Chapter 106 Sending a Concubine
Sunlight slants through the window, casting shadows and illuminating the dignified and ancient study.
On his third visit to the old lady's study, Li Qu began to feel the solemn and dignified atmosphere of the place.
The rosewood bookcase reaches the ceiling, with books arranged neatly and orderly.
The study is spacious and has all the necessary functional areas.
The carved, light-leaking partitions cast shadowy shadows.
The old lady walked to the back window and opened it.
A cool breeze suddenly swept over me.
She turned to look at Li Qu, who was standing in front of the desk: "I have used this study for decades."
"Books made of wood inevitably absorb some of the scent of incense that I use to keep warm."
"If you are pregnant and stay here often, keep the windows open for ventilation."
Li Qu should be the one.
The old lady walked towards the desk: "I'm getting old, and I sometimes have insomnia at night and get up late in the morning."
"If you come early in the future, you don't need to disturb me. Just come straight to the study."
"Snow Pigeon serves here. Just ask her if you need anything."
A composed maid stepped forward and bowed to Li Qu: "Greetings, Third Madam. This servant is Xuege, at your service."
"No need for formalities, please."
The old lady patted the books on the desk: "Every day at 9:00 AM, come to me to ask about the scriptures."
“A relative will be visiting this afternoon around 1-3 PM. Please come with me to see him.”
"In the future, I will inform you when relatives come to visit, and you can meet them when you have time."
Li Qu replied, "Yes."
"Don't overwork yourself; take care of your health."
"My daughter-in-law understands."
"Let's look at what's in this box first." The old lady picked up an old-fashioned, heavy box from a stack of books.
I casually placed it on top of the stack of books.
She looked at Li Qu and said, "His father and I feel guilty towards him."
"That's how you got your chance."
"otherwise……"
The old lady patted the box, then left with Rong Mama and the others.
Li Qu sat down at the small desk that had been specially prepared for her.
Xuege respectfully presented the box to Li Qu.
She opened the box, took out the books from inside with both hands, and placed them in front of Li Qu.
"This is the genealogical record of the Zhou family."
“There are also five other sets of clothing.”
"Once the Third Madam is familiar with it, then we can look at the other volumes."
"Thank you." Li Qu lowered his eyes and flipped through the Zhou family genealogy from back to front.
The last new addition was the name of the youngest son of the second wife.
'Zhou Dun was born on the eighth day of the sixth month of the forty-first year of the reign of Emperor Hong of the Great Qian Dynasty, at the hour of Chen (7:15 AM). His father was Zhou Yan, and he was the ninth son in his family…'
Li Qu casually flipped forward two pages.
'Zhou Mang was born at 1:15 AM on the first day of the seventh month of the twenty-fifth year of Emperor Shun of the Great Qian Dynasty. His father was Zhou Lang, and he was the eldest son…'
'Zhao Dehua, the legitimate daughter of Princess Shun and Princess Fu'
'Yuan Qingyu, the sixth daughter of the Vice Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices'
'Concubine Liu Yingying, daughter of the Liu family of Hezhou'
The ink in this line is relatively new, clearly added recently.
Li Qu flips through it again.
'Zhou Yan was born on the third day of the ninth month of the first year of the reign of Emperor Hong of the Great Qian Dynasty, at the hour of Wei (1-3 PM). His father was Zhou Lang, and he was the second son…'
'Yao Rou, the youngest daughter of Yao Zeng, the Duke of Huguo's principal wife
'Xie Yinyuan, granddaughter of Xie Yao, the Imperial Tutor'
'Wei Yue, the fourth concubine's daughter of Wei Zaiguang, head of the Wei family of Hezhou'
'Meng Geyue, mother of Zhou Hu'
Turn the page again, and you'll see Zhou Jin's name.
Zhou Jin's wives and concubines were only mentioned in four words.
'Li Qu, the principal wife'
That's all.
Li Qu subconsciously raised her hand to pick up the tea, but found it empty.
Seeing this, Xu Mama spoke up: "Didn't Madam say that she didn't want to change clothes frequently and asked that tea be prepared in half an hour?"
Li Qu rested her wrist on the desk, rubbing her index and middle fingers together with her thumb.
I'm a little thirsty.
A maidservant from the tea room served Li Qu a light cup of tea.
After Xu Mama checked it, she brought it to Li Qu's hands.
Li Qu picked up the bowl and took a small sip.
Looking at those simple four words, I recalled the old lady's unfinished words before she passed away.
He smiled and put down his teacup.
An old lady is still an old lady.
They are constantly trying to win people's hearts and minds.
Granny Xu couldn't help but interject, "Third Master's affection for his wife is stronger than gold."
Li Qu leaned back in her chair with a smile and looked at Granny Xu: "Have you ever heard of Zengzi divorcing his wife?"
Granny Xu shook her head.
"Zengzi divorced his wife because the wild vegetables she steamed were not cooked properly..."
Li Qu did not say anything more.
Granny Xu immediately defended her Third Master, saying, "Third Master is not such a despicable person."
Li Qu laughed: "Your third master heard your slanderous words against the sages and is going to punish you severely."
Granny Xu quickly shut up.
They scolded Zengzi for being mentally ill, asking how he could divorce his wife over such a trivial matter.
Li Qu closed the book in her hand and began to turn the pages from the first page.
*
The study was quiet and ordinary, with only the sound of slowly turning pages.
Outside the study, however, things were in an uproar.
The head of the flower room, Granny Niu, was covered in blood and half-dead when Huaiqiu threw her at the entrance of the flower room.
Huai Qiu said, "This is what will happen to anyone who dares to lay their hands on Fanghua Garden!"
The maid who was holding the periwinkle was also forced to stand in front of everyone by the servants and was subjected to torture on the spot.
Their pleas and screams went unheard.
Wait until all twenty strokes are finished.
Huai Qiu said, "This is the consequence of knowingly failing to report and neglecting one's duty to dissuade others!"
"Also, everyone in the greenhouse is out of money this month!"
Collective punishment.
Everyone knelt down in fear.
After Huaiqiu finished speaking, he glanced at everyone and said, "This is a lenient sentence because it is my first offense."
"Third Master said that if this happens again, no matter who it is or who they are working for, they will be executed!"
"If any servant son commits such a crime, the entire family will be tattooed and sold off!"
After Huaiqiu finished speaking, he picked up Granny Niu and left again.
This sparked a heated discussion within the household.
In less than an hour, the entire mansion knew that Third Master originally intended to grind Granny Niu to dust.
It was the old lady who stepped in and saved Granny Niu's life.
Then a wise person has to ask:
Why was it the old lady who stepped forward to protect Granny Niu, and not the second wife or the first wife?
The answer is obvious.
The old lady instructed Granny Niu to do such a blatant and foolish thing to harm the Third Madam.
Now, here's the important part.
The old lady would reach into the Third Master's courtyard, only to have her hand ruthlessly broken by him.
Who in this inner courtyard could be more noble than the old lady?
That's all.
Therefore, all departments of the Zhou government urgently convened departmental meetings.
Families who had given birth held emergency family meetings.
There is only one principle: the Third Madam is supreme!
*
A refreshing autumn breeze was blowing when Xueying returned from her errands at the turn of noon.
From the moment she entered the manor, she felt that she encountered more maids and servants than she usually did.
She didn't pay any attention and quickly walked into Shou'an Hall.
Upon arriving at the main house, I lifted the curtain, entered, and greeted the old lady.
She then informed the old lady about the follow-up matters concerning Granny Niu.
“This servant has already gone to the yamen to have Granny Niu’s status as a slave removed.”
"The person has been taken back by his family."
“After he recovered from his injuries, he came to my door and I promised him one hundred taels of silver.”
"Upon hearing this, Granny Niu's family promised to take good care of her as she recovers from her injuries."
The old lady was silently writing the Heart Sutra on a low table, a sutra that is said to bring peace of mind.
After Xueying finished reporting the matter, she saw that the old lady was still writing, so she bowed and withdrew.
After Xueying left, the old lady finally lost her temper and threw down the pen.
"This wretched child!"
"How dare you use an old woman like me to establish your authority!"
She's so angry!
"You unfilial son!"
Rong Mama kept her eyes down and her mind at ease: "Have Niu Mama come to collect the silver after she recovers from her injuries."
"Third Master is the main culprit, and the cow-guarding nanny is just an afterthought."
"Otherwise, why would Granny Niu need to come to collect the silver herself after recovering from her injuries?"
"You should have Xueying bestow silver directly, and then leave a message for Granny Niu's husband's family."
"How dare the husband's family of Granny Niu treat Granny Niu badly?"
The old lady was still angry, but after hearing what Rong Mama said, she couldn't help but laugh.
She pointed at Granny Rong with her finger: "You old hag."
Granny Rong smiled too.
"If you allow this old servant to go out again and spread the word about Granny Niu's release."
"The effect of making an example of someone by stepping on you, Third Master, will be weakened."
“If you tacitly accept the rumors, then the master of this mansion will understand your meaning.”
"This also lets the servants know that although the Third Madam's family is not prominent, the Third Master has taken a liking to her, and you have indulged her."
"Unconsciously, this elevated the status of the Third Madam."
"These things are not all because you feel sorry for Third Master."
"Shut up, people get more talkative as they get older!" the old lady quickly waved her hand.
"You've brought up all the little things I've been thinking about, it's pointless!"
With a smile, Granny Rong stepped forward to tidy up the writing brush, ink, paper, and inkstone on the old lady's low table.
Change the old lady's teacup.
*
As Rong Mama said, Madam Yao knew that Shou'an Hall did nothing about the rumors, and thus understood the old lady's intentions.
Seeing that Yao was engrossed in managing the accounts, Qiaogu served her a cup of tea.
“Madam, with the old lady so praising the Third Madam, it’s hard to guarantee that the affairs of the Hezhou Clan won’t change hands in the future.”
Second Madam Yao didn't even look up: "No."
Qiaogu was somewhat worried when she saw her wife's confident demeanor.
The second wife kept her abacus in hand, warning, "Don't cause me any trouble."
Qiaogu quickly replied, "This servant wouldn't dare."
*
Qin, the trusted confidante of the First Madam, Princess Zhao, kept a close eye on matters within the household.
She told Princess Zhao what had happened in the flower room that morning, as well as the reaction of Shou'an Hall.
Princess Zhao did not react.
After a long while, Princess Zhao pulled a handkerchief from her sleeve, covered her face, and began to sob: "In the capital, he holds real power and is a first-rank official!"
"What is he in the South?"
"The wealth belongs to his second brother, and the power belongs to his third brother!"
"He didn't even have a fart!"
Princess Zhao sobbed, then suddenly looked at Granny Qin and cried even harder.
"No, he now has a beautiful and delicate concubine!"
This is going to kill me.
Princess Zhao dominated Zhou Mang for her entire life, and her only concubine, Yuan Shi, was given a drug that rendered her infertile.
He was only allowed to be near Zhou Mang when Princess Zhao was unwell.
A few days ago, Zhou Mang took a concubine named Liu, who was then included in the family genealogy.
Princess Zhao vomited so badly she nearly died: "This shameless thing, half of his body is already buried."
"They actually took a girl younger than Nabi's son as a concubine!"
"He had no money, no power, no status, and he still changed his heart!"
"What's the point of me living? Waaaaah!"
Granny Qin quickly advised, "Madam, you must not have such suicidal thoughts."
Princess Zhao cried and grew angrier: "I am a princess with royal blood!"
“He even said I was jealous and lacked virtue as a woman, and confined me to my quarters.”
"I shouldn't have listened to his lies and agreed to come to this river island!"
"Now that my uncle has passed away, I, the princess, can't even leave this courtyard!"
“Zhou Mang…”
"That Zhou Mang bastard clearly said that he would never doubt his love!"
"He clearly said that taking a concubine was not his original intention!"
"Now... he seems like a completely different person!"
He betrayed me!
"Waaaaah..."
Granny Qin quickly tried to dissuade her.
As for what happens in the mansion, let it be!
Their first wife's ambitions lay elsewhere.
*
Li Qu had lunch at Shou'an Hall.
After lunch break, I met with relatives with the old lady.
The old master Zhou Lang also had two younger brothers.
They had long since separated and lived in different residences.
The people they were visiting were Bao, the wife of the second master, and Chang, the wife of the third master.
Inside Shou'an Hall, the windows were open, allowing for ventilation and a cool temperature.
The old lady extinguished all the incense, and the fresh flowers on the flower stand had to be cleared of any potential hazards by Dr. An before they could be placed on the table.
Although she didn't say it directly, the small details revealed how much she valued Li Qu's pregnancy.
When Xueying announced the arrival of the Second and Third Old Madams, Li Qu was playing chess with the old lady.
One was not good at Go, and the other was too old to think.
The two are evenly matched, evenly matched on the chessboard.
"Haha, Xueying has grown more and more beautiful." A strong voice came from outside the door.
"Thank you for your kind words, Madam Xie. Please come in. Madam Xie and Madam San are playing chess."
The curtain was lifted, and a sprightly old woman with slightly dark skin was helped into the room.
Li Qu put down the chess piece in his hand and got off the bed.
Madam Bao stepped forward and bowed to the old lady, saying, "Greetings to my sister-in-law."
The old lady waved her hand: "Stop with all the formalities, I hate them the most."
"Come up and sit down."
Bao took the seat that Li Qu had just occupied, and Chang, who was behind her, sat down in the upper right seat of honor.
After the two women sat down, Li Qu greeted them, saying, "Greetings, Second Aunt and Third Aunt."
The two exchanged a few pleasantries with Li Qu.
Li Qu then exchanged greetings with his two sisters-in-law, who were of the same generation.
Then everyone took their seats according to their social status.
Li Qu is in first place on the left.
The other younger members of the family stepped forward one by one to pay their respects.
Until the last girl stepped forward.
Ms. Bao explained, "This is my niece from my maternal family, her name is Qingsu."
But then the beautiful woman stepped forward with graceful steps and a soft, gentle voice: "Qingsu greets the old lady."
Then he turned to Li Qu and said, "Greetings, Third Madam."
As Bao Qingsu bowed and stood up, she looked up at Li Qu.
When she met Li Qu's calm and gentle eyes, her face flushed, and she lowered her head shyly.
Her rosy cheeks and snow-white skin were breathtakingly beautiful.
Madam Bao spoke up: "Third niece-in-law, take a look, do you find her pleasing to the eye?"
To understand from a sound.
Li Qu's lips curled up, and her eyes lingered openly on Bao Qingsu.
"The sisters-in-law, nieces and sisters who came today all please my niece-in-law."
"Especially my second aunt."
Li Qu shifted her gaze from Bao Qingsu to the second old lady, Madam Bao.
"Although we rarely visit each other."
"But the first time I met you, my niece-in-law felt an overwhelming sense of warmth and familiarity with you."
“You are not like my second aunt from the next room, but more like my own mother-in-law.”
“My own mother-in-law has never cared whether I have any interest in anyone.”
"It's clear how little he cares about his daughter-in-law."
"Since my second aunt is so kind to me, I'll have to visit her more often in the future."
"Second Aunt, please don't find it troublesome."
The maids served tea cups one by one.
The old lady held up her tea and smiled.
Bao intended to send a concubine to Zhou Jin.
The meaning of "Li Qu" is clear.
Even the old lady herself didn't give the third branch of the family a place to marry, so who do you think you are, you old thing we just met?
Overt praise with veiled sarcasm.
Neither humble nor arrogant.
Mr. Bao laughed heartily, showing no embarrassment whatsoever.
The intrigues within the inner quarters can only be exposed by those with thick skin.
Bao said: "Qingsu is proficient in all the arts, including music, chess, calligraphy, and painting; his musical talent and dance are also worthy of appreciation."
"Since my niece-in-law finds her agreeable, why not keep her by my side to serve me?"
"After you give birth to your son, your second aunt will come to pick you up, how about that?"
Li Qu: "There are actors and performers to amuse and entertain."
"How could I dare to make my cousin Qingsu do such a lowly thing?"
"My cousin has plenty of free time and doesn't mind me being a nuisance, so she can come visit often."
"My niece-in-law will definitely take good care of my cousin Qingsu."
Bao laughed again and said to the old lady, "Sister-in-law, I brought her something to cheer her up, but she's not happy about it."
"Then I'll give it to the third brother."
She rested her elbows on the low table and spoke frankly.
"The Sun woman that the second master sent over before."
"Her infidelity has caused her great disgrace to the two old masters."
"He kept saying he wanted to find a beautiful girl from a good family for his third son as an apology."
"That's why I gave up my niece from my maternal family to give to my third son."
"Sister-in-law, what do you think?"
Upon hearing this, Bao Qingsu knelt down and prostrated herself before the old woman, awaiting her fate.
The matter has now been brought to the forefront.
There is no way to avoid it.
The old lady said, "I'm too old to interfere in the younger generation's bedroom affairs."
"You should ask the third son's wife about this."
Bao Qingsu then knelt down in front of Li Qu, prostrating herself on the ground.
"Qingsu is willing to serve as a slave or maid to the Third Madam. I beg the Madam to take me in."
Second Madam Bao smiled as she served tea.
One should not refuse a gift from one's elders.
If Li Qu dares to say no, she will confirm Li Qu's reputation for being jealous today.
The position of Mrs. Wednesday is not one that just anyone can hold onto.
She sipped her tea and put down her cup, speaking softly, "Third niece-in-law, what do you think?"
Li Qu smiled and said, "Second Aunt is willing, this cousin is willing, and Third Master agrees."
“The niece-in-law can immediately affix her seal to the document for taking a concubine.”
Bao said, "The third son is busy with countless affairs every day. Why bother asking him about such a trivial matter?"
"You are her wife, and you should have full authority over matters concerning the inner quarters."
Li Qu lowered her eyebrows, looking embarrassed: "To be honest..."
"Although I hold the title of Third Madam, I don't even have the freedom to send a letter home."
"Third Master has very strict rules, and I dare not overstep them."
"If Third Aunt doesn't believe me, I'll invite Third Master back now, and you can ask him yourself."
As she spoke, she called out to the person beside her, "Granny Xu..."
Before Li Qu could even say that he wanted to send someone to invite Zhou Jin, Madam Bao stopped him, saying, "This is such a trivial matter, there's no need to bother the third brother."
"You can tell him when he returns."
Li Qu then straightened up and said, "Then we'll wait for Third Master to return so he can personally arrange things for Cousin Qingsu."
She was respectful and gentle, showing no sign of anger.
Bao saw the shadow of the second wife, Yao, in Li Qu.
He never showed his emotions, and was always gentle and mild-mannered.
But Yao was the daughter of the Duke of Huguo.
Born into a prominent family.
He was of noble status and exceptionally well-mannered.
What is this guy anyway?
She was a woman who used her looks to please men, and somehow she captivated Zhou Junren's eyes and became the mistress of the third branch of the Zhou family.
An ordinary woman.
laugh!
Bao smiled and said to Li Qu, "Since ancient times, men have been in charge of external affairs, while women have been in charge of internal affairs."
“My nephew’s wife is not good at domestic affairs, which makes my third nephew unwilling to relinquish power, causing him a lot of trouble.”
"Things will be great in the future. Qingsu is good at managing relationships, accounts, and household affairs. She can be of great help to you."
Li Qu smiled calmly: "Thank you for your concern, Second Aunt. Third Master is missing your thoughtfulness."
Seeing that Li Qu remained as steady as Mount Tai, Bao found it rather boring.
He turned around and started chatting with the old lady about other things.
It is a very common thing for elders to bestow a woman upon someone.
She didn't take it to heart.
After Bao Qingsu got up, she stood behind Li Qu.
The younger generation might go to the adjacent flower room to chat and eat.
Or stand behind the elders and serve them respectfully.
Li Qu picked up her teacup and took a light sip.
She decided not to let Zhou Jin lull her to sleep tonight.
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