In winter, sunlight filters through thick clouds, casting dappled shadows that make people feel somewhat lazy.
In the courtyard of the Cheng family mansion, the snow had not yet melted, and glistening icicles hung from the eaves. Occasionally, a few sparrows hopped on the branches, chirping crisply.
A cool, crisp air filled the room, and occasionally a breeze would blow, stirring up snowflakes that would swirl gently in the air.
The entire courtyard was exceptionally quiet, as if time itself had slowed down in this cold season.
The second wife of the Cheng family walked through the long corridor and arrived at the residence of the first wife.
She wore a brocade jacket and skirt embroidered with golden peonies, and a cloak of mixed fur foxes. Her steps were light and quick, as if she were carrying some kind of expectation.
As she passed the embroidery room, she deliberately slowed her pace, glanced into the window, and a calculating glint flashed in her eyes.
The embroidery room window was tightly closed, and she couldn't see anything. She frowned slightly, feeling a little displeased, but quickly regained her smile and continued walking towards the main room.
Inside the main room, the First Madam sat by the window, gently waving a delicate ivory fan in her hand, looking relaxed and content.
Beside her was a charcoal brazier, the embers glowing faintly red, dispelling some of the chill.
Upon hearing from the servants that the Second Madam had come to visit, she almost instantly showed signs of annoyance, but quickly regained her composure.
"What brings you here today, sister-in-law?"
She put down her fan, turned slightly to the side, and gestured for the second mistress to sit down.
The second wife smiled and bowed, saying, "Sister-in-law, the weather is nice today, so I thought I'd come over and chat with you."
She deliberately softened her voice, with a hint of ingratiation, as if she were just there for a casual chat.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, the second wife couldn't wait to get to the point, saying earnestly, "Sister-in-law, the reason I came here today is actually to ask you for a favor."
The First Madam raised an eyebrow slightly, secretly sneering to herself, thinking that this was like a weasel offering New Year's greetings to a chicken, but she didn't show it on her face, only nodding slightly to signal her to continue.
Seeing this, the second wife stopped beating around the bush and said directly, "I would like to ask you to give me Miss Xiuxiu so that she can serve the second master."
Upon hearing this, the First Madam's expression remained unchanged, maintaining her elegance and composure.
She gently waved her fan, her tone indifferent: "Oh? You want my embroiderer?"
The voice was calm, as if they were talking about a trivial matter.
Seeing that the First Madam did not immediately refuse, the Second Madam felt more confident. "Yes, yes!"
The First Madam gently closed her fan, her tone still calm: "Sister-in-law, you jest. Xiuxiu is just a little maid, why would you make a special trip for her? Besides, doesn't the Second Master already have several capable maids by his side? Why must he insist on having Xiuxiu?"
“I know my sister-in-law trusts her, but as you also know, the second master is a scoundrel. If we don’t appease him, he’ll definitely cause chaos in the household! I really have no other choice but to come to you for help.”
Madam Cheng remained expressionless and silent.
The second wife's smile froze slightly, but she quickly regained her composure: "Don't worry, sister-in-law, I definitely won't let you suffer a loss. As long as you're willing to part with her, I'll return ten times the money Wang Xiuxiu received for selling herself!"
Upon hearing the words "ten times," the First Madam's heart trembled violently.
Although she wasn't short of money, the tenfold price was indeed hard to refuse.
After hesitating for a long time, she turned to the maid beside her and ordered, "Go and call Xiuxiu here."
A moment later, Xiuxiu walked into the room with her head down.
She was wearing a plain cotton-padded jacket, her hair was neatly combed, and she had a somewhat timid expression on her face.
The First Madam looked at her tenderly and asked softly, "Xiuxiu, would you be willing to become the Second Master's concubine?"
Wang Xiuxiu met the second master of the Cheng family.
The man had a sleazy appearance; although he was not yet forty, he looked as if he had been drained by wine and women.
Once, at a family banquet, she was giving a handkerchief to Madam Cheng when she ran into this person.
Hearing from the servants that she was an embroiderer serving the First Madam, his cloudy eyes began to scrutinize her.
Especially when her hands holding the tray were exposed to his view, Wang Xiuxiu instantly felt like she was being stared at by a wild beast.
After that, she avoided Cheng Lao Er as much as possible.
Upon hearing the First Madam's words, Wang Xiuxiu turned pale with fright, and tears instantly welled up in her eyes.
She knelt on the ground, sobbing uncontrollably: "Madam, please don't let me leave. I want to serve you for the rest of my life!"
Seeing Xiuxiu's resolute attitude, the First Madam was secretly pleased, but she remained calm on the surface.
She turned her head and looked at the embarrassed Second Madam, her tone apologetic: "Sister-in-law, as you can see, it's not that I'm unwilling to part with her, it's just that what this girl said makes it impossible for me to disregard her wishes. Besides, forced marriages are never sweet, and if we force her to go, I'm afraid Second Master won't be happy either."
Seeing that the First Madam was unmoved, the Second Madam secretly resented her: "Since my sister-in-law says so, I can't force her anymore, but what about the Second Master..."
The First Madam interrupted her, her tone leaving no room for argument: "Second Sister-in-law, you have such a good temper! Our Cheng family is a respectable family. If people knew that Second Master was even eyeing the women in your sister-in-law's room, wouldn't we be a laughingstock?"
Upon hearing this, the second wife felt a surge of displeasure, but she could only force a smile: "My sister-in-law is right; I was not thoughtful enough."
After saying that, she picked up her teacup, took a big gulp, and concealed her dissatisfaction.
Seeing this, the First Madam said nothing more, only smiled faintly.
The second wife's face was covered in bruises, and she felt it was pointless to stay any longer, so she got up to say goodbye: "Sister-in-law, then I won't bother you any longer. I'll come and talk to you another day."
The First Madam nodded slightly, watching the Second Madam leave. The smile on her face gradually disappeared, replaced by a coldness.
The second wife has left, but the matter is far from over.
Although she successfully escaped the fate of being sent to the Second Master as a concubine, given the First Madam's temper, regardless of whether it was her fault or not, Wang Xiuxiu would still suffer greatly!
Everyone in the manor knows that the First Madam is someone who cannot tolerate any nonsense. If anyone dares to play tricks under her nose, they will be punished by kneeling and being beaten, or even sold off without mercy.
Wang Xiuxiu knelt on the ground, head down, her body trembling slightly, already prepared for the worst.
However, to her surprise, the First Madam not only did not punish her, but also comforted her.
"Xiuxiu, you must have been frightened by what happened today. Go back and get some rest. Don't think too much about it."
Wang Xiuxiu could hardly believe her ears when she heard this.
She raised her head and glanced timidly at the First Madam. Seeing that the other woman's expression was calm and even had a hint of concern in her eyes, she felt a little relieved.
She quickly kowtowed, her voice choked with emotion, and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Madam. This servant... this servant will serve you wholeheartedly and will never dare to have any disloyalty."
The First Madam smiled slightly and waved her hand: "Go on, get some rest. We still have to work hard tomorrow."
Wang Xiuxiu then retreated cautiously.
She knew things weren't that simple, but she didn't have time to think about it. She could only lower her head and walk quickly back to her residence.
Throughout the journey, her heart remained in suspense, as if a heavy stone was pressing on her chest, making it hard for her to breathe.
The sunlight outside the window was still bright, but it couldn't penetrate her gloomy heart.
As soon as Wang Xiuxiu left, Granny Lu approached the First Madam and tentatively asked, "Madam, aren't you afraid that this little vixen really seduced the Second Master? If she really has such intentions, wouldn't we be raising a tiger to cause trouble?"
The First Madam leisurely waved her fan, her tone tinged with disdain: "That girl, she looks stupid, how could she possibly have the skill to seduce someone?"
Upon hearing this, Granny Lu nodded repeatedly: "What Madam says is true, Xiuxiu is indeed an honest girl."
The First Madam sneered and continued, "The Second Son's wife is just using his name to poach people from me. I know exactly what she's up to! She wants to bring Wang Xiuxiu over there so she can emulate me and enter the circle of those ladies! She doesn't even know what kind of person she is!"
“Madam is wise. How could the Second Madam’s thoughts escape your eyes? She has shot herself in the foot and is making a fool of herself.”
Although the First Madam was heartbroken about losing such a large sum of money, upon reflection, she realized that the Second Son's wife was more cunning than a monkey and would never let her gain any advantage.
If we really give Wang Xiuxiu to her, who knows what kind of trouble she might cause in the future.
Wang Xiuxiu was still of great use to him, so he naturally couldn't just sell her off so casually.
Thinking of this, a glint of light flashed in the eyes of the First Madam. "Although Xiuxiu is a bit slow, she has good skills and an honest nature. All the distinguished guests in our mansion praise her for her exquisite embroidery."
Granny Lu quickly chimed in, "Yes, Xiuxiu is indeed a useful girl. If she really went to the second branch of the family, who knows how the second madam would treat her? Keeping her here can at least help you, Madam."
The First Madam nodded, her tone laced with calculation: "That makes sense. If I gain a foothold in the social circles of noblewomen in Quanzhou, I might actually sell her off to the Second Prince for a pittance, but that will have to wait until I've made my money."
Upon hearing this, Granny Lu trembled all over.
"Does she think her little schemes can fool me? Every single thing in this mansion is carefully considered by me!" The First Madam shook her fan, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. "However, you must give Wang Xiuxiu a good talking-to, Granny, so she doesn't develop any improper thoughts in the future."
Granny Lu quickly replied, "Don't worry, Madam, this old servant will keep an eye on her and will never give her a chance to have any disloyal thoughts!"
---
Wang Xiuxiu walked straight to the window.
With a creak, she opened the back window of the room without hesitation, a window that had been closed since winter began.
In an instant, the icy, biting wind surged in like a wild horse, tearing everything inside the room apart.
Wang Xiuxiu stood motionless by the window like a statue, letting the cold wind blow freely.
At this moment, she desperately needed to calm down.
This dramatic storm may seem to have subsided for the time being, but in reality, the undercurrents within the Cheng family are far from over.
And she, like a lone boat sailing in these turbulent waves, could be mercilessly swallowed up if she is not careful.
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