Fourth Madam was unaware that the young couple, Wei Rao and Lu Zhuo, had argued over her worries.
After the guests left, Fourth Madam looked at the five vibrant red sugar-coated haws on the tray. Though she usually loved them, she had no appetite at all now.
"Take these and share them among yourselves," Fourth Madam sighed, forcing a smile as she spoke to her two personal maids.
"Madam, this is a gesture of filial piety from the Young Lord and the young madam. Even if you don't care for them yourself, you should at least take them and ask Fourth Master's opinion," the maid Di Cui advised.
The other maid, Yingquan, frowned, her eyes reddening as she said, "Why bother? Fourth Master is as cold as a stone. Madam has tried to warm him for eight years without success. She just cried from frustration—why go looking for more indifference?"
Di Cui clenched her hands, thinking of the muffled sobs she'd heard from her mistress's room earlier. She felt like crying too.
With the New Year approaching, Fourth Madam had painstakingly made a robe for Fourth Master, stitch by stitch. Earlier, she had taken it to him for a fitting, and the maids had tactfully waited outside. It was quiet inside at first, but then suddenly there was a sound of something falling, followed by Fourth Madam running out with her face covered, returning to the rear courtyard in tears.
Both Di Cui and Yingquan felt their mistress was treated unjustly. Eight years—only they knew what kind of life she had truly been living.
"Take them and share them," Fourth Madam said with a bitter smile, then retreated to her room alone.
The next day, when Wei Rao came to pay respects to the Duchess of Yingguo, she encountered Fourth Madam there.
Though Fourth Madam tried hard to conceal it, Wei Rao noticed the avoidance in her eyes when their gazes met.
Wei Rao herself was somewhat hesitant. After all, she wasn't very familiar with Fourth Madam, and prying might earn her displeasure. But what if Fourth Madam needed someone to help her?
If it worked out, Wei Rao would have done a good deed. If not, she'd merely face some disapproval from Fourth Madam—hardly a significant loss.
However, broad daylight wasn't suitable for heart-to-heart talks. Evening, with the cover of darkness, was better for such conversations.
Soon, it was New Year's Eve. That night, every household would stay up late, and in a grand residence like the Duke's Manor, the vigil activities were plentiful and entertaining. Lu Zhuo was dragged off by his cousins to play pitch-pot, while Lu Changning and He Weiyu went laughing to watch the fun. The Duchess of Yingguo encouraged Wei Rao to join them, but Wei Rao maintained a dignified demeanor, steadfastly remaining by the elders' side.
"Then let's play cards," the Duchess decided. There were still two hours until midnight—just drinking tea and chatting would mean too many trips to the privy.
Whenever there was a card game, He Shi would inevitably join. Wei Rao, hiding her own agenda, firmly declined to play, insisting that Second Madam and Third Madam take the seats instead.
Thus, the Duchess of Yingguo played cards with her three daughters-in-law, while Wei Rao and Fourth Madam sat on either side of her.
"Fourth Aunt, do you play chess?" Wei Rao asked Fourth Madam with a smile after watching two rounds.
Fourth Madam was slightly surprised, then worried that her niece-in-law might be trying to find an opportunity to ask about why she had cried that day.
The Duchess of Yingguo answered cheerfully on her behalf, "She does, and your Fourth Aunt is quite skilled. Well, we'll play cards—you two go and play chess. It's no fun just watching."
Wei Rao, hearing this, complied respectfully and stood up happily.
Fourth Madam had no choice but to leave her seat as well.
"Fourth Aunt, let's play chess in the pavilion. We can hang lanterns and enjoy the snowy night scenery—it's refreshing and clears the mind," Wei Rao said affectionately, linking arms with Fourth Madam as she extended the invitation.Fourth Madam was now certain that Wei Rao had questions for her.
The young girl probably meant well. After some thought, Fourth Madam agreed. Fine, they would go—she could always find an excuse to brush it off.
Once the chess location was settled, Wei Rao and Fourth Madam, each accompanied by their maidservants, headed to the garden of the Duke's Manor.
As the group walked along the corridor, Lu Zhuo, who was playing pitch-pot with his younger cousins, glanced up and looked toward the end of the corridor.
Since they had decided to play chess outdoors, both Wei Rao and Fourth Madam wore thick fox-fur cloaks. The weather was cooperative too—there was no wind that evening.
The maids brought teapots, and the mistresses sipped hot tea while holding small hand warmers. Outside the pavilion, the pure white snow reflected the red glow of the lanterns, creating a uniquely serene and beautiful scene.
Halfway through the game, Wei Rao sighed despondently.
Fourth Madam couldn't help but ask with concern, "Rao Rao, is something troubling you?"
Wei Rao bit her lip and glanced at the maids attending them.
Understanding her hint, Fourth Madam dismissed Di Cui, Bitao, and the others.
Once the maids were far enough away, Wei Rao hesitated shyly for a moment. Then, picking up her warm cushion, she moved to the decorative bench on the north side of the pavilion and gestured for Fourth Madam to join her. "Fourth Aunt, let's sit closer to talk."
Fourth Madam smiled, brought her cushion over, and settled beside her.
Wei Rao looked at her, then lowered her head, appearing deeply embarrassed.
Fourth Madam said gently, "Just speak your mind, Rao Rao. After we finish talking, let's head back early. Honestly, who would think of playing chess out here on a winter night?"
Her tone was indulgent as she playfully exposed her new niece-in-law's little scheme.
Wei Rao genuinely felt embarrassed now. She hugged Fourth Madam's arm and nuzzled it lightly, her face still lowered. "Fourth Aunt, please don't blame me. If you must blame anyone, blame the heir. That day when we went to deliver the sugar-coated haws, both he and I noticed your eyes were red. He's been very worried about you and has been urging me to come ask these past couple of days."
At this, Wei Rao lifted her head and gazed sincerely at Fourth Madam. "Fourth Aunt, you were the first elder I met after marrying into this family. Although I call you 'aunt,' in my heart, I see you more as an older sister. If you have any troubles, please tell me. Don't keep them bottled up—prolonged melancholy can easily lead to illness."
Through her observations over this period, Wei Rao had realized that aside from paying respects and playing cards, He Shi spent most of her time with He Weiyu and had little interaction with her sisters-in-law. Second Madam and Third Madam were busy managing the household and teaching their respective children; the two were closer and got along well. Fourth Madam was not like He Shi, nor did she interact much with the busy Second and Third Madams—she was the quietest and most solitary of the four sisters-in-law.
Although Fourth Madam had prepared herself for questions from her niece-in-law, she hadn't expected her nephew to have noticed her unusual state that day.
Fourth Madam felt very awkward and lied, "I'm afraid you'll laugh at me, but I tripped while walking carelessly and bumped my arm against a table corner. It hurt so much I cried."
Wei Rao would be a fool to believe that. A bump might make someone cry briefly, but it wouldn't make their eyes bloodshot.
"Fourth Aunt, did you have a quarrel with Fourth Uncle?" Wei Rao whispered her guess. The four sisters-in-law of the Lu Family got along very harmoniously. The only things that could make Fourth Madam cry were either matters from her maternal family or something involving Fourth Master of the Lu Family. Since Fourth Madam had been fine until recently, her sudden tears seemed more like the result of a sudden marital dispute.
Fourth Madam was not skilled at lying. The moment Wei Rao mentioned Fourth Master, her heart grew unsettled, and she began to avert her gaze.Wei Rao cautiously asked, "What did Fourth Master do to upset you?"
Fourth Madam immediately recalled the scene from the afternoon two days prior.
She had made a new robe for Fourth Master and brought it for him to try on. He remained cold as usual but did not refuse.
Fourth Master sat motionless in his chair while Fourth Madam busied herself dressing him. Surprisingly cooperative, he stood up with his cane and asked her to check if the robe fit properly. Everything went smoothly—the robe fit well, and Fourth Master seemed pleased. But just as she was helping him remove the robe, he suddenly turned too hastily, lost his balance on the cane, and fell to the ground.
She rushed to help him up, but Fourth Master, lying on the floor, coldly ordered her to leave.
Fourth Madam wept, unsure whether her tears were for his pain or her own.
Yet how could she possibly share such private matters with her niece-in-law?
"Fourth Master is fine, Rao Rao. Don’t misunderstand—I truly just stumbled accidentally," Fourth Madam steadied her emotions and smiled at Wei Rao.
Wei Rao wanted to inquire further, but Fourth Madam took her hand and stood up, saying cheerfully, "It’s time to go. If the heir asks later, just say my eyes were red from rubbing them after snowflakes got in while I was admiring the snow. That way, he won’t laugh at this clumsy aunt either."
Both excuses were covers. The more Fourth Madam evaded, the harder it was for Wei Rao to let the matter rest. "Aunt, I—"
Fourth Madam suddenly embraced Wei Rao, speaking softly into her shoulder, "Rao Rao, you and the heir care so much for me—it warms my heart. Rest assured, I’m truly fine."
Fourth Madam’s heart ached with a bitterness she could share with no one. Though she couldn’t confide in Wei Rao, the young woman’s concern felt like a warm cup of tea on a winter night, spreading comfort through her entire body.
When Wei Rao and Fourth Madam returned, Lu Zhuo and his cousins—along with Lu Changning and He Weiyu—were still playing pitch-pot. Surprisingly, the Duke of Yingguo and Fourth Master were also in the courtyard watching, the Duke standing and Fourth Master seated in a wheelchair.
"Aunt, sister-in-law, come join us!" Lu Changning called out warmly.
The Duke of Yingguo glanced at his younger daughter-in-law and eldest grandson’s wife, then went inside so they wouldn’t feel restrained in his presence.
With the elder making way, Wei Rao linked arms with Fourth Madam and approached the group.
"Take me inside," Fourth Master said to his wife, not wanting his niece-in-law to feel uncomfortable on his account.
Fourth Madam smiled and stepped behind her husband, nodding to the younger generation before skillfully wheeling Fourth Master inside.
Wei Rao’s gaze followed the couple. To her surprise, Fourth Madam showed no trace of resentment or blame toward Fourth Master. He had merely spoken a few plain words, yet she smiled as if he’d whispered sweet nothings, her eyes glowing tenderly and beautifully in the lamplight.
Now, Wei Rao was completely baffled about why Fourth Madam had wept that day.
"Sister-in-law, Changning says you know martial arts. Does that mean you’re also skilled at pitch-pot?"
A young man suddenly tilted his head toward Wei Rao. She turned to see it was Lu Ze, the fourth young master from the third branch, grinning playfully.
Behind Lu Ze stood Lu Ya, Lu Cong, and Lu Che. Lu Ya appeared steady, Lu Cong watched Wei Rao with curiosity, while the youngest, Lu Che, blushed and seemed too shy to look at her.
Was it because he had stood in for Lu Zhuo during the wedding ceremony, holding the rooster while bowing with Wei Rao?
Wei Rao’s eyes shifted to Lu Zhuo.Lu Zhuo, wearing his smiling mask, approached and asked her gently, "Do you know how? If you do, let's play together."
Wei Rao certainly knew how. Pitch-pot tested one's eyesight and wrist strength, both of which she possessed in full measure.
"How do we compete?" Wei Rao asked Lu Ze, who had invited her first.
Lu Ze scratched his head and said, "Brother, Changning, and Weiyu are one team, and the four of us brothers are another. If Sister-in-law is exceptionally skilled at pitch-pot, join our team, and we'll swap Fifth Brother to Brother's team. If you're just ordinarily skilled, then join Brother's team directly. That way, each side will have four people."
Lu Che retorted unhappily, "Why swap me out? You're not much better than I am."
Lu Ze shot back, "Even a little better is still better. Shut up—you have no say here."
Lu Zhuo interjected, "Enough. Let's reset the score. I'll team up with your sister-in-law, and the six of you can form the other team."
Lu Changning objected, "You're skilled, and Sister-in-law is surely an expert too. The two of you must be separated!"
Lu Zhuo asked Wei Rao, "What if we both use our left hands?"
Wei Rao smiled and replied, "Agreed."
The couple's confidence stirred up their cousins, and Lu Changning even rolled up his sleeves, determined to defeat his elder brother and sister-in-law.
The maids set up the pitch-pot equipment. Wei Rao and Lu Zhuo stood before the pot on the left. Lu Zhuo, holding an arrow in his left hand, stood steadily and tossed it lightly—the short arrow landed in the pot.
On the other side, Lu Ya, positioned first, also landed his arrow in the center of the pot.
When it was Wei Rao's turn, she threw the arrow with a swift, clean backhand motion.
"Sister-in-law is amazing!" Lu Cong clapped enthusiastically.
Lu Zhuo glanced over and saw his four cousins and two younger sisters all looking at Wei Rao with admiration.
When it was Lu Zhuo's turn again, he hit the left ear of the pot.
Wei Rao followed by hitting the right ear of the pot, her pride subtly refusing to fall behind Lu Zhuo.
With such skill from the couple, only Lu Ya remained confident enough to continue competing, while the others had already conceded defeat in their hearts.
Lu Cong suddenly stirred trouble, suggesting, "How about a one-on-one match between Brother and Sister-in-law?"
OpenNovel