CHAPTER 17

Zhang Momo did not notice the emotion in Chu Jinmiao’s gaze as she was sighing. The fortunes of the world were truly difficult to decipher. Not only was Madam Zhao favored, she even encountered the event of switching babies, making Old Madam Chu hold a slight reproval towards herself. Even though Chu Jinyao grew up outside and was not close with Old Madam Chu, she was, after all, a direct bloodline of the Chu family. How could one wrong one’s bloodline for an inexplicable outsider like Chu Jinmiao?

Ever since that day when Chu Jinyao lost her way outside Rongning Hall, Old Madam knew that the second-ranked maids by Chu Jinyao’s side were young maids that had just entered the residence. Thus, Old Madam was very dissatisfied with Madam Zhao’s method of handling the situation. To let the second-ranked maids be at such a level, one could only think about how Madam Zhao would be careless and disregard the people by Chu Jinyao’s side. However, the more Old Madam reminded Madam Zhao to value Chu Jinyao, the more Madam Zhao felt that Chu Jinmiao was pitiful. If everyone feared that Chu Jinyao would be suffering grievance, then no one would bother about Chu Jinmiao? So, Madam Zhao would dote on Chu Jinmiao even more.

Zhang Momo was an outsider and could see things clearly. She also felt that Madam Zhao was being totally muddle-headed. Chu Jinmiao was, after all, a farmer’s daughter, and her parents could be considered sinister as they had switched the noble bloodline for wealth, and they actually treated the daughter of the Chu family that harshly for the past thirteen years. Marquis Changxing and Old Madam Chu did not teach them a lesson because of Chu Jinmiao. Zhang Momo was able to distinguish right from wrong, but Madam Zhao was in the same situation, and with so many years of relations, she was unable to let Chu Jinmiao go and was not willing to let her suffer grievances.

Zhang Momo sighed to herself. If Madam Zhao continued like this, sooner or later, her loved ones would be at odds with her. Just look at how Eldest Young Lady was siding with Fifth Young Lady; even Eldest Young Lady would feel bitterly disappointed at her mother’s action. However, Zhang Momo was unable to remind Madam Zhao. Even though she was Madam Zhao’s nanny and had raised her since she was young, she dared not compare herself with Chu Jinmiao. If she were to vaguely remind Madam Zhao, she would tell Chu Jinmiao in a blink of an eye, and at that time Zhang Momo would have to suffer the consequences. This fourth young lady was a powerful character.

When Chu Jinmiao heard Zhang Momo’s change of words, she sneered in her heart but still smiled kindly on the surface. “Momo, can you go to the small kitchen to make some golden fruit pastry? I suddenly want to eat your handmade snacks.”

When Zhang Momo heard it, she had a startled expression on her face as she hurriedly looked at Madam Zhao. Madam Zhao smiled. “Since Miao-er wants to eat, then go and make it. It doesn’t take too much effort anyway.”

Zhang Momo sighed repeatedly in her heart. Madam Zhao was still confused! Chu Jinmiao was getting rid of her and might even say some things, but Madam Zhao agreed to it. Zhang Momo could not help but feel resentful that she had failed to meet expectations.

She was already old enough, so why did she not have any ability to discern?

After Madam Zhang left, Chu Jinmiao’s lips curled up, and she sat down in front of Madam Zhao and said, “Mother, I am not your biological daughter but still occupy the legitimate daughter title and even let Chu Jinyao live outside for thirteen years. Do you hate me very much?”

“No!” Madam Zhao was taken aback. “Why do you speak of such a thing?”

Chu Jinmiao lowered her eyes and wept. “I also want to be filial to Mother, but others keep on saying that I am a turtle dove occupying the magpie’s nest, covet glory and splendor, and let the real daughter suffer hardships outside. It is all my fault. Mother, this daughter is unable to be loyal to you in this lifetime. In a few days, send me back to the village. In my next lifetime, when I am reborn with a better fortune, I will be loyal to you properly so that others will not scold me.”

Madam Zhao had never expected to hear such words. She was stunned before becoming furious. “Who said these things to you?”

Chu Jinmiao wiped her eyes and did not speak, making Madam Zhao angry as she looked. “Is it the servants? Old Madam’s people? Or is it Chu Jinyao?”

When Chu Jinyao was mentioned, Chu Jinmiao shouted, “No. It is not. Stop asking.”

“Preposterous!” Madam Zhao was so furious that she slammed the table. “I thought that she was a good one and did not create any commotion these few days. One did not think that she would dare say such things to you in secret! Miao-er, don’t worry. Your mother will seek justice for you. As long as Mother is around, you will be a Young Lady of a Marquis Residence with peace of mind. There is no need to worry about these things.”

“Mother.” Chu Jinmiao tugged on Madam Zhao’s sleeves. “Grandmother has specifically mentioned that you have to be more meticulous with Chu Jinyao. If you scold her because of me, and when it reaches Grandmother’s ears, she will be dissatisfied with you again.”

Madam Zhao had relied on a surge of anger to say those words, but upon Chu Jinmiao’s reminder, she realised that Old Madam was still around. Her mother-in-law was still so powerful that Madam Zhao had always served her with a suspended heart. If Old Madam Chu really intervened, she would not be able to deal with Chu Jinyao at will. Madame Zhao was angry and frustrated. She had unknowingly placed all her anger towards her mother-in-law onto Chu Jinyao as she spoke with gritted teeth, “I need to have permission from others to even discipline my own daughter.”

“Even though it is said like this, Chu Jinyao still has Old Madam’s protection. Even the eldest sister is speaking out for her everywhere. We both are weak, so how can we compare with the favourite of Old Madam’s?”

“That said, she is so precious that no one can manage her.”

Chu Jinmiao continued, “Mother, you must not be angry. Methods are taught by people. She has Old Madam protecting her, so although you are unable to manage her, it is still workable. She has not received much education and is used to being poor before coming to a wealthy, noble area. If one were not educated well, one would definitely be blinded by riches and develop bad characteristics. Thus, you have to find her a Momo who will manage her in all aspects. Even though she would resent you, this is for her own good! Even Grandmother would understand it.”

“A Discipline Momo?” Madam Zhao frowned and repeated it half-believingly.

“That’s right. You should assign her a stricter Momo to educate her in money management and supervising the servants. She can also advise her on the rules and regulations. This is then truly good for her! If one were to indulge her because one is unable to bear it and give her whatever she wants, it would nurture a bad character. Once the root is rotten, no matter how much effort is used in the future, it will be useless.”

Madam Zhao nodded. “What you said makes sense. She is, after all, my daughter, and even though I cannot look after her all the time, I have to send someone over to teach her well. Even though she will definitely resent me, as long as I know that it is for her own good, I would not care about those false names.” Madam Zhao spoke before looking towards Chu Jinmiao: “She treated you badly, but you requited evil with good and thought for her. You are really kind. She, after all, grew up in a poor family and does not have an open-minded personality. To suddenly see so much money, it would be inevitable to be blinded and ostracized. You must not be calculative with her.”

“I understand.” Chu Jinmiao pursed her lips as she smiled.

The skies were dark, and Chu Jinmiao had to return to the courtyard to rest. Just as she went out, she happened to meet Zhao Momo as she came back with a plate of golden fruit pastries. Upon seeing Chu Jinmiao, Zhao Momo stopped and said, “Fourth Young Lady is leaving? The fruit pastries have just been fried. Do you still want it?”

“I suddenly do not want to eat it anymore. Momo can take care of it yourself.” Chu Jinmiao placed her hands on her sleeves and spoke lightly.

It was Chu Jinmiao who wanted to eat golden fruit pastry at night and even asked Zhang Momo to personally make it. But when it was done, she said that she did not want to eat it anymore.

Zhang Momo did not speak and stood at the side with the plate of pastries as she sent Chu Jinmiao out. She lowered her head and felt the swift moment when Chu Jinmiao went by her. She raised her eyes and glanced very quickly and lightly. Even though it was a light and fleeting glance, it seemed to be immersed in ice water, piercing one’s skin till it hurt.

*****

In Concubine Huang’s courtyard, the Third Young Lady was complaining to Marquis Changxing.

“Father, I know I am dull-minded. When Momo was teaching, Fourth Young Lady and the rest were able to learn it at once, but I could only get it when I returned to study and had to practice till the lamps needed to be lit. Father, is there no way else other than me being this stupid?”

“How can it be?” Marquis Changxing often came to Concubine Huang’s courtyard and would often see the Third Young Lady. With the increased encounters, Marquis Changxing became more sympathetic towards this Shu daughter. When Marquis Changxing saw his daughter’s drooping face and downcast expression, he felt more tenderness towards her and softened his voice. “The clumsy bird flies early. Diligence would be able to make up for it, and you are willing to work hard. This is far better than your sisters. If you continue to be like this, many little drops make an ocean, and it will always pay off.”

“It will really happen?” The third Lady revealed a surprised smile. She then frowned and bit her lips in distress, “Fourth Younger Sister and the rest would understand after hearing it once in class and do not need to study upon returning. However, I would need to study until lamps are lit before I could be of equal to them. Does Father really not blame me for being stupid?”

Concubine Huang heard it and also added, in due course, “Not only till the lamps need to be lit. Every time I go to see Third Young Lady, the skies are already dark and she is still in the room practicing calligraphy properly.”

“Still studying when it is dark?” Marquis Changxing was surprised. The young ladies of the Chu family were all pampered. The elders would supervise the young masters’ homework very strictly but would be quite easy-going with the young ladies. It was considered extremely diligent when one continued studying after lessons and even practiced till the skies were dark and lamps needed to be lit; it was something that Marquis Changxing dared not think of. After the surprise, Marquis Changxing felt very satisfied with Third Young Lady, “That’s not bad. With you being so diligent, you will become successful in the future.”

Upon seeing the appreciation in Marquis Changxing’s eyes, Third Young Lady was very happy and she revealed some bashful joy on her face, as if she were overjoyed but slightly embarrassed after being praised by her father. She knew that Marquis Changxing liked this kind of bashful, innocent and frank character. Third Young Lady continued, “It is good that Father does not dislike me. Even if I am not chosen to be a study companion, with Father’s praise, it is worth the reward.”

Marquis Changxing smiled. “Your Grandmother will be able to see your diligence. As for being the County Princess’s study companion, being smart is secondary. The most important thing is to be diligent. The County Princess is smart enough. She just does not have the patience to study and if there is a diligent person like you at her side, it is a good thing.”

Upon hearing these words, Third Young Lady and Concubine Huang traded glances and saw the joy in each other’s eyes. Did this mean Marquis Changxing was choosing Third Young Lady?