Chapter Twelve: Warmth Within

“That’s taking things a bit far, Madam Huang. I know very well how my mother treats me. Both my father and mother are important to me, but neither can compare to our ancestors and family.” As Xu Ruojin spoke, the smile on her face grew brighter.

“To be honest with you, there are times when I resent my own birth, but that’s hardly my mother’s fault. Since Heaven has granted me this fate, I can only accept it. Mother allows me to study with Tutor Wang, and I can’t express how happy that makes me. All I want is to learn well, make my parents proud, and if I achieve anything, I will surely repay my mother’s kindness.”

“With such filial piety, Second Miss, Madam will be most pleased. I must show you my respects.” Madam Huang’s performance was impeccable; she even stood up, ready to bow to Xu Ruojin.

Xu Ruojin almost wished to see her kneel, but she knew better. She wasn’t in a position yet to accept such deference from Madam Huang.

“Please, do get up. I’m only speaking my mind with you—there’s no need for such ceremony. You make me feel at a loss for words.”

Madam Huang straightened with a smile, then, after a moment’s thought, patted Xu Ruojin on the shoulder and lowered her voice. “Let me tell you a little secret, Second Miss—Young Master Zhang will come to visit you at our manor in seven days! You are destined for wealth and honor. The last time was particularly dangerous, but thanks to Young Master Liang’s quick thinking and sharp eyes, you were saved. Otherwise, the consequences would have been dire.”

“Young Master Liang?” Xu Ruojin frowned slightly. Was it that cold-faced, disagreeable man? So his surname is Liang?

Seeing Xu Ruojin lost in thought, Madam Huang assumed she didn’t remember. “It’s no wonder Second Miss doesn’t recall. Young Master Liang’s family only recently arrived in Zhonglin County. His ancestors were a military family, and his father is none other than General Wei Yuan, famed for his military exploits. That day, he happened to be a guest at the Zhang residence.”

Xu Ruojin nodded.

Privately, she curled her lip in disdain. So that cold-faced man comes from a distinguished lineage—a general’s son, no wonder he carries such an air of icy severity.

Even now, the memory sent a chill through her.

“I had no idea my rescuer was from such a prominent family. I ought to thank him.”

Xu Ruojin was careful not to let Madam Huang see through her thoughts.

Madam Huang waved her hand dismissively. “There’s no need for you to worry about that, Second Miss. The master and madam will handle it, and besides, now is not the right time for close relations with the Liang family.”

“Not suitable?” Xu Ruojin seized the opportunity to ask, “Why not?”

“It seems they offended His Majesty and committed some error.”

“That makes sense. Otherwise, why would such a powerful family end up here in Zhonglin County instead of the capital?”

“There’s no need for you to concern yourself with it, Second Miss. Just remember, though Young Master Liang saved you, your future lies with the Zhang family. They are to be your in-laws. It’s best not to mention Young Master Liang too often.”

With that, Madam Huang ended the subject. Xu Ruojin gave a sheepish smile. “You’re right, Madam Huang. Thank you for your advice.”

“To be honest, I had my eye on Lianqiao, but she’s to be married soon. Otherwise, I would have wanted her by my side. With someone like her, I could leave the Xu household with peace of mind.”

Xu Ruojin deftly shifted the topic to Lianqiao. Since this issue had arisen from her own oversight, and Lianqiao surely had told Madam Huang, she might as well take the initiative and see how Madam Huang would respond.

Madam Huang hadn’t expected Xu Ruojin to bring this up herself. After her initial surprise, the greed in her eyes was unconcealed.

Madam Huang had served Madam Yang for many years and was no pushover; she was certainly not someone Xu Ruojin could sway with a few sweet words or tempt with shallow benefits. But the lure of the Zhang family was so great, even she was momentarily stunned.

She quickly masked her slip with a smile, shaking her head and refusing Xu Ruojin’s suggestion. “It is truly Lianqiao’s good fortune to have won your favor, Second Miss, but she is already promised to Chen Cai, who serves the master. She cannot go back on her word now, or she would seem faithless and unkind. I’ll take the liberty of thanking you for her.”

“I was inconsiderate. Please forgive my thoughtlessness, Madam Huang.”

Xu Ruojin shrank back as if she had made a mistake, seeming shy and remorseful, but inwardly she became even more cautious of Madam Huang.

She still couldn’t fathom all of Madam Huang’s intentions, but she was certain that the woman could not be swayed by a few honeyed words or simple profits. Xu Ruojin didn’t think Madam Huang’s loyalty to Madam Yang was especially deep, only that what she herself could offer was not enough.

Seeing Xu Ruojin fall silent, Madam Huang felt a pang of regret. Refusing the matter of Lianqiao was not because it didn’t tempt her, but rather, she had other considerations. The fact that Lianqiao had reported the matter to her had already stirred her thoughts. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have just put on such a heartfelt performance for the Second Miss.

But seeing the change in Xu Ruojin’s expression, Madam Huang worried that her refusal might cool the Second Miss’s desire to befriend her, making all the effort for nothing.

She decided to break the awkward silence by offering, “I understand your concerns, Second Miss. If you place your trust in me, when the time comes for your marriage, I can help you select two suitable maids for your household, and you may choose as you wish.”

Madam Huang’s sudden change in attitude did not elicit a quick answer from Xu Ruojin. She simply nodded noncommittally. “That’s very thoughtful of you, Madam Huang. I shouldn’t trouble you so, but you mentioned that the Young Master from the Zhang family will visit in a few days?”

“Of course, in seven days’ time. The Zhang family punished Young Master severely because of your matter. The visit was originally set for tomorrow, but he’s taken ill from kneeling so long, so they postponed it.”

Madam Huang laughed heartily. “To tell the truth, although the Zhang family made mistakes, they are willing to correct them, and that’s what matters. Young Master Zhongheng truly does care about you.”

Xu Ruojin rolled her eyes inwardly. Fallen ill from kneeling? Why didn’t his ancestors just summon his soul away? Are all the men of this age so detestable?

Her own brothers were nothing to boast about, and even the man who saved her was strange.

Doing good deeds and not being appreciated—what a rare breed indeed!

Recalling the night he left, his gloomy voice and the shadowy figure, Xu Ruojin felt a surge of resentment.

Was that flawless jade ruyi really so important to him? He even braved the rain to “steal” it?

Best to keep her distance from such mysterious types, and likely, their paths would not cross again.

Why bother thinking about him?

She should pray and make offerings, hoping that the Zhang family member who had tried to kill her would soon meet his demise and be reborn elsewhere. She’d rather die than marry a man who had once tried to kill her!

Starting tonight, she would draw circles and curse him—it was settled!