In the Da Qin Dynasty, officials were granted three days of marital leave after marriage.
The next morning, after the couple finished their meal, Jiang Yueheng went to the front courtyard study to handle official duties, while Liu Qingwu retreated to the inner chamber intending to catch up on sleep.
The recent wedding preparations had nearly drained all the energy she had accumulated, and waking up early for two consecutive days had been particularly exhausting. With no need to pay morning respects and Jiang Yueheng absent, this was the perfect opportunity to rest—when else would she get such a chance?
After reviewing a case file, Jiang Yueheng rubbed his stiff wrist and gazed out the window, his expression unreadable.
Hongye bowed her head respectfully as she served tea, then silently retreated to a corner of the study.
After a moment, a cool male voice broke the silence. “Hongye, deliver the West Courtyard account books and keys to the rear courtyard.”
“Yes, Shizi.”
Hongye left the study and went to the side room where she rested. Hongshuang, the other maid serving in the Shizi’s study, was taking her break inside. The two took turns on duty, and both were responsible for managing the West Courtyard affairs. Transferring these duties required Hongshuang’s presence as well.
Noticing Hongye’s cold expression upon entry—having grown up together, Hongshuang could immediately tell something was bothering her—she asked, “Why are you back at this hour?”
Hongye pressed her lips together. “The Shizi has ordered us to deliver the courtyard’s account books and keys to the rear courtyard.”
Hongshuang understood.
Having served the previous Shizi Furen since childhood as her personal maids, they felt awkward about personally handing over the household responsibilities managed by the Shizi Furen to someone else. This was especially true for Hongye, who had been closer to the previous Shizi Furen.
After Hongye composed herself, they summoned attendants to carry the items and headed to the rear courtyard.
The matron guarding the rear courtyard gate saw Hongye and Hongshuang from the front courtyard leading attendants carrying a wooden chest in her direction and hurried inside to report.
Fuling lifted the curtain and emerged to find four people standing in the courtyard, led by a stern-faced Hongye who remained silent.
Hongshuang stepped forward with a smile to explain their purpose. “Fuling, the Shizi has instructed us to deliver the West Courtyard account books to the Furen. Could you please announce us?”
Fuling looked troubled. “It’s not that I’m unwilling to report, but the Furen is taking a nap and shouldn’t be disturbed. Perhaps you could leave them in the study for her to review upon waking?”
Before Hongshuang could respond, Hongye snapped, “The Shizi specifically ordered us to hand them directly to the Shizi Furen. Matters involving accounts must be delivered personally. If we leave them with you and something goes wrong, could you take responsibility?”
She scoffed coldly. What kind of lady sleeps at this hour? If you’re going to lie, at least come up with a better excuse!
Fuling felt irritated but restrained herself. “If you’re uneasy about it, please take them back for now and return this afternoon.”
“What do you mean by that?!” Hongye’s voice sharpened abruptly. “You’re sending us away without even announcing us? Are you making us come all this way for nothing?”
After a pause, she added, “Can you guarantee the Furen will be available this afternoon? The Shizi’s study requires attendance too. Aren’t you just wasting our time?”
Cuiguo, standing nearby, could no longer hold back and retorted angrily, “Sister Fuling already told you the Furen is resting and asked you to return this afternoon, yet you keep pressing. You’re clearly bullying us with your authority! Open your eyes and see where you are—this is the Furen’s courtyard, and you have no say here!”
“You!” Hongye was so furious she nearly toppled backward, scolding angrily, “Since when does a second-class maid dare to interrupt? Step back!”
“What’s all this racket!” Liu Qingwu emerged slowly from the inner chamber with her hair disheveled, while Lianxin hurried out after her carrying an outer robe.
Seeing their mistress with unbound hair, Hongye and the other immediately knew things had gone wrong: that maid’s words were likely true.
“You, explain what’s going on here?” Liu Qingwu tilted her chin slightly toward the one who had been shouting the loudest.
Afraid of being blamed, Hongshuang spoke first: “Madam, the Shizi ordered us to deliver the account books and keys from the West Courtyard to you.”
Liu Qingwu crossed her arms, impatiently retorting, “Did I ask you?”
Hongshuang offered an awkward smile, tugging at Hongye who stood frozen beside her: “The Madam is speaking to you!”
Hongye steadied her breathing, bowed in salute, and replied tremblingly: “Madam, the Shizi ordered us to deliver the West Courtyard’s account books and keys to you.”
Liu Qingwu narrowed her eyes. For all that loud shouting, she’d thought this one would be bolder! Already frightened?
Liu Qingwu instantly lost interest, turned and entered the room to sit at the head seat, propping her cheek with one hand on the anji as she instructed Lianxin beside her: “Have those two come in.”
When they entered, Liu Qingwu didn’t bother with pleasantries: “Take these things back.”
Upon hearing this, the two looked up hesitantly, uncertain what to do. The Shizi had ordered them to deliver the account books to the Madam, but hadn’t said anything about her refusing them. If he blamed them later, they’d likely be unable to bear the consequences.
“Perhaps you could have the head maid receive them first, to sort through gradually?”
“No need. Take them back. I’ll speak with my husband later.” Liu Qingwu refused indifferently. “Kneel outside for fifteen minutes before leaving!”
Without waiting for their response, she stood and returned to the inner chamber.
Hongye and Hongshuang exchanged glances, waited a while without seeing anyone reappear, then knelt outside for fifteen minutes before departing.
The maids followed into the inner chamber, where Lianxin attended to arranging her mistress’s hair and changing into a clean outer gown.
Liu Qingwu collapsed sideways on the soft couch, staring blankly. Woken from insufficient sleep, now unable to rest again, she felt utterly drained.
The attendants nearby, recognizing this familiar scene, exchanged meaningful looks: The Madam was “dressing her melancholy” again.
After a long while, Liu Qingwu came back to herself, patting her flat stomach. The congee from breakfast had long since digested.
Noticing this, Lianxin inquired: “Madam, what would you like for lunch?”
Liu Qingwu pondered briefly: “Bring a clay pot stew, a dry pot stir-fry, a sweet soup, and let the kitchen decide the rest.”
At lunchtime, Jiang Yueheng entered to find an array of colorful dishes covering the table. Good, it seemed the morning’s events hadn’t affected her.
After washing hands and sitting to eat, Jiang Yueheng watched his wife wielding her chopsticks with flying speed. When she showed no reaction, he simply set down his bowl and utensils.
Liu Qingwu noticed the gaze from across the table and wanted to ignore it, but he had completely stopped eating.
She looked up, smiling at him: “Does my husband have something to say?”
Jiang Yueheng studied her impassively for a moment, explaining mildly: “Hongye and Hongshuang previously served as Qingyu’s head maids. After Qingyu passed, they temporarily managed West Courtyard affairs. They were transferred to serve in the front study after our marriage was confirmed.”
“I know. They’ve been with eldest sister since childhood.” Liu Qingwu responded, uncomprehending.
Jiang Yueheng glanced at the smiling person before him and pursed his lips. “If you don’t like it, we can send it to Hao Ge’er’s room after he moves in.”
Liu Qingwu’s smile became more genuine. “Thank you, husband, but that won’t be necessary. Let’s keep things as they are.”
After speaking, she picked up a piece of chicken with her chopsticks and placed it in Jiang Yueheng’s bowl. “Husband, try this chicken. It’s made with young chicken, very tender.”
Seeing this, Jiang Yueheng swallowed his unfinished words and began eating the chicken from his bowl.
“Husband, try this too. It’s my secret recipe.”
Liu Qingwu swiftly added several more dishes to his bowl. Seeing that Jiang Yueheng wouldn’t finish them anytime soon, she breathed a sigh of relief—finally, she could eat in peace.