81 Matchmaking
◎Thirty years on the east side of the river, thirty years on the west side of the river◎
After an autumn rain, the weather suddenly turned cold, as if it had turned from summer to autumn overnight.
Later, Chu Yufu went to Zhouqiao Night Market again and found that many of the stalls there had been closed down. The long street was no longer as bustling as it was a few days ago and was much quieter. She couldn't help feeling a little regretful.
In the blink of an eye, it was mid-September. The autumn wind was bleak and the leaves of the trees in the courtyard turned yellow in just a few days.
Early in the morning, Chu Yufu sat cross-legged on a low couch by the window, supporting her chin with one hand, her eyes fixed on the ginkgo tree in the courtyard outside the window.
Golden leaves rustled down, a cool breeze swirling past. A leaf drifted through the window and landed on the hem of her skirt. She reached out and picked it up, placing it on the low table in front of her.
"Madam, the manager of the farm brought the summer account books yesterday, along with two arm-long wild ginsengs and five live rabbits." Lan Zhu placed the account books in her arms on the table.
Chu Yufu picked up the top book and opened a page at random.
Lan Zhu stood aside and continued, "Madam, you looked over the materials and patterns for the servants' winter clothes the other day. If you have no objection, we'll make them according to the pattern, two for each person. If you work hard, they'll be delivered around October. You have two thick satin jackets that you'd like to have fur trimmed, too. Would you mind sending them over to have them made then?"
Chu Yufu's eyes never left the account book. Her voice was soft and clear as she gave instructions one by one: "Wild ginseng is rare, so be careful. Mix it with some tea leaves, seal it in a porcelain jar, and store it in a dry place to avoid moisture and insects. As for those rabbits... find a place to keep them for now, don't rush to slaughter them. The weather has been cold these past two days, and the general has had some stomach discomfort, so rabbit meat is not suitable for him."
"Yes." Lan Zhu replied.
"As for the servants' winter clothes..."
Chu Yufu thought of the coat she had sent the day before and said thoughtfully, "The material doesn't seem very thick to me. If the weather gets really cold, I'm afraid it won't be warm enough. So, add three taels of cotton to each coat. You can directly pay for the cotton from the bank account. As for the fur edging, you can handle it as you see fit."
The mansion is not short of those dozens of taels of silver. She always wants to make her subordinates live more comfortably within her ability. After all, life is not easy.
Lan Zhu took careful note and continued, "Then there are things happening outside."
Chu Yufu raised her chin slightly, her eyes still fixed on the account book, motioning her to continue.
"The Marquis of Mingxuan's mansion is hosting a chrysanthemum viewing banquet in four days, and my cousin has specially sent you an invitation."
Chu Yufu thought about it briefly. She needed to go to the Xinguo Mansion to show it to Madam Shen that day. She was afraid that she would not be able to make it in time for the banquet. So she said, "Send someone to tell my cousin that I have to go to the Duke's Mansion that day. If it ends early, I will definitely go there. If I really can't make it, I can only ask her to forgive me."
Mrs. Shen had been taking the detoxification pills for nearly a month and reported feeling more energetic and sleeping more soundly at night, less likely to wake up. This was undoubtedly a sign of improvement. However, the toxins had been eroding her body over the years, ultimately damaging her foundation. She couldn't guarantee she could conceive again, so she could only slowly recuperate and leave it to fate.
Lan Zhu nodded and took note of it. A look of embarrassment appeared on her face. After a moment's hesitation, she continued, "Madam, there is one more thing. Censor Bai's wife, Mrs. Yue, has sent another invitation. She also wants to meet you."
"Um?"
Chu Yufu finally shifted her gaze from the account book, sat up straight, and frowned slightly. "Didn't the concierge explain clearly to the person who came to deliver the invitation yesterday? If there is anything, just go to Bixu Pavilion and make an appointment according to the rules."
Nowadays, there is an endless stream of people seeking medical treatment from her. If everyone came directly to her house and sent a letter requesting a consultation, wouldn't the house be in chaos?
Lan Zhu quickly explained on the doorman's behalf, "The doorman explained everything clearly yesterday, and I was listening right there. The servants sent by the Yue family today said that the number for Bixu Pavilion had already been booked for seven days, but her mistress had something extremely urgent to attend to and couldn't wait any longer, so she shamelessly submitted the invitation."
Chu Yufu heard this, her fingertips touching her solar plexus, pondering how to respond, when she heard footsteps outside the corridor. Pei Yue's voice, drawn in from the distance, carried a slight breath from martial arts practice: "If you don't want to see me, just refuse."
Chu Yufu looked out the window, following the sound. She saw that the man who had been dancing with a sword in the courtyard had stopped at some point. His hair was damp with sweat, plastered to the side of his face, a bit disheveled.
He strode along the corridor, walked to the window, naturally reached out his hand through the window frame, and stroked the hair on her forehead.
Chu Yufu raised her face and met his deep peach blossom eyes. A comforting smile curved the corners of her lips. She pinched his fingers gently with her backhand: "Forget it, maybe he really has something urgent to deal with. Avoiding him would make us seem unkind."
Seeing that she had made up her mind, Pei Yue said no more.
Chu Yufu pondered for a moment, then turned back to Lan Zhu and said, "Send someone to reply. Please invite Madam Yue to come over for a chat this afternoon."
“Hey.”
Lan Zhu bowed and agreed. Just as she was about to walk out the door, her eyes inadvertently swept across the almond tofu on the round table next to her. She paused again, turned around, and looked at Chu Yufu somewhat embarrassedly.
"Madam, I have a small matter to tell you, but I don't know if I should tell you..."
Chu Yufu looked at her: "Just tell me."
"I heard from the kitchen staff that the family that had been supplying tofu to our mansion said something had happened back home and they no longer wanted to make a living in the capital, so they wanted to move back with their entire family. I was wondering if we could have Mama Li's tofu shop continue to supply us? The tofu they make is quite good, not inferior to the previous one."
Mother Li?
Chu Yufu nodded in agreement: "You can make the arrangements." The tofu in the mansion can be bought from any store, especially since Lan Zhu asked for it.
After agreeing, she then asked, "By the way, is Madam Li's grandson's illness healed now?"
Lan Zhu smiled happily and replied, "Thanks to Madam Lao's concern, the child is now fully recovered! However, he incurred some debts during his treatment, and Madam Li's family is working hard to repay them. That's why I thought that if I could take over the business in the mansion, I could help them a little."
After saying this, she bowed again and walked out the door with light steps.
Pei Yue had already walked into the house. He took a sip of the lukewarm tea on the table, and with a smile on his lips, he jokingly said, "Madam, you are now managing this huge mansion in an orderly manner. You are quite like a mistress of the house."
"Of course." Chu Yufu raised her chin slightly, like a little fox wagging its tail proudly.
Pei Yue lowered his eyelashes to hide the smile in his eyes.
-
Near noon, in the inner courtyard of Bai Mansion.
Sitting at the dining table, Yue looked at the food, her appetite gone. Thinking of her useless son in the next yard, she felt a tightness in her chest.
Pick up the chopsticks and put them down again.
Seeing that she looked unhappy, the personal maid cautiously stepped forward, poured a bowl of chicken soup, and said softly, "If Madam really can't eat, you can drink some soup."
The clear chicken soup in the white porcelain bowl reflected the deep sorrow on Yue's face.
She reluctantly picked up the spoon and scooped up a spoonful. Before she could bring it to her lips, she heard hurried footsteps. The little maidservant pushed open the door breathlessly, walked quickly to the table, and bowed, saying, "Madam! Someone from the Pei Mansion has sent a message! They say Madam Chu wants you to come over this afternoon for a chat!"
Yue's hand trembled, and the spoon fell back into the bowl, splashing a few drops of soup: "Seriously!"
She stood up suddenly, her eyes full of joy.
Without caring to continue eating, she leaned on the back of her chair and paced back and forth for a few steps. Then she raised her head and ordered her personal maid, "Go, get a brocade box from the storeroom and put the pair of gold bracelets in my box in it."
After a pause, she felt that this alone wasn't enough. Gold jewelry was valuable, but the Pei family might not value it. Remembering that Madam Chu was skilled in medicine, she suddenly had an idea: "I remember Hainan agarwood is also a good medicinal material. Let's get some and pack it up!"
The maid looked up at her in surprise when she heard that. The piece of agarwood was as big as a palm, but it was a rare item and had a high price. It was the lady's treasured collection for many years.
She couldn't help but whispered, "Madam, isn't this too expensive?"
Mrs. Yue sighed deeply. "At this point, the situation is urgent. Who cares about whether it's expensive or not? As long as we can get this thing settled, any amount of money is worth it. Just go ahead and do it."
The maid said no more, lowered her head and responded, then hurried back to prepare the gifts.
This newly arrived Mrs. Chu has become quite famous in the circle of officials' wives in Beijing in the past six months and has become quite popular.
In April, Pei Yue was granted the title of General Mingxuan, and many people began to inquire about his engagement. They found out that he was engaged to the second daughter of the Chu family.
Upon further inquiry, it was discovered that this little-known Miss Chu was no ordinary woman. With her medical skills, she had established good relationships with both the Marquisate and the Duke's Mansion. When the army returned to the capital, the eldest prince even sent someone to present a thank-you gift to thank her for the medicine.
Later, after the Pei and Chu families got married, the arrogant Xue Shutong of the Lu family spoke nonsense and insulted others at a banquet hosted by his mother-in-law. It is said that Mrs. Chu did not say anything at the time, but less than three days later, Xue Shutong and his mother-in-law went to the house to apologize in a dejected manner.
Since then, Xue Shutong was rarely seen at banquets of any size in the capital.
Although everyone who had come into contact with Madam Chu said that she was gentle and amiable and very easy to get along with, Yue was still a little unsure because of what happened with Xue Shutong. She just thought that if things couldn't be done, she must not offend anyone and must be polite and show all courtesy.
Thinking of this, she pursed her lips, sat back at the table, and thought carefully.
-
In the afternoon, as the sun dipped slightly westward, Yue estimated that it was past lunchtime. After careful preparation, she brought gifts and visited the Pei residence. In the flower hall, she finally met the rumored Madam Chu.
Mrs. Chu was very young, wearing a simple, elegant long dress with a light pink hibiscus pattern, which set off her fair skin, picturesque features, and gentle temperament. She also spoke in a particularly gentle manner, like a spring breeze, which made Yue's heart feel a little relieved.
After a few pleasantries, Yue clutched the handkerchief in her hand and got straight to the point: "I've made the bold move to come to your house to ask for a favor of great importance. I hope Madam can lend a hand."
As she spoke, the maid behind her immediately stepped forward and respectfully placed two heavy brocade boxes on the tea table.
Madam Chu glanced at the box and smiled gently, "I wonder what Madam Yue wants? Feel free to tell me."
Seeing that she didn't refuse directly, Yue was cheered up and said quickly, "To be honest, I have something important to discuss and need to see Madam Song Yan. I heard that Madam Song recently made an appointment at your Bixu Pavilion..."
"So, madam, you want me to check the date that Madam Song has made an appointment so that I can arrange a meeting for you?" Madam Chu raised the teacup beside her and took a sip slowly, neither saying yes nor no.
Seeing this, Yue sighed deeply and simply revealed the whole story: "Now that things have come to this, I have nothing to hide. This all started because of my good-for-nothing son."
"My son and Madam Song's son are both studying at the Imperial Academy. A few days ago, the two children had an argument over a trivial matter, and in their anger, they pushed and shoved each other. In the chaos, the son of the Song family accidentally fell into the lotus pond. The child was already frail, and after the shock, he fell seriously ill on his way home. When I learned of this, I immediately brought my unfilial son to apologize, but Madam Song refused to see me. With no other options, I have the audacity to come to you, Madam, and ask for your permission."
Yue Shi smiled bitterly.
While there was no doubt that there had been an altercation that day, the child had indeed fallen into the pool because he had slipped, not because of her son's pushing. This was a truly unfair grievance, but how could she justify it now?
Although Mrs. Song's husband was only a minor official of the seventh rank, he held the important position of secretary of the cabinet and was a close minister of the emperor. His status and position were far beyond that of an ordinary seventh rank official. Sometimes his words even carried more weight than those of some high-ranking officials.
At present, His Majesty is rigorously investigating the Yan Party's corruption case, aiming to identify officials implicated. This case, with its wide-ranging implications, is a hot potato, and no one in the court is willing to take it on. The only authorities who could take it on are the Censorate, the Court of Remonstration, the Ministry of Justice, and the Supreme Court. Her husband, Censor Bai, is a suitable candidate.
At this critical juncture, if she had offended Madam Song's family, what would happen if they casually mentioned it to His Majesty and recommended her husband to investigate the thorny Yan Party case? Therefore, the most urgent thing was to meet Madam Song, explain things in person, and seek a way out. After all, a meeting is a sign of affection.
Madam Song had always been a recluse, rarely attending banquets. Currently, the Bixu Pavilion was the only place she could possibly be seen, and it had become her last hope.
Chu Yufu was also quite surprised. She had originally opened the Bixu Pavilion just to facilitate her medical consultations and to connect with the ladies of various mansions. She had never imagined that it would not only become a gathering place for information, but also unexpectedly serve as a bridge between people.
But casually revealing the itinerary of other guests who made reservations...
Seeing her silent and hesitant, Yue Shi hurriedly added, fearing she might refuse, "Madam, please understand. That day was indeed a huge misunderstanding! My son wasn't the one pushing anyone into trouble. I simply wanted to clarify the misunderstanding in person and clear my son's name. Madam, please just give me an extra spot in the Bixu Pavilion. I just 'happened' to be there for fun. Whether I 'chance' to meet Madam Song or not depends entirely on fate. I will never embarrass Madam."
Chu Yufu was silent for a moment, tapping the teacup twice with her fingertips. Finally, she raised her eyes and said softly, "I can agree to your request, Madam. But there is one thing I must clarify in advance."
"If we are in the Bixu Pavilion, Madam Song has clearly stated that she does not wish to discuss further with you. Please maintain your composure and refrain from causing any disturbance in the pavilion. If you two truly require a private discussion, please proceed to the third floor, where there is a separate, elegant room, which is quiet and undisturbed."
Upon hearing this, Yue was overjoyed. She pressed her hands tightly against her chest and breathed a long, complete sigh of relief. "Of course, of course! Thank you, Madam Chu, for your help! I will definitely keep this in mind. If I need any help in the future, please just let me know!"
Chu Yufu nodded slightly and signaled Lan Zhu to get the appointment list.
Lan Zhu quickly brought the booklet, and Chu Yufu's slender fingers slowly moved across the pages, finally stopping on the two words "Song Yan".
He lightly tapped his fingertips and looked up at Mrs. Yue: "Madam Yue, there is still a vacancy in the Bixu Pavilion the day after tomorrow. Would you like to come?"
Yue's eyes lit up: "I'm willing, thank you Madam Chu."
After a while, Yue left with her maid, leaving two brocade boxes on the tea table in the flower hall.
Lan Zhu walked forward, held the two heavy boxes in her arms, opened them and showed them to Chu Yufu. She exclaimed in surprise, "Wow! Madam Yue's gift is really generous. It's such a large piece of high-quality agarwood!"
Chu Yufu leaned in closer to sniff the aroma and couldn't help but sigh, "I can't believe that someone would come to my door with generous gifts and ask me to do something for them."
Lan Zhu smiled and continued, "That's right! And this time I'm asking you to treat me, Madam!"
It is really like a matter of time.
【Author’s words】
Fu Fu: Now I am also standing up!
Lan Zhu: Madam is so awesome! [Like]
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