Chapter 42: Yi Yi Offers Advice
The resounding success of the Peony Festival was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples throughout the elite circles of the capital. The young second wife of the Duke of Zhenguo's family, with her meticulous preparations, impeccable manners, and especially her quick wit in describing the "beautiful Jiangnan region," won considerable praise. The whispers that had previously circulated about her being "young and ignorant" and "unfit for such a responsibility" subsided considerably.
The servants' attitude towards Su Wanrou underwent a subtle yet tangible change. What was once respectful, perhaps tinged with scrutiny and observation, now carried a genuine sense of trust. Orders were relayed more efficiently and were executed with greater force; even Gu Zhong's replies were tinged with relief and satisfaction. Su Wanrou could clearly sense that her authority as the mistress of the house was truly being established with the success of the flower festival.
However, while some are happy, others are sad.
In the east wing of Songhe Hall, Liu Yiyi sat by the window, a book in her hand, but her gaze was unfocused, fixed on the few late-blooming peach trees outside the window, her fingertips turning slightly white from the pressure. The excited chatter of the maids outside could be faintly heard; they were still reminiscing about the grand flower festival of the previous day, their words filled with admiration for their mistress's shrewdness and competence.
"...You didn't see it, Princess An initially wanted to find fault, but the Madam deflected her with just a few words. What magnanimity!"
"That last dish was truly ingenious! Even the Empress herself will likely praise the cleverness of the idea when she hears about it later!"
"Our lady may be young, but she is truly capable..."
Every word was like a tiny needle, piercing Liu Yiyi's heart. She had hoped to use the flower festival as an opportunity to play the zither by the waterside pavilion, attracting the attention of several nobles. If she could garner a few words of praise, or even… if she could make her cousin, Yan Gui, linger for a moment, then her efforts wouldn't have been in vain. But what was the result? Su Wanrou casually placed her in that secluded corner, calling it "free and easy," but in reality, marginalizing her. Throughout the entire flower festival, Liu Yiyi was like a mere entertainer, playing a few tunes for a handful of pretentious young ladies. Not only did the princess and the noblewoman not give her a second glance, but even several influential ladies of high rank didn't pay her any attention. Meanwhile, Su Wanrou, that young girl two years younger than her, became the center of attention, gracefully navigating the scene and shining brightly.
Why? A surge of intense resentment welled up in Liu Yiyi's heart. Her Liu family was also a family steeped in scholarship and propriety. If it weren't for the family's decline and the death of her parents, why would she have to live under someone else's roof and be at the mercy of others? She believed that her talent and appearance were no less than anyone else's, and that she was even more deserving of the honor of "Duchess" than Su Wanrou, who only knew how to tend to flowers and plants and deal with mundane affairs. In particular, she had known her cousin Yan Gui for longer than Su Wanrou and knew his preferences better...
A surge of frustration welled up in her chest, making it almost impossible for her to breathe. She couldn't wait any longer. After the flower festival, Su Wanrou's position in the mansion would be even more secure. If she didn't do something, she feared she would truly have to endure in the east wing of Songhe Hall until she grew old and faded, eventually being casually married off by the old lady and sent away from the mansion.
She had to seize the opportunity, she had to let her cousin Yan Gui, and everyone in the mansion, see that she, Liu Yiyi, was not just a dispensable decoration, that she had value no less than Su Wanrou, and perhaps even... could do better.
The opportunity will come soon.
After the flower festival, the affairs of the manor did not decrease. On the contrary, with the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, the various gifts and social obligations became even more complicated. That morning, Su Wanrou was listening to several head maids report on affairs in the main hall of the courtyard. The matters involved spring plowing on the farm, shop accounts, and the purchase of festival gifts. There were so many things to deal with that she was busy until the sun was high in the sky.
Liu Yiyi, having timed it perfectly, gracefully approached carrying a bowl of rock sugar bird's nest she had personally prepared. Today, she had specially worn a light green dress, which accentuated her snow-white skin; she appeared delicate and frail, a sight to behold.
"Sister-in-law," she called softly from outside the hall, her voice neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for the people inside to hear.
Su Wanrou looked up and saw it was her. She nodded slightly to the old woman who had spoken, signaling her to stop. She smiled gently, her expression perfectly poised: "Cousin has arrived. Please come in."
Carrying a tray, Liu Yiyi walked lightly into the flower hall. She first nodded slightly to the several nannies as a greeting, and then gently placed the bird's nest on the tea table next to Su Wanrou, her tone full of concern: "Sister-in-law, you've been working hard these past few days and you look a little thinner. I stewed a pot of bird's nest, which is very nourishing for the lungs. Please eat some while it's hot and rest."
Her actions were so considerate and meticulous that no one could find fault with them. The old women exchanged glances and remained silent, heads bowed.
Su Wanrou knew perfectly well that Liu Yiyi's attentiveness was not simply out of concern for her health. She smiled and said, "Thank you for your trouble, cousin. But I haven't finished dealing with things yet, so I'll leave it for now and use it later."
Liu Yiyi did not leave. Her gaze swept over the account books and gift lists spread out on the table, and she sighed softly, saying, "The affairs of the manor are so complicated, it must be so hard on you, cousin-in-law. As I see it, the entire Duke's manor, inside and out, is supported by you alone, it's really..." She paused, as if choosing her words carefully, "...it's really heartbreaking. Cousin Yangui, how could you let your cousin-in-law work so hard?"
These words sound like they're expressing sympathy for Su Wanrou, but they subtly imply that Gu Yangui isn't considerate enough, and further suggest that Su Wanrou might not be capable enough to handle things easily, which is why she's so "tired".
Su Wanrou picked up the teacup beside her, took a sip, and said in a calm tone: "As the mistress of the house, managing household affairs is my duty, and it is not hard work. My husband is busy with court affairs, and he should not have to worry about these trivial matters of the inner quarters."
Liu Yiyi was met with a rebuff, but she was not discouraged. She changed the subject and showed a sincere expression: "What you say is true, cousin-in-law. However... although I am not very talented, I am grateful to you and the old lady for not taking me in. I eat and live here for free, and I often feel uneasy about it. Seeing how hard you work, I really want to share some of your burdens, even if it is just a small thing. It would be better than doing nothing all day and feeling guilty."
She finally revealed her purpose. Su Wanrou sneered inwardly, but showed no sign on her face, saying only, "Cousin, you're too kind. You're a guest, so please stay here comfortably. Grandmother also enjoys having you around to talk to. How could I trouble you with these trivial matters?"
“Sister-in-law, you are mistaken.” Liu Yiyi stepped forward, her tone even more earnest. “Since we are family, why should we distinguish between host and guest? Besides, as you know, before my family fell on hard times, I helped my mother manage the household affairs. I know a little about accounts and social interactions. I dare not say I can be of great help, but I think I can handle things like checking some trivial accounts or drafting some less important holiday gift replies. That would allow you to take a breather and focus your energy on more important matters.”
Her words were extremely eloquent, displaying humility while subtly suggesting that she wasn't entirely inexperienced, but rather starting with "minor matters," making it difficult to refuse. If Su Wanrou insisted on refusing, it would make her appear narrow-minded, intolerant, or... afraid of having her power diminished?
A hush fell over the hall. The several matrons, all shrewd and calculating, lowered their eyes, each lost in their own thoughts. This young lady, it seemed, was not content with being alone.
Su Wanrou put down her teacup and looked calmly at Liu Yiyi. Liu Yiyi met her gaze, her eyes clear, carrying just the right amount of expectation and a hint of barely perceptible stubbornness.
Su Wanrou knew that Liu Yiyi was plotting something. She was using the guise of "sharing burdens," and if she flatly refused, it would inevitably make her, as the matriarch, seem petty and intolerant if word got back to the old lady or even Gu Yangui. Moreover, Liu Yiyi was indeed capable; if she could honestly help with some trivial matters, it would certainly ease Su Wanrou's burdens.
But what about the potential risks? Allowing a cousin with ulterior motives and designs on her husband to interfere in household affairs, even trivial matters, is tantamount to inviting a wolf into the house. Accounts and gift lists—these seemingly insignificant things often conceal the secrets and intricate relationships within the household.
After a moment's deliberation, Su Wanrou made her decision. It's better to guide than to block; a firm refusal would be a poor choice. Perhaps... she should wait and see what the other woman really wants to do and what she's capable of.
A gentle smile bloomed on her face, as if she had been moved by Liu Yiyi's "sincerity": "If I were to refuse my cousin's kind offer, it would seem like we were being distant. Since my cousin is so kind, then I won't stand on ceremony."
A hint of joy flashed across Liu Yiyi's eyes.
But Su Wanrou continued, "There is indeed a matter at hand, quite trivial, that requires a meticulous person to handle. With the Dragon Boat Festival approaching, various households exchange gifts, and the return gift lists need to be checked one by one. They must conform to the regulations while also reflecting the closeness of the relationship, without the slightest error. Originally, it was Granny Li who was in charge, but she is getting old and her eyesight is failing, so I am worried about her. My cousin is thoughtful and knows how to handle things; I wonder if she could temporarily help Granny Li with this matter?"
Checking the return gift list is a task that's neither too big nor too small. If done well, it's simply part of the job; if done poorly, it could offend someone. Moreover, it's purely a trivial, operational task, without any access to core accounts or decision-making. Su Wanrou assigned this task to Liu Yiyi, both preserving her reputation for "sharing burdens" and keeping her activities within a controllable scope.
Liu Yiyi was incredibly clever and immediately understood Su Wanrou's intentions. She was secretly annoyed by Su Wanrou's guardedness and shrewdness, but on her face she showed gratitude: "Thank you for your trust, cousin-in-law! Yiyi will do her best to assist Granny Li in handling this matter properly and will never let you down."
"Then I'll have to trouble you, cousin." Su Wanrou nodded with a smile, then called over Granny Li and instructed her in front of Liu Yiyi, "Granny Li, my cousin is kind-hearted. Seeing that you're working hard, she specially asked me to take on the task of checking the Dragon Boat Festival return gifts to help you. Please bring me the old customs from previous years and this year's gift list, and explain the rules to my cousin in detail. Consult with her on everything, and don't be negligent."
Granny Li, an old servant in the household, was worldly-wise and immediately understood the lady's meaning. She respectfully replied, "This old servant understands and will certainly cooperate with Miss Li."
Liu Yiyi was seething with anger, but she could only smile and thank Granny Li before following her to retrieve the account books and ledgers. As she turned to leave the flower hall, her smile faded, and a cold glint flashed in her eyes. Su Wanrou, you're wary of me? No matter, once I'm involved, I'll show you that inviting a god is easy, but sending him away is difficult!
After Liu Yiyi left, Su Wanrou's smile faded. She pondered for a moment, then whispered to her trusted maid, Yunbin, "Go tell Gu Zhong that Miss Biao is assisting in verifying the Dragon Boat Festival return gifts. Tell him to keep a close eye on things. Before all the gift lists are finally sent out, I must personally review and stamp them. Also, tell Granny Li to follow the rules in everything. If there's anything she's unsure about, she can come directly to me without going through Miss Biao."
Yunbin understood and immediately nodded: "Yes, Madam, this servant understands."
Su Wanrou gently rubbed her temples. She knew her move was somewhat risky, but since Liu Yiyi had already made her move, she couldn't just remain on the defensive. Keeping Liu Yiyi under her watchful eye was better than letting her operate in the shadows. However, from now on, she would have to be even more vigilant.
In the following days, Liu Yiyi indeed went to "work" at Granny Li's place every day, behaving very diligently and conscientiously. She not only carefully checked the gift list, but also took the initiative to look up past customs, and even made some minor suggestions for adjustment, such as adding a nice inkstone to the return gift for an elderly gentleman who liked literature, and adding an exquisite toy to the return gift for a family with a young child, showing that she was both thoughtful and considerate.
Even when Li Mama privately reported back to Su Wanrou, she couldn't help but praise her, saying, "Miss Biao is very meticulous in her work, and the suggestions she made are quite reasonable."
Su Wanrou listened without commenting, only saying calmly, "It's good that she's putting in the effort. But the rules can't be broken; everything should be done according to the established procedures."
She remained vigilant. The more flawless Liu Yiyi appeared, the more suspicious she became. Given Liu Yiyi's personality, she would never be content to be just an unsung "helper."
Sure enough, that afternoon, Liu Yiyi came to Su Wanrou with a stack of checked gift lists to "report her work." She was all smiles, explaining the few "minor adjustments" she had made in a reasonable way. Finally, she casually mentioned, "Sister-in-law, while checking the gift lists, I noticed that the return gifts for the Prince An's Mansion this year seem to be a little less generous than in previous years?"
Su Wanrou's heart skipped a beat. Here she comes. Her expression remained unchanged as she asked, "Oh? What makes you say that, cousin?"
Liu Yiyi presented the gift list and return gift list from the Prince An's residence with both hands, pointing to one item and saying, "Sister-in-law, you see, in previous years, the gifts sent by the Prince An's residence always included a bushel of top-quality Eastern pearls, and our return gifts would correspondingly include gemstones from the Western Regions or other treasures of equivalent value. But this year, while the Eastern pearls are still on the Prince An's gift list, our return gift list has been changed to an ordinary Suzhou embroidery double-sided screen... There might be a difference in value. You know the Princess An's temperament... I'm worried that this might cause unnecessary misunderstandings?"
She spoke with genuine sincerity, appearing entirely to be concerned for the well-being of the household. Everyone of any standing in the household knew of the discord between Princess An and Su Wanrou. If the return gifts were indeed of different values, and Princess An seized upon this as leverage, it would certainly be troublesome.
Su Wanrou took the list and examined it carefully. Liu Yiyi's point seemed reasonable. However, she had already learned from Gu Zhong that the pearls sent by the Prince An's residence this year were of far lower quality than in previous years, significantly reducing their value. If they returned the gift according to previous standards, the Duke's residence would actually be at a disadvantage. Replacing it with a Suzhou embroidery screen, of comparable value and more elegant, was a decision made after discussions between Gu Zhong and her. She hadn't publicized this matter. How could Liu Yiyi, someone who only temporarily helped check the gift list, know the details of previous years' return gifts? And why was she so "concerned" about the Prince An's return gift?
She looked up at Liu Yiyi's seemingly clear and innocent eyes, a cold smile playing on her lips. This was a trap being set for her. If she were inexperienced, she might actually be "reminded" by Liu Yiyi and, for the sake of appearances, forcefully raise the standard of return gifts, which would play right into Princess An's hands—making the Duke's mansion seem foolishly wealthy, and potentially leading to accusations of flaunting their wealth. If she insisted on not changing her mind, Liu Yiyi could simply leak the matter out, or even "accidentally" let the people of the Prince An's mansion know. When a commotion arose, Liu Yiyi could easily absolve herself, saying that she had "already reminded Madam, but Madam wouldn't listen," leaving all the blame on Su Wanrou.
What a brilliant move, killing two birds with one stone! It not only makes Liu Yiyi appear thoughtful and considerate, but also sows the seeds of future trouble for Su Wanrou.
Su Wanrou calmly put down the list, her face showing just the right amount of doubt: "Is that so? I didn't even notice. Thank you for reminding me, cousin." She turned to Yunbin and said, "Go and ask Uncle Zhong to come over and verify the market price of the pearls that the Prince An's Mansion gifted this year."
Liu Yiyi hurriedly said, "Perhaps Yiyi is overthinking it. I just thought it was better to avoid trouble, especially with the Prince An's residence..."
Su Wanrou interrupted her with a smile: "Cousin is right. It's always good to be cautious." Her tone was gentle, but it carried an undeniable determination. "Once Uncle Zhong has verified the matter, if there is indeed a difference in value, the difference should naturally be made up. If there is no difference, or if there is another reason, we cannot blindly follow the old precedent and lose our sense of proportion. We'll discuss everything when Uncle Zhong arrives."
Looking at her composed demeanor, Liu Yiyi suddenly felt a little uneasy. She had originally thought that Su Wanrou, being young, would either panic or insist on her own opinion to show the authority of the mistress after being "reminded" by her, but she did not expect her to be so calm and directly want to verify the root of the problem.
A short while later, Gu Zhong arrived. In front of him, Su Wanrou raised Liu Yiyi's question.
Gu Zhong, being a man of great stature, immediately understood the crux of the matter. He respectfully replied, "Madam, Miss Biao is very perceptive. This old servant was just about to report this matter to you. The pearls presented by the Prince of An's residence this year are not as fine or lustrous as in previous years. I had the people from the Treasure Pavilion appraise them, and their value is only about 70% of what it was last year. Therefore, after discussing it with you, Madam, we adjusted the return gift. That Suzhou embroidery screen is a fine example of double-sided embroidery, of comparable value, and even more elegant, so there is nothing impolite about it."
Su Wanrou nodded, looked at Liu Yiyi, and said in a gentle tone, "I see. We were wrong to think that you were 'overthinking', cousin. You've been thinking of the family's best interests and have gone to great lengths to find out such subtle differences." She deliberately emphasized the words "overthinking" and "subtle" slightly.
Liu Yiyi's smile instantly froze, and she forced herself to remain calm: "So that's how it is... It was my ignorance that led me to misunderstand my cousin-in-law and Uncle Zhong's arrangements. I'm truly... truly ashamed." Her hands clenched slightly in her sleeves, her heart filled with both shock and anger. She was shocked that Su Wanrou was so shrewd in handling matters, directly confronting Gu Zhong; she was angry that her carefully planned move had not only failed but had also exposed her excessive concern for the Prince An's affairs to Gu Zhong.
“My cousin meant well.” Su Wanrou smiled faintly, letting the matter drop. “Now that we understand, let’s proceed with the original list. We’ll need to trouble you and Granny Li to take care of the rest of the gift list.”
"Yes, Yiyi takes her leave." Liu Yiyi practically fled the main courtyard.
Watching her slightly hurried departure, Su Wanrou's eyes turned cold. This was only the beginning; Liu Yiyi's "strategy" would not end there. And she was prepared to respond. The inner quarters of the Duke's mansion were never short of turmoil, and her position as the mistress of the house needed constant scrubbing to keep it shining.
End of Chapter 42
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