Chapter 4: Chen Zhao
On the first day of the new year, the long streets were already alive with the sound of firecrackers early in the morning. Children from the estate rushed out, and after a series of crisp "crackles," the ground was instantly covered in a layer of red fragments, like rosy clouds or scarlet brocade, exuding an especially festive atmosphere.
The entire estate bustled with activity, but whether intentionally forgotten or not, no one came to the courtyard of Jiang Ruan and her two maids after the New Year's Eve dinner.
Zisu lit a brazier by the door, half of her body blocking the entrance as she fanned the choking smoke outside, barely managing to bring a hint of warmth into the room. Sunlight streamed into the courtyard, which was the most remote and dilapidated one on the estate. The eaves had long been drafty and leaky, and field mice often scurried about. The quilts sent from the estate were already thin, and many had been gnawed through by the rodents. Zisu sighed and couldn’t help but glance back at Jiang Ruan, who sat on the bed wrapped in a quilt.
Jiang Ruan leaned against a coarse, horse-brown pillow, the quilt pulled up to her chest as she sat with her hair down, lost in thought. After being sent to the estate for several years, Zhang Lan's family had deprived her of proper food and clothing, stunting her growth compared to other girls her age. Her hair was as dry as straw, but now, as the sunlight filtered through the window, it cast a faint, flowing sheen over her long locks. Her slightly pursed lips seemed to have more color than usual, enhancing her delicate and striking features. Yet, as she sat there quietly, she seemed even more composed than before—so much so that it felt as though she had become a different person, strangely unfamiliar.
Zisu poked at the firewood in the brazier, recalling how Lianqiao had recounted the incident with Qiu Yan in detail the night before, ending with, "I can’t help but feel something’s off about the young lady. The change is just too drastic. Could it be that her previous meekness was all an act?"
Zisu didn’t know how to respond. In truth, Lianqiao wasn’t wrong—Jiang Ruan’s transformation was indeed remarkable, especially for those like them who served as her personal maids. Since being sent to the estate six years ago, Jiang Ruan had often wept bitterly. Zhang Lan's family had tormented her relentlessly, and eventually, she no longer even had the luxury of tears, silently enduring everything with her sorrow bottled up inside. She became even more withdrawn and reticent. But yesterday, her demeanor and attitude toward Qiu Yan had been like that of an entirely different person. Zisu wondered—could falling seriously ill change someone’s very nature?
Yet no matter how much she changed, Jiang Ruan was still their mistress. If her current attitude was a complete departure from the past, perhaps it was for the better. Lost in thought, Zisu was startled when Lianqiao strode in with an oil-paper package, nearly knocking over the brazier.
"Be careful," Zisu chided softly. "Why so reckless?"
"I went to buy some New Year’s treats," Lianqiao replied cheerfully, unbothered. She stepped into the room and unwrapped the oil-paper package on the table, turning to Jiang Ruan. "Young lady, come and have some. The spring pancakes are still warm."
Zisu frowned. "Where did you get these?" Zhang Lan’s family surely wouldn’t have been so kind. Given their resentment toward Jiang Ruan over the Chen Zhao incident, the servants wouldn’t dare cross them, and they certainly didn’t have spare silver for snacks."It seems a noble guest is arriving at the estate these days. Everyone's been busy preparing, and there are more snacks stocked up. I have some acquaintance with the new kitchen helper named Baihe, so I managed to get a few." She smiled. "Though we're roughing it, we should still celebrate the New Year. Look, miss, I also got this." She pulled out a string of copper coins from her pocket. "Bought it for ten wen on the way back, for good luck—may the coming year go smoothly."
Zisu burst out laughing. "Why buy a string of copper coins for good luck? Are you praying for our miss to strike it rich next year?"
"What's wrong with wealth?" Lianqiao retorted. "Money makes the mare go. What's bad about having silver? If we had money, these people wouldn’t dare bully our miss like this."
Zisu quickly shot Lianqiao a warning glance, reminding her that Jiang Ruan was present and she should hold her tongue. Realizing her slip, Lianqiao immediately fell silent and glanced cautiously at Jiang Ruan.
But Jiang Ruan shook her head, slowly pushed back the covers, and got out of bed. Lianqiao hurried over to support her as Jiang Ruan walked to the table and sat down. She examined the coin bracelet before slipping it onto her wrist. Holding it up, she said, "For good luck."
Lianqiao’s heart ached. In other noble households, young ladies would be showered with jewelry for the New Year, yet their miss had only a ten-wen coin bracelet—something even common folk would consider insignificant. Turning her head to hide her sorrow, Lianqiao forced a smile. "Miss, have another Spring pancake."
Jiang Ruan shook her head. "I can't eat anymore. You two have them." After a pause, she added, "I have no silver to reward you. Coming to this estate with me, you’ve suffered much these years. But at least this year, we won’t have to endure hardships."
"Yes, yes," Zisu chimed in eagerly. "This year, our miss will be blessed with good fortune, and everything will go smoothly!"
Jiang Ruan knew she had misunderstood but didn’t explain. Instead, she glanced out the window. "The weather outside is lovely. Let’s go for a walk."
Zisu and Lianqiao exchanged surprised looks. Jiang Ruan rarely ventured out willingly except for chores. The estate servants always mocked the three of them mercilessly. Though Lianqiao’s fiery temper could intimidate some, it hardly made a difference. Over time, Jiang Ruan had grown reluctant to face people, preferring to stay in her courtyard.
"Of course!" Lianqiao beamed, rushing to the clothing chest. "Which dress would you like to wear, miss?"
Jiang Ruan smiled inwardly. In truth, it didn’t matter which dress she wore. When she first arrived at the estate, she had brought plenty of clothes and accessories. But before long, Zhang Lan and Chen Fang, the mother-daughter pair, had swindled or seized them all. In the end, not a single piece of her own clothing remained. Chen Fang had taken every last garment, leaving her with only coarse, tattered hand-me-downs—hardly suitable for winter, with their pitifully thin padding that barely warded off the cold.
"You choose," Jiang Ruan said.Lianqiao and Zisu spent quite some time selecting an outfit, finally settling on an old dark green padded jacket with loop fastenings, paired with a wide mustard-yellow thick cloth skirt that Zisu had altered to fit smaller. Over it all, they draped a beige long cloak. Worried that an elaborate hairstyle would clash with the simple attire, Zisu styled her hair into the most basic bun hairstyle, which surprisingly suited her youthful appearance. The ensemble wasn't particularly festive, but Jiang Ruan's fair complexion prevented it from looking rustic. Combined with her calm and indifferent demeanor, she seemed like a completely different person from usual.
Once properly dressed, the three of them finally stepped out of the courtyard. Lianqiao suggested taking a walk on the street. Just as they exited the main compound of the estate, they ran into a group of people. A delighted voice called out, "Ruan Meimei!"
Lianqiao frowned, while Zisu subtly moved to shield Jiang Ruan behind her. Jiang Ruan looked up, and the figure's shadow clearly reflected in her eyes.
It was Chen Zhao, the youngest son of Zhang Lan's family.
(End of Chapter)
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