquor," Miao Ansu's sixth cousin said between large bites of braised pork, finding the wine more delicious the more he drank.

Miao Ansu breathed a sigh of relief.

After seeing off Miao Anping and his brothers, she quietly asked Ji Hong, "Where did the wine really come from?"

She feared Ji Hong might have actually disturbed Dou Zhao for a mere jar of wine—that would have been utterly humiliating!

Ji Hong quickly explained the whole story.

Miao Ansu was so angry she threw her rouge box to the ground.

But she soon had an idea.

She asked Ji Hong, "Tell me, what if I suggest to the Second Master that he take Qi Xia as a concubine?"

Ji Hong's face flushed crimson as she stammered, "That's naturally for you to decide, Madam. Why ask this servant?"

Miao Ansu sighed and took Ji Hong's hand, speaking earnestly, "You know my situation better than anyone. This isn't the time for petty jealousy. Look at Madam Dou—she's made the Hall of Cultivating Will impenetrable, like water off a duck's back. That's true skill. Once we've established ourselves, wouldn't I promote you rather than Qi Xia?"

Ji Hong lowered her head and said, "This servant will follow your lead."

Miao Ansu smiled in satisfaction.

Noting the late hour, she went to Song Han's study.

Though the Miao family had treated her poorly, if she could secure a position for her brother, it would not only increase her standing in the Miao family but also bring honor to her son in the future. She might even turn the Miao family to her advantage, and then she could deal with Song Han properly.

Song Han wasn't in the study.

Qi Xia smiled and said, "The Duke summoned the Second Master."

Miao Ansu's face burned with humiliation.

Not knowing her husband's whereabouts and having to learn it from his maidservant—what could be more embarrassing?

Seeing the smile on Qi Xia's face, she wished she could tear it off.

Miao Ansu thought bitterly, "Enjoy your smugness! Once Song Han takes you in, we'll see how I handle you."

If she couldn't discipline her husband's maidservant for fear of being labeled jealous, surely she could deal with his concubine?

Miao Ansu went to the Cassia Fragrance Courtyard.

The servants there, still unsure of the new Second Madam's temperament, treated her with cautious politeness.Respectfully welcoming her into the Small Flower Hall for tea, the maid gently informed her: "The Duke is currently speaking with Second Master in the study. Usually, no one is allowed to disturb them at this time. Please wait here for a while, Second Madam. We'll keep watch at the door and inform you as soon as the study door opens."

Miao Ansu smiled and rewarded the maid with a red envelope, then exchanged a meaningful glance with Ji Hong before engaging the young maid in casual conversation.

Ji Hong left the Small Flower Hall.

After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, she returned with a pale face.

Miao Ansu immediately dismissed the attendants nearby and asked Ji Hong: "What happened?"

Ji Hong replied: "The Young Lord wants Second Master to move out and live separately. The Duke is discussing this matter with Second Master right now!"