Chapter 31 The Concubine's Thoughts
As summer approached, distributing ice to all departments of the Duke's mansion became a top priority.
Su Wanrou sat upright in the main seat of the flower hall, a cup of chrysanthemum tea to cool her down beside her, listening to the steward of the department report on the details of ice purchase and distribution. She was now quite adept at handling these household affairs, occasionally asking questions that were always to the point, leaving no room for negligence on her part.
"...According to the old custom, the old lady's courtyard receives ten catties a day, the Duke and his wife's main courtyard receives eight catties a day, the young master's courtyard receives five catties a day, the east and west guest courtyards each receive three catties, and the remaining concubines' courtyards..." The steward paused slightly, glancing discreetly at Su Wanrou's expression.
Su Wanrou remained expressionless and gently blew on the tea foam: "Continue."
"Yes. According to the old custom, Aunt Zhou and Aunt Liu each receive three catties daily." After the steward finished speaking, he stood with his hands at his sides and said no more.
A hush fell over the hall. The head maids standing at the lower end exchanged glances. Everyone knew that these two concubines were maids who had come with the late Madam Qin as part of her dowry. After Madam Qin passed away, they were promoted to concubines. Especially Concubine Zhou, who held a rather special position in the household because she was a former servant of the young master's birth mother and had served the Duke for a few days. In previous summers, although her ice allowance was officially three catties, there were always various excuses to add extra amounts, which the late Madam had mostly turned a blind eye to when she was alive.
Now that the new wife has just taken charge of the household, everyone is waiting to see how things develop, wondering whether the old precedent should be followed or not.
Su Wanrou put down her teacup, the crisp clinking sound particularly clear in the silent hall. Her gaze calmly swept over everyone, and she slowly said, "Since there is a precedent to follow, let's distribute them according to the precedent. All the concubines will be treated equally."
Everyone understood that this was going to be done according to the rules, and no one was to be given any special favors.
"Yes, madam, I will obey your orders." The steward quickly replied.
two
"What? According to the old custom? Only three catties?"
In the main room of the west courtyard, Aunt Zhou heard her personal maid Xing'er's reply, her eyebrows furrowed, and she threw the round fan in her hand onto the couch.
She was about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, wearing a light red Hangzhou silk jacket. She was beautiful, but her brows held a hint of meanness. She was the personal maid of the late Madam Qin, named Caiping. After Madam Qin's death, the Dowager Madam arranged for her to be elevated to the rank of concubine, changing her surname to Zhou. Because of this, and because of her sweet tongue and flattery, although she hadn't won Gu Yangui's favor in the household over the years, no one dared to neglect her. In the summer, when had her courtyard ever lacked ice? Every year, she openly or secretly used five or six catties (approximately 2.5-3 kg).
“Isn’t that right, Madam?” Xing’er leaned closer and lowered her voice. “Manager Qian from the department said that it was the new Madam who personally decided on the terms, saying that everything should be done according to the old rules, and all the concubines should be treated equally.” She emphasized the last four words.
"Treat everyone equally?" Aunt Zhou sneered, her well-maintained nails digging into her palms. "She's just a fifteen or sixteen-year-old brat, only been in charge of the household for a few days, and she dares to act like she owns the place! Is she trying to intimidate us old folks?"
“Madam, please calm down,” another head maid, Tao’er, brought over a bowl of chilled plum juice and gently advised, “After all, the new mistress is in charge now, let’s be patient…”
"Endure? Why should I endure?" Aunt Zhou suddenly stood up and paced restlessly around the room. "What is she anyway! She's just a poor girl from the Earl's mansion who climbed up the social ladder to the Duke's son because she's young and pretty! She has no proper upbringing as a legitimate daughter, but she's already acting all high and mighty!"
She grew angrier the more she thought about it: "He's only just taken over the household and he's already cutting back on our allowances! Today it's three catties of ice, tomorrow will even our meals be reduced? Does he think that just because the late Madam is gone, we old servants are easy to bully?"
"Auntie, be careful what you say!" Tao'er quickly stepped forward and glanced worriedly out the window.
Aunt Zhou realized she had raised her voice too high, suppressed her anger, and sat back on the couch, her chest heaving. She picked up the bowl of plum juice, but the icy touch did nothing to quell the rage within her.
Ever since the new lady entered the household, her resentment had only grown stronger each day. She had initially thought she was just an ignorant little girl, easily appeased and flattered, but she hadn't expected her to be so cunning! In just a few months, she had not only won over the young master, making him constantly address her as "Mother," but she had also firmly grasped control of the household affairs. Even that old fox, Gu Zhong, treated her with utmost respect!
The Duke was completely infatuated with her, and had totally forgotten about them, his old acquaintances! In the past six months, he had only stepped into her courtyard a handful of times!
"What about Aunt Liu's side?" Aunt Zhou suddenly asked.
"Reporting to Aunt, Aunt Liu also accepted three catties, and she didn't say anything, she just quietly took it," Xing'er replied.
Aunt Liu's real name was Xiao Luan. She and Aunt Zhou were Qin's dowry maids. She was timid and weak-willed, and usually followed Aunt Zhou's lead.
"Useless thing!" Aunt Zhou spat, her eyes darting around, a cold smile appearing on her lips. "She knows how to play the good guy! Go, invite Aunt Liu over. Tell her I've acquired some good tea and would like her to come and taste it."
three
"Sister, did you call me here because of the ice?" Aunt Liu sat timidly at the lower end of the table, twisting her handkerchief in her hands. She was slender, and her brows always carried a lingering sorrow.
Aunt Zhou waved away the servants and took her hand affectionately: "Good sister, isn't that right! Tell me, in this sweltering heat, only three catties of ice a day, what can that be? Put some in the room, and it won't even keep the air cool! This is clearly that one," she gestured towards the main courtyard, "deliberately humiliating us!"
Aunt Liu lowered her head and whispered, "Since it's the old practice... I suppose the new madam is just following the rules..."
"Rules? What rules!" Aunt Zhou raised her voice. "When the late Madam was alive, when did she ever make us suffer such grievances? It's just that she felt uncomfortable seeing that we were helpless and were left behind by the late Madam, so she found ways to ostracize us!"
She leaned closer to Aunt Liu and lowered her voice: "My silly sister, can't you see? She wants to erase every trace left by the late Madam! The young master has been won over by her, and now she's using us as a scapegoat! Today she's cutting our allowance, who knows how she'll torment us tomorrow!"
Aunt Liu turned pale at her words, her lips trembling: "No...no way...the new madam seems quite amiable..."
"Harmony? That's all an act for the Duke and outsiders!" Aunt Zhou sneered. "Have you forgotten about the Ci'en Nunnery? She even dared to talk back to Princess An. She's very cunning! If we don't work together, will we still have a place in this mansion?"
"Then... what should we do, sister?" Aunt Liu asked, completely at a loss.
A calculating glint flashed in Aunt Zhou's eyes: "Doesn't she want to follow the rules? Let's follow the rules! You are the young master's birth mother. Although the young master was raised under the madam's name, the debt of giving birth to him is still greater than anything else, isn't it? Go and ask the madam to tell her that the weather is hot and the young master is too young to stand the heat. Ask her to give you more ice for the sake of the young master. If she refuses, it will be considered mistreatment of the young master's birth mother, and it won't sound good if word gets out!"
Aunt Liu was so frightened that she waved her hands repeatedly: "This...this won't do! The young master is the legitimate son, how dare I...how can I use my status as his birth mother to make any demands...No, absolutely not!"
Seeing her so weak, Aunt Zhou cursed her inwardly, "You're hopeless," but on the surface she still advised, "How can this be a request? This is for the sake of the young master's health! Even if you don't think about yourself, you should think about the young master! If he gets sick from the heat, won't you feel bad?"
Aunt Liu's eyes reddened, and she lowered her head, saying nothing more.
Aunt Zhou knew she couldn't be relied on, and having other plans in mind, she changed the subject, chatted for a few minutes, and then served tea to see the guest off.
Four
After Aunt Liu left, Aunt Zhou's smile instantly turned cold.
"Useless thing!" she muttered under her breath. After a moment of thought, she instructed Xing'er, "Go and quietly call Granny Liu, who is in charge of purchasing in the kitchen, and tell her that I have some hometown dishes to ask her for recipes."
Xing'er understood and hurried off.
Before long, a slightly plump old woman wearing a brown vest slipped in with Xing'er. It was Granny Liu, who worked in the kitchen. Her husband was a minor steward in the outer courtyard and had some distant kinship with Aunt Zhou's family.
"This old servant greets Aunt Zhou." Granny Liu greeted her with a smile and gave a curtsy.
"Please rise, Mother, no need for such formalities." Aunt Zhou had Xing'er offer her a seat and served her tea before smiling and saying, "I hope my invitation to Mother hasn't interfered with your duties?"
"No, no! You flatter me, Madam," Granny Liu hurriedly said. "May I ask what you wish to do for me, Madam?"
Aunt Zhou sighed and picked up a handkerchief to dab her not-so-dry eyes: "It's nothing important. It's just that in this hot summer, I feel a bit stifled. Thinking back to the old days when I was with the late Madam, I can't help but feel sad."
Granny Liu, an old servant in the household, sighed along with him, "Who can argue with that? The late Madam was kind and treated the servants exceptionally well... Alas, what a pity."
Aunt Zhou followed her words, saying, "Yes, if the late Madam were still here, we old folks wouldn't be in this situation... Ah, never mind, let's not talk about this anymore." She changed the subject, seemingly casually asking, "Speaking of which, now that the new Madam is in charge of the household, is the kitchen shopping going smoothly? I've heard that the new Madam is very strict in managing the household, so I imagine she's keeping a tight rein on all expenses, right?"
Upon hearing this, Granny Liu immediately launched into a long-winded explanation: "Oh dear, Auntie, you've hit the nail on the head! The new madam is not just meticulous, she's practically... well, there are some things this old servant dares not say. Take the purchasing, for example. In the past, there was still some profit to be made, but now every single account has to be checked, even the origin of a single scallion has to be investigated! If you're not careful, you'll be summoned for questioning! You heard about what happened to Steward Li the other day, didn't you, Auntie? Tsk tsk, how embarrassing!"
Aunt Zhou was just waiting for her to say that, so she feigned surprise: "Oh? What's wrong with Steward Li? I haven't been feeling well these past few days and haven't gone out much, so I didn't know."
Granny Liu then embellished the story, recounting how Steward Li had been caught red-handed by Su Wanrou for falsely reporting cherry prices, resulting in a fine and dismissal. She concluded by lowering her voice, "Auntie, not to be nosy, but this new mistress, though young, is incredibly shrewd! She won't tolerate any dishonesty! We old folks are probably in for a tough time from now on!"
Aunt Zhou was secretly delighted, but her face showed worry: "Is that so? Steward Li is a veteran of the household, how could he not show us any dignity? Alas, we concubines are all alone and helpless, who knows what the future holds..."
Granny Liu leaned closer and whispered, "Auntie, you were a trusted servant of the late Madam and also served the Duke, so your status is naturally different. There are some things I'm not sure if I should say..."
"Mom, please speak freely. There are no outsiders here."
"This old servant has heard..." Granny Liu lowered her voice even further, "that the new mistress is very wary of the people left behind by the late mistress. Especially... especially you and Concubine Liu. She probably finds you... to be an eyesore!"
Aunt Zhou sneered inwardly, but put on a frightened expression: "This... what should we do? We've always been law-abiding citizens and have never had any improper thoughts!"
“Auntie, you’re just too honest!” Granny Liu said, feigning sincerity. “You may not think that way, but others don’t! If I may be so bold as to say this, there’s been some gossip going around inside and outside the mansion these days…”
"What gossip?"
"Everyone says... the new madam can't tolerate anyone, especially those left behind by the late madam. She pretends to be kind to the young master, but who knows what she's really like behind his back! After all, he wasn't born of her own flesh and blood... Alas, poor young master, so young..."
That's exactly what Aunt Zhou wanted to hear! She interrupted Granny Liu with feigned panic, "Mother, please stop! If this gets out, it will be terrible!"
Granny Liu realized she had spoken out of turn and quickly fell silent, saying awkwardly, "This old servant was just speaking up for the mistress and the young master, and it was just a slip of the tongue. Please don't tell anyone, mistress."
"Don't worry, Mother, I understand." Aunt Zhou comforted Granny Liu a few more times, gave her a purse containing some loose silver, and then asked Xing'er to see her out.
As Granny Liu disappeared through the door, Aunt Zhou revealed a smug, cold smile.
Rumors and gossip, like the summer breeze, seep in everywhere. She'd like to see how long that high and mighty new lady can keep quiet!
five
Rumors are like a pebble thrown into a pond; the ripples they create are subtle yet spread quietly.
First, a few old women in the kitchen gathered together and gossiped, lamenting that "the late Madam was kind and benevolent," "this current Madam is ruthless," and "Aunt Zhou and Aunt Liu are having a hard time."
Then, the maids at the laundry started whispering among themselves, saying that the fabric delivered to the west courtyard seemed less bright than before, and that the new lady must have been secretly skimping on it.
These rumors gradually spread to the outer courtyard, and some low-ranking servants also began to discuss them, saying that if the new lady was so harsh on the young master's birth mother, it was clear that she was not as kind as she appeared. How much sincerity could she have for the young master left behind by the late lady?
Gu Yangui was busy with court affairs and naturally didn't hear the gossip among his subordinates. Su Wanrou was busy handling affairs all day and mostly dealt with high-ranking officials, so those shrewd people naturally wouldn't spread rumors in front of her. Therefore, although this undercurrent was surging in the mansion, on the surface, everything remained calm.
That day, Su Wanrou was reviewing the list and resumes of the teachers who had educated Mingxuan, while Gu Zhong chatted with her.
"This Mr. Zhang is a retired doctor from the Imperial Academy. His scholarship is excellent, but he is a bit old-fashioned. This Mr. Li is younger, quick-witted, and resourceful..." Gu Zhong introduced them carefully.
Su Wanrou listened attentively, occasionally asking a question or two. Just then, Yunbin came in from outside, her expression somewhat unnatural, and whispered a few words in her ear.
Su Wanrou frowned slightly, then smoothed her brow and said to Gu Zhong, "I'll keep the list and resumes for a closer look. Thank you for your trouble, Uncle Zhong."
Gu Zhong was very astute. He could tell that Yunbin had something to report, so he tactfully took his leave.
"What happened?" Su Wanrou asked Yunbin.
Yunbin said indignantly, "Madam, I don't know which gossipy person is spreading rumors outside! I just went to the sewing room to get the young master's summer clothes and I heard two maids whispering in the corner, saying something like... that you dote on the young master on the surface, but you mistreat Concubine Liu behind his back, even withholding ice from her, and that you can't tolerate the people left behind by the late madam!"
Su Wanrou tightened her grip on the list, but her face showed no anger. She simply said, "Tell me what you said in detail."
Yunbin then recounted all the gossip she had overheard, concluding angrily, "Madam, someone must be deliberately spreading rumors to ruin your reputation! Especially since the young master is involved, their intentions are despicable!"
Su Wanrou remained silent for a moment. She naturally knew where these rumors came from. Only a few days had passed since the incident with the ice? Yet the rumors had precisely targeted her attitude towards Aunt Liu and the late Madam's former associates. Who else could it be but that resentful Aunt Zhou?
She recalled the hesitant and timid manner of Aunt Liu when she came to pay her respects a couple of days ago, and she immediately understood the situation. Aunt Liu was weak-willed and was probably being used as a pawn.
"Madam, should we arrest all those gossiping people and punish them severely?" Yunbin suggested.
Su Wanrou shook her head: "You can shut one mouth, but you can't stop the gossip. The bigger the commotion, the more guilty we'll appear."
She stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the lush pomegranate tree outside, its bright red flowers in full bloom.
"Yunbin, go to the office and tell them: This summer is exceptionally hot. Starting tomorrow, all servants in the manor can go to the main kitchen after lunch every day to get a bowl of mung bean soup to cool off. Also, allocate some money to provide each servant in the various courtyards with a new set of summer clothes."
Yunbin was taken aback: "Madam, this..."
Su Wanrou turned around, her eyes clear: "Go ahead. By the way, invite Aunt Liu over and tell her that I have acquired a few bolts of brightly colored Hangzhou silk. Ask her to come and take a look and see if there is anything she likes, so we can make a couple of summer clothes."
Although Yunbin was puzzled, seeing the lady's calm expression and firm gaze, she replied "Yes" and withdrew.
Su Wanrou looked out the window, a cold smile playing on her lips. Aunt Zhou wanted to use rumors to slander her and force her to lose her composure? She wouldn't fall for it. She would show everyone through her actions that Su Wanrou acted with integrity and fairness, rewarding and punishing fairly. She wouldn't be lenient with the restless; but she would also be generous to those who were law-abiding.
Do you think you can shake her position with such a trick? You're seriously underestimating her, the Duchess.
six
Aunt Liu arrived quickly, still with that timid demeanor. After bowing and greeting, she stood to the side with her hands at her sides.
Su Wanrou had several bolts of brightly colored Hangzhou silk placed on the table, and said with a smile to Aunt Liu, "Come and take a look. This one is lake blue, and this one is apricot yellow. The colors are refreshing and perfect for making clothes in summer. My sister has fair skin, so she will definitely look beautiful in them."
Aunt Liu was flattered and waved her hands repeatedly, saying, "Madam's kindness is too much for this humble servant to accept... This humble servant has no clothes left to wear..."
“It’s good to have a few more summer clothes to change into.” Su Wanrou’s tone was gentle, but it carried an air of unyielding authority. “I think you usually dress too plainly. Young people should dress brighter. If you don’t like these colors, there are other ones in the storeroom. Feel free to pick one.”
Aunt Liu's eyes reddened with emotion, and she murmured, "Thank you for the gift, Madam... These... These are very good."
"That's good." Su Wanrou nodded, gesturing for the maid to wrap up the fabric and give it to Aunt Liu's maid. She then asked, seemingly casually, "By the way, it's so hot in the summer now, do you have enough ice in your courtyard, sister? If not, just let me know. When the young master goes over to play occasionally, make sure the children don't get too hot."
Upon hearing this, Aunt Liu trembled slightly and lowered her head even further: "It's enough, it's enough! Three catties according to the allowance is more than enough! I dare not trouble you, Madam!"
Su Wanrou saw her reaction and sneered inwardly, but her face remained warm: "That's enough. You and I are sisters, serving the Duke in the same household, so there's no need to be so formal. If there's anything lacking, or if the servants aren't serving you well, just tell me. Don't make yourself suffer."
Her words were both a reassurance and a warning. She was reminding Aunt Liu to recognize her place, to behave herself, and not to be taken advantage of, while also telling her that nothing in this household could be hidden from her eyes.
Aunt Liu was a clever woman, and she could easily understand the deeper meaning behind those words. She quickly replied, "Madam has been very kind to me, and all the servants have been very diligent. There is no grievance on my part."
"That's good." Su Wanrou smiled, picked up her teacup, chatted for a few moments, and then served tea to her guests.
Carrying the several bolts of bright silk, Aunt Liu returned to her courtyard, her mind heavy with worry. The new madam's actions today, a combination of kindness and severity, clearly showed that she knew about the rumors but didn't expose them. Instead, she generously rewarded her, both as a warning and as an opportunity for her.
Recalling Aunt Zhou's encouragement and comparing it to the new mistress's magnanimity today, Aunt Liu's heart had already tipped. She made up her mind that she should keep her distance from Aunt Zhou in the future and live a quiet and obedient life.
The news that Su Wanrou had rewarded Concubine Liu with fabric and shown consideration for the servants by distributing mung bean soup and providing them with summer clothes quickly spread throughout the Duke's mansion. The servants, having received these benefits, naturally felt grateful for the new mistress's kindness, and the rumors that she was mean and stingy were dispelled.
As for the rumors of mistreating Aunt Liu? That's utter nonsense—if the Madam were truly mistreating her, why would she reward her with such fine fabric? And why would she specifically inquire whether she had enough ice?
When Aunt Zhou heard this news in her own courtyard, she was so angry that she smashed her beloved tea set. She never expected that Su Wanrou would be so calm and collected. Not only did she not fall for the trap, but she also easily resolved the crisis with such a subtle and skillful approach, and even won over a group of people!
"Fine! Very well!" Aunt Zhou gritted her teeth, a hint of resentment flashing in her eyes. "Su Wanrou, just you wait and see! This Duke's mansion is not yet a place where you can control everything!"
She gazed at the bright sun shining through the window, yet her heart remained icy cold. She had lost their first encounter. But she would never give up! The tranquility of the Duke's mansion's backyard was destined to be shattered.
Volume Two: The Difficult Life of a Spoiled Wife (Chapters 31-70)
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