Wish You All the Best - Chapter 11
Chapter 11
Madam Meng finished handing over the account books she had been registering. By the time she watched the steward lock the warehouse and turn in the keys, it was already midnight. Feeling an ache in her lower back and shoulders, and thinking of her daughter waiting for her, she hurried to the North Main Courtyard without a moment’s delay. Only upon arriving did she realize that so much had transpired while she was at the warehouse. Pei You’an, the eldest grandson of the Pei family who had been away from home for many years, had returned unexpectedly, and Quan Ge had fallen ill again. Consequently, she had to find Madam Xin, exchange a few words, and then bring Jiafu home.
When they parted ways with Madam Xin just now, Madam Meng had seen her forcing a smile. Madam Xin had offered only a few perfunctory words of thanks and had not even walked them out a few steps. Her attitude had been indifferent, but Madam Meng, knowing she was deeply troubled by Quan Ge’s condition, naturally did not mind the slight. On the way back, sitting in the carriage, she discussed what they had seen and heard that night with her daughter. After mentioning a few things, the conversation turned to the Pei You’an who had returned that night. She couldn't help but sigh: “It just goes to show that one must not take a single wrong step; one wrong step leads to a string of errors. I still remember how prominent that child was back in the day. If not for that one moment of muddled thinking that led him to do such a thing, he wouldn't be in a position today where he has a home he cannot return to. He is suffering himself, and even more pitiful are his elders. There is no need to speak of the Old Madam; I remember she used to dote on him the most. The Madam also had it hard; she carried him for ten months and gave birth to twins, but one died as soon as it was born, leaving only him. His health was poor from the womb, and he was sickly since childhood. The Madam originally held him as the apple of her eye, but I heard that this child was different from other boys since he was little. He would not draw close to his mother. Later, when the Madam gave birth to your second cousin, the second cousin was close to her, so naturally, a mother would dote more on the younger one...”
As she spoke of these old secrets of the Pei family, the origins of which she herself did not know, she noticed that her daughter was distracted and seemed to be lost in thought, so she stopped and asked what was on her mind.
That sidelong glance Pei You’an gave her tonight had left Jiafu feeling uneasy.
She suspected he might have realized something, but she also felt it was unlikely. Her plan could be described as seamless; she did not believe he could discern any flaws in it.
Perhaps his glance was purely accidental, and she was just being paranoid.
On the way back, Jiafu kept comforting herself with this thought, but the sense of unease in her heart could not be dispelled. Hearing her mother’s question, she snapped out of her thoughts and looked up. Seeing her mother studying her closely, she forced a smile and said: “I wasn't thinking of anything. I am just a bit tired.”
Madam Meng hugged her daughter tenderly: “You should get some rest first. Once today’s birthday celebrations are over, you will have nothing to worry about. Mother reckons that once Quan Ge’s illness is better, they will likely start discussing the marriage alliance on that side. Since it concerns a marriage, as a young lady, it won’t be convenient for you to keep visiting. In two days, Mother will go to check on him alone. You don't need to accompany me; stay home and rest well.”
Jiafu didn't say a word, leaning into her mother’s embrace and closing her eyes.
Two days later, out of proper etiquette, Madam Meng indeed went to the residence alone to visit Quan Ge.
Pei You’an truly had a unique talent for medicine. Following his medical advice, Quan Ge’s condition had greatly improved after only two days. This should have been a good thing, but Madam Meng returned home full of resentment. No sooner had she arrived than she heard some rumors from a steward nanny with whom she was on good terms. It was said that the day before, upon learning that Quan Ge had fallen ill again, Madam Song had rushed over early in the morning in a panic. She had spoken with Madam Xin in the room, and after she left, rumors began to spread in the shadows over the past two days. It was said that Madam Song suspected the young lady from the Zhen family clashed with Quan Ge’s destiny. Otherwise, why was it that Quan Ge had been perfectly fine before, without any problems, but this time, every time she came over and they crossed paths, Quan Ge would fall into this strange illness?
Madam Xin hadn't originally thought of it this way, but after being prompted by Madam Song, she became half-suspicious. Today, seeing Madam Meng arrive, her attitude had turned cold. Madam Meng sat for a short while before leaving. Returning home, the more she thought about it, the more unhappy she became. However, she worried about making her daughter sad if she knew, so she didn't mention a word in front of Jiafu. Little did she know that before she had even been back for a moment, Jiafu had already learned the news from her maid.
Everything was indeed unfolding according to her original plan. In the past two days, she had been most worried about Pei You’an, but there had been no movement from his side.
That sidelong glance that night was perhaps truly unintentional. It was only because of her guilty conscience that she had thought too much and frightened herself.
Jiafu’s nerves, which had been stretched for two days, finally relaxed. However, seeing her mother clearly stewing in frustration while trying to hide it from her, she couldn't help but feel guilty. Just as she was thinking about how to comfort her, a servant woman ran in to report that the maid named Yuzhu from the Old Madam of the Duke’s mansion was here.
Madam Meng knew that Yuzhu must have been sent by the Old Madam, so she hurriedly called for her to be brought in. In a moment, she saw Yuzhu enter, dressed in water-blue clothes, accompanied by two young maids carrying food boxes, all while wearing a smile. She stepped forward to welcome her personally.
Yuzhu hurriedly said: “Auntie, please sit. I am merely a servant; how could I dare to trouble you to come out and welcome me?”
Madam Meng took her hand and said: “What harm is there in walking a few steps to greet you? Are my legs broken? I look at you standing there, and you are no less refined than a proper young lady; it is just that your fate is not as fortunate as others.”
Yuzhu smiled and said: “In my life as a servant, to receive such praise from you, Auntie, is enough for me to feel my life has been worth it.”
The two chatted and laughed as they walked into the warm room and sat down. Yuzhu ordered the little maids to present the food boxes they had brought and smiled: “Auntie, the Old Madam says that your young lady is very wonderful. These are a few items she usually enjoys eating. Today, she specifically ordered the kitchen to prepare an extra portion and sent me to deliver it to the young lady. I just don't know if the flavor is to her liking. Please have the young lady try them and tell her so she can have them made according to the young lady’s taste next time.”
The little maid opened the food box. Inside was a plate of bird's nest with mushrooms and shredded chicken, a plate of ghee-fried bean flour, a plate of osmanthus radish cakes, and a cup of goat’s milk pastry. They were all still hot, emitting wisps of white steam.
Madam Meng was both surprised and delighted.
The food itself was secondary. How could she not see that at this juncture, the Old Madam suddenly sending these items over and praising her own daughter implied nothing other than stating her position.
Just a few days ago, when she had first arrived in the capital and taken her daughter to the residence to pay respects to the Old Madam, she hadn't even met them and her attitude had been indifferent. She hadn't expected that after just a few days, she would suddenly express her approval of her daughter. Although she racked her brains and couldn't figure out which part of her daughter had caught the Old Madam’s eye in just these few days, it was ultimately a good thing.
A warm current flowed through Madam Meng’s heart, and the frustration she had felt earlier at Madam Xin’s place dissipated quite a bit. She hurriedly called for Jiafu and, pointing at the dishes, happily relayed the Old Madam’s words.
Jiafu’s face wore a smile, but internally she was crying out.
She never expected the Old Madam to suddenly do something like this.
She certainly had good intentions, and Jiafu understood that, but this was exactly what she least wanted right now.
“When it is convenient, I will take Afu over to thank the Old Madam,” Madam Meng said with a smile.
“Auntie, there is no need for such formality. Just have her send a message when I return.”
“Then I will trouble you.”
The two continued to chat about mundane matters for a while longer. Yuzhu smiled and said: “I heard that the young lady is not only skilled in needlework but also a talented painter. I have a pattern that I cannot draw well, and I would like to seek her advice.” As she spoke, she gave Jiafu a meaningful look.
Jiafu was extremely clever and immediately knew that she likely had something she wanted to say in private. Suppressing the confusion in her heart, she stood up and said she would take her to her room for guidance. Madam Meng naturally agreed. Jiafu led Yuzhu to her boudoir, and after entering, she dismissed the maids and invited Yuzhu to sit. When she went to get the pattern, she was indeed stopped by her. Yuzhu complimented the elegant decor of the room, leaned in, and whispered: “Young lady, to tell you the truth, I have another matter to attend to this time. Just before I left, the eldest master suddenly called me over and told me to tell you privately that from now on, you should not use the incense you are currently using, as it might be harmful to others.”
Jiafu’s heart skipped a beat, and she shuddered, but she pretended to be unconcerned and looked at Yuzhu: “What does this mean? Did the eldest master elaborate?”
Yuzhu herself was also confused.
Just a moment ago, she had secretly caught a whiff of the Zhen young lady’s natural fragrance—faint, refreshing, and sweet—it seemed to be the ambergris incense commonly used in Madam Xin’s room.
The incense used by women to fragrance their bodies, though noticeable, was invisible and intangible, and it was easy to associate with their intimate garments, so it was considered a matter of boudoir privacy. Although this Zhen young lady had joined the second branch and called the eldest master "eldest cousin," they were not close. Moreover, she was about to be betrothed to the second master. The eldest master had only been back for a few days, yet he was suddenly interfering in the Zhen young lady’s use of incense; it was bound to be surprising.
However, since the eldest master had given the order, Yuzhu naturally complied. After delivering the message, she heard Jiafu’s question and shook her head: “I am also puzzled. The eldest master only instructed me to tell you this and told me you must do as he says.”
The sense of unease that had only just vanished a moment ago welled up from the bottom of Jiafu’s heart once again.
So, it really wasn't her overthinking.
Now she could be absolutely certain that on that night, Pei You’an had indeed discovered the intrinsic connection between the incense on her body and Quan Ge’s illness on the spot.
But how much of her secret did he actually know? Was his passing this message through Yuzhu a well-intentioned reminder or a dissatisfied warning?
These were secondary concerns.
What worried Jiafu the most was whether he would expose the real reason for Quan Ge’s illness.
Judging by Yuzhu’s current tone, he hadn't mentioned it to anyone else yet. But there was no guarantee he wouldn't say something next.
If—and it was a huge if—he revealed that the real reason for Quan Ge’s illness was simply the frozen dragon brain incense, then all the painstaking planning she had done over these past few days would be ruined in an instant.
Her plan could have been described as a step-by-step strategy, and everything had been within her control.
She never expected that just as she was about to finish, such a fatal variable would suddenly appear.
The weather was cold, but the undergarment on Jiafu’s back was soaked and stuck tightly to her skin with cold sweat.
She managed to steady her mind and smiled: “Thank you for passing the message, sister. I understand now. Since it is not good, I will stop using it.”
Yuzhu smiled and nodded: “The eldest master is also strange, a bit inexplicable. But he is well-versed in medicine; since he said so, he must have his reasons. I hope you don't mind, young lady. I have nothing else; since I have delivered the message, it is time for me to go back and prepare to pack my things. Tomorrow morning, the eldest master is taking the Old Madam to Ci’en Temple to pay respects to the Buddha and fulfill a vow.”
Jiafu’s mind was in a whirl, and she casually said a polite word of agreement before sending Yuzhu out. Madam Meng and Yuzhu stood in front of the guest hall bidding each other farewell just as Zhen Yaoting wandered in from outside. Seeing his mother talking to a beautiful girl in a water-blue dress, he looked at her with his eyes and called out "Mother" to Madam Meng.
Yuzhu had never met Zhen Yaoting before. Hearing this, she knew he was the Zhen family’s son. Seeing that he was a man of fine appearance, but his manner was clearly frivolous, standing there with both eyes fixed on her, she curtsied to him, called him "Master," and then turned to Madam Meng, smiling: “Auntie, please stay here. I will be going.”
Madam Meng smiled and told her to take care, ordering a servant woman to see her off. After her figure disappeared, seeing her son still looking back, she scolded: “Where did you go again this morning? You just returned! This is not Quanzhou, where you can walk around sideways as you please. If you cause trouble for me, you know what will happen yourself!”
Zhen Yaoting agreed to everything, saying he had only gone for a stroll around the City God Temple in the morning to buy some toys for his sister. He then gave a cheeky smile and leaned in to ask: “Mother, whose daughter is that young lady just now?”
Madam Meng, whose mood had improved slightly because Yuzhu had just visited, saw her son’s cheeky face and knew he liked to flirt with women. She grabbed his ear and scolded: “That is the head maid of the Pei Old Madam. If you dare to have any designs on her, I will send you back to Quanzhou immediately!”
Zhen Yaoting cried out "Ouch" and hurriedly pulled away from Madam Meng’s hand, covering his ear. As he headed inside, he said: “I won't look, is that alright? I am going to find my sister!”
……
That night, Jiafu suffered from total insomnia.
The next morning, after she got up and finished washing, she went to Madam Meng’s room. The mother and daughter hadn't said many words when a sound of footsteps came from outside, and a servant’s voice rang out: “Madam! People from the Duke’s mansion have come, saying they would like to invite you over for some business!”
Jiafu’s heart leaped wildly. She managed to steady her nerves and followed Madam Meng out.
The one who came was the servant woman from Madam Xin’s side who was on good terms with Madam Meng. As she spoke, Jiafu gradually understood.
It turned out that Madam Xin was inviting Madam Meng over to discuss the marriage.
Listening to the servant’s tone, it seemed that the matter of Quan Ge had not been exposed yet.
Jiafu’s wildly beating heart finally calmed down bit by bit.
Madam Meng hurriedly went to change her clothes, ordered Zhen Yaoting to stay home and not go out, and told Jiafu to help her keep an eye on him. She then brought a few servants, boarded the carriage, and headed toward the Duke’s mansion.
Jiafu watched as her mother’s figure disappeared. Returning to her seat, she sat there, motionless, lost in thought for a while. Suddenly, she stood up and said to Zhen Yaoting: “Brother, since there is nothing to do, accompany me to a place.”
Zhen Yaoting was the type who couldn't stay home for a single moment, thoughtless and carefree. He was just wondering how to convince his sister to let him go out without telling on him when he heard her take the initiative to ask to go out. It hit the mark perfectly. After asking where, and learning it was Ci’en Temple, he laughed heartily: “I know, you want to pray to the Buddha and ask for divine favor so that the marriage goes smoothly? Fine, Brother will take you there, and I guarantee you will be satisfied and marry a desirable husband!”