Zhang Zhiyan set aside the account books she was handling and led a group of maidservants to the outer study.
“Your daughter-in-law greets Father-in-law,” she said as she entered the study, curtsying respectfully.
“Hmm.” Huguo-gong put away the papers, sealing them securely inside an envelope.
Zhang Zhiyan noticed that her father-in-law was always mysteriously sending and receiving letters. Logically speaking, as a hereditary duke like him without real power, she didn’t know what kept him so busy all day. She also thought of her husband, Liao Chuan, who was a guard in the Dianqian Si. Since the Dianqian Si and the Tan Shi Jian Cha Si were at odds, she suspected there might be some hidden dealings involved.
If she could uncover some evidence unfavorable to Liao Chuan, Zhang Zhiyan would feel she had finally vented her resentment.
Lost in these quiet thoughts, she suddenly heard the duke speak first, “On the third day of the fourth month, there’s a flower-viewing banquet at the Wenguo-gong-fu. You should still attend. If outsiders ask about Madam Xia, say your mother-in-law is ill. If anyone asks about Mingzhu, tell them I have already arranged a marriage for Mingzhu, and she will soon be married off on an auspicious day.”
Zhang Zhiyan was somewhat surprised. She had originally thought Liao Mingzhu wouldn’t survive, but on second thought, even though Liao Mingzhu wasn’t the daughter of the ducal household, she had been raised by the duke and his wife for sixteen years. No matter how much the duke hated Madam Xia, he wouldn’t publicize this humiliating affair.
As for Liao Mingzhu, providing her with a dowry and marrying her off far away could be considered treating her fairly.
“Your daughter-in-law understands. Father-in-law is a man of sentiment and righteousness,” Zhang Zhiyan praised the duke.
“You’ve worked hard these past few days preparing Mingzhu’s dowry.”
“May I ask, Father-in-law, which family’s son is Mingzhu to marry? The formal betrothal documents, engagement gifts, and other rituals are still necessary.”
“Later, I’ll have the steward inform you. You just need to make the arrangements.”
“Father-in-law, your daughter-in-law has something to report. As you know, I have been in the household for over a year without conceiving. The household only has one young master. To help my husband expand the family line, I plan to take a concubine for him—Wenhui, who serves in his study.”
Wenhui was Liao Chuan’s chamber maid, quite literate, gentle, and attentive. She often looked after the young master, Liao Chen, so Liao Chen was only close to Wenhui. Liao Chuan always said Wenhui was quiet, sensible, and treated his legitimate son well.
If Liao Chuan doted excessively on his mistress Lu Yao, his affection for Wenhui was no less. When he wasn’t staying at Tongque Alley, he would stay in the household study, always attended by Wenhui.
“You are a virtuous wife. Do as you say. It’s just taking a concubine; no need for extravagance.”
“Yes, Father-in-law. Your daughter-in-law will proceed with the arrangements.”
Zhang Zhiyan returned to Yu Qiong Yuan, finished checking the account books, and then ordered someone to summon Wenhui.
Previously, she rarely had Wenhui come here because every time they met, Liao Chuan would storm into her room in a rage, accusing her of being jealous and bullying the chamber maid. Thinking back carefully, Wenhui was quite a formidable character.
Now, Zhang Zhiyan had long grown indifferent to such tricks. Recalling these old matters, she felt nothing but scorn.
As she was thinking, the door curtain was lifted by Lüzhu. “Chamber maid Wenhui has come to pay respects to the Young Madam.”
Wenhui wore a faint smile on her face but inwardly cursed Lüzhu. They were both servants, yet she had to announce her name so loudly.
“This maid greets the Young Madam,” Wenhui said, as timid as ever.
“I invited you here today, sister, to share some good news.”
"Please enlighten me, Madam Heir." Wenhui lowered her head, her eyes darting about. She dared not look directly at Zhang Zhiyan, though many thoughts flashed through her mind.
"I have already spoken to the Duke about elevating you to the position of the heir's concubine. Once I select an auspicious day, we shall proceed with the matter." Zhang Zhiyan smiled as she looked at her.
Wenhui was somewhat skeptical. Previously, she knew that the heir's wife still wished to bear a legitimate son and would never allow a bedchamber maid to become a concubine. Why the sudden change of heart? She looked up and saw that Zhang Zhiyan showed no displeasure; instead, she was smiling warmly.
"Thank you, Madam Heir." Wenhui slowly curtsied.
Lüzhu scolded, "How insolent! To perform such a perfunctory and disrespectful bow before Madam."
Wenhui's affected mannerisms were well observed by the first-rank maids, especially Lüzhu, who had accompanied Zhang Zhiyan as part of her dowry. She looked down upon Liao Chuan, the heir, and even more so upon the fluttering women around him—all of them were odd characters who lacked the decorum befitting a noble family's descendants and servants.
Wenhui was startled, her eyes immediately reddening. "This servant does not know how she has offended Madam."
"Concubine Hui, the heir is not here, so there is no need for such theatrics. In a few days, it will be your joyous occasion. To weep and wail like this is inauspicious." Zhang Zhiyan picked up her teacup and took a sip. "I shall first reward you with some items. Over the years, you have served the heir diligently and indeed deserve credit."
Only then did Wenhui put away her aggrieved expression, adopting a gentle smile instead. From now on, she would be half a mistress. Even the maids by Madam's side would not be able to scold her casually. She would see how she would deal with these arrogant first-rank maids then.
"Thank you, Madam. Serving the heir is this servant's duty." This time, Wenhui performed a proper curtsy.
Lühe entered carrying a tray, upon which lay a pair of translucent, water-green jade bracelets and a pair of gold-inlaid jade lotus armlets—all priceless, top-quality ornaments.
Wenhui revealed a faint smile and accepted the jewelry.
"You may withdraw." Zhang Zhiyan had no desire to say more and waved her away. The two of them had never been on the same wavelength to begin with.
After Wenhui left, Lüyin sighed, "Why did Madam reward her with such fine things? She will not speak well of you."
"I do not need her to speak well of me. In fact, I hope she, Liao Chuan, and that mistress outside grow old together." Zhang Zhiyan raised an eyebrow and smiled. "In any case, these two pairs were not mine to begin with. They were part of the betrothal gifts from Huguo Gongfu. By giving them to Liao Chuan's concubine, I am merely returning them to their rightful owner."
"When I attend the banquet at Wenguo-gong-fu, Lühe and Lüluo will remain at the residence to carefully inventory and verify my dowry."
"Yes, Madam." Lühe, who had grown up serving Zhang Zhiyan, never questioned her mistress's actions. This time, she understood clearly: her mistress no longer wished to endure life in Huguo Gongfu.
On the third day of the fourth lunar month, the spring scenery was bright and beautiful, with a gentle breeze stirring and clouds as dark as ink. Carriages and horses flowed like a stream before the gates of Wenguo-gong-fu, as noblewomen and young ladies from prominent families arrived one after another for the banquet.
Zhang Zhiyan, as the wife of the heir of Huguo Gongfu, attended in splendid attire, standing gracefully among the noblewomen and young ladies, embodying the image of an elegant beauty. Just after entering the inner gate, her sleeve was tugged. She turned to see her birth mother, Madam Guo.
Zhang Zhiyan feigned surprise. "Mother? You are here as well? Which young lady has caught your eye to become my future sister-in-law?"
Madam Guo had faint dark circles under her eyes, her face heavily powdered, not a trace of a smile on her lips. She spoke softly, "Let's talk over there. I have something to ask you."
The two arrived by the lakeside octagonal pavilion, standing side by side facing the water.
"The imperial examination leak case has come to an end. Your younger brother has been released from the Wu De Si prison, but your elder brother remains inside. What is going on?"
"Mother, I do not know either." Zhang Zhiyan knew she would encounter her maternal family today and had resolved not to speak the truth to any of their questions.
Madam Guo suddenly grabbed Zhang Zhiyan's wrist. "Chengye was escorted back to the residence by guards from the Tan Shi Jian Cha Si, yet my Chengye is still inside, enduring punishment. Your father tried to pull strings but was turned away. Did you have Liao Chuan save Chengye and deliberately abandon Chengye?"
Madam Guo glared with wide, furious eyes, taking a step closer. "Do not forget, if I had not taken you and your brother under my name and arranged your marriage into the Duke's household, with your background, what right would you have to be the eldest daughter-in-law of a ducal family? Now that your wings have hardened, you seek to take revenge at the first opportunity?"