Chapter 1

Chapter 1

The young maidservants respectfully presented the registers, not daring to make a single mistake in front of Matron Deng.

The beautiful older girls didn’t dare to chatter or gossip either; each stood with lowered eyes and a submissive expression, terrified of being found lacking.

Dressed in a stone-green skirt, Matron Deng looked like a stern, noble peacock as she flipped through the registers.

“You already have a marriage contract, so why enter the Marquis Mansion? Are you merely coveting the Marquis’s wealth?”

“You are so young, yet you are willing to be a stepmother? Are you simply trying to climb the social ladder?”

Matron Deng’s words were like knives stabbing at their hearts. The more thin-skinned girls swayed on their feet, their eyes reddening.

A few silver-tongued girls gave flawless answers, yet Matron Deng crossed out their names as well.

“Too clever and argumentative. Such people inevitably stir up trouble and gossip.”

Suddenly, Matron Deng’s gaze fell upon my mother.

“Since you have already borne children, why did you suddenly get a divorce? Is it because you were at fault? Or is it that you, too, covet wealth and status?”

The crowd’s gazes were like needles, pricking densely against Mother.

Mother held my hand tightly, her expression calm. “Because the wealth of the Marquis Mansion can ensure my daughter eats well, wears good clothes, and learns to read and write.”

Matron Deng frowned slightly and raised her brush to cross out Mother’s name.

A pang of bitterness hit my heart. I didn’t want them to look down on Mother, so I hurriedly spoke up in her defense.

“No! It’s not like that!

“Half a month ago, Grandma was angry because Tao Tao ate half a piece of cornbread more than Brother. She said Tao Tao was greedy, a ‘money-losing commodity,’ and that she was going to sell Tao Tao to Luo Guo to be his child bride.

“Mother secretly saved food for Tao Tao to eat. Grandma called Mother a thief, and Father hit Mother.

“Mother did nothing wrong. It’s all because Tao Tao was greedy and ate half a piece of cornbread…”

As I reached the saddest part, I didn’t even stop to wipe my tears, desperately pleading for Mother.

“Matron, my mother is very good. Tao Tao will be obedient from now on and won’t be greedy anymore.”

Matron Deng’s brush, saturated with ink, hovered behind Mother’s name. For a moment, she didn’t know whether to keep her or let her go.

Mother saw Matron Deng’s hesitation and gently tugged my hand. “Tao Tao, don’t make things difficult for the Matron.”

In the end, Matron Deng’s brush did not descend.

I heard a very, very soft sigh, like a gentle breeze stroking the top of my head, feeling sorry for Mother and me.

When I looked up, Matron Deng still wore a stern face, but she handed our register to a nearby maid and said softly, “Inform the Old Madam, then send these to the temple to check their horoscopes.”

Just then, the thick wind curtains behind us were lifted, releasing a medicinal scent so bitter it made one wince.

Behind the curtain, a beautiful girl leaned against the door, having watched the commotion for a while. She burst into a giggle.

“The Old Madam is taking her medicine. She’s been listening to the noise for half the day and sent me out to take a look.

“We said we wanted someone capable of managing the household and upholding the family’s honor. Matron Deng, why did you even pick a five- or six-year-old child?”

The beautiful girl reached out to pinch my cheek, then squatted down to tease me. “Matron Deng is very fierce when teaching the rules. If you enter the mansion, you’ll have to listen to her lectures every day and even get beaten. Aren’t you afraid of her?”

I shook my head gently and looked at her seriously. “No, Matron Deng has a very soft heart. Tao Tao likes her.”

Chuncha looked at Matron Deng with feigned surprise. “Tsk, how rare. Someone actually likes you.”

Matron Deng didn’t take the bait. She simply turned her head away arrogantly and gave a cold snort. “Chuncha, if you have time to wag your tongue, why don’t you take them to pay their respects to the Old Madam?”

Chuncha sighed and lowered her voice to Matron Deng.

“The Old Madam just took her medicine and lay down. She told me to pass the word that there’s no need for a meeting.

“After hearing the commotion just now, the Old Madam isn’t very pleased. She feels this mother and daughter won’t catch the eye of the Marquis or the Young Master, and they won’t stay long.

“You know the Old Madam hates noisy children the most. The Marquis only has the late Madam in his heart, and our Young Master has a mischievous streak. Once the Marquis and the Young Master return to the mansion, I’m afraid things will be difficult for this pair.”

Chuncha carried a horn lantern, moving as gracefully as a butterfly as she led Mother and me toward our quarters.

They spoke quietly in front, and I listened secretly from behind.

It turned out that for Mother to stay here and live a good life, Matron Deng’s approval alone wasn’t enough.

I walked while lost in thought, counting the diamond-patterned floor tiles.

The horn lantern flickers with light; one, two, three, four diamond tiles.

I must please the new brother, the new father, and the new grandmother.

But before I could even try to please the Old Madam and the others…

The next day, Chuncha brought over many items, saying they were greeting gifts from the Old Madam, the Marquis, and the Young Master.

There were several bolts of satin, exquisite pastries, and a monthly allowance. They even provided a silver tael as pocket money for Tao Tao to attend school.

As Mother stayed up late sewing a book bag, she stroked my head and taught me gently, “When people are good to us, we must show gratitude and not let them down.”

Mother stayed up late to sew two new book bags. She wanted to give one to the new brother, Xue Yu, tomorrow when he went to the academy and Tao Tao went to study.

With the leftover fabric, Mother also made a small pouch for Tao Tao to hold snacks and candied fruits.

Before going to sleep, I couldn’t help but touch the pouch and the book bag under my pillow. My heart was filled with an indescribable joy.

This is wonderful! Tao Tao and Mother are going to have a new home!