Chapter 4: Shabby

Chapter 4: Embarrassment

Jian Jia was momentarily taken aback, immediately recalling the demeanor of the lady of the house just days before her arrival. Despite this, thinking of the danger the young mistress had faced that very morning still filled her with a lingering fear. “But...”

“If you know it’s useless to say more, then there’s no need to keep talking,” Yun Jiao lifted her eyes and looked away, her voice soft and distant as she continued, “If the second madam finds out, she’ll be worried all day with no way to help me. Wouldn’t that only harm her health more?”

“Then... what does the young mistress intend to do?” Jian Jia’s concern was genuine and unwavering.

“Meet force with force, shield with shield. Since he caused such a scene today, I’ll know to guard against him from now on. I doubt he’ll dare act rashly again,” Yun Jiao said, pressing her lips tightly together, clearly deep in thought.

“Perhaps we could hire some people?” Jian Jia’s eyes suddenly sparkled. “When the young mistress arrived, the second madam did give you some silver for your expenses.”

“On the surface, that might be a good idea,” Yun Jiao’s worry did not lessen. “But the second madam also warned me that my second uncle and his wife have long harbored resentment over her dowry, believing my maternal family favored me. And my second aunt’s temper... If I bring in a few maidservants now, it’s no big deal, but if my second aunt makes a fuss, it could stir up more trouble.”

“What then should we do?” Jian Jia’s anxiety grew.

“Don’t rush. There will be a way when the cart reaches the mountain,” Yun Jiao replied calmly.

Jian Jia sighed, about to say more but ultimately held her tongue, knowing the young mistress’s heart must be equally troubled.

Though Yun Jiao was the second madam’s own daughter, she was unlike her mother.

The second madam was always tearful when faced with difficulties. She had suffered great grievances in the past, falling gravely ill and becoming frail, especially after giving birth to the ninth young mistress. Now, with the lady of the house asserting dominance and the master largely indifferent to household affairs, the second madam endured endless grievances, her tears having filled countless jars over the years.

Curiously, one so delicate as the second madam gave birth to a ninth young mistress who was decisive and composed. Usually gentle and kind, always carrying a faint smile and speaking little, she was remarkably level-headed and rarely shed a tear. In this, she resembled the master more than her own mother.

“Miss, Gu Youzi is here. Why don’t you let him in?” The corner of the curtain lifted as Mu Jin entered, smiling warmly with a food box in hand.

Yun Jiao glanced at Jian Jia. “You go. When Gu Youzi was leaving earlier, it seemed he had something to tell you privately.”

Jian Jia understood. Gu Youzi’s message was not something convenient to share directly with the young mistress. She needed to hear it first and then relay it.

She looked at Mu Jin. Given today’s events, it must have involved her, but now was not the time to speak. After a brief bow to Yun Jiao, she parted the curtain and left.

---

Yun Jiao cradled the soup bowl, studying Mu Jin.

Mu Jin was three years older than both Yun Jiao and Jian Jia; she was about to turn thirteen at the end of the year.

Servants’ birthdays were usually ignored, but Yun Jiao was meticulous. Jian Jia had grown up with her, and Mu Jin had accompanied her since her return home. Naturally, Yun Jiao treated these two with more affection than others.

She liked to show care, remembering their birthdays and gifting small tokens each year.

Mu Jin set down the food box, opening the lid and placing two celadon-glazed lotus-patterned plates and two small matching bowls neatly on the Eight Immortals square table.

Yun Jiao glanced: one plate held cold pancakes, the other dried radish; one bowl contained millet porridge, the other brewed loose-leaf tea.

She smiled slightly. Although her uncle was wealthy, this modest meal for his niece was somewhat meager.

After arranging the dishes, Mu Jin carefully opened the food box drawer and gently brought out a small open bowl.

“Miss, please eat while it’s warm,” Mu Jin said as she lightly closed the food box and set it aside.

Yun Jiao quietly watched the small bowl just served.

Seeing this, Mu Jin hurriedly explained, “This iced bird’s nest soup was originally made to nourish Sister Yan and Brother Sheng. I came early to the kitchen today and happened to meet Brother Sheng on the way. He asked his attendant to tell the kitchen to prepare a bowl for you as well. The kitchen staff dared not refuse, so this is what they served.”

Qian Yan and Qian Sheng were the children of Yun Jiao’s cousin, Qian Xianglan.

Yun Jiao remained silent, gazing steadily at Mu Jin.

Over these years, she had watched Mu Jin grow from a frail, fair-haired girl into a graceful young woman. Though not stunningly beautiful, she had a certain charm.

Hmm... they had all grown up.

With maturity came deeper thoughts.

Mu Jin, feeling Yun Jiao’s gaze, grew uneasy, hiding her left hand behind her back and twisting her garment nervously. “Miss... what are you looking at?”

“Looking at you, of course.” Yun Jiao’s eyes did not waver, a faint smile playing at her lips.

---

“What is there to look at in a servant like me?” Mu Jin lowered her head, cheeks flushing.

“You and Jian Jia are always around me, yet I never noticed you’ve already become a young lady,” Yun Jiao smiled softly. “According to our laws, a girl may be betrothed at thirteen. I suppose I’ve overlooked this and delayed matters for you.”

Mu Jin’s heart tightened. She looked up at Yun Jiao. “Miss... what do you mean? I don’t understand. I have never entertained such thoughts.”

Her left hand clenched tightly behind her back. Having served the ninth young mistress for five or six years, she had watched her grow up.

The ninth young mistress was usually gentle and easy to serve, never striking or scolding her servants lightly.

But now, looking at Yun Jiao as she did, Mu Jin felt something unfamiliar, even strange. A wave of fear stirred within her.

Yun Jiao walked to the corner window and pushed it open, letting in a cool breeze. She tightened her grip on the soup bowl.

Outside the courtyard corner, snow remained unmelted. Jian Jia and Gu Youzi were whispering there.

Something flickered atop the courtyard wall. When Yun Jiao focused to look, nothing was there. She shook her head gently, thinking it a trick of the eye.

Mu Jin watched Yun Jiao’s back with trepidation.

Yun Jiao looked up at the rising sun, her voice clear: “Before coming here, I bade farewell to my grandmother. While at her place, I overheard her attendant scheming to arrange a second marriage for her precious nephew. Have you heard of this?”

Mu Jin stiffened but feigned calm. “Yes.”

“You are also of marriageable age. If you were betrothed to the eldest, how would you feel?” Yun Jiao suddenly turned, smiling gently.

Mu Jin seemed paralyzed. With a thud, she knelt straight down and began kowtowing rapidly, “Ninth young mistress, if I have been negligent in my service, please punish me—be it by beating or scolding. I beg you, spare me and do not betroth me to the eldest.”

(End of chapter)