After the polo match, Zhou Hongbai personally escorted Lingyun back home. When the large retinue of the Fifth Guard Battalion arrived at the Cao residence, they terrified everyone there.
Those who did not know better might have thought they had come to arrest corrupt officials, rather than to escort his future bride home.
“Master, the Young Duke truly dotes on our Third Miss. If Lingyun marries well in the future, it will indeed be a blessing for our whole family.”
At that moment, Peng Xue stood right beside Cao Jianfeng, their hands clasped as they looked into each other’s eyes behaving exactly like a devoted, harmonious couple.
But a concubine was never permitted to stand at the main entrance. If Cao Jianfeng had not doted on her so excessively and disregarded his proper wife, she would never have been allowed to stand there spreading rumors and stirring up trouble.
“Indeed. All our daughters are approaching the age of marriage. You must keep a close watch on Linglan. Do not let her make any more mistakes,” Cao Jianfeng said, sighing deeply. If not for what had happened recently, Cao Linglan could still have married into a wealthy and noble family. But now… her prospects were ruined.
“I understand exactly what you mean, Master. Lan’er has caused you no end of worry. I will certainly speak to her firmly when I return. You need not trouble yourself further,” Peng Xue said. She was always a skilled actress; a few well-chosen words were enough to soothe Cao Jianfeng’s heart and put him in a good mood.
When it came to the arts of seduction and manipulation, she was truly the master others could never hope to learn even a fraction of her skill.
“The Third Miss has returned.”
As soon as Lingyun stepped inside and saw the pair standing before her, she felt thoroughly displeased. She quietly moved to stand behind Zhou Hongbai.
“Uncle Cao, this must be Aunt Peng, is it not?”
Seeing that the Young Duke recognized her, Aunt Peng quickly bowed respectfully, putting on an air of great deference.
“Auntie, it is clear how much Uncle Cao favors you. I have often seen you by his side. However, it is ultimately improper for a concubine to stand at the main entrance. It is fine that I saw it today, but if others were to see, I fear it would give rise to gossip and rumors.”
Cao Jianfeng shook his head quickly and bowed with a forced smile toward Zhou Hongbai.
“This auntie has watched Lingyun grow up since she was small. When she heard Lingyun was returning, she rushed out to greet her immediately. She simply forgot the proper etiquette for a moment. I hope the Young Duke will not hold it against her.”
“Etiquette is one thing, and affection another. Uncle Cao has served in officialdom for many years; surely you understand how damaging it is to give others a chance to find fault with you?”
Zhou Hongbai spoke without the slightest hint of politeness. Cao Jianfeng’s face turned red then pale, but he dared not show anger, terrified of the Young Duke’s power and authority.
“Yun’er, I will come to see you again tomorrow. The wind is strong these days; remember to wear an extra layer whenever you go out.”
His tender, affectionate words left everyone around them unsure how to react. But Zhou Hongbai clearly enjoyed showing his care, and since he was the Young Duke, no one dared to object.
“Father, Auntie, after a whole day at the polo match, I am quite tired. I will return to my room to rest now,” Lingyun said. She bowed sideways and hurried away like a gust of wind. She was exhausted, and feared that if she stayed, Aunt Peng would start weeping and demanding some sort of explanation from her.
“Miss, do you really think our plan will work? I have made some inquiries, and if things continue like this, the servants will not receive their monthly allowance this month. If we keep going this way, I fear we will only annoy the Master. Then Concubine Lin will go and cry to him again, and we will end up being blamed for everything once more.”
Lingyun remained silent. In truth, Cao Jianfeng knew perfectly well what was happening, but simply chose not to expose it. However, if she did not force the issue now, he would pretend to be deaf and blind and deceive her forever.
At dinner that evening, Cao Jianfeng was the last to arrive. But when he saw the dishes on the table, his expression turned dark with displeasure.
“What is the meaning of this? We usually have eight dishes why are there only three today?” He threw down his chopsticks in anger.
At once, Aunt Peng hurried over, looking distressed, and tried to calm him.
“It is just a few dishes why get so angry? The doctor came a few days ago and reminded you that at your age, you must take good care of your health. Besides, this is Lingyun’s first time managing household affairs. It is only natural that she might make mistakes or do things poorly. You are her father; instead of being understanding, why must you scold her?”
Seeing Peng Xue step forward and speak so smoothly and sweetly, Madam Liu looked at her daughter with deep worry.
Managing the household was no small matter. If anything went wrong, in the end, Lingyun would surely be held responsible. She had known from the start that when the Old Madame handed this hot potato to Lingyun, it was nothing good.
Seeing that Cao Lingyun remained silent, Peng Xue continued to soothe Cao Jianfeng while smiling.
“Young people have their own way of calculating and planning. Master, do not worry so much about it, alright?”
Throughout the meal, Peng Xue alone was smiling. Everyone else looked gloomy and concerned. Madam Liu, in particular, was so worried about Lingyun that she barely ate a few mouthfuls.
“Mother, do not trouble yourself. As the saying goes: the wise man has his own plan. Just eat your meal in peace. If anything goes wrong, I will take care of it,” Lingyun said, serving food to her mother and comforting her.
But Madam Liu’s brow remained furrowed, her face still full of anxiety.
After dinner, the Old Madame was eagerly waiting for her daily serving of bird’s nest soup. Servants came and went, clearing the table, yet the bird’s nest never appeared.
“What is the meaning of this?” the Old Madame demanded, staring at the empty table.
At once, everyone’s eyes turned toward Lingyun.
“Grandmother, bird’s nest is extremely expensive. Given the current state of our family finances, it is not just bird’s nest we must do without. Even for our daily meals or buying simple things like powder or hair oil, we have to count every copper coin carefully. I know it is hard on you, Grandmother.”
“Absurd! Even if our accounts are empty and in deficit, does that mean you can neglect your grandmother? Do you have no respect for filial piety? Do you even recognize me as your father?”
Cao Jianfeng stood up, his eyes bulging with rage. The obsequious, flattering manner he had shown Zhou Hongbai earlier was completely gone, replaced by fury.
“Father, when have I ever not respected you? Before you blame me, you should look closely at the household ledgers. Otherwise, people might suspect that I have been embezzling silver since taking charge only three days ago!”
Cao Jianfeng was speechless with anger. His wispy goatee twitched and shook with rage it looked almost comical, yet no one dared to laugh.
“Master, why must you shout at Lingyun like that? She is still but a child. Besides, everything happens for a reason. Why do you not investigate and find out the truth before questioning her like this? You have frightened her so much she dares not speak,” Peng Xue said, soothing him while rubbing his chest to calm him down.
But Lingyun knew very well that Peng Xue was only pretending to be kind and pitiful. She was simply waiting for the right moment to bring up how she had used her own dowry money to cover the debts, all to make herself look good.
“It is kind of you to comfort Father, Auntie. But Father has reason to be angry. The truth is, there is simply no money left in our accounts. Unless we start cutting back on food, clothing, and daily expenses for everyone, I fear our household will not survive until next month. I had no choice but to do this.”