Chapter 24: The Xue Residence

Liu Chuyan glanced at the several wives of the Han family, pressed her lips together, and thought for a moment. Sooner or later, they would have to know; there was no need to hide it. She took out General Liu’s letter and handed it to the Old Madam Han.

The Old Madam Han was already astonished at the words “To Lü'e, in person” on the envelope. There were only a handful of people in all of Jinling who could call her by her maiden name. However, since Liu Chuyan had just returned from the General’s Residence, this letter must indeed be from General Liu. Yet, her relationship with General Liu was not particularly close—this sudden familiarity, was it because he needed something from her?

Seeing the old lady frown for a long while without opening the letter, Liu Chuyan tugged nervously at her handkerchief. “Great-aunt…”

But the Old Madam raised her hand to stop her, and slowly unfolded the letter. After reading for a while, the furrow between her brows smoothed out. “This is wonderful news! Chuyan, why didn’t you say so earlier?”

“Great-aunt, do you have no other thoughts on this?”

“General Liu wants to take you as his adopted daughter; what better news could there be? What could I possibly think?” The Old Madam, amused, tapped her on the forehead and then, with a sense of relief, added, “You’re a good girl, Chuyan. Now that General Liu will care for you, I can rest easy too.”

“Yes.” The one who cared for her most was this old lady before her. But living in such a family, with so many troubles, Liu Chuyan couldn’t help but feel a pang of sadness, her eyes misting with tears.

“Silly girl, becoming General Liu’s adopted daughter is a joyous event—why are you crying like this?” The Old Madam wiped her tears away, smiling helplessly.

“Great-aunt, you’re so good to me. But if you go on like this, I…” Liu Chuyan tried hard to hold back her tears. “Great-aunt, promise me that you’ll take good care of yourself too.” In truth, Liu Chuyan feared that once she left the Marquis of Wukang’s residence, she would not see the old lady as often, and more troubles would come her way. In the past, whenever disputes arose between the two branches, Chuyan always tried to intervene before things reached the old lady. As for the muddled accounts of the main branch, she simply confused them so thoroughly that no one could make sense of them, and it was no longer necessary to bother with the sums. If she left, those matters would be brought to the old lady bit by bit. Just like today—she had only just left, and trouble had already arrived.

The Old Madam naturally understood what she was worried about, and let out a long sigh. “Don’t worry, your great-aunt will be fine.”

Liu Chuyan said nothing.

It was only now that the others standing behind them came to their senses. Han Shuwei was the first to step forward and grasp her arm. “Cousin, General Liu wants to take you as his adopted daughter?”

Liu Chuyan wiped away her tears and nodded.

At this moment, the First Madam entered, just in time to hear Han Shuwei’s words, and stood there in a daze. So that was it—no wonder she had dared to show Han Ruoyu such an attitude today; she had found powerful support at the General’s Residence. But she herself had also scolded that vixen—would she face retaliation? Han Ruoyu already disliked her, and now would surely hate her even more. She had truly been ruined by Liu Chuyan!

Han Shuwei, not noticing the newcomer behind her, grinned at Liu Chuyan. “Cousin, this really is a wonderful thing—please, don’t cry anymore, all right?”

The Second Madam and Han Shujing, however, remained calm and expressionless.

Seeing the First Madam approach with a strange look, the Old Madam Han waved her hand. “Eldest daughter-in-law, go back to your own courtyard. Don’t come here to complain—I can’t stand to hear it.”

“Mother…” The First Madam’s voice trailed off awkwardly.

“As for that unfilial son, let him keep kneeling. When he comes to his senses, he may get up. That woman—I heard just now that Chuyan drove her out, but she surely won’t give up so easily. You handle it as you see fit.”

“Mother, you’re giving me full authority to deal with her?” The First Madam was overjoyed.

“She’s not of the Marquis of Wukang’s household. Deal with her properly; don’t make a spectacle of it, do you understand?” The Old Madam’s eyes closed as she issued the cold order.

“Yes.” The First Madam rubbed her hands in anticipation. Once she dealt with that woman, even Han Ruoyu would be powerless against her. Since she didn’t have his affection anyway, she might as well take her revenge and let the future unfold as it would.

The Old Madam waited until she heard her footsteps leaving before opening her eyes again. “Did General Liu say when this would be announced publicly?”

“No, not yet,” replied Liu Chuyan, shaking her head.

“Then we’ll wait for news. The process of becoming kin requires many steps; there’s no need to rush.”

“Yes.”

Noticing how ashen and weary the old lady looked, her lips parched and her face drawn, Liu Chuyan asked Yunling to prepare a bowl of honey water for her, to help her sleep, and then everyone quietly left Qingxin Residence.

“Cousin, do you think Grandmother will really make Uncle kneel all night?” Han Shuwei asked as they stepped out of the courtyard, glancing back. Han Ruoyu’s back was already hunched from exhaustion, the dim light making him appear even more aged. He was only forty-two, yet looked so old. Still, to be forty-two and so lacking in sense… Of course, Han Shuwei would never say such things aloud; she simply thought them privately.

Liu Chuyan followed her gaze. That bent figure did evoke some pity, but it was his own fault. What happened tonight depended on whether the old lady would soften or remain firm—it was no longer her concern. As they left, Qingmian closed the courtyard gate, shutting out the view.

Liu Chuyan turned away, bid farewell to the Second Madam and the others, and returned to Huaxiao Pavilion.

Only two lamps were lit in Huaxiao Pavilion. Songling was putting away gifts.

“Songling, tomorrow, take this jade Guanyin and this Maitreya Buddha to the old lady. This one goes to the First Madam, this one to the Young First Madam. That one to the Second Madam, and these two to Third and Fourth Miss, respectively.”

“Yes, miss.”

After giving her instructions, Liu Chuyan washed and went to bed. She truly was exhausted.

The next morning, Liu Chuyan did not wake until golden sunlight had filled the windows. She hurried to dress properly and pay her respects to the old lady. There had been no commotion in the night; Han Ruoyu must still be kneeling. The pain of a child is the sorrow of a mother—the old lady surely hadn’t slept well.

However, upon entering Qingxin Residence, she saw only a few young maids cleaning. Inside, she could hear the faint voices of Yunling and Qingmian.

“Where is the master?” Liu Chuyan called a maid over and asked quietly.

“The master fainted from kneeling at midnight, and Sister Yunling had him sent back,” the maid whispered, glancing toward the east.

Liu Chuyan nodded. Han Ruoyu’s health was never robust—fainting from kneeling was hardly surprising. Hopefully, he would remember this lesson. “Did the old lady learn of this last night or this morning?”

“This morning. But she didn’t say much, just gave a vague response.”

“Has the old lady had breakfast?”

“She’s eating now.”

“Very good.” Liu Chuyan lifted her skirt and entered, her voice soft and sweet. “Great-aunt.”

“Chuyan, you’re here! Come, have breakfast.” The old lady looked in excellent spirits, not at all affected by yesterday’s events, beaming with joy. Seeing the jade Guanyin and Maitreya Buddha behind her, she smiled even more broadly. “Are these gifts from General Liu?”

“No, these are for you, great-aunt.”

Songling, following Liu Chuyan’s earlier instructions, placed the jade Guanyin and the Maitreya Buddha on the table for the old lady to admire.

The old lady merely bowed to them and then had them stowed in the treasure cabinet, taking Liu Chuyan’s hand. “Chuyan, in a day or two, let’s visit the General’s Residence together and settle the matter, shall we?”

“All right, I’ll do as you say, great-aunt.” Liu Chuyan was docile as ever, and they began their breakfast. Since the old lady didn’t mention last night’s events, Liu Chuyan let the matter pass.

The old lady watched her gentle, sensible manner, her expression softening with kindness. A wave of warmth swept through her heart, and Liu Chuyan’s smile blossomed like a flower.

After breakfast, a message arrived from the gatehouse: someone from the Duke of Xin’s mansion had come, inviting the young lady and Fourth Miss to visit.

Since it had been agreed upon beforehand, there was no issue in going. Still, the old lady instructed the two girls to bring gifts for Madame Xue and the two young ladies.

The Duke of Xin’s residence was only two streets away from the Marquis of Wukang’s, but the surroundings and the internal layout were worlds apart.

Outside hung a plaque inscribed “Duke of Xin” in imperial gold, a sign of the owner’s noble status and the emperor’s favor. Upon entering, one saw large red lanterns hanging from the columns and under the eaves. A few more steps brought one to a twelve-panel sandalwood screen. Only after passing the screen did the true grandeur of the residence become apparent: layered rockeries, tranquil springs, a profusion of flowers and bonsai in vibrant colors. The roofs had upturned eaves, the corridors were exquisitely carved and lacquered—everywhere exuded luxury.

Madame Xue was not at home; only Xue Huaiyin and Xue Huaiyu, the two young ladies, received them outside with their mothers and maids. “Sister Chuyan, Sister Shuwei, you’ve finally come!”

As soon as they met, Xue Huaiyu warmly took both their hands and led them to their own courtyard, the Fragrant Garden. The Fragrant Garden was a delightful courtyard with a hall in front, bedrooms at the back, and symmetrical wings for each sister. The flower hall, study, and embroidery room were shared.

Seeing the Duke of Xin’s residence, Han Shuwei realized just how modest her own life had been—there was truly no comparison.

While Han Shuwei gazed around with envy, Liu Chuyan remained calm, only lingering a moment on the octagonal palace lanterns under the eaves. The Duke of Xin’s mansion boasted many treasures from the palace, even the beams were made from whole nanmu timbers. No wonder, being so favored by the emperor, even the sisters’ living quarters were so lavish.

“Sister Chuyan, the sun is lovely today—why don’t we do some embroidery in the bamboo grove? I’ve heard you’re very skilled at embroidering bamboo, which is exactly what troubles me. Will you help me?”

“Of course.”

With her agreement, Xue Huaiyu ordered the maids to carry embroidery frames and all necessary items to the bamboo grove.

“Second Miss, the bamboo grove is close to the young master’s quarters. Might it not be prudent to choose somewhere else?” a cautious nursemaid stepped forward to advise.