Chapter 117: Serving
Xiao Qishan resided in the Guan Yue Pavilion of the Marquis Changxing's estate. The servant had just replaced the bamboo curtain of his study with one made of fine blue cloth. They also warmed a pot of wine for him, prepared a plate of sliced marinated duck gizzards, boiled salted chestnuts, and shelled a dish of dried peanuts. Having just returned from discussions with the old marquis, Xiao Qishan removed his cloak in the heavy autumn dew and took a sip of wine before asking the servant, "...Has Guard Liu come by?"
The servant hurriedly replied, "He stopped by at noon, but left when you weren’t here."
Xiao Qishan smiled. "Then go and invite him over. It’d be a shame to let this wine go to waste." The servant obeyed and went to fetch him. Soon after, Liu Zhou lifted the blue cloth curtain and entered, sniffing the air before chuckling. "You’ve got refined tastes, sir. Drinking warmed wine on such a chilly day is perfect."
Xiao Qishan poured him a cup and pointed to the plate of duck gizzards. "...Marinated delicacies from Chunxing Alley. The aroma is extraordinary."
Liu Zhou laughed heartily. "That stall sells out the fastest. I’ve been craving it for a long time." Then, lowering his voice, he added, "...But let’s talk business. The young master went to the Gu family today, acting all secretive with Li Xianhuai. I followed him and saw him enter the young lady’s chambers. Tell me, at a time like this, isn’t the young master’s behavior a bit suspicious?"
These were turbulent times, and Ye Xian had always been a scheming one. They had to stay vigilant to prevent him from ruining their plans.
Xiao Qishan chuckled upon hearing this. "...The Eldest Miss of the Gu family is stunningly beautiful. There’s nothing strange about it." Hadn’t Ye Xian invited him to the capital precisely to treat Gu Jinzhao’s mother? Thinking of the Gu family’s eldest daughter—gentle, kind, and utterly bland—Xiao Qishan felt a wave of distaste. He remarked to Liu Zhou, "I’ve watched him grow up. I once thought he’d achieve great things. But it seems he’s still young, and even heroes falter before beauty." And what a beauty she was—nothing more than a pretty face with no substance.
No matter how cold-hearted Ye Xian might be, that Gu family lady would surely melt his iron resolve.
Aside from finding it amusing, Xiao Qishan also felt a pang of disappointment.
Seeing the disdain on Mr. Xiao’s face, Liu Zhou realized he held the Eldest Miss in low regard. He dropped the subject and instead sat down to drink with Xiao Qishan, sharing amusing anecdotes from the capital. Both men grew thoroughly drunk. Liu Zhou’s mind grew muddled, and suddenly, his tongue stumbled as he asked, "Sir... I’ve never understood. Marquis Changxing treats you so well... Have you never felt conflicted?"
Xiao Qishan knew the man was drunk—otherwise, he’d never dare speak to him like this.
Watching Liu Zhou slump onto the table, Xiao Qishan finally replied coolly, "Prince Cheng once shook the realm with his achievements—suppressing the Tuxietuhan rebellion in Outer Mongolia, quelling the Chahar uprising in Monan, beloved by the people. Yet Zhu Houcong grew suspicious and sought to kill him, capturing his wife and children, forcing him to rebel... He served the nation and its people, with merit and no fault, yet this was his reward! What Prince Rui, what Marquis Changxing—they’re not even a tenth of Prince Cheng!"
The memory of that valiant and formidable Prince Cheng filled Xiao Qishan with grief.
Such a man, cut down by Marquis Changxing’s blade—how could he not resent it? Especially when Prince Cheng had once recognized his talent! So even knowing Prince Rui was reckless and unfit for grand ambitions, Xiao Qishan would still scheme against Marquis Changxing.After toppling the Marquis Changxing's household, Prince Rui would smoothly obtain military power, and Lord Zhang's faction would face no further obstacles in court. Everyone was watching with wide eyes, waiting to see.
"Those who accomplish great deeds have always been ruthless and unprincipled," Xiao Qishan said with a smile. That was precisely Ye Xian's temperament. He had always found it deeply unsettling, which was why he held back some of his methods when treating Ye Xian's illness. Otherwise, how could it have remained unresolved for over a decade?
Now, everything was ready—all they needed was the east wind.
Jinchao was also preoccupied with thoughts about the Marquis Changxing's household. She had just heard from Gu Dezhao that, aside from Second Uncle's efforts to secure her father's official position, Fifth Aunt had also sought the Marquis Changxing's help. If her father had originally been considered neutral, he was now aligned with the Marquis Changxing's faction. If the Marquis's household fell, the Gu family might have no choice but to drive Fifth Aunt to her death.
At least, that was how others would surely see it.
Jinchao's gaze fell on a pair of coiled silk and Hetian white jade bracelets sent by Fifth Madam. Fifth Madam had always been gentle—what could drive her to suicide? She shuddered to think what the Gu family might do to her.
Caifu entered to help her wash and dress. She was due at Madam Feng's at 5:45 a.m. to serve breakfast.
Shortly after, Mama Xu came in. After greeting her, she lowered her voice and said, "Miss, I've inquired about everything you asked."
Jinchao wanted to understand the general situation of the Gu family's various branches—who managed the shared family assets, who oversaw the inner household affairs—so she wouldn't be caught off guard when serving Madam Feng and risk being manipulated.
Mama Xu continued, "...The ancestral family's assets aren't plentiful. I've calculated that the dowry and belongings you inherited from your mother alone could match the Gu family's entire wealth, not to mention what our master holds. These have always been managed personally by Tai Furen. Though she also involves herself in inner household affairs, nominally, Fifth Madam assists in management. But now that Fifth Madam is pregnant, Second Madam handles most of it. Second Master and Fifth Master don't interfere... The ancestral family currently has only one legitimate daughter, Second Young Miss; the other concubine-born daughters are unremarkable."
Jinchao smiled faintly. "No wonder Madam Feng is so affectionate toward me." Though her own assets weren't insignificant, they were only equivalent to a mid-tier aristocratic family. If the Gu family's wealth was comparable, they must be struggling! Yet, judging by the ancestral family's grand appearances, their expenditures far exceeded those in Shi'an.
Mama Xu replied calmly, "To be honest, the ancestral family's wealth is quite meager, but their expenses are extravagant. Some years, they even run deficits and have to sell off household items. Noble families must maintain appearances, after all—both prestige and face must be upheld."
Jinchao added, "It's not unusual for scholarly families with long legacies to struggle in commerce." Scholars prided themselves on their status and disdained mercantile pursuits. Ventures like goldsmith shops, moneylending, or running teahouses and restaurants were considered beneath them.
Now that they had returned to the ancestral home, their daily expenses were part of the family's budget. Her father's meager salary wouldn't make a dent. Madam Feng might even pressure Gu Dezhao to contribute funds occasionally—and he would never refuse.
Jinchao mulled it over until her head ached, then decided to let her father handle it. Since they were under the ancestral family's protection, it was only fair to give something in return.When she arrived at the eastern courtyard, Madam Feng had just risen. Song Xiang was helping her arrange her small coiled bun, applying osmanthus hair oil until the dark coils gleamed with a glossy sheen. Reflected in the mercury mirror, Madam Feng's face appeared somewhat sharp and unkind.
Jinchao paid her respects, and Madam Feng spoke slowly, "...First, help me grind the ink." It was Madam Feng's habit to copy a volume of Buddhist scriptures after breakfast.
Jinchao acknowledged and went to the study. Madam Feng arrived only after finishing her morning meal, yet she was in no hurry to begin copying scriptures. Instead, she sat cross-legged on the heated kang, meditating with her eyes closed. After a moment, she glanced at Jinchao and said, "A woman's posture—grace is the most important thing. Straighten your back, tighten your waist, don't hunch or lower your head... How could that look proper?"
Jinchao pressed her lips together. Naturally, grinding ink required bending slightly—how could one possibly do it while standing rigidly upright?
She murmured an assent and straightened her posture. Clearly, Madam Feng hadn’t summoned her just to grind ink. Since she had only recently returned to the ancestral home, it was best to comply for now.
After nearly two hours, Madam Feng finally called Jinchao over to wash her hands and light incense. Jinchao exhaled in relief—standing motionless for so long was truly exhausting!
Once Madam Feng finished copying the scriptures, the masters, mistresses, and grandchildren of the Gu family came one by one to pay their respects. At this time, Madam Feng had Jinchao stand beside her, holding a celadon-glazed white porcelain teacup. As each person bowed, Jinchao returned the courtesy. Gradually, she discerned Madam Feng’s attitudes toward them. The eldest grandson, Gu Jin Xiao, was held in the highest regard—Madam Feng questioned him extensively about his studies. Her favorites were Gu Lian and Gu Jinxian, while she responded only perfunctorily to the other concubine-born daughters.
Fifth Madam came to discuss making autumn clothes for the household servants, using ordinary cotton fabric, with patterned satin Sleeveless Jackets for the higher-ranking maids and matrons. Madam Feng agreed readily and then engaged her in intimate conversation. After Fifth Madam left, she told Jinchao, "Your Fifth Aunt... has a very good nature. If you ever have any questions, you may ask her."
Second Madam brought the household expenditure ledger from the previous month, and Madam Feng frowned upon reviewing it.
Second Madam quickly explained, "...Third Brother’s family moved here, and it coincided with the Double Ninth Festival. It’s only natural that expenses increased somewhat."
Madam Feng retorted, "But not by forty percent! Even Lian jie er’s embroidery tutor’s fee was thirty taels—yet the tutor didn’t even come last month! And as for your Third Brother’s move, most items were taken from the family storerooms. Why then are there charges for two pearwood side tables...?"
The discrepancies were minor, but Second Madam grew flustered. "Even if the tutor didn’t come, we couldn’t withhold payment—Lian jie er simply refused to learn. The pearwood tables were needed in the household. Third Brother’s arrival did require many additions... Mother, please look carefully!"
Madam Feng grew displeased. "Are you suggesting this old woman’s eyes are failing? Recheck the accounts, and stop using your Third Brother as an excuse for every expense."
Second Madam took the ledger and acquiesced, then suddenly seemed to remember something and smiled. "Mother, the other day, Lady Cao of Huai Xiang Alley came to see me—she wishes to propose a marriage for our family. She wants to match Lan Er with her nephew..."
Lady Cao of Huai Xiang Alley? Wasn’t that Madam Mu’s younger sister? Could this be about Mu Zhizhai?Jinchao immediately perked up, listening as Madam Feng asked nonchalantly, "Which nephew of hers?"
Second Madam replied, "Have you forgotten? It's the illegitimate eldest son of Assistant Supervisor Mu. I thought it sounded good when Madam Cao mentioned it too. They're offering a generous dowry and don't mind Lan Er observing mourning for a year. Quite a sentimental family!"
Jinchao thought to herself how preposterous this was - to spin desperation into sentimental virtue!
PS:
Thanks to Caiquingchong Paipai and Qiannian Wangshi (2) for the pink votes, and m Rococo for the reward, mwah. I'll post the second update when I return in the afternoon~~
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