Chapter 78 Signs

The magistrate, Yuan, had four sons and one daughter. Yuan Huiling was the youngest and the only girl in the family. Not only was she doted upon by the magistrate’s wife, but her brothers also cherished her dearly. Everyone in the magistrate’s residence indulged the fifth young lady, and it was this constant spoiling that cultivated Yuan Huiling’s proud and willful nature.

So on occasions like today, no matter how many ladies from other households were present in the main hall, Yuan Huiling would stride in, head held high, without feeling the least bit in the wrong.

The magistrate’s wife frowned slightly, her voice helpless as she lightly chided, “Don’t make a fuss. With so many people watching, you ought to mind your manners. Aren’t you embarrassed? Why haven’t you greeted the ladies yet?”

“It’s not as if this is my first time meeting them. Why bother with the formalities? They all spoil me—they won’t mind,” Yuan Huiling replied, though she still smiled sweetly, standing in the center of the hall. She bowed politely toward the ladies, then turned her gaze to Xu Ruojin. “And who are you? Why aren’t you answering when I speak to you?”

Xu Ruojin was standing behind Madam Yang. Even a blind person could tell who she was, couldn’t they? This string of barbed remarks made Madam Yang realize something was amiss. She turned to introduce Xu Ruojin, “This is the young lady of the magistrate’s household. Ruojin, come and greet Miss Yuan.”

Xu Ruojin cursed inwardly but maintained a gentle smile. “Ruojin greets Miss Yuan.”

“Oh my, so you’re the second young miss of the Xu family. No wonder I haven’t seen you before.” Yuan Huiling deliberately looked Xu Ruojin up and down, tilting her head as she asked, “How old are you?”

“Fifteen.”

“Then you’re a year older than me. Still, you’ll have to listen to me.”

Yuan Huiling’s unreasonable ways displeased the magistrate’s wife. “Enough of this nonsense, child.”

“How am I being unreasonable? I just met a new little sister and wanted to chat with her,” Yuan Huiling pouted coquettishly. “I’ve heard quite a lot about her skill in brewing wine—people say it’s almost magical. I’d like to learn a thing or two; I hear it can win much favor.”

With that, Yuan Huiling shot a provocative glance at Xu Ruojin. Xu Ruojin felt utterly baffled—what had she done to deserve this?

Madam Yang, hearing Yuan Huiling mention wine, quickly stepped forward with a smile. “Ruojin has brought wine she brewed herself today as a gift for the magistrate’s wife. It’s nothing like the rumors say—she learned it while studying other feminine arts. Please, ladies, do try it.”

As she spoke, Madam Yang instructed Chun Cao to bring the wine. The ladies exchanged glances, their expressions curious and somewhat bemused.

To present wine to the magistrate’s wife—wasn’t that rather odd?

Three jars of wine were set before them, compelling the magistrate’s wife to offer a few more words of politeness. “You brought this from so far away; it truly wasn’t easy. I accept your kind gesture.”

“It is my honor that the magistrate’s wife and the ladies would sample my humble brew,” Xu Ruojin replied courteously. Yuan Huiling, standing beside her, remarked, “You really are something. Instead of learning embroidery or flower arranging, you chose to study winemaking. Were you preparing for life in your husband’s ancestral home? Or do you think that if your marriage doesn’t work out, you can always open a wine shop and make a living? That’s quite clever of you!”

These words were not just a slight against Xu Ruojin, but also a jab at Madam Yang’s merchant background.

But if barbed words were to be exchanged, who could not play that game? Xu Ruojin looked up at her with a smile. “Miss Yuan, you truly are astute—thinking through every possibility. May I ask, what is your own area of expertise? Will your dowry include an embroidery or flower shop? I’ll certainly seek your guidance then.”

Yuan Huiling seemed affronted, as if insulted. “Who would involve themselves in the vulgarities of trade?”

“Oh? So even a dowry shop is considered crass and mercantile?”

“Exactly! It’s all vulgar, vulgar, vulgar!” Yuan Huiling, goaded into prideful defiance, cared for nothing and acted out all the more.

The magistrate’s wife was forced to rise and scold her, “Enough! No more nonsense here.”

Yuan Huiling, still indignant, saw her mother’s face had grown quite unpleasant and so fell silent, standing off to the side and nibbling at pastries with her usual haughtiness.

Xu Ruojin withdrew behind Madam Yang and said no more. Madam Yang’s face too had darkened. Normally, after a few harsh words from their elders, the children would be chastened and the situation would resolve itself. But Yuan Huiling’s mention of “the vulgarity of trade” made Madam Yang feel mocked by everyone present; a surge of inner inferiority and resentment rose in her, and she found herself growing stubborn.

She would not, for anything, admit that Xu Ruojin was at fault.

The magistrate’s wife, not hearing the words she’d hoped for from Madam Yang, let her expression grow cold as well. Whatever joy had been in the air was now halved. She could only lift her teacup and take a silent sip, choosing to let the matter pass.

The conversation that followed was stilted and awkward. Just then, a stewardess hurried in from outside, announcing, “Madam, ladies, young misses—Madam Zhang from the Deputy Commissioner’s household has arrived!”

“Quick, invite her in!”

The magistrate’s wife stood and went to the door to greet her in person. Madam Yang immediately pulled Xu Ruojin along as well—after all, this was the Xu family’s in-law...

Xu Ruojin nearly stumbled from the tug, but steadied herself and stood properly. Yuan Huiling dashed to the door, and as soon as Madam Zhang appeared, she took her arm affectionately, her face beaming. “What have you been busy with lately? It’s been days since you last visited us. My brother recently brought back some pastries from Jingyan County—they’re quite unique. I saved a box just for you, waiting for you to try them!”

“This child still remembers me—you’re very thoughtful,” Madam Zhang said, patting Yuan Huiling’s hand with genuine affection, not just polite courtesy.

The magistrate’s wife came forward, laughing as she half-scolded her daughter, “This child is getting more and more unruly. Only you have the patience for her; we’ve spoiled her terribly.”

Madam Zhang laughed along, “Girls are ever their mother’s darlings. I only regret not having a daughter myself—sons are nothing but trouble.”

“Your son is a man of great talent—others can only envy you. You’re simply too discerning.”

The intimacy of their conversation was obvious, and those around them couldn’t help but marvel at the closeness of the two families.

Madam Yang waited at the side for an opportunity to join the conversation, while Xu Ruojin, standing nearby, was seized by an inexplicable feeling.

With a relationship this close, why hadn’t the Zhangs chosen Yuan Huiling as a daughter-in-law? A proud, willful girl and a sly, sharp-tongued young man—weren’t Zhang Zhongheng and she a perfect match?

As she silently mused to herself, Madam Zhang entered. Madam Yang quickly led Xu Ruojin over, smiling as she said, “I’ve been hoping to see you, Madam Zhang. It’s a joy to meet you on such a happy occasion at the magistrate’s house. Ruojin, quickly greet Madam Zhang.”

Xu Ruojin felt helpless, but with so many eyes upon her, she had no choice but to step forward and bow politely. “Greetings, Madam Zhang.”

Seeing Madam Yang and Xu Ruojin, Madam Zhang’s genuine smile faded, replaced by a perfunctory one. “Very good, very good. I’m glad you could come. You look to have recovered well.”

She looked Xu Ruojin up and down for a moment, her smile ambiguous. “No wonder Zhongheng mentioned you to me several times after meeting you once—it’s true you’ve grown into a fine young lady.”

Xu Ruojin’s heart suddenly tightened.

What was Zhang Zhongheng planning now?