Chu Ningchu and Chu Siqing went their separate ways along the path. Ziwei Courtyard, where Chu Ningchu lived, was in a much more secluded area.
Her mother, Lady Wen, had been given to the Third Master by his superior. She enjoyed his favor for a brief time, but the Third Master was a fickle and heartless man with countless concubines and maids in the residence. After indulging in her for a while, he soon lost interest. On top of that, the Third Madam was not an easy person to deal with, so life for Madam Wen and her daughter grew increasingly difficult.
There wasn’t even a gatekeeper at the entrance of Ziwei Courtyard, a stark contrast to Tangtao Courtyard.
Inside, things were even simpler. The first thing she saw was a small square table with peeling paint, surrounded by a few wooden stools. She sat down on the nearest one and took out the hairpin Chu Muqing had given her, examining it carefully.
The style was plain, neither expensive nor perfunctory. Clearly, this eldest young lady was someone who never did things carelessly.
Her head maid, Cuitao, said indignantly, “Miss, that eldest miss is far too stingy. You gave her a bracelet you’ve worn close to your body, yet she only returned a shabby hairpin.”
Hearing this, Chu Ningchu’s expression darkened, emotions swirling in her eyes as she snapped, “Shut up.”
They were all daughters of noble families, but that eldest sister had simply been born into a better household. She was born as the legitimate daughter, unlike her, who always had to tread carefully and calculate every step. She was clearly no less capable than that fool Chu Sichun, yet she had to pretend to be simple-minded. Otherwise, her stepmother would never let down her guard.
Terrified, Cuitao immediately knelt, not daring to say another word. Having followed Chu Ningchu since childhood, she naturally knew that this Fifth Miss was not nearly as innocent as she appeared.
Meanwhile, Chu Muqing knew nothing of what was happening with Chu Ningchu, she had already arrived at the entrance of Wutong Courtyard.
Chu Jin’an was playing in the yard, he was at that lively age when children loved to run around.
The Second Madam was sitting on a stone bench with her personal maid Fangling, sewing clothes. Judging by the color of the fabric, they were clearly for Chu Muqing again.
Sunlight spilled over her, making her appear especially gentle.
The old woman guarding the gate saw Chu Muqing and smiled kindly. “Miss, you’re here. Please, quickly come in. Madam and Young Master are in the courtyard.”
These old attendants had all come with them from Hezhou, and in their hearts, she was their one true young lady.
Chu Muqing smiled back. Only when she came to her aunt’s courtyard did she truly feel at ease, free from scheming and calculations.
Chu Jin’an spotted her from afar and ran toward her happily, shouting, “Sister!”
Hearing this, the Second Madam turned and beckoned her gently. “Muqing, you’re here! Come sit. Your aunt made you new clothes. Do you like this style?”
Chu Muqing walked over, took the clothes, and examined them carefully. The stitches were fine, the colors bright, the exact youthful style girls loved these days, revealing the Second Madam’s care and affection.
Looking into her aunt’s warm gaze, memories of her past life resurfaced, and she suddenly realized how blinded by greed she had once been.
“Auntie made this beautifully. Muqing really likes it.”
Fangling laughed softly at the side. “Madam, I told you Miss would like it. Our Miss is as beautiful as a fairy, she looks good in anything.”
Chu Jin’an stopped playing and circled around Chu Muqing, nodding vigorously. “Of course! Elder Sister is the most beautiful in the world!” Then he lifted his chin proudly and declared, “When I grow up and become a great general, I’ll protect Elder Sister!”
The Second Madam patted Chu Jin’an on the head. “So that’s where your ambition lies. No wonder you don’t like studying. So you want to become the top martial arts champion?”
She couldn’t help but smile as she spoke. Her son had never liked reading since childhood, and she had worried about him countless times. Fortunately, he had always been well-behaved and never caused her trouble.
After Chu Jin’an finished speaking, he looked at Chu Muqing expectantly. Moved by his words, Chu Muqing said seriously, “Then I’ll be waiting for the day Jin’an becomes a great general.”
“Yes!” Chu Jin’an nodded vigorously.
“But to become a great general, you must understand military strategy. You still have to study more now, otherwise how will you lead troops in the future?”
“Sister—” Chu Jin’an called out in protest, but after thinking about it, he realized she was right. Even though he disliked reading, he couldn’t bear the thought of not becoming a general, so he reluctantly nodded.
Watching the cousins’ harmonious interaction, the Second Madam exchanged a glance with Fangling, both smiling with satisfaction.
“All right then, little general, I need to speak privately with your sister now. Boys shouldn’t eavesdrop. Go play on your own.”
Chu Jin’an nodded. His mother and older sister often talked about things behind his back, he was already used to it. Besides, he was a man now, he couldn’t always cling to his mother and sister.
The Second Madam led Chu Muqing into the inner room, dismissed the young maids, and kept only her personal senior maid.
She pulled Chu Muqing to sit down and said, “How is the maid your grandmother assigned you this morning? That girl doesn’t seem ordinary. You’d better be careful.”
Chu Muqing nodded. “I understand, Aunt. Don’t worry.”
Hearing this, the Second Madam felt relieved. It was obvious that the maid had been sent to monitor Chu Muqing, so it was good that the girl was aware.
“You originally had two maids, but you arranged a marriage for Bai lu before leaving Hezhou. Now only Bai Zhi is left with you. If there’s anything inconvenient, just tell Aunt.”
Originally, Chu Muqing had four second-class maids and several junior maids with her, but she didn’t bring them when she came to the capital. She had planned to return to Hezhou with her family after a while. But judging from what the Marquis had implied the previous night, the main branch wanted to keep Muqing in the capital and wouldn’t let her return, which made the Second Madam feel a little sad.
However, thinking carefully, Muqing was the legitimate eldest daughter of the Marquis’s household. If she stayed in Hezhou with them, she would likely be unable to marry into a high-ranking or powerful family. Staying in the capital was better for her future.
“Aunt, don’t worry. I’m doing quite well now.” She paused, then added, “Besides, if nothing unexpected happens, someone will be assigning maids to me in a few days. Tangtao Courtyard will be lively and bustling soon enough.”
The Second Madam wanted to ask more, but seeing Chu Muqing’s confident look, she swallowed her words. Forget it, this child had always been clever, she had never needed to worry about her.
Feeling relieved, she said, “That’s good. Stay for lunch today. I prepared your favorite glutinous rice cakes early this morning, just waiting for you.”
“Okay. Aunt’s glutinous rice cakes are the best.”
After she married in her previous life, she never tasted them again. Later, she often thought about them and sent her maids out to buy some, but none ever tasted the same. Eventually, she stopped eating them altogether.