Chapter 7

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Xu placed all her hopes on Prince Huai’an, hoping for his mercy. Chen Jiao feared she would trouble their father, so she advised her to endure and not speak out. Xu couldn’t swallow this humiliation and frowned. “My son is timid; everyone is bullying him without restraint.” Chen Jiao patiently persuaded her, “Mother, don’t be confused. Think carefully—how could the main branch willingly marry their daughter off to Jiaozhou? They will surely negotiate with father. If you trouble him at this critical moment, won’t it only cause him more worry on both sides?” Xu was stunned. Chen Jiao continued, “All the more reason to stay calm now. At least wait until the main branch shows their position before taking any action.” Xu said impatiently, “My son’s point is valid, but I’m anxious. I just want them to give up this idea.” Chen Jiao waved her hand helplessly, “Mother, it’s naive to think you can easily escape this trap once you’re involved.” Xu looked at her, speechless. Chen Jiao was her bottom line.

The Jiaozhou governor was already fifty years old. Just the thought of her daughter possibly being married off there made her heart ache. The atmosphere in the room grew heavy as mother and daughter fell silent, neither speaking. After an unknown length of time, Chen Jiao spoke, “The urgent matter is that Mother must ask Father for a reliable housekeeper. You should tell him that it’s to avoid offending the main wives with unfamiliar household rules—someone to remind us and prevent mistakes.” Xu nodded. Chen Jiao added, “Don’t complain to Father. Once the main branch reveals their stance, it won’t be too late to ask for mercy.” Xu said unhappily, “Very well, as you say.” She paused, then added, “Most likely this marriage alliance with Jiaozhou was arranged by Father.” Chen Jiao replied calmly, “With so many daughters in the household, how could he raise them in vain?” Xu was stifled, wanting to say more but stopping herself.

Taking advantage of Prince Huai’an’s recent kindness to mother and daughter, Xu indeed managed to obtain an older housekeeper from him. The woman’s surname was Jiang, a born servant of the household, about fifty years old, with a sharp, narrow face and a harsh manner of speaking, difficult to get along with. Xu had some complaints. This was not a servant but more like an ancestor! Yet Chen Jiao treated Jiang with great respect. When Jiang taught her household rules, she learned obediently without complaint. Previously, Xu had made Chen Jiao practice the proper lady’s walk, which she resisted. Now, under Jiang’s watchful eye holding a ruler, instructing her in posture and manners, she was meticulous. Whenever Chen Jiao’s behavior was off, the ruler would tap her. The blows were not heavy but painful.

Jiang sternly said, “Young ladies today are very different from the past. As someone from the Prince Huai’an household, you represent the family’s dignity.” Chen Jiao responded, “Mother Jiang’s admonition is well taken.” Jiang added, “Walk it again; that was too fast earlier. Also, if you wear the step-shaking hairpin and it jingles loudly, it looks improper.” Chen Jiao answered, “Yes.” For several consecutive days, she studied the etiquette of the noble daughter under Jiang’s ruler. At first, Jiang thought mother and daughter lacked manners due to their lowly origins, but seeing Chen Jiao’s respectful attitude and speech, her prejudice softened.

The maidservants in the Pear Fragrance Courtyard were all sent by the Zheng family, and every movement was closely watched by the main branch. After enduring for several days, Madam Zheng finally showed her fangs and demanded that Chen Jiao be adopted into the main branch. Prince Huai’an came to test Xu, who immediately confronted him, clinging to his legs and crying bitterly, “Chen Lang, Ah Ying has depended on me since childhood; she is my lifeline. The main branch’s move is like wanting to take Xu Huilan’s very life!” Chen En was also troubled and patted her back, “Hui Niang, rest assured, our Ah Ying…” Before he finished, Xu interrupted tearfully, “Chen Lang, five years ago, my daughter and I waited for you for five long years. Now that we have finally reunited, how can you bear to marry Ah Ying off to Jiaozhou?” Facing her accusation, Chen En remained silent. Xu showed some backbone and fiercely said, “If I had known it would come to this, I would have rather died with Ah Ying in Tongzhou than rely on you, Chen En!” “Hui Niang…” “Chen Lang, Ah Ying is my lifeline. We depend on each other. Without her, I won’t survive alone. If you insist on marrying her off to that old man in Jiaozhou, on her wedding day, I will throw myself to death at the Chen family home to see her off.” Chen En frowned and said unhappily, “Hui Niang, don’t say such nonsense!”

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Xu’s expression turned cold. She had once said she would lower her stance no matter what, but when it came to her bottom line, she was stubborn and unyielding. “Chen Lang, five years ago you left without a word. I, Xu Huilan, even if I had to bite through my teeth, would protect Ah Ying. To you, she is just one of many daughters, but to me, she is my life! She is the daughter I have raised with all my effort. For her, I am willing to do anything. If you insist on marrying her off to Jiaozhou, prepare a thin coffin for me—I will not stop you!” Such rebellious words made Chen En furious. “Nonsense!” Xu said nothing more, kneeling on the ground with no trace of her usual softness, her whole body stiff and tense. Chen En felt both pity for her hardships over the years and annoyance at her stubbornness. He wanted to help her up and soothe her but saw her unyielding attitude and was filled with frustration. He simply got up and left.

Chen Jiao, seeing him come out, greeted, “Father.” Chen En looked at her silently for a moment, then said, “Come here.” Chen Jiao stepped forward. As they walked, Chen En asked, “If I have you adopted into the main branch, would you be willing?” Chen Jiao cautiously replied, “If Father decides, your daughter would naturally not dare disobey.” Chen En stopped and probed, “Ah Ying surely resents you, doesn’t she?” Chen Jiao thought for a moment and spoke frankly, “The alliance with Jiaozhou must be a carefully considered decision by Father. Ah Ying, as a member of the Chen family, if she enjoys the family’s protection, she must share the family’s burdens. If sacrificing me can bring peace to Huizhou and relieve Father’s troubles, Ah Ying will naturally shoulder the responsibility of a Chen daughter.” Her words were perfectly fitting.

Chen En looked at her with satisfaction and patted her thin shoulder lightly. He sighed, “If Fifth Lady had your understanding, I wouldn’t be so troubled.” Chen Jiao said nothing. Chen En said, “Go persuade your mother not to make a fuss or threaten to die all the time; it’s bad luck.” Chen Jiao nodded, “I will try to persuade her.” Chen En left, and Chen Jiao watched him go. After his figure disappeared from sight, her heart grew cold. Surprisingly, it was Xu’s fierce spirit that struck her. Xu had always told her to learn how to please men and soften her temperament to avoid suffering, yet she herself was so stubborn and fierce, like a different person. Chen Jiao’s feelings were complicated.

She reached the door of the side room and quietly lifted the curtain to peek inside. Xu was still sitting on the floor, seemingly lost in thought. “Mother?” Chen Jiao called softly. After a long pause, Xu came back to herself, her eyes dull and lifeless. Chen Jiao helped her up, saying, “Father has left.” Xu gave a listless “Hmm” and sat on a stool. Having cried earlier, her makeup was smudged. Chen Jiao took a small cloth to wipe the tears from her cheeks. Suddenly, Xu said, “Son, we must find a way to escape.” Chen Jiao was stunned. Xu grasped her hand, “This place is merciless; I can’t stay here a moment longer.” Chen Jiao was silent for a moment, then softly said, “Mother, have you forgotten? You once told me, no matter what happens, don’t stubbornly seek hardship.” Xu shook her head, growing emotional, “I cannot tolerate them touching you. You are my child, my bottom line. Son, when you become a mother, you will understand what it means to be strong for your child. You are the one I have raised with great effort. I will never allow them to mistreat you like this, to push you into that fire pit in Jiaozhou. Do you understand?” Hearing this, Chen Jiao was deeply moved. “Mother, the world is chaotic. Even if we leave, where else can we find a foothold?” Xu said, “I don’t care about that!”

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Chen Jiao comforted her, “It’s not beyond hope yet. Let me think of a way.” Xu grew anxious, “We don’t have much time. I heard they will send her away by next month at the latest.” Chen Jiao held her hand, “Let me think carefully how to break this trap.” “But…” “Mother, I am already of age. From now on, I will protect you.” Xu’s eyes reddened, her nose tingling, “Son, your mother is useless.” “Mother, don’t speak so despairingly. We survived all those hardships in Tongzhou; we will surely find a way to get through this trial.” Seeing her determined gaze, Xu nodded repeatedly, wiping her tears, “Alright, alright. I won’t be a burden to you.” After calming Xu’s emotions, Chen Jiao returned to her own room. She sat at the bedside in a daze. Half a day passed just like that.

At dusk, Chen Jiao went to Xu’s room and summoned Jiang the housekeeper. She had something to say and told Xu to stay by the door to prevent eavesdropping. Usually, Chen Jiao treated Jiang with great respect, but today she showed her authority. The candlelight flickered nervously. Chen Jiao sat on the couch with a blank expression. Jiang was uncomfortable and furrowed her brows, “What does the young lady wish to say?” Chen Jiao looked at her, “I suppose Mother Jiang already knows the main branch wants me to be a substitute bride.” Jiang said nothing. Chen Jiao said lightly, “I have enjoyed your company these days. If I must marry off to Jiaozhou, I will surely ask Father to bring you along as part of the dowry. Would Mother Jiang be willing to go to Jiaozhou?” Jiang’s lips twitched but she said nothing.

Chen Jiao tilted her head, “Would Mother Jiang be willing? Separating you and your children, husband and wife, is really improper. Why not take your whole family to Jiaozhou? What do you think?” That was truly outrageous! Jiang was a born servant of the Chen family and lived comfortably in the household. If she went to Jiaozhou, her future would be uncertain! Perhaps unprepared for such cruelty from this girl, Jiang could not hold back and knelt, gritting her teeth, “This old servant is unworthy of the young lady’s notice!” Chen Jiao raised an eyebrow, her eyes full of contempt. “So, Mother Jiang is unwilling?” Jiang hurriedly said, “I dare not!” Chen Jiao slowly stood and spoke frankly, “You don’t want to go, and I don’t want to go either.” Jiang was truly afraid Chen Jiao would cause trouble and implicate her, so she said plainly, “Young lady, speak freely.” Chen Jiao looked down at her and asked, “Do you know Cui Jue?” Jiang was stunned for a moment and nodded, “This old servant knows Master Cui.” Chen Jiao asked, “Has he returned?” Jiang said, “Yes, just a few days ago.” Chen Jiao nodded and paced back and forth with her hands behind her back. “He was the one who sent us mother and daughter to Huizhou. Could I trouble Mother Jiang to contact him? I want to see him.” “This…” “What? Is it difficult? Compared to sending the whole family to Jiaozhou, which is harder?” “No, no, no! Young lady, please be patient. This old servant will find a way to handle this matter!” Chen Jiao smiled in satisfaction and helped her up. “If I am in the household, you will be in the household; if I am in Jiaozhou, your whole family will be there too.” Jiang gave a smile worse than crying, “Young lady is right. Since I came to Pear Fragrance Courtyard, I will always think of my master’s interests.” Chen Jiao nodded, “Good for you, good for me, good for everyone.”

With that, she took a piece of small silver from her sleeve and slipped it into Jiang’s hand, coaxing, “Master Cui will surely reward Mother Jiang well later.” Jiang could only grit her teeth and accept it, suddenly realizing that this mother and daughter had a powerful backer. Chen Jiao boldly used Cui Jue as leverage—very brave indeed!