Chapter 10

Bai Zhu was seventeen years old and had been promised to the long-time servant Ling Xiao, which was expected by everyone in the Cui household. The marriage should have been arranged the previous year, but was delayed due to Cui Yuan’s illness.

Now that Cui Yuan’s condition had stabilized, no longer prone to sudden high fevers at night, and with the matriarch hoping for some joyful news to lift the spirits of the Bamboo Garden, the wedding was brought back onto the agenda.

When maids and footmen married within a wealthy family, it was called “matching people.”

In this term, the main party was still the master’s household.

The law dictated that slaves and servants were part of the estate and could only marry within their class, and their offspring would remain servants to the master.

Compared to being arbitrarily assigned to some footman she had never even seen, Ling Xiao was fortunate; at least he and Bai Zhu grew up together, both well-presented, their parents managing shops in the household, and Bai Zhu was genuinely willing.

Regardless of her feelings, Ye Ying would not rashly voice any objection.

It was inappropriate.

Their upbringing and environment had shaped them, and a few words from her could change nothing. Even if Bai Zhu’s mind were changed, it would not alter their circumstances.

That was not help.

In any case, Bai Zhu, as the head maid, enjoyed the highest status among the servants. Her dowry was purchased by Cui Yuan himself, including fine fabrics, jewelry, and household items of excellent quality and abundance, more respectable than most ordinary families’ dowries.

Ye Ying was always grateful to the Cui household; if the matriarch had not favored her, she would have been sold with the other girls to the Qinlou Chuguan, a fate she dared not imagine.

For now, she could peacefully engage in the tasks she liked, and that was truly fortunate.

She also owed thanks to the eldest young master.

With no other way to repay him, she put extra care into the food she prepared. Yesterday’s flower-shaped glutinous rice balls had inadvertently offended him; although the young master hadn’t let anyone feel awkward, she was uneasy, so today she made a bowl of five-colored Tangyuan to apologize.

Tangyuan were nothing special, but she had filled them with different fruit fillings, each bite offering a unique flavor.

There were osmanthus loquat, cherry plum, and apple peach varieties—all simmered with sugar until the fruit was semi-melted, giving a thick texture, then wrapped in glutinous rice balls. The soup base was simply water and honey to avoid mixing flavors.

Hand-rolled, the balls were not perfectly round but had a pleasant chewiness. A bite would stretch the sticky rice skin, then snap, releasing the sweet and sour filling.

Sang Ye silently observed the usually aloof and refined third-ranked scholar enjoying such childlike delicacies with surprising relish.

Just as Ye Ying delivered the treats, a matron came from the outer courtyard, summoned by the matriarch, refusing to disclose the matter.

Ye Ying intended to inform Bai Zhu, but the matron hurried her so much she did not have time to change into more presentable shoes.

She walked through the courtyard and along the path she had come, arriving at the matriarch’s quarters.

Here, the surroundings were far more exquisite and grand than the Bamboo Garden, furnished with rosewood, rare decorations, and a niche holding a jade Buddha statue carved from mutton-fat jade. The incense burning and the atmosphere radiated dignity.

The matriarch sat on a luohan bed, a thin blanket draped over her legs, playing backgammon with a servant woman. A maid fanned, another presented a basin, and two held curtains.

Ye Ying respectfully greeted, “Best wishes to the matriarch.”

Since her bangs had grown long and were combed to the sides, she was now fully exposed to the matriarch’s scrutiny.

The matriarch had only glanced distantly when selecting people that day; being advanced in age, she could not clearly recall faces. Smiling, she nodded, calling someone forward and examining Ye Ying more closely, growing increasingly impressed.

Having just come from the noonday sun, the serving women were sweaty and oily-faced, hastening to freshen up, yet Ye Ying seemed unaffected by any unpleasant odors. Her face was delicate and fair, her eyes bright, and her figure slender—a truly beautiful young woman.

The matriarch became more satisfied, instructing for a stool to be placed nearby so Ye Ying could sit.

After Ye Ying politely declined, she sat but only briefly. The matriarch reached out, and Ye Ying obediently took her hand.

“Such a handsome child, how old are you?” the matriarch praised.

Ye Ying replied, “Seventeen next year.”

“Seventeen, have your family arranged a marriage yet?”

Ye Ying lowered her head shyly and answered, “Not yet.”

The matriarch smiled and took an eighteen-bead bracelet of white jade from her wrist, personally placing it on Ye Ying.

The bracelet had eighteen white jade beads, with red coral beads at each end and a red coral Buddha head pendant. It was polished and lustrous, clearly a treasured possession of the matriarch.

This was no ordinary fabric or jewelry to be casually gifted. Ye Ying naturally wanted to refuse, but the matriarch clicked her tongue, and the senior matron nearby frowned, saying, “The matriarch favors you; do not be petty.”

Ye Ying, overwhelmed with nervousness, stood, bowed, and accepted the gift.

The bracelet was worn on her right wrist; the jade was exquisite and cool to the touch, but she felt a burning sensation.

Handsome in appearance, with a temper amenable to training, and most importantly, the grandson did not object.

The matriarch was extremely pleased and kindly said, “I hear it’s thanks to you that A Yuan’s appetite has improved so much. You like it here, so I’ll have you serve closer in the future. You must be more diligent.”

Ye Ying lowered her head and replied, “Yes.”

Back and forth, the matriarch discussed Cui Yuan’s recent diet and asked several questions Ye Ying thought irrelevant, then added, “I am old, and my grandsons are too lazy to keep me company. You must visit more often to talk with me.”

Ye Ying was stunned. “To be favored by the matriarch is my humble fortune.”

The matriarch waved her off with a smile and dismissed her.

Inside, Ye Ying’s heart raced; she dared not look at others’ expressions. Upon exiting, she unexpectedly met a familiar face, and tears of bitterness welled in her eyes.

“Yu Lu?” she said in surprise and understanding.

Yu Lu now held an idle post in the matriarch’s quarters, light duties but a dead-end.

After chatting briefly about recent affairs, Yu Lu suddenly wiped away her resentment and took Ye Ying to a quiet spot, pleading, “Ying’er, I know I was wrong. I truly was! I dare not harbor feelings for the young master anymore!”

With sudden resolve, she deeply bowed to Ye Ying.

“?”

Ye Ying quickly sidestepped, avoiding the bow. “What are you doing?”

Yu Lu pitifully said, “Ying’er, you’re close to Sister Bai Zhu. Could you find a way to help me return?”

“…”

Seeing Ye Ying silent, Yu Lu pressed, “You are so favored by the young master; please plead for me. He would listen to you.”

Ye Ying’s expression was blank.

“Ying’er, we were so close before…”

“Do you hear yourself?” Ye Ying snapped, amused.

“What am I? Someone the young master would listen to?”

“I lack that ability,” she said. “If you truly remember our bond, stop trying to harm me.”

With just a few words, her usual good temper extinguished Yu Lu’s hopes.

Yu Lu hesitated but said no more.

Before parting, she softened, recalling the dessert boxes she had seen earlier, and said, “The matriarch likes soft sweets. If you care, you might think about making some.”

How foolish—winning favor from the matriarch would more directly open chances to seek mercy and regain freedom.

Ye Ying shook her head, lowered her gaze, and hurried back to show Bai Zhu the bracelet.

Afraid she might forget, she carefully repeated the matriarch’s words verbatim, then asked knowingly, “Sister, what does the matriarch mean by this?”

Bai Zhu opened her mouth but had no time to answer before Cui Yuan’s voice called from inside: “Come in.”

Ye Ying was embarrassed; why was the young master in the Baopu Hall?

Bracing herself, she entered and smelled the heavy scent of medicinal herbs, recalling today was another of the ten-day medical consultations.

The doctor had just left; Bai Zhu opened a window to let in fresh air.

The smoky moxa fumes lingered; Cui Yuan sat on the couch, just waking, his clothes disheveled, his eyes weary.

He looked far from the usual clear and dignified scholar.

Ye Ying glanced at him, heart pounding, immediately bowing her head, standing several steps away, afraid to approach.

“What are you standing there for?” Cui Yuan raised his eyebrows and pressed his temples. The fog of sleep slowly cleared, and he finally straightened his clothes.

His gaze fell again on her black hair, and he said with amusement, “Come closer and tell me again. Why did grandmother summon you?”

Ye Ying obeyed and carefully recited once more, even mimicking the matriarch and the matron’s tones precisely.

She had some talent for mimicry, though perhaps not so detailed.

Cui Yuan’s lips twitched as he sipped tea. “What kind of bracelet?”

Ye Ying hurriedly rolled up her sleeve to show him.

Strictly speaking, this was inappropriate; Bai Zhu was a young lady, Cui Yuan a grown man of age, and they should avoid impropriety.

But Ye Ying’s previous world was far simpler; she still thought exposing a wrist was nothing—she had even bared her arms in summer in her past life.

Besides, to her, the third-ranked scholar was nearly seven years older, cold in temperament, and his glances reminded her of her former head teacher—nothing romantic.

Cui Yuan’s gaze paused.

Such delicate, snow-white wrists—no poor family could raise such tender skin.

The thought passed, but then he noticed several bright red scars on the back of her hand.

He felt inexplicably uneasy.

Probably his usual faultfinding again.

He thought the storage must hold some ointment for scars; it wouldn’t help him, but he would ask Bai Zhu to find it.

After all, it was his fault that spoiled this beauty.

His eyes moved upward, resting on the white jade Buddha bead bracelet set with fine South Sea coral.

Indeed, a beloved possession of his grandmother.

Cui Yuan’s lips twitched slightly and spoke, “Since it’s given to you, keep it.”

The two shared a tacit understanding.

Her insight and tact pleased him greatly.

With his verbal promise, Ye Ying felt much more at ease and happily replied, “Yes!”

Who wouldn’t like precious things? She touched it through her sleeve, a clear smile on her lips.

Seeing such a foolishly happy expression, Cui Yuan closed his eyes to meditate, hiding the smile in his eyes.

Ye Ying made her farewell and quietly confided to Bai Zhu, “The young master’s handsome and charming appearance really makes it hard to blame others for weak wills.”

Bai Zhu laughed.

“And what about you?”

Knowing the young master could hear even whispered words, she carefully asked, “If it were the old young master, with the matriarch and prime minister personally overseeing the marriage, no one would dare dream. But now, since the matriarch intends for you to grow close to him, if it succeeds, you would be the mother of the only son of the eldest branch—a life of honor and wealth assured. What do you think?”

Ye Ying was silent for a long moment.

“Sister, I want to go home. I do not wish to be a concubine.”

She looked up, her gaze clear and bright. “Though an orphan, the neighbors who took me in are kind, truly good people. Like a fledgling repaying the nest, I must return to repay their kindness.”

Ye Ying blinked. “As for the young master… I actually know an old doctor with exceptional skills; people from miles around seek him out. If the young master doesn’t mind, I want to write to ask him to come and examine his illness.”

Throughout the year, the Cui household had sought skilled folk healers, but had given up hope. What use would a country doctor be?

But Bai Zhu could not say that. “You have good intentions. As for success, better not boast in front of the young master. Write the letter and give it to me; I will have Ling Xiao find the person to bring here.”

Ye Ying finally found a chance to report her safety. That night she wrote the letter, explaining herself and separately wrote one sealed with wax to the village doctor Liu Sou. Early the next morning, she handed it to Bai Zhu.

May they find peace of mind.