“The eldest sister seems to be sleeping very well, as if she isn’t worried about the elder brother at all.”
Chu Sichun’s words drew the old lady’s suspicious gaze toward Chu Muqing. She thought to herself that, indeed, being raised outside the mansion like her mother, she was heartless and careless, not even caring about her own brother when he was sick.
Chu Muqing naturally noticed the old lady’s gaze. She sneered inwardly but hid it behind a gentle expression. She said softly to Chu Sichun, “Of course, i doesn’t look as radiant as Fourth Sister.”
As the two women exchanged words, another commotion came from the doorway. A maidservant reported, “Madam, Lady Bai has arrived. She says the eldest young master has woken up and sent word to let you know he’s safe and sound, so you won’t worry.”
Concubines were not proper mistresses, and they needed the old lady’s permission to enter her courtyard.
When the Old Madam heard that the eldest young master had woken up, she sat up straight with joy and said, “Quickly let Bai Shi in.”
As soon as Bai entered, she greeted the old lady with a happy expression. “This servant greets Aunt. The eldest young master has just woken up. He was afraid you would worry, so he sent me to let you know that he is safe.”
“Good, good.” This grandson was indeed well cared for, even when sick, he was still thinking of her. She quickly turned to Nanny Liu and said, “Go and take that old ginseng from my storeroom to the young master’s courtyard. He must be weak from his illness, and this old ginseng is just right to nourish his body.”
Nanny Liu replied, “I understand. I will personally deliver the ginseng and also visit the young master on behalf of the old madam. I will report everything in detail when I return, so please don’t worry.”
Old Madam patted Nanny Liu’s hand with satisfaction. “After all these years, I still trust you most to get things done.”
The First Madam pursed her lips, thinking to herself how the old lady truly doted on that illegitimate grandson. Back when she was weak after giving birth to Chu Shuran, she had wanted this old ginseng to restore her strength, but the old lady had refused. Now, she gave it so easily to an illegitimate grandson. It was truly incomprehensible.
After the old lady finished speaking, Bai turned to Chu Muqing. “I received the Buddhist scriptures sent by Miss earlier. On behalf of the young master, I thank you. Once he recovers, please visit the Ink Bamboo Courtyard. You and your brother haven’t seen each other in many years, and the young master misses you very much.”
Bai was the concubine arranged for Chu Changsong after Xiao Yuanrou entered the household. She bore an illegitimate son. Although Xiao Yuanrou did not like her, she did not make life too difficult for her. Later, Xiao Yuanrou passed away, and the second wife, Lin Wanruo, entered the household. Life was not as good as before, but fortunately, Lin Wanruo could not bear a son. Her son, Yun-ge’er, was favored by the old lady. Otherwise, where would she and Siqing have a place to stay in the mansion?
Now that the first wife’s daughter had returned, she was naturally happy to befriend her. She thought this young lady was no simple person and might even help Yun-ge’er in the future. Besides, it could also make things difficult for Lin Wanruo, so why not?
Chu Muqing stood and said with a smile, “It’s just a small token of appreciation, Auntie. You’re too kind.”
The Old Madam was somewhat surprised and asked, “Did you copy the Buddhist scriptures yourself?”
“I was worried last night, so i copied some Buddhist scriptures, hoping that if the gods would protect her, her brother would recover faster.”
“You’re quite thoughtful.” She was even more pleased with her eldest granddaughter. She had initially thought her unfilial and heartless, but now she seemed kind and good to her brothers. More importantly, she considered that if Chu Muqing married into a high-ranking family in the future, it might benefit Yun-ge’er. The old lady silently calculated in her heart.
“You little girl, your attire is still a bit too plain. Lian Xia, go fetch my ruby headdress for the eldest young lady, and pick two gold-embroidered hairpins for the second and fourth young ladies.”
She had always loved gold and silver but felt that the pearl hairpin on Chu Muqing’s head was too cheap.
If Chu Muqing knew, she would laugh. Though the pearl did not look remarkable, it was actually a rare treasure. It had been obtained by the Second Madam’s family during their maritime business and later given to her to make jewelry. People who did not know the value of pearls would naturally fail to see its true worth.
“Thank you, Grandmother.” The three sisters thanked the old lady. Chu Muqing and Chu Shuran were both delighted, but Chu Sichun, although trying her best to put on a happy face, failed miserably, and her expression looked terrible.
The Buddhist scripture that Chu Muqing sent was a slap in the face to her. After all, she had just been mocking Chu Muqing for not caring about Chu Chengyun, yet who would have thought that Chu Muqing had sent her a handwritten Buddhist scripture so early in the morning? It made her appear as though she hadn’t done anything at all.
Chu Shuran had clearly noticed this as well. She was always thoughtful in her actions, but last night, she had lost her composure because her mother was scolded, leading to the current predicament. Now, it was too late to make amends by sending something to her older brother. Her older sister was indeed not to be underestimated.
The Buddhist scripture hadn’t actually been copied by Chu Muqing the previous night. Since her first rebirth, she often had nightmares and felt that life was unreal whenever she woke. Whenever she couldn’t sleep, she would copy Buddhist scriptures.
She didn’t believe in gods or Buddhas before, but now that she had been given a second chance at life, she had come to believe.
May the gods and Buddhas above bless her loved ones with a lifetime of peace and prosperity.
As she copied more and more, Bai Zhi collected them all and took some with her when she went to the capital.
Sure enough, the gods and Buddhas were protecting her, the Buddhist scriptures she had copied were now proving useful. Before leaving home that morning, she had her maid deliver a handwritten scroll of Buddhist scriptures to Chu Chengyun purely for show, to make it appear that she and her brother were on good terms.
Unexpectedly, Chu Sichun, that fool, insisted on walking right into the trap, so it couldn’t be blamed on anyone. In the process, she also dragged Chu Shuran into the mess, since this second young lady, who claimed to care for her eldest brother, was completely useless.
Verbal concern is meaningless; no one remembers it. Only real actions count.
“Alright, you can all go back now.” Old Madam waved her hand and said. “By the way, Muqing only has one head maid, right? Come, Lian Xia, you can return with the Muqing. From now on, you will be one of her maids.”
“If the your eldest young lady needs anything in the future, just tell this old woman.”
This was a message to Lian Xia, From now on, you’ll be going to the eldest young lady’s courtyard to see what’s happening and must report back anything you observe.
Lian Xia knelt and said, “Yes.” Then she stood behind Chu Muqing.
Chu Muqing knew in her heart that this was surveillance, but she still said happily, “Thank you, Grandmother.”
This had also happened in her previous life, but back then she had been given a second-class maid named Lianqiu. After Lianqiu arrived in her courtyard, she became even more arrogant than Chu Muqing, relying on the fact that she had been sent by the old lady. There was nothing Chu Muqing could do about it.
In this life, she was given Lian Xia. Lian Xia was steady and capable. If she could be taken under her wing, it would be a definite advantage.