Chapter 22
We hurried along our journey, while trouble was brewing in Dong Manor.
Zi Su disguised herself as Fu Ling and secretly investigated within Dong Manor. The Housekeeper’s Wife instructed her to serve temporarily in Dong Jingmo’s courtyard, which was exactly what Zi Su wanted.
Originally, she could only do rough chores like sweeping and laundry in the outer courtyard. Hong Dou, a maid serving Dong Jingmo, grew jealous of Zi Su’s pretty looks and constantly tried to trip her up.
But Zi Su was not one to take things lying down. She retaliated by putting laxatives in Hong Dou’s water, causing Hong Dou to run to the latrine seven or eight times and end up bedridden.
Seizing the opportunity, Zi Su slipped some silver to the Housekeeper’s Wife and smoothly took Hong Dou’s place, gaining the chance to serve Dong Jingmo closely.
Dong Jingmo naturally did not care that his maid had been replaced, only instructing that no one was allowed near the study or bedroom without his permission.
Zi Su agreed readily, planning to sneak into the study at midnight.
Unexpectedly, before Zi Su could investigate the study, someone came looking for Dong Jingmo.
Quick-witted, Zi Su brewed tea and carried a tray toward the study.
“Stop!” Two fierce guards stood at the study door. “The Young Master is receiving a guest. Leave!”
Zi Su lowered her head and said softly, “This is tea and refreshments for the guest.”
The guards were about to drive her away when Dong Jingmo’s voice came from inside: “Let her in.”
“Yes!” The guards stepped aside and whispered in Zi Su’s ear, “Don’t let your eyes wander. Put down the tray and leave.”
Zi Su nodded obediently, lifted her skirt, and entered.
Inside, Dong Jingmo stood behind the desk. In front of him was a man with his back to the door, flipping through a book.
Dong Jingmo pointed to the table. “Put it down.”
Zi Su quickly walked to the table, set out the items from the tray, and poured two cups of tea.
Dong Jingmo took out a Silver Ingot. “Don’t talk nonsense outside.”
Zi Su feigned delight and replied repeatedly, “Rest assured, Young Master!”
She gripped the Silver Ingot tightly and turned to leave, her head lowered, but her eyes glanced behind the desk. She caught sight of a fine Mutton Fat Jade Pendant hanging from the man’s waist, with a Yellow Tassel swaying below.
After leaving, Zi Su returned the tray to the tea room, wandered outside for a bit, and seeing no one around, climbed onto the roof and circled back to Dong Jingmo’s courtyard.
Reaching the roof above the study, Zi Su lay down, gently lifted a tile, and peered inside.
She saw the man who had stood behind the desk now facing Dong Jingmo. He was pale and beardless, and though he spoke in a deliberately low voice, it was still somewhat sharp: “His Highness knows of your loyalty. Let the Second Miss prepare well; the imperial decree will arrive soon.”
“Thank you, sir.” Dong Jingmo was overjoyed, quickly pulling out a stack of Silver Notes and handing them over. “The position of Principal Consort…”
The man accepted the Silver Notes, his tone losing its earlier coldness and becoming more sincere: “The Eldest Young Master should consider His Highness’s difficulties. The Second Miss may be outstanding, but she is not of a noble family. To be granted the position of Liangdi is already a great favor. Success depends on effort. What does it matter if she is a Secondary Consort? If the Second Miss can win His Highness’s heart and plan wisely, when His Highness Ascends the Throne and Faces South and Backs North, do you think she won’t be able to enter the Central Palace?”
“That will depend on your support, sir.” Dong Jingmo thanked him. “Did His Highness receive the items I sent last time?”
“Yes, he did.” The man praised, “His Highness said the Eldest Young Master is most to his liking. Just wait patiently; a good official post awaits you.”
Dong Jingmo thanked him repeatedly. The man donned his hood and left.
Zi Su lay on the roof for the time it takes to eat a meal, and when all was quiet below, she replaced the tile and quietly returned the way she came.
Just as she entered her room, she saw three small stones placed by the table leg-a secret signal between her and Fu Ling’s cousin, Yuan Hu. If they needed to meet, three stones would be placed by the table leg.
Zi Su picked up the stones and left the room.
“What’s the matter?” At the corner gate of the backyard, Zi Su asked, “Has something happened to Fu Ling?”
Yuan Hu shook his head and handed her a bundle. “Cousin is fine. She asked me to pass on a message: The County Sheriff has returned from Liyang. He has something for you to deliver to Third Concubine Bai Wei.”
“Third Concubine?” Zi Su took the bundle, puzzled. “Are you sure it’s for Third Concubine?”
Yuan Hu glanced around warily and pushed Zi Su back toward the house. “There are two letters inside-one for Third Concubine, one for you. Read yours and you’ll understand!”
Knowing it was dangerous to talk here, Zi Su asked no more and hurried back to her room to read the letter.
After reading, Zi Su understood the whole story. She kept the letter and Gold Hairpin for Third Concubine close to her, and burned her own letter.
Just as she finished tidying up, hurried footsteps sounded outside: “The Eldest Young Master has returned! Fetch water quickly. Fu Ling, prepare tea!”
“Coming!” Zi Su rushed out.
Dong Jingmo seemed to have drunk a lot outside and was in high spirits, not resting until late at night.
Zi Su finally returned to her room. When the other maids were asleep, she changed into Night Attire and quietly made her way to Third Concubine’s courtyard.