Cui Yichu went to rest in the side chamber, while Baozhu and Baochuan took turns keeping watch in the corridor.
As dawn approached, Mama Zhou arrived. She was advanced in years and had long served by the Duchess’s side. Out of consideration, Cui Yichu did not assign her night duties.
“Did everything go smoothly last night?” Mama Zhou asked.
Baozhu nodded. “Much like the night before. It’s time to bring Yu Ying out now.”
“Be careful. Don’t disturb the Shizi.”
In the past two days, Cui Yichu’s outbursts had noticeably increased. Baochuan, who had been slapped, knew this, and so did Mama Zhou and Baozhu.
“I understand.”
Baozhu pushed the door open and entered the room. The inner chamber was quiet, likely because the two were still deep in sleep. She walked around the screen and, before reaching the bed, heard Zhao Xuanyou’s low voice.
“Who is it?”
A general accustomed to military campaigns remained exceptionally alert, no matter how weary or exhausted.
Baozhu steeled herself and cautiously replied, “Your servant Baozhu, Shizi. I’ve come to wake the mistress.”
“Is this the Gongfu’s custom?”
Baozhu was momentarily confused by the question, sensing only the displeasure in Zhao Xuanyou’s tone. She hurriedly explained, “Yesterday, the mistress was unable to accompany you to pay respects to the Old Madam. She felt guilty and decided to personally make crisp pastries this morning to apologize to the Old Madam. She instructed me to time it according to the Old Madam’s breakfast hour, so she must rise now to prepare them in time.”
Zhao Xuanyou said nothing more.
Knowing she could delay no longer, Baozhu mustered her courage and stepped forward to draw back half of the bed curtain. A glance inside revealed the two lying side by side, and she felt her cheeks burn as if about to drip blood.
Zhao Xuanyou’s handsome eyes were closed. Beside him, a woman lay as soft and boneless as silk, resting her head on his arm. Her raven-black hair covered her face and half her body, accentuating her snow-white, delicate skin.
If the mistress were to see this scene, she would likely lose all composure.
Baozhu averted her gaze and softly reminded, “Mistress, it’s time to rise.”
Yu Ying awoke then. Seeing Baozhu, she tried to sit up but was too drowsy, murmuring weakly, “Help me up.”
Baozhu reached out and gently pulled her from Zhao Xuanyou’s embrace, adjusting her sleeping garment.
Just as she was about to help Yu Ying off the bed, a strong arm wrapped around Yu Ying’s slender waist.
“Grandmother knows your filial intentions. There’s no need to do such menial tasks.”
Watching Yu Ying’s drowsy eyes, Baozhu’s heart leaped to her throat, fearing she might lie back down.
The Shizi’s alertness was indeed extraordinary. If Yu Ying were not taken away now, the sky would soon brighten, and all their plans would come to nothing.
Though clever, Baozhu dared not speak.
Interjecting now would only provoke Zhao Xuanyou.
“What’s wrong with menial tasks?” Yu Ying suddenly chuckled softly, her voice weak. “I’m happy to serve Grandmother.”
“Hmph,” Zhao Xuanyou let out a light laugh, muttered “As you wish,” and released his hold. Pulling the thin quilt over himself, he turned and fell back asleep.
Baozhu stood there, stunned, until Yu Ying pinched her arm, snapping her back to attention. She helped Yu Ying out of the room.
Yu Ying was still in her sleeping garment, and the morning breeze made her shiver.
“Return to your room at once,” Mama Zhou scolded with a stern face.
But Yu Ying was in no hurry to leave. She whispered, “Where is the mistress? I have something to report.”
“The mistress is freshening up. Come with me.”
Mama Zhou’s expression remained cold. After a moment’s thought, Baozhu led Yu Ying to the side chamber.
The side room was originally prepared for Cui Yichu's maternal sisters to rest when they visited, but for the past two nights, she had been sleeping there herself.
It was close to the main house, so in case anything happened, she could respond promptly.
Pushing the door open, Baochuan was helping Cui Yichu with her makeup.
For two consecutive days, Cui Yichu had slept late and risen early, so the dark circles under her eyes were quite noticeable. The previous night was understandable, but this morning it was somewhat inexcusable, which was why she needed to cover it with powder.
When Yu Ying entered, she had only finished half of her makeup.
Cui Yichu caught sight of Yu Ying in the mirror, her gaze sharpening.
Outside, the sky was just beginning to lighten. As the door opened, Yu Ying entered, bringing with her the morning breeze and the scent of flowers.
The sleeping garment she wore was newly made for her by Cui Yichu's order, using newly bestowed imperial fabric from the Gongfu. Though it lacked elaborate embroidery, the texture was as fine as brocade, and the color was delicate, making her look as if she were standing amidst a bed of flowers when wearing it.
Since it was tailored for her, it didn't fit Yu Ying very well, especially around the chest and hips, where it bulged and strained, almost unable to contain her figure.
Yu Ying wore no makeup, yet she radiated brilliance, her expression carrying a hint of spring.
Baozhu immediately sensed Cui Yichu's displeasure and hurriedly stopped Yu Ying at the doorway: "If you have something to say, say it quickly. Don't disturb Madam while she's doing her makeup."
Yu Ying seemed oblivious to the tension between mistress and maid, respectfully curtsying to Cui Yichu: "Last night, the Shizi asked why the Lurong Tang was prepared."
She and Zhao Xuanyou had talked for a long time last night. Even if she didn't mention it, Cui Yichu would ask.
Better to come and say it first, to show her loyalty.
"He asked about that?" Cui Yichu's earlier displeasure at Yu Ying's appearance instantly dissipated upon hearing this.
Zhao Xuanyou was indeed sharp, even detecting the deer antler velvet in the chicken soup. Fortunately, she hadn't drugged him before, or he would have surely caught on immediately.
"Yes."
"How did you answer?" Cui Yichu's eyes flickered as she pressed for details.
If Yu Ying had answered poorly, she would have had to cover it up.
"This servant said it was a gift from the Duke and Duchess when Madam returned to her Niangjia, meant to nourish the Shizi's health."
Though the answer wasn't perfect, there were no major flaws.
Cui Yichu breathed a sigh of relief, but when she looked at Yu Ying again, she felt a twinge of wariness. This maid was cleverer than she had imagined.
"What else did he say?"
Yu Ying lowered her eyes, uneasy: "The Shizi did say a lot, but yesterday this servant was so tired she could barely keep her eyes open. She just responded casually, and after a while, she fell asleep. Afraid of causing trouble, she hurried to see Madam."
"Understood."
After Baochuan finished her makeup, Cui Yichu selected a gilded hairpin to wear, then stood up and walked out.
Yu Ying silently followed behind the mistress and her maids as they left the side room.
Outside, the sky was still dimly lit.
Baozhu sent Yu Ying back to the side room to stay, while she and Baochuan supported Cui Yichu on either side as they left Liufang Hall.
"Do you think Yu Ying is actually quite clever?" Cui Yichu suddenly remarked.
Baozhu draped the begonia-embroidered thin silk cloak over her without responding. Baochuan, hearing this, instinctively bristled: "Where is she clever? She came here to say all this just to curry favor with Madam."
Cui Yichu sneered: "Putting aside everything else, she's much cleverer than you."
Baochuan, having touched a nerve again and fearing another beating, shrank her neck and buried her face even lower.
Baozhu chimed in at the right moment: "It might not necessarily be cleverness, just quick reactions and a bit of wit. Actually, it's good that she's clever. That way, the child she bears for Madam will also be clever."
"That is true." Baozhu, whose words always resonated deeply with Cui Yichu, chimed in, "Giving birth to a child as foolish as a pig would bring endless trouble."
Compared to Yu Ying's cleverness, Baozhu was actually more preoccupied with the scene she had witnessed outside the tent earlier.
Yu Ying had only served the Shizi for two nights, yet the tone between them had already become so familiar and intimate.
Although she held the title of a wife, Baozhu understood in her heart that even a wife could not speak to the Shizi in that manner.
After serving the Shizi just twice, she had already grasped his temperament, and their interactions resembled those of a genuine couple more than an actual married pair…
Unfortunately, she knew Cui Yichu's temper all too well. If she were to speak up now and Yu Ying could not be immediately eliminated, it would only provoke Cui Yichu into a rage, leaving both her and Baochuan to bear the brunt of her anger.
Better to wait until Yu Ying becomes pregnant as soon as possible, and then deal with her—that should leave no lingering troubles.