Chapter Sixteen
“No need to rush to deny it.” Elder Zhi smiled indifferently. “Killing one or two people is a responsibility our Mei Shi can easily bear.”
Mei Jiu couldn’t agree with Elder Zhi’s dismissive attitude toward human life, but as he was her elder and teacher, she dared not contradict him.
“I personally examined the bow you used that day.” A glint of interest shone in Elder Zhi’s eyes. “To kill a second-tier martial arts master or higher with an ordinary bamboo bow—that can only be described as ‘extraordinary talent’! Come find me tomorrow after Clan School. The maids by your side know the way.”
“Yes,” Mei Jiu replied uneasily. She remembered fainting that day, and the moment she woke up, she had felt as though her body was being controlled by someone else. There was no one else it could have been but An Jiu.
The family head and the other elders filed out of the ancestral hall one after another. Mei Jiu and Mei Ru Yan stepped aside to respectfully see their elders off.
Once the others had gone, Mei Ru Yan turned her gaze back to Mei Jiu. “Elder Sister, your aim that day was truly flawless.”
“I…” Faced with an eyewitness, Mei Jiu couldn’t argue. If she hadn’t fired that arrow, who else could have? She certainly couldn’t tell anyone that there was another wandering soul inside her body!
The sight of the densely packed ancestral tablets in the hall made Mei Jiu involuntarily think of the “curse,” sending a chill down her spine.
Noticing the tense atmosphere, Wen Cui shared some good news. “Starting today, the two young ladies are free to move about the estate as they please.”
“Really?” Mei Ru Yan exclaimed in delight, tugging at Mei Jiu’s sleeve. “Elder Sister, let’s go explore! We’ve been cooped up in our rooms these past few days—it’s stifling.”
Mei Jiu wasn’t particularly interested, but she couldn’t resist Mei Ru Yan’s persistent coaxing and finally nodded.
“Wen Bi, where’s a fun place to go?” Mei Ru Yan turned to ask.
“The lakeside,” Wen Bi suggested.
Wen Cui elaborated, “The chrysanthemums by the lake are in full bloom, and the lake is stocked with crabs. It’s the perfect season for them. We can have the servants catch some, and the young ladies can enjoy warm rice wine and steamed crabs in the waterside pavilion.”
“Is that allowed?” Mei Ru Yan, having just entered the estate, was wary of being too indulgent and drawing disapproval.
Wen Cui reassured her, “Young Lady will come to understand—our household isn’t as strict as other noble families. There’s no shortage of food or entertainment. Whatever the young masters and ladies desire, as long as it can be bought, the estate never spares expense. A few crabs are nothing!”
Mei Jiu and Mei Ru Yan exchanged astonished glances.
An Jiu remarked coldly, “Since they’re destined to die young, they might as well enjoy life while they still can.”
Mei Jiu’s fleeting excitement instantly evaporated. She asked Wen Cui, “Surely the family can’t just indulge us like this all the time?”
“Of course not. While the household has few rules, Clan School is very strict.” Wen Cui first instructed a maid to arrange for the steamed crabs and flower viewing, then added, “Since the two young ladies will be attending Clan School soon, I’ll briefly explain it to you today so you’ll have some idea of what to expect.”
The two nodded and listened as Wen Cui continued while they walked. “Young Lady has been accepted as Elder Zhi’s disciple, but for now, you’re only registered under his name. Once you enter Clan School, other instructors will teach you the basics. Only after you’ve built a solid foundation will the elders personally impart their skills. This usually takes at least a year.”
“Clan School doesn’t have many rules on a daily basis, but there’s a monthly examination. If you fail, you’ll get one chance to retake it. If you fail again, you’ll face punishment.”"Ah!" Mei Ru Yan quickly asked, "What will they test? What kind of punishment will there be?"
Wen Cui reassured her, "If you study diligently with the teacher, you won’t fail. As for the punishment... this servant isn’t entirely sure either. I only heard that once, when Sixth Master failed one of the six arts, he was locked in a dark room for a month."
Mei Jiu initially listened attentively, but after accidentally glancing at the nearby buildings, An Jiu began commanding her to look around.
There were many structures around—some appearing newer, others somewhat aged. The surrounding plants were well-maintained, but An Jiu’s exceptional eyesight allowed her to spot dust on the door handles from afar, making it clear no one lived there. "Ask Wen Cui what these houses are used for."
Mei Jiu also found it strange, so she complied, "Wen Cui, does no one live in these houses?"
The sudden question caught Wen Cui off guard. After a pause, she vaguely replied, "These houses once had people living in them."
Mei Jiu’s mind immediately conjured the towering stacks of ancestral tablets in the family shrine, sending a shiver down her spine.
Because of this question, neither Mei Jiu nor Mei Ru Yan had the heart to listen to anything else Wen Cui had to say.
A cool breeze drifted across the lake.
A vast expanse of golden chrysanthemums along the shore mirrored the hues of the water and sky. In the lake, four small islands of varying distances could be seen, evoking the poetic sentiment of "picking chrysanthemums by the eastern fence, leisurely glimpsing the southern mountains."
A waterside pavilion stood at the shore, where seven or eight maids bustled about steaming crabs. The faint briny aroma mingled with the cool breeze, lifting the spirits pleasantly.
The pavilion was slightly chilly, but a steaming kettle on the stove warmed a white jade wine jug.
Wen Cui and Wen Bi helped the two sisters settle into swan-neck chairs by the railing. Two maids brought over a table and placed it before them, while others began arranging side dishes and crab-eating utensils.
Mei Ru Yan had learned many manners and skills in the brothel. She had been diligent, striving to excel in everything, but she had never imagined one day using them for her own enjoyment rather than to serve others.
Mist gathered in Mei Ru Yan’s eyes as she murmured, "Having an elder sister is the greatest fortune of my life."
Moved, Mei Jiu reached out and gently patted her hand. If the Mei family were just an ordinary noble household, she could have said, "Don’t worry, you’ll never suffer again." But the Mei family was shrouded in strangeness, with talk of an "early death curse," leaving her unsure how to respond.
After a brief silence, Mei Jiu asked, "You know about our family’s curse, don’t you?"
Mei Ru Yan nodded. "I only learned of it last night."
"Aren’t you afraid? You... are in the family register now." Mei Jiu wanted to say that although Mei Ru Yan wasn’t of true Mei bloodline, she was formally recorded in the genealogy. But mindful of the many people around, she kept her words vague.
"Elder Sister," Mei Ru Yan smiled faintly. "Nothing in this world comes without a price. For me, as long as I’m not reduced to a lowly existence, I’d accept even a short life! Some people may live a hundred years, yet never escape mediocrity. I’d rather live boldly for thirty years."
An Jiu observed this girl—no older than thirteen or fourteen—who could speak such profound words! Even after nearly thirty years of life, she herself had never contemplated existence so deeply!
Mei Jiu understood that by "lowly existence," Mei Ru Yan meant a courtesan. "I’m relieved you think this way. I was afraid I’d brought you harm.""I will only be grateful to my sister," Mei Ru Yan said.
That day when they went to see the Old Madam, both Wen Cui and Wen Bi were present and knew that Mei Ru Yan was not truly of Mei Shi's bloodline, so they were not surprised by their conversation.
"You two seem quite cheerful," Mo Sigui's voice suddenly came from above them.
Startled, they quickly looked up. Mo Sigui was crouched on the beam, leaning down to peer at them while chewing something.
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