Chapter 36
Lu Chenglian’s words were as cold as ice shards, startling Ying Tong.
She dared not hide the truth and had to say, “It was not originally a major matter, just gossip from other households, not worth mentioning. But since Master asked, this servant recalled it. This time, the new tea was distributed by Steward Sun, allocated according to the number of male members in each household.”
Male members?
Lu Chenglian frowned.
However, he usually did not inquire about such trivial domestic affairs, so he pretended ignorance. “Is this such a significant matter that you hesitate and speak evasively, as if it were shameful?”
Ying Tong hurriedly explained, “This servant does not understand external matters. I only vaguely heard that this new tea is for receiving guests and social engagements. Those with many social obligations need to be well-prepared, so some was distributed to the quarters of the young masters.”
Seeing Lu Chenglian’s noncommittal expression, she continued, “Just now, I heard the little maids gossiping. It seemed that Qiusang, the little maid in Sixth Young Mistress’s quarter, was quite resentful. Since we all know each other, they couldn’t help but discuss it. Now that Master asks, this servant recalls this matter and feels it is somewhat inappropriate.”
Ever since she encountered the Sixth Young Mistress under the Old Madam’s eaves and accidentally witnessed her being scolded, Ying Tong had been slightly arrogant and made a few casual remarks. Presumably because of this, the Sixth Young Mistress held a grudge. Afterward, whenever they met, the Sixth Young Mistress always acted distant, her eyes full of aloofness.
Ying Tong found it amusing and ignored it.
Later, when the Sixth Young Mistress fell ill and went mad, beating people, the news spread, and the little maids gossiped about it. Ying Tong had laughed along with them.
Now, because of the Pre-Rain tea incident, everyone was talking about it for fun.
When she mentioned the tea earlier, it was just a passing thought. Who would have expected that this master had such sharp eyes and detected her hidden intentions?
At this moment, Lu Chenglian lowered his eyelids and asked indifferently, “Does this mean that the new tea was not distributed to the Third Branch’s mistress?”
Ying Tong could not guess his intention and could only reply cautiously, “Yes.”
Lu Chenglian suddenly sneered. “It is merely some tea leaves. Could it be that the vast Duke’s Residence lacks this portion? Since my sister-in-law is guarding her chastity for her late sixth brother, this tea should have been delivered to her hands openly and properly.”
Ying Tong was shocked. “Master?”
Lu Chenglian acted decisively. He immediately summoned his personal attendant and ordered, “Go to the Duke and tell him that I said to ask how exactly this tea was distributed. Those who know will think the subordinates are incompetent; those who do not know will think our Duke’s Residence mistreats chaste widows!”
Ying Tong panicked and hurriedly said, “My Master, things are not handled this way!”
Lu Chenglian raised an eyebrow and looked at her. “Then how should it be handled?”
Ying Tong replied, “Even if you want to ask, you could casually mention it when you see the Old Madam or the Second Madam. If you make such a big fuss, others will think it is a major issue, which does not sound good.”
Lu Chenglian asked, “Oh, am I waiting for you to teach me how to handle affairs?”
Ying Tong panicked and realized her impropriety, quickly apologizing.
Lu Chenglian smiled. “Ying Tong, I used to think you were quite competent. How have you learned to gossip behind people’s backs? No matter how insignificant the ladies and mistresses of various quarters are, they are still masters. Is it your place to stir up trouble here?”
These words were truly harsh. Ying Tong felt ashamed and embarrassed, her face flushing red.
In the past, she could act as the decision-maker in the room, but now she was reprimanded by her own master like this. Tears immediately fell from her eyes.
Holding up her skirt, she knelt down and cried, “Master, it was this servant who overstepped. Please punish me severely.”
She was originally a rare beauty, and crying now, with tears like pear blossoms bathed in rain, added to her delicate fragility.
Lu Chenglian did not even want to look at her. “Today, I am not just criticizing you. In the future, be more mindful and manage the subordinates properly.”
Ying Tong lowered her head. “Master, this servant understands. Regarding those who gossip, this servant originally felt it was inappropriate but did not know what to say. From now on, I will definitely restrain them and be cautious in everything to avoid causing trouble.”
After saying this, she wanted to withdraw, but she felt aggrieved in her heart. With red-rimmed eyes, she endured it forcibly.
After entrusting the painting to Amole, Gu Xiyan had been expecting a response, wanting to ask if he liked it, but she lacked the opportunity.
When she was painting, her mind was entirely focused on the work. Now that the painting was done, she felt empty, lonely, and restless again, beginning to think about various things.
Men, oh men. She truly lacked a man in her life.
That evening, she sat by the window, looking at the spring scenery in the garden and fantasizing about that man. In the distance, she saw a group of people approaching. It was the Fourth Young Mistress.
At first, she thought the other woman was just passing by, but unexpectedly, the Fourth Young Mistress came directly toward her.
This was a rare visitor. After all, the Fourth Young Mistress was currently assisting the Second Madam in managing the household affairs. How could she possibly come to the courtyard of an idle person like her?
Not daring to be negligent, Gu Xiyan hurriedly went out to greet her, speaking with a smile.
The Fourth Young Mistress was very affectionate. She stepped forward and took Gu Xiyan’s hand. “Dear sister, since the Empress Dowager’s birthday a few days ago, there have been many social engagements in our residence. I have been so busy that my feet haven’t touched the ground. I have wronged you, and I truly deserve a beating. If you have any unhappiness in your heart, please tell me. I will definitely discipline those clueless servants properly.”
Gu Xiyan was completely unexpected. She had long known that the Fourth Young Mistress always spoke beautifully but was best at giving soft rebuffs. Yet now, she suddenly came to say this.
Moreover, she did not care much about the Pre-Rain tea incident.
She had long become accustomed to being seemingly inadvertently ignored. It was just some spring tea. If she did not drink it, so be it. Would drinking more tea make her live to a hundred years?
But the Fourth Young Mistress was very diligent. She gave a glance to the maid behind her, who quickly handed over a carved lacquer redwood box. Inside was the newly arrived Pre-Rain tea and a package of snacks wrapped in yellow mulberry bark paper.
The Fourth Young Mistress held Gu Xiyan’s hand affectionately. “Because I was truly unable to leave, I instructed Steward Sun to distribute the newly arrived Pre-Rain tea to each quarter. Who would have thought that due to this slight negligence, those clueless people messed up the task. Today, the Duke somehow found out and personally inquired about it. Only then did I learn about this matter.”
The Duke?
Gu Xiyan was secretly shocked. The Duke was Lu Chenglian’s father, who never interfered in rear-household affairs. Now, even he had been alarmed.
She felt惶恐and hurriedly said, “Sister-in-law, this is such a small matter, just some tea leaves. I did not take it to heart, nor did I say anything. How did it reach the Duke’s ears?”
Hearing this, the Fourth Young Mistress smiled at Gu Xiyan. “I was also startled. After all, we are women of the inner household. When handling affairs, we should consult our elders. Now that the matter was handled poorly, I feel uneasy. So, the Fourth Master summoned the steward and reprimanded him severely. Steward Sun is still kneeling in the front courtyard.”
Gu Xiyan became even more incredulous, thinking that this matter must be related to Lu Chenglian.
He had actually gone directly to his own father!
There was already some shady connection between them. Could he not keep his distance and restrain himself? If this spread, wouldn’t people become suspicious?
As she was thinking, she raised her eyes and felt the Fourth Young Mistress scrutinizing her.
That gaze!
Gu Xiyan barely steadied her emotions. “Fourth Sister-in-Law, I am quite frightened by what I hear. Did the Duke say anything? And will Her Highness the Princess think I am being petty?”
She stamped her foot lightly. “What is to be done now!”
The Fourth Young Mistress smiled. “Why are you panicking?”
Gu Xiyan replied, “Sister-in-Law, I am afraid in my heart. I fear that if this matter blows up and spreads, my reputation will suffer. After all, I am a widow.”
Seeing Gu Xiyan’s flustered appearance, the Fourth Young Mistress seemed relieved and said with a smile, “So you really do not know. That is strange.”
Gu Xiyan said, “It is indeed strange. I do not know which gossiping tongue actually took rear-household matters to the Duke!”
The Fourth Young Mistress appeared to believe her completely. She sighed. “It is not a major issue. Since the matter has arisen, it should be dealt with accordingly.”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan finally felt relieved, knowing she had cleared herself of suspicion in the Fourth Young Mistress’s eyes.
The two sisters-in-law then held hands and spoke sincerely. One was anxious, the other comforting; one apologized, the other insisted it was no trouble. After going back and forth like this, the Fourth Young Mistress finally left.
Back in her room, Gu Xiyan looked at the new tea and felt it was a hot potato.
The Fourth Young Mistress, who was currently in the spotlight, had come to deliver tea to her personally. How could she bear such honor!
After a moment of contemplation, she realized this matter must be related to Lu Chenglian. But Lu Chenglian could not have heard about such a trivial matter without cause.
She immediately summoned all the maids and questioned them carefully, confirming that no one had said anything, except that Qiusang had complained a few times to Amole.
Gu Xiyan dismissed the others and asked Qiusang alone, “What did you say to Amole?”
Qiusang lowered her head guiltily. “That day when we met, she was hanging upside down from a tree eating snacks, with crumbs all over her mouth. She even shook the snacks at me, clearly showing off. I was angry and muttered a few words. Actually, I only mentioned the tea incident briefly…”
Gu Xiyan said, “I see that Amole is straightforward and cannot keep secrets. If you told her, would she not go repeat it to someone else?”
Qiusang was extremely ashamed. She knelt down and mumbled, “Madam, this servant will never speak to Amole again in the future.”
Gu Xiyan said, “Forget it. Just do not mention it in the future.”
In her heart, she thought the sequence of events was now clear. She just did not understand why Lu Chenglian would go to such lengths.
Those tea leaves were really not worth worrying about, yet he made a mountain out of a molehill, causing quite an awkward situation.
Qiusang whispered, “Madam, this servant has something to say, but does not know if it is appropriate. If Madam gets angry, this servant will not dare to speak.”
Gu Xiyan sat on the couch, supporting her forehead, and said weakly, “Speak.”
Qiusang hesitated slightly before saying, “It is not for this servant to speak out of turn, but the stewards and older women in the residence always judge people by their status when handling affairs. Such negligence is not a one-day or two-day occurrence; it has become an established convention over the years. Whenever something happens, our quarter is always the first to suffer grievances.”
Gu Xiyan was stunned.
She naturally had no argument against this. Qiusang was speaking the truth.
Qiusang continued, “If we reason it out, it is originally their fault. Since someone is willing to stand up for Madam today, why not speak openly instead of hiding it? There is no need to report to the Old Madam. She is old and cannot manage the young masters outside. It is better to report directly to the Duke. Those who deserve punishment should be punished, and those who deserve dismissal should be dismissed. The masters above can take this opportunity to rectify the family discipline, and we also benefit. Is this not the best of both worlds?”
Gu Xiyan frowned and thought carefully. “That makes sense. They withheld our tea for no reason, thinking I am easy to bully. Perhaps because I was sick last time, they could not stand seeing me treated well.”
After she fell ill, the best medicines and meals were sent here. Everyone lived in the same rear household, seeing each other frequently. Inevitably, some people became jealous and uncomfortable.
Now, they were just taking this opportunity to embarrass her.
Lu Chenglian exposed this matter and even brought it to the Duke. This would not look good if it spread, and the subordinates would definitely be disciplined.
After Qiusang left, Gu Xiyan sat alone, pondering the matter. Suddenly, she felt a shadow flash before her eyes.
She was terrified. When she focused her gaze, a person was already standing there. Dark-skinned and wearing a gray long robe, it was unmistakably Amole.
Her soul had just returned to her body. Looking outside, the door was closed, with only half a window open. So how had she entered?
Amole realized she had scared Gu Xiyan and hurriedly shook her head and waved her hands. “Do not fear, do not fear. Madam, do not be afraid.”
Gu Xiyan barely steadied her mind. “You… how did you get in?”
Amole pointed to the window. “Here. Flew in.”
Finishing her sentence, as if to prove something, she leaped out and then flew back in.
Gu Xiyan watched, dumbfounded. It was like a lively carp jumping over the Dragon Gate! And rolling continuously!
Afraid that outsiders might see, she hurriedly said, “No need for that. Come in quickly.”
Amole then jumped in. Gu Xiyan, fearing suspicion, did not dare to close the window. Instead, she pulled Amole into the area shielded by the bed curtains.
Amole looked around the room curiously, sniffing the air and saying it smelled fragrant.
Gu Xiyan asked, “What have you come for?”
Amole then remembered her main business and said, “Third Master likes the painting.”
Gu Xiyan asked, “Likes it?”
Amole nodded. “Third Master keeps looking, keeps looking. Looks during the day, looks at night too.”
Hearing this, Gu Xiyan pursed her lips and smiled. “That is not necessary.”
Amole emphasized heavily, “But Third Master likes it!”
Gu Xiyan’s face warmed slightly. She asked, “Did he say anything else?”
Amole said, “Someone bullied Madam. Third Master was very angry and wants to teach them a lesson.”
Huh?
Gu Xiyan was surprised. “He… said that?”
How childish!
Amole said seriously, “Third Master went to the Duke and said to give Madam tea, not to lack anything for Madam, to give Madam good food and good drink.”
Gu Xiyan was even more surprised to hear this.
Amole’s words were so direct. She knew this could not be Lu Chenglian’s exact wording, but apparently, that was his meaning.
Although she felt he had made a mountain out of a molehill, she could not help but feel a trace of sweetness in her heart.
Their relationship was shameful and had to be hidden. But at least at this moment, knowing her grievance, he had straightforwardly, disregarding consequences, and openly upheld justice for her.
This feeling of being publicly protected was truly wonderful.
After sending Amole away, she leaned against the window lattice alone, looking at the fresh banana leaves outside. Her heart pounded rapidly.
She thought that in her desert-like, dull life, he was an extra, secret reward. It was like when she was a child, and the nanny secretly stuffed a piece of osmanthus candy into her hand. She would cover it in her mouth when no one was looking. As the osmanthus candy melted on her tongue, her heart was filled with sweetness.
No one knew she was eating candy. Only she understood that secret joy.