Chapter 9: Setback
A letter arrived from the mansion... The First Madam said... she would return in a few days... and told you to be cautious...
What does this mean?
Who wrote the letter? What does Aunt want Housekeeper Chen to do? Who is coming back? Why did she specifically warn Housekeeper Chen to be careful?
Fu Tingyun paced back and forth in the room, filled with anxiety, irritation, and a faint sense of anger.
The two maids looked at her pitifully: "Ninth Miss, what should we do?"
Fu Tingyun stopped in her tracks.
The longer this dragged on, the worse it would be for her.
At this point, there was no reason to hesitate.
Indecision invites disaster.
She looked at Hanyan and said resolutely, "You will leave at noon today."
"Ah!" Both Hanyan and Lü'e gasped in surprise.
Fu Tingyun nodded and whispered, "This time, Lü'e will accompany Housekeeper Fan and the others in the main hall. If anyone asks about Hanyan, say she was called into the inner chamber and you don’t know what she’s doing."
"What if Housekeeper Chen insists on coming in to check, like last time?" Lü'e glanced at Hanyan and asked worriedly.
"I’ll handle it," Fu Tingyun said, her brows reflecting a do-or-die determination.
Housekeeper Chen was watching them so closely that it would be impossible to hide Hanyan’s absence. Once Housekeeper Chen discovered it, she would surely turn hostile. Since they were bound to clash anyway, it didn’t matter whether Housekeeper Chen knew about her sore throat or the careful plans of the past few days. Moreover, the bigger the commotion, the harder it would be for Housekeeper Chen, as the person in charge, to extricate herself—buying Hanyan some time.
As long as she could see her mother, the situation would take a turn for the better.
Lü'e gave a firm "Mm" in response.
Fu Tingyun then instructed Hanyan: "The dogs are in the courtyard... Climb out through the east chamber’s window... If you’re discovered, throw a few steamed buns to distract them. I once heard my wet nurse say that’s how villagers deal with vicious dogs... I’ve climbed that tree before—it’s sturdy and extends beyond the wall. Take a few handkerchiefs with you, tie them to the treetop, and use them to climb down. That way, you can leave Azure Cloud Temple... Once outside, there’s a post road where carriages pass by from time to time... Don’t hesitate to spend money—hurry back to the city... I can buy you at least an hour here... My wet nurse has a sworn sister, a rough laborer in the outer courtyard named Granny Mi, who once received my kindness... Don’t go straight back to the mansion. First, find Granny Mi and ask about the situation at home. If all else fails, have her find a way to pass a message to my mother. Mother will arrange for you to enter the inner courtyard... I’ll also write a letter inquiring after the elders at home for you to carry. If the worst happens..." Her voice grew solemn, "the letter will serve as proof, so you won’t be accused of being a runaway maid!"
Hanyan was slightly surprised.
Ninth Miss had thought everything through, even writing a letter for her to carry.
She was quietly moved: "Miss, don’t worry. I’ll find a way to see Fifth Madam."
Fu Tingyun nodded.
Lü'e went to the kitchen and asked them to serve a plate of vegetarian steamed buns for lunch.
Hanyan gathered a few sturdy handkerchiefs and tied them into a long rope.
After finishing the letter, Fu Tingyun wrapped all the silver she had—about five or six taels—in a plain handkerchief. She also took out a pair of silver bracelets and earrings from her dressing case and gave them to Hanyan: "If the silver isn’t enough, these can be of use."
Hanyan carefully packed everything away, and they ate lunch in silence.After the meal, Mother Fan and the others, as usual, excused themselves to enjoy the draft in the hall and sat there chatting idly. Lü'e brought over some tea and naturally settled among them. Meanwhile, Fu Tingyun retreated to the inner chamber with Hanyan. Fu Tingyun helped Hanyan climb out through the window lattice of the eastern wing, then quietly closed the window and sat on the bed, waiting for Housekeeper Chen to arrive.
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That day, Fu Tingyun waited until dusk before Housekeeper Chen finally arrived—late and unhurried.
Behind her, limping along with disheveled clothes and a dispirited expression, was Hanyan.
Fu Tingyun’s expression changed drastically, her face instantly turning deathly pale.
"Ninth Miss," Housekeeper Chen’s face was as cold as water, her brows furrowed with unconcealed anger, "do you have anything to say to me?"
"Victors are kings, losers are bandits!" What was there to say?
Fu Tingyun slowly stood up, casting a cold glance at Housekeeper Chen before turning to Hanyan. "Where are you hurt? Is it serious?" Her voice was hoarse but filled with concern.
Housekeeper Chen assumed her voice had changed due to emotional distress and paid it no mind.
But Hanyan burst into tears. "Miss, this servant is useless."
"It’s alright!" Fu Tingyun comforted her. "Man proposes, God disposes." Then she examined her closely. "Where exactly are you hurt? Don’t hold back—if it leads to complications later, it’ll be worse."
Hanyan shook her head and began to sob quietly.
Fu Tingyun instructed Lü'e, "Ask Mother Fan to fetch some water to help Hanyan freshen up, then go inform Master Guohui that Hanyan is injured and ask her to come take a look."
Master Guohui knew some medicine. In summer, she would prepare Liuhua Decoction, and in winter, Fanmu Pills, both of which she would send to the Fu household. The Fu family’s servants would request some Liuhua Decoction if they suffered heatstroke in summer or take Fanmu Pills if they caught a cold and fever in winter.
The stunned Lü'e flusteredly replied, "Oh," then glanced timidly at Housekeeper Chen before tugging at the equally dumbfounded Mother Fan. "Could you... could you fetch some water for us?"
Mother Fan hesitated, looking toward Housekeeper Chen.
Fu Tingyun let out a cold "hmph" and asserted firmly, "You don’t need to look at Housekeeper Chen. No matter how high her status, she is still a servant of the Fu family. Unless the Fu family falls, the hierarchy must be respected." Then she turned to Housekeeper Chen. "Housekeeper Chen, do you find my words reasonable?"
Housekeeper Chen remained silent, scrutinizing her eyes.
Fu Tingyun met her gaze unflinchingly.
The silence made the atmosphere tense and hostile.
Mother Fan and the others shifted uneasily on their feet.
Fu Tingyun’s gaze grew sharper.
Housekeeper Chen’s eyes dimmed slightly as she lowered her eyelids, a bitter smile curling at the corners of her lips. Slowly, she bent her knees in a curtsy and murmured, "Ninth Miss, you’d best take care," before turning to leave.
Mother Fan hastily called for someone to fetch water.
Lü'e exhaled in relief and dashed toward Master Guohui’s courtyard.
Fu Tingyun slumped in exhaustion.
Hanyan had already knelt before her.
"Ninth Miss, it’s all this servant’s fault for ruining your plans." Tears streamed down her face. "I tripped while descending the mountain and sprained my ankle. By the time I finally made it down, I had to wait forever for a carriage... It delayed me so much that Housekeeper Chen caught me just as I left Qixia Mountain..."
"We both did our best." Fu Tingyun helped her up. "Focus on recovering first. Heaven never seals off all exits—I’ll think of another way."Hanyan responded with a dejected "Mm."
Housekeeper Fan and the others brought in water, followed shortly by Master Guohui.
Hanyan had sprained her ankle and suffered some minor abrasions. Master Guohui applied well water to her injuries and left a few medicinal plasters behind. "Apply these for a few doses, and you'll be fine," she said, asking no further questions.
By then, the sky had darkened, and crimson lanterns were lit beneath the eaves of Tranquil Moon Hall.
Lü'e escorted Master Guohui out and returned to attend to Fu Tingyun during her evening meal.
Fu Tingyun had no appetite. Yet she thought to herself, At this moment, everyone is probably waiting to see me make a fool of myself. I must remain composed and unruffled, not giving them the slightest satisfaction.
She forced herself to drink a bowl of porridge and eat some pickled vegetables before visiting Hanyan to inquire about her condition. Only then did she return to her room.
What should I do?
Now that the plan has failed, Housekeeper Chen will surely tighten her surveillance over me.
What exactly is the family's intention?
They’ve left me living in Azure Cloud Temple all this time—even after Housekeeper Chen sent word back that we might encounter trouble from the migrant bandits, there was no move to bring me home…
The thought flashed through her mind, and Fu Tingyun held her breath.
They aren’t afraid of me facing danger…
No, no, no!
The year she was born, spring arrived unusually late. It wasn’t until mid-March that the wind lost its biting chill.
In her grandmother’s quarters, a Purple Magnolia—a longevity gift sent by her aunt from Nanjing—was covered in buds, yet none bloomed.
The first time it flowered was when news arrived from the capital that her father had passed the imperial examination with top honors. Later, when the eldest great-grandson was born, when her grandmother recovered from a prolonged illness, and when her uncle and father were promoted—all coincided with its blooming. Her grandmother had always regarded it as an auspicious sign.
Her grandmother couldn’t help muttering, "Have we offended the Flower Goddess?" But privately, she wondered, Could it be waiting for a certain fate?
Not only did she assign Housekeeper Li to personally tend to the Purple Magnolia, but she also sought talismans from the Nine Immortals Temple and invited Master Guohui to perform a ritual.
Still, the Purple Magnolia refused to bloom.
Her grandmother grew increasingly despondent.
By the time the Dragon Boat Festival passed, she could no longer leave her bed.
Then, overnight, the flowers burst into full bloom.
Their lotus-like blossoms, as large as teacups, boasted purple petals with fiery red hues, their fragrance overwhelming, more vibrant and intense than in previous years.
Her grandmother was overjoyed.
Just then, a young maid entered to announce, "The Fifth Madam has given birth to a daughter!"
That day was the eighteenth of May.
Among her sisters, she was the ninth.
Heaven’s way is governed by the number nine.
"Could it have been waiting for the Ninth Child to be born?" her grandmother mused silently.
From then on, she treated her differently from all her other granddaughters.
And so did her mother.
Her mother had borne four sons and four daughters, but only her eldest brother, Tinggui, and she had survived.
Her eldest brother was twelve years her senior.
Her mother often held her close, saying, "Tingyun is Mother’s little snuggle-bug!"
I must be overthinking this, I must be…
Yet once the thought took root, she couldn’t suppress it.
Both the Yu and Fu families were prominent households. Without a legitimate reason, breaking off the engagement would be unthinkable.
For the Fu family to marry her off to Zuo Junjie, they would first have to dissolve the betrothal with the Yu family.
Surely the Fu family wouldn’t tell the Yu family, "Our Ninth Miss has been involved in an illicit affair"? Nor could they claim, "Our Ninth Miss suffers from a virulent disease"?
Zuo Junjie had already resorted to blackmailing the Fu family by producing her intimate garments—an outright disregard for propriety. In such a situation, the Fu family, hesitant to act for fear of wider consequences, wouldn’t dare oppose him. If the matter escalated, how could the Fu family explain it to the Yu family? Where would the dignity of both families stand? Especially the Yu family—a household of such prestige—would never let such humiliation go unanswered. If the marriage alliance turned into enmity, the consequences would be too grave for the Fu family to bear.At this thought, Fu Tingyun's mouth went dry, and sweat beaded on her forehead.
What would she do if she were the head of the Fu family?
What would she do if she were her grandmother?
What would she do if she were her mother?
What would she do if she were her Aunt?
What would she do if she were her uncle?
The more Fu Tingyun pondered, the more alarmed and frightened she became.
The windowpanes covered with Korean paper gleamed snow-white, while the red lanterns under the eaves cast a crimson glow upon them.
A dark shadow flashed past—the window silently opened and closed again.
※
I need to pick up the pace...
(End of Chapter)
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