Two elderly matrons arrived: one surnamed Ji, the other Li. Their hair was neatly combed, their expressions stern, their manners precise as if measured by a ruler—clearly not easy to get along with.
“By the Emperor’s command, we are here to serve Miss for five years.”
Yun Zheng frowned slightly. “Only five years?”
Millions of silver for just five years of protection? The Emperor was too stingy.
“And where have you two served before?”
Nanny Ji bowed, her tone severe. “I am the steward matron of Kunning Palace, fifth rank.”
Nanny Li bowed likewise. “I am the steward matron of Cining Palace, fifth rank.”
One from the Empress Dowager’s palace, the other from the Empress’s. They were respectable, but not the most favored attendants. Having offended someone, they were pushed out to take this bitter assignment.
Before leaving the palace, their masters had instructed them not only to protect Yun Zheng, but also to discipline her—keep her in line, stop her from causing trouble. The nobility and the court could not afford such disgrace. These matrons had spent decades in the palace; they knew exactly what was expected. They were to teach the Yun girl proper rules. As they pondered how to manage her, a light laugh sounded.
“From now on, I’ll be relying on you both.” Yun Zheng immediately produced two thick bundles of silver notes. “This is a meeting gift. Please accept.”
Each bundle was one thousand taels—two thousand in total. The sight was dazzling. Even these worldly matrons gasped, their eyes changing as they looked at Yun Zheng.
A goddess of wealth.
Though they came from the palace, its splendor was not theirs. Their annual stipend was 120 taels, barely enough after expenses and social obligations. To save one thousand taels would take twenty years.
“Many thanks for Miss’s reward.”
Yun Zheng had no intention of cultivating affection or building relationships with them—there was no need. At a first meeting, what feelings could there be? Adults dealt only in transactions.
“Monthly stipend: one hundred taels. Each season: four sets of clothing, four sets of jewelry. At year’s end: a large bonus. After five years: a house.”
She could not grant them power, but she had money—and money could move even ghosts.
“And you, you need only become the sword in my hand, striking wherever I point.”
The two matrons’ hearts pounded, exchanging glances. In the palace, it was all intrigue and strife, open and hidden battles. They dared not drink water without suspicion, dared not sleep soundly at night, fearing they’d wake to find themselves dragged into palace struggles and dead in an instant. It looked glorious, but in truth, life was precarious. Outside the palace, though less glamorous, it was stable.
Both bowed deeply, pledging loyalty. “From now on, this old servant will follow only Miss’s lead.”
Yun Zheng’s lips curved faintly. “Good. Pity it is only five short years.”
Winning over these two matrons was the first step. In a sense, they represented the palace itself, and even the Marquis household would have to yield three points. To raise the imperial banner as her shield—that was her plan.
The matrons exchanged glances, their hearts transformed. When leaving the palace, they had been reluctant, wishing to return quickly. But now, they wished to stay longer. And not merely for silver—but because their new mistress was merciful and generous.
Yun Zheng thought: anything solvable with money was no real problem.
“If I live, I will provide for you both in your old age.”
The matrons started, looking at her in surprise.
Nanny Li’s voice trembled. “Do you truly mean that?”
Once they entered the palace, they were cut off from their family. In old age, they were abandoned, left to fend for themselves. Though they had fared decently in the palace, in the eyes of nobles they were nothing more than cats and dogs, discarded at will. No one ever considered their retirement. What they feared most was having nowhere to rely on in old age, no burial place after death.
Yun Zheng’s expression was solemn. “I mean it. My word is my bond. If I speak even half a lie, may Heaven and Earth destroy me.”
Their eyes grew moist. For that promise—for the hope of a peaceful old age—they would give everything.
Both knelt at once. “Master, we are willing to sacrifice our lives for you, without hesitation.”
Moments ago she was “Miss.” Now she was “Master.” A single title carried a different weight.
Yun Zheng noticed keenly, raising her brows. At this moment, she had truly won them over. “Nanny Ji, all internal affairs are yours to manage.”
Nanny Ji looked at the gathered servants, noting the lax discipline. She thumped her chest. “Master, rest assured. I will keep them in perfect order.”
“Nanny Li, external affairs are yours.”
“Yes, Master. You may trust me.”
Yun Zheng sipped honey water to soothe her throat. “What do you think of today’s events?”
The two matrons exchanged glances, thoughts racing. Before coming, they had already inquired and were shocked. Both sides had acted wildly—neither was easy to deal with. But now, the key was to gauge their mistress’s intent. Would she sever ties with the Marquis household completely? Or negotiate, remove her rival, and become its mistress? Different aims required different strategies.
Nanny Ji tested the waters. “Marquis Pingxi is muddled. The Marchioness is confused. The heir wants everything—too greedy…”
Yun Zheng’s lips curved faintly.
At her side, Chunlan could not hold back, loudly interrupting: “Nanny, mind your words! The heir is gentle and refined, talented and handsome. He is a good—”
Nanny Ji’s mouth twitched. “And who are you?”
Chunlan lifted her chin, spoiled by favor. “I am Miss’s dowry maid, Chunlan.”
Anyone who had survived the palace was shrewd. Seeing Yun Zheng’s indifferent expression, Nanny Ji understood. “You are a maid. Without your mistress’s leave, how dare you speak out of turn? To overstep and disrespect your master—ten strokes. Drag her out.”
The rough matrons stepped forward, seizing Chunlan. Her face went white with terror. She had never suffered physical punishment. “I did not disrespect my mistress! I only meant well. Miss, you know my loyalty best!”
She cried desperately for help. “Miss, save me!”
Yun Zheng toyed with her jade bracelet, as if she hadn’t heard.
Nanny Ji watched and understood—this was the chicken to be killed as a warning. “Since it is your first offense, ten strokes to teach you. If you repeat, you’ll be sold.”
Nanny Ji summoned all the servants to witness.
*Smack, smack, smack.* Blow after blow, flesh split open.
Chunlan felt her body torn apart, pain unbearable, tears and snot streaming. Her screams were piercing, chilling everyone into trembling silence.
Nanny Ji’s gaze was cold. “Remember—your mistress is only one: the eldest Miss of the Yun family.” She knew she was Yun Zheng’s blade.
One household manager ventured timidly: “But the Marquis household…”
A married woman belonged to her husband’s family. If the Marquis spoke, surely they must obey?
Nanny Ji’s face hardened, her authority overwhelming. “Your contracts are in Miss’s hands. If you think to climb elsewhere, consider whether your new master can protect your entire family.”
Looking at Chunlan’s bloodied body, everyone suddenly understood. This was establishing authority, warning them all. Even married into the Marquis household, they remained Yun Zheng’s people. Any divided loyalty would meet this fate. To betray Yun Zheng for the Marquis was to seek death.
Yun Zheng smiled with satisfaction. With capable helpers, she could rest easy. After this, all petty thoughts were stilled. The Marquis’s power might be great—but one needed life to enjoy it.
Yun Zheng tilted her head toward the sky. “Close the courtyard gates. I want to rest.”
Chunxing froze, blurting out, “Not wait for the heir?”
Yun Zheng’s cool glance sent a chill down her spine. She shook her head frantically. “I’ll close them now—immediately!”
Moments after the gates shut, noise erupted outside.
A furious pounding resounded. “Open up! Quickly! The heir has returned for the bridal chamber!”
Inside, everyone stared at Yun Zheng. She chuckled. “A bridal chamber? More like troublemaking.”
Fine. Who was afraid of whom?
“Bring the used foot‑washing water—the dirtier, the better.”