Chapter Nineteen: Knocking Sense Into the Mischief-Makers

After managing the day's household affairs, Lady Song received word from her trusted nurse about the minor commotion in the garden, and her face darkened immediately.

“I recall that peony maid, who lives in the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion with Concubine Mei and Concubine Zhou, attended by a little servant girl. How is it that she was running about so early and happened to offend the Grand Madam?” Lady Song spoke as she set down her teacup and strode outside. “No, I must go and check on the Grand Madam.”

Nurse Fang stopped her, smiling. “Madam, don’t be anxious. The Grand Madam is perfectly well—do hear the rest first.”

At those words, Lady Song sat back down. After hearing how Old Master Song had brushed the matter aside, she raised her brows and smiled wryly. “It seems that from now on, the old master will hardly be able to best the Grand Madam. He’s grown as cautious as we are—afraid of her.”

“Well, yes. They say it’s a contest between the two ancestors, but really, it’s just their own way of getting along. They’ve been married for years, and with three legitimate sons, how could it truly be life or death between them?” Nurse Fang laughed.

Lady Song sighed. “Though there are three sons, I wonder if Mother still harbors some lingering resentment. Have you ever heard her mention that person?”

“Madam, be prudent.”

Nurse Fang walked to the window, glanced outside, and lowered her voice. “It’s best not to bring up that matter, lest word reach the Grand Madam and displease her.”

Lady Song replied awkwardly, “I know, but isn’t it only natural to feel indignant on her behalf?”

“The Grand Madam herself isn’t bothered by it.”

“Nurse Fang, what woman doesn’t care about her husband? She poured herself into holding this family together, endured hardship so dire it squeezed bitterness from every day. When at last life improves, someone else comes in to reap the benefits. If it were you, could you truly be magnanimous and indifferent?” Lady Song laughed coldly. “Mother’s temperament is fiercer and more uncompromising than anyone’s.”

Nurse Fang was silent for a long moment before replying, “Without her strength, would the Song family be what it is today?”

Lady Song secretly admired her, and said, “Enough, let’s drop it. Go to the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion and send two more people there. Don’t let anyone wander about and risk offending the Grand Madam or the masters of the household. And give those two concubines a warning—if they can’t even keep their people in check, they’re of no use. The privilege of adding incense to the Scarlet Sleeve isn’t theirs alone. If they wish to enjoy good fortune, let them behave themselves and stop stirring up trouble.”

Her words ended on a cold note.

Half an hour later, at the Scarlet Sleeve Pavilion.

Concubine Mei and Concubine Zhou sat slumped on the luohan couch, drenched in cold sweat, exchanging anxious glances.

“Mei, what do we do now?” Concubine Zhou looked at Mei with a sigh. “I told you it wouldn’t work. Thankfully the Grand Madam is unharmed. Otherwise, we’d be guilty beyond redemption.”

Mei gave her a withering look. “Are you foolish? She offended the Grand Madam. Even if she’s brought in, she’ll never win the Grand Madam’s favor. Without status and the mistress’s affection, no matter how favored she becomes, she’ll never amount to much. As it stands, it’s uncertain if she’ll even be made a concubine.”

“But—”

“No buts. We did nothing but mention that the Grand Madam was out for a stroll. She went out on her own.” Mei spoke forcefully.

Zhou lowered her head, twisting the handkerchief in her hands.

“Concubines, Madam Gong from the Grand Madam’s side has arrived,” announced a maid, lifting the curtain.

The two concubines’ expressions changed, and they quickly stood up.

Madam Gong entered, wearing a gentle smile, and conveyed Song Ci’s wishes: for the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival next month, she hoped to offer a hundred volumes of Buddhist scriptures to the River God. Her health was poor, and since the two concubines had beautiful handwriting, she would trouble them to copy the texts.

Mei and Zhou trembled, agreeing in meek voices.