Chapter Twenty-Five: The Earring Hole

Neither mistress nor maid slept well that night.

The next morning, as soon as they rose, both caught sight of the dark circles beneath each other’s eyes and couldn’t help but exchange bitter smiles and shake their heads.

“I’ve only told you about this matter. You know what's going on, and that's enough. If I am truly forced to marry that brute and you don't wish to follow me, just let me know. Before I go to the bitter kiln, I’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.”

Xu Ruojin had no regrets about confiding in Chuncao. Chuncao was honest and straightforward; there was no need for her to share in Xu Ruojin’s suffering.

“Second Miss, you shouldn’t worry too much. I thought about it all night, and perhaps Young Master Zhang simply doesn’t understand your character yet. Once he truly gets to know you, maybe he’ll treat you kindly.”

Chuncao’s comfort made Xu Ruojin shake her head. “That depends on the heavens’ arrangements. The chances are slim.”

“In any case, I’m sticking with you. While I might not be able to help with other matters, at least I can keep you company and lift your spirits.”

Chuncao’s words warmed Xu Ruojin’s heart. “Good. Let’s face it together.”

After breakfast, Xu Ruojin had not yet picked up her book box for lessons when a young maid from Lady Yang’s courtyard arrived with a message.

“The mistress from Yuanxiu Workshop has delivered some items. Madam asks that Second Miss come to try on the clothes.”

“So soon?”

Xu Ruojin marveled at the speed of the Yuanxiu Workshop’s embroiderers. Counting on her fingers, she realized she would soon meet that person from the Zhang family.

This past week, lessons and a string of affairs had kept her so busy she’d lost track of time; in the blink of an eye, the seven days were almost up.

Putting her thoughts aside, Xu Ruojin asked the young maid, “Who from Yuanxiu Workshop has come? Is Mistress Bi here?”

“She’s arrived and is having tea with Madam in the front hall. Second Miss, you should hurry.”

Xu Ruojin nodded, understanding. “Chuncao, leave the book box. Go inform Master Wang and then come find me in the front hall. I won’t be attending lessons today.”

Chuncao acknowledged and dashed off. Xu Ruojin changed into a clean, neat outfit and followed the young maid to the front hall.

Upon seeing Mistress Bi again, Xu Ruojin’s manner was noticeably more deferential.

Lady Yang’s expression remained cold, but seeing Xu Ruojin dressed decently rather than in rough linen, she finally let out a sigh of relief.

Mistress Bi took the opportunity to observe Xu Ruojin closely. Though only fifteen, there was a calm serenity in her eyes, like a placid lake meeting Mistress Bi’s gaze.

This was no ordinary young lady...

Mistress Bi said nothing more and beckoned to those at her side. “Dress and adorn the Second Miss!”

The embroiderers gathered around Xu Ruojin, leading her behind the hall to change and style her hair. Lady Yang instructed her maids to follow, carefully noting each step.

Gold adorns the Buddha; clothes adorn the person.

Xu Ruojin shed her plain patterned blouse and donned a peony-patterned brocade jacket, paired with a soft indigo pleated skirt. Her simple twin hair buns were wrapped in colorful ribbons, and a touch of powder gave her fair cheeks a healthy flush.

Though her figure was somewhat slender, it did not make her appearance seem frail; the crystalline clarity in her eyes drew astonished glances.

She did not possess the delicate charm of a sheltered maiden, but rather an air of composure and poise.

One of the embroiderers couldn’t help but mutter inwardly: truly, a golden phoenix has flown from the chicken coop...

Xu Ruojin gazed at her reflection in the bronze mirror, unable to resist a few more glances at herself.

She reached out to touch her eyebrows, nose, and lips—full and rosy—then pursed them playfully, amused by her own antics, leaving the young maid nearby wide-eyed in astonishment.

The Second Miss before her seemed a completely different person. Recalling her previous sickly appearance, no one would guess it was the same girl.

No wonder the Second Miss was chosen for a prestigious match; it seemed she truly possessed rare beauty.

The embroiderers smiled in admiration. Pleased, Xu Ruojin knew there was no time to delay. She stood and headed toward the front hall. “I mustn’t keep Mother and Mistress Bi waiting.”

Chuncao hurried over, and seeing her mistress’s transformation, quickly stepped forward to protect her.

Xu Ruojin no longer dwelled on her appearance, but wondered how Lady Yang would react upon seeing her.

As expected, when Xu Ruojin entered the front hall, Mistress Bi and Lady Yang were both visibly astonished.

Mistress Bi clicked her tongue in admiration, circling Xu Ruojin to take a closer look; Lady Yang’s shock quickly turned to a fierce scowl, as if she wished nothing more than to rip the face from Xu Ruojin.

Xu Ruojin sighed inwardly. Lady Yang had clearly been reminded of her mysterious birth mother, whose face and name remained unknown...

"...Truly a clever girl. I always felt Second Miss had something about her that set her apart from other young ladies, something hard to describe. Now, dressed like this, she’s practically a celestial maiden! Not only fit for the Zhang family, but even worthy of selection in the palace!"

“Such praise from Mistress Bi is undeserved. It’s all thanks to Mother’s guidance,”

Xu Ruojin quickly flattered Lady Yang, whose icy face gained a hint of color. “Mistress Bi’s skill is unmatched. The servants here could never make such a transformation.”

Mistress Bi laughed politely, then noticed Xu Ruojin was not wearing earrings.

Looking closer, she saw no ear holes, and teased Lady Yang, “You haven’t even had our Ruojin’s ears pierced! What kind of mother is that? If it’s done when she’s young, it hardly hurts; now, she’ll have to endure a bit!”

Lady Yang was stunned, speechless for a moment before inventing an excuse. “She’s my only daughter—I didn’t know. The maids didn’t remind me either, so it was delayed.”

“You should have mentioned it earlier. Otherwise, people might think you’re unwilling to give her earrings as part of her dowry!”

Mistress Bi laughed heartily, leaving Lady Yang no room to explain further, nor Xu Ruojin any chance to avoid it. She pressed Xu Ruojin into a nearby chair. “Today, I’ll do it myself and pierce two holes for our Ruojin. We mustn’t let your lady mother save on the dowry silver!”

Lady Yang forced a stiff smile. “You exaggerate—would I really be so stingy?” In truth, she very much would...

Xu Ruojin knew escape was impossible, so she stood to thank Mistress Bi and sat to await the procedure.

Yet there was something unsettling in Mistress Bi’s gaze.

She and Mistress Bi had once exchanged barbed words over incense, so Xu Ruojin never assumed her intentions were kind.

Mistress Bi understood her relationship with Lady Yang better than anyone. The earlier praise was not meant as a compliment, but to deepen the rift between mother and daughter.

But what could she do? At this moment, she was little more than meat on the chopping block, waiting for Mistress Bi’s knife.

Would Mistress Bi play tricks while piercing her ears?