Madam Meng handed over the registered account books, watched the steward lock the storeroom, and surrendered the keys. By the time everything was settled, it was already midnight. Exhausted and aching all over, she thought of her daughter waiting for her and hurried straight to the North Courtyard. Upon arrival, she learned that so much had happened while she was in the storeroom. Pei You'an, the long-absent eldest grandson of the Pei family, had unexpectedly returned, and Quan Ge'er had fallen ill again. After finding Madam Xin and exchanging a few words, she took Jiafu home.
When bidding farewell to Madam Xin earlier, she noticed the forced smile and the perfunctory thanks without even the courtesy of seeing her out. Understanding Madam Xin's distress over Quan Ge, Madam Meng didn't mind the slight. On the way back, sitting in the carriage, she discussed the night's events with her daughter. Soon, the conversation turned to Pei You'an's return, and she couldn't help sighing, "It shows how one wrong step can lead to endless mistakes. I still remember how outstanding he was back then. If he hadn't acted so foolishly, he wouldn't be in such a state now—unable to return home. Not only does he suffer, but it's also heartbreaking for the elders. The old madam, who doted on him the most, and Madam Xin, who carried twins for ten months only to lose one at birth—he was the sole survivor, frail and sickly since infancy. She must have cherished him dearly, but I heard he was different from other boys, never close to his mother. Later, when she had your second cousin, who was affectionate, naturally, she favored the younger one..."
As she rambled about these hearsay tales of the Pei family, she noticed her daughter's absentmindedness, as if preoccupied, and paused to ask what was on her mind.
That sidelong glance from Pei You'an tonight had left Jiafu uneasy.
She suspected he might have figured something out, yet it seemed unlikely. Her plan was flawless; she couldn't believe he'd detected anything.
Perhaps that glance was merely coincidental, and she was overthinking it.
On the way back, Jiafu repeatedly reassured herself, but the unease lingered. Hearing her mother's question, she snapped out of her thoughts and looked up, forcing a smile. "Nothing. Just tired."
Madam Meng hugged her daughter tenderly. "Rest your eyes for now. After the birthday celebrations are over, you'll be free. I reckon once Quan Ge recovers, they'll bring up the marriage proposal. As a young lady, it wouldn't be proper for you to visit them then. In a couple of days, I'll go alone to check on Quan Ge. You stay home and rest."
Jiafu remained silent, leaning against her mother and closing her eyes.
Two days later, out of courtesy, Madam Meng indeed went alone to visit Quan Ge.Pei You'an indeed had unique insights in the field of medicine. Following his medical instructions this time, Quan Ge's condition improved significantly within just two days. While this should have been good news, Madam Meng returned home seething with anger. Upon arriving, she had heard whispers from a stewardess she was close with—apparently, when Madam Song learned of Quan Ge's relapse, she rushed over in the morning. After speaking privately with Madam Xin, rumors began circulating that Madam Song suspected the Zhen family's young lady and Quan Ge were ill-fated. Otherwise, why would Quan Ge, who had been perfectly healthy before, suddenly suffer two strange episodes after encountering her twice?
Madam Xin hadn't considered this angle until Madam Song pointed it out, leaving her half-convinced. Today, when Madam Meng visited, Madam Xin's demeanor cooled noticeably. After a brief, awkward visit, Madam Meng returned home, growing increasingly upset. Not wanting to distress her daughter, she avoided mentioning it to Jiafu—unaware that Jiafu had already learned the news from her maids before she'd even settled in.
Events were unfolding exactly as Jiafu had anticipated. Over the past two days, her biggest concern—Pei You'an—had remained silent. Perhaps that sidelong glance of his had truly been accidental. Her own guilt had likely magnified it into something ominous, frightening herself unnecessarily.
Jiafu's tension finally eased, but seeing her mother clearly suppressing her anger to shield her only deepened her guilt. As she pondered how to comfort her, a servant hurried in to announce the arrival of Yuzhu, a maid from the Duke's residence serving the elderly matriarch.
Knowing Yuzhu must be here on the matriarch's orders, Madam Meng promptly had her ushered in. Soon, Yuzhu entered in a pale blue dress, accompanied by two younger maids carrying a food hamper, her face wreathed in smiles. Madam Meng rose to greet her personally.
Yuzhu flustered, "Auntie, you needn't rise! How could a mere servant like me warrant such courtesy?"
Madam Meng clasped her hand. "What's a few steps? It won't break my legs. You carry yourself no less gracefully than any proper young lady—it's just fate hasn't been as kind to you."
Yuzhu laughed. "For a servant like me to earn such praise from you, Auntie, my life isn't wasted."
Chatting amiably, they settled in the warm reception room. Yuzhu instructed the younger maids to present the hamper, explaining, "Auntie, the matriarch said your young lady is delightful. These are some of her favorite dishes—we prepared an extra portion today for your daughter. She wonders if the seasoning suits her taste and asks that your daughter share her preferences for next time."
The hamper revealed a steaming selection: shredded chicken with bird's nest and mushrooms, crispy bean and wheat cakes, osmanthus-flavored radish cakes, and a bowl of creamy milk skin pastry—all still warm, tendrils of steam rising.
Madam Meng was both astonished and delighted. The food itself was secondary—she recognized the true significance. At this critical juncture, the matriarch had deliberately sent these treats along with praise for her daughter, unmistakably signaling her stance.Just a few days ago, she had arrived in the capital with her daughter to pay respects to the old madam, but the latter had not even met them, her attitude indifferent. Unexpectedly, in such a short time, she had suddenly expressed approval of her daughter. Though she racked her brains trying to figure out what exactly about her daughter had caught the old madam’s eye in these few days, it was ultimately good news.
A wave of warmth surged through Madam Meng’s heart, and much of the frustration she had felt earlier at Madam Xin’s place dissipated. She quickly called for Jiafu and, pointing to the dishes, relayed the old madam’s words with a beaming smile.
Jiafu smiled outwardly but inwardly groaned.
She had never expected the old madam to make such a move.
She understood the kind intention behind it, but this was precisely what she least wanted right now.
“When it’s convenient, I’ll take A’fu to thank her in person,” Madam Meng said cheerfully.
“No need for such formalities, Aunt. I’ll pass on your words when I return.”
“Then I’ll trouble you with that.”
After exchanging more pleasantries, Yuzhu smiled and said, “I’ve heard that not only is the young lady skilled in needlework, but she’s also an excellent painter. I have a pattern I’ve been struggling with and would like to seek her advice.” As she spoke, she gave Jiafu a meaningful glance.
Jiafu, sharp as ever, immediately understood that Yuzhu likely had something private to discuss. Suppressing her confusion, she stood up and offered to take Yuzhu to her room to teach her. Madam Meng naturally agreed, and Jiafu led Yuzhu to her boudoir. Once inside, she dismissed the maids, invited Yuzhu to sit, and pretended to fetch the pattern—only to be stopped by Yuzhu, who complimented the elegant decor before leaning in and whispering, “Young lady, to be honest, I came here for another matter. Just before leaving, the elder master suddenly called me over and asked me to tell you privately to stop using the incense you’re currently wearing—it might be harmful to others.”
Jiafu’s heart skipped a beat, and she shuddered inwardly, but she maintained a calm expression and asked Yuzhu, “What does this mean? Did the elder master explain further?”
Yuzhu herself was equally puzzled.
She had discreetly caught a whiff of Miss Zhen’s fragrance—subtle yet intoxicating, reminiscent of the ambergris often used in Madam Xin’s quarters.
A woman’s body fragrance, though detectable, is invisible and intangible, often associated with intimate garments, making it a private matter. Though Miss Zhen was now part of the second branch and addressed the elder master as “cousin,” their relationship was hardly close. Moreover, with marriage discussions for the second master underway, it was odd that the elder master, having just returned, would suddenly concern himself with Miss Zhen’s personal fragrance.
But since the elder master had given the order, Yuzhu naturally complied. When Jiafu pressed for details, she shook her head. “I don’t understand either. The elder master only instructed me to relay this message and insisted you follow it.”
The unease that had briefly faded now surged back into Jiafu’s heart.
So it wasn’t just her imagination after all.
Now she was certain: that night, Pei You’an had immediately discerned the connection between her incense and Quan Ge’s illness.
But how much did he really know about her secrets? By sending this message through Yuzhu, was he offering a well-meaning warning or expressing displeasure?
These questions were secondary.
What worried Jiafu most was whether he would reveal the true cause of Quan Ge’s illness.From Yuzhu's tone at this moment, it was clear he hadn't mentioned it to anyone else yet. But there was no guarantee he wouldn't speak of it later.
If—just supposing—if he revealed that Quan Ge's illness was actually caused by nothing more than frozen borneol, then all her careful scheming over these past days would come to nothing.
Her plan had been meticulously calculated, every step under her control.
Yet just as she was about to see it through, this fatal variable had suddenly emerged.
The weather was cold, but Jiafu's undergarments clung to her back, soaked with cold sweat.
She forced herself to steady her nerves and smiled faintly. "Thank you for passing this along, sister. I understand now. If it's no good, then we won't use it."
Yuzhu smiled and nodded. "The master was rather odd about it—a bit abrupt. But he knows medicine, so if he says so, there must be reason to it. I'm glad you're not offended. That's all I came for, so I should be going now. I need to pack, as the master is escorting Old Madam Pei to Cien Temple tomorrow morning to fulfill her vow to the Buddha."
Jiafu's mind was in turmoil. She murmured an absent-minded agreement and saw Yuzhu out. Madam Meng and Yuzhu exchanged farewells in the guest hall, just as Zhen Yaoting sauntered in from outside. Spotting his mother speaking with a beautiful young woman in a pale blue dress, he eyed her curiously and called out, "Mother!"
Yuzhu had never met Zhen Yaoting before, but hearing this, she realized he must be the Zhen family's son. Though he cut a fine figure, his manner was overly bold, standing there staring at her. She curtsied and addressed him as "Young Master," then turned back to Madam Meng with a smile. "No need to see me out, Auntie. I'll take my leave now."
Madam Meng smiled and bade her farewell, instructing a servant to escort her out. Once Yuzhu was gone, she noticed her son still craning his neck to look after her and scolded, "Where have you been all morning, only coming back now? This isn't Quanzhou, where you can swagger about as you please! If you stir up trouble, you know what'll happen!"
Zhen Yaoting hastily assured her he'd only gone to the City God Temple to buy some trinkets for his sister. Then, with a grin, he sidled up and asked, "Mother, who was that young lady just now?"
Madam Meng, her mood slightly improved after Yuzhu's visit, saw her son's lecherous grin and pinched his ear. "That's Old Madam Pei's chief maid. If you dare set your sights on her, I'll send you straight back to Quanzhou!"
"Ow!" Zhen Yaoting yelped, wrenching free and clutching his ear as he retreated. "Fine, I won't look! I'll go find my sister!"
...
That night, Jiafu lay awake until dawn.
Early the next morning, after washing up, she went to Madam Meng's quarters. They had barely exchanged a few words when hurried footsteps sounded outside, followed by a servant's voice: "Madam! Someone from the Duke's residence has come, asking for you to go over—there's something to discuss!"
Jiafu's heart pounded wildly, but she forced herself to stay composed as she followed Madam Meng out.
It was the same maid from Madam Xin's household who was on good terms with Madam Meng. As the woman spoke, Jiafu gradually pieced together the situation.
Madam Xin had summoned Madam Meng to discuss the marriage arrangements.
From the maid's tone, it seemed the truth about Quan Ge's condition hadn't been exposed yet.
Jiafu's racing heart finally began to settle.Madam Meng hurriedly changed her clothes and ordered Zhen Yaoting to stay at home without going out, instructing Jiafu to keep an eye on him. Then she took a few servants and boarded the carriage, heading for the Duke's residence.
Jiafu watched her mother's figure disappear before returning to sit motionless, lost in thought for a moment. Suddenly, she stood up and said to Zhen Yaoting, "Brother, since we have nothing to do, come with me to a place."
Yao Ting was the type who couldn’t stay idle at home for even a moment—carefree and thoughtless. He had been trying to figure out how to persuade his sister to let him go out without tattling on him. Hearing her suggest going out herself, he was delighted. When he asked where and learned it was Cien Temple, he laughed heartily. "I get it! You want to pray to the Buddha for a smooth marriage, don’t you? Fine, I’ll take you there right now and make sure you get your wish—marrying the perfect husband!"
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