Chapter 51: Astonishment

Going to the General’s Mansion delighted Liu Chuyan, but the thought of meeting Madam Jin and the young master dampened her spirits entirely. She felt so dispirited that she had no desire to dress up at all. Fortunately, Songling and Qinghe, along with several other clever maids, woke her early, changed her into new clothes, styled her hair in a fashionable chignon, and adorned her from head to toe with sparkling new accessories.

Liu Chuyan glanced at her reflection in the mirror; she radiated with brilliance and beauty, appearing every bit the delicate maiden awaiting marriage. Yet, a distinct shadow lingered in her eyes.

“Miss, I’m taking off this jade for you,” said Qinghe, already untying the cord behind her.

Liu Chuyan instinctively reached out and grasped the jade Guanyin, preventing Qinghe from removing it, so Qinghe let go.

Songling was about to put a beaded collar around her neck but paused at Liu Chuyan’s resistance. She pressed her lips together and coaxed gently, “Miss, it’s only for a day. You can wear it again when we return. The Old Madam cares so deeply about your wedding; you mustn’t disappoint her.”

“Very well.” Liu Chuyan sighed quietly, slowly removed the jade Guanyin, and placed it properly in the jewelry box. She wound the cord into a heart shape, but the tangled feelings in her heart made her sweep it away in frustration, scattering the cord. Why dwell on meaningless thoughts now? Best to put it away. With that, she wrapped the jade Guanyin three times in an old handkerchief and hid it in an unused casket, stuffing it into a drawer.

Songling was momentarily stunned, then smiled and carefully fastened the beaded collar around her neck. After inspecting her attire and accessories, she declared, “With a smile like spring peach, clouds piled atop emerald hair, lips blooming like cherry, pomegranate teeth fragrant—these verses describe you perfectly, Miss.”

Liu Chuyan listened to her flowery words and gradually relaxed, laughing, “You even know that poem? Your tongue is getting sharper, you’re almost praising me to the heavens.”

Songling hastily waved her hand. “I’m not clever, but I’ve often heard the young master praise people this way. After hearing it so many times, I memorized it. But truly, Miss, you are as beautiful as the moon and flowers, unmatched in grace and beauty. Even if a goddess descended from heaven, she would not surpass you. No mere poem could capture it all.”

“Such nonsense.” Liu Chuyan laughed, patting her hand, and took a sip of the honeyed lotus root soup Qinghe handed her. She was ready, just waiting for Old Madam Han. With nothing else to do, she suddenly remembered Han Zhen. “Songling, did you find out who beat the young master yesterday?”

“I asked several people, but no one knows who did it. The young master keeps insisting he’s been wronged, says he doesn’t even know the person—certainly doesn’t owe him any money. But he’s always causing trouble outside, so the Old Madam didn’t believe him, called a doctor for a cursory check, and locked him up.”

“Truly shameful. The dignity of the Duke Wukang’s Mansion is utterly ruined.” Han Shujing, hearing Songling’s words, entered quietly and picked up the conversation. “Just now, the main branch was making a fuss again.”

“What did cousin do this time?” Liu Chuyan set down her bowl and, taking her hand, sat together, puzzled.

“He thinks his embarrassment isn’t enough, insists he’s been extorted and beaten for nothing. Now he’s quarreling with Madam Rong. Whether he truly owes money or not, he’s done countless disgraceful things outside—of course someone would take offense.”

Liu Chuyan made no comment, but those who had bullied her for years finally got their retribution, and she couldn’t help but feel gratified.

“Chuyan, you’re so pleased that I almost suspect someone stood up for you,” Han Shujing teased, watching her relaxed, happy expression.

“Nonsense,” Liu Chuyan laughed, not offended at all. She noticed Han Shujing’s own new clothes and shoes and exclaimed, “Cousin, are you going to the General’s Mansion too?”

“Yes,” Han Shujing answered softly, her face oddly flushed.

“Cousin, you look as if you’re going to meet your sweetheart.”

“Fine, now even you’re teasing me! Careful, or I’ll sew your lips shut.” Han Shujing pretended to threaten her, but Liu Chuyan didn’t dodge, instead grabbing her wrist.

“Cousin, is your matter with Lord Zhou settled?” Without waiting for a reply, Liu Chuyan continued, “Yes, last night, Second Uncle admitted Lord Zhou as his ideal son-in-law. It’s settled, then.”

“Miss, you don’t know—our young lady is happy because General Liu himself is acting as matchmaker,” Han Shujing’s maid blurted, spilling the news like pouring beans from a bamboo tube. “Our future young master cares so much for her, afraid of dishonoring her. I heard he went to the General’s Mansion last night to ask for help. The old general was delighted and agreed. Early this morning, he sent word for our lady to accompany the Old Madam.”

Liu Chuyan was stunned for a moment, then burst out laughing, her voice like silver bells. “General Liu as matchmaker? No wonder you’re so happy. Looks like after seeing you yesterday, Zhou Fuyun couldn’t contain himself and rushed off to ask the old general for help?”

Han Shujing’s cheeks suddenly flushed, her brows shy, and she turned to scold, “You little rascal, have I spoiled you so much you dare joke with me?”

“Miss, I’m truly happy for you,” the maid replied, her voice quivering with emotion. “Four years ago, when I accompanied you to the Lin family, I thought you would… but then… Later, to avoid gossip, you chose to spend two more years in the temple. Those years were hard, and I saw it all. You are kind-hearted, and now, you finally have your reward—a gentle, good man to cherish you. Qingruo has served you since childhood; you’ve always treated me well, and I remember it all. Now that Lord Zhou is so good to you, I’m genuinely happy.”

Han Shujing, moved by her words, took her hand with tears in her eyes. “Qingruo, I understand. You’re good to me, so I’m good to you. But you’ve been delayed by me for two years; you’re past eighteen now. In a few days, I’ll speak to my mother and find you a good match.”

“Miss, I don’t want to marry. I only wish to stay by your side,” Qingruo immediately knelt.

Liu Chuyan, witnessing such deep affection between mistress and servant, instinctively glanced at Songling and Qinghe. Qinghe was fourteen; the other three little maids were between eleven and twelve, so there was no rush. Only Songling was a year older than herself and already of marriageable age; she ought to think about her as well.

“Third Miss, Miss, the Old Madam says it’s time to depart.” While Han Shujing and Qingruo were still gently pushing each other, Qingmian came to relay the message.

“Cousin, let’s discuss this later. Your eye makeup is smudged.” Liu Chuyan had Songling quickly retouch it, then hurried out to board Old Madam Han’s carriage, while Han Shujing went with Second Madam Han.

The weather was glorious today. Liu Chuyan lifted a corner of the curtain and saw the sky was impossibly clear, a deep azure like a pool of jade, with not a cloud in sight. In late October, autumn’s depth, wild geese occasionally flew overhead in neat lines, forming V-shapes as they exchanged positions.

“Wild geese flying high, fair weather—a good omen,” Old Madam Han leaned over to look and sighed.

Liu Chuyan lowered the curtain and sat upright. “I heard there are many auspicious days lately; today must be one of them.”

“Indeed.” Old Madam Han suddenly reached out to touch her cheek, sighing. “I remember bringing you from Hangzhou to Jinling—you were only seven, hair cropped and childlike. Your uncle carried you to see the Lantern Festival. Who would have thought, in the blink of an eye, you’ve grown so much.”

“Grand-aunt…”

Old Madam Han raised her hand to stop her. “Chuyan, I’ve lost all hope in your eldest uncle, and your eldest and third cousins as well—the main branch has no good ones. Your second uncle is reserved and silent, better than the first, but he barely keeps the family afloat, and I don’t expect much from him. My only wish is that, in my lifetime, the Han family avoids major disaster. And I hope to see you properly married. Then, I’ll be at peace.”

“Grand-aunt, I’ll always remember your kindness. But don’t speak of leaving. There’s a saying: ‘Small ailments, long life; no pain, swift end.’ Though your health is never robust, you’re sure to live long.”

Old Madam Han knew she was being comforted, and laughed heartily. “You’re making things up again.”

“I’m not,” Liu Chuyan protested coquettishly, seeing her slightly weary, so she helped her settle comfortably, letting her close her eyes for a nap.

She listened to the glass wind chime hanging at the front of the carriage, tinkling crisply in the breeze, and let her mind wander.

“Ninth Lord returns—who dares obstruct him? Move aside quickly!” Suddenly, a harsh, domineering shout echoed from afar.

Wei Wuliang had returned...

The carriage jolted sharply as it turned and stopped; Liu Chuyan nearly slid from her seat, but Old Madam Han opened her eyes and grabbed her firmly.

“Chuyan, don’t be afraid,” Old Madam Han soothed her, lifting the curtain to look outside.

The procession moved like crabs, swaggering down the main street. The common folk dared not protest, for even a moment’s hesitation could cost them their heads.

In the center, a golden carriage adorned with tiger heads and phoenix forms, inlaid with gold and jade, exquisite beyond measure, drawn by six horses, radiated privilege and luxury. It was a breach of regulations—everyone knew it. But Wei Wuliang, ennobled as Ninth Lord, was in effect the emperor’s shadow. The real emperor was weak, and the eunuch faction was powerful; no one could resist, so he acted with impunity.

Suddenly someone spoke beside the carriage, and Wei Wuliang lifted the curtain, halting his coach.

Liu Chuyan heard the familiar command to stop and felt a chill run through her, as if a nightmare had descended, her face turning deathly pale.

He was just as stout and vulgar as ever, his eyes full of scheming malice. Liu Chuyan’s hand trembled.

“Chuyan, don’t be afraid,” Old Madam Han thought her fearful of returning to the palace and squeezed her hand.

Fortunately, Wei Wuliang only glanced at their carriage and nodded meaningfully to Old Madam Han, smiled cryptically, and departed.

Still shaken, the Han carriage resumed its journey, rolling slowly to the gates of the General’s Mansion.

“Chuyan, are you all right?” Old Madam Han, thinking her timid, believed she’d been frightened and sought to comfort her.

No one else knew what she had endured. Liu Chuyan could not speak of it; she forced herself to alight calmly and followed Old Madam Han into the mansion.

Upon entering, Liu Chuyan saw Master Li Du accompanying Xue Ao and a young man she didn’t recognize, presumably Jin Mansion’s eldest son, Jin Ling. Behind him were Liu Guanju and the stray Liu Kitten she’d taken in; Liu Kitten was carrying Liu Guanju’s sword, her demeanor subdued.

Xue Ao had seen her before, but this was the first time he was truly struck by her beauty. His young lady was radiant.

Her hair was adorned with a dangling ornament, pinned with a modern tortoiseshell and silver hairpin. Ruby earrings glittered at her ears, and her almond eyes sparkled atop her delicate face; her nose was elegant, her lips soft as peach petals, her features rendered as if by the brush of a divine artist. She wore a pale green silk skirt embroidered with large magnolia blossoms and two rows of tiny pearls, covered by a moon-white gauze jacket that shimmered in the sunlight. Her slender waist could be encircled with one hand, and she walked with gentle grace. As she moved, her skirt fluttered in the breeze, highlighting her noble, ethereal aura—she seemed almost otherworldly.

Xue Ao was nearly stupefied by the sight, and Liu Chuyan, unable to withstand his ardent gaze, blushed deeply, the flush spreading uncontrollably.

Author’s note: Thank you to Four-Winged Grass (portraying Lin Jinhuan) for the grenade and Ling (portraying Jin Ling) for the landmine—kisses~

Four-Winged Grass threw a grenade at 09:07:58 on 2014-02-10
Ling threw a landmine at 21:41:13 on 2014-02-10