Chapter 80: Hidden Strife

Madam Liang’s sudden arrival left everyone startled.

Most notably, Madam Zhang, who had been maintaining a facade of composure and elegance, entirely lost her poise. Among these ladies, the one she liked least was Madam Liang…

The magistrate’s wife, momentarily stunned at the doorway, quickly rose to greet her: “Why did no one announce you? These servants are truly negligent, to have slighted Madam Liang—this is my fault!”

Madam Liang entered, speaking as she walked: “The conversation was lively, so I lingered at the threshold to listen for a moment. I told them not to disturb you—no blame on anyone else.”

The ladies in the room rose to pay their respects, and Madam Liang graciously returned each greeting. Some faces were familiar, others new, but Madam Liang paused to introduce herself to each, exchanging a few warm words. Such approachable manners drew admiration from the gathering; truly, she was a lady from a marquis’s household—her mere bearing set her apart from ordinary people.

When she reached Madam Yang, Nanny Fang leaned in and softly whispered in Madam Liang’s ear: “That is the lady of the Xu family and Miss Ruojin.”

Madam Liang’s smile brightened. “So you are Madam Xu? I have long heard of you. I must thank the magistrate’s wife for inviting me today, that I might see all the ladies and young misses I have wished to meet in one place.”

The magistrate’s wife replied hurriedly, “Madam Liang, it is an honor for us that you could come.”

Madam Yang quickly put on a fawning smile. “Your words are too kind, Madam Liang. I have been wanting to call on you to express my thanks. That Nanny Fang agreed to tutor Ruojin is a blessing beyond our hopes. A nanny from the marquis’s household is indeed formidable—my girl knew nothing before, and in less than two months, Nanny Fang has trained her into such a proper lady. It is as though the heavens sent us a Bodhisattva, transforming her into someone altogether new!”

Madam Liang glanced back at Nanny Fang, “It is also because Miss Ruojin is intelligent. Even the most skilled teacher cannot help someone without talent.”

Xu Ruojin stepped forward and offered a deep bow. “I thank Madam Liang and Nanny Fang for your guidance. Though my lessons have lasted less than two months, their benefit will last a lifetime. Words cannot express my gratitude. I dare not promise much, but should Nanny Huang ever need my help, I will do all I can to assist her, as a junior ought.”

“See?” Madam Liang said with a nod, “You have truly taken on a sincere and devoted student.”

With that, she inclined her head and made her way toward the seat of honor.

Meanwhile, Madam Zhang’s face had turned as dark as the sole of a shoe…

Since Madam Liang’s arrival, not a soul had stood by Madam Zhang’s side; all had flocked to pay their respects to the new arrival.

Was she not just a fallen noblewoman, sent in disgrace to Zhonglin County? Whence came such airs!

Given Madam Liang’s status, she ought to have occupied the seat of honor, but Madam Zhang made no move, and the magistrate’s wife could hardly force her to give way.

So, she immediately instructed her nanny to arrange a chair by her own seat, handing her own place over to Madam Liang…

When Madam Liang saw Madam Zhang, she merely nodded, forgoing even a word of greeting.

Both women knew well enough they disliked each other, so there was no need for empty courtesies.

Madam Yang, oblivious to the undercurrents, felt instead that the presence of both Madam Liang and Madam Zhang reflected well on the Xu family.

Moments before, talk had turned to Xu Ruojin’s wine, and now Madam Yang could not restrain herself, her smile especially radiant: “We were just speaking of the wine Ruojin brews. Madam Liang said she wished to try a cup. Why not take this opportunity for you to taste it as well? You could give her some advice, help the girl learn a little more, so that Nanny Fang is not embarrassed by her pupil!”

In her eagerness, Madam Yang had forgotten her own earlier advice to Xu Ruojin to be calm and reserved, and had even warned others not to steal the spotlight—yet she herself could not resist…

The magistrate’s wife’s face froze. She had thought that Madam Liang’s arrival would allow her to steer the conversation away from the wine. Why could Madam Yang not read the room? Why bring it up again? Was this not a deliberate provocation?

She gritted her teeth in silence and looked to Madam Zhang.

After all, Madam Zhang was to be the future mother-in-law of Xu Ruojin. This display was surely meant for her benefit.

Madam Zhang already harbored resentment toward Madam Liang—how could she let her have her way?

Her own husband had insisted on inviting both Madam Liang and her son Liang Xiao. She had thought Madam Liang would be content with mere pleasantries, but both mother and son had come today!

What was to be done now!

“…Today is the first birthday of the magistrate’s legitimate grandson. The banquet has not yet been served—why should we be drinking wine? Let us leave that for later,” Madam Zhang said.

Madam Yang’s smile instantly froze on her face, making her appear almost foolish.

Xu Ruojin could see clearly that Madam Zhang was being deliberately difficult, but as a junior, she could not openly contradict her, no matter how unwilling she felt. It was not out of fear of displeasing Madam Zhang, but because she did not wish to be thought ill-mannered.

She glanced at Nanny Fang, who remained impassive.

Madam Liang, too, ignored Madam Zhang, lifted her teacup and said to Xu Ruojin, “I’ve heard from Nanny Fang that you are fond of medical texts. My constitution is not cold, but rather overheated; my throat is constantly uncomfortable, swelling and becoming hoarse if I speak too much. It is most distressing. Do you have a remedy you might write down for me? I could have Nanny Huang prepare a medicinal wine for me as well, so that I too might enjoy some of Miss Ruojin’s good fortune.”

Madam Liang’s words were a clear rebuke to Madam Zhang.

Since wine was not allowed, Madam Liang asked for a prescription instead. Either way, she was determined to praise Xu Ruojin, leaving Madam Zhang fuming with frustration.

“Madam Liang’s health is too precious to be entrusted to a mere girl’s remedy. Those who know you are broad-minded, but others might think you intend to embarrass her,” Madam Zhang retorted, her teeth clenched.

“I truly am broad-minded,” Madam Liang replied merrily. “Any student taught by Nanny Fang is someone I trust implicitly.”

“Then why not ask Nanny Fang for a prescription? Wouldn’t that be more appropriate?”

“Madam Xu, as her mother, has not refused me, yet you, the not-yet-official mother-in-law, are taking it upon yourself to make decisions for your future daughter-in-law rather too soon, don’t you think?”

With a hearty laugh, Madam Liang continued, “Enough, let us not vex Madam Zhang. Pretend I said nothing.”

Madam Zhang was so angry that stars danced before her eyes; she clenched her jaw, unable to respond.

Madam Yang stood there dumbfounded, unsure how to interject. If she could not now see the tension between Madam Liang and Madam Zhang, she must be blind!

By convention, Xu Ruojin ought to step back and remain silent at this point, or else, out of respect for her future mother-in-law, decline Madam Liang’s request with courtesy.

But Xu Ruojin cared nothing for Zhang Zhongheng, and would be only too glad if this engagement were broken off.

Even if she were to marry into the Zhang family, she would never let Madam Zhang dictate her every action.

To presume to make decisions before the marriage had even taken place? Absurd!

“In accordance with Madam Liang’s request, I have indeed thought of a remedy,” Xu Ruojin spoke up.

At once, Madam Zhang glowered fiercely at her.

Madam Yang was startled out of her wits! She instinctively wanted to intervene, but felt Madam Zhang was overstepping by usurping a mother’s authority. To scold her own daughter in front of others would be to lose face as a mother. In the end, she decided to feign ignorance and leave it to Madam Liang.

Since Madam Yang remained silent, Xu Ruojin stepped forward and said, “The remedy is quite simple: fresh lotus from Xiang, a cup of rice wine, to clear heat and detoxify, soothe the throat and reduce swelling. If Madam Liang would like to try it, I will prepare it myself and send it to you, both to thank you for your trust and to express my gratitude for allowing Nanny Fang to teach me. Would this be agreeable?”