Peony Courtyard
After paying respects, the First Madam returned to her courtyard, with Chu Shuran following her back.
“That little wretch Chu Muqing, after being raised by the second branch for so many years, I truly didn’t expect her to be so hard to handle. She’s only just returned, yet she’s already managed to coax that old hag in Shou’an Hall into granting her Tangtao Courtyard. I asked your father for that courtyard before, and he refused.” The First Madam sat angrily in the main hall, fuming as she spoke to Chu Shuran. “Just thinking about it makes me furious! I’m afraid your father still hasn’t forgotten that slut Xiao Yuanrou.”
Back then, she too had secretly admired Chu Changsong, but Xiao Yuanrou relied on her powerful family background and married him first. Fortunately, that woman later died, and she still managed to marry Chu Changsong in the end. But the matter had always remained a thorn in her heart, especially because Xiao Yuanrou left behind a daughter. They’d originally stayed out of each other’s lives for years, but now that girl was back.
The moment she saw that face, six parts similar to Xiao Yuanrou’s, rage rose in her chest. Yet she still had to pretend to be a loving stepmother. Worse yet, the girl had already put her at a disadvantage upon returning. Clearly, Chu Muqing, just like her mother, had been born to bring her misfortune.
Standing behind her, Chu Shuran massaged her shoulders and said gently, “Mother, no matter what, you are still the First Madam of the house. You are still the one managing this Marquis household.”
At these words, the First Madam grew even angrier. Turning sideways, resentment flashed in her eyes as she said, “That old woman must have wanted to meddle in household affairs for a long time. The Third Branch is one thing, but what is that Bai woman? Does she deserve to manage the kitchens?”
She paused, then mocked coldly, “I’ve managed this household for so many years, it wasn’t for nothing. If they want to manage things now, let them have at it. Once something goes wrong, they’ll finally understand this estate isn’t so easy to run. Everyone wants to compete with me, but they don’t even know if they’re worthy.”
“That’s good, Mother, as long as you think that way.”
The First Madam pulled Chu Shuran to sit beside her and held her hand. “It’s fortunate you’re so capable. Your talents and appearance are both outstanding, that eases my heart.”
She placed great hopes on this daughter. And Chu Shuran had always lived up to expectations, never letting her worry.
“All right, if there’s nothing else, go back now. Your maternal grandmother sent over some new fabrics. I’ll have someone deliver them to your courtyard later.”
Chu Shuran stood and bowed. “I understand, Mother.”
With that, she left with her maid. The First Madam watched her graceful figure with satisfaction.
Then, recalling something, she turned to her personal nanny. “That old woman sent a maid to Tangtao Courtyard. As her stepmother, I can’t just sit idly by, otherwise others will say I’m cold and neglectful.” She instructed, “Find a maid to tell that girl to come tomorrow. Say the matchmaker is bringing in a batch of maids, and she can choose one as well.”
This nanny’s surname was Wang. She was her wet nurse and knew her best.
“Madam, shouldn’t we take this opportunity to send a few of our own maids in?”
“Of course. How could I feel at ease otherwise? Send Xueping, she’s clever.” After thinking for a moment, she added, “And that little slut, she doesn’t seem very honest either. Send her along too, so she won’t be wandering around causing me trouble.”
The “little slut” she referred to was a maid named Danyan. She was beautiful and notoriously unruly, yet the Master still remembered her, meaning the First Madam had no excuse to dispose of her.
Sending her to Tangtao Courtyard now eased one of her worries. After all, Chu Changsong shouldn’t be touching any maids in his daughter’s courtyard.
When the servant arrived at Tangtao Courtyard, Chu Muqing had just returned from the Second Madam’s courtyard and was about to rest when she heard the First Madam had sent someone.
“Greetings, Miss. Madam has instructed you to go to Peony Courtyard tomorrow to select a maid.”
“Thank you.”
“Then this servant will take her leave first.” Having delivered the message, the maid prepared to go.
“Bai Zhi, see this servant out,” Chu Muqing instructed, giving Bai Zhi a meaningful look.
Bai Zhi was startled for a moment, then nodded and led the maid away.
A short while later, Bai Zhi returned.
“Miss, I’ve already found out, the matchmaker coming tomorrow is Granny Gao from the north of the city.”
Chu Muqing nodded. It seemed things were unfolding just as they had in her previous life.
She held her teacup calmly, her expression unchanged as she quietly pondered.
“I remember that my second uncle’s servant Bu Shi and the gatekeeper Qi Shan were cousins, right?”
“Yes, Miss. Bu Shi is a servant of the Marquis’s household and has followed the Second Master since childhood.”
“That’s good. Later, take some pastries to my second uncle for me, and secretly find Bu Shi as well.”
After speaking, Chu Muqing gave Bai Zhi a few more instructions. Bai Zhi was no longer as timid as before, she now trusted her mistress completely.
When she finished, Chu Muqing added, “Call Lian Xia in.”
Bai Zhi went out, and soon Lian Xia came in.
Chu Muqing smiled shyly. “Sister Lian, I plan to make some pastries this afternoon. Could you come with me to give them to Father?”
Lian Xia was puzzled. Though she was also a senior maid, Chu Muqing clearly trusted Bai Zhi more and usually left personal matters to her. Why was she being asked to accompany to the Marquis now?
As if sensing her thoughts, Chu Muqing gently explained, “Baizhi isn’t very familiar with the manor, just like me. Neither of us has been to Father’s courtyard yet.”
Lian Xia immediately understood. No wonder, so it was simply because the young lady did not know the way.
“Yes, Miss, I understand. I am your maid now. Please just tell me whatever you need.”
Chu Muqing nodded. “I need to rest for a while. You may leave for now.”
After Lian Xia left, Chu Muqing quietly walked to the window and gazed at the peach tree by the courtyard gate, her thoughts drifting.
That afternoon, Chu Muqing personally went to the small kitchen to make pastries, then took Lian Xia with her to Chu Changsong’s courtyard.
The gatekeeper was startled to see her, then quickly greeted her.
“This servant greets you, Miss. May I ask what brings you here?”
Chu Muqing replied gently, “I made some pastries for Father and wanted to give them to him personally.”
The old man thought nothing of it, assuming Chu Muqing simply wanted to curry favor.
“This servant will go in and report. Please wait a moment, Miss.”
He went inside and soon returned, followed by Chu Changsong’s personal servant, who respectfully said, “Miss, Master is currently in the study. Please come with me.”
Chu Muqing had been to Chu Changsong’s study in her past life, back then because of Chu Suiqing’s incident, and she had even quarreled with him there.
Returning now, her feelings were completely different.
Chu Changsong was seated at his desk reviewing documents when he saw Chu Muqing enter. He only gave a slight nod in acknowledgment.