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.
3. Add frost to snow; one disaster after another.
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.
9. Son of the Han Fu; Yuxi's cousin and son of Great Aunt.
Previous Next
