Chapter Thirty-Four: Resolution

All day long, not even half a word about Liucui’s whereabouts reached their ears. Xue Ruojin found this truly astonishing.

If Liucui had really gone, as she claimed, to find her father, there should have been some stir by now. Could it be that Liucui had thought of another plan, or perhaps she had already left the Xue household?

There was no way to make inquiries directly—such meddling would only bring trouble upon themselves. Xue Ruojin reassured Chuncao that they should wait a little longer, then decided to retire early, intent on reflecting on Madam Fang's words from earlier that day.

As mistress and maid were preparing for bed, footsteps sounded at the courtyard gate. The tread was light, punctuated by hesitant pauses. Chuncao, startled, hurried to the door. Once she recognized the visitor, she patted her chest in relief and turned back inside. “Second Miss, it’s Lianqiao.”

Lianqiao? What could bring her here?

Xue Ruojin no longer attended lessons in Xue Zimo’s courtyard. Besides, Lianqiao, resentful that Madam Huang had refused her as a dowry maid, was always cold and sharp toward Ruojin, even resorting to sly tricks to hinder her.

Why would she come seeking her, and of her own accord?

Xue Ruojin rose from the bed just as Lianqiao entered the room.

“It’s late. What brings you here?” Ruojin wrapped herself in a robe and sat down, wasting no time on pleasantries.

Lianqiao bit her lip and let out a cold snort. “Does the Second Miss think no one knows what she’s done? Madam nearly beat Liucui to death.”

Chuncao’s face blanched instantly. Ruojin stepped in front of her, stifling her own shock and frowning. “Liucui? What does that have to do with me?”

“She went straight from your rooms to Master’s study. Are you saying you have nothing to do with it?” Lianqiao’s accusation made Ruojin wary.

“If that’s your reasoning, then if you leave here and trip, scarring your face, shall that be my fault as well?”

“You...” Lianqiao, failing to elicit any confession, rolled her eyes before continuing. “Second Miss is always right and we servants can say nothing. But what Madam thinks is beyond my power—just now my aunt summoned me to ask after you.”

So this was her real purpose.

Ruojin understood Lianqiao’s intent and merely smiled faintly. “If you have something to say, say it plainly. Isn’t it awkward to circle around like this?”

“I wish to serve as your dowry maid, Second Miss. I hope you will grant me this favor.” Though she forced the words out, humiliation colored Lianqiao’s voice, rendering it barely audible.

“You must think little of me. But I don’t wish to serve others for life. If I must, I’d rather serve a good household. Who doesn’t wish for a better life? Second Miss will need such people by her side—I would gladly devote myself to you.”

Chuncao flushed crimson with anger. How could such words be uttered so shamelessly before the Second Miss? Utterly disgraceful!

“How is Liucui now?” Ruojin didn’t answer Lianqiao directly.

Lianqiao was stunned, blinking in surprise at the abrupt change of topic.

Ruojin’s voice grew colder. “I asked you a question. Did you not hear me?”

“She... She was beaten by Madam, but Master has now declared she is to be raised as a concubine.”

“And so you rush here, wielding Madam Huang’s inquiries as threats? Is it that you’re upset, seeing Liucui rise from maid to concubine?”

Ruojin’s heart eased slightly. At least Liucui had found her place; how she fared henceforth would depend on her own abilities.

But as for Lianqiao...

Ruojin’s distaste for her was genuine. Such a person, kept close, would surely bring disaster sooner or later. Yet for her to come threatening Ruojin, it could only mean Madam Huang harbored suspicions as well. If this matter was not handled properly, hidden troubles would remain.

Lianqiao, blushing furiously under Ruojin’s questioning, pleaded, “I only beg Second Miss to grant my wish!”

“Chuncao,” Ruojin called quietly, “go to the main courtyard and ask Madam Huang to come here.”

“What?”

“Second Miss, what... what are you doing?” Lianqiao leapt from her stool, panic-stricken. “Why do you want my aunt?”

“Do I owe you an explanation for my actions?” The icy look on Ruojin’s face made Lianqiao step back in fear, and her next words chilled her further:

“You truly forget your place as a servant, and you take no notice of your station before me. You think a few words will cow me? If I keep you by my side, will you not run wild?”

“You serve in my third brother’s courtyard, living better than most maids, yet your ambition knows no bounds. You throw mud at me and seek to impose your will—do you mean to climb over my head?”

Ruojin ordered again, “Chuncao, go quickly. Find Madam Huang and bring her here. Tonight I must know whether Lianqiao’s midnight visit to insult me was her own idea or yours!”

“You mustn’t go!” Lianqiao darted to the door, shoving Chuncao aside to block her way.

Ruojin hurried to shield Chuncao, drawing her back, and rebuked, “Do you think I can’t leave this room tonight?”

She advanced toward the door herself. Lianqiao, bewildered, hesitated, unsure whether to intervene. In her panic, Chuncao finally lost her restraint, forcefully pushed Lianqiao aside, and dashed out.

Lianqiao staggered and fell. Ruojin stood over her, forbidding her to move or escape.

Meanwhile, Madam Huang was in the main courtyard, attempting to soothe a furious Lady Yang. When Chuncao rushed in, reporting that Lianqiao was causing trouble in the Second Miss’s rooms, Madam Huang’s heart nearly leapt from her chest.

Lady Yang, who had not intended to pursue the matter, merely ordered Madam Huang to deal with it. But Madam Huang, unable to hold her tongue, pressed Chuncao for details. When she learned Lianqiao was forcing Second Miss to accept her as a dowry maid—especially now, just after the incident with Liucui—Lady Yang exploded in rage.

“These little hussies, all scheming and plotting! Wasn’t it enough to promise her to Chen Cai by the master’s side? Now she’s secretly maneuvering for more? Do they take me for a blind fool? Push me too far, and I’ll have them all beaten to death and buried in an unmarked grave!”

Madam Huang’s scalp tingled, regret flooding her. Why hadn’t she kept her mouth shut? She had only provoked Lady Yang’s wrath.

At this point, Madam Huang could only kneel and beg forgiveness, insisting the matter could not be so simple—there must be more to it. She pleaded for a chance to investigate before reporting back.

But remembering that Lianqiao was Madam Huang’s niece, and that she had served Xue Zimo for many years, Lady Yang’s heart grew colder.

If Zimo were a few years older, would such a maid not bring him to ruin? And this was Madam Huang’s own niece—just how much went on in her household that she did not know?

Lady Yang’s gaze turned icy as she glared at Madam Huang. “There’s no need for you to handle this. I will see to it myself!”