Chapter Twenty-Two: Arrangements

Xu Ruojin planned to practice calligraphy with Xu Zimo in the courtyard for a while, and then go together to the main house to wait for dinner.

She still remembered her father’s summons before he left the previous night.

Although no one had come to deliver a formal message to go to the main house, if she truly failed to appear, Yang would surely seize upon it to use against her. Even if she were sent away after arriving, at least she would not be subject to blame in front of her father.

With this plan in mind, she had barely begun to lay out paper and ink when Springgrass hurried in from outside, reporting,

“Madam Huang just came by specially to deliver a message. After Master Wang left, she asked the Second Miss to return for a while, saying she has called for craftsmen and carpenters to add furnishings to your courtyard, and asks you to choose what you like.”

Xu Ruojin was momentarily stunned—such good fortune arriving so suddenly? Then she remembered her father’s return; this must be his arrangement.

With luck at her doorstep, Xu Ruojin would not refuse. Yet the last time Madam Huang made a grand show of repairing her courtyard, it had all ended in nothing. This time, would it be much better?

If she were truly bold in requesting things, whether Madam Huang would add them was one matter; Yang would likely storm in and strangle her for it.

Thinking it over, Xu Ruojin became more cautious. She glanced at Xu Zimo and smiled,

“Third Brother, I can’t stay with you today. Madam Huang has brought people to add furnishings to my courtyard—I must return for a bit. You continue practicing Master Wang’s lessons; I’ll come back for you after I’m done.”

“I wonder what they’ll add,” she said, looking at the flowers, birds, and peculiar stones in Xu Zimo’s courtyard. “When it comes to arranging a courtyard, I’m completely clueless. I could never compare to you, Third Brother—you’re an expert.”

“You have me,” he replied.

Xu Ruojin did not immediately agree, and smiled ruefully, “My courtyard is small, I fear your talents would be wasted there.”

“Second Sister, are you mocking me!” Xu Zimo, who was always bested by his second sister in studies, finally had a chance to show his strengths. How could he let it go?

“Don’t worry, Second Sister. With me here, your courtyard will be beautifully arranged. I wouldn’t dare promise anything for other matters, but for this, I am absolutely reliable. It’s much easier than reciting lessons.”

Xu Ruojin looked at his shining eyes, feeling a pang of guilt for making use of him. “Third Brother is the one I can rely on. I’ll certainly thank you properly later.”

Xu Zimo seemed even more excited than Xu Ruojin, dropping his pen and heading outside. “Second Sister, don’t be so formal! Let’s go quickly—I need to think carefully about this… Oh, do you prefer huanghuali wood or rosewood?”

Madam Huang was now finishing her arrangements with the craftsmen regarding the courtyard’s renovation.

Though she had asked the Second Miss to return and make selections, it was but a formality. How could she truly allow the girl’s opinions?

The mistress had been scolded by the master all night, weeping and wailing. Though she compromised today, instructing her to find people to repair the Second Miss’s courtyard, Madam Huang understood the mistress’s intentions well.

In the end, the renovation was to please the master, but how it was done was still the mistress’s decision.

The craftsmen were briefed and ready—once Madam Huang nodded, they would begin at once.

Madam Huang was especially cautious about this matter. She wanted to wait for the Second Miss to return and agree to her proposal in front of everyone, then let the craftsmen get to work.

“Second Sister, why is your courtyard so shabby?” Xu Zimo’s astonished cry rang out at the gate, Madam Huang pricked up her ears and inwardly cursed her luck.

Why had the Third Young Master come along? Wasn’t he just here to add trouble?

Madam Huang muttered to herself, hurrying to greet them at the gate.

Xu Ruojin’s face was flushed. Though she felt resentful—yet another person remarking on her run-down courtyard—she could only admit she hadn’t been born to a fortunate family.

“I’m used to quiet, besides, it’s just me and Springgrass here. If the courtyard were too large, I’d feel uneasy.”

The excuse was apt, even Madam Huang breathed a sigh of relief.

She ran to the gate, and from afar began greeting them, “Second Miss, you’re finally back! Third Young Master, what a warm heart you have—did Second Miss invite you to help arrange her courtyard?”

Though Madam Huang smiled, her question was a sharp knife.

Before Xu Ruojin could answer, Xu Zimo responded indignantly, “No wonder Second Sister said her courtyard was small and didn’t need my help arranging it—what’s there to arrange here?” Looking at the idle craftsmen, he barked,

“What are you doing? Why haven’t you cleared out the weeds? Aren’t you in charge of the greenery? Move over some peach and pear trees, and plant black locusts at the door.”

“Huh? Third Young Master, plant black locusts?”

“Second Sister said only two people live here, so it’s not safe. Black locusts have thorns—let them prick anyone who tries!”

Xu Zimo’s disgruntled suggestion made Xu Ruojin burst out laughing, while Madam Huang’s face was full of awkwardness, nearly purple with embarrassment. Xu Ruojin knew she couldn’t simply enjoy the show—she had to smooth things over.

“Third Brother, let’s go inside—the details don’t need your worry. Madam Huang surely has everything arranged already.”

Madam Huang quickly chimed in, “Yes, yes, Third Young Master. I’ve already given instructions—just waiting for Second Miss to give the nod, and they’ll start work.”

“Madam Huang’s arrangements can’t be as thorough as mine,” Xu Zimo insisted. Though not domineering by nature, he had his principles in this matter and would not yield.

If he hadn’t spoken up, it would have been fine, but having said it, he had to make a show of it:

“Plant a row of hibiscus trees in the corner, set up a platform beneath them, and place a huanghuali writing desk on it. Second Sister’s place is quiet, so I can come here for tea—and to study.”

“Don’t forget, there must be proper shelter; if it rains or snows, there should be cover.”

“The shelter must be of redwood, and the screens double-sided embroidery. If there’s no double-sided embroidery, then put up two layers, inside and out, so nothing looks shabby.”

“I’ll pick out two linnets for Second Sister—they sing beautifully. If anything happens in your courtyard, the birds will make noise and you’ll know.”

“That’s enough, Third Brother—I don’t have your refined tastes. Birds and those precious things should stay with you. I’m too careless, I’d only ruin them and let you down. Come inside and rest a bit, look at you, your forehead is sweating!”

Xu Ruojin gently pushed him inside, and Xu Zimo, unable to think of more ideas, followed her into the room.

Madam Huang’s heart, which had been stuck in her throat, finally settled. She let out a long breath and scrutinized Xu Ruojin for a while.

Seeing the Second Miss’s helplessness, the embarrassment at being pressed by the Third Young Master, and the forced fibs to smooth things over, she seemed far from being deceitful.

Recalling the Third Young Master’s complaints, Madam Huang supposed his joining was truly accidental.

But if it were Second Miss’s deliberate arrangement, her scheming would be truly deep.