Chapter Thirteen: Deliberate

Xu Ruojin grumbled inwardly, but outwardly she continued to respond politely to Madam Huang.

However, Xu Ruojin made no mention to Madam Huang of being pushed into the lake by Zhang Zhongheng. After all, no one cared about her wishes; otherwise, they wouldn't be forcing her to marry.

Rather than resist, she thought it wiser to use the boy's momentum to improve her own situation.

"Madam Huang, you’re right. It’s just… this courtyard, and my clothes…" Xu Ruojin lowered her head, embarrassed as she glanced at her attire. "The last embroidered jacket my mother made for me was ruined when I fell into the water. Would you kindly speak to her again and see if she might make me a new one?"

"There's no need for you to worry, Second Miss. I'll see to it at once!"

"And as for jewelry, I can do without. But my maid…" Xu Ruojin glanced at Spring Grass, "her clothes are far too shabby. It’s hardly appropriate."

"Say no more. She can go to the steward’s maid for better garments shortly."

"And now, you’ve come to visit, yet there’s not even a decent cup of tea to offer you…"

"I’ll have everything prepared for you right away!"

Madam Huang agreed to each request without hesitation, and Spring Grass couldn’t help but show a trace of joy.

Such matters couldn’t all be raised at once, so Xu Ruojin, after careful consideration, asked for nothing more. She exchanged polite, meaningless pleasantries with Madam Huang. "Then I must trouble you, Madam Huang. I know little about these affairs; if anything is missing, I’ll rely on your guidance."

"How could anything be forgotten? Even if I overlook something, the mistress will see to it. There’s no way Second Miss will be wronged. When you leave the Xu family, your future mother-in-law will stand up for you as well."

The final remark was the key point, and Xu Ruojin merely smiled and nodded to show she understood everything.

The conversation had reached its proper conclusion; Xu Ruojin escorted Madam Huang to the door, watching her leave with a face devoid of emotion.

Spring Grass accompanied Xu Ruojin to the gate. Seeing Madam Huang walk away, Spring Grass bounced excitedly, "Second Miss, you’re amazing! Madam Huang actually agreed to help you."

"Help me?" Xu Ruojin shook her head. "She’s done nothing, really. She only spoke well of the mistress, reminding me that even if I marry, I’ll have to rely on the Xu family. That old woman is more cunning than my mother. No wonder she’s lasted so long by her side."

"Nothing at all?" Spring Grass was puzzled by Xu Ruojin’s words. After thinking it over, she muttered, "I did feel it was odd that she started off telling you how hard the mistress’s life is, but then she promised everything, so I didn’t think much more… But when you mentioned Lotus, I was terrified. What if Madam Huang really agreed?"

"She never would."

Xu Ruojin was utterly certain. "Even if Lotus follows me, she’d only become a dowry maid in the Zhang household. Whether she could secure a good position would be up to fate. Even if Lotus is eager, do you think the Zhangs would welcome her? Besides, Lotus is just Madam Huang’s niece, not her own daughter. How much could she gain? I mentioned it only once, and didn’t press further, so she turned the conversation to choosing companions instead."

"That’s where the real money is to be made. A mere maid is nothing compared to that," Spring Grass exclaimed, suddenly understanding. "No wonder! I really was thinking too simply."

Xu Ruojin let out a long breath, sorting through her thoughts as she chatted with Spring Grass.

"I mentioned Lotus, and Madam Huang quickly replied; it was simple greed. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have started with such earnest pleasantries, talking about mother and father’s old stories. What use are those to us? I’d learn them sooner or later anyway.

The Zhang family will come to the manor in a few days. Even if the mistress doesn’t want to, this shabby courtyard will have to be repaired, my clothes made, yours as well. Not because she cares for me, but for the Zhangs to see. Madam Huang is collecting favors for nothing, gaining a good reputation. Besides, she talks of the mistress’s hardships—do you think if the mistress is upset, she’ll stop scolding me? Will she find me pleasing? It’s all a joke.

She only mentioned the identity of the person who saved me as a warning not to keep asking around!"

"My goodness, there are so many layers to this! I… I’m dizzy from all these twists," Spring Grass was astonished, her earlier joy completely vanished.

Xu Ruojin smiled comfortingly. "I’ve spoken so openly so you’ll understand: sometimes, even what you witness firsthand isn’t the truth."

She thought of being pushed into the lake by Zhang Zhongheng. But the cold-faced man she saw was indeed very unpleasant—and very real!

"I understand, Miss."

Spring Grass clutched the coarse fabric in her hands. "I’m a simple girl, and only you are willing to tell me so much."

"Spring Grass, you’re the only one I have. I’ll never forget my promise to you. As long as you’re willing to stay with me, I’ll never let you suffer. Our days will only get better."

Spring Grass nodded firmly, and Xu Ruojin returned to her room to study.

Zhang Manor.

Zhang Zhongheng was seated, sipping tea and teasing the birds. His round, plump face showed no sign of illness.

Listening to his servant’s report, he barked angrily, "Useless fools! You still haven’t found him? Does Liang Xiao have three heads and six arms?"

Ever since the day Liang Xiao pulled the Xu girl from the lake, Zhang Zhongheng had been unable to find him.

"Young master, he’s from the Liang family after all. We don’t dare make too much noise…"

"Nonsense!"

Zhang Zhongheng gnashed his teeth. "He refuses to drink the wine I offer! Dares to go against me! A useless fellow banished to Zhonglin County—how much power could he possibly have? I refuse to believe he’s still so arrogant in Zhonglin County!"

The servant dared not respond. The head maid stepped forward to soothe him, changing the subject, "Young master, the mistress has given strict orders: you must not provoke Liang Xiao again, and in seven days, you must go to the Xu family. Ultimately, it’s about the Zhang family’s reputation. If you refuse, the mistress will report to Old Master in the capital."

"The Xu family really doesn’t care about their dignity. Even now, they’re forcing their way into our household?"

Zhang Zhongheng was thoroughly impatient, but he had to consider the mistress’s final ultimatum.

The maid Autumn Orchid tried to advise him, "Young master, this time the mistress is truly angry. You’d best take care."

Zhang Zhongheng clicked his tongue and sneered, "I’ll go in seven days, for sure. If the Xu family dares to come, what do I have to fear? It’s just another performance—let’s see if that girl plans to fall into the water again, or eat dirt this time!"

When Madam Huang returned, she did not speak well of Xu Ruojin to Lady Yang.

She cited the master’s absence in the capital and argued that if the Zhangs were truly intent on making a match, Lady Yang alone could not manage it, so it would be better to handle things smoothly.

She also took care to remind Lady Yang that Second Miss was not a simple person.

Lady Yang didn’t care whether Xu Ruojin was simple or not. However clever, she was still just a girl in her palm.

Even if she praised Xu Ruojin, Lady Yang was deeply unwilling. Her feelings of inferiority and anxiety had reached their peak, and she hated those waiting to see her fail.

But who could she blame?

She had given birth to two troublemakers, not a single graceful daughter.

Madam Huang’s persuasive words stuck with her, and Lady Yang took them to heart.

After all, Xu Ruojin was just a helpless girl; no matter how lively, what could she really do? Even dressed up and ready, she was just a pawn for trade. Lady Yang couldn’t stand the sight of her frail appearance, and it was no wonder the Zhangs were unwilling.

Thus, Lady Yang gritted her teeth and gave Madam Huang fifty taels of silver. "Seven days from now is crucial. No matter what, this marriage must be secured!"