Chapter 52

Chapter 52

With Steward Li’s assistance, Han Sicheng’s family moved out within a few days.

It was a happy outcome for both parties.

At the end of the month, my father had a day off from his official duties.

He and I first went to Ci’en Temple to burn incense and hold a small Buddhist service.

By the time we finished, it was still early. My father hesitated, looking as if he had something on his mind, before finally saying that my legal mother and sisters missed me and wanted to invite me back to the manor for a meal.

I figured there was no harm in going.

Upon my return, my legal mother completely shed her usual harsh demeanor. She showered me with warmth and concern, pulling me by the hand to share some “mother-daughter” confidences.

She remarked that while I currently enjoyed the Marquis’s favor, men were fickle by nature. She insisted that the most important thing for me right now was to maintain control over the inner household and secure my footing, which meant I needed reliable right-hand supporters by my side.

Immediately after, she pulled her biological daughter to her side and told me that since I was now pregnant, few men could remain celibate for long.

Rather than letting the Marquis find some other woman, she suggested, it would be better if I promoted my Third Younger Sister.

My legal mother spoke with such feigned sincerity it was as if she were baring her soul. “Your sister isn’t as beautiful as you,” she said, “so she won’t steal your favor. She can help you manage the household affairs, too. We’re all one family; it’s better to keep the benefits within the clan than to let them go to an outsider.”

I smiled and said I would consider it, promising to have my sister over for a short stay in the future.

Beaming with joy, my legal mother praised my cleverness and filial piety. She then commended me for knowing the family was growing and for buying the Han Residence next door to expand the Ye Family estate.

I gave a small smile and casually asked my father to take me to see the neighboring property.

My legal mother wanted to come along, but my father talked her out of it.

“Qiu’er’s body is precious now,” my father whispered to her. “The yard next door is a mess from the move. If she were to trip and fall, and the Empress Dowager came looking for someone to blame, we’d all be in deep trouble.”

Shrewd as she was, my legal mother immediately agreed, saying she would go prepare some refreshments instead. She even praised my father for his thoughtfulness.

…

The Han Residence wasn’t particularly large-a two-entry courtyard house.

The yard was in disarray, strewn with the broken remains of old furniture.

My father offered to start cleaning up, and Cuinong rolled up her sleeves to help him.

I walked alone into the innermost room and looked around. A somewhat dilapidated silk screen stood on the floor.

The screen caught the silhouette of a man. He was sitting in a chair, holding a cup of tea that was still steaming.

I smiled and looked straight ahead.

Before me was a wall, mottled by years of kitchen smoke and age. An old image of Guanyin Bodhisattva was pasted upon it.

I pressed my palms together and bowed in Tang-style devotion.

A cold, detached male voice drifted from behind the screen. “What does the Madam seek?”

I gazed at the Bodhisattva. “I seek a potent medicine to cure a disease and save a life.”

…

After a cup of tea’s time, I stepped out of the room.

I looked up; the sky was bright and the air was clear.