Chapter Fifty-Four: Tossed About
Red Apricot never expected that the Second Young Lady would speak to her in such a manner.
Her heart gave a slight pang, the words striking a tender spot. After a moment of startled confusion, she revealed a hint of panic.
Indeed, Red Apricot felt somewhat dissatisfied. She had served the Madam for many years, receiving the wages of a first-class maid. Yet, the Madam heeded only Madam Huang’s advice, so before her, the first-class maids were merely for show, watched over more strictly than anyone else. Their clothing was plain, even rouge and powder were forbidden—otherwise, they’d be accused of harboring wicked thoughts, trying to seduce the Master or the Young Masters.
The matter of Concubine Liu struck a heavy blow to Red Apricot’s heart.
She had never expected that when Concubine Liu was to choose a companion, she would pick her—of all people.
The Madam’s cold sneer as she watched made Red Apricot tremble with fear, while the endless sweetness and intimacy between Liucui and the Master left her feeling even more stifled.
Liucui had intended to recommend Red Apricot to the Master at the right opportunity. Though Red Apricot had declined on the surface, deep down, a thread of longing was secretly stirred.
But before she could decide whether to follow in Concubine Liu’s footsteps, the Madam had assigned her to become the Second Young Lady’s personal maid for her dowry.
It was then that Red Apricot understood a truth:
She should harbor no wild ambitions—each day she survived was a blessing, for fate had not seen fit to grant her a good family at birth.
When she arrived before the Second Young Lady, Red Apricot was indifferent, unable to summon interest in anything.
The courtyard of the Second Young Lady was poor and shabby, like a miscellaneous yard, far inferior to the Madam’s or the Young Masters’ residences. Moreover, the Zhang family already looked down on the Second Young Lady—when even the mistress was unlikely to have good days, what hope was there for a dowry maid? She resigned herself to fate—doing her duties well, and, when the time came, bowing to her mistress and marrying into some household would be enough. She no longer asked for more from this life.
She had never paid much attention to the Second Young Lady, her impression shaped only by the Madam’s endless complaints and the servants’ contempt.
But now, hearing her words, and seeing the clear light in her gaze, Red Apricot was struck by a sudden illusion:
The Second Young Lady was far from the simple girl she had imagined…
Xu Ruo Jin watched Red Apricot, lost in thought, but did not rush her.
There was no harm in letting her collect herself before continuing.
Little Ke, White Plum, and Young Peach waited quietly. Seeing Red Apricot standing there in a daze and silent, Little Ke could not help but gently remind her, “Sister Red Apricot, the Second Young Lady is speaking to you.”
Red Apricot snapped back to herself and, seeing the Second Young Lady smiling at her, quickly composed herself and said, “Since you think highly of me, miss, I will certainly do my utmost.”
“It’s settled, then. All three of you should go to Red Apricot if you have any issues. If anything is beyond her, she can bring it to me,” Xu Ruo Jin instructed, not wishing to drag out the conversation further. She picked up her teacup, signaling that they could leave.
Red Apricot bowed and turned to go, but noticed the other three still standing there. There was no time to teach them now, so she said,
“Let’s go. Why are you all still standing around? We can talk outside.”
Little Ke nodded and left, White Plum hesitated before following, and only Young Peach made a proper curtsy before leaving.
As Xu Ruo Jin watched them depart, her small face immediately drooped.
Seeing Spring Grass sweating profusely as well, Xu Ruo Jin let out a long breath. “Did you see that? They’ll all need to be taught slowly. If it were just the two of us handling everything, we’d never get anything else done!”
“Are you sure it’s fine to leave them to Red Apricot?” Spring Grass was a little uneasy.
Xu Ruo Jin shook her head helplessly. “At least it’s not us in the thick of it. We’ll focus on our own tasks and let them sort themselves out. Perhaps Mother will feel more at ease seeing the chaos, and it might be a good chance to see just what Red Apricot is capable of.”
Spring Grass nodded in understanding. “Then I’ll focus on serving you and keep an eye on the rice seedlings.”
“I’ll leave it all to you, then.”
At present, Spring Grass was the only one Xu Ruo Jin truly trusted.
After careful thought, making sure nothing had been overlooked, Xu Ruo Jin opened her book and continued to study her recipes.
Since she had decided to take up the craft of brewing, she could not allow herself to be mediocre—she must make her mark.
After Madam Huang sent the girls back, Mistress Yang was already waiting for her.
“…They all stayed, not a word of complaint. Even I found it went rather smoothly—except…” Madam Huang thought of Little Ke. “Some of the maids really don’t know the rules. If something goes wrong, won’t the Master blame us?”
“The Master’s mind is all on that little seductress in the rear court. He has no time to blame us,” Mistress Yang gritted her teeth at the mention of Liucui. “Red Apricot got sent to the second girl—she didn’t complain?”
“The Second Young Lady isn’t familiar with her, probably doesn’t even know her name. Red Apricot was quiet the whole way—she must be displeased. She’s sharp enough to know life isn’t easy for the Second Young Lady,” Madam Huang considered. “But if she’s willing to help, things should stay orderly enough—there won’t be any major mistakes.”
“They’re all tough characters—I’ll just wait and watch the chaos. As long as that girl has no mind for other schemes, it’s fine by me.”
Mistress Yang counted the days on her fingers. “The engagement date has passed. The next step is for the Zhang family to send the betrothal gifts. But we must prepare the return gifts first—the Zhangs mustn’t find fault, and we have to think of ways to save silver…”
“Should we make the gifts look more impressive?” Madam Huang’s suggestion pleased Mistress Yang, who nodded. “Soon, have someone bring the list so we can select the items.”
When Zhang Zhongheng went to pay his respects to Madam Zhang, he arrived just as the maids were announcing the list of gifts.
Every item was costly. As soon as he entered, Zhang Zhongheng asked, “Mother, what are these expensive gifts for? Is there some happy occasion at Uncle’s house?”
“These are the betrothal gifts—the Zhang family’s most important matter. How could anything else compare?” Madam Zhang, seeing her son’s displeasure, reminded him,
“Your father has sent word as well—you must stop making trouble. Though the Liang family branch was demoted to Zhonglin County, they still have relatives and influence in the capital. Don’t make things difficult for them.”
“What trouble have I caused? He insulted the civil officials first; only then did I confront him. What’s so special about a cripple who can’t practice martial arts anymore? If he has the guts, let him go to war again!” Zhang Zhongheng’s face was full of impatience. “He jumped into the lake to save that wretched girl, and then lay half-dead for seven or eight days before getting out of bed. What heroics are those? He’s just a useless cripple!”
“Nonsense!”
Madam Zhang scolded him sharply. “Swallow those words, and if I hear one more, you’ll get no mercy from me.”
“Fine, I won’t say any more. I’m leaving.” Zhang Zhongheng got up to go. Madam Zhang pressed, “Where are you going?”
“Me?”
Zhang Zhongheng hadn’t thought of an excuse—suddenly, Xu Ruo Jin’s face flashed in his mind.
That face he so resented made him grit his teeth. “I’m going back to my room to sleep.”
Madam Zhang could only watch him go with a face full of helplessness.
As Zhang Zhongheng stepped out, his page slipped up beside him, whispering, “The girl has already been sent in and selected—she serves at Miss Xu’s side.”
“Good!”
Zhang Zhongheng ordered, “I want to know her every move—nothing must escape me!”