Zheng Su-shi’s eyes shifted. “Aren’t you worried about this year’s final evaluation? We happen to need to befriend Grand Tutor Ji so your official position can rise another level. Since that wretched girl has been accepted into Ji Residence, it might also be an opportunity.”
Zheng Er Ye was overjoyed. “It really is a good opportunity. So, you plan to acknowledge that wretched girl’s lie?”
Zheng Su-shi nodded. “Tomorrow morning, I’ll personally go to pay my respects at Ji Dalang’s funeral and incidentally meet that wretched girl. If she wants to live peacefully as the eldest young mistress of Ji Residence, she’ll have to listen to me. Otherwise, if I expose her, she’ll have to obediently return and submit to my control.”
Zheng Er Ye worried. “But Ji Residence is holding a funeral; those without invitations aren’t allowed in. That Ji Yan fellow never gives anyone face.”
Zheng Su-shi shot him a glare. “Su Tanghuan is my niece. Her husband has died; as her aunt, can’t I go to offer condolences and comfort her? Besides, her cousin has just passed away. I’ll tell her the news and have her return to Zheng Fu to pay her respects—isn’t that appropriate?”
Zheng Er Ye gave a thumbs-up. “My wife is still the clever one.”
Zheng Su-shi glared at him and chided, “Isn’t it all for you? Now that our son is gone, I have no hope left!”
Zheng Er Ye hurriedly embraced her, coaxing, “How could that be? My wife is considerate of her husband, and I also care for my wife. Don’t be too sad; we’ll have another son in the future.”
Zheng Su-shi pushed him away and walked out angrily. “I’ll go keep my poor son company.”
The next day.
When Su Tanghuan woke up, the sky was already bright.
Dazedly opening her eyes, she clutched the soft, fragrant bedding and felt a moment of confusion.
The canopy above was made of blue silk, like a clear sky, making her feel particularly cheerful just looking at it.
She suddenly realized.
This was Ji Residence!
She hadn’t had any lurid nightmares and had slept soundly until daybreak!
Could it be that her escape had succeeded, and she had finally escaped the tragic fate of being driven to death by her aunt?
Su Tanghuan felt both sorrow and joy, pulling the quilt over herself and couldn’t help but cry with grievance.
Hearing the noise, Yuzhi lifted the canopy and peeked in. Seeing Su Tanghuan’s almond-shaped eyes brimming with tears, she was startled.
“Eldest Young Mistress, what’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable somewhere? This servant will call a doctor right away.”
Su Tanghuan quickly grabbed her, sobbing, “I’m fine.”
Yuzhi worriedly asked, “Really fine? You scared this servant half to death.”
Su Tanghuan revealed a pair of timid, hesitant almond eyes. “I can’t believe I’m already in Eldest Young Master’s home. I’m both happy and sad thinking of Eldest Young Master.”
Yuzhi breathed a sigh of relief. “My Eldest Young Mistress, you are already firmly settled in Ji Family.”
Su Tanghuan peeked outside at the sky. “What time is it?”
“The beginning of the si hour.”
“Heavens, it’s so late. Why didn’t you wake me?”
Su Tanghuan was shocked and hurriedly threw off the quilt to get out of bed.
Yuzhi anxiously said, “Don’t rush, be careful of the child in your womb. The mistress ordered that you sleep your fill and forbade anyone from waking you.”
Su Tanghuan: …!
Oh no, she forgot she was pregnant.
Her movements immediately slowed, and her tone became delicate. “Sleeping in lazily on the very first day will make people think I have no manners. Quickly help me get up.”
Yuzhi turned her head and called out, “Eldest Young Mistress is up.”
The previously quiet courtyard suddenly became lively, with sounds of sweeping, orders being passed, and activity rising and falling.
Soon, maidservants attending to washing and grooming, holding copper basins, mouthwash, spittoons, and towels, stood in a neat row under the eaves.
A maid from the inner room lifted the curtain, leading the group of maidservants in one after another.
Su Tanghuan had witnessed grand scenes in the Second Branch of Zheng Fu before, but only while serving her aunt, Zheng Su-shi. Now, it was her turn.
Yulan had been waiting outside for a long time and entered shortly after.
“Early this morning, as soon as Madam woke up, she sent this servant to wait here, saying that once the eldest young mistress awoke, I should report to her immediately.”
Su Tanghuan flushed with embarrassment. “It’s all my fault for oversleeping and neglecting proper etiquette.”
Yulan hurriedly replied, “Madam didn’t send me to rush you. Pregnant women naturally tend to sleep more, and Madam would be delighted if you slept until the sun was high in the sky. Please don’t hurry; take your time. I’ll go report to Madam first.”
Su Tanghuan felt a warm glow in her heart.
Lady Ji was truly too kind. She resolved to serve her well and repay Ji Shizi for giving her a chance at life.
Just as Su Tanghuan finished tidying up, Lady Ji arrived with a large group of maids and elderly servants.
The first four carried food boxes, while those behind each held a small chest—no one came empty-handed.
Su Tanghuan quickly stepped forward and performed a proper bow, but Lady Ji hurriedly rushed over and supported her.
Chiding gently, she said, “You are the treasure of our entire Ji Residence. Don’t bow so often; our Marquisate doesn’t have so many rules.”
Su Tanghuan’s face burned red. “Mother treats me well, but etiquette cannot be neglected. I must still fulfill my filial duties on behalf of Eldest Young Master.”
Lady Ji took her hand and pressed her to sit down. “I know you’re obedient, but I’ve never cared much for such formalities. Taking good care of your health is the best way to show filial piety.”
Yulan had already directed the others to hand over the items they brought to Yuzhi—all daily necessities.
The food boxes were opened, and fragrant, steaming dishes were placed on the table.
Lady Ji looked at the slender figure with a pang of heartache. “Eat quickly; you must be starving.”
Su Tanghuan asked obediently, “Has Mother already eaten?”
“I woke up early and have already eaten. You go ahead.”
As soon as Su Tanghuan sat down, an elderly servant entered the courtyard from outside, whispered a few words to the gatekeeper inside, and the message was relayed inward.
Yulan went to listen and returned to report, “Madam, eldest young mistress, Second Madam of the Zheng Family has come. She says she’s here to offer condolences for her nephew-in-law and wishes to see the eldest young mistress.”
Lady Ji’s face darkened. “How dare she come! If it weren’t for Huan’er’s sake, I’d have ordered her to be swept out with a broom!”
Su Tanghuan had been waiting for her.
This trouble with her aunt had to be dealt with.
Su Tanghuan quickly soothed her. “Mother, she is, after all, my aunt. As a junior, if I neglect etiquette and give others cause for gossip, it would reflect poorly on the Ji Residence, and that would be my fault.”
Though she understood the reasoning, Lady Ji was still angry.
“Never mind her. Let her wait. Eat slowly and take your time. We’ll deal with her after you’re full.”
Su Tanghuan was indeed hungry. “Alright.”
Zheng Su-shi was left waiting in a side room for a full half-hour without even a cup of cold tea. She had never been treated with such neglect before.
Furious, she seethed with anger but could do nothing.
When she heard the maids outside announce that the eldest young mistress had arrived, her anger could no longer be contained. She sprang to her feet abruptly.
Rushing toward Su Tanghuan as she pushed the door open, Zheng Su-shi raised her hand to slap her across the face.
Just as the slap was about to land on Su Tanghuan’s cheek, she was suddenly shoved aside.
Two slender maids, one on each side, crossed their arms under Zheng Su-shi’s, lifting her into the air and slamming her hard against the wall, pinning her there.
She cried out in pain, and the more she struggled, the more it hurt.
The two maids were incredibly strong, firmly gripping her arms without budging, almost dislocating her shoulders.
The servants of Zheng Fu were blocked outside the gate, wanting to rush in to rescue their mistress, but two sturdy matrons stretched out their arms, forming an impenetrable barrier.
Some even held long sticks, slapping them rhythmically against their palms. Their stance made it clear: no matter who you were, if you dared step forward, they would strike.
A few brave ones charged forward to force their way through, only to be kicked squarely in the thigh by a matron. With a sickening crack, they crumpled to the ground, howling in agony.
The servants of Zheng Fu paled with fear, and no one dared advance further.
Su Tanghuan looked at her aunt hanging high up and felt a bit surprised—the maidservants were remarkably strong.
Yuzhi supported her arm and whispered, “The maids and matrons in our household are all from military families. They have some strength.”
Su Tanghuan’s mouth fell open in astonishment.
Military families?
Why did she feel a little happy about that?
And honestly, the feeling of slapping a bully was quite satisfying.
Su Tanghuan swayed her delicate frame and said anxiously, “Quickly, put my aunt down. Don’t hurt her.”
The two maidservants obeyed and dropped her. Zheng Su-shi, caught off guard, lost her footing and fell to her knees with a thud.
Su Tanghuan exclaimed in surprise, “Oh, Aunt, you mustn’t bow to me like this! I’m your junior. If you have something to say, please stand up and speak properly.”
Zheng Su-shi trembled with rage, wanting to stand, but her knees were bruised. The slightest movement sent sharp pain shooting through her, leaving her unable to move.
Gritting her teeth in pain, her face flushed crimson with anger.
Su Tanghuan couldn’t help but let out a faint chuckle before quickly putting on a sorrowful expression.
“Aunt, Huan’er knows you haven’t treated me well in the past. Even if you regret it now, kneeling to me over and over again—my late parents would blame me for this.”
Zheng Su-shi, who had always been pampered and revered, had never endured such humiliation.
Her finger trembled violently as she pointed at Su Tanghuan, but the pain in her knees and arms brought tears to her eyes, leaving her unable to utter a single word.