After Hao Ge’er from the Yongning Hou Estate was born weak due to a difficult delivery, he became extremely challenging to care for. Following Liu Qingyu’s passing, he was taken to the Hou Furen’s courtyard to be meticulously looked after.
However, managing the household affairs and handling the inner residence matters were already mentally exhausting tasks for the Hou Furen, who also had to keep a close watch on Hao Ge’er. A few days prior, Hao Ge’er accidentally caught a cold, and she didn’t trust the servants to care for him, staying up for two consecutive nights. As a result, within less than a month, the Hou Furen’s health began to falter.
Seeing this, the Houye was heartbroken and decisively resolved to have his son remarry a daughter from the Liu family as soon as possible.
The Liu family had two unmarried daughters, both born of concubines: Second Miss Liu Qinghuan and Third Miss Liu Qingwu.
Second Miss was the daughter of the favored concubine Wang Yiniang and was deeply cherished by Liu Shangshu. From a young age, she was showered with fine things, which fostered a competitive nature in her, always eager to outdo others.
Upon hearing about the Shizi’s remarriage, this mother-daughter pair began to scheme. Given Liu Qinghuan’s status as a concubine-born daughter, even with her father being the High Secretary, it would be difficult for her to marry into a prominent family. But now things were different—the Liu family only had two concubine-born daughters. How could they let such a golden opportunity slip? They sought out Liu Shangshu to plead their case.
“Madam, regarding Huaijin’s remarriage, what do you think of Huan Jie’er? She has been well-behaved, clever, and sensible since childhood, making her perfectly suited to care for Hao Ge’er.”
As the mistress of the household, Zhang Shi knew all too well what Wang Yiniang and her daughter were like. She might have conceded on other matters, but when it came to Jiang Yueheng’s remarriage, which concerned the child of her only daughter, Zhang Shi would not yield. Compared to Huan Jie’er, she trusted Wu Jie’er, whom she had raised herself, far more.
After some debate between the two, the candidate for the Shizi’s remarriage was finally decided—Third Miss Liu Qingwu.
August 4th, intermittent rain.
The relentless heat of recent days had scorched much of the crops in the fields, and the weather had everyone on edge. Today’s heavy rain offered a brief respite.
The rocking chair beneath the grape arbor had been moved to the corridor, and the side table still held some snacks. Liu Qingwu was leisurely enjoying fruits fed to her by Lianxin while listening to Cuiguo share the gossip she had picked up:
“Wang Er’gou, the guard at the rear courtyard, has a harsh mother-in-law who mistreats his wife. Last night, they had another argument, and his wife couldn’t take it anymore—she ran away in the middle of the night. I heard they searched for half the night and still haven’t found her. Wang Er’gou has been looking miserable all day at his post.”
Hearing this, Liu Qingwu laughed: “Good for her!”
Lianxin beside her couldn’t help nodding: “That mother of his tormenting her daughter-in-law is common knowledge among the servants. The sooner she ran away, the better.”
“Marrying into that family was just bad luck…”
“Creak—”
The sound of the door opening reached their ears, and the three stopped their conversation to look. It was Qingxing, returning from fetching the meal, carrying a food box, followed by Shaoyao, the head maid from the Zheng courtyard.
Liu Qingwu sat up: “Sister Shaoyao, did Mother send you here for something?”
The rules at the Liu Estate were not strict. Except on the first and fifteenth days of the month, meals were usually taken in individual courtyards. If a shared meal was planned, the Zheng courtyard would notify them in advance. Today, no such notice had been given, yet Shaoyao, the head maid from the Zheng courtyard, had come—it likely meant there was business.
“Third Miss, peace to you. This servant is here on Madam’s orders to ask you to come to the Zheng courtyard after your meal.” Shaoyao curtseyed as she spoke.
Liu Qingwu looked at her, straightening her previously tilted posture: “Did Mother say what it’s about?”
Shaoyao remained expressionless and replied respectfully: “Madam did not say.”
“Alright, I understand.”
Liu Qingwu cast an imperceptible glance at the person before her: “I shall come over after finishing my meal.”
In the Zheng courtyard of the Liu Estate, the rain had ceased. Several potted plants adorned the entrance, bursting with vibrant clusters of flowers. Raindrops glistened on the petals under the sunlight, radiating vitality.
“Greetings, Third Young Miss. The Madam knows of your arrival—you may enter directly.”
The Mammy waiting at the doorway eagerly lifted the curtain. Liu Qingwu stepped inside at a measured pace, greeted by a fragrant breeze that lifted her spirits.
“Mother, I hope you are well.” She performed a curtsy, her posture graceful and proper.
“You’ve arrived. Come closer and sit.” Zhang Shi’s brows were slightly furrowed; even today’s rain had failed to soothe her inner restlessness.
Liu Qingwu advanced a few steps and took a seat on the round stool beside the daybed.
With a wave of her hand, Zhang Shi signaled for the Mammy and maids in the room to withdraw.
“I called you here today to discuss a matter,” Zhang Shi began slowly, her tone tinged with worry. “Before your eldest sister passed, she was concerned about Hao Ge’er and insisted to Hou Manor that your brother-in-law’s next wife must be from the Liu family. Hou Manor has agreed.”
Silence fell between mother and daughter, each waiting for the other to break it first.
Liu Qingwu sighed inwardly. The moment her mother spoke, she had vaguely guessed the implication. Liu Qinghuan was too flighty by nature, and with a jealous concubine in the picture, her mother would never dare let her marry into Hou Manor.
As the primary wife, Zhang Shi had never mistreated the children born of concubines in the household. Liu Qingwu’s own concubine mother had passed away early, and she had been raised in the Zheng courtyard since childhood. Even after turning fifteen and receiving her own independent residence, her monthly allowances had always been complete, never lacking, and often even more. Since her transmigration, she had spent several comfortable years under her mother’s care. In this era, did it truly matter whom one married?
“Does Mother wish for me to marry into Hou Manor?” Liu Qingwu broke the silence after a moment’s contemplation.
“I know this is unfair to you. But you must understand, this marriage prospect is not unfavorable. Whether it’s the status of Hou Manor or Huaijin’s appearance and character, both are commendable. Many young ladies in the capital aspire to this match.”
As she spoke, Zhang Shi observed her daughter’s expression. Seeing no change, she added, “Moreover, the original intention behind this arrangement is for both families to ensure Hao Ge’er is well cared for. If you agree to marry, aside from Hou Manor’s benefits, our family will not shortchange you.”
Zhang Shi took a sip of tea to moisten her throat, then discreetly glanced at the young lady whose eyes had suddenly widened. Just as expected—still the same old temperament.
Upon hearing there were benefits, Liu Qingwu’s eyes lit up instantly. If only she had said so earlier! Money could make Liu Qingwu move mountains. She stared intently at Zhang Shi, waiting for her to continue: What exactly are the benefits? Why hasn’t Mother said yet? Waiting online, quite urgent.
Zhang Shi did not keep her in suspense and carefully relayed the family’s decision.
“Your father and I have discussed it. If you agree to this, the family will prepare a dowry according to the standards of a primary daughter, along with ten thousand taels of silver for your private coffers. Additionally, I will give you two sets of pure gold headpieces, that double-sided embroidered screen you’ve been coveting, and another five thousand taels for your personal use.”
Liu Qingwu: “!”
She had coveted that screen for so long. If this were modern times, it would undoubtedly be a family heirloom.
“Oh my, thank you, Mother, for considering Third Sister. Being able to be Mother’s daughter is truly a blessing Third Sister has cultivated over several lifetimes, something other young ladies envy but cannot obtain.” Liu Qingwu’s eyes curved into smiles, her mouth seeming to be coated with two taels of honey.
Zhang Shi twitched the corner of her mouth and glanced sideways.
Following her gaze, Liu Qingwu saw two boxes that had been placed on the tea table since she entered, likely prepared in advance.
When the two sandalwood cosmetic cases decorated with gold were opened, Liu Qingwu felt as if she were being blinded by the glitter of gold, grinning so widely that her eyes disappeared into slits.
She swiftly closed the cosmetic cases and firmly picked them up with both hands: “If Mother has no other instructions, Third Sister won’t disturb you any further.”