Ren Shijia and her husband first went to the Ren Family with Ren Yaoqi to pay respects to Old Master Ren and Old Madam Ren, then proceeded to the Han Family to offer condolences.
Ren Yaoqi had been away from home for some time and was eager to return to Purple Magnolia Courtyard to see her parents. However, Old Madam Ren kept her for quite a while with conversation. Without the experiences of her past life, Ren Yaoqi would have been truly overwhelmed by the favor.
Old Madam Ren remembered her earlier promise to give Ren Yaoqi some jewelry and instructed Granny Gui to fetch a small carved red sandalwood box inlaid with mother-of-pearl from the inner chamber. When opened, the dazzling array of jewels inside nearly dazzled Ren Yaoqi’s eyes.
“I noticed you don’t have many decent pieces of jewelry. Although these trinkets aren’t as exquisite or valuable as the headpieces you received from the Princess Consort, they are still presentable enough to wear. Take them to match your outfits.” Old Madam Ren personally handed the box to Ren Yaoqi, looking at her with affectionate eyes.
Ren Yaoqi glanced briefly at the contents. Just on the surface were a pair of Hetian jade bead bracelets and a gold-inlaid jadeite necklace, both quite valuable. Beneath them were earrings, bracelets, and the like. Ren Yaoqi didn’t examine them closely, but they were clearly not mere trinkets meant to deceive her.
Ren Yaoqi bowed her head to thank Old Madam Ren and then withdrew.
Upon returning to Purple Magnolia Courtyard, Ren Yaoqi first went to the main quarters. Madam Li had already received news of Ren Yaoqi’s return and had sent Que’er to watch at the entrance. As soon as Ren Yaoqi arrived at the door, she was welcomed inside.
Ren Yaohua was also in the main quarters, sitting with Madam Li on the kang in the eastern side room and chatting. When Ren Yaoqi entered, she seemed to hear Ren Yaohua discussing matters related to the upcoming banquet.
“Ah, look, our family’s second-place female scholar has returned. Come here and let me have a look.” Madam Li was clearly in high spirits, teasing Ren Yaoqi with a smile as soon as she saw her.
Nanny Zhou and the maids, Xier and Que’er, all laughed along.
Ren Yaoqi smiled and stepped forward to kowtow and pay her respects to Madam Li. Madam Li bent down to pull her up, seating her and Ren Yaohua on either side of her.
She examined Ren Yaoqi carefully for a moment. “Why do you look a bit thinner?”
Ren Yaoqi laughed. “How could I be thinner? In Yunyang City, Aunt’s cook prepared dishes that suited my taste perfectly. I ate half a bowl more rice with every meal. If you don’t believe me, ask Pingguo and the others.”
Ren Yaohua glanced at her and said to Madam Li, “The clothes she took last time were already a bit tight on her. If she gets any plumper, her waist will disappear.”
Ren Yaohua’s words were meant in jest, and Madam Li was thoroughly amused. Ren Yaoqi didn’t mind either, joining in their laughter.
Afterward, the mother and her two daughters chatted about the matter of Madam Han. Madam Li sighed with regret as she mentioned Madam Han, having also gone to the Han Family to offer condolences the previous day.
“Miss Han is pitiful, so thin she’s almost skin and bones, with eyes swollen from crying like peaches. I heard she stayed by Madam Han’s side to care for her ever since she fell ill. She’s a filial and good child. When you see her in the future, try to comfort her.”
Although Madam Li had heard from her mother’s letter about Old Master Han’s affairs, she believed the child was innocent and shouldn’t be dragged into the grudges of their elders. As a mother herself, even though she no longer considered Han Yunqian a prospective son-in-law, she felt deep sympathy for Han You, who was grieving the loss of her mother.
Ren Yaoqi stayed with Madam Li a while longer, then asked, “Where is Father? It seems he’s not in his study either.”Madam Li's smile faltered for a moment before she continued with a smile, "He's probably in Concubine Fang's Fangfei Courtyard at the moment."
Ren Yaoqi raised an eyebrow.
Nanny Zhou said, "Concubine Fang had Master Fang acquire two ancient paintings. I heard they were excavated artifacts, so they have some damage. The master has been helping to restore those two paintings in Fangfei Courtyard these past few days."
Ren Yaohua sneered, "Always causing trouble."
Ren Yaoqi smiled, "Does Fang Yacun still have the leisure to dabble in such things now?"
Nanny Zhou understood the implication, "Fifth Miss, has it really been confirmed that he won't be coming to Yanbei?"
Ren Yaoqi shook her head, "The transfer order has been issued. The next opportunity will have to wait three years."
Nanny Zhou breathed a sigh of relief, then frowned, "Since Master Fang is occupied, these ancient paintings must have been obtained by Concubine Fang herself. She must have put in considerable effort. But using the excuse of restoring paintings to keep the master there won't last long. Why is she going to such lengths?"
Nanny Zhou didn't believe someone like Concubine Fang would waste effort on such futile endeavors.
Ren Yaoqi asked, "What is the attitude of Grandfather and Grandmother?"
Nanny Zhou replied, "When Madam Fang first arrived in Yanbei, as you saw, Old Madam Ren summoned Concubine Fang to serve her daily, even took her to Yunyang City, and bestowed rewards every couple of days. Once, when our Madam went to pay her respects in the morning looking unwell, Old Madam Ren even suggested that if Madam felt overwhelmed, Concubine Fang could help share some of the Third Branch's responsibilities. Fortunately, our Madam was only feeling unwell because she had consumed some ice the previous day when it was slightly warm, causing an upset stomach and poor sleep. Otherwise, inviting a deity is easy, but sending one away is difficult!"
Although this had happened earlier, and Ren Yaohua had already vented her anger, hearing it again still made her grit her teeth in fury. Madam Li, on the other hand, comforted Ren Yaohua.
"However, recently, news gradually spread from Yunyang City that Master Fang had displeased a certain official in the Prince's Mansion for some reason, preventing him from taking office in Yanbei. The Ren Family even sent someone to Yunyang City to inquire. After that, Old Madam Ren's attitude toward Concubine Fang gradually cooled. Although she still occasionally summoned her to serve, the rewards decreased, and she never again mentioned having her share responsibilities for our Madam."
Ren Yaoqi, listening nearby, nodded, "That makes sense."
Ren Yaoqi wasn't surprised by Old Madam Ren's attitude. If Fang Yacun could come to Yanbei, the Ren Family would need to rely on him for many matters, which was why Old Madam Ren had elevated a concubine so highly. Now that it was clear Fang Yacun wouldn't be coming to Yanbei, Old Madam Ren's enthusiasm naturally cooled.
This was also why Ren Yaoqi had spared no effort in scheming to prevent Fang Yacun from coming to Yanbei.
However, Concubine Fang had been in the Ren Family for many years and understood Old Madam Ren thoroughly.
Fang Yacun's setback in his official career coincided with Ren Yaoqi's rise in the Yanbei Prince's Mansion.
As Old Madam Ren's attitude gradually shifted, Concubine Fang had already anticipated that her future days would not be as comfortable. Fang Yacun, who had been single-mindedly focused on coming to Yanbei, was now busy seeking alternatives in Jiangnan after this setback, leaving him with little attention to spare for Concubine Fang. Thus, she was now urgently trying to save herself.
Ren Yaoqi was somewhat curious about what exactly Concubine Fang intended to do.So she stood up and said, "It's been a long time since I've seen Father. I'll go to Fangfei Courtyard to find him and also take a look at the painting Concubine Fang found."
With that, Ren Yaoqi smiled and asked Ren Yaohua, "Third Sister, would you like to come along?"
Ren Yaohua stood up with a cold laugh. "I'll go. I'd like to broaden my horizons too."
Thus, the two sisters left the main room. Madam Li hurriedly called after them, "Don't argue with the concubine in front of your father. Speak properly, especially you, Hua'er..."
"Understood, Mother," Ren Yaohua replied impatiently.
As soon as Ren Yaoqi left Madam Li's quarters, she ran into Granny Xu, the head maid of her own courtyard.
Ren Yaoqi hadn't taken Granny Xu with her to Yunyang City this time. However, she had entrusted all authority over her courtyard, including financial matters, to Granny Xu, leaving all affairs for her to decide. This was a sign of trust and importance, and Granny Xu was very satisfied, striving to handle everything perfectly.
"Young Miss, you're back? This servant has some matters I'd like to discuss with you," Granny Xu said briskly, bowing to Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua with a smile.
Ren Yaoqi nodded gently. "You've worked hard taking care of things at home these days. I'm just heading to Fangfei Courtyard. If it's not urgent, we can talk when I return."
Granny Xu quickly replied, "Oh, this servant has come at an inconvenient time. Then, Young Miss, please attend to your matters first. I merely wanted to report some trivial matters from these past days. I'll wait for you to return."
Ren Yaoqi smiled and nodded, then left with Ren Yaohua.
Although Concubine Fang's Fangfei Courtyard was not as large as Purple Magnolia Courtyard, it was still an independent courtyard. Given Concubine Fang's status, the Ren Family had shown her special favor.
When Ren Yaoqi and Ren Yaohua arrived, they were stopped by the gatekeeper of Fangfei Courtyard, who said she needed to go in and announce them first.
Ren Yaohua looked down at her coldly and said, "I didn't hear clearly. Tell me your name again."
The gatekeeper broke out in a cold sweat, nearly kneeling on the spot before Ren Yaohua.
There wasn't a single maid or servant in the Ren Family who wasn't afraid of Third Miss. And Third Miss had the least patience with the people of Fangfei Courtyard; a single misstep could lead to punishment. Even Chuner, the head maid of Fourth Miss, had been ordered by Third Miss to be beaten with a plank and sold out. When Old Madam Ren returned, she didn't even ask about it. Chuner had already been betrothed by the concubine, and it was said that the betrothal gifts had been exchanged, with the wedding set for next month. Yet, Third Miss, displeased, still had her expelled.
Who would dare offend such a mistress?
The gatekeeper looked to the other gatekeeper, but the other was a sly one who had already seized the opportunity to slip inside and report.
The gatekeeper dared not respond further and obediently lowered her head, stepping aside.
Ren Yaohua snorted coldly and led Ren Yaoqi inside.
Ren Yaoqi chuckled to herself: Bringing Ren Yaohua was indeed the right move. If she had come alone, she might not even have been able to enter the courtyard gate.
Fangfei Courtyard was not large. As soon as Ren Yaoqi entered, she saw the door of the east wing open. The gatekeeper who had slipped in earlier was scrambling, crying, and wailing as she threw herself down on the corridor of the east wing to announce them.
It was as if they were bandits or robbers, coming to kill, burn, loot, and torment.
Ren Yaoqi couldn't help but laugh, while Ren Yaohua's expression turned very unpleasant.A gentle yet magnetic male voice said with displeasure, "Speak properly—why are you howling like that? You startled me so much my brush slipped! Who did you say is here?"
Concubine Fang's soft voice chimed in at just the right moment, "Didn't I already say the master is restoring an ancient painting and is at a critical stage? No one should disturb him."
Second update delivered, though a bit late... 〒_〒
This author is working hard, so please offer some comfort...
Votes, come to my bowl...
OpenNovel