Chapter 24
Hearing Lu Chenglian ask about the inkstone, Amole quickly replied, “The inkstone? Amole threw it away.”
“You threw it away?” Lu Chenglian asked. “Where?”
“Master, Amole threw the inkstone very, very far away. It can never be found again. Master can rest assured,” Amole declared confidently, looking as though she were ready to thump her chest in guarantee.
Lu Chenglian felt a twitch at his temple but forced himself to remain patient. “Exactly where did you throw it?”
Amole tilted her head toward the lake and pointed to the opposite bank. “There. By the lakeside.”
Lu Chenglian gazed in that direction. The lake waters rippled gently, birds skimming lightly across the surface, while dense clusters of reeds lined the far shore.
He immediately commanded, “Lead the way.”
Amole looked at him in confusion. “Master?”
She had naturally overheard the earlier exchange between her master and the Sixth Young Mistress—their alternating tears and laughter, and even the slap her master had received.
So… what exactly was going on now?
After hurrying away, Gu Xiyan’s heart belatedly began pounding wildly, beating so hard her chest ached and waves of heat flushed across her face.
Such sensations were entirely unprecedented for her.
At fifteen, she had once met Ye Erxun at a temple. Though mutual affection had existed between them, elders had always been present, necessitating caution and shyness; she hadn’t dared even breathe heavily. Later outings were similarly chaperoned by sisters-in-law, female relatives, and close friends, leaving her heart undisturbed.
Even after marrying Lu Chengyuan, she had experienced moments of fluttering excitement, yet nothing comparable to today.
The ancients said a wife is inferior to a concubine, and a concubine inferior to a secret liaison. Perhaps it was precisely this furtive ambiguity—this unspoken tension repeatedly pondered—that proved most intoxicating?
Turning every word, glance, and gesture of his over in her mind, she felt a tingling warmth spread through her chest, an urge almost overwhelming to press her hand against it and soothe the sensation.
Recalling how he had hinted at helping her nephew enter school, his deep, husky tone had melted her resolve and filled her heart with comforting warmth.
He must have overheard her conversation with the Second Madam. Though pretending indifference at the time, he had secretly intended to assist her all along.
How could such thoughtfulness and care fail to stir one’s heart?
Just then, she heard cheerful voices outside—Zhou Qing’s wife had arrived bearing fresh fruit.
Gu Xiyan hastily composed herself, adjusted her attire, and went out to thank Zhou Qing’s wife. Fortunately, the woman noticed nothing amiss.
After Zhou Qing’s wife departed, Qiusang placed the basket on the table and inspected its contents, discovering minor blemishes on some fruits.
Displeased, she muttered, “Every other household receives carefully selected produce, yet we get only leftovers!”
“We should be accustomed to this by now,” Gu Xiyan replied calmly.
Sighing softly, Qiusang took the fruit to wash.
Leaning against the window, Gu Xiyan watched Zhou Qing’s wife disappear beyond the courtyard wall. Dressed in fine silks and adorned with gold and silver jewelry, the woman’s golden bracelet gleamed brightly in the sunlight even from afar.
Though such scenes were commonplace—and ones Gu Xiyan ought to have grown used to—they struck her now as painfully ironic.
In truth, the dignity she longed for was easily attained not only by other young ladies and wives but even by the wife of a mere steward in the Duke’s mansion. Yet here she was, lacking perspective enough that trifling kindnesses sent her spirits soaring.
Reflecting thus, Gu Xiyan gradually regained composure. Her wandering thoughts settled as she calmly recalled the man’s words from earlier that day.
That man had clearly discarded the inkstone, yet refused to admit it, insisting instead that he would treasure it forever.
With a soft snort, Gu Xiyan murmured, “Truly, men’s mouths are deceiving ghosts. Having thrown it away, what’s left to treasure?”
Pacing back and forth in her room, lost in thought, she suddenly remembered something. Rummaging through her cabinets, she retrieved the green stone inkstone and summoned Qiusang. “Take this to the old established shops along Baima Road’s book market—Shoushi Studio will do—and consign it for sale.”
Qiusang was baffled. “Didn’t you say you’d keep it safely? Why sell it suddenly?”
“Naturally, someone wants to buy it,” Gu Xiyan replied confidently. “Like Zhuge Liang, I’ve anticipated this move and await my prey stepping neatly into my trap!”
Qiusang stared at her dubiously.
Pressing the box firmly into Qiusang’s hands, Gu Xiyan instructed, “Go place it discreetly in the shop for consignment. Don’t let anyone know—keep it quiet.”
“How much should we ask?” Qiusang asked.
After brief consideration, Gu Xiyan steeled herself. “Two hundred taels!”
Qiusang gasped. “Two hundred taels?”
“Yes. Human hearts are unfathomable, and a man’s sincerity cannot truly be measured in silver. But if he won’t pay even two hundred taels, then there’s nothing more to discuss.”
This green stone inkstone wasn’t an exceedingly rare treasure; with diligent searching, several similar pieces might eventually be found. However, locating one matching both size and age on short notice would prove difficult.
Still puzzled inwardly, Qiusang nevertheless agreed. “Very well. Tomorrow, under the pretext of buying needlework, I’ll find a way to visit Baima Road.”
Once Qiusang had gone, Gu Xiyan called in Ping’er, a young maid who had previously been unjustly scolded through veiled remarks and whom Gu Xiyan had since comforted.
Summoned unexpectedly, Ping’er appeared somewhat bewildered. “Does Young Mistress have instructions?”
“There is a task I wish to entrust solely to you,” Gu Xiyan said seriously. “Pay careful attention and carry it out diligently.”
Ping’er straightened respectfully. “Young Mistress, please give your orders.”
“During your daily chores, make frequent trips to the lakeside in our rear garden. Watch carefully—if anyone appears searching for something there, report back to me immediately.”
Though not fully understanding the purpose, Ping’er promptly assented.
Rewarding her with a hundred coins, Gu Xiyan watched delightedly as Ping’er skipped happily outside.
Left alone, Gu Xiyan pondered briefly before breaking into amused laughter.
That man wasn’t even married yet, yet possessed remarkable skill in entangling others’ affections, leaving her thoroughly bewitched.
Strangely enough, given his status, he could have any beauty he desired—why pursue a widow like herself?
Did he find novelty in it?
Or perhaps being his own cousin’s widow added piquancy?
After considerable speculation, Gu Xiyan concluded that regardless of his motives, she would proceed first with selling the inkstone!
That evening, returning from paying respects to the Old Madame, Gu Xiyan found Meng Shuhui waiting.
Since the school enrollment remained unsettled, Gu Xiyan chose not to mention it lest she raise false hopes.
Unexpectedly, Meng Shuhui broached a commission worth ten taels of silver. Stunned, Gu Xiyan exclaimed, “Ten taels for a single painting?”
Her entire monthly allowance was merely five taels!
“At first I couldn’t believe it either, but after repeated confirmation, the client paid a two-tael deposit. Look,” Meng Shuhui said, handing over a handkerchief containing the silver. “Naturally, I had concerns. Your status differs greatly from before. Painting ordinary items previously posed little risk, but a lucrative commission like this implies wealthy patrons. With noble households intricately connected throughout the capital, what if this patron happens to associate with the Duke’s mansion and word leaks out?”
Without hesitation, Gu Xiyan decided decisively, “Accept it!”
Her reasoning was straightforward: “Why refuse such generous payment? Who turns away money?”
As for potential exposure later—it was merely one painting. She wouldn’t display her work publicly daily; who could definitively attribute it to her? Should trouble arise, she could simply deny everything outright.
Besides, what were the odds of such coincidence?
Meng Shuhui produced a note detailing specific requirements. Examining it closely, Gu Xiyan found the requested painting quite manageable.
Confidence surging, she smiled reassuringly. “Rest assured, Sister-in-law. These ten taels are as good as mine.”
Seeing her animated expression, Meng Shuhui laughed warmly. “When I first met you, despite your fine clothes, you seemed lifeless—as though enduring years of hardship. Now, seeing vitality return reminds me of your maiden days.”
Before marriage, her young sister-in-law had been notably spirited and mischievous.
Smiling in turn, Gu Xiyan replied, “One needs purpose and hope to live meaningfully. Enduring stagnant existence within the Duke’s mansion, unsure why I persisted, I now feel motivated again knowing I can earn silver through this work.”
“That’s excellent,” Meng Shuhui encouraged. “Continue steadily, and I’ll keep watch for additional worthwhile commissions.”
“That would be ideal,” Gu Xiyan agreed gratefully.
After Meng Shuhui departed, Gu Xiyan studied the specifications meticulously. Having accepted such generous compensation, she resolved to devote her utmost effort toward perfection. Consequently, aside from obligatory morning and evening greetings, she remained sequestered indoors for several consecutive days, immersing herself completely in painting. Each stroke followed careful contemplation; every detail received painstaking refinement, determined not to disappoint her patron’s investment.
Meanwhile, Ping’er reported observing Third Master frequently visiting the lakeside accompanied by a petite maid whose face was obscured by black gauze.
Gu Xiyan received this news without surprise—it aligned perfectly with expectations. Qiusang, however, nearly leaped up indignantly upon hearing it.
Laughing wryly, she remarked, “That must be Amole! Dark-skinned as she is, she still bothers wearing black gauze! Racing like the wind to discard our inkstone, now she deigns to search for it? Serves her right!”
Gu Xiyan smiled calmly. “Ignore them. Let them keep searching.”
Though verbally agreeing, Qiusang remained inwardly resentful. Without informing Gu Xiyan, she devised an excuse of gathering fallen branches and hurried to the lakeside. Arriving there, she spotted seven or eight page boys bustling along the shore while two or three small boats drifted gently atop the water.
Hiding behind trees, she observed covertly.
Onboard the boats, men wielded nets and long bamboo poles probing the lakebed. Meanwhile, those pages ashore used poking sticks and wooden forks to comb methodically through the reeds—which looked thoroughly trampled after multiple searches!
Suppressing laughter, Qiusang thought their efforts entirely futile.
Preparing to slip away unnoticed, she turned abruptly—and froze at the sight of someone standing directly before her.
Clad entirely in dark green garments, the figure lacked visible features. Terrified nearly senseless, Qiusang stifled a scream, clapping both hands over her mouth as she stared in horror.
Gradually regaining composure, she realized the person indeed possessed a face—it was simply so exceedingly dark that, standing shadowed beneath foliage, skin blended seamlessly with clothing, creating the eerie illusion of a headless apparition at first glance.
Looking more closely now, she saw it was indeed a person—a young maid with twin buns, just exceptionally dark-skinned.
Still reeling from the fright, Qiusang felt her strength drain away, nearly collapsing on the spot. “You… aren’t you Amole?”
If it really was her, that made things even worse! What narrow fate brought enemies face to face!
Amole glared at Qiusang, equally displeased, and accused loudly, “Qiusang stole inkstone! Yes or no?”
Stole an inkstone?
Qiusang gasped sharply. “What did you say? Who stole an inkstone?”
She practically leaped up in indignation. “You even know my name—you recognize me? So it really was you playing ghost tricks last time! Wasn’t it you who grabbed me?”
Unprepared for Qiusang’s ferocity and unable to strike back, Amole could only shout angrily and loudly, “You stole inkstone! Give back my inkstone!”
Furious, Qiusang grabbed Amole’s arm and tugged hard. “What did you say? Say it again! How dare you slander an innocent person with such baseless accusations? When did I ever steal your inkstone?”
Qiusang was quick-tongued, while Amole struggled to articulate her thoughts. Unable to win the verbal sparring match, Amole flushed red with frustration, merely repeating over and over, “Stole inkstone! Stole inkstone!”
Just then, a commanding voice rang out: “Amole, stop!”
Hearing this, Amole immediately shrank back, but Qiusang, undeterred, continued pushing against her. “Speak up! On what grounds do you accuse me of theft?”
Not daring to retaliate, Amole glanced guiltily toward Lu Chenglian.
With her immense strength, she could have sent ten Qiusangs flying with minimal effort—but she dared not.
Violence was forbidden within the Duke’s mansion.
Striding forward briskly, Lu Chenglian separated the two maids and promptly asked Qiusang, “Are you alright?”
Startled by his sudden appearance, Qiusang replied fearfully, “Third Master, this servant is perfectly fine.”
Glancing at Amole, she noticed a bloody scratch across the girl’s dark cheek—apparently inflicted by herself during the scuffle?
Feeling somewhat guilty, Qiusang explained, “Third Master, this servant had no intention of harming anyone. She maliciously accused me of stealing, but how could I possibly steal from others?”
Hearing the word “steal,” Lu Chenglian felt another twitch at his temple. Rubbing his forehead wearily, he turned to Amole.
Amole hunched her shoulders like a quail, arms hanging limply at her sides as she stood cautiously.
Lu Chenglian found himself exasperated with Amole. Possessing extraordinary strength and agility rare among women, she nevertheless managed tasks in ways defying description.
He had repeatedly interrogated her about the inkstone, yet Amole could only scratch her head blankly in distress, utterly incapable of providing coherent answers.
Now, noting the fresh wound on her face, he reiterated firmly, “Do not make baseless accusations against others in the future.”
“Yes, Master,” Amole replied meekly.
“Return now, and remember to tend to your wound,” he instructed.
Obeying promptly, Amole departed—but not before casting one last resentful glare at Qiusang.
Refusing to be intimidated, Qiusang glared right back.
The two maids locked eyes fiercely, neither willing to yield.
Raising an eyebrow, Lu Chenglian issued another warning: “Amole.”
Panicking, Amole scampered hastily away. Qiusang also turned quickly, bowing respectfully to thank Lu Chenglian.
She said earnestly, “I beg Third Master to judge fairly. She falsely accused me without cause. If you doubt my words, please allow me to confront her openly before our Young Mistress.”
With one hand clasped behind his back, Lu Chenglian studied Qiusang calmly. “I never said I disbelieved you. Why such haste to defend yourself?”
Taken aback, Qiusang lowered her head and muttered something meaningless under her breath.
Admittedly, she did feel slightly guilty.
Chuckling softly, Lu Chenglian remarked, “Like mistress, like maid.”
Reaching into his sleeve, he withdrew a silver ingot and handed it to Qiusang. “She wrongly accused you earlier, causing undue grievance. Don’t take it to heart. Use this pocket money to buy yourself some sweets.”
Seeing the ingot, Qiusang was naturally astonished—it must weigh a full ten taels!
Overjoyed, she thanked him profusely, overflowing with gratitude.
Lu Chenglian added, “Regarding the school matter, progress has been made these past few days. Within several days, officials from the government academy will visit to register your nephew. Inform your Young Mistress so she may set her mind at ease.”
Delighted by this news, Qiusang expressed her thanks once more before taking her leave, returning home in high spirits.
Standing there watching Qiusang’s retreating figure, Lu Chenglian pondered silently for a long moment before instructing the attendant behind him, “Go search the book markets along Baima Road. Should you encounter any superior-quality green stone inkstones, purchase them.”
The attendant promptly acknowledged, “Yes, sir.”
Lu Chenglian appended one final instruction: “Whatever price they ask, agree to it.”