Chapter 19

She sat beside him for a while, then said, “Are you going to read, sir? I’ll go to sleep first.”

Wei Qi turned his head to glance at her. Noticing the deep bite mark on her lower lip, he reached out, gently cupping her chin to examine it more closely, his voice low: “Don’t bite your lip anymore. You’re about to break the skin.”

She had nothing to say, but he continued, “There’s no harm in crying out.”

Her already flushed cheeks grew even hotter. She ducked her head and slipped under the covers, turning her back to him, half-covering her face and feigning sleep.

He seemed to let out a soft chuckle. She buried herself deeper under the quilt, only relaxing little by little when she heard the sound of him flipping through the pages of a book.

The next day, Song Yan brought the fan she had embroidered earlier to her mother-in-law, then headed to the courtyard of Wei Xi and Concubine Jiang—partly to deliver a fan to her, and partly to see how she was doing.

These last few days, with her confinement, she hadn’t come to pay her respects, and Song Yan hadn’t seen her for days.

As she approached the courtyard, she saw a maid wiping away tears as she emerged, heading toward the Spring Embroidery Hall. Judging by her silhouette, she seemed to belong to the second madam’s side. Who knew what grievance she had suffered inside?

Going further in, Song Yan overheard Concubine Jiang speaking to Wei Xi: “You are the legitimate eldest daughter of the master, you must always remember your status—never let others look down on you. This maid dares now to slight you with cold treats; soon, others will also treat you with contempt. Show some backbone this time, and the second branch will think twice before bullying you again.”

By now, Song Yan had reached the doorway. She spoke up, “What’s this, Aunt? Xi is the master’s true-born eldest daughter—who would dare to bully her? Being constantly afraid of being slighted or bullied, doesn’t that seem rather lacking in confidence?”

She glanced at the plate of colorful fruit on the table. “The second madam also sent these fruits to me. By the time they arrived, they were barely lukewarm. There are many elders in the courtyard and not enough servants. Xi is but a child—why shouldn’t she get hers a bit later? Aren’t the festival fruits sold in the market always cold as well?”

Concubine Jiang, who always projected a gentle and proper image, now lowered her head and said, “Madam is right. I just worry too much about Xi being mistreated and spoke out of turn.”

Though she admitted fault, her expression was one of aggrieved innocence. Song Yan looked at Wei Xi, who glared at her angrily, discontented: “Why are you here again? Haven’t you complained enough? Or have you not had your fill of watching me make a fool of myself? Why must you blame Aunt as well?”

Hearing this, Song Yan felt she might as well not give her the fan—Wei Xi would probably just throw it away, better to keep it herself.

She replied, “The last incident is known throughout the household; it’s not up to me to complain. But if I were to report your disrespect to me, I fear you’d find yourself kneeling in the ancestral hall again today.”

Wei Xi stared at her with angry eyes, but tears welled up as well, threatening to spill over.

It was rare for Song Yan to see her cry.

She wondered what she had said to make the girl so fragile.

Concubine Jiang interjected, “Madam, please be merciful and spare her this once. She’s still growing, and her legs still ache from that night she spent kneeling.”

Song Yan realized that Concubine Jiang was adept at casting herself as the wicked stepmother. Wasn’t her earlier comment meant for Wei Xi’s own good? No one in this house had ever slighted her, nor used her adopted status to make trouble. Was it really necessary to scold a maid over such a trifle?

And when had she ever threatened to report anything? She had merely reminded Wei Xi not to treat her so harshly, yet Concubine Jiang was already pleading for leniency.

Was it really a plea, or was it meant to make Wei Xi resent Song Yan all the more?

Song Yan was forced to reconsider what Concubine Jiang truly felt toward Wei Xi.

She had always assumed that after the death of the former mistress, Concubine Jiang and Wei Xi had relied on one another. Now she realized that wasn’t quite the case.

Wei Xi had no support. And as for Concubine Jiang? She had even less.

Wei Qi had said it himself: Concubine Jiang would never have children. In all the time since Song Yan had entered the household, Wei Qi had never once visited Concubine Jiang’s quarters. Wei Xi was her only pillar.

She kept telling Wei Xi that she was the legitimate eldest daughter, never teaching her humility, only arrogance—a kind of arrogance born not of confidence, but of insecurity.

Fearing to be bullied, so she bullied others first.

To look at it more darkly—perhaps Concubine Jiang didn’t wish for Wei Xi to marry early. Once Wei Xi left the household, Concubine Jiang would have no one left to rely on.

Song Yan looked at Concubine Jiang, feeling both pity for this helpless woman and a deep resentment for her selfishness. After nearly a decade together, could she not put Wei Xi’s interests first for once?

Song Yan stood there for a while, sighing inwardly, then said to Wei Xi, “You are the eldest daughter of the master, and always will be. No one belittles or bullies you. Even when you were confined, the second madam still remembered to send you festival fruits. When you next see her, you should thank her.”

Wei Xi said nothing, and Song Yan didn’t press further. She turned and left.

She wondered how Concubine Jiang would twist her words after she left, how she would misrepresent her good intentions. But there was nothing she could change.

Back in her own room, Song Yan sighed repeatedly. Qiu Yue asked, “What’s troubling you, madam?”

Song Yan looked at her, hesitated, then said, “Never mind. If I told you, you’d only scold me. Let’s just call it a moment’s impulse.”

Qiu Yue protested, “When have I ever dared to scold you? I… well—”

Before she could finish, there was a commotion outside. The second madam had arrived.

Song Yan quickly rose to greet her and had someone serve tea. The second madam laughed, “No need to hurry. I’ve come to ask a favor. There’s an account I can’t seem to figure out. Could you take a look?”

Song Yan was free, so she helped check the accounts. Before long, the matter was sorted out. The second madam praised her, “I said you had a good head. I should have come to you earlier instead of puzzling over it myself.”

Song Yan smiled. “You’re too busy, Second Aunt. You should rest more. If I were as busy as you, I doubt I’d be able to keep up with an abacus, either.”

The second madam then asked, “By the way, did you consider the matter I mentioned earlier? With all the illness and the festival, I nearly forgot.”

She was referring to handing over the monthly household accounts and records of social exchanges to Song Yan.

Song Yan remembered and had kept it in mind. In fact, she was tempted, but the matter of the Huang family’s marriage had made her hesitate.

The second madam was shrewd, able to quietly seize the Huang family marriage for herself, informing the Marquis only after everything was settled. She was swift, precise, and ruthless—not just anyone could do that.

She was a strong woman, managing the East Wing with order and efficiency. Still young and vigorous, why would she willingly give up power?

Song Yan replied carefully, “You are capable, Second Aunt. Everyone in the house praises you. I’m still young and inexperienced, often making a mess of things. This accounting is an enormous responsibility. I keep thinking I’m not up to the task. If I make a mistake, Mother will blame me, and you’ll have to help clean up after me.”

The second madam looked at her, hearing the unspoken meaning.

She knew, of course, that because of the Huang family match, Song Yan had been blamed by the first madam. If she hadn’t intervened, the first madam would have simply thought the Huang family insufficient and refused. But because the second madam had swooped in, the first madam was displeased, and that displeasure would not fall on herself, but would be pushed onto her daughter-in-law.

After Wei Xi’s embarrassment in front of the Huang family, Song Yan and her maternal aunt had lost face as well: what you looked down on, others have now secured, and now it’s my turn to look down on you.

The second madam was silent for a long time, then said earnestly, “I have a few words from the heart to share with you.” She turned to a maid. “Go close the door.”

The maid did so, slipping out herself, perhaps to keep watch.

Song Yan was curious—what could the second madam want to say in such secrecy?

The second madam began, “I know you’re upset with me over the Huang family matter—”

Song Yan was about to protest, but the second madam pressed her hand, “I know I neglected your feelings. I only ask you to understand a mother’s heart. Zhi’er may seem obedient, but she’s strong-willed. I’ve matched her with many families before—she always found fault, either the groom lacked ability or had a concubine. She wants a husband who suits her, but where in the world can one find such perfection? So the years have passed, and she’s still unmarried. It’s become a heavy worry for me.

“When I heard of the Huang family, I immediately thought they were suitable. To be honest, I did hear it first from your mother-in-law. Since they came to our door, they must be attracted by the prestige of our household. Though Zhi’er’s father is not an official, she is still presentable. If they’re willing to wait for twelve-year-old Xi, they might prefer my Zhi’er. So I quietly asked my sister-in-law to arrange it.

“I know my sister-in-law will scold me for being scheming, and you might resent me for putting you in an awkward spot, but I couldn’t help it. I just want my daughter to have a good match!”

Song Yan said, “You don’t need to explain, Second Aunt. I don’t blame you. If I were in your place and had your skill and foresight, I would do the same for my children.”

The second madam went on, “That’s the Huang family matter. Another thing is this accounting. You must wonder why I’d hand it to you. To be honest, I’m reluctant to let go, but…”

Her eyes grew red as she wiped the corners with her sleeve. “It wasn’t a cold I had before—it was a miscarriage.”

Song Yan was shocked. This was another secret the second madam had kept tightly. She had never heard a whisper of it.

“No one knows but my closest attendants—and you. At my age, I was foolish enough to hope for another child. I was afraid of being laughed at.

“Many years ago, my health failed, and since your second uncle already had sons, I gave up hope. But last year, I heard of an old physician famed for treating women’s ailments. I secretly sought him out, took his medicine, and my health improved. Not long after, I found myself pregnant. I was overjoyed, planning to announce it after three stable months. But before two months had passed, I lost the child…

“The doctor said I was frail and should have rested, but I kept worrying and working, and that’s why I lost it. He comforted me, said that with rest and care, there might yet be hope. Just as you entered the household, I saw your good character and intelligence, and decided to entrust you with these duties. I’ve already mentioned it to the Marquis, and he agrees you should have a try. If it goes well, I’ll gradually hand over more.”

Now Song Yan understood—the second madam was finally being honest.

She was unwilling to relinquish power, yet still hoped for one more chance—so she was delegating the most taxing tasks, retaining overall control, able to yield or reclaim authority as needed.

Still, Song Yan was willing to give it a try.

She was a second wife, her own family without influence, and she shared little affection with Wei Qi; she had to carve out her own place. Even if it was just to learn the ropes and follow in the second madam’s footsteps, it was worthwhile.

She replied sincerely, “I understand, Second Aunt. Thank you for treating me as family. I’ll take over these accounts, and if I fall short, I hope you’ll guide me with patience.”

The second madam brightened. “Good, it’s settled then. Tomorrow I’ll take you to inform your mother-in-law and the Marquis.”

After she left, Qiu Yue said to Song Yan, “I used to think the second madam was formidable, but now I see she’s just thinking of her daughter.”

Song Yan nodded, but her thoughts drifted to Wei Xi: Who would arrange a good match for her in the future? Who would look out for her?