Chapter Thirty-Eight: White Snow

After the coming-of-age ceremony, Jiang Li’s Fragrant Blossom Courtyard returned to its former tranquility.

Although it had been proven that Jiang Li was innocent in the matter of the gemstone jewelry, not a single person came to comfort her. Tong’er, after some discreet inquiries, learned that the Old Madam had summoned Ji Shuran to the Late Phoenix Hall and scolded her harshly. Since Jiang Youyao’s coming-of-age ceremony had been orchestrated entirely by Ji Shuran, the resulting scandal had become a laughingstock among the guests, bringing disgrace to the Jiang family.

“This time, Madam Ji’s reputation as a capable housekeeper will be seriously questioned,” Tong’er said with great satisfaction.

Jiang Li smiled, knowing that Old Madam Jiang’s rebuke of Ji Shuran likely wasn’t because of the failed ceremony alone. The old matron, after all, was a veteran of many years in the inner courtyard’s intrigues and would not be oblivious to its twists and turns. Moreover, Ji Shuran’s attempt to frame her had been far from subtle. While the Old Madam was not particularly fond of the second miss, she could still be counted on to act with a measure of fairness—this was likely a warning to Ji Shuran.

Still, although Jiang Li’s actions had protected herself, they had also exposed the unrest of the Jiang family’s rear court to outsiders. Inevitably, some would bear a grudge, and so, as now, she remained neglected—her family’s silent punishment.

Yet Jiang Li herself cared little for it.

Tong’er grinned. “The three new maids are still waiting outside. Would you like to see them now, miss?”

Xiang Qiao and Yun Shuang had already been taken away, leaving Tong’er as Jiang Li’s sole maid. Under the supervision of a matron, she had chosen three more. Now, including Tong’er, there were two first-class maids and two second-class maids, as well as a selection of cleaners from the outer courtyard—just the right amount.

“Let them in,” Jiang Li said.

The three maids entered. The two second-class maids were named Bright Moon and Clear Breeze, both about Tong’er’s age and seemingly lively and clever. They greeted Jiang Li with crisp courtesy, never having served in the Jiang household before.

The other was a first-class maid named Snow White, a little older than Tong’er. Unlike the others, she was neither lively nor delicate. Her name belied her appearance: she was dark-skinned and sturdily built, her figure almost comically out of place in the specially tailored apricot-red uniform of the Jiang family.

Tong’er eyed Snow White curiously. Typically, a young lady’s personal maid was a reflection of her status—not only must she be capable and well-mannered, but her looks ought to be pleasant and refined. Snow White, regardless of her abilities, would never have made first-class maid in any other household based on appearance alone.

At the time of the selection, the matron had recommended Snow White for outdoor chores due to her strength, and Jiang Li had initially agreed. Somehow, though, she had ended up as a first-class maid. The matron had repeatedly questioned Jiang Li, suspecting her of ignorance, but Jiang Li had stood firm. Tong’er, despite her scrutiny, found nothing especially remarkable about Snow White.

Jiang Li exchanged a few simple words with the three maids. Clear Breeze and Bright Moon left to attend to their duties. Snow White remained. Jiang Li looked at her with a gentle smile. “I hear your home is in Jujube Blossom Village?”

Snow White, who had been standing with some nervousness, relaxed a little at the mention of her hometown. “Yes, that’s right.”

“I once knew a maid from there as well,” Jiang Li said, her smile lingering.

The record book stated that Snow White came from Jujube Blossom Village, not far from the capital. She had two older brothers and a younger sister; her parents were farmers with a small plot of land. It was because she had helped with farm work since childhood that she had grown so strong and dark. But with so many mouths to feed, and her brothers starting families of their own, times had grown tough. Snow White had come to the capital to be a maid, hoping to earn her keep.

Maids like Snow White were seldom chosen by wealthy households in the capital—they found her too plain. The Jiang family’s matron had picked her for her strength and willingness to do heavy work. Yet Jiang Li had personally selected her as a first-class maid—perhaps it was luck, or perhaps something else.

Though new to the household, Snow White understood the difference in monthly silver between a first-class maid and a cleaner. She felt deeply grateful to Jiang Li for choosing her. Before arriving, she had heard many rumors about the Jiang family’s second miss, expecting a fierce and malevolent woman. But Jiang Li was gentle, even inquiring after her hometown. Clearly, rumors could not be trusted.

Snow White asked, “What was the name of the maid you knew, miss? Perhaps I know her.”

“Her name was Begonia,” Jiang Li replied with a smile. “She should be just over twenty now, with two younger brothers. Her family lives on the west side of the village, near the rice shop. Begonia was tall and slender, fair-skinned, and very pretty.”

Tong’er, listening on the side, was puzzled. She thought she knew all of Jiang Li’s acquaintances among the maids, but she had never heard of anyone named Begonia. Was she from the Jiang household?

Snow White thought for a long time, scratching her head with a sheepish smile. “I can’t recall anyone by that name. Jujube Blossom Village isn’t too big, but it isn’t exactly small, either. But if you'd like to find news of her, I can write to my parents and ask.”

Tong’er couldn’t help but ask, “You know how to write?”

“I picked up a bit from the village tutor, sneaking lessons where I could.” Snow White answered with a simple, honest smile.

Tong’er’s respect for Snow White grew. In the Jiang household, few maids could read or write. Her own mistress truly had an eye for talent—Snow White, plain as she seemed, had genuine ability and was worthy of her position.

Jiang Li was a little surprised by Snow White’s literacy, but smiled warmly. “Thank you.”

The reason she had chosen Snow White as her personal maid was not just for her loyal nature, but more importantly, because Snow White hailed from Jujube Blossom Village.

When she had been Xue Fangfei, her closest maid had been Begonia, also from Jujube Blossom Village. Of her four trusted attendants, two had been killed; the remaining two, she had helped escape. One was Cuckoo, who had no family and whose whereabouts were unknown. The other was Begonia—Xue Fangfei knew her home well: two younger brothers, Jujube Blossom Village, near the rice shop on the west side.

No one in the Shen household, including Shen Yuyong, knew Begonia’s background, so the trail would not lead to Jujube Blossom Village. Begonia was clever and careful; Jiang Li suspected she had indeed returned home.

To expose the misdeeds of Shen Yuyong and Princess Yongning, she needed witnesses. Unfortunately, she could not approach the Shen family—and even if she could, they were unlikely to testify on her behalf.

But Begonia was different. They had grown up together, as close as sisters. If she asked Begonia to come forward as a witness in the Xue Fangfei case, she was certain Begonia would agree.

And for all this, Jiang Li looked at the good-natured girl before her, knowing she would have to rely on Snow White of Jujube Blossom Village.