Chapter 12: Doubts
Gu Jinrong's expression darkened as he carefully considered Jinchao's words. He realized he hadn't paid attention to those details at all. When Second Miss mentioned it, he had come without a second thought, never questioning the truth of the matter or considering the reputations involved. His actions had indeed been reckless—if this reached their father’s ears, he’d be scolded again.
Jinchao watched him silently, his youthful and delicate face flushing and paling by turns. She thought it best to let him reflect on his own, so she softened her tone and said, "Mother is still ill. If she hears that we’ve been at odds and stirring up trouble, how will she recover? You may dislike me, but surely you care about Mother. After all, we share the same blood."
After a long pause, Jinrong finally asked, "...Then, Eldest Sister, did you really take this maid from Second Sister by force?"
Jinchao replied simply, "The maid is right outside. I’ll have her come in and answer you herself."
She walked straight out of the study. A moment later, Jinrong saw a tall maid enter. The girl first knelt and bowed to him before speaking. "This servant is Qingpu. I was originally Eldest Miss’s personal maid, but I made a mistake and was punished. A few days ago, when Eldest Miss saw me at Second Miss’s place, she felt nostalgic and, seeing that I had mended my ways, allowed me to return to serve her."
Qingpu spoke calmly, not even lifting her eyes.
Jinrong recognized her as the maid who had always been by Jinchao’s side.
Noticing the jade bracelet on her wrist and the two delicate gold-wire hairpins in her bun—simple in style but clearly of fine quality—he thought the maid must be well-treated here.
He pressed further, "Did you come back to Eldest Miss willingly?"
Qingpu smiled faintly. "This servant has always belonged to Eldest Miss. After a year of hard labor in Second Miss’s kitchen, my hands are covered in scars. Naturally, I wished to return to Eldest Miss’s service. At the very least, she treats me with great kindness."
Jinrong’s brow twitched. "You did hard labor in the kitchen?"
Qingpu spread her hands, her voice still steady. "This servant was once pampered, but Second Miss toughened me up. Hard labor is the best teacher—splitting firewood barehanded, surely Young Master has never seen a maid do that before?"
Her once delicate, pale hands were now crisscrossed with scars, deep and shallow, the lines of her palms nearly obscured.
It was a shocking sight.
Leaving Paulownia Courtyard, Jinrong immediately headed for Cui Xuan Yuan. He wanted to get to the bottom of this—he couldn’t believe that his gentle Second Sister would mistreat a maid who had once served Eldest Sister. If it were true... then her intentions would be all too clear.
Gu Lan hadn’t expected him to return so soon. She wondered whether he had quarreled with Gu Jinzhao or actually brought Qingpu back—either outcome would please her. But Jinrong’s grim expression as he stormed toward her...
Had he been angered by Jinzhao? Or... had he discovered something?
Thinking of how increasingly inscrutable Jinzhao had become lately, Gu Lan grew wary. But she quickly composed herself and stepped forward to greet him.
"What’s the matter, Rong’er? You’re in such a hurry!"
Seeing Gu Lan’s gentle, serene smile, Jinrong calmed slightly. He lowered his voice. "Second Sister... I have something to ask you. Let’s talk in the study."After hearing what Gu Jinrong had said, Gu Lan was also shocked: "I had no idea the people in the small kitchen treated her so harshly! Originally, Gu Jinzhao drove her out without giving her anything. I took her in at Cui Xuan Yuan out of pity... I thought to treat her well and find her a good match. Who knew such a thing would happen under my roof..." Her small face paled, tears glistening in her eyes. "It's my fault. I was afraid Elder Sister wouldn’t like her if she went back, so I kept her..."
Seeing his second sister so remorseful, Gu Jinrong’s earlier suspicions eased somewhat.
After all, they had shared years of sibling affection, and he knew her character well—she wouldn’t even step on an ant, let alone deliberately mistreat a maid. Feeling somewhat relieved, he comforted her: "Second Sister, don’t cry... Your intention to help her was kind. This isn’t entirely your fault. If you keep crying, Song Yiniang will surely be heartbroken... If you’re worried about Elder Sister blaming you, I’ll prepare some gifts for the maid. Elder Sister shouldn’t hold it against you."
After Gu Jinrong left, Jinchao ate the pastries she had made. Though cold, they still tasted good.
Qingpu massaged her legs, which had been aching faintly ever since she stood too long in the snow that day.
"Do you think the Eldest Young Master suspects Second Miss?" she asked.
Jinchao replied, "I don’t know... If Gu Jinrong was so easily swayed by my few words, he’d likely be just as easily swayed by Gu Lan. He’s still young, after all—how could he truly discern the truth? I just hope he keeps a sliver of doubt in his heart, however small."
She added, "I made two batches of pastries earlier. Pack the other into a food box—we’ll take it to Mother."
Carrying the food box to Slanting Cloud Garden, they found her mother still asleep. It was half an hour before she woke, reclining on the Arhat bed as she chatted idly with Jinchao.
The New Year was approaching. Last year, Madam Ji had overseen the household affairs, but this year, it would likely be Song Yiniang. Still, Madam Ji urged Jinchao to assist Song Yiniang more—these were things she ought to learn, lest she be unprepared when managing her future in-laws’ household.
"You should have two more silver filigree hairpieces made. Your attire has been rather plain lately—do you no longer like the old ones?" Madam Ji asked with a smile.
Knowing her mother doted on her, Jinchao smiled back. "I just thought excessive luxury isn’t necessary. My storeroom is already full—no need for more."
Madam Ji said, "The Ji family owns a goldsmith shop in Changzhou Prefecture, with many skilled artisans. Their craftsmanship for gold filigree hair ornaments is exceptional... Even noble families often place orders there. You’ve been of age for half a year now, yet you’ve shown little interest in dressing up—that won’t do. I have a box of rubies, clear and vibrant, truly rare and exquisite. Let’s have two sets of gold filigree hair ornaments made for my Jinchao, along with a pair of gold delicate grass-and-insect hairpins." Her enthusiasm grew as she spoke, her spirits lifting. "...Using twelve taels of gold, with lotus and auspicious cloud patterns..."
Jinchao found it somewhat amusing—twelve taels of gold atop her head would surely weigh her down! But seeing her mother in such high spirits, she didn’t refuse.
Not seeing Song Yiniang, Jinchao asked Mama Xu about her.
"As the New Year approaches, the Master has fewer duties at court. Song Yiniang is likely keeping him company," Mama Xu replied with a smile.Gu Jinzhao's heart tightened. If Concubine Song continued to spend day and night with Father like this, it would only be a matter of time before she conceived. If something truly happened to Mother and Concubine Song gave birth to a son, becoming the main wife would be effortless. By then, it would be difficult for her to overthrow her!
But this wasn't something she could prevent... If only there was a way to keep the two of them from being together constantly.
Madam Ji, however, didn't seem to mind: "...The master needs someone to attend to him, and Concubine Song's temperament is quite good. She doesn't need to come here often... Mama Xu, later you can go to the Chrysanthemum Willow Pavilion to pass on the message. With the New Year approaching, Concubine Song can stay by the master's side to serve him and doesn't need to come here anymore."
Jinchao's brow twitched, and she grasped her mother's hand, saying, "Absolutely not."
Madam Ji was puzzled. Since she was ill and couldn't personally attend to her husband, it was only natural for a concubine to serve him.
Jinchao had Mama Xu first take the maids out and close the door before lowering her voice: "Mother, if you were to arrange for Father to take another concubine, do you have anyone in mind?"
It wasn't until evening that Gu Jinzhao left.
After seeing Jinchao off, Mama Xu had a young maid come in to replace the long-cold charcoal brazier and noticed Madam Ji's dazed expression.
Concerned, she walked over to Madam Ji's side and tucked in the brocade quilt: "Madam, you rarely seem so lost in thought."
Madam Ji smiled: "Chaojie has grown up, knowing that human effort can change things..."
Mama Xu sensed that Madam Ji was about to confide in her, and sure enough, Madam Ji continued: "Jinzhao wants me to help her father select another concubine. Family background and virtue don't matter much—what's most important is that she's obedient, docile, and beautiful."
Mama Xu was startled. The Eldest Miss was indeed raised by her maternal grandmother—such bold actions were beyond others! Where was the logic in a child proposing to help their father select a concubine, especially an unmarried young lady? If this got out, it would affect the girl's reputation.
But seeing that Madam Ji didn't seem angry, she asked, "What do you think, Madam?"
Madam Ji closed her eyes wearily: "I don't fully trust Concubine Song, but I do believe she is gentle, respectful, and kind, with rare thoughtfulness and care for others. But Jinzhao distrusts Concubine Song completely, guarding against her entirely... I don't know if this child has heard something in private or if it's her own thoughts..."
Mama Xu said, "You think... someone around the Eldest Miss has been gossiping?"
Madam Ji nodded: "Her temperament has softened recently, but she's become smarter and more strategic. If no one is guiding her, how could she change so much? I still know my child."
Mama Xu hesitated: "Should this servant..."
Madam Ji said, "No need. This is actually something I'd like to see... As for the steward Chaojie wants to meet, you can help her choose."
OpenNovel