Chapter 56 Redemption Standing beside Zhao Shi, Madam Cai glanced at the...
Standing beside Zhao, Cai Mama glanced at Zhao's expression and said with a smile, "Madam, the third-class servants and the head cook seem a bit lacking. If you ask me, why not let Jiang Niangzi come into the room, give the head maid her monthly salary, and let her keep you company and help you relax?"
"Then let Madam Jiang's daughter go to the two young ladies' rooms to learn the rules, read and write, and receive the monthly salary of a head maid."
“His son works in the army; it might not be good if word gets out.” Zhao was tempted by Cai’s words, but she still kept talking about Jiang’s eldest son.
“My lady, these two women have no relatives or friends. It’s not safe for them to go outside, and they won’t be able to be properly raised. Even if the eldest son of the Jiang family gets promoted, they won’t be able to help manage the household.”
"It would be better to learn more from my wife."
"So many people want to learn from you, my lady, and even speak to you, but they have no way to do so!"
"And there's Madam Jiang's daughter. People have heard that she was raised in our family. Her future marriage prospects will be better."
"At that time, everyone will praise you for your kindness, and the Jiang family will also remember your kindness." Zhao was overjoyed by Cai Mama's words and felt that they made a lot of sense.
Madam Liang, however, advised, "Madam Cai's idea is good, but... it has to be something the person is willing to do. From what Madam Jiang said, it seems she is quite looking forward to going out. If we stop her, how can we let her remember the kindness of our household?"
“She’s just too agitated. We can talk her out of it,” Mrs. Cai retorted, dismissing Mrs. Liang’s concerns.
At that moment, another maid spoke up: "Madam, in my opinion, it's not really appropriate to promote her to a higher rank and keep her in the manor."
Madam Zhao had dozens of maids who were well-known, including those who served her in the house and those who managed the sales office, such as Granny Liang.
There was also competition among these maids, with each forming their own cliques and vying for a position in front of their mistresses.
Madam Zhao knew this, but since their competition only benefited her and never harmed her, she had always ignored it. Hearing the maid's words, she nodded and asked Mama Li to tell her what was going on.
"As you think, Madam, after returning to the capital, Jiang's eldest son will be at least an eighth-rank military officer, and possibly even a sixth-rank or fifth-rank military officer." Mama Li exaggerated, directly elevating the Jiang eldest son, whom she had never met, to a fifth-rank military officer. You should know that the second son is only a fifth-rank officer now.
But on the battlefield, who can predict how things will change? In this dynasty, there are those who were once stable boys and then rose through the ranks to become generals.
Madam Li glanced at the eldest daughter-in-law's expression and slowly continued, "If that's the case, then Madam Jiang is the official's wife, and the Jiang family girl is the official's wife."
"Although our Marquis's mansion has a great reputation, it is probably not a good thing to keep the official's wife and daughters in the house as servants and maids."
“Even if you mean well, madam, those three women are all from the countryside. What could they possibly know? I’m afraid they might be instigated and, instead of being grateful, they might resent you.”
What Li's mother didn't say was that others weren't stupid either. With just a little inquiry, they would know that Jiang Zhenniang and her daughter used to be third-class servants and head cooks in the Marquis's mansion, and how little respect they had.
"Instead of telling me what to do, let's just let them out."
"If you are so inclined, then we will invite the Jiang family mother and daughter to our residence to sit and chat with you."
"For a common woman like her to have such an honor is something she can be proud to show off."
"When the time comes, people will be grateful for our kindness."
"Besides, as Liang's mother said, if someone wants to go out, we shouldn't stop them."
Li Mama's words were so reasonable and well-founded that Cai Mama couldn't refute them. As for the final blow, it was also Li Mama who spoke. She whispered a few words in Zhao's ear, saying that the old lady originally intended to sell Jiang and her daughter, but it was the Third Sister who stopped her, and that's how the matter was not carried out.
Zhao's expression changed slightly: "Is that so?"
Madam Li explained carefully: "I haven't seen the lady, so I can't match her name. This Madam Jiang is the daughter of Madam Jiang who used to serve the eldest sister."
"My family suffered a disaster, which is why I came to your residence."
"Who would have thought that her husband's family was inhumane, letting the soldiers drag their eldest son away to be conscripted into the army, and hiding the letters, which left her with no choice but to take her daughter back to the mansion."
"Mother is so thoughtful, she even knows about these things." Zhao hadn't expected Jiang Niangzi to have such a difficult life, and couldn't help but sigh twice. However, even the smallest details still needed to be discussed.
After receiving the reward, Liang Mama left the main courtyard. Back at the purchasing area, she approached Jiang Zhenniang: "I spoke with the eldest mistress, and I think she's in a good mood and should be willing to let you out."
"Really? Thank you, Mama Liang!" Jiang Zhenniang didn't even blink, as if she hadn't just heard from someone that Mama Liang had been summoned by the eldest son's family.
She took out the paper money she had prepared beforehand from her sleeve and happily handed it to Mother Liang: "Thank you, Mother Liang. When my son returns from the frontier, you must come to my house for a meal!"
“…Alright.” Looking at Jiang Zhenniang’s happy expression, Liang’s mother couldn’t find the words to persuade her. She could only feel helpless. Who would have thought that such a thing would happen? And who would have thought that the Jiang mother and daughter would be so determined to go with their eldest son?
As Liang Mama watched Jiang Zhenniang leave, she sighed slightly. Originally, she had wanted to place her bet on Han Jie'er, but now she realized she needed to think it over some more and choose a better candidate.
However, after thinking about it, Liang's mother was puzzled. Before she could even speak, Li's mother had said a lot of things to help her get Jiang Zhenniang and her daughter out.
Could it be that Jiang Zhenniang sought help from Li Mama?
Just as Liang's mother was racking her brains trying to figure it out, Li's mother, who had received a reward in the main house, went back to her room to rest and then called her goddaughter over.
"Godmother, is everything settled?"
"You heartless wretch! Your mother is exhausted, and you come up here asking this?" Mother Li said sternly, glancing sideways at the maid. The maid, with a round face and a smile, hurriedly stepped forward, rubbing her shoulders and legs: "Godmother is the best to me!"
"I really owe you something."
"Tell Xiuhe that the lady has spoken and agreed to allow Lady Jiang to redeem herself and leave the mansion."
"As expected of my godmother, I'll give her a good wow!"
"Look at you, how much bribe did you actually receive?"
Li's mother grabbed her goddaughter's ear, exasperated: "Don't you take what I tell you to heart? That Xiuhe seems too scheming, not as good as the other girls."
"Mother, I know."
"I helped Sister Xiuhe this time because she did things for her mother." The maid grinned, snatched her ear back from Li Mama's grasp, and complained with a pout, "She gave me powder and food several times afterward, but I didn't accept them."
"I also want to be friends with Pearl and the others, but they don't like to talk to me." The maid secretly glanced at Li Mama's expression and complained, "Even Xiuhe is getting along with Chang-ge'er, but they aren't, and they're still so arrogant..."
Old Mrs. Li, being shrewd and experienced, could easily see through the young maid's thoughts. She pinched the maid's armpit hard and spat on the ground: "How dare you say that! Look at her, she's having an affair with Chang-ge'er, but does Chang-ge'er dare to ask for a formal title for her?"
"It has been less than half a year since Sanlangjun passed away, and he, as a nephew, has done such a thing."
"You still want to compete with Pearl and the other girls? If Madam finds out, she'll skin her alive!" Madam Li said coldly, glancing sideways at the maid. "I've spoiled you too much in the past, which has made you more and more arrogant. You even want to deceive me! From now on, don't call me godmother anymore. I don't have a daughter like you!"
Madam Li made a firm decision and immediately kicked the little maid out of the room. The little maid was dumbfounded and went to find Xiuhe in tears. Unexpectedly, Xiuhe offered a few words of comfort, but after realizing that she had no relationship with Madam Li anymore, she didn't even bother to talk to her. Only then did the little maid regret her actions.
These are all things to be discussed later, and we will leave them aside for now.
After saying goodbye to Liang Mama, Jiang Zhenniang didn't go home but ran all the way to the main kitchen, where she saw her daughter instructing Yinghong and Cao Daya on how to prepare ingredients and make some simple dishes.
Having received kindness from Pearl and others, Su Zhihan, seeing that she was about to leave the Marquis's mansion, would take the opportunity to guide Yinghong and the others in their cooking skills whenever she had free time.
As for more, we'll have to wait until we leave.
Su Zhihan didn't want anything to go wrong at the most crucial moment.
Yinghong caught a glimpse of the figure outside out of the corner of her eye, and reached out to nudge Su Zhihan: "Han'er, your mother is here."
Su Zhihan stopped what she was doing, turned around and looked at Jiang Zhenniang. The moment she met her eyes, her heart trembled and a sour feeling rose from deep in her nose, making her hands tremble as well.
Suppressing her turbulent emotions, Su Zhihan instructed Yinghong and the others to continue practicing before going to Jiang Zhenniang's side. Jiang Zhenniang said that the family's white rice was almost gone and told Su Zhihan to go out and buy some that evening, but in reality, she gently poked Su Zhihan's palm with her finger.
This was a secret signal between the mother and daughter—indicating that Liang Mama had already informed the eldest daughter-in-law of the matter, and that the eldest daughter-in-law also wanted to let them leave the mansion.
Su Zhihan blinked, muttering random things. After a while, she calmed down and then smiled, urging Jiang Zhenniang to go back inside. She then turned and headed back towards the main kitchen.
"Han-jie, what's wrong?"
"It's nothing, my mother just forgot to buy rice."
"Hey, we'll just take some from the kitchen later."
The servants chattered and made conversation, trying to make it more interesting.
Only Yinghong remained standing in front of the stove, intently preparing the dishes. Once everything was finished, she hurriedly ladled the food onto plates before finally having a moment to invite Su Zhihan: "Hey, hey, move aside—Sister Han, come and see how my braised pork ribs are?"
Su Zhihan stepped forward and saw that the braised pork ribs on the plate were bright in color, with thick sauce, and topped with scallions and sesame seeds, looking extremely tempting.
Judging by the color alone, it is a top-quality product.
Su Zhihan took the wooden chopsticks from Yinghong's hand, picked up a piece of pork rib and put it in her mouth. The pork rib was stewed until it was extremely tender. With just a little sucking and licking with her lips and teeth, the lean meat would fall off the bone. The aroma of the meat and the aroma of the sauce burst in her mouth, and all the flavors were just right.
"how?"
"Hmm..." Su Zhihan frowned at first, hesitating to speak, but when Yinghong's smile faded and her face became tense, she smiled again: "If you ask me, you can graduate now!"
Yinghong was stunned for a moment, then exclaimed in surprise.
Cao Daya quickly pushed past her and asked Su Zhihan to take a look: "Sister Han, look at the dough I kneaded!"
Su Zhihan examined it carefully: "Very good!"
Cao Daya also cheered joyfully, and Qiuyue and Sulan, not wanting to be left behind, stepped forward to show Su Zhihan their skills. The kitchen was filled with crisp chatter, which dispelled most of Su Zhihan's sorrow.
Two days later, Madam Zhao summoned Jiang Zhenniang and her daughter to the main courtyard. She first asked them about their intentions and, knowing that they wanted to leave the mansion, sighed: "Ever since you came into the mansion, my sister-in-law has often praised you to me for your intelligence and wit. You are truly worthy of being someone who came from the eldest daughter's side."
"I originally thought you were a maid who came from the eldest young lady's side, and I even thought of sending you to Hangzhou Prefecture in two months to see the eldest young lady, so that she would know that her family misses her."
“I never imagined your son would be so lucky and successful, and that you would still need to go out and reunite as a family.” Zhao said, wiping the corner of her eye. “Since that’s the case, I can’t stop you.”
"Even after you leave, you should still come often."
“Your son works under the Marquis, so we should get closer. You should come back and visit, and keep me and the old lady company.”
Madam Zhao, the eldest daughter-in-law, had a kind face and spoke very pleasantly, as if Jiang Zhenniang had served in the third or first wife's household since entering the mansion.
Actually, that's not the case. For example, when Li's mother stood up for her goddaughter, it was partly due to the goddaughter's encouragement, but another reason was that she also wanted to get rid of the Jiang family mother and daughter as soon as possible.
Last year, the matter of Jiang Zhenniang and her daughter entering the mansion was handled by her husband, Steward Li. When he saw that the news had been delivered to the eldest daughter-in-law, but she hadn't mentioned wanting to see her at all, he just gave her a perfunctory reply.
For example, even now, Zhao Shi doesn't know that when Jiang Zhenniang entered the mansion, she had done hard labor in the laundry room, and that her daughter had been bullied by Granny Zhao and others for a long time, struggling for several months before finally gaining a foothold in the mansion. She still thinks that they were assigned to Third Sister's place as soon as they entered the mansion.
Zhao felt close to Jiang Zhenniang and her daughter, but Jiang Zhenniang and Su Zhihan didn't take her words to heart, thinking she was just being polite.
The mother and daughter muttered to themselves, but on the surface they were very respectful. Jiang Zhenniang followed Zhao's words and said things like she didn't know that the Third Mistress said such things about her, otherwise she would have come to kowtow to the First Mistress long ago. She also said that her son was not very promising and was just riding on the glory of the Marquis. Of course, she did not forget to say that she would definitely remember the kindness of the mansion after she left and would come back to visit often.
As we chatted back and forth, the atmosphere in the room gradually warmed up.
Finally, Zhao brought up the matter of redeeming herself, but what she said was somewhat different from what the mother and daughter had expected. Zhao said that the money was what Jiang's eldest son had saved up by fighting bravely on the battlefield, and it was not appropriate for them to use it all to redeem themselves. She only asked the mother and daughter to pay for their own lives.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Zhenniang and Su Zhihan were both moved and refused, saying, "No, no, how can this be allowed?"
“When our family suffered a disaster, it was mostly thanks to the government’s relief that my mother and I were saved.” Even though the old lady had the intention of selling them, Jiang Zhenniang could not deny that the government had given them a way to survive.
"We'll eat and use the food provided by the manor."
"I've received a considerable monthly salary from the government this year, so how can I just pay for selling myself? It should at least be calculated at the market price."
"You're being too polite!"
“Your son is fighting valiantly on the front lines, and as the wife of a marquis, it is only right that I take good care of you.” Madam Zhao waved her hands repeatedly, refusing to agree no matter what.
Jiang Zhenniang refused again and again, and Li Mama and others came forward to persuade her, but she still refused. They kowtowed and pleaded with her, and finally she was persuaded to give up after they mentioned one hundred strings of cash.
Turning her head, Madam Zhao gave her a lot of things, from silk and cloth to gilded and jeweled headdresses, as well as incense, candles, and ornaments. If Jiang Zhenniang hadn't repeatedly declined, Madam Zhao would have also wanted to give her some furniture and furnishings for the house.
If Jiang Zhenniang didn't have a good impression of Zhao Shi at first, after a large number of gifts were delivered into her house, Jiang Zhenniang looked at Zhao Shi and felt that she was dazzling and particularly kind and approachable.
Finally, Zhao asked Li Mama to see the two of them out. Li Mama led the mother and daughter out of the main courtyard, but instead of letting them go home, she took them to the small courtyard in the Marquis's mansion where guests stayed. She also called maids and servants to serve them.
Seeing that Jiang Zhenniang and her daughter were shocked, Li Mama quickly explained, "Madam said that Jiang's eldest son has helped the Marquis a lot. She is just looking after the two of you on behalf of the Marquis. You can rest assured and stay as long as you want."
Jiang Zhenniang and Su Zhihan almost lost control of their expressions upon hearing this. And that wasn't all. Instead of the two of them having to go to the government office themselves, Li Mama sent a servant to the yamen to handle the formalities for them. She then accompanied them inside to pack their belongings, moving all their items to the courtyard.
Within an hour or so, the mother and daughter received their citizenship certificates. Once only Jiang Zhenniang and Su Zhihan remained in the room, the two sat on stools, staring intently at the two certificates.
After a long pause, Jiang Zhenniang said, "Han'er..."
Su Zhihan slowly replied, "Huh?"
Jiang Zhenniang looked around the room. Although she had paid a hundred strings of cash to redeem herself, the contents of the room, enough to fill several chests, were probably worth several times that amount.
She was extremely worried, clutching her chest and feeling her heart pounding wildly, trying to keep her voice down: "What if we get caught later... won't people think we're scammers?"
Su Zhihan: "…………"
She replied dryly, "...How did that make us liars? We didn't lie to anyone, we just exaggerated a bit."
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