Chapter 36: Undeserved Fortune Flew In
Proofread By : Mim
Ever since Qi Desheng sent over the five to six mahogany chests to Chu Jinyao, her life could no longer be peaceful.
Everybody wanted to know what the chests were filled with. Qi Desheng had already sent two chestfuls of satin to Chu Jinyao that day, so why was there a need to gift another batch?
Chu Jinyao too did not know the answers to those questions. She watched as the servants carried the mahogany boxes from RongNingTang to ChaoYunYuan, but she did not open them up and instead instructed people to carry it directly into the storeroom before locking it in front of everyone. She had suddenly gained so many things, and it was enough to make others jealous. So, before her courtyard was cleaned up, Chu Jinyao dared not open the chests up in front of all these people. Her intuition inexplicably told her that the things in the mahogany chests were of a totally different grade than those given by Manager Qi that day.
As Chu Jinyao was living by herself, the area was rather spacious. She lived in the main room, and the Eastern and Western rooms were not used. Thus, the Eastern room was cleared out for attending to guests and needlework, while the Western room was used as a storeroom. The Momo, maids and the rest were staying in a distant southern room. With one Momo, six maids, and Chu Jinyao included, the eight of them filled up the entire little courtyard. The Western room was originally very empty, but now with the mahogany chests, it was filled up.
Today, after getting dressed, Chu Jinyao sat in the Western room to do needlework while the remaining maids were around her, helping her or talking and laughing. Momo Sun came in and spoke with a smile after seeing Chu Jinyao, “Young Lady, you woke up very early today.”
Actually, Chu Jinyao would often wake up around this time. Chu Jinyao was too lazy to continue the topic and wanted to see what this old maid wanted to say. Sure enough, Momo Sun paused for a while before speaking, “Young Lady, it is a sunny day today. It is rare to see such a good weather in spring. The wind is the most comfortable at the end of the fourth month, so it is ideal for us to bring things out to sun, so as to avoid things being damp and humid.”
When the maids heard it, they all looked at the sun outside the window. Dingxiang then said, “The weather is good and indeed the beddings need to be sunned. Young Lady would be able to sleep comfortable when the beddings are sunned often.”
Chu Jinyao, however, knew in her heart that Momo Sun did not just want the bedding to be sunned. She simply placed her needle down and said, “The skirt is almost sewn, with only the sides lift. Jiegeng, sew the interlocking stitches. My eyes are somewhat tired, and I am too lazy to move.”
Jiegeng quickly complied and took the needle from Chu Jinyao. Chu Jinyao sat upright and looked at Momo Sun saying, “Momo is right. While it is still early, quickly bring these soft beddings out to sun. Oh yes. The books in my study should not be left behind. Carefully place the books under the eaves and get one or two people to flip the pages. Books are very delicate. They cannot be scratched or wet.”
The maids complied in unison. Momo Sun rubbed her hands together before speaking, “Young lady, those chestfuls of fabric in the storeroom. How about moving them out to sun them?”
Chu Jinyao smiled and her eyes fluttered towards Momo Sun. It was obvious that Chu Jinyao did not reveal a fierce expression, but this glance felt like ten thousand weight, making Momo Sun shrink.
Finally, someone had mentioned this matter. Although the maids did not speak about it, they were waiting for Chu Jinyao to express her position. Chu Jinyao had instructed the things to be locked up upon returning, thus no one knew what it consist. Even Chu Jinyao herself was unsure. However, the more Chu Jinyao was like this, the more curious the rest were. These chests looked heavy and just the wood used to make the chest was worth a lot of money, so what could it contain that made Chu Jinyao this vigilant, not letting others see it?
Chu Jinyao knew that she would be living deep in the Inner Courtyard in the future and thus she could not be like she was in a farmer family, secretly hiding her private fortune. In the future, most of her things had to be managed by the maids. It was difficult for properties and dowry to be an exception, so she had to train a group of loyal and reliable people.
It was now urgent to clean up ChaoYunYuan. In the past, she did not have many important things, so there was no issue in leaving Madam Zhao’s and Chu Jinmiao’s people in the courtyard. However, it was not the case now. If she still wanted to have a good night’s sleep, she had to send these people of different hearts far, far away.
Chu Jinyao stood up, “There is only so much space in the courtyard. I see that after bringing the bedding and books out, there would not be any space left. It is not possible for everything to be sunned in a day, so bring the books out first. When I return, and if there is still space, then plans will be made.”
Chu Jinyao pushed the matter aside again, and although Momo Sun was not resigned to it she was helpless. After hearing Chu Jinyao’s words, she asked curiously, “Young Lady, where are you going?”
“I am heading to Grandmother’s for a visit.” Chu Jinyao continued, “Although Grandmother said that greetings are required on the first and fifteenth, to avoid us running around every day, but as the younger generation, we must not be truly that lazy.”
Momo Sun had the heart to say that she really only went to give her greetings every first and fifteenth previously… However, Chu Jinyao was now well versed in the workings of the Inner Courtyard, so no one was able to go against such high-sounding reasoning.
Chu Jinyao faintly felt a few days ago that the elders in the family were treating her a little differently. The last time Marquis Changxing asked her if she was lacking in personnel, and even said that Old Madam Chu would make arrangements for her and instructed her to visit RongNingTang often. Marquis Changxing did not bother about matters of the Inner Courtyard, so he would not say these words without any reason.
She needed to confirm some things.
When Chu Jinyao arrived at RongNingTang, she was seen by the maids before she entered. A maid, dressed in a lake green silk, smiled as she welcomed her in, “Fifth Young Lady has arrived early. Such filial piety makes one moved.”
Chu Jinyao just laughed as she replied, “How would one dare to accept Older Sister’s praise? Is Grandmother inside?”
“Naturally so.” The maid brought Chu Jinyao past the dividing wall and walked along the corridor to the west. As soon as she entered the courtyard, she called a young maid over, “Fifth Young Lady has arrived, why are you still foolishly playing here? Quickly go in to report!”
When the young maid with two looped hairstyle heard it, she quickly ran in to report. The Maid then turned over, “These young maids are always so muddled-headed and cannot be compared to older ones. May Fifth Young Lady not place any blame.”
Chu Jinyao maintained a smile as she watched everything. Previously, when she came to RongNingTang, how would she have such a treatment? The attendants before Old Madam Chu were more precious than Young Ladies, other than the official Madams, who would dare to instruct them to do anything? Now that this maid treated Chu Jinyao like this, she would not believe if there was no one behind instructing as such.
After Chu Jinyao entered the room, she was led to the western side. There was a row of antique racks filled with incense burners, agates, corals and more. Behind the antique racks was a layer of newly changed blue yarn gauze. It was currently summer and the curtains were replaced with goose-yellow muslin. After a few more months, it would be early autumn and all these muslins would be taken down and replaced with a refreshing and breathable gauze. This smoky gauze muslin was very valuable in the market. A bolt of muslin was very light, like smoke and with the slightly green hue, it was called the smoky gauze muslin. As this muslin was light and breathable, many rich families liked to use this material for clothes so that one would not sweat during the summer. However, in the Marquis Changxing, the valuable muslin would be used on the windows and closets, so that the Old Madam would feel a little better during the summer.
This was the treatment for the Old Madam Chu of the Marquis Changxing residence. Nothing would be used a second time. The gauze used on the screen windows would be changed every season, to say nothing about the beautiful fabrics all over the room. Chu Jinyao passed the goose-yellow muslin cabinet and saw Old Madam Chu wearing a gold embroidered jacquard weave buttoned jacket with a dark purple-red top and a dark blue skirt, leaning against the couch. There were a few maids kneeling at her feet, carefully massaging her legs.
When the maids saw Chu Jinyao, they all got up to greet her. Just as the maid, who was massaging Old Furen’s legs, was about to get up, Chu Jinyao quickly stopped her, “There is no need for Older Sister to do so. Grandmother is more important, and I do not want to hinder.”
Old Madam Chu watched everything coldly and only after Chu Jinyao greeted did she speak lightly, “Sit down first. Why did you come over today?”
Chu Jinyao was here with a goal today, and she knew she should be coquettish and squeeze towards Old Madam Chu, but she just could not bring herself do such a thing. She stood on the ground and immediately, a rather clever maid, moved a round stool over for Chu Jinyao. She then gave her thanks and sat down on the stool. Chu Jinyao sighed in her heart. It was of no wonder that Madam Zhao, Madam Yan and the rest dared not not give face to Old Madam Chu’s maids. Just look at these maids, each one of them was so clever.
She sighed quietly and the conjecture that she made became clearer. Chu Jinyao did not beat about the bush and spoke to Old Madam Chu directly, “Grandmother, two days ago, Manager Qi sent a few red mahogany chests to you. As it was already very late when it was brought back, I did not open them. Today, as the sun was shining brightly, Momo Sun said that it was suitable to sun things and if there were fabrics in the chest, then one should bring them out to sun. Grandmother, I am still young and do not understand these, thus I came to ask you how to manage fabrics like silk.”
The initial words were not aligned to the latter ones. At the beginning, it was mentioned that Momo Sun instructed for things to be sunned and afterwards she asked about managing fabrics. Moreover, how could one say that it was too late when the chests were brought back? Old Madam Chu saw that when Manager Qi and Chu Jinyao left, it was in the middle of the day. Can it be called very late?
Old Madam Chu understood Chu Jinyao’s meaning. She was secretly satisfied as this showed Chu Jinyao had a brain and did not announce to everyone when she got anything good. When these noble courtyards produced daughters, the most taboo thing was having a shallow view, and for Chu Jinyao to be this patient and wait for so many days, it was unexpected for Old Madam Chu. After all, to be suddenly gifted so many things, even experienced adults would not be able to resist and take a look at them. Chu Jinyao was a young female and was a young lady that grew up in a poor family but she could hold back that much. Just this temperament, it was already better than many people, let alone the few young ladies in the Chu family. One feared that even Madam Zhao and Madam Yan would not be as good as her.
As Old Madam Chu was thinking about it, her evaluation of Chu Jinyao went up a level. It was a good thing that she was patient and not fascinated by money, this meant that she was able to handle much more fortune in the future. Old Madam Chu then spoke, “You are still young and it is common not to be able to manage a lot of manners. There is a first time for everything, so don’t worry about it and try it out.”
Chu Jinyao lowered her head as she said, “This child is young and fears that one will be unable to master it. If there is Grandmother’s guidance, I will rest assured.”
“Then I will say that you should boldly try it.” Old Madam Chu smiled, “Since you always feel afraid then I would not force you. How about this? I still have an old maid here and can manage people and things. If you still worry then bring her back first and let her help you to take a look at things for a while.”
After hearing those words, Chu Jinyao finally thought of a matter. She dared not come out and offend others, but if these words of rebuke were spoken out by a Momo from Old Madam Chu’s side, then everything would be justified. Moreover, with Old Madam Chu’s people watching at the side, even if there were people eyeing her possessions, they would weigh the consequences before acting.
Naturally, on the flip side, her entire net worth would be completely exposed to Old Madam Chu. Chu Jinyao did not think anything of it because instead of being secretly besieged by others, it would be better to expose everything on hand to the person holding the family power. Since Old Madam Chu allowed her to move the things away, in the future, she would not and could not regret it. If one were to take a step back, even if Old Madam Chu had greedy intentions, with Chu Jinyao’s current means of self-protection, there was no way for her to stop it. Since it was the case, then why would there be a need to offend Old Madam Chu by protecting the things?
Moreover, Chu Jinyao could now confirm that Old Madam Chu had a request for her. Perhaps it was not a request but seeking something.
In Old Madam Chu’s eyes, Chu Jinyao definitely had more value than those few heavy boxes.
Chu Jinyao appeared docile, but her mind was turning. She was a female, thus could neither go to battle to defeat the enemies nor obtain a title through Imperial Examinations. For Old Madam Chu to suddenly meticulously groom her, what other reasons could there be? Chu Jinyao could almost guess it. One feared that Old Madam Chu planned to marry her up and obtain a valuable marriage connection.
The initial apprehensiveness of the unknown disappeared, and Chu Jinyao suddenly became calm after knowing some background. If it was a scheme towards this direction, then there was nothing for her to worry about. Even though the Chu family was making use of the daughters to obtain riches and honour, people would always head towards a higher position, thus the daughters that were marrying up had nothing to complain about. Old Madam Chu wanted to use Chu Jinyao to climb up, Chu Jinyao also wanted to use Old Madam Chu’s power to cultivate forces. They were now in a mutually beneficial relationship. The only current problem was just where Old Madam Chu planned to put her into? If it was to be a continuing branch of seventy or eighty year old man, then the matter would be dropped. Chu Jinyao would throw caution to the wind and ensure the matter would fall through with her life on the line.
Old Madam Chu watched as Chu Jinyao’s expression changed from suspicion to suddenly understanding, then to calmness. Old Madam Chu was very satisfied as this was a talent that was worthy of the family to nurture. She would be very useful for herself, the family clan and the future in-laws’ family. Only such a person would be suitable for a noble marriage, aligning the advantages of both surnames.
Else, that would not be a marriage connection but the start of a feud.
For Old Madam Chu to speak to such a point to Chu Jinyao today, she had the intention to ask her thoroughly. Chu Jinyao continued enquiring, “Grandmother, I am very grateful for your efforts in arranging discipline Momos. It is just that Jinyao is dull and fears that one would not be able to be worthy of respect in the future and unable to repay Grandmother.”
Old Madam Chu discerned the probing intent in Chu Jinyao’s words. With regards to the matter that Marquis Changxing and her planned to do, as the person involved, Chu Jinyao, would also need to know. Thus, Old Madam Chu did not cover anything up and spoke directly, “Since ancient times, the hearts of the elders are pitiful. Us elders would be satisfied upon seeing you all living well, so how would one be concerned about your reciprocation? Take a look at your Paternal Aunt, even though everyone said that she would live her entire life well after marrying up to the Prince residence, that kind of place has a lot of rules and regulations that she is unable to return to her maiden family even after many years. I only have one daughter and do not wish for her to be very rich or noble but instead wish that she live peacefully and smoothly. Fortunately, the Prince residence would be choosing a few young ladies to stay a short while in a few days’ time. You can accompany your Paternal Aunt and help me watch over her. This is the greatest filial piety.”
When Chu Jinyao heard these words, she was very surprised. Old Madam Chu meant that she wanted her to be the study companion? Marquis Changxing said that the last time, and it was also the same intention? Chu Jinyao really astonished this time. She had no intention of entering the muddy waters of the Prince residence and did not expect that in the eyes of the elders, there was an entirely different plan. Chu Jinyao was not a fool and did not mention that she did not want to go to the Prince residence at this moment and instead probed, “The matter of the study companion has to go through the Princess Consort. I fear that at that time, I would not be able to speak well and will disappoint Grandmother.”
“How can it be?” Old Madam Chu laughed and pointed out with intention, “You are the Di-daughter of our residence of Marquis Changxing and have appearance and talents. To be able to be closely related to the Prince Residence, the Princess Consort would not be able to wait to treat you as her daughter, so why would there be any opposition?”
When Chu Jinyao heard it, she was so stunned that she almost could not close her mouth. “Grandmother, your meaning is…”
Old Madam Chu did not answer and suddenly spoke of an incongruous matter, “The last time when Shizi was a guest in our residence, he is indeed at his prime, his spirits are so pressing. A good man like him would be liked by everyone.”
Old Madam Chu’s target is actually the Shizi? Chu Jinyao could not close her lips together now. She knew that Old Madam Chu and Marquis Changxing wanted to tie the knot with Chu Zhu’s family but did not think that they actually targeted the heir of the Prince residence, the Shizi Lin Xiyuan.
Chu Jinyao could barely stand, “Grandmother, you have perhaps overestimated me. I…”
Old Madam Chu instead raised her hand to stop Chu Jinyao’s words, “These words are still spoken very early. You need not worry about these matters now and take care of tidying up your matters.”
It was not so. Chu Jinyao really had difficulties that she could not say. Old Madam Chu and Marquis Changxing actually planned for Chu Jinyao to be the Shizi Consort, they really thought highly of her! Chu Jinyao thought about the first unbearable encounter with Lin Xiyuan, and her stomach was filled with bitterness. However, she did not know how to explain to Old Madam Chu when she opened her mouth.
Could it be said that the Shizi caught her red-handed when she sneaked out and flipped over the wall?
Chu Jinyao was unable to say anything for a while, and in the end, could only lower her head, “All right Grandmother. However, this granddaughter is dull and one fears that Grandmother would be disappointed.”
Chu Jinyao had felt that she had already said such words so in the future if things were not achieved, Old Madam Chu could not blame her.
However, would Old Madam Chu think towards this direction? When she saw that Chu Jinyao’s desire to stop talking about this topic, she thought that Chu Jinyao had some hidden feelings towards it, thus upon hearing those words, Old Madam Chu was very relieved as she felt that this was just a young girl’s aloof and pretentious attitude. Since she was no longer worried, she started to scheme towards the position of Shizi Consort, “It is good that you understand. I will instruct Gong Momo to visit you later, and you can ask her about anything you do not know. It is all right for her to point some things out to you…”
When Old Madam Chu was speaking, Chu Jinyao was also thinking about it. Chu Jinyao was an ordinary girl, so which girl would not be willing to marry to the heir of the Prince residence, the future Prince Huailing? Not to mention this Shizi had an outstanding appearance and temperament. In the face of family status and fortune, it was a ray of green smoke for the couple to be harmonious. Other than the issue of enticing young women, nothing else mattered.
Chu Jinyao slowly recalled Shizi’s voice. He seemed to be very tall and always wore a smile on his face. What did he actually look like? Chu Jinyao tried hard to recall, he seemed to have a fair complexion, with a slender neck, a pair of shining eyes that were slightly raised at the end, he had a heroic spirit… No. This was not the Shizi. This was Qi Zi.
Chu Jinyao’s heart suddenly sank. She had returned to the family for three months and the family clan had recognised her value and wanted to nurture her to become the future Shizi Consort. No matter what the perspective was, this was an extremely good matter. In fact, it could be said that she was very lucky.
However, Chu Jinyao inexplicable felt sad. Qi Zi was no longer here, and she finally had to get married.
Old Madam Chu spoke for a long time and saw that Chu Jinyao had her head lowered and did not engage in the conversation, making one not know what she was thinking about. Even though Old Madam Chu felt that it was strange, she only felt that it was because she was shy and too embarrassed to hear such things. Old Madam Chu stopped hinting about it, “All right, I have said enough about the topic. Go back with the rest first. In the future, manage the people around you. These people will be following you for a long time.”
The last sentence had an implied meaning, and Chu Jinyao understood it. Old Madam Chu meant that these people would be following her when she married into the residence of Prince Huailing. In other words, Old Madam Chu had acquiesced for her to take action.
Chu Jinyao had gotten an extraordinary promise, but she did not feel happy in her heart. She bid goodbye to Old Madam Chu properly before respectfully bringing the group of people back, without a trace difference.
However, when she was walking along the silent courtyard, her palm could not help but go towards her chest. It was there where the jade pendant was hanging. This jade pendant had accompanied her through the bitter years in the Su family and also through the difficult times upon her return to the residence.
Chu Jinyao could not help but have the same thought as before. She waved for the rest to withdraw and spoke to Qin Yi quietly, “Qi Zi, I will be marrying. Grandmother has the intention for me to marry the Shizi of the family of Prince Huailing, the Eldest Brother of the County Princess. If this really comes true, then my Mother-In-Law will be the most respected noble in Taiyuan, the Princess Consort. With a Princess Consort Mother-In-Law, and a proud and famous County Princess as a Sister-in-Law, can one live well when marrying this high up?”
However, she could not speak out such things as Gong Momo was by her side. This was a shield and also a shackle. Gong Momo would make sure no one dared to neglect Chu Jinyao, but at the same time she was an informant planted by Old Madam Chu. Now, she was no longer the weed that no one cares about, like when she had just come back.
Chu Jinyao did not feel happy to be inexplicably promoted from the weed to a delicate flower. In the past, she had looked forward to the arrival of such a day, but when it really happened, she was envious of the past, those days in Qi Yi’s company, even though were difficult, were carefree, with no worries.
“Fifth Young Lady, what is the matter with you?” Gong Momo saw that Chu Jinyao had inexplicably stopped her steps and her eyes were looking at something far away, one did not know what she was thinking. Gong Momo felt strange and could only give Chu Jinyao a soft reminder.
Chu Jinyao recovered to her senses and place the jade pendant down, “I am all right. Let us continue.”
She silently spoke in her heart. Qi Zi, you have left and I will be marrying. The fate between us could only be till here.
I wish you a good life. As for me, I would probably have to be worn down.
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