Friday, June 28, 2019
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
Chapter 9 - Livelihood (1)
The distance between the Old Madam's courtyard and Rosebush Courtyard was, but one incense stick. Today, however, Fang Mama felt the road was longer than usual.
After returning to their courtyard, Yuxi dismissed all the servants, bringing only Fang Mama into her room.
Fang Mama then took hold of Yuxi's hand while crying out, "Miss, what will happen to you should this old servant leave?" Her husband had died early. The relatives who lived in Ning jia, don't know what happened or where they are now. Leaving the Han Fu, Fang Mama did not know what she could do. For the future, Fang Mama was worried and distraught.
Yuxi had thought about it. If Fang Mama were to leave the Fu, then she might have a hard time. After all, people fear the emptiness of doing nothing. Therefore, Yuxi is ready to make plans for Fang Mama. When people have something to do, the time goes by faster. Just as she was experiencing that emptiness in her past life, she had embroidery to passed the time. Yuxi held Fang Mama's hand before speaking, "Mama, Old Madam wants to release you, maybe that is a good thing for us."
Fang Mama dully asked, "Miss, what do you mean? You said it is a good thing to leave?"
Yuxi whispered, "Mama, you know that I am in a tight situation. Once you are released, you can open a shop outside. If you do, my financial situation will improve and I will have an easier time inside the Fu."
Fang Mama didn't know what to say. "Miss, don't say that we have the money to open a shop; even if there is money, what can this servant do?" She didn't know the first thing about operating a shop.
Yuxi laid out her plan. "Mama does not remember, but you can make steamed buns¹ and dumplings², right? You can make money by opening a steamed bun stall." Though making money is not easy, but for Fang Mama, it was just right. If you have something to do, you won't have time to think about things.
Fang Mama smiled bitterly. "Miss, how does a business like that do well?"
"Mama, your steamed buns and dumplings are so delicious, they'll make money. I have confidence in you, Fang Mama." After a pause, Yuxi said, "Once outside, Mama can make money for me. Then in the future, I have an income. Hence, I do not have to worry about not being able to reward the servants."
Fang Mama was impressed with Yuxi's plan. "But what if this servant can't manage to make money?" Leaving was a foregone conclusion so being able to help the Young Miss was a good thing, hitting two birds with one stone. Only, she was worried that she would lose money.
Smiling, Yuxi said, "We are only opening a small steamed bun stall, it won't cost much. Beside, I believe in your cooking. Mama, you should have confidence in yourself."
Though Fang Mama had confidence in her cooking, she had no confidence in doing business. After all, she never had to manage a business. But she understood that this plan of Yuxi's was the right one for her.
After waiting for Yuxi to leave, the Old Madam turned to Luo Mama. "What happened?" Just now, though Luo Mama had not reported everything, Yuxi did not openly expressed her grievances to the Old Madam.
"During the interrogation, it came out that the contaminated things were given by an old servant of Concubine Rong. As for why Concubine Rong tried to harm the Fourth Miss, the servant Moyun was not clear."
The Old Madam continued to turn the prayers beads in her hand. Although there was not much evidence, it was still obvious that Concubine Rong had a hand in this situation.
"What excuses did that servant give?" If it is only for money, that servant would not obey Concubine Rong. The reason is simple; once it is found out that a servant was plotting against a master, than not only that servant, but their whole family would be executed.
Luo Mama whispered, "Moyun and Xue Guan's youngest son had a beginning and an end." The so-called 'beginning and end' was of course a private love affair. But the servants was the master's property. Without the consent of the master, to have an affair. And more so, Moyun was still a close servant of Yuxi. This has become a serious matter. The reputation of a Young Miss is soiled, death would not be enough.
The prayer beads stopped moving. "Sell that to the mines." Having a private affair, plotting to harm to the master; an immediate death would be too cheap.
Luo Mama face remained impassive. After the Old Madam stopped speaking, she carefully opened her mouth to asked, "Old Madam, how to deal with the son of Xue Ming?"
The Old Madam calmly ordered, "let them go to Zhuangzi." Xue Guan's mother, Xue Ming, was the Old Madam's wet nurse so she was benevolent toward him. But that had let him get a big head. Daring to break the rules, to look the other way for his son; can only impose punishment.
Qiu-shi heard that the Old Madam had punished Xue Guan and was surprised. "What happened?"
Xue-jia was the Old Madam's confident. If it was not a big deal, the Old Madam would not send them to Zhuangzi village.
Li Mama shook her head. "In the early morning, the Fourth Miss had send a tied up servant to the Old Madam. This matter should be related to Xue-jia."
Qiu-shi did not understand. "Even if that servant did something, it still should not involved Xue-jia!"
In the midst of questions, Liu Yin walked and reported, "Concubine Rong was recently confined to her courtyard by Old Madam."
Qiu-shi became more and more aware that something odd had happened. Obviously, the matter can't be separated from Yuxi. "In the end, what happened?"
Well, speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao will appear³. While speaking about the matter of Yuxi, a servant girl reported that she had come. Yuxi came to talk about Fang Mama starting a business, but they did not know a thing about managing a shop so had came to consult with her Great Aunt who was more familiar with it.
When Qiu-shi saw Yuxi, she asked, "Yuxi, why did you send Moyun to the Old Madam's courtyard this morning?"
So Yuxi narrated the tales that occurred so far, of how Moyun was reaping her own karma. "Aunt also know my temper. Even if Moyun made a mistake, I will scold her at most. But just because she was scolded a few times, she would take up such a poisonous method? That is too much, so to say."
Now Qiu-shi knew the reason why the Old Madam had confined Concubine Rong. "That poisonous woman." Such a heavy hand, not even letting off a 4-year old child.
Yuxi agrees that Concubine Rong is a poisonous woman, but she still hope to get rid of this poisonous woman.
Qiu-shi can guess that Concubine Rong wanted to harm Ning-shi, but she did not dare tell Yuxi. She only softly asked, "What did you come over for?"
Yuxi told her about Fang Mama starting a shop.
Qiu-shi was quiet for a moment before speaking, "It is not easy to open a shop, Yuxi."
"Aunt, I understand that opening a shop is not easy, but I'm not starting a shop to make money. I only wish to find something for Fang Mama. Ning-jia is gone and Fang Mama is being released. But where can she go? These are small things. What I'm afraid of is that once Fang Mama leaves, she will think too much and harm her body." After a pause, Yuxi continued, "Aunt, opening a shop is to find something for Fang Mama to do, so that she will not think too much."
"Is this your idea or Fang Mama's idea?" If it was Yuxi's, then this child had a big heart.
"It's my own thoughts. Fang Mama also agree with me. Aunt, I don't know the first thing about opening a shop. I hope Aunt can help me start."
Qiu-shi listened and felt it was interesting. Smiling, she started to explain to Yuxi, "There are many things to considered when opening a shop. For example, where will it be located? The scale of business is large and you have to think about those in the same business..."
After listening, Yuxi carefully considered it. "Aunt, the shop should not be too big. Also, the rent in the West and East is so expensive. This won't do."
Qiu-shi smiled upon hearing Yuxi's respond. "Aunt didn't know that Yuxi knew so much. You've considered the important things very well. The area of the West and East is very expensive, a year rent cost at least a thousand gold. The steamed bun shop should not begin there." If they opened shop there, afraid won't be able to make rent.
"Where does Aunt think is the most appropriate?"
Qiu-shi thought for a moment. "The area of the South is more a ordinary neighborhood. The people are not as rich as the West, but they are not poor. As long as the steamed buns are delicious, there should be no worries of no customers. I think you can open a steamed bun shop in the South." The shop is small and the rent is not too expensive. If not done well, there shouldn't be too much loss. If done well, there is time later to expand and scale up.
TL Notes:
1. Steamed Buns
2. Dumplings
Chapter 8 - Moyun
Yu Yan had gone first. She had picked four servants that did not seem particularly outstanding yet were at least pretty to look at. When it was Yuxi's turn, there were not many left.
Yuxi looked around seriously before speaking, "step forward".
Six little girls heard so stepped forward. Yuxi then casually asked some questions, such as their situation at home and their skill sets.
Yu Yan snorted. "Fourth Sister, what game are you playing now?" It's only picking servants, why did she need to wait for Yuxi to finish? Yet Yuxi was taking this so seriously.
Yuxi did not pay attention to Yu Yan. Soon, she picked three girls from the group. These three servants had something in common, they had bright and clear eyes.
Back at Rosebush courtyard, Fang Mama was confused. "Miss, why did you only choose three servants? Our courtyard has six vacancies."
Yuxi whispered, "Chose quality over quantity."
The three new servants still needed to learn the rules of the courtyard so they did not come serve Yuxi directly.
The next day, Yuxi did not expect for Moyun to come back so early. In her past, Moyun had left very early thus she did not have much of an impression of Moyun. After all, she was only four years old, how did she know to look at people?
Looking at Moyun, Yuxi was startled. Moyun stood tall and graceful. She was wearing a simple indigo dress yet it could not hide her clean appearance. This pretty servant before her was probably one of the moles.
Yuxi suppressed the surging emotions in her heart and asked with concern, "How is your mother's illness?"
Moyun gratefully answered, "My mother is better now, thank you for Young Miss's grace." Moyun is Yuxi's personal servant, of course she would understand the state of Yuxi's finance.
"It's fine. But you look so pale, go and rest first."
After Moyun left, Yuxi expression turned overcast and gloomy. Although Moyun appeared wan and sallow, she can clearly see that her hands were white and smooth. Her fingernails were also clean and trimmed neatly, obviously carefully maintained. If she really was looking after her ill mother, then where would she find the time to look after her hands?
Yuxi thought for a moment before turning to Fang Mama. "I recall that Moxiang has a younger sister, does she resemble Moxiang?"
Fang Mama shook her head. "I have not seen them."
"Then let's take a look. If they do, then quietly bring them in. Don't let anyone else know."
Fang Mama was somewhat puzzled. "Miss, what are you going to do?"
Yuxi spoke of her suspicions and also of her plans. "Mama, do not let others know about it. You have to do this yourself."
Fang Mama became worried. "Miss, if you are mistaken about the matter, then the Old Madam will likely punish you for it."
Yuxi is not worried about being punished. "Don't worry, Mama. I am still young. If the Old Madam gets angry, the most she would order is to have me confined to Rosebush Courtyard." The Old Madam had never liked her, but she would not kill her for no reason.
Fang Mama hesitated for awhile before finally agreeing.
Yuxi sighed softly. While Fang Mama was loyal, she was not taught nor understand how to scheme. Therefore it would be best that she obtained experiences by Yuxi's side.
The relationship between Moyun and Moxiang was close and they were sharing the same room. Upon returning, Moyun would obviously return to that same room.
In her dreams, Moyun heard the sound of a door opening. Waking up, Moyun saw the door to the room was open. Moyun felt her hair stood on its ends as goosebumps littered her skin. She remembered very clearly that she had locked the door before going to bed, and now the door was wide opened.
Just as she sat befuddled, she saw a female figure clothed in white near the door, drifting toward her. Moyun then quickly huddled near the corner wall, her whole body shaking.
Then the ghostly figure muttered, "why do you wish to harm me?"
As she looked at the terrifying face of the female ghost, she hated that she could not faint. When the female ghost climbed on the bed while reaching for her, Moyun finally kneel down and begged, "Moxiang, I did not know there was something wrong with the perfume sachet¹. I didn't mean to harm you. You let me go, I beg you, let me go. I will burn paper money for you every year, I will burn a lot of paper money!"
The female ghost eagerly asked, "what perfume sachet?"
Opening her mouth, Moyun started to speak before finding it was strange. Staring at the white figure, she asked sharply, "Who are you? You are actually pretending to be a ghost."
Silently standing at the door, Yuxi was observing what was happening in the room while Fang Mama had already rushed in the room. Striding toward Moyun, she grabbed ahold her before demanding answers.
"What perfume sachet? What bad things?"
Moyun saw Fang Mama at the door, but did not understand the situation. Regardless of how many times Fang Mama questioned her, Moyun was frightened and kept repeating 'do not know'.
Yuxi walked in and looked at Moyun. "Are you speaking the truth?"
Moyun immediately squatted on the ground. "Miss, this servant just now was scared and confused. Miss, this servant is wrongly treated."
Aware that there was little use in questioning Moyun, Yuxi had people quickly tied her up. After dawn, she directly headed to the main courtyard. The Old Madam might not want to see her, but she can't allow bad people near her.
When the Old Madam had finished getting dress, she saw Feicui walked in and announced, "Reporting to the Old Madam, the Fourth Miss had came with a tied up servant girl, Moyun. This servant is not aware of what Moyun had done that Fourth Miss would take such actions." Feicui is the cousin and the sister-in-law of Moyun's aunt, thus, the two can be considered as related. In fact, the relationship in the Fu was complicated, with many people sharing the same blood as each other.
The Old Madam frown. Although she did not like Yuxi, she understood that Yuxi would not come and parade her tied-up servant for no reason. "Let them come in."
Upon entering the room and seeing the Old Madam, Yuxi immediately kneel down. "Grandmother, Granddaughter is unfilial for disturbing Grandmother this early in the morning. But this Granddaughter is incompetent and cannot handle this important matter herself. Only can request Grandmother to help."
Sweeping the dust off her sleeves, the Old Madam slowly straightened her skirt before speaking. "What happened?"
Yuxi, who had prepared herself the night before, began speaking, "The days before my struggle with smallpox, Moyun had made me a beautiful perfume sachet." The meaning of her words is self-evident.
Moyun was confident that Yuxi would hand her over to Qiu-shi to deal with. For this reason, she had prepared many excuses. But when she realized that Yuxi had actually looked for the Old Madam, she knew she was finished. Qiu-shi was soft-hearted, she would not be ruthless. So it was not possible that with a few words from the Fourth Miss would she be executed. The worst outcome would probably lead to being sold. But it was different with the Old Madam. If the matter was confirmed, even without evidence, she would died without a burial.
The Old Madam's hand silently fisted, but she calmly asked, "And then?"
"After questioning Moju, Granddaughter was told the perfume sachet was taken away by Moxiang after Granddaughter came down with the illness."
Not looking at the struggling Moyun, the Old Madam continued to question Yuxi. "Why do you doubt your own servant girl?"
"Grandmother, Granddaughter is very confused. Granddaughter does not often step out of Rosebush Courtyard yet Granddaughter was still infected by smallpox. Then when returning to Rosebush Courtyard, Granddaughter was informed that Moxiang had passed away from smallpox. Something about that is not right." A pause, before Yuxi continued her suspicions of Moyun.
The Old Madam looked at Yuxi, very surprised. She didn't think that Yuxi would gain some intelligence after her illness. "Luo Mama, take that down for questioning." Interrogating can only go so far, it is better to use some force.
Less than half an incense stick later, Luo Mama came back to report. "Reporting to Old Madam, that servant had claimed that because the Fourth Miss had scolded her for a mistake, she had put a few dirty things in a perfume sachet."
Yuxi felt a flash of anger as it was obvious that her life was being schemed against yet the Old Madam was taking it lightly. Her life is also a life, wasn't it?
Sweeping a glance towards the dissatisfied Yuxi, the Old Madam slowly open her mouth. "The Mama by your side is also getting older, she should also be released." Not to mention that Fang Mama could not even manage such a big mess, she is also likely to indulged and spoil Yuxi.
Yuxi was dumbfounded, did not punish Concubine Rong, but instead want to drive away her Fang Mama?
The Old Madam didn't care about Yuxi's reaction. She only looked to the side and said, "Hongshan, you go to the Rosebush Courtyard with Fourth Girl." Hongshan was a secondary servant of the Old Madam. Her meaning was clear, Hongshan was to leave with Yuxi.
Hongshan grew pale, but nevertheless, obeyed the words of the Old Madam so went to stand beside Yuxi.
At this time, Yuxi was not in the mood to look at Hongshan. She was thinking about when Fang Mama would be expelled from the Fu. In her past life, not long after being released, Fang Mama had contracted an illness from being so stressed that she soon passed away. But it can't happen again. Yet she knew it was useless to ask the Old Madam to retract her order. She had to be the one to solve the problem herself. For the first time, Yuxi felt how incompetent she was. Concubine Rong wanted to trapped Yuxi yet had entrapped Fang Mama instead.
When the Old Madam saw Yuxi's quiet desire to plead for Fang Mama, her eyebrows wrinkled. But looking at the dispirited Yuxi, the Old Madam did not speak as the little girl had already stood up.
Understanding that the Old Madam wanted to release her, Fang Mama wanted to rushed back to the courtyard to plead with her. But Yuxi took her hand and whispered, "Mama, head back to Rosebush Courtyard." The Old Madam will not change her orders. Going back in would only incite a severe reprimanding.
Hongshan did not have much regards for Fang Mama, but Yuxi's conduct had surprised her. It seems that nowadays, the Fourth Miss really had changed. No longer timid or gloomy, she really had a change of heart.
Although Hongshan regrets not being able to stay with the Old Madam; after all, she has more status than the Fourth Miss. But she didn't think too much as the Old Madam had given her orders. For now, the Fourth Miss was only four years old. She will only have to serve her for 5-6 years then when she has reached the marrying age, she can asked to be release.
TL Note:
1. Perfume sachet; small, embroidered bag that held herbs/potpourri.
Previous Next
Thursday, May 16, 2019
The Rebirth of Han Yuxi
The Rebirth of Han Yuxi by The Vast Snow of June
At home, she was invisible; after marriage, she was a decorative vase; in the end, a sea of flames buried her, and not even her corpse remained. This is the portrait of Han Yuxi’s previous lifetime.
Given a chance at rebirth, she strives to improve herself, wishing only to no longer serve as a foil or a pretty face. Then, she will seek out an exemplary husband and live a life of peace and prosperity. Alas, things turn out contrary to her wishes—she marries a man who bears a blood feud and hatred as deep as the sea.
She turns the world upside-down, but her road to happiness is strewn with setbacks and the sweetness that comes after bitterness.
Table of Content
7 - An Empty Purse
8 - Moyun
9 - Livelihood (1)
Someone else is translating this so I'm stopping at chapter 10.
Chapter 7 - An Empty Purse
Hello, wanted to pick this up because the beginnings was so interesting. This is my first time machine translating so hope this goes well. If anyone see any mistakes, please don't hesitate to correct. Thanks.
Now, onward to the show.
Chapter 7 - An Empty Purse
The Old Madam leaned back on the verdant-green pillow, sharply reprimanding Yuchen on her previous action, "You, this child, how precious is the double-sided embroidery; are you not aware? How can you give it away so casually to the Fourth Girl?" The Old Madam was not angry with Yuchen; she simply felt that Yuxi was too shallow, seeing something good and wanting it for herself.
Yuchen smiled then explained, "Grandmother did not see, but Fourth Sister had looked at the double-sided embroidery as if it was a priceless treasure. Seeing how much she liked it, I wanted to give it to her." The double-sided embroidery was certainly precious, but it was not unique.
The Old Madam shook her head. "That is alright, but in the future, you can't give away anything that your mother left behind for you."
Yuchen smiled and nodded. "I know."
As the Old Madam had spoken, Yuxi naturally did not rush to give her respects to the Old Madam. However, she did not stayed idle. Early every morning, Yuxi visited Qiu-shi's¹ courtyard to pay her respects before returning to her courtyard to be instructed in embroidery by Moju.
Yuxi has felt that Qiu-shi's attitude toward her is different from her past life. Although she had looked after her, it was done so out of obligation, but now she seems to be more concerned about her. Hence, she made the effort to pay her respects to Qiu-Shi everyday.
Moju began Yuxi on the fundamentals first. After a time of instructing Yuxi, Moju saw that her Young Miss had talent in embroidery with how quick Yuxi had picked up the needle techniques.
After hearing about it, Qiu-shi smiled and asked Yuxi, "Fourth girl, Aunt has heard that you've started to study embroidery?"
Upon hearing that, Yuxi took out her current work to show to Qiu-shi. "Great Aunt, this is my embroidery. It's not done well, so I hope that Great Aunt will not laugh at me."
When Qiu-shi looked over the embroidery, she was surprised and asked, "Did you embroidered this?" Don't blame Qiu-shi for being surprised, the pattern of the design was a bit messy, but the stitching was very fine, not something that was possible for a person who was only learning to embroidered for half a month.
Moju, standing at the side, explained, "Don't dare to deceive the Head Madam, the Young Miss had indeed embroidered this. This servant did not help her."
Yuxi blushed, "Great Aunt, please wait for a while more, I will definitely improved my embroidery technique." Yuxi had deliberately made the embroidery messy. Step by step, her learning process had been very fast, but if it is seen as too quick, then she might be seen as abnormal or even possessed.
Hearing this, Qiu-shi was no longer in doubt. Smiling, she said, "This is very good, Aunt likes it." It is rare that the child would always think of her so it is better to remind her: "When your embroidery is better, you should embroidered something for the Old Madam."
Yuxi originally had a smile on her face. After listening, her eyes flashed with sorrow. Lowering her head, "I fear that Grandmother would not want it" she said, making her feelings known on the matter.
Qui-shi paused then spoke, "How can Old Madam not want it? It is your show of filial piety for her hence she will be very happy."
Yuxi only shallowly nodded.
At this time, Wang Mama stepped beside Qiu-shi and whispered two words into her ears. Then Qiu-shi smiled: "Tomorrow, the Fu will be receiving several new servants. Come over and choose a few favorites."
Yuxi nodded. "Yes." A few servants who became an embarrassment were sent directly to her Rosebush Courtyard in the past. Now she can choose herself. This is one difference.
Back in Rosebush Courtyard, Yuxi took the opportunity to check with Fang Mama about the matters of smallpox, asking: "Fang Mama, still haven't found anything?"
Fang Mama hesitated before replying, "Miss, there was nothing abnormal about Moyun or Moxiang." Moju and Motao are the people bought by the Head Madam. Their slave contracts is within Yuxi's possession. If something happens to Yuxi, they would have no future. Moyun and Moxiang were born to families within the Fu², thus had little reasons not to spread the smallpox to Yuxi.
Yuxi did not feel too disappointed. After all, she had resided in Bamboo Courtyard for more than a month, long enough for the master schemer to clean up any incriminating evidence.
Fang Mama caution Yuxi, "Miss, Moyun is still waiting on her mother, why not take this opportunity and let her go?" Although there is no evidence, there is still suspicion so it is best to limit the chances of something happening.
Yuxi shook her head. "Now is not an appropriate time to let her go."
Moyun's family was facing difficulties. She was not helpful to her master, but it must be requested before Yuxi can release Moyun. Yuxi must not be the one to add frost to snow³ to Moyun's family. Due to that, Yuxi can only be disappointed because of the unfavorable circumstances.
Fang Mama thought for a moment, realizing that Yuxi was bothered about the situation.
Yuxi spoke again, "Fang Mama, have someone send the families of Moxiang's and Moyun's 10 silvers each." Moxiang was gone, and as her master, Yuxi had to show care. As for Moyun, her mother was sick so it was the duty of Yuxi to give some help. Unfortunately, Yuxi did not possess much money so she couldn't hand out a lot.
Fang Mama awkwardly replied, "Miss, we do not have more than 20 silvers." In addition to the incomes that has to be paid in the coming months, they still needed to purchase daily items. It was already difficult for Fang Mama to reserved these 20 silvers.
Yuxi shook her head. "Even though it's difficult, the silvers still need to be given out."
Yuxi's mother was a concubine born daughter so she had married to fill a position in the Fu, but it was still an official house. Ning jia⁴ had also given a lot for her dowry to give her face. But Ning jia soon faced troubles, thus Ning-shi had sold items from her dowry for money to ask for help. Unfortunately, the dowry was lost, but Ning jia could not be saved. And because Ning-shi was running around while heavily pregnant, she had a difficult time during the labor. Thus, she passed away after giving birth to Yuxi.
Before, Fang Mama had advised Ning-shi to leave some of the dowry for her soon to be born infant, but Ning-shi did not listen. Now, they can't even reward the servants of the Fu who had served them. They are always looked down upon.
Then Yuxi spoke, "Fang Mama, take the Spring Festival's⁵ gifts from Grandmother and Great Aunt and go exchange them for silvers when you have the chance."
Fang Mama was hesitant. "Miss, these items will be useful later." Once Yuxi leaves the Fu for marriage, she cannot afford to have nothing to show for a dowry otherwise she would be criticized. If Yuxi has such a poor status, her future-in-laws would not be happy with her.
Yuxi smiled. "There's always a way to obtain silver. Don't worry."
After recovering from the illness, Fang Mama felt that her Young Miss has become clever with her words. Nevertheless, it was for the better so Fang Mama did not mention it.
Yuxi is very satisfied with Fang Mama's attitude. "Tomorrow, Fang Mama will go with me to pick a few good servants." The black stains that were her servants from her past, she did not want it again.
The next day, on the way to the main courtyard, Yuxi met Concubine Rong and the Second Miss, Yu Yan.
Concubine Rong was very charming, very pleasing to look at, so it's not surprising that she has firmly hook the Head Lord⁶ of the Fu.
Today, Yuxi was wearing a goose yellow dress, her hair decorated with a gold hairpin and gold necklace with a ruby embedded in the middle to match. The ruby shined brightly, bringing attention to it. Yuxi has outstanding features, with an oval face and phoenix eyebrows; however, it is three parts proud and three parts fierce. Therefore, at first glance, it is not too likable.
Concubine Rong glanced at Yuxi, her eyes flashed, spoke, "Did not think that the Fourth Miss was ill, as if they had switch people." Yuxi used to be thin as a bamboo pole, her aura gloomy with a soft voice. Usually hiding her presence even with family. Now, she has fatten out with a good complexion and her conduct is no longer timid. But it's not like they could have exchanged people.
Yuxi smiled. "It is because my mother is watching over me."
Concubine Rong smiled tenderly. "Heard that Fourth Miss is learning embroidery. If the Fourth Miss does not dislike, I can teach some techniques." Concubine Rong has talent in embroidery, even the servants of the embroidery courtyard could not boast to be better.
"No need", Yuxi responded.
Yu Yan's face did not look good as she glared at Yuxi. "My concubine mother had offered to help, yet you must really view us as rare⁷."
Yuxi glanced at Yu Yan and refuted her words. "In fact, I am also not rare." Yuxi is not smart, but she knows not to be a grass on top of the wall⁸. Concubine Rong and Great Aunt was at odds with each other. Since she has her Great Aunt, she must avoid close association with Concubine Rong. But no matter how kind Concubine Rong's offer, Yuxi doubts that she has any kind intentions so there was no need to feel guilty.
Yu Yan was furious, itching to teach Yuxi a lesson.
Seeing this, Concubine Rong grabbed Yu Yan's hand then smiled at Yuxi. "Since the Fourth Miss does not need it, then forget it."
Yuxi stared at Concubine Rong. "I don't need it." Don't speak about how good her embroidery is; even if it isn't good, she would not take lessons from Concubine Rong.
The smile of Concubine Rong cracked a little, she did not expect Yuxi to be so straightforward. A quick glance at her face showed her eyes to be serene, making it difficult to guess her thoughts. Though Concubine Rong was also good at hiding her thoughts as her expression betrayed nothing.
After a distance away, Fang Mama whispered, "Miss, why bother displeasing her? Not wanting to learn from her, refusing her." Even though Concubine Rong is a mere mistress, she still hold favors with the Head Lord who pampered and spoiled her. It was not worthwhile to become enemies with Concubine Rong.
Yuxi, with a blank expression, spoke, "Fang Mama, regarding the reason for me to incurred the smallpox, who do you think is the person behind it?"
Fang Mama's expression changed greatly. "What does Miss mean? It's not possible, there is no enmity between the Concubine and Miss. How could the Concubine deal such a poisonous hand?" Fang Mama feels that Yuxi was thinking too much.
"Fang Mama, when Second Brother⁹ almost drown in the water, Great Aunt was sick. If Second Brother Cousin had passed, Great Aunt would lose the spirit to live." Concerning the illness, if she had suffer such a harsh blow, then it would become worse.
Later, Yuxi would also learn of Second Brother's accident in the water. It was likely the work of Concubine Rong so Yuxi can't trust Concubine Rong as is. Yuxi also think that because her mother had foiled Concubine Rong's plans, Concubine Rong would want to redress that. But her mother is gone, so now Concubine Rong is picking on her.
Fang Mama's face darken.
TL Notes:
1. -shi; denote female's clan surname, used for married women.
2. Fu; house, household.
2. Fu; house, household.
3. Add frost to snow; one disaster after another.
4. Jia; clan, family.
4. Jia; clan, family.
5. Spring Festival; Lunar New Year based on the Lunar calendar.
6. Yuxi's uncle, her father's older brother.
7. Sarcastic way of saying 'you think we have so much free time'.
8. The grass on top of the wall will fall towards the direction the wind sway; refers to a person without their own view.6. Yuxi's uncle, her father's older brother.
7. Sarcastic way of saying 'you think we have so much free time'.
9. Son of the Han Fu; Yuxi's cousin and son of Great Aunt.
Previous Next
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)