Chapter 24: A Full Complement of Helpers

In the span of a single cup of tea, the three matrons arrived.

Dantai Jing sat quietly by Old Madam Dong’s side, gently kneading the older woman’s shoulders while casting a discerning gaze over the trio.

The one on the left was somewhat stout, clad in a lotus-root pink jacket with a front-opening design. The garment pulled so tightly across her waist that it seemed to divide her flesh into layers, making it appear as though the toggles might pop off at any moment. Despite this, she had an honest, sturdy appearance, her eyes curved into a benevolent and kindly smile.

The one in the middle wore an indigo jacket with a diagonal closure. Her hair was pulled back without a single stray strand, secured only by a solid gold flat hairpin in a neat bun. Her expression was solemn; one look was enough to evoke a sense of chill.

The one on the right was the youngest, wearing a pale green jacket with silver trim. She held a pink handkerchief in her hand and appeared quite festive. She looked to be no more than forty, though her attire seemed a touch too youthful and lacked gravity. Her expression was mild and plain, revealing neither joy nor anger.

Matron Jiang stood to the side and introduced them one by one: the smiling woman on the left was Matron Wang; the solemn one in the middle was Matron Jiang; and the younger one on the right was Matron Gui.

Old Madam Dong smiled affectionately and turned to Dantai Jing. "Matron Wang and Matron Jiang both came from the palace; their manners are impeccable. Matron Gui was your mother’s wet nurse. Due to certain circumstances, she did not follow your mother to the Dantai estate, but her training is excellent, having received the true teachings of the other two. You must choose for yourself—who do you wish to take back with you?"

Dantai Jing paused, then gently tapped a few questions into the palm of Old Madam Dong’s hand. The old woman looked slightly surprised but voiced the questions on her granddaughter’s behalf: "The young miss asks: do you still have any attachments here at the Dong estate? Are you truly willing to follow her to the Dantai residence?"

All three answered. Matron Gui spoke at greater length: "Third Young Miss, if I may be so bold—I originally stayed behind because of my rascal of a son. He has since moved out to live on his own, and I have no more ties here. To serve you, Young Miss, would be my great fortune!"

Old Madam Dong then asked for Dantai Jing: "The young miss suffered a severe illness and can no longer speak. If you go to her side, you will be with her for life. Even if she were to marry a common laborer, you would have to follow. You must consider this carefully! Neither the young miss nor I would ever force anyone. If any of you has the slightest hesitation, do not feel compelled to stay. The Dong estate can afford to keep you, and we will not think any less of you for it."

The three women reaffirmed their commitment, none showing any intention to leave.

Old Madam Dong nodded. "Since that is the case, you may withdraw for now. Once the young miss has made her final decision, I will have you summoned again."

The three bowed and retreated. Matron Jiang stepped forward to refresh the tea.

Old Madam Dong stroked the antique jadeite bangle on her wrist and asked, "Jing, my girl, which one have you taken a fancy to? Who do you intend to bring with you?"

Dantai Jing smiled faintly and wrote in Old Madam Dong’s palm: "Either Matron Jiang or Matron Gui would suffice."

Old Madam Dong’s brow smoothed slightly. She adjusted her silver-grey forehead band and asked, "Why not choose Matron Wang?"

Dantai Jing did not hide her reasoning. She stood up, took the paper and brush prepared by Matron Xu, and wrote on a sheet of plain white stationery: "Matron Wang does not wish to go to the Dantai estate with me."

"How did you discern that? Matron Wang wore a smile from start to finish and insisted she was willing to go." Old Madam Dong had instructed Matron Jiang to drop hints earlier specifically to prepare them. These women were all seasoned veterans; if they truly did not want to go, they would have found ways to decline without offending their masters—simply by ensuring Dantai Jing did not choose them.

Dantai Jing wrote a long passage on the paper, which Matron Xu read aloud: "The Third Young Miss means that Matron Wang never intended to go from the start. That is why she chose that particular outer garment. Matron Wang is not actually that stout; a slightly looser robe would have hidden her frame perfectly. Yet, she did the opposite. In this world, what young lady of status likes to appear stout? Her first impression was one of intentional unappealingness."

Matron Xu reflected on this and realized it was true. She had been fooled by Matron Wang’s pleasant face, thinking it would be a gain to bring her back, but it seemed Matron Wang only wanted to retire comfortably at the Dong estate and had no interest in getting involved in these affairs.

Old Madam Dong nodded with satisfaction. "Then between Matron Jiang and Matron Gui, which do you think is better?"

Dantai Jing pursed her lips and buried her head to write more. In truth, she knew that either woman could easily manipulate Lady Ye, so she was not strictly dependent on one over the other. However, it was clear that Old Madam Dong was testing her.

Dantai Jing meticulously weighed their pros and cons, revised her thoughts, and handed the paper to Matron Xu.

"No need to read it aloud; bring it here for me to see," Old Madam Dong said. Matron Xu blew on the ink and handed the paper over.

Old Madam Dong nodded repeatedly as she read, praising, "Your judgment is sound. Matron Jiang comes from the palace; not only Lady Ye, but even your father would treat her with respect. He would likely heed her advice. To deal with Lady Ye and her daughter, one need not find fault in major matters; by seizing upon minor details, one can keep them under complete control. However, she is perhaps too stern; the maids and servants in the house will surely fear her and hide things from her, making it difficult for her to build rapport."

"As for Matron Gui, because she is younger and originally a servant of the Dong estate, it will be easier for her to build alliances with the other servants and gather information. She will be able to navigate the inner chambers of the Dantai estate like a fish in water, though she lacks the imposing authority to deal with Lady Ye directly." Old Madam Dong had already made her own choice, but she wanted to teach Dantai Jing the art of observation. As it turned out, Dantai Jing was incredibly sharp—a case of "great wisdom appearing as folly."

Old Madam Dong studied Dantai Jing, who wore a pale crimson jacket with silver trim, embroidered with a graceful white peony. She looked refined and elegant. If only this child had not lost her voice, her future would be boundless!

Pulling herself back to the present, Old Madam Dong smiled. "Then it is settled: take both Matron Jiang and Matron Gui back with you."

Dantai Jing had not expected Old Madam Dong to grant her both. She was overcome with gratitude and initially wanted to decline, but realized she had no reason to be proud. She truly needed help. She had the defensive mindset and the strategy, but she was hampered by her youth; whenever Lady Ye dismissed her as a mere child, she was effectively silenced.

Dantai Jing smiled gently and nodded at Old Madam Dong.

Old Madam Dong felt Dantai Jing was a promising talent and was just about to offer advice on managing the household when a young maid ran over in a panic. "Reporting to the Old Madam, Su Xin from the young miss's residence is here. It seems there is an urgent matter!"