Chapter Seventy-Five: Doubts

A pale streak appeared in the sky as dawn broke, the rising sun casting a gentle orange glow that warmed the snow below. In Xu Ruojin’s small courtyard, attendants sent by Madam Yang had been waiting since early morning.

Despite the cold, Xu Ruojin washed her face with icy water, determined to be clear-minded. Today’s goal was simple: make no mistakes, and never let those eager to see her stumble have their way.

Pushing aside the image of Zhang Zhongheng’s miserable face, she changed clothes and went to breakfast. Afterwards, she sat before her dressing table, awaiting Madam Huang to apply her makeup.

Spring Grass, upon waking, went to the back room to check on Starfruit. Entering, she nodded at Xu Ruojin, signaling that Starfruit was safe and well, so there was no need to worry.

Plum Blossom and Little Ke were already busy with chores in the courtyard. Red Apricot, after directing them for some time, spoke loudly, “Remember to prepare the wine jar chosen by Second Miss. We can’t bring a dusty one to the County Magistrate’s residence.”

Little Ke immediately stepped forward, eager, “Red Apricot, you rest. Just tell me which jar you want.”

“You’re certainly enthusiastic!” Red Apricot shot her a look, but her mind was on Second Miss’s instructions. She turned to Plum Blossom, who was working nearby, “You go!”

“Me?” Plum Blossom pointed to herself, surprised.

“What, you’re unwilling to be sent?” Red Apricot shrugged and headed out of the courtyard. “Ask Second Miss which jar she wants, then clean it well. I have other tasks to do, and I’ll check when I return.”

“Understood,” Plum Blossom muttered with some resentment, not daring to protest further.

Little Ke made a face at Red Apricot’s retreating figure, “Look at that attitude, always bossing us around!”

“Enough, enough, I’ll get to work. You talk less,” Plum Blossom entered the house while Little Ke picked up her broom and resumed sweeping the courtyard.

Madam Huang arrived soon, her steps hurried and her smile brighter than usual. Since the incident with Old Madam Du, Madam Yang had kept Madam Huang at a distance, choosing two maids to serve her instead, which had made Madam Huang anxious.

Though Madam Yang claimed Madam Huang was too old and needed help, Madam Huang knew well it was a matter of lost trust.

Yesterday, learning Second Miss needed makeup, Madam Huang had petitioned Madam Yang herself, hoping to redeem her standing through good service.

Spring Grass welcomed Madam Huang in. Xu Ruojin didn’t even have time to rise before Madam Huang helped her sit.

Seeing Madam Huang’s attentive smile, Xu Ruojin recalled their first meeting, when Madam Huang had feigned sharpness and scrutiny. The contrast in treatment was stark.

“If Mother entrusts others, she can’t rest easy. Nor can I. This household can bear the absence of anyone, except for Madam Huang,” Xu Ruojin’s words brought a flush to Madam Huang’s face. She replied awkwardly, “I’m old now, my body’s failing. It’s thanks to Madam and Second Miss’s care that I serve a few more days—Madam’s kindness lifts this old servant.”

“Mother can’t do without you,” Xu Ruojin hinted, “No matter how capable the maids are, none can match your devotion to Mother.”

“This old servant is loyal to Second Miss as well,” Madam Huang quickly agreed, and Xu Ruojin nodded, saying no more, letting Madam Huang attend to her makeup.

Yet she noticed the fleeting embarrassment and resentment on Madam Huang’s face. Once, she had flattered Madam Huang; now, Madam Huang flattered her. No doubt, Madam Huang was considering how to use Xu Ruojin’s words to curry favor with Madam Yang.

Xu Ruojin fell silent and let Madam Huang style her hair. Her delicate features needed no extravagant decoration—just a touch of powder, a hint of pale red on her lips, her hair braided into twin buns, and the hairpins she’d picked from Madam Yang’s collection last time. The look was gentle yet lively, exceptionally charming.

“Second Miss, your lovely face makes even this old servant envious. When you visit the County Magistrate’s residence, you’ll surely win praise,” Madam Huang held up a mirror for Xu Ruojin to see.

Xu Ruojin smiled, “I’m accompanying Mother today. As a junior, I can’t outshine her—it would be improper. Besides, the County Magistrate’s young son is celebrating his first birthday; what is there for me to show off? That would be laughable.”

Madam Huang hadn’t expected such modesty and replied awkwardly, “This old servant’s mind isn’t sharp—please don’t blame me, Second Miss.”

“Of course not. I still count on your advice, Madam Huang,” Xu Ruojin’s polite reply was clear to all. She turned and saw Plum Blossom cleaning the wine jar and pointed, “Madam Huang, would you help me choose a jar of wine? I’ve looked, but can’t decide which is best.”

Plum Blossom hesitated—the jar Second Miss had chosen was the one she was cleaning, so why the sudden change?

Madam Huang was surprised as well, “Second Miss’s winemaking skills are well-known throughout Zhonglin County. How could I dare to offer advice? It should be your decision…”

“I think they’re all good. Although I picked one just now, I’m unsure if it’s suitable. Please, Madam Huang, help me solve this dilemma?” Xu Ruojin smiled sweetly, her lively manner and pleasant voice making it hard for Madam Huang to refuse.

Madam Huang went over, examined each jar, and pointed to another, “Let’s choose this one.”

Xu Ruojin nodded immediately, “Then this one it is.”

“Huh?” Plum Blossom felt confused seeing that Xu Ruojin truly wanted to switch jars. She muttered, “Second Miss, if we clean that jar now, it might not be ready in time…”

Madam Huang’s face fell instantly. Now that she was eager to please Madam Yang and Xu Ruojin, both her mistresses, no servant dared to contradict her. Even if she’d lost Madam Yang’s favor, others only muttered behind her back; none would embarrass her openly. But Plum Blossom’s words stoked Madam Huang’s anger as if she’d been gravely insulted.

She strode over and slapped Plum Blossom three times, scolding fiercely, “Do as Second Miss instructs—you have no right to speak out of turn! These jars should have been cleaned long ago. If there’s not enough time, that’s your fault!”

“Second Miss is kind and indulges your mischief, but you’re ungrateful and increasingly unruly. Let me tell you, even if you have to lick it clean, you must make sure the jar is spotless. If you delay, you’ll pay for it!”

Plum Blossom, cheeks flushed, begged for mercy under Madam Huang’s tirade.

Xu Ruojin pulled Madam Huang aside to calm her. She watched as Plum Blossom hurried to clean the new jar, sweat breaking out on her forehead.

She signaled Spring Grass, who quietly marked the jar Plum Blossom had first cleaned.

Gathering their things, Xu Ruojin led Spring Grass and Madam Huang toward the main hall.

Red Apricot met them halfway, leaning close to whisper in Xu Ruojin’s ear, “It’s all set with Third Young Master—the wine jar is loaded onto the carriage.”

Xu Ruojin’s lips curled in a slight smile, “Then let’s await today’s performance!”